Break out your stretchiest attire, prepare to start quoting Homer Simpson and make a beeline to your new Tuesday night dinner spot. Every week, Bondi's Panama House is serving up an all-you-can-eat taco feast — and it'll only set you back $25 per person. Their taco menu includes seared duck, 'tinga' chicken, market fish, rare kangaroo and pork chicharron — plus smoked mushrooms and thyme goat curd for those that don't partake in meat, as well as chickpea and salsa for those who don't eat any animal products. Washing it all down with a margarita or some Tecate is also highly recommended — and cheap — with the former (with tequila, hibiscus curaçao, lime oil and fresh lime juice) on offer for $12 and the latter for $4. Image: Richard Mortimer
Journey back to the golden age of French cinema at the inaugural edition of the Alliance Francaise Classic Film Festival. Held over four days at Event Cinemas in George Street and Hayden Orpheum in Cremorne, this fledgling festival will showcase half a dozen iconic titles from the oeuvre of legendary screen actress Catherine Deneuve, whose poise and versatility have made her a staple of France's film industry for more than 50 years. Working chronologically, the program begins with a pair of 1960s musicals in the form of The Umbrellas of Cherbourg and The Young Girls of Rochefort, the latter of which will open the festival on Thursday, September 3. Also from this period comes Luis Bunuel's sexually provocative Belle de Jour and Jean-Pierre Melville's A Cop. Jumping forward a few decades, historical epic Indochina earned Deneuve a Best Actress nomination at the 1992 Academy Awards, while 2010's ensemble comedy Potiche shows how talented she remains even after all this time.
UPDATE OCTOBER 11: Archie Brothers is currently closed under NSW's current public health orders. You can stay up-to-date with the latest restrictions at the NSW Health website. Since 2017 in Sydney, a trip to Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq has meant stepping inside a circus-themed arcade bar that's primed for kidulting. And, that's still the case; however, once a month from May until November, the chain is ramping its core concepts of circus, arcade fun and nostalgic activities for adults up a few levels. Run by Funlab, the group also responsible for Holey Moley, Strike Bowling and B. Lucky & Sons, Archie Brothers is kicking off a new Showtime event series. After launching on Friday, May 7 in Alexandria, it'll take place on the second Saturday of each month, turning the venue into an adults-only circus and cocktail pop-up. From 7–10pm each month, attendees can expect stilt walkers, magicians, burlesque and beverages — and tarot card readers, face painters, jugglers and snake charmers as well. The carousel-themed Archie Brothers bar will be pouring Showtime Disco Mirror Ball cocktails, which combine Red Bull, passionfruit, cranberry juice, triple sec, whiskey and lime, while the rest of the chain's usual drinks list will be on offer, too. Food-wise, the theme park and American diner-inspired menu will span sandwiches, pizzas, sliders, onion rings, mac and cheese and other dishes. And, all of Archie Brothers' usual games and activities will be on the agenda, as will prizes. So, you'll be whipping out your Mario Kart skills, hitting the dodgems, bowling and just generally mashing buttons in May, and again come June 12, July 10, August 14, September 11, October 9 and November 13. Then, you'll be trading all the tickets you amass for gaming consoles, 90s paraphernalia and more (and there won't be any kids around vying for the same goodies). Images: Zennieshia Butts.
Country and city will collide this September when Pyrmont and Orange join forces for the annual Pyrmont Festival. The collaboration will bring you the culinary powers of not just one, but two mighty gourmet scenes with Orange on board for the second time this year. As always, the event's centrepiece is a two-day extravaganza of food, wine, music and art on Sydney Harbour, at Pirrama Park. On Saturday, September 28 and Sunday, September 29, head along to sample delightful regional produce, tuck into decadent eats and sip on some of the 120 or so fine wines on offer. Plenty of winemakers, growers and chefs will be on-hand to share their stories, ideas and secrets. As an added bonus, it's dog friendly, too. Before and after Pirrama Park's fun and festivities wind up, Pyrmont Festival will continue in the form of food and wine happenings throughout the neighbourhood. Local bars and restaurants will be teaming up with winemakers and producers from Orange to bring you a series of degustations and one-off events. We'll let you know when more details about those drop.
Sydney's Australian National Maritime Museum has joined the after-hours pop-up party. Launching their very own scavenger hunt aboard the HMAS Vampire, the Maritime Museum is staying open a little later for the grown ups this Thursday, August 28. Structured as a photographic scavenger hunt, 'Dare, Danger, Destroy' is a special after-hours event from 6–7:30pm in which you snap clues with your phone around the museum's prized warship. The third of three Australian-built Daring class destroyers serving in the Royal Australian Navy, the HMAS Vampire has a few secrets hidden below decks — there'll even be a poor ol' sailor 'trapped in time' wandering around the ship ready for all the selfies. Once you've solved the puzzles and poked around the epic ship (the largest museum-owned object on display in Australia), there'll be a pop-up cash bar back on land to reward your hunting efforts. Your hard-solved clue images live stream in the waterfront bar — soundtracked by DJ Stuart Ridley (emagica). Best of all, the event and Vampire quest is free entry — when you show them the Tag Town app, the very same camera app used for Art and About — and over 18s only, so you can explore the warship and soak up the Maritime Museum without little screaming thingies running around). The Maritime announcement comes just a few weeks after the announcement of The Festivalists' upcoming Hijinks nights at Sydney Aquarium, also hinged around an after-hours scavenger hunt. But that's all sweet with us; the longer we get to spend at Sydney's museums after hours with cheeky booze on a school night, the better. 'Dare, Danger, Destroy' runs 6–7:30pm on Thursday, August 28 at the Maritime Museum. Entry is free (when you show the Tag Town app at entry), over 18s only. Image credit: Saberwyn. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.
Ben Stiller is having a very good year. The actor has only made two movies, and neither have really proven to be a stretch for him, but when it comes to middle-aged malaise in soul-searching comedy-dramas, he well and truly knows what he's doing. The furrowed brow, the frustrated gaze, the constant passive-aggression streaming towards everyone his characters interact with: if you've seen Greenberg, While You're Young or this year's The Meyerowitz Stories, then you definitely know the type. And while Brad's Status mightn't reach quite the same heights as any of those titles, it still demonstrates Stiller doing what he does best. Playing the eponymous Brad, Stiller gets ample chances to show off his world-weary on-screen persona. Running his own non-profit organisation, married to the laid-back Melanie (Jenna Fischer) and about to see his son Troy (Austin Abrams) off to college, Brad still finds himself unhappy with his lot in life — purely because he hasn't done as well as his former friends. Nick (the film's writer-director Mike White) is a Hollywood hotshot, tech wiz Billy (Jemaine Clement) has retired to Hawaii with stacks of cash, and Jason (Luke Wilson) has a high-powered hedge fund job, a wealthy wife and a growing family. Meanwhile, the last time Brad saw author and TV political commentator Craig (Michael Sheen), he asked for a favour and didn't hear back. White's script, his third this year after The Emoji Movie and Beatriz at Dinner, uses a trip to Boston to stoke Brad's anxieties about his status. It's not really a surprising development; he's touring college campuses with Troy, and thinking about who he was when he was a student, who he is now, and the difference between his youthful dreams and his current reality. Just as Stiller isn't flirting with anything particularly fresh, but still knocks his performance out of the park, White does much same behind the camera. Having previously directed Year of the Dog and TV's Enlightened, the filmmaker is no stranger to pondering how people see their place in the world — and their reactions when they contemplate making a change. Here, of course, White has rich material to mine, especially in today's social media-obsessed world. Brad's Status shows Brad scrolling through his old pals' Facebook and Instagram feeds and fantasising about the glamorous lives he's sure they're living. Sound familiar? Far from simply serving up a Generation X riff on Ingrid Goes West, however, White also unpacks Brad's sense of entitlement as a perfectly comfortable white guy living in Sacramento (#firstworldproblems). On top of that, he probes the envy that can spring when a parent thinks their child might grow to eclipse them. It's an ostensibly straightforward, emotionally dense scenario, albeit one that overplays Brad's inner monologue a tad. There's an interesting balancing act at work here, one that Brad's Status aces more than it might initially appear. While the film's warm visuals might seem to clash with its pointed score, they encapsulate a movie that's both affectionate towards its flawed protagonist and painfully aware of his many faults. That, if nothing else, is something you don't see every day. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43jt74GwBmk
There are plenty of ways to enjoy Vivid this year. Fighting through the crowds is one option — but a far superior one is to soak up the epic views, while sipping premium wines, at the Grant Burge Wines pop-up cellar door. Chief winemaker Craig Stansborough will travel all the way from the Barossa Valley to host a series of wine tastings throughout the festival, backdropped by incredible views of Sydney Harbour, at The Squire's Landing. Your evening will begin with a glass of sparkling wine and canapes on arrival, before getting stuck into a flight featuring premium vino from Grant Burges' most coveted ranges. Stansborough will guide you through each delicious drop, giving you a little slice of a wine country cellar door experience in the city. If there's anything you want to know about winemaking, the Barossa Valley or Grant Burge, ask away. If not, stick to sipping slowly and getting lost in some extraordinary views. Consider staying afterwards for a Vivid-inspired dinner at The Squire's Landing and practise matching your meal with some Grant Burge wines from the menu — you'll be an expert, after all. The Grant Burge Wines Vivid Masterclasses cost $50 per person. There'll be two sessions a night, 5–7pm and 7.30–9.30pm, across May 25–26 and May 31–June 2. To book into a session, head this way.
