Like lots of Melburnians this year, Fonda will be celebrating its birthday month in lockdown. But fiestas will still be in strong supply regardless of restrictions, thanks to the restaurant group's newly dropped takeaway offering. In honour of its tenth birthday, Fonda has launched a menu of DIY taco kits and bottled margaritas that are primed for nights in and sunny picnic sessions alike. At $60, the taco kit comes packed with everything you need to make eight tacos — corn tortillas, fresh fillings, guacamole, pico de gallo and chipotle aioli, plus your choice of the signature chicken, slow-cooked beef brisket or roasted sweet potato. To wash it all down, you'll find a range of pre-batched margaritas in house flavours like Coconut, Makrut & Chilli, Watermelon & Lime and Chilli Mango. Grab a mixed four-pack of 100ml serves for $60, or try any flavour by the share-friendly half-litre bottle for $65. What's more, the Fonda folk have put together the ultimate playlist to soundtrack your festivities, sure to transport you to a night out at the OG Richmond restaurant — find it here. The taco kits and margaritas are available for pick up from Fonda Hawthorn, Windsor, Richmond, Collingwood and its Bondi outpost in Sydney. Pre-order online.
With four glorious days off work, the Easter long weekend can go one of two ways. Some of us use it as an opportunity to get out-of-town for a relaxing weekend away, devoid of the hustle and bustle of day-to-day Sydney. Others? We dive headfirst into what this city has to offer, partying each night away knowing there's a few extra days to recover before you return to work. Marly Bar is facilitating the latter with a huge four-day program of parties taking over the venue. The whole thing kicks off with two events on Thursday, April 14. There's Breko's popular Music Bingo featuring DJ sets, prizes and free drinks for those that can flex their musical knowledge; and there's Reverb, a new weekly techno and house night taking over Marly's underground dance floor Tokyo Sing Song. Elsewhere across the weekend you'll find free live sets from Lady King and Ange on the Friday, two stacked hip-hop lineups, a late-night dance party from the Picnic crew, and a full venue takeover on Easter Sunday featuring some of Sydney's most exciting up-and-coming musicians and DJs. Hip-hop fans are spoilt for choice on Saturday, with influential group Bodega Collective popping up with their Pass the Mic series downstairs, and the team behind Parramatta Nights curating a lineup of western Sydney hip-hop upstairs featuring breakout drill star Kahukx alongside Big Skeez, Lil Spacely, Shely210 and many more. Many of the events are free, with tickets to Picnic's One Night Stand and the Easter Sunday party available online.
The month of beer is officially upon us; October and the beer jubilee it brings with it are here. And this year, there'll be a number of seriously enticing events in the winding sandstone lanes of Sydney's heritage precinct. Celebrate the Best of Beer at The Rocks, with food and drink offerings at pretty much every restaurant, bar and cafe in the 'hood. Highlights include The Australian Heritage Hotel's 13th Annual Australian Beer Festival, which runs from October 13–15, boasting more than 120 Aussie craft beers to try from 30 different brewers. Gloucester and Cumberland Streets will be alive with the sounds of glasses clinking at blind tastings, live entertainment and meet-the-brewer events, all while Munich Brauhaus is showing everyone how Oktoberfest should really be done. There'll be authentic German beer flowing to be paired with Bavarian delicacies such as pork knuckle, warm pretzels and an 'Oktoberfest platter'. There's also a pure bier on tap each fortnight from now until the end of October. Also worth jotting in the diary is a Guinness & Oyster Festival happening at The Mercantile, where you'll be able to sample oysters and many other seafood dishes with a backdrop of local artists, Irish ensembles and live oyster-shucking demonstrations. MORE FOOD AND BEER OFFERS AROUND THE ROCKS HAPPY HOURS — Endeavour Tap Rooms: $9 pints, $5 middies, $10 mystery tasting paddles and $1 wings. — El Camino: $10 Monday lunch specials and $7.50 craft beers Monday to Friday, 5–7pm. — The Argyle: $7.50 espresso martinis, $10 cocktails, $5 beers and wines and $15 pizzas Monday to Friday, 5–8pm. — Wild Ginger: $5 house beers 12–6pm, daily. FOOD AND DRINK DEALS — The Orient Hotel: $29.50 for mussels and a Stella Artois. — Phillip's Foote: $25 for roast pork with crackling and a Lord Nelson Three Sheets Pale Ale. — Ribs & Burgers: $15 for a sriracha chicken burger and a beer.
Pairing wine with food has been done to death. Sure, grilled snapper does taste that little bit nicer with a glass of chardonnay, but the truth is, Australians really love beer — and gourmet food prepped by the country's top chefs. So why not perfectly match the two? Bar Ume's executive chef, Kerby Craig, and Lion's craft beer ambassador and beer sommelier, Paul Daley, have put their heads together to curate a decadent four-course lunch, where each dish has been expertly paired with a different beer. Every meticulous detail has been kept in mind when crafting the pairings, including mouthfeel, aroma and, of course, flavour. This is not just another excuse for a brew. Craig and Daley highlight that beer is not just for enjoying with pub grub. We all know lager tastes great with a schnitty, but New Zealand salmon sashimi paired with an Asian dry lager might just be one of the best marriages you'll experience. It's a blind tasting — so you'll receive a new type of beer in a non-descript glass with each dish served, letting your senses guide you through the gourmet courses. The bottle will be presented at the end of each course, proving how beer can accompany so much more than the backyard barbecue.
Next month, the bustling Night Noodle Markets will return to Hyde Park for eight nights of tasty things on sticks, bowls of noodles, bao and extravagant frozen desserts. Taking over the inner city park from October 11–18, the fifteenth iteration of the fairy light-lit markets will see over 30 of Australia's favourite food stalls set up shop — serving humans and dogs alike. Wait up — dogs? Yep, this year, the NNM have launched the aptly named Night Poodle Markets. On Saturday, October 12, the NNM will be filled with floofs galore, a roaming dog photographer and dog treats from The Doggie Bakery. Tickets to the one-off event are just $5 — which include a doggy portrait and treat — with 100 percent of profits going to the NSW RSPCA. You can sign-up for this very exciting event from Tuesday, October 1. In terms of food for humans, the NNM has just unveiled its full menu. And Gelato Messina is preparing to wow Sydneysiders once more with a brand new menu. While last year's frozen treats were inspired by the Philippines, this year, they're an ode to Thai sweets. Choose from the Bangkok Banana, a Thai milk tea cheesecake sandwich with sponge and meringue; the Phuket Bucket, banana fritters served with caramelised banana gelato and peanut crumble; the Coco Phangan, mango sorbet with coconut sticky rice; or the Eye of the Thai-ger, a multi-layered dessert of condensed milk pudding, condensed milk crumble, shaved ice, lychee gelato and jellies. Or don't choose and eat them all — you can spread them out over eight nights, after all. [caption id="attachment_742360" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Eye of the Thai-ger[/caption] Elsewhere on the NNM menu, you'll find Bangkok street food snacks, foot-long potato fries, bao, spicy biang biang noodles and paella. Sydney's all-vegan Flyover Fritterie & Chai Bar will also be making an appearance, as will Crows Nest's purveyors of fried chicken Johnny Bird and Redfern's much-loved maker of baked goods Donut Papi. As all great things must come to an end (of sorts), this'll be the last year the NNM will be held at Hyde Park. Details are scarce for now, but we're being told they'll relocate to "a larger space" in 2020. We'll let you know when more details on that drop. In the meantime, start scheduling your visits the market — and cross your fingers that this year will be a little less rainy. The Night Noodle Markets run from October 11–18 at Hyde Park as part of Good Food Month.
HTRK (Hate Rock Trio to the knowing) occupies a space in the mind not immediately apparent. Muted vocals mist through cold steel beats and oscillating synths in a slow seduction, swaying its hips in silhouette. Their sound slinks its way around the back of your neck and forces you to stare into its hardened darkness. Visceral, intoxicating and ultimately moving, Jonnine Standish and Nigel Yang create a stark, billowing world blinking with tragic romance. Now the Melbourne-via-London duo makes their sojourn back to Australia in celebration of their latest album, Work (Work, Work) Expect their sombre tones to envelop you as sly glances are exchanged across the room - a night of opening itself to chance meetings, spontaneous moves and endless possibilities. They’ll be joined by the soulful glitch of Lost Animal, and guttural roving troubadour Kirin J. Callinan.
Landlocked surfers of Melbourne, rejoice — Australia's first surf park is finally filled with water and almost ready to start makin' waves. And it's a lot closer to the city than Torquay or the Peninsula. Urbnsurf Melbourne will open in Tullamarine, near the airport, just 16-kilometres north of the CBD. Plans for the park first surfaced way back in 2016 and, while the team was initially hoping for a spring opening, Urbnsurf has today revealed that the park is now filled with water, will start pumping out surf in the coming weeks and is set to open its doors to the public by summer this year. At the moment, the site is a very still lagoon — but when it opens, the two-hectare space will power up to 1000 waves per hour, day and night. And you'll get a choice of waves. Want to ride nothing but perfectly-formed right-handers for an hour? Or would you prefer a random selection, like what you'd experience in the ocean? You'll be able to take your pick. According to Urbnsurf founder Andrew Ross, "every wave has six different take-off spots", which equates to 3600 surfable positions every hour. [caption id="attachment_744979" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Courtesy Urbnsurf and Ed Sloane[/caption] So how does it work? Basically, the waves come from an 85-metre pier that runs down the centre of the lagoon. A series of pistons located on the pier then push the water to the left, then to the right, to create the waves. Ross likens the movement to "moving your hand back and forward like a shark's tail". The ability to create waves means that the park will be built for both pros who are looking for steep, barrelling waves and novices looking for a safe place to get their start in the surf. At Urbnsurf, Ross predicts, most novices will stand on their board within an hour and ride across the green face within two. And not only will you get guaranteed waves — you won't be fighting for them. The park holds 84 riders per hour. And, should you get seriously hooked, you'll be able to enter amateur competitions, maybe with (or against) your mates. If you need a break between sessions on the water, Urbnsurf will also be home to hot tubs, beach cabanas and a new two-storey restaurant by the owners of Sydney's Three Blue Ducks. And it's hoping to host a heap of live gigs, art shows and cultural experiences, too — we'll let you know when any are announced. If you're not in Melbourne, you'll be happy to know that a second Urbnsurf is set to open at Sydney Olympic Park in 2021. Urbnsurf is due to open in this summer near Melbourne Airport. You can sign up to test out the surf park before it opens on the website. Images: Courtesy Urbnsurf and Ed Sloane
For artists whose work deals in spiritual matters — be that Christianity and the Holy Trinity, Ancient Greece's Titans and Titanesses, Mother Nature or reflections on suicide — the biennial Blake Prize is Australia's biggest award. Its goal is not to preach or proselytise, but to encourage people to talk. At the same time, it aims to reflect our nation's extraordinary religious diversity. This year, 594 entries poured in, from Australia, as well as New Zealand, the United States, Ireland, France, Germany and Switzerland. From February 13, the 83 finalists will show at the Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre for five weeks. The winner, to be announced on February 12, will take home a cool $35,000, while one emerging artist will receive $6000. 2014's winner was Richard Lewer, for Worse Luck I’m Still Here, a new media work telling the story of Herbert Bernard Erickson, a pensioner from Perth who survived a suicide pact in 2012.