Got a taste for the finer things, but your bank account doesn't feel quite the same way? Luckily, you can satisfy the former without totally draining the latter, when Botswana Butchery celebrates International Caviar Day on Monday, July 18. The New Zealand restaurant group's Martin Place outpost is dishing up a budget-friendly taste of the high life, in honour of one of the world's fanciest ingredients. Roll in from 12pm and you can enjoy bumps of Black River Siberian caviar straight off the back of your hand, for just $5 a pop. Plus, you can match the gourmet seafood snack to drink specials like $10 vodka shots and $15 glasses of Perrier Jouet. If you're feeling extra fancy, the restaurant's usual caviar service will also be on offer, with two styles of Giaveri caviar served by the 30-gram or 50-gram tin, and matched with rice crisps, blinis, chopped egg and other classic accompaniments. Restaurant bookings can be made online, though there'll be walk-ins available too. Top Image: Garth Oriander
Elisabeth Moss has been on our screens for more than three decades, dating back to when she was just eight years old — and she's amassed an enviable resume that spans everything from The West Wing and Mad Men through to Girl, Interrupted and The French Dispatch over that time. But of late, from Jane Campion's Top of the Lake onwards, the two-time Emmy-winner has been loving thrillers. So, it should come as no surprise that her latest series falls firmly within the genre. Joining Moss' resume after The Handmaid's Tale, Queen of Earth, High-Rise, Us, Shirley and The Invisible Man, Shining Girls sees the acclaimed actor play the victim of a violent attack — a traumatic assault that saw her character, Kirby Mazrachi, put her plans to be a journalist on hold. Now, she's a newspaper archivist in Chicago, but her old terrors and dreams both get pushed to the fore when she hears about a new murder with similarities to her own incident. Soon, she's teaming up with experienced reporter Dan Velazquez (Wagner Moura, Narcos) to hunt down the culprit. That's just part of the new Apple TV+ show's setup, however. Also a key aspect of the story, as the just-dropped trailer shows: a blurring of reality, which unsurprisingly gets in the way of Kirby's quest. In the first sneak peek, she thinks she has a cat, then suddenly she has a pet dog instead — and that's just the beginning of the tale's mind-bending chaos. Where the show goes from there will start to be revealed from Friday, April 29, with the first three episodes dropping all at once, then future instalments arriving weekly. And if it all sounds familiar, that's probably because you've read Lauren Beukes' best-selling novel of the same name. Moss executive produces as well, and is also joined on-screen by Phillipa Soo (Hamilton), Amy Brenneman (Goliath) and Jamie Bell (Rocketman). Of course, the latter has been part of the film and TV landscape since he was a kid, too. Here, though, in a trailer that's both twisty and eerie — and instantly gripping — he looks worlds removed from Billy Elliott. Been obsessing over Apple TV+'s exceptional Severance lately? This might help fill the gap when its first season wraps up. And, obviously, it'll help tide you over until Moss' The Handmaid's Tale comes back as well. Check out the trailer for Shining Girls below: Shining Girls will start streaming Down Under via Apple TV+ on Friday, April 29.
Your novelty festival gumboots are going to get a big ol' workout this summer. Returning for its fourth year to the banks of the Murray River at Echuca-Moama, Riverboats Music Festival has announced their 2015 lineup — with Sarah Blasko, Dan Sultan and Tex Perkins at the top. One of Australia's most laidback riverside festivals just 2.5 hours from Melbourne, Riverboats is a three-day camping, indulging and dancing affair running February 13–15. Melbourne's Dan Sultan and Sydney's Sarah Blasko headline a super rootsy local lineup: Tex Perkins and The Dark Horses will showcase their new album, legendary Sydneysiders The Whitlams follow up their 2013 sold-out national orchestra tour while unmissable festival favourites The Bamboos are sure to be a Riverboats highlight. Also on the Australian artist-only bill is Adalita, Mick Harvey, Diesel, Fraser A Gorman, Matt Walker and The Lost Ragas, Sal Kimber and The Rollin' Wheel, Stella Angelico and The Switch and Raised by Eagles. Snuggled within the natural amphitheatre of Echuca's Aquatic Reserve, Riverboats is one of the Murray River's most anticipated music festivals. Festival producer David Frazer sees the event as a more chilled-out alternative for festival enthusiasts and hardcore foodies alike. "Riverboats provides festival-goers with an opportunity to experience a truly beautiful part of Australia without the queues, ticket prices and hassle of larger events," he says. "We are particularly proud of the fact Riverboats has remained boutique in both its size and philosophy, yet continues to attracts artists of the calibre of Dan Sultan, Sarah Blasko, Tex Perkins and the Whitlams." Riverboats isn't contained to the river bank; there's also a bunch of side quests you can buy tickets for alongside the main festival. If you're keen to get entirely thematic with the festival's name, punters can hop on a two-hour river cruise aboard a century-old paddle steamer — with locally-sourced brunch and live music from Sal Kimber and The Rollin' Wheel. One of the best (and tastiest) bits of Riverboats will also return for another year: the Beechworth Bakery will host Sunday's Official Festival Breakfast on the top floor of their bakery with a live set from alt-country Melburnians Raised by Eagles. Break out the picnic rugs and cheese platters, Riverboats is a solid summer option for punters wanting the camping music festival experience without the drunken drongos. RIVERBOATS MUSIC FESTIVAL 2015 DATES AND LINEUP: FRIDAY 13 FEBRUARY Raised by Eagles Stella Angelico and The Switch Diesel SATURDAY 14 FEBRUARY Fraser A. Gorman Mick Harvey The Whitlams Adalita The Bamboos Dan Sultan SUNDAY 15 FEBRUARY Sal Kimber and The Rollin’ Wheel Matt Walker and The Lost Ragas Tex Perkins and The Dark Horses Sarah Blasko Riverboats Music Festival runs February 13 - 15 at Echuca-Moama on the Murray River. Tickets are on sale now from the festival website or call the Echuca-Moama Visitor Information Centre on 1800 804 446. Images: Riverboat Music Festival.
The idea of a covers album is pretty well established in music, but less so in literature. Badly done it's too easy to end up making apologies for plagiarism. Normally, to cover literature you need to rearrange into the voice of a nasty minor character or take a lifetime to churn out a translation. Artists tend to be less daunted by this challenge, with the site Recovering the Classics especially literal in its efforts. Local art purveyors the Affectors have taken up the challenge, filling the Comber St Gallery with book-themed illustrations at the Art of Storytelling. They've eschewed the literal cover, inviting 25 local artists instead to illustrate some classics. The results of these artistic pairings — for sale on the night — include Wayne Nichols' rendition of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Chris Nixon's On the Road and Australian comics-industry stalwart Jason Paulos's Journey to the Centre of the Earth. Augmented by live music at opening night, the Art of Storytelling will include Green Fairy concoctions and Little Creatures served throughout the night. Image: Journey to the Centre of the Earth by Jason Paulos.
Supplement your afternoon swim with a dose of the world's best short films when the 25th Flickerfest International Short Film Festival comes to Bondi Beach between January 8 to 17. Celebrating 25 years of insanely good short films, the 2016 program features 116 shorts officially selected in competition, chosen from over 2400 entries received in the Australian, international, documentary and GreenFlicks programs. Flickerfest is the only competitive short film festival in Australia to be both Academy®Accredited and BAFTA-recognised, so expect these films to be top tier. With 20 world premieres and 60 Australian premieres, this is where you'll see the next wave of film talent (and score mad bragging rights when they get all famous). Some sizeable Academy®Accredited prizes are up for grabs, including the Flickerfest Award For Best International Film, the Yoram Gross Award For Best Animation and Virgin Australia Award For Best Australian Film. Plus, this year’s official Australian Competition features 21 female directors (slam dunk, Flickerfest) — the festival's had a strong push over many years to encourage and support female filmmakers. Alongside the Academy®Accredited competitions, there's also a smorgasbord of shorts screening across Flickerfest's specialty programs including Short Laughs (comedy), Love Bites (relationships shorts), Flickerkids (shorts for Shorties), Windows on Europe, a special Flickerfest 25 years retrospective and Flickerup, the national schools competition. After spending ten days in Bondi, Flickerfest will hit the road for a 50-date national tour, stopping at no less than fifty destinations between January and May 2016. By Jasmine Crittenden and Shannon Connellan.
Handpicked Wines' weekly yoga sessions have returned for 2019, taking place every Saturday from 11.30am—1pm. Yoga and Wine will take over the Chippendale cellar door for a one-hour class, followed by a 30-minute wine tasting. For the exercise portion, two experienced yogis will share the weekly schedule. Expect a focus on vinyasa with teacher Emmie Rae and a focus on meditation and asana with instructor Jessica Kaye-Smith. Post work-out, the cellar door's resident sommelier will lead a tasting of global drops. Handpicked Wines partners with wineries across Italy, Chile, France and New Zealand — and has its own vineyards in the Mornington Peninsula, Yarra Valley, Margaret River and Barossa Valley — aiming to bring wines from around the world together in one place. The entire experience will cost $35, and all you'll need to bring along is your yoga mat. There are only 15 spaces available per session, with the first two classes already sold out. To book from February 16 onward, head to the Handpicked website.
If you haven't yet made it to the track this spring, here's your chance: the City Tattersalls Club Cup, happening at Randwick Royal Racecourse on Saturday, October 17. One of the biggest events of the season, it's a serious, day-long shindig. Test out your punting instincts with a bet in one of three major races: The Cup, The Nivision and Melbourne's Caulfield Cup, which will be screened live on a trackside super-screen. Kick back to live music, with tunes from legendary Mauritian-Australian DJ Havana Brown. Knock back a champagne or two in the pop-up Chandon bar. And, if you're in need of a dose of glamour, slip into the Clinique Pamper Lounge for a make-up touch-up. The best views will be found all day in the luxurious Grandview Dining Room, where you can indulge in some cracking fine dining. But if that sounds like budget-blowing material, consider checking out The Bucket List Beach Club Marquee. This year, for the first time ever, the Bucket List has been a regular attendee at the races, bringing a piece of Bondi to the turf, with Lifeguard stations, Kombi vans, surfboards, signature cocktails and live entertainment. An $80 ticket includes entry to Royal Randwick, a main and two drinks. The menu, created by The Bucket List's chef, Tom Walton, includes tasty morsels like Queensland fresh prawn and truffle rolls with celery and herbs; fish and chips; and tuna poke tostados with avocado, soy, sesame and shallots.
Whatever the new year may bring, one consistent silver lining is the inevitable return of Sydney Festival, which will once again transform our city into a cultural carnival this January 9–27. It's a collective festival which spans visual art, performances, theatre, live music, installations and immersive classes that express multicultural voices and ideas. The diverse 2019 program features 18 world premieres, five Australian premieres and eight Australian exclusives. Sydney Festival's always-packed Indigenous program Blak Out continues to remain a central focus of the festival and this year will feature First Nations stories from Australia, New Zealand and Canada. As part of Blak Out, an overnight vigil will be held on the eve of Australia Day at Barangaroo, from sunset right through to the morning of January 26. It's a reflection on the impact of the arrival of the First Fleet and Australia's colonisation on its native people, with musical performances and stories told by community Elders throughout the night. Alongside this vigil will be a large-scale sign spelling ALWAYS, designed by Bangarra artist-in-residence Jacob Nash. It will remain on the Barangaroo headland for the entire festival as a declaration that it 'always was, always will be, Aboriginal land'. Another highlight of this part of the program is the Bayala language class series, which offers free entry-level and intensive courses in Indigenous language and culture. These have booked out for the last two years. If you missed Blak Box — a glowing structure that provides a surround-sound way to listen to the voices of Elders and future leaders in Blacktown's Indigenous community — during its time in Barangaroo earlier this year, you'll be able to catch it in western Sydney when it makes its way to the Blacktown Showground Precinct from January 9 until February 9. There's also a varying musical lineup to look forward to, from 13-piece Cuban mambo band Orquesta Akokán and South African neo-soul singer Nakhane to acoustic 'desert-blues' trio Les Filles de Illighadad and pop legend Neneh Cherry. Plenty of other pop artists made the docket, too, with Jonathan Bree hosting a songwriting masterclass at Carriageworks on January 17 and American pop composer Julia Holter performing in the Festival Garden's Magic Mirrors Spiegeltent on January 20. Performing in the same tent is Irish musician Camille O'Sullivan, who will extol the songs of icons David Bowie and Leonard Cohen with her own interpretation from January 10–13. As usual, the festival has wrangled its fair share of big theatre productions. A new commission from Sydney Festival is 1930s Shanghai-inspired cabaret Shànghǎi MiMi, which will make its world premiere at Parramatta's Riverside Theatre. It features award-winning director Moira Finucane, a cast of acrobats and aerialists, and a rare Chinese jazz and blues band. Another new commission is Pigalle, which will see the Spiegeltent turned into a Parisian nightclub for a delightfully over-the-top show of disco, cabaret and burlesque. Home is yet another must-see from acclaimed theatre-maker Geoff Sobelle. His interactive show blends aspects of theatre, choreography, illusion and live music that reaffirms the meaning of home. This one includes lots of audience participation — you can expect to be pulled on stage to become a part of the show and occupy the on-stage house. You can also get involved with Counting and Cracking, which tells the story of a Sri Lankan family migrating to Australia and includes a communal feast. Spoken word poet Omar Musa will take the stage in both Sydney and Parramatta for Since Ali Died — a politically focused story, rap and song inspired by Muhammad Ali. Also coinciding with the festival is an installation by American artist Nick Cave, which will exhibit at Carriageworks from November 23–March 3. Titled Until, the giant and multi-dimensional artwork speaks to the critical issues of gun violence and race in the States. And Paddington's Cement Fondu art space will host The Ropes video installation by renowned dancer and choreographer Amrita Hepi from January 11–March 3. And, as a celebration for the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing, three interstellar-themed art precincts will pop-up around the city. Multiple 'moon drops' — that is, large water bed-like pillows — will allows guests to experience the weightlessness of walking on the moon at Darling Harbour, while a pop-up at World Square will allow you to contribute kilometres to help Sydney 'cycle' 384,400 kilometres to the moon. Sydney Festival will run from January 9–27, 2019. Tickets are on sale now at sydneyfestival.org.au. Image: Daniel Linnet.
Superheroes, like so much of the most populist of pop culture, are a secret vessel for our collective anxieties. That's why Captain America, the purest of patriots, appeared when the US felt overwhelmed by foreign wars. It's why tech-conquers-all capitalist/playboy Iron Man strut onto the scene to show up communism in 1963. And it's why, starting in the 1980s with The Watchmen, superheroes became a big, yielding study in meta. Superheroes no longer struggle against evil alone; they struggle with what their existence means. But the main thing superheroes are, of course, is vacuum-packed action with a narrative developed for so long as to have become a universe. For years, film studios bought the rights to these readymade stories and then systematically proceeded to screw them up. When Marvel Comics set up its own in-house studio and started releasing independent productions in 2008, it was with the intention of reclaiming and doing (vigilante) justice to the genre. They'd please the fans first, and the critics and audiences would follow. Marvel has been successfully building to its supers team-up, The Avengers, ever since, planting a seed in Iron Man's end credits and increasing momentum through the subsequent Incredible Hulk, Iron Man 2, Thor and Captain America. They then gave the ensemble film to Buffy maker and comics writer Joss Whedon to write and direct. It's a good move because he doesn't have to work to please the fans first; he is a fan first. He knows the medium, knows the genre, and with The Avengers, he proves he can show off its best bits to a broad audience with a slick, totally gripping and committed action-adventure. To call for the might of several heroes, The Avengers first needs a formidable foe, and it finds it in Loki (Tom Hiddleston), Thor's jealous trickster of a brother, who's ability to suddenly disapparate makes him near invincible and who's alliance with the alien Chitauri race brings an army. When he arrives on Earth to steal the Tesseract, an extraterrestrial energy source under the SHIELD agency's watch, agency head Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) puts into action the Avengers initiative, uniting Iron Man (Robert Downey Jnr), the reluctant scientist harbouring the Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), anachronistic Captain America (Chris Evans), extreme spy Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), pro archer Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner), and, riding into this world on Loki's tail, the truly godly Thor (Chris Hemsworth). It's not a foolproof plan. Fury's higher-ups think nuclear attack would be safer; Loki thinks calling on "such lost creatures to defend you" smacks of desperation. The Avengers succeeds because it balances the required elements of classic fantasy adventure, contemporary theming (renewable energy, you say?), self-referential ego clash, and measures of action and comedy. More than anything else, Whedon's strong suit is character, and here he's working with some great, and very different, ones. While that obviously comes to the fore in great exposition and narrative build, it's most impressive in action sequences that use the heroes' individual idiosyncrasies to keep up tension and lead to a meaningful resolution. The Avengers heralds a new age of Joss — where his mastery finally extends to the mainstream and not just the cult. As a fun, smart and brawny superhero flick, it can't be beaten. https://youtube.com/watch?v=NPoHPNeU9fc
Since first unleashing its specific flavour of festival fun back in 2014, Lost Paradise has become an end-of-year staple — and the Glenworth Valley event returns from December 28, 2018 to January 1, 2019 for another packed year. The fest's fifth annual lineup will see more than 50 acts take to the stage across a huge five days, with artistic experiences, talks, workshops and classes also part of the camping festival. Of course, it's the music that'll tempt festival-goers to make the journey an hour out of Sydney. With The Kooks, Tash Sultana, Joey Bada$$, Pnau, Dune Rats and M.I.A. leading the charge — the latter in her only New South Wales show — there's plenty to get excited about. Attendees will dance their way between four stages, all returning from 2017. Arcadia is where the main action is, Lost Disco will focus on bass, techno and dance music (and eye-catching visuals by 3D mapping artists), and Paradise Club will party on right into the night with DJs and surprise guests. Then there's My Mum's Disco, which not only features a digital jukebox pumping out 15,000 nostalgic beats and guilty pleasures, but sing-alongs and more to accompany the tunes. Think bingo, karaoke and the general feeling that you're hanging out at a mighty huge Aussie backyard shindig. In-between catching live sets and making shapes, Lost Paradise offers patrons a heap of other activities, including three days of chats and sessions at the fest's Shambhala Fields. Everything from African dance and forest bathing to hula hooping and massage is on the agenda, as well as a dedicated yoga and meditation tent. Or, hang out in Hammock Haven, find something to read at the Lost Library, take a ride on an art car, go shopping at the Lost Bazaar bohemian fashion markets or head to the new Holy Cow Chai Tent. It's a carnival-themed space that's all about chilling out over breakfast bowls and — as the name suggests — brewed chai, plus other beverages. Still on the food and drink front, Lost Village boasts communal tables for dining and an array of cuisines for feasting upon. On-site craft beer container bars will serve up craft booze, while Milky Lane and Cold Rock are on the culinary lineup menu alongside dim sum, pizza, Japanese and Southern-Indian street-food, and more. Camping-wise, there's two options: The Glamping Gypsy Fields or The Eco-Tent Village. The former includes luxury toilets and showers, a breakfast cafe, cocktail bar, furnished hangout spaces and a grooming parlour, while the more budget-friendly latter lets you take your pick from tents made out of recyclable cardboard, basic canvas tents and reusable canvas tents with foam mattresses. Here's what you're in for this year: LOST PARADISE 2018 LINEUP: The Kooks Tash Sultana M.I.A Joey Bada$$ Pnau Bicep (Live) Dune Rats Ball Park Music Vera Blue Kink (Live) Winston Surfshirt Peggy Gou Foals (Dj Set) Willaris. K Young Franco Bob Moses Sg Lewis Lime Cordiale Chaos In The Cbd Furnace & The Fundamentals Anna Yotto Human Movement Dom Dolla Cut Snake Cc:Disco! Psychedelic Porn Crumpets Groove City Flava D Genesis Owusu Klp Bontan Krystal Klear Loods Young Monks Pacific Avenue Wallace Thunderfox Milan Ring Clews Majun Bu The Jim Mitchells Rackett Shantan Wantan Ichiban Clypso Motorik Vibe Council Ebony Boadu Lex Deluxe Sportsuncle Ru Matt Ringrose Dibby Dibby Soundsystem Lost Paradise returns to Glenworth Valley from December 28 to January 1. Tickets are on sale now from the festival website. Images: Boaz Nothman, Cai Griffin, Jordan Munns and Nathan Bonnici.