Relish a stellar garden party this month, as beloved Australian cook and author Julia Busuttil Nishimura hosts a one-night-only dinner in the lush surrounds of Chiswick Woollahra on Wednesday, July 23. Bringing her trademark warmth and generosity to the table, Julia will showcase the best of her slow-food philosophy under the stars. Drawing from recipes captured in her cookbook, Good Cooking Every Day, expect a seasonal, Italian-inspired set menu influenced by Julia's Maltese heritage, Tuscan adventures and admiration for fresh produce. Joined by Chiswick's recently appointed Head Chef, Samuel Rozsnyoi, the evening will also feature a selection of in-house favourites, where produce-driven cooking and refined but approachable dishes are the main event. For an extra cost, you can even indulge in a wine pairing designed specially to elevate the experience. Ready to book? This event is open exclusively to Mastercard cardholders, with up to six guests permitted per booking. If that's all squared away, secure your place in Chiswick's verdant garden, brimming with fresh ingredients and Julia Busuttil Nishimura's refreshing perspective on the simple pleasures of cooking and life.
Yellamundie Festival is a biennial celebration of First Nations peoples' storytelling. In the past, it has focused primarily on playwriting, however, for its fifth edition, the festival is expanding to include dance and music for the first time. Presented by Moogahlin Performing Arts in collaboration with Carriageworks and Sydney Festival, this year's program features four cutting-edge First Nations performances as well as two live-panel discussions. Two virtual performances originally set to be part of the lineup will also take place later in the year, as the interstate artists couldn't make it due to current border restrictions. On Friday, January 22, you'll be able to see brand-new works from some of the country's most exciting upcoming talents for just $15. Dalara Williams of Black Comedy will present a play about a man seeking solitude at his favourite lookout and Shana O'Brien will examine the emotional connection to ancestry through choreography in her performance Waterholes. On Saturday, January 23, Troy Russell will explore love and loss as seen through the eyes of a couple, while Mark Ross and Brad Steadman will present a multi-disciplinary work that tells stories from the land and the river using traditional language, music and animation. Two live-panel discussions will take place on Saturday. One showcasing the voices of this year's festival, while the second is the free Yawarra (Dramaturgy) International First Nations Panel featuring renowned voices of First Nations theatre practitioners from Australia, Aotearoa and Turtle Island. All the performances and panels will take place at Carriageworks and are available to live stream from your home via Syd Fest At Home. Images: Yellamundie Festival by Rachel Main and Jamie James
This NYE don't settle for something predictable and anticlimactic. We get it, with Christmas still in recent memory, there's often little time to make grand plans for the last party of the year — but Sydney's brand new December 31st festival has done the planning for you. NYE in the Park will ring in the new year with fireworks, a stellar line-up of international artists, great food and plenty of Champagne. Headlining and hosting the inaugural festival is Hot Dub Time Machine, whose packed dance parties are oft described as a 'history lesson through music'. He'll count the crowd down to midnight before starting his epic chronological set — beginning with the rock tunes of the 50s, then travelling through the decades to the best dance hits of today. Also taking the stage will be Canadian electro and techo maestro Tiga, Jurassic 5 legend Chali 2NA, DJ Krafty Kuts and you — if you win our exclusive VIP package. We're offering one lucky Concrete Playground reader the chance to win a New Year's Eve you'll never forget. You'll fire confetti and launch giant inflatable balls into the crowd, dance with Retrosweat aerobic dancers and pop Champagne with Hot Dub Time Machine at midnight — all on stage. Woah. It doesn't stop when you leave the stage, either — you'll be rubbing shoulders with Vera Blue, 2ManyDJs and other famed artists backstage (with complimentary drinks, of course). When the festival is over, you'll have a double pass and priority entrance to an exclusive afterparty in an unannounced location — so you can continue dancing the night away. If there's a new year's eve you can't top, it's this. To enter, see details below. [competition]647819[/competition]
If the last 12 months hadn't been affected by COVID-19, the Australian Museum in Sydney would currently be playing host to Tutankhamun: Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh, a blockbuster exhibition of more than 150 objects from the ancient boy king's tomb. That isn't the case due to the pandemic — and, in bad news for anyone interested in history or eager to find out more about one of its most famous figures, the huge showcase will now no longer be displaying at the venue at all. Today, Thursday, March 18, the Australian Museum announced the exhibition's cancellation, advising that it has been informed by IMG, the company responsible for staging the exhibition, that Tutankhamun: Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh would no longer be coming to the venue. Originally, the tour had just been postponed; however, now it has been completely shuttered. If it had gone ahead — with an original launch date of February 2021 — the hefty showcase would've been on display for six months, and featured golden jewellery, elaborate carvings, sculptures and ritual antiquities from King Tut's treasure-laden resting place. And, it would've been available for Australians to see just shy of a century after the tomb was first discovered by British archaeologist Howard Carter back in 1922. Tutankhamun: Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh was also set to include 60 pieces that had never previously left Egypt. Revealing the cancellation, Australian Museum Director and CEO Kim McKay said that "the Australian Museum is saddened that the Tutankhamun exhibition has been cancelled due to the pandemic", but noted that the venue is working on a replacement. "We are already negotiating for a new touring Egyptian exhibition and hope to announce details soon. We know our visitors are fascinated by ancient Egypt and in the next three years, the Australian Museum will open its first-ever permanent Egypt Gallery to display our remarkable collection of historical artefacts," McKay said. Tutankhamun: Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh's was set to display in the Australian Museum's newly revamped space, with the venue reopening in November 2020 after a $57.5 million makeover. As part of its renovations, the site added more than 3000 square metres of public space to its layout, to provide more room to host blockbuster exhibitions. Tutankhamun: Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh is no longer set to display at the Australian Museum. To see the venue's current exhibitions, head to the Australian Museum website. Images: AP Images / King Tut: Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh at the California Science Centre.
If you're staying put in Sydney this Easter, but don't want to hide at home, we hear you. A lot of the city closes down over the long weekend, but that doesn't mean everyone's taking a break. In fact, there are stacks of adventures to take on – from axe throwing and mini golfing to cracking open the biggest Easter egg in Australia. On top of all that, the Sydney Royal Easter Show is heading into its 97th year. Between April 12–23, make tracks to Olympic Park to feast on dagwood dogs, rummage through show bags, meet prize-winning animals and take a whirl on tons of rides. Here's a bunch of places you'll find open across Sydney this Easter. And if you're looking for even more spots where you can eat, drink and make merry, add this list to your bag of tricks, too. CHANNEL YOUR INNER CHILD AT THE SYDNEY ROYAL EASTER SHOW This 97-year-old friend doesn't need any introduction. But its new food offerings do. First up, classics like dagwood dogs and meat pies have had mega makeovers. Try a dog infused with cheese, a meat pie stuffed with a cheeseburger or something called the Flurrito: a fairy floss burrito, packed with sweet treats. Secondly, there's now a food truck herd, featuring the likes of Greek Street, Birdman Korean chicken, American BBQ and Mr Tortillas. Before (or maybe after if you dare) eating, check out more the more than 100 rides set up for the show. But if you need to wait after eating all that carnival food, go cuddle baby animals in the Farmyard Nursery and watch some very clever working pups in action. GET A CHOCOLATY SUGAR HIGH AT THE GROUNDS OF ALEXANDRIA If, for you, Easter is mainly about mountains of chocolate, be sure to factor a visit to Alexandria into your celebrations. Every year, The Grounds presents a three-metre high, 300-kilogram gigantic egg — and you're invited to join in on cracking it open. (Yes, you'll get to eat it, too). The egg is the centrepiece of an epic, weekend-long celebration, which also involves Easter lunches, high teas, live music, appearances by the Easter Bunny and an egg hunt to raise money for the Sydney Children's Hospital. The Garden stays open until 5pm and the Potting Shed till 9pm, so you can fuel up in between festivities and when that sugar high starts to fade. [caption id="attachment_705409" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Frenchies Bistro and Brewery.[/caption] TAKE YOUR MATES ON AN INNER WEST BREWERY CRAWL While many of Sydney's best bars and restaurants close up shop over the Easter break, there's one industry sector that is always there for you. Most of Sydney's ever-expanding list of craft breweries stay open throughout the long weekend, offering up specialty brews fresh out of the tank. Wayward Brewing Co. will release a different seasonal brew every day of the long weekend, one of which will be hot cross bun flavoured. Willie The Boatman is hosting a 'young and old' Easter egg hunt on the Sunday, and the Grifter pool table will be waiting for you afterwards, as will Sauce Brewing Co's expansive beer garden. If you're looking for something to kick off the weekend, Alexandria's Yulli's Brews hosts free jazz with $5 schooners every Thursday night. And while you're in the neighbourhood, stop by Frenchies Bistro for some craft brews and French fare. Just be sure to check with each brewery for exact opening hours, as times may vary. ENJOY VIEWS AND FROSÉ ALL DAY AT WATSON'S BAY HOTEL Want to take advantage of the outdoors while you're free from the office? Watson's Bay Hotel has you covered with an entire weekend's worth of Easter-related events happening across the waterside venue. The party will go down from 1pm each day of the weekend. Grab a seat under the blue-and-white checkered umbrellas with the restaurant's signature frosé in hand, while DJs spin the decks well into the night. There'll be plenty of Easter treats to keep you in the festive spirit, too — last year there were hot cross buns stuffed with scoops of ice cream so here's hoping there'll be treats that are just as extra. To check out all of the venue's Easter happenings, head here. [caption id="attachment_696740" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Elise Hassey.