Dumplings are great, but have you ever eaten bottomless bowls of them surrounded by koalas on a rooftop at sunset? No? Well, that's exactly what you can do at Wild Life Sydney's Koala Rooftop when it teams up with dumpling experts New Shanghai for a series of all-you-can-eat feasts. Coinciding with Lunar New Year, the dumpling sessions run at 6pm, 7pm and 8pm daily from Wednesday, January 22–Thursday, January 30. Tickets will set you back $50, which includes 30 minutes of endless dumplings and after-hours access to the zoo. Dumplings will include the likes of prawn and pork wontons, chicken and celery parcels, xiao long bao and vego numbers. It's suggested you get to the Darling Harbour zoo 45–60 minutes before your eating session, so you have plenty of time to visit the other animals — including kangaroos, crocodiles, wombats and platypus — and make your way up to the Koala Rooftop. You can also hang around after your eating marathon until the zoo closes at 9pm. As an added bonus, Wild Life will be donating $5 from each ticket to charities helping care for animals injured and orphaned during the devastating bushfires.
As you might've heard, Misfits — Redfern's fun-loving bar — is turning three this September. To celebrate, we're giving away a night of food, booze and live tunes for zero dollars to three winners — with each able to bring two guests. Yep, that's a pretty serious party. So, whether you want to catch up with mates or hold your own The Bachelor-esque three-way date, you won't have to pay a dime should you be one of the lucky three to take home this prize. To honour all good things that come in threes, you'll get a trio of mini-cocktails, cheekily dubbed The Bee Gees, followed by three cocktail specials — the Paper Plane, Last Palabra and Corpse Reviver No 2. For food, the three of you will be feasting on oyster shooters, prawn dumplings, ceviche tacos, smoked cauliflower and taleggio croquettes and barbecue brisket sliders, all served as 'triplets'. And if you redeem your prize on a Thursday evening in September, you'll be treated to some live tunes, too — it could be smooth jazz, a soul band, DJs or a live hip hop and R&B set. Keen? See details below to enter. [competition]781855[/competition]
The Art Gallery of New South Wales's annual celebration of Aussie faces is back for another year. The Archibald finalists are currently on display at Art Gallery of NSW until Sunday, September 8, running in conjunction with the Wynne and Sulman Prizes — recognising the best landscape painting of Australian scenery or figure sculpture and the best subject painting, genre painting or mural project, respectively. The prestigious portrait competition pulls a compelling lineup of artworks each year, portraying an eclectic mix of artists, musicians, politicians, sports heroes and other notable Aussies. This year's $100,000 prize attracted a record 919 entries, with Tony Costa's portrait of fellow artist Lindy Lee, simply titled Lindy Lee, taking out the top gong. Meanwhile, Tessa MacKay was awarded the 2019 Archibald Packing Room Prize, chosen by the packing room team, for her hyperreal portrait of actor David Wenham, called Through the Looking Glass. Both of which will be on display, of course. Plus, you'll see a painting by Vietnamese-Australian artist, actor and writer Anh Do, a portrait of Paralympic champion Dylan Alcott by Sydney-based stencil artist Kirpy, Carla Fletcher's cosmic work of Del Kathryn Baron and a hyperreal self-portrait of a nude, pregnant Katherine Edney. Although the guessing game is over and the winner announced, it's the actual exhibition that's the exciting part — it's a chance to catch an incredibly varied collection of portraits of some pretty exceptional people by some of Australia's top artists. Even though the prize runs for a few months in Sydney alone, it never fails to draw a crowd. Plus, if you don't agree with the judges' pick for the Archibald, you can cast your own vote for ANZ People's Choice Award while you're there. The Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes 2019 will be running is on now until September 8. Tickets cost $20 (or $18 for members) for entry to the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman exhibitions — or add entry to The Essential Duchamp for an additional $16. To purchase tickets, visit the Art Gallery of NSW's website. Plus, across Saturday, June 29 and Sunday, June 30, ANZ cardholders (ANZ access card, ANZ Visa debit card or ANZ credit card) can enter the Archibald Prize exhibition for free. Simply present your valid card (or mobile wallet) at the gallery ticketing desk for your complimentary ticket. For more info, head this way. Top image: Lindy Lee by Tony Costa
Influential Los Angeles-based restaurant and bar E.P. & L.P. is winging its way to Sydney to take over The Dolphin Hotel for one epic evening. Co-owners Grant Smilie (Australian DJ and co-director of the Royal Croquet Club) and fellow Aussie David Combes opened their West Hollywood venue with head chef Louis Tikaram (ex-Longrain) in 2015, and have been enjoying firm success for the last two years. They'll take over Crown Street's most eclectically renovated pub at 5pm on Sunday, June 11, treating you to five hours of drinks, snacks and music. The menu is split into two sections. On the first, dubbed Wine Room Aperitivo, you'll find blue swimmer crab congee, wagyu crackers, Hollywood abalone and Kakoda Fijian-style ceviche, all priced $5–7. Meanwhile, on Tikaram and Dolphin head chef Monty Koludrovic's bar menu, to be served in the Dining Room, you can pick from Lou Dogg's famed crispy chicken sandwich, Mullum Fries (tofu fries with soy and peanut) and Marty's Pizza (five-spice caramel hock with Thai basil and pickled chilli), among other offerings. The drinks list is a collaboration between E.P. & L.P. and The Dolphin. Look out for Dirty Bubble Teas, beer buckets and a few of of L.P.'s best-loved cocktails, such as the Where Love Lives Margarita (passionfruit, guava, lime, chilli, mezcal, damiana, salt) and California Love on The Roof (rosé, rosé aperitif blend, seasonal fruit). "This will be my first time back in an Aussie kitchen since leaving Australia to open E.P. & L.P. in 2014," said Tikaram. "I'm super excited to be teaming up with the guys at the Dolphin, to share my experiences and influences from Southern California so far and also tell my story through the menu from as far back as Mullumbimby. It's going to be one hell of a Queen's Birthday weekend." As you might've guessed, Grant Smilie will be on the decks until the party winds up until 10pm. Joining him will be Beni and a bunch of yet-to-be-announced special guests.
International headline acts are fun and all, but if you like your festivals with a little more adrenaline, this one's for you. The inaugural Seal Rocks Adventure Festival is crashing onto the mid-NSW coast later this month. Descending on Seal Rocks Treachery Camp, about 90 minutes north of Newcastle, it's set to deliver a weekend of hands-on blood-pumping fun over the weekend of May 17–19. The program of this boutique BYO camping festival is jam-packed full of activities, balancing out an after-dark schedule of live tunes and film screenings. By day, you'll have the chance to battle your mates in an interactive game of Archery Attack, learn some new moves in a circus skills workshop, go deep with a free-diving short course, and flit between rock climbing, surfing, slacklining, yoga and zorbing — yep, this one involves crashing around a field in a giant bouncing bubble. There'll be a disco-themed 'doofercise' workout class to kick things off each morning, classes to teach you how to start fire with just a couple of sticks, and an ongoing challenge to see who can fit the most humans on a giant stand-up paddleboard. Booze is BYO, but vendors like The Perfect Paella, Dr Drool and Tim's on Treach will have pop-ups to help fuel your adventures — and a restaurant will pop-up on the Saturday night for a four-course Saturday feast. Or, you can boost your own cooking skills at a pizza making class. By night, there'll be moongazing tours and campfires, while the stage heats up with local acts like Thunder Fox, The Regime, Elaskia and Belle Badi. And if you're after more inspiration, there's the Adventure Film Festival, emceed by Alice King in the Talking Tent each night. Adult camping tickets clock in at $340, which gets you an entry pass, a campsite and access to as many of the weekend's activities as you can handle. Groups of mates and families are welcome, and capacity is capped at 500. There are glamping and cabins options, too, for those who want a little more comfort at the end of a long day of adventuring (and have extra cash to spare). Seal Rocks Adventure Festival will take over Seal Rocks Treachery Camp on May 17–19. Tickets start at $340 and can be bought over here.
If you identify as female, then you're invited to slip out of your workaday apparel and join a naturist tour of Pipilotti Rist's Sip My Ocean, which is currently showing at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA). The event aims to recognise and celebrate diverse experiences of femaleness, as well as to break down barriers between the viewer and the artwork. The only rule is that you can't wear any clothing. Sip My Ocean is the biggest Pipilotti Rist exhibition ever to have hit Australia. For the past three decades, the Swiss artist has been exploring the outer limits of video art and this show covers her journey, from single channel videos created in the 1980s to recent, giant-sized immersive installations. "Pipilotti Rist has mesmerised thousands of MCA visitors — and their Instagram followers! — with her dazzling environments, colourful kaleidoscopic projections, videos and sculptures," said Elizabeth Ann Macgregor OBE, director of the MCA.
As Australia, along with the rest of the world, battles to contain COVID-19, many of us are spending more time indoors than ever before. Now, with federal restrictions looking to be in place for at least another four weeks, it's likely you'll have to find new ways to stay entertained (and get a little creative). By now, you've probably binged a fair bit of Netflix, maybe signed up for a free TAFE course, completed a 1000-piece puzzle and looked into how to upskill from your couch. Not to mention baked a bunch of bread and ordered numerous cocktails from your favourite Sydney bars. All these are great. But now, if you're feeling everything is getting a tad tedious, it might be good to tap into your inner artist (or kindergartener) and play with paints. Seeing as you can't chuck on your apron and head into a studio, Redfern not-for-profit 107 Projects is now bringing the fun — and the paint — to you. Over the next three months, 107 Projects is offering an at-home version of its usual Art Somewhere initiative. The subscription service will see a surprise craft pack on your doorstep every two weeks, with some top Sydney creatives behind them — so don't just expect watercolour landscape sessions. One week you could be learning the art of calligraphy, the next embroidery or polymer clay. Each box will come with all the materials and tools you need to make a masterpiece. Plus, there's the option to add a six-pack of Mountain Goat craft beer to aid creativity, naturally, and you'll also receive tips on how to turn those tinnies into treasures. If you're keen to have a crafternoon (or few), you can sign up for the entire three months for $160 or $240 with beer; two months for $100 or $160; or one month for $60 or $90. You can also get a one-off box, which will set you back $30 or $50 with beer. All will be hand-delivered fortnightly if you're a Sydney local (see delivery zones here) or can be picked up from 107 Redfern Street or Green Square's Joynton Avenue Creative Centre. If you live outside the free delivery zone, 107 Projects can post packs (sans brews) to you for an additional $10. Check out the website for more information and to sign up. 107 Project's at-home Art Somewhere packs are now available to order, with the first box slated for delivery on Wednesday, May 6. Free delivery is available across a heap of Sydney suburbs, with $10 delivery fee outside those areas. Pick up is also available from 107 Redfern Street or Joynton Avenue Creative Centre. To check out subscription options and to sign up, head here.