[/caption] SWAP EASTER SWEETS FOR APERITIVO HOUR AT THE DOLPHIN If you're looking for a different way to indulge this Easter, head to aperitivo hour at The Dolphin. It lets you sample snacks from some of Australia's best chefs on the cheap. The weekly resident curates a menu of drinks and eats, which are available Sunday through Thursday from 5–7pm and priced at just $5-7 bucks, too. Taking over the Wine Room on Easter Sunday is canned-stuff specialists Continental Deli, who will be slinging its signature tinned cocktails and cured meats till April 25. Think locally made prosciutto and Iberico jamon alongside a 'Mar-Tinny' (tinned martini) or 'Can-Hattan' (canned manhattan). Whatever you order, this aperitivo hour lets you overindulge without breaking the bank. [caption id="attachment_676582" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hamilton Lund.[/caption] SNAG $40 TICKETS TO WEST SIDE STORY ON SYDNEY HARBOUR Each year, Sydney Harbour comes alive with a special Handa Opera performance on the water. It's always a spectacular show that offers up stunning views to boot. This year, the floating stage will host West Side Story, a classic Broadway tale of star-crossed lovers. The show runs throughout the long weekend, with the final performance happening on Easter Sunday. Plus, you can now snag $40 tickets to the show with new app TodayTix. A limited number of cheap tickets are available for every performance from 9am on the morning of the show — all you need to do is to share a post about TodayTix on your social media to 'unlock' the rush tickets. We reckon it's well worth it to spend your Easter at one of the world's most stunning openair opera venues. [caption id="attachment_685611" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Eugenia Lim, The Australian Ugliness (2018), photo by Tom Ross.[/caption] HIT UP ALL THREE VENUES OF THIS MAJOR ART EXHIBITION It's not always easy to catch all of the latest art exhibitions when you're stuck at your desk during the day. Lucky for Sydneysiders, a major installation has just started, and there's no better time to catch it than during the Easter long weekend. That's because The National 2019's extensive exhibition spans three-gallery — namely AGNSW, the MCA and Carriageworks — so you'll need a lot of daytime hours to see it all. It features work from a whopping 65 contemporary Australian artists and promises to be one of the best exhibitions of the year. If you're feeling really ambitious, you could try a gallery hop, spending one seriously art-filled, glorious day out of the office. DANCE GOOD FRIDAY AWAY AT THIS MARRICKVILLE BLOCK PARTY Now in its tenth year, the BAD Friday block party will return to Marrickville's Fraser Park for a live music-filled bash on April 19. For its anniversary, the lineup of local acts is especially strong — expect a DJ set by The Avalanches, plus performances by DMA's, DZ Deathrays, The Jezabels, Tropical Fuck Storm, Jungle and much, much more. It's the perfect excuse for an all-out party, seeing as you've got three more days off afterwards. Best to snatch up your tickets quick; the first two releases have already sold out.
There's something for everyone when it comes to Halloween — whether it's eating nauseating amounts of lollies, flexing your arts and crafts skills by fashioning yourself a costume, or pulling that five-piece (mask included) Batman get-up out of storage and donning it to feel like the superhero you really are. Trick or treating never really caught on here, but we'll be damned if we won't use it as an excuse for a spooky time. There are plenty of parties, tours and immersive events happening around town for you to hit up. Here's a list of some of the best things going on in Sydney for Halloween, ranging from the not-so scary (charcoal ramen) to the truly terrifying (a spine-tingling takeover of Luna Park).
Because you're reading this, we know you're not someone who received a pet for Christmas, only to decide it wasn't for you. We know you're one of the good folks. You're probably wishing that you did receive a loveable animal as a gift, even if you already have one — or several — that you adore. We understand your yearning, and so does the RSPCA. And, to find permanent homes for the many cats surrendered into its care from all over the state, it's lowering the adoption fee for adult cats to just $49 this weekend. The weekend-long initiative is called Catchella — like a festival for friendly, furry cats — and will run from Friday, April 12 until Sunday, April 14. Although you can't put a price on the happiness a new purring, slightly standoffish, pet will bring, it's hoped that the low adoption fee will encourage people who have been thinking about adding a cat to their fam (and have considered it thoroughly) to make the commitment this week. While this festival won't feature any music stars, it will feature some absolutely adorable, and adorably named, cats. You could adopt Smoke T Woe, Biffo or Lola — or any of this long list of cats that need a home. And the poster itself is pretty damn cute: Catchella will run at all shelters across NSW. The adoption fees — which usually range from $20–600 — help cover some of the costs of vaccines, training and microchipping for the animals. There's more to pet adoption than overdosing on cuteness, of course, with making the commitment to care for an animal is serious business. For further information, read RSPCA's FAQs and head to a shelter this weekend. Catchella, and $49 adoption fees for adult cats, will run at all RSPCA NSW shelters from April 12–14. Image: Smoke T Woe.