Twas the night before the 1st of January and all over the place, every creature was stirring, preparing their face. They rose from their graves and wandered around, and headed to the Annandale to boogie on down. This New Year's Eve, be seduced by the rockin sounds of DJs Jay Katz, Miss Death and Dialbolik as the Annandale hosts The Sounds of Seduction. Raise the dead and come forth as your favourite zombie-fied celebrity. Get on your gore, decompose your clothes, and thriller up your New Year's Eve.
Chasing Smoke is, like all circus shows, built around the spectacle. Presented by Casus Circus, this show pushes the form to incorporate narratives exploring what Aboriginality means to each of the group's performers. This exploration soon explodes beyond the realm of the personal and delves powerfully into tens of thousands of years of culture and identity. Since its beginnings in 2011, Casus has built a reputation for political and emotionally charged circuses. With its debut show Knee Deep, the ensemble explored the notion of human limits, before turning its attention to issues of gender and power in Driftwood. In Chasing Smoke, the personal and political dart between physical feats that are weighty with metaphor. Chasing Smoke demands that the art of circus be no less malleable or agile than its performers. By presenting six unique portraits of contemporary Indigenous experience, Casus encourages us to rethink not only our concept of Aboriginality but also our expectations of what takes place under the big top. Chasing Smoke will run from Tuesday, July 9 to Saturday, July 13 as part of Bondi Feast 2019. For more information and to purchase tickets, head this way. Image: Rob Blackburn.
If you have a little (or a lot) of pent up rage after spending two months in lockdown, here's a safe outlet: Sydney's axe-throwing joint Maniax is reopening this Saturday, June 13, and it's offering a sweet deal for a limited time, too. The St Peters joint usually charges $60 a head for its two-hour public sessions — but, until June 30, you can get a public session plus pizza plus a beer, cider or non-alcoholic drink for $75. That's $15 for beer and pizza. At the moment, Maniax is accepting bookings of up to ten people. For the uninitiated, Maniax gives you the chance to very safely hurl a hunk of sharpened steel attached to a flimsy handle, and compete with your friends to see who has the most Viking blood coursing through them. Hurl those hatchets, sink a bullseye and calm down after all the axe-lobbing excitement with brews and pizza. You can continue the merriment by exploring the rest of Precinct 75, which houses a number of awesome designers and creators, as well as the Willie the Boatman tasting bar.
My early memories of Sydney revolve around a couple of otherworldly images. When I was a young child, my family and I immigrated to Australia as Eastern Bloc refugees. Our Villawood stay took place before the centre had a substantial role detaining anyone. But still: my father had been jailed in the old country for political agitation. In the context of my father’s post-imprisonment paranoia, I was convinced that a blimp that would sometimes float above the city was a giant bomb — a pacifying threat — and I was similarly wary of the plum trees within the hostel grounds. A couple of older migrant children had told me that these were where redback spiders came from. Artspace's new multidisciplinary group show, the Others’ Other, treads similar ground, dealing with familiar migrant issues of “territorial borders” and “cultural identification”. One of the issues with video art, I believe, is that it invites a kind of passivity in its audience. There’s a shift in power towards the artist in work that, realistically, has to be viewed on the artist’s terms and for a set duration. I think the same can sometimes be said of migrant stories, that the travails of the displaced are seen as a special, unimpeachable form of hardship that has to be treated with reverence. So, I find it deeply heartening that video art highlights of the Others’ Other are substantially more nuanced, inviting emotional responses outside the topic’s usual range. Jun Yang’s Paris Syndrome (2008) constitutes a series of scenes of a blank-faced couple walking through various appropriations of Viennese landmarks in Guangzhou, China. The work plays on the disappointment tourists can feel upon finally seeing real, flawed places previously imagined as more glamorous, beautiful or meaningful than they are. But seeing Yang’s piece in Sydney, the sense of otherness is compounded further. It’s something utterly alien, an impression deepened by piece’s stunningly good cinematography. Only the central couple’s vacant faces undercut how otherworldly and beautiful their setting is. The couple’s boredom in the face of the staggeringly new brought me back to my own first experiences of Australia. Dinh Q. Le’s From Father to Son: A Rite of Passage (2007) provides a similarly loaded yet blank slate for personal interpretation. The work plays scenes of Martin Sheen in Apocalypse Now side-by-side with strikingly similar moments in his son Charlie’s ten-year subsequent role in Platoon. Neither Sheen is a commanding presence, but the same gestures are seen a generation apart. I brought my own experiences to this exhibit, but I think that such personal reactions to a form so frequently aloof do say something about the strength of Yung and Le’s work. Suffice to say, if you’re even remotely interested in ideas of emotional distance, you should sidle up to Artspace and check this exhibit out.
Borders are finally open, interstate travel is firmly back on the cards and holiday-planning feels a whole lot less sketchy than it has for the past two years. And, in a show of fitting timing, you've just scored an extra excuse to cross the Bass Strait for that long-dreamt-of Tassie getaway. Namely, the sprawling new-look cellar door expansion unveiled at Devil's Corner. The renowned winery sits on around 180 rolling green hectares in Apslawn on the Great Eastern Drive, around one hour and 45 minutes southeast of Launceston. A major seven-month expansion to the site's award-winning cellar door has recently upped the ante, cementing its status as one of the region's must-visit wine-sipping destinations. The cellar door has more than doubled in size and scored a refreshed look by celebrated Tasmanian architects Cumulus Studio. Visit and you'll discover an assortment of indoor-outdoor spaces that pay homage to the property's rugged, natural surrounds; all offering sweeping views across the vines and down to the Moulting Lagoon wetlands. It's been designed and built using a similar approach to that of the winemaking here, embracing the natural elements this pocket of the world's been gifted with. On the upper level, the new Hazards Tasting Room is your spot for sipping, swirling and immersing yourself in Devil's Corner's vast catalogue of cool-climate drops. It's named after the mountain range that towers over the region; the vistas of which you can admire while partaking in one of the guided tastings, happening from 10am daily. Onsite eateries The Fishers and Tombolo both have new and improved homes within the cellar door precinct. What's more, punters can choose from various indoor and openair dining areas to enjoy their woodfired pizzas, fresh local oysters and loaded bowls of chilli mussels. Matched with a few glasses of Devil's finest pinot noir or a self-guided tasting paddle, of course. Downstairs, set into the hill, sits the Devil's Den — a cellar, events space and bar, where private functions, and food and wine masterclasses will take place overlooking the neat rows of vineyard. And for some of the site's most breathtaking vistas, head to the top of the lookout tower, where you can experience the winery's grand scale like nowhere else. Time for an interstate wine-sipping adventure? Yes, we think so. Find Devil's Corner Cellar Door at 1 Sherbourne Road, Apslawn, Tasmania. It's open daily from 10am to 5pm.
Artist Antony Youssef's latest immersive artwork is here for a good time, but not a long time. Otherworldly installation Breach has arrived at Babekuhl's basement gallery, transforming the subterranean space into a technology-driven, interactive dream realm filled with smoke, light and sound. Though you'll have to be quick to score a taste of the alternate reality, as it's set to disappear after this Sunday, April 25. To access the multi-sensory installation, venture down the gallery's stairs and along a boardwalk surrounded by haze. Then, you'll find yourself right in the heart of the artwork itself, where you'll play conductor — by using your hands to control Breach's central pressurised sphere of pulsating music and sound. It's a bit like playing some fantasy instrument from another planet. The piece uses Youssef's own custom software to track your hand movements, guiding the unique soundtrack of audio, synths and rhythms each visitor is able to create. A thick blanket of low-lying mist helps to elevate the experience, also upping the eeriness factor.
Perhaps you got to really hone your Scrabble skills during lockdown, or maybe you've just always been a baller with a Draw Four Wild Card. Either way, your board game obsession is about to find its ultimate match because Australia has just scored a new trio of stays, themed around three game night classics. Meet, House of Uno, Pictionary Palace and Scrabble Shack. These very playful getaways have landed on the Sunshine Coast and in the Blue Mountains, courtesy of game company Mattel and the folks at Booking.com. Each of the homes can be booked for up to two nights and comes kitted out with a stack of themed furnishings, merch and other game-inspired gear — yep, think, Uno pyjamas, oversized Pictionary timers and Scrabble pillows. And, of course, there's an enviable board games collection, featuring not just Mattel classics, but special-edition variations. That said, these are also pretty stylish little pads, with regular features like bathrooms, fireplaces and comfy beds. [caption id="attachment_787126" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Scrabble Shack[/caption] House of Uno is hidden away in the leafy Sunshine Coast hinterland, boasting treetop views, Uno-themed throw blankets and what looks like a primo living room set-up for game night. Meanwhile, in the Blue Mountains, Pictionary Palace comes complete with four bedrooms, a cute garden and an abundance of Pictionary swag. And not too far away, a beautifully restored timber cottage has been reborn as the Scrabble Shack, hidden among the trees and filled with Scrabble-themed artefacts running from wall art to letter cookies. Bookings for all three getaways have just opened, so you'll want to be speedy if you want to beat out the other board game fiends and lock in a visit. Especially with discounted stays currently on offer. For the next few days, the cost per night is being slashed to equal the cost of the game. For example, a Uno deck will set you back $10, so bookings for House of Uno are an easy $10 a night. Bookings for House of Uno, Pictionary Palace and Scrabble Shack are now open, for stays from Friday, October 23.
Hungerford Hill's architecturally stunning cellar door and two-hatted restaurant make it one of the most recognisable wineries in New South Wales, let alone the Hunter Valley. Established back in 1967, the boutique vineyard overlooks the Brokenback Ranges. Head to the barrel-shaped tasting room and the accompanying underground cellar to sample a range of the region's best drops, including Hungerford's preservative-free or single-vineyard series. Or sit in either the sculpture courtyard or indoor terrace and indulge in a six-course mini degustation ($50) with paired wines. The estate's fine dining restaurant, Muse Restaurant, is housed next door, within its own stunning building. Run by Troy Rhoades-Brown, Muse serves contemporary Australian fare, with a seasonally changing menu. Dine a la carte or opt for a tasting menu with wines to match. Plus, don't forget to pop into the Hungerford Espresso Bar for a caffeine hit before you roll out.
Eveleigh Markets have always been about allowing Sydneysiders to buy and sample fresh produce and homemade food from regional NSW and ACT, things you might not get to try if you've never been to the region. It's not just about country farmers, though — Surry Hills-based celebrity chef Kylie Kwong has a regular stall at the markets as well, selling things like steamed Berkshire pork buns and organic green tea. Now you can add wine to the list of yummy things you can try at the markets. This June, the markets are hosting Eveleigh Uncorked, a wine and cheese fair where over 40 wineries and 20 cheese, bread and olive producers will be showcasing their wares in the historic Blacksmiths Workshop. After browsing the markets, you can taste wine from boutique wineries in Mudgee, Orange and the Hunter Valley, and there'll be plenty of specialised cheeses, olives and crusty sourdough on hand to go with it. Eveleigh Market Manager Ariana Aljinovic says the event will "continue Eveleigh Market’s tradition of bringing the maker to the buyer and will be a wonderful opportunity for the Sydney community to learn more about the wine and cheese making process".
Been dreaming and scheming about taking Vivid Sydney next level this year? We've got your plans sorted. Hint: they involve front row views of the illuminated Harbour Bridge, a water taxi and dinner literally in the middle of Sydney Harbour. Yep, we're talking Fort Denison. This year, the lonesome, mid-Harbour outpost is inviting you — and up to 140 of your friends, give or take — to join its Vivid celebrations. Dubbed Dinner De-Lights, the evening starts with you wandering around Circular Quay, before jumping in a water taxi for a giddy, wind-in-your-hair-lights-in-your-eyes ride to the island. Along the way, check out Vivid's famous boat parade up close. Once you're there, you'll take a mini tour of the Martello Tower before settling into your seat, to ooh and aah for epic views of the Circular Quay's Dress Circle display, as well as the Harbour Bridge, taking breaks only to tuck into a delish dinner. Dinner De-Lights is happening every night throughout the festival. Couples and small groups can book on Friday and Saturday evenings for $112.50 per person, which includes a two-course dinner, the tour and the ferry ride there and back. Huge groups (between 40 and 140 people) can book the whole place on weeknights, and from $150 per person you'll get a three-course dinner, drinks, a tour and the ferry. So if you're contemplating a Vivid wedding...
In most situations Concrete Playground would not advise heading back to an unknown person's hotel room that was going to be full of strangers. That way spells trouble, you would say. Especially when you know whipped cream is involved. But this Thursday, perhaps you should live on the edge a little, and head to the Darlo Bar where ten artists have taken over the seven hotel rooms to turn them into a series of gallery and performance spaces. Selected by Jesse Willesee himself, the artist behind Darlo Bar's May exhibition Paintings in Hotel Rooms, you will be able to wander inside private spaces, exploring the unknown, all to the tune of Sydney's newest musical discovery Whipped Cream Chargers. Don't forget your room key.
Having hosted numerous sold out pop-ups in Adelaide and Melbourne since 2013, the Urban Winery Project is now on its way to Sydney. The crew will be teaming up with Three Blue Ducks to host a four-course dinner and grape stomping session (yep, involving your bare feet) at the Ducks' Rosebery warehouse. "After three years in Adelaide and two in Melbourne, we couldn't ignore that a huge number of our followers were calling for us to come to Sydney," says David Bowley, founder and winemaker at Vinteloper, the Adelaide Hills-based winery behind the Urban Winery Project. "The distance means it's the hardest UWP we've attempted, but at Vinteloper we're never afraid to put it all on the line." UWP decided to team up with Three Blue Ducks for their "amazing chefs", as well as their "values and philosophies". Bowley says, "They sit by side with our own. Plus, they have the amazing Rosebery venue, perfect for a winery pop-up. How could we choose anywhere else?" There'll be two events, held on Wednesday, March 8 and Thursday, March 9. Each will be a free-flowing type of evening, combining drinking, eating and wine-making. On arrival, you'll be sipping on wine and sampling from roaming plates. When you're ready, you'll be invited to partake in various stages of wine making. "Our team are on hand to explain people through each activity, starting with some plucking of grapes off the stems. Then, we remind everyone that fortune favours the brave," says Bowley. "After a nibble on an entree and some more wine, we invite people to roll up those cuffs and jump in, to immerse themselves in the world of winemaking ... It's that Lucille Ball moment that we've all been waiting for." The point is to show you that winemaking is a whole lot of fun. So, you'll be spared too many rules and long, monotonous speeches, in favour of good, old-fashioned, hands-on experience. "As the hours roll on, it's a full sensory overload, with the wafts of our accompanying feast filling the air, sounds of glasses clinking and grapes popping, as you see, first-hand, the basket pressing creating the juice that will be turned into next year's wine to accompany next year's feast." The four-course dinner is a slightly more formal, sit-down affair. That said, food will be served on share plates around a long table, so it's still an inclusive experience. You're encouraged to "talk, share and ask questions". Bowley set up the Urban Wine Project in 2012 to give city-dwelling people the chance to experience wine making. "Loads of people drink wine, but a tiny percentage know anything about how the beverage they love ends up in their glass," Bowley says. "We rip back that curtain and expose the craft in its raw state, in the hope that, by seeing inside and participating in making wine, every glass of wine they drink for the rest of their lives will taste a little bit better." Urban Winery Project and Three Blue Ducks' pop-up is happening March 8 and 9 at 6.30pm for a 7pm start. Tickets are $135pp for four course with wines and an interactive winemaking experience. Bookings (02) 93 890 010 or via UWP's website.
If you missed out on nabbing tickets for the Blondie and Pretenders tour (the first two Sydney shows sold out in a matter of days) we’ve got good news: an extra Sydney show has been added to the bill. I’m sure there’s no need to delve into how epic this collaboration is: this is the greatest BOGOF of all time. For the price of one, you get two of the coolest bands of the ‘70s and ‘80s, two style icons and double the dose of new wave classics. Decades might have passed since Blondie and Pretenders topped the charts, but both bands’ timeless appeal resonates with younger fans generation after generation. Meanwhile, Debbie Harry's ever-faithful to the peroxide bottle, while Chrissie Hynde continues to rock out in her signature boy’s tshirts and skinny jeans. As for the music – I can only vouch for Blondie who played a festival in the northern part of the world a couple of years back and the (younger) crowd was blown away. This is one legend that will never be 'past it'. Touring together for the first time ever, both bands will team up to play across Australia before heading to New Zealand. They play the Enmore Theatre for their third and final show on December 9.
How does anything compete with Mrs Macquaries Point's stunning view of Sydney Harbour, the city, the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge? By placing a 350-square-metre cinema screen at the scenic spot every summer, and filling it with an impressive array of new, recent and classic movies. That's the Westpac Openair Cinema setup, aka a Sydney institution — and, ahead of its return in January, the event has just unveiled its full 2023 lineup. Details about Westpac Openair Cinema's latest Sunday, January 8—Tuesday, February 21 season have been dripping through since early October, including locking in its dates, announcing that Kitchen by Mike's Mike McEnearney will be behind its food range just like in 2022 and announcing Steven Spielberg's new flick The Fabelmans as the opening-night film. Along the way, the event has also named some of the movies hitting its screen, and it's been an exciting bill so far. Those flicks now have a heap more company. Already on the list: the cinema-focused Empire of Light, the Cate Blanchett-starring Tár, #MeToo drama She Said, the Emma Thompson-led Good Luck to You, Leo Grande, and The Lost King with Sally Hawkins and Steve Coogan. And, there's also culinary thriller The Menu, bleak Irish comedy The Banshees of Inisherin, Whitney Houston biopic I Wanna Dance with Somebody and certain blockbuster Avatar: The Way of Water, as well as stunning volcanologist documentary Fire of Love, the Emily Brontë-focused Emily, saucy threequel Magic Mike's Last Dance and rom-com What's Love Got to Do With It. Throw in Olivia Wilde's Don't Worry Darling, 2022 Palme d'Or-winner comedy Triangle of Sadness, haute-couture comedy Mrs Harris Goes to Paris, and sessions of classics like Titanic, the OG Top Gun, Quentin Tarantino's Jackie Brown and Cinema Paradiso as well, and clearly the Westpac Openair Cinema bill is already stacked. All of those titles are now joined by the Australian premiere of Darren Aronofsky's The Whale, aka the film that's bringing Brendan Fraser back into the spotlight; a preview of Guy Ritchie's Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre; Damien Chazelle's starry and jazzy Babylon; and the Bill Nighy-starring Living. Movie buffs will also score another chance to see Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Bullet Train, Everything Everywhere All At Once, Top Gun: Maverick, Ticket to Paradise and Elvis, plus Jodie Comer-starring NT Live production Prima Facie. And, in a special collaboration, viewers will be treated to a session of artist Wu Tsang's Moby Dick; or, The Whale thanks to Sydney Symphony Orchestra and the Art Gallery of New South Wales. It'll play with a will be live score, levelling up an already special way to see a movie. Now that you know exactly what you'll be seeing, make a date to book tickets as soon as they go on sale. As happens every year, sessions are likely to book out quickly. Across the summer of 2018–19, more than 40,000 tickets sold within the first two days of pre-sale — so put Monday, December 12 in your diary ASAP, or Wednesday, December 7–Friday, December 9 for pre-sales if you're a Westpac customer. [caption id="attachment_880098" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Andrew Maccoll[/caption] Westpac Openair 2023 runs from Sunday, January 8—Tuesday, February 21. Head to the event website for further details — and for tickets from Monday, December 12, with pre-sales for Westpac customers from Wednesday, December 7–Friday, December 9.