It's Friday night. You just finished work for the week, don't feel like cooking, and you're in the mood for some grub and live music. Head to the inner west, and you'll find this food truck night filling the Flour Mill of Summer Hill's Harvest Park with some of the area's best eats. On offer will be burgers from Nighthawk Diner, tapas from Agape Organics and pasta from Urban Pasta, plus selections from Flour Mill local Soul Tree Cafe's menu like roast harissa eggplant or poached za'atar chicken. If you've got some killer leftovers at home but you're looking for a sweet treat after dinner, head down for the fluffy and powdered sugar-covered Chruby's Dutch Pancakes. Soul Tree will also be making coffees if you need some pep after a long week, and Summer Hill's The Temperance Society will be on hand serving drinks. Local musicians will be providing the soundtrack for the night, performing live under the stars — which have a high chance of being out according to the weather forecast. The food trucks will be operational from 5–9pm on Friday, April 23, with the last orders taken at 8.30pm. Street parking is available, however Flour Mill is encouraging diners to utilise the Lewisham West light rail station just beside the park, or either of the Summer Hill or Lewisham train stations that sit roughly a five-minute walk away.
If dessert is your favourite meal of the day, then you should make your way to the sugary sweet and whimsical world of CandyFest High Tea at Shangri-La Sydney. The limited-time high tea is only available from September 28 until October 13, right in time for the school holidays. Held in the Grand Ballroom of the luxe hotel, candy lovers will delight in the confectionery creations the dessert masters of Shangri-La Sydney have dreamt up. Choose between a slice of the giant rainbow swirl lollipop cheesecake or fluffy fairy floss fraise gateau, or opt for a chewy, gooey marshmallow brownie or a jelly bean cupcake. Get involved and create your own decadent desserts like a lolly pizza cookie at the interactive stations. Sweet treats aren't the only dishes on offer. Savoury options include the ratatouille vegetable calzone, barramundi fish pie, Grandma's beef croquette and scalloped potato gold coins. The food isn't the only reason to make your way to the high tea. The Grand Ballroom will be decked out with balloons in the shape of giant gummy bears, unicorns, rainbows and colossal candy canes (of course). It's a dream setting for any child — or adult looking for a luxe afternoon of delicious treats to satisfy the sweetest of sweet teeth. CandyFest High Tea is available for a limited time only across three weekends. It will be hosted in the Grand Ballroom on September 28–29, October 5–6 and October 11–13 in two seatings at 11am–1pm and 2–5pm. Bookings can be made on the website, priced at $84 per adult (aged 12 and above) and $64 per child (aged 11 and under). There is no charge for children under two years old.
Lankan Filling Station is shaking things up and ensuring you've got the chance to start your week with some top-notch buryani. The Darlinghurst diner is opening on Mondays from October 9, and also shifting its regular buryani night to the start of the week. To celebrate, O Tama Carey and the crew are hosting a series of guest chefs every Monday afterwards for the rest of the year. Usually, buyriani nights see Lankan Filling Station whip up the signature saffron-scented rice in a chatty pot and serve it with a weekly curry, plus raita, sambol and papadums. Now, each week during the chef series, a talented figure from across Sydney's hospitality scene will arrive at the Riley Street kitchen to put their own spin on the menu. The first four guests have been announced: Mat Lindsay (A.P Bakery, Ester and Poly); Pasi Petanen (Cafe Paci); Jin Sun Son, Seung Kee Son, Kenny Son and Youmee Jeon (Sang by Mabasa); and Jemma Whiteman and Matt Young (Ante) — it's a real who's who of our best restaurants in Sydney list. The restaurant has also teased writer Danielle Alvarez (ex-Freds) and Baba's Place's Jean-Paul El Tom as future featured chefs as part of the series. The special guest set menu will be available for $65 and can be shared between two people. Or, if you want to go all out, there will be an OTT banquet available each Monday for $85. The regular Lankan Filling Station menu will also be available, and you can expect a special bespoke drink to also pop up each week, matching each chef's unique creations. Top image: Parker Blain.
Real Festival is returning to Penrith for 2023 and this year's offering promises to be one of the most enticing yet. Expect live entertainment, food trucks, markets, fun workshops, family activities and a festival bar — all set in the beautiful Tench Reserve by the Nepean River. Running from Friday, September 15, to Sunday, September 17, Real is the perfect way to welcome the arrival of spring with the fam, mates, or that special someone. Plus, with the cost of living rising ever higher (sorry I refuse to pay any more than $5 for a coffee), free festivals like Real are a welcome addition to the social calendar. The festival takes full advantage of the riverside location, with kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, Nepean Belle cruises, dragon boat sessions, and even a jet-pack show over the water if you fancy a bit of second-hand adrenaline. Though do keep in mind these on-the-water activities are for the Sunday program only, so don't bother bringing your bathers on the Friday or Saturday (or do, we're not your parents). As the sun sets, enjoy the Friday and Saturday exclusive night programming. Peruse the illuminated interactive art displays, let out your inner child at the neon-lit open-air arcade, or get in on more neon action at the "Silent DisGlow" or the "Roller Rink by Busways". And once you're tuckered out, take in some of the myriad live music and performances that will run throughout the festival. Feeling crafty? Real will play host to a wide variety of workshops to suit all ages and interests, including kid's yoga, plant identification, hula hooping, weaving, instrument making, pot decorating, beaded jewellery creation, and even a whole "Circus Drop Zone" which will help you brush up on your trapeze, juggling, and unicycle skills (c'mon, you know you're rusty). And once you're done expanding your abilities, take a relaxing stroll through the eclectic range of artisan markets. And of course, we cannot gloss over the most important aspect of any festival — the food. With a haul of options courtesy of more than 20 of Sydney's best food trucks, it's a tough ask to make a pick. Though you really can't go wrong with BBQ from Big Jay's Smokehouse, a crispy onion flower from Burger Head as a side, chased with a fresh Dutch Stroopwafel from Stroopbros — a goated combination if there ever was one. Real Festival will run from 4pm–10pm on Friday and Saturday, and from 10am–3pm on the Sunday. See you there.