Monday, March 3, will see The Necks return to the Opera House's Joan Sutherland Theatre, in the finale to their first Australian tour for 2014. Since last visiting home shores, The Necks have released their 17th studio album, Open, to rave reviews. The Music said it was a "living masterwork" and Spin described it as "one of the most mesmerising records of the year: an hour-long, labyrinthine, uninterrupted dream." What's more, Open is the first of The Necks' albums to have had a release in the US, via label Northern Spy. In 2014, the group also celebrates 25 years in the business, having released debut album Sex back in 1998. Since then, their jazz-meets-ambient minimalism sound has developed a cult following all over the world. Their live shows are truly hypnotic experiences, unbound by conventional limitations and driven by a commitment to never playing the same thing twice. The Necks' appearance is part of Music at the House, a special program featuring contemporary music. Other artists on the bill include Neil Finn, Iron & Wine, Neko Case, Flying Lotus, Grizzly Bear, The National, Bonobo, Buddy Guy and Ludovico Einaudi. Tickets for The Necks at the SOH will go on sale to the public on Friday, December 13, at 9am. Here are the rest of the tour dates: Friday 7 February 2014 - Byron Bay Community Centre, Byron Bay, NSW Saturday 8 February 2014 - Brisbane Powerhouse, Brisbane, QLD Sunday 9 February 2014 - Governor Hindmarsh, Adelaide, SA Monday 10 February 2014 - The Ellington Jazz Club, Perth, WA Tuesday 11 February 2014 - The Ellington Jazz Club, Perth, WA Monday 17 February 2014 - Corner Hotel, Melbourne, VIC Tuesday 18 February 2014 - Corner Hotel, Melbourne, VIC Wednesday 19 February 2014 - Corner Hotel, Melbourne, VIC Thursday 20 February 2014 - Lizotte's, Newcastle, NSW Saturday 22 February 2014 - The Street Theatre, Canberra, ACT Monday 3 March 2014 - Sydney Opera House, Sydney, NSW Image by Camille Walsh.
Masters of late night snack fuel Ben & Jerry's have been dishing out pop culture-riffing flavours like Liz Lemon Greek Frozen Yoghurt, Stephen Colbert's AmeriCone Dream and, of course, Schweddy Balls for years. Then the masters of frozen confection go and create something called 'Free Cone Day', an annual event which defies haters. You can score an ice cream on the house, as part of the company's yearly, worldwide tradition thanking its fanbase for all the gluttonous support. On Tuesday, April 9, Ben & Jerry's Scoop Shops around Australia are hosting the eighth annual Free Cone Day — scooping out free ice cream from 12pm until 8pm. Suss out your nearest Scoop Shop purveyor of frozen dairy heaven here, and rock up on April 9 to claim your cone. Check out Ben & Jerry's Facebook page for updates.
We're the country that gave the world Cate Blanchett, Nicole Kidman and Margot Robbie, to name just a few renowned Australian actresses owning the silver screen in recent years. Accordingly, we're no stranger to celebrating formidable women in cinema. It tracks, then, that Melbourne's Australian Centre for the Moving Image has curated a world-premiere exhibition dedicated to femininity across screen history — which is running from Wednesday, April 5–Sunday, October 1. Six-month-long showcase Goddess: Power, Glamour, Rebellion declares its affection for ladies of the screen right there in its name. Examining how women are represented in cinema and television, it pays tribute to standout ladies, how depictions and expectations of femininity have changed, and what female talents have symbolised — and been forced to deal with — about and from the society around them. It's both a massive and a landmark exhibition. More than 150 original costumes, objects, artworks, props and sketches are now gracing the Federation Square venue's walls and halls, all championing oh-so-many women and their impact. Launched in-person by the one and only Geena Davis, who is also the exhibition's lead ambassador, Goddess fittingly includes outfits worn by her and Susan Sarandon in 1991's Thelma & Louise — and that's just the beginning of its treasures. Among a lineup that spans threads that've never been displayed before, various cinematic trinkets, large-scale projections and other interactive experiences, attendees can check out odes to Marlene Dietrich in 1930's Morocco, Pam Grier's spectacular Blaxploitation career, Tilda Swinton in 1992's Orlando and the aforementioned Robbie via 2020's Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn). Plus, there's Mae West's sky-high heels from 1934's Belle of the Nineties, as well as Michelle Yeoh's fight-ready silks from 2000's Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. The list goes on, clearly, covering Anna May Wong, Marilyn Monroe, Laverne Cox and Zendaya as well. And, everything from Glenn Close's Cruella de Vil in 102 Dalmatians to the Carey Mulligan-starring Promising Young Woman also gets time to shine. As it does with its big exhibitions, ACMI is pairing Goddess' wide-ranging display with soundscapes by Melbourne-based composer Chiara Kickdrum, and also hosting a sprawling events program complete with late-night parties, performances and talks — and film screenings, of course. Fancy taking an in-depth curator tour of the exhibition after hours? That's on the bill monthly. There's also a music program called Goddess Nights from late May, which'll focus on three femme-centric live music lineups with performances by DJ JNETT, CD, POOKIE and Ayebatonye — and a curated range of food and booze put together just for each evening. For film buffs, movie series Divine Trailblazers will focus on contemporary actors at the height of their powers, while the Goddess Sundays is all about on-screen personas. So, the first includes Angela Bassett's Oscar-nominated performance in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Academy Award-winners Michelle Yeoh and Jamie Lee Curtis in Everything Everywhere All At Once, Cate Blanchett conducting a masterpiece in Tár, Viola Davis in warrior mode in The Woman King, Filipino actor Dolly De Leon stealing every scene she's in in Triangle of Sadness, and Leah Purcell writing, directing, producing and starring in The Drover's Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson. Images: Eugene Hyland Photography.
The government's restrictions and regulations for COVID-19 containment are changing at a rapid pace. But there are two words we're all hearing on repeat: stay home. As much as is possible within each person's specific set of circumstances (including their job and requirements around food, exercise and health), every Australian is being encouraged to avoid leaving their homes unless absolutely necessary. We're being told that minimising the time spent outside is vital in getting through this crisis. As a result, many of the services that contribute to the lifestyles of city dwellers have been temporarily suspended, including cultural institutions, cinemas, clubs, pubs and gyms. But we still need to be able to access the essentials: household essentials, booze and, of course, food. Up until now, delivery services have been viewed as merely a convenience or something to facilitate laziness. Now, they're more important than ever. IT'S ONE OF THE SAFEST WAYS TO GET FOOD Supermarkets are still open to purchase food and other household items, but we'd rather avoid them as much as possible right now. The stories of stockpiling — and subsequent product shortages and buying restrictions — paint a pretty dire picture of a simple visit to the shops. Plus, with many of our favourite activities currently on hiatus, we have to find fun where we can. Yep, you may not be able to go to a gallery or play team sports, but you can still shirk your cooking and cleanup duties and let someone else prepare dinner. In the wake of the restrictions on public gatherings, many restaurants and cafes have shifted their operations to takeaway and delivery, so you can eat well in the comfort of your own home. And, to put your mind at ease, it's worth remembering that commercial kitchens are held to extremely rigorous food safety and hygiene practices, and most have upped their cleaning and sanitation procedures as the COVID-19 situation unfolded in Australia. For Domino's, this means daily audit checks and no human contact with the pizzas after they leave the 265-degree ovens. IT'S KEEPING PEOPLE INDOORS Obviously, the increased availability of delivery services means there are fewer people out on the streets, which can only be a good thing right now. But some places have taken it one step further. For example, Domino's has introduced a zero-contact delivery for all delivery orders place through the app or over the phone. The person delivering your meal will leave it on your doorstep and call or text you to confirm it's there — and they'll wait until they can see you've picked it up, too. This is just another simple step, facilitated by technology, to limit person-to-person contact with those outside your household. It also means you don't need to leave your house for too long and miss that live-stream of furry koalas, a theatre show or a gig. IT'S KEEPING PEOPLE EMPLOYED As the restrictions continue in an effort to manage the COVID-19 outbreak, huge job losses are occurring over many sectors, including hospitality. Maintaining (and supporting) delivery services is vital to ensuring this number does not continue to grow. In fact, it could help minimise the issue. Some companies, including Domino's, are currently seeking out temporary workers to keep up with increased demand for delivery services. The company is also supporting other essential workers with its Feeding the Frontline efforts, which delivers pizzas to those working tirelessly to support the community during this time — think healthcare, supermarket, government, education and emergency workers — to keep morale up and more people in jobs. Domino's is now offering zero-contact delivery across Australia. To order, head here.
Sydney abounds in whisky bars, gin joints and wine libraries. But, until now, vermouth — that ancient potion of mystical, medical qualities — hasn't received its own shrine. Enter Banksii, a brand new bar and bistro dedicated to vermouth, which has just opened at the harbourside Streets of Barangaroo precinct. Vermouth has had somewhat of a revival in Sydney this year, and Banksii solidifies its place on the city's figurative back bar. Run by Bar H's cracking team — chef Hamish Ingham and sommelier Rebecca Lines — the new venue will be open for lunch, dinner and drinks seven days a week. Aperitifs, ahoy. On Lines's drinks list, you'll find no fewer than 40 vermouth options. Drink 'em straight, drink 'em on ice, drink 'em while howling at the full moon and drink 'em in cocktails. In short, drink 'em anyway you like. "Vermouth has an exceptionally long history and by the 17th Century was incredibly popular in Europe and England as an aperitif," said Lines. "There has been a recent rediscovery of vermouth and we'll be focusing on it being served straight as an aperitif and in a tight cocktail list, focusing on classics such as martinis and Negronis." Vermouth not your thing? Get into the 100-strong wine menu, emphasising both homegrown and Mediterranean wines. Meanwhile, chef Ingham — ex-Bar H, Pier, Becasse, Flying Fish and Billy Kwong, and 2004 Josephine Pignolet Young Chef of the Year — has been busy coming up with contemporary dishes that combine Mediterranean influences with Australian botanicals. By the way, in case you're wondering, the name Banskii is not in homage to the homonym-nal street artist, but to Sir Joseph Banks, Australia's first European botanist. Ingham will be serving up his creations noon and night. The offering will be all about keeping things light and fresh, with star dishes including grilled prawns with curry leaf butter and pickled turmeric, kangaroo carpaccio with pickled radish and nasturtium, a botanical greens and cheese pie, and a glazed roasted half duck with red vermouth-soaked native plums. "I've had a great time incorporating botanicals in new dishes and I'm really happy with the menu we have developed and am excited for people to experience it," says Ingham. "We have a lot of ingredients on the menu that people may not have heard of that we want to showcase in an exciting and accessible way." Luchetti Krelle has taken care of design matters, making the most of the waterfront location by incorporating indoor-outdoor seating for 200 people and drawing from 18th century ideas (because that's when Sir Banks was around). They're the design firm responsible for the aesthetic wonders of Bar Brosé, the new Tilbury Hotel, ACME, Cronulla's Blackwood Pantry and The Butler, among others. Banksii joins a slew of other eateries that have opened down at Barangaroo over the last few months, including Belles Hot Chicken, Lotus, Cirrus, Zushi and The Rabbit Hole. Banksii is now open for lunch and dinner at 33 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo South. For more information, visit banskii.sydney. By Jasmine Crittenden and Lauren Vadnjal.
So you nabbed your 1kg bag of Grinders Coffee Roasters beans or ground? You want to go into the running to score the funds for an all-out date with your schmoopy woopy? Let's get your entry in, lover. Now, we know that pet names for partners can be divisive at the best of times. But, whether you love them or loathe them, Concrete Playground is joining forces with Grinders Coffee Roasters to make a case for sharing yours with the world. In anticipation of Valentine's Day, let's delight in (or cringe at) the pet names we use to refer to our nearest and dearest — and then send 40 of you honey pies on an all-out date. Simply enter your details in the form below, upload a photo of your receipt (that clearly shows your purchased kilo of beans or ground) and then tell us the delightfully soppy (or saucy) nickname you use on your lover (or bestie, cos we're into that platonic love too). Forty of you will be scoring a $250 Mastercard e-gift card from Grinders Coffee Roasters — the grounds for a very good date with snookums. From Wednesday, January 18 until Tuesday, February 14, ten of the prizes will be scored each and every Tuesday. Red hot. To go in the draw, enter your details below. Top image: LanaStock
Get ready rock fans, for the Arctic Monkeys are returning to Australia and New Zealand. The British band will embark on their biggest down under tour to date this autumn for their latest album, AM. The album, which was released this past September, is the band's fifth consecutive number 1 in the UK and also debuted at the top spot in the ARIA Albums Chart. So, Aussie and Kiwi fans, get stoked because you'll soon have the chance to hear their awesome collection of new jams, including chart toppers such as 'R U Mine?' and 'Why'd You Only Call Me When You're High?' Original fans needn't worry, because the Monkeys never forget to pay tribute to their old school favourites. You'll probably still get your chance to belt out 'Fluorescent Adolescent's, "Oh the boy's a slag / The best you ever had / The best you ever had." https://youtube.com/watch?v=6366dxFf-Os
You've found it! The perfect gift. You go to hit 'add to cart' and then you see it — a Christmas shipping deadline date that has long since sailed past you, leaving only that sinking feeling of losing something that was never yours. But there's an easy way to avoid that mini tragedy: shop local, and shop good old-fashioned bricks and mortar. The unique gifts right here at home are sure to please even the most difficult, seen-it-all giftees. By the Concrete Playground team.
Whether you're keen on an after-work drink, a bite to eat, an excuse to catch up with your mates or some live tunes, everything goes better with a view. That's one of the main ideas behind The Garden Social, the new summer event hosted in The Domain by the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney — and popping up every Wednesday–Sunday between January 13–February 7. Taking over The Domain's Tarpeian Precinct, the event features a vantage that'll see you peering out at the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Yep, that's a classic Sydney backdrop. You can say cheers to it with drinks from the bar — and from a dedicated Fever-Tree Ultimate Gin and Tonic Bar, too. Obviously, G&Ts are on the menu there. Food-wise, food trucks will be serving up an array of dishes, including from Urban Pasta, Agape, Rolling Schnitzel, Burgers G-Dup, JR Korean Chicken and Birdman. Or, you can opt for gelato and churros if you're after something sweet. Also, to set the mood, you can listen to a jazz, classical and contemporary soundtrack provided by musicians from the Conservatorium of Music. Entry is free, with The Garden Social running from 5–9pm Wednesday–Friday, from 11am–9pm every Saturday and from 11am–3pm each Sunday.
To call Enough Said a romantic comedy seems wrongly restrictive. Essentially, it's just that, but really, it's much more. A quirky divorcee starts falling for a slobby, overweight but very loveable dude, then realises it's her friend's despised ex-husband. Antics ensue. The title and the poster are something of an undersell — 'Enough Said' sounds like any other moronically make-believe candyfloss crap in which an unlikely yet star-crossed couple with Hollywood cheekbones and poreless skin battle for 90 minutes and get together — forever, of course — in the final scene. The title is oddly generic; try slipping 'About Time', 'Here's the Thing' or 'Wouldn't You Know?' in its place. Here's the difference: Nicole Holofcener is one of the smartest, wryest female American directors around. Friends with Money established her as a someone who makes real films with real characters for real grown-ups. She then joined the television glory days, directing episodes of HBO's Enlightened — two short seasons of confronting and hilarious viewing. Laura Dern and Mike White's amazing creation, the deluded yet totally empathisable Amy Jellicoe, could make you question if your own deepest-held longings are just impossible and impossibly vivid self-deceptions. With Enough Said, Holofcener makes a pitch for the mainstream, moving in on the edge of the territory staked out by James L. Brooks: rom-coms that are actually, miraculously both romantic and comedic. I can't help but wonder if it's because her last film, Please Give, was a well-intentioned but dour project that somehow missed its mark, as well as the wide audience that this super cluey director deserves. In Enough Said, she's cast Julia Louis-Dreyfus in the usual Catherine Keener role. Where on earth has Louis-Dreyfus been for the last decade and a half? She is a flat-out great leading actress. Here, she perfects what she revealed on Seinfeld in the 1990s: a character's failed attempts at carefree casualness. With wide-eyed, sideways glances and upturned intonation, she relays cluelessness and hopefulness, her yearning earnestness betraying her surface breeziness. (A side note: Claudia Karvan does this best in Australia.) The whole cast is spot-on, and James Gandolfini is especially endearing in his last, quite slight role — though I couldn't help wonder what complexity Louis CK could have brought to the character. There's something extraordinary about seeing quite ordinary women on film. In Gravity, Sandra Bullock's astronaut-taut face barely moved from the effects of what one hoped was zero gravity but was more likely astronomical proportions of filler and muscle relaxant. By contrast, Keener and Louis-Dreyfus aren't great beauties, but they are uncommonly lovely and a delight to watch — animated, bright, baffled and trying and trying and trying their fallible human best to succeed in love. Despite the unambitious nature of this easy Friday night film, Holofcener is a freakishly perceptive observer of our time's obsessions and longings. There aren't nearly enough films about the relationship between your different relationships and love after love. I laughed at the film's sticky, recognisable truths for the whole hour and a half. She's succeeded in making something for the masses without resorting to lowest-common-denominator bullshit. And that's really something. https://youtube.com/watch?v=nEEJaIjF_Lo
Now that spring has sprung, what better time to give your old ceramics collection a spruce up? Especially since you can score some fab pieces on the cheap, at Mud Australia's one-day-only Sydney flash sale. The legendary Aussie label is opening the doors to its Marrickville studio tomorrow, Saturday, September 8, and is slinging a whole assortment of its handmade porcelain and homewares for at least 50 percent off the regular price. Head along from 10am to find some very pocket-friendly deals on designs that are samples, slightly chipped, left over from discontinued lines, imperfectly glazed, or as the team describes, 'outrageously organic'. You've got until 4pm to load up on cute ceramic bargains and sort out your mates' pressies (and Christmas pressies, it's soon) for the rest of the year.
World Cocktail Day rolls around on Friday, May 13 — yes, it's a real thing — and to celebrate, Monkey Shoulder is getting pouring. The scotch brand has created Australia's biggest cocktail mixer truck called Monkey Mixer (which looks a little like a cement mixer truck, but shiny) and is serving free cocktails at a heap of breweries around Sydney. The giant orange and silver truck is hitting the road between Wednesday, May 11–Friday, May 13, giving you three days to nab a complimentary drink. First stops on the Wednesday: Wayward Brewing Co in Camperdown (from 5.30–6.30pm) and Sauce Brewing Co in Marrickville (7–8pm). Then, Thursday's itinerary spans Kirrawee's Sunday Road Brewing (4.30–5.30pm) and North Wollongong's Illawarra Brewing Co (6.30–7.30pm), before heading to North Wollongong Hotel in Wollongong (12–10pm) on Friday. If this all sounds familiar, that's because Monkey Shoulder did something similar back in 2020. If the brand wants to hand out free cocktails every now and then, we're obviously happy to drink them. And if you're wondering why it's pouring cocktails at breweries, the aim is to get beer fiends to switch up their sips.