Saying that your island is the funniest in the world is a big gamble. For one, you're competing against places with funny names, such as Intercourse Island. Then there's the quantative issue of islands that have a higher population of comedians, such as Great Britain.Luckily, the World's Funniest Island isn't legally bound to accurately representing its name, though it does go to great lengths to reach the mark. For two whole days comedy-lovers have the option of being trapped on an island with an assortment of hilarious acts, running from stand-up comedy through to cheeky burlesque. Top of the list are the international past blasters, Alexei Sayle (of the Young Ones) and The Goodies. But definitely check out local produce, such as the dubbed darlings of the Imperial Panda Festival - the Mad Max Remix, Edinburgh-storming rock act, the Axis of Awesome, and the most highbrow of events, the Erotic Fan Fiction readings.Also, if you want to engage in an activity that is rife with pun opportunities, you're welcome to grab a camping pass for the two days on the island. Choice phrases like "Put it in there," and "I can't get it up high enough," will never be the same again.Video of Erotic Fiction Favourites: Shia Labeouf by Nuclear Palm Comedy (not performing at World's Funniest Island)https://youtube.com/watch?v=p5OHPnRBUD0
With winter fast approaching, we've realised (yet another) thing we're missing out on this year: those change-of-season warehouse sales where you can nab high-end designer threads and accessories at insanely discounted prices. Luckily, Bondi eyewear favourite Local Supply is taking its annual warehouse sale online this year — and offering up to 70 percent off to boot. The brand's prices are hard to beat on a regular day, but from Wednesday, May 27 until midnight on Monday, June 1, you'll be getting Local Supply goods for a serious bargain. A whopping 70 styles are up for grabs at ridiculously reduced prices — that's sunnies starting at just $24 dollarydoos. Want to see the world through rose coloured lenses during these especially difficult times? You can nab a pair of Arena PMP20s with plum coloured lenses for $26.99. Or, for those long hours sitting in front of your laptop, some blue light protective lenses for about $45 bucks. Polarised lens are also on the docket from around $60. As the name suggests, the independently owned brand is all about keeping it local — and keeping prices attainable, too. Opened in 2013, it's run by former Dior eyewear designer Petra Ekborn, so you know you're getting some seriously schmick sunnies. Plus the brand uses zero waste manufacturing techniques and the frames are BPA-free and hypoallergenic, too. Local Supply is currently offering free delivery across Australia on all orders over $100, and a flat rate of just $5 for smaller purchases. The Local Supply online warehouse sale will run from Wednesday, May 27 until midnight on Sunday, May 31, with 70 percent off select styles. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
A mainstay of Australia's film festival scene for 22 years, the Moro Spanish Film Festival doesn't just celebrate a single country. It also celebrates a language. With Spanish ranking as the globe's second most popular tongue, this showcase of cinema broadens its gaze across the world — not only highlighting movies from the festive European nation that gives the fest its name but, by joining forces with the Cine Latino Film Festival in 2019, screening flicks from Latin America as well. Consider the end result the biggest bargain there is in the film fest world: two festivals for the price of one. Consider it a hefty lineup of new Spanish-language movies, too, with 32 titles touring the country until mid-May. Overseas award-winners? New voices making their debut? A focus on female filmmakers? They're all on this year's program. So are existential thrillers, queer standouts and classic romps — which each claim a place among our five must-sees. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQ5qPWgG1H0 ANA BY DAY Seeing double is one of cinema's favourite tropes — from creepy twins to stalking lookalikes to cases of mistaken identity, doppelgängers are all common film fodder. In Ana by Day, the eponymous Madrid woman (Ingrid García Jonsson) finds her life turned upside down when her double arrives, takes over and leaves her to her own devices. It's a tantalising notion, especially when Ana decides to lean into the situation and live the existence she's always wanted. As conveyed by first-time filmmaker Andrea Jaurrieta as well as exceptional star García Jonsson, at the core of the concept sits a simple truth: the struggle to realise who we really are. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iO_PZqilExE CARMEN & LOLA Premiering at last year's Cannes Film Festival, picking up two gongs at this year's Goya Awards, and earning plenty of praise on the queer festival circuit, Carmen and Lola brings an observant, empathetic eye to a tale of romance versus prejudice. The movie's two paramours are also its two victims — and while the setup might feel somewhat familiar, this film has its own spark. Here, a pair of Roman women (Zaira Romero and Rosy Rodríguez) in a Catholic gypsy community defy tradition by falling for each other. Drawing upon her documentary background, writer/director Arantxa Echevarría uses her non-professional cast perfection, conveying the heart-swelling love and heartbreaking oppression that mark the titular characters' lives. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKdTPuCgqkU ROJO He mightn't be a household name, but Dario Grandinetti boasts quite the resume, with the Argentinian veteran featuring in everything from Pedro Almodovar's Talk to Her and Julieta to twisty anthology Wild Tales. He's also a multiple film festival best actor award winner for his work in Rojo, playing a lawyer navigating the corruption and crime of Granada in the 1970s. Murky, paranoid thrillers were a staple during that decade, and movies both set in and styled after the period keep reaching screens for a reason, as this complex and compelling affair demonstrates. As the film follows its protagonist's entry into a shady world, it delves into the fractured, fraying reality of pre-coup Argentina. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0paBosD04mM THE GOOD GIRLS Peering at the lives of the wealthy isn't just about indulging envious fantasies, dreaming of a different existence or watching a cashed-up trainwreck, Real Housewives-style. Rather, whether in satirical or melodramatic mode — and this Mexican comedy-drama operates in both — it's about examining the inner workings of the upper echelons and laying bare a society from the top down. Expect all of the above in Alejandra Márquez Abella's second feature, which follows the wives of her country's richest men in 1982. A wife to Fernando (Flavio Medina) and a mother to three children, Sofia (Ilse Salas) is accustomed to a charmed life, until her and her pals experience the other side. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PypMOEKJuh8 WOMEN ON THE VERGE OF A NERVOUS BREAKDOWN Breakups, breakdowns, breaking free, blending sleeping pills into gazpacho — that's actor Pepa Marcos' (Carmen Maura) life when she's dumped by her fellow thespian boyfriend Iván (Fernando Guillén). It's also just the beginning of the always spirited, often farcical story that drives this masterful 1988 comedy from Spanish auteur Pedro Almodovar. One of the filmmaker's deserved early hits, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown is also the film that helped introduce the world to Antonio Banderas' charms. It wasn't the pair's first collaboration; however, this Oscar-nominated, multiple Goya-winning film thrust both the director and his star to greater attention, and it's easy to see why. The Moro Spanish Film Festival tours Australia from April 16, screening at Sydney's Palace Norton Street, Palace Verona and Palace Central from April 16 to May 8; Melbourne's Palace Cinema Como, Palace Westgarth, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Balwyn, Kino Cinemas and The Astor Theatre from April 18 to May 8; Brisbane's Palace Barracks and Palace James Street from April 24 to May 15; and Perth's Palace Cinema Paradiso from April 24 to May 15. For more information, visit the festival website.
If you're a dog person, being surrounded by wagging tails and beaming pooch faces is one of the happiest feelings in the world. Here's another: doing your part to assist animals in need. Each year — a pandemic hiatus aside — the RSPCA's Million Paws Walk combines the two, asking Sydneysiders and their puppers to go for a stroll to help raise funds for an obviously extremely worth cause. Come Sunday, May 28, this endorphin-sparking mosey returns for 2023, taking over Cathy Freeman Park within Sydney Olympic Park. Whether you're keen to dress up for the occasion — in a matching outfit to your four-legged bestie, of course — or just pop on your sneakers and usual workout attire, you can choose between a two- and four-kilometre walk from 10am. Entry costs $30 for adults and $15 for concessions, with the money raised going towards RSPCA NSW's work rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals. In addition to the exercise, you and Rover can browse a heap stalls afterwards, and enter raffles, shop for RSPCA merch, listen to live tunes and score prizes. There's also dog washing, doggy drinks and puppycinnos, and pupper photography. Can't make it to Sydney Olympic Park? Check out the full list of venues around NSW. Images: Call of the Wild Pet Photography.
While it felt like this year's cultural calendar was dominated by bottomless brunches and themed high teas (and there were a lot of them) a lot of other game-changing events were also taking place. From a full-scale replica of London's historic Globe Theatre — complete with plays — to an immersive audiovisual installation telling First Peoples' stories and a living exhibition of over 25,000 carnivorous plants, Sydney has seen a influx of events celebrating the city's cultural ecosystem and bringing people together. At Concrete Playground we encourage exploration and showcase innovation in our city every day, so we thought it fitting to reward those most talented whippersnappers pushing Sydney to be a better, braver city. And so, these six new events, taking place in 2018, were nominated for Best New Event in Concrete Playground's Best of 2018 Awards.
The CBD's Angel Place is set to gain a new wine and pasta bar, courtesy of Sydney hospo gurus Matthew Swieboda and Nathanial Hatwell (Love, Tilly Devine, Dear Sainte Éloise), Chef Scott Williams (Bacco Osteria e Espresso, MoVida) and front-of-house star Felix Colman (Dear Sainte Éloise). Ragazzi is slated to open in early August and will focus on minimal-intervention Italian wines and hand-rolled pasta. Just as Love, Tilly Devine champions Aussie drops and Dear Sainte Éloise focuses more on the French, Regazzi will do the same for Italian varieties — featuring small Italian producers and Australian wineries that use Italian grapes. The 38-seat wine bar will offer around 20 wines by-the-glass and a whopping 250 by the bottle, so there will be heaps to choose from. Alongside the natural wines, there'll be a succinct food menu that changes daily and showcases regional Italian pasta dishes. While it's not yet finalised, expect to see dishes like campanelle with goat and anchovy ragu, beef cheek and horseradish lasagna and corzetti stampati with pipis and sausage — the house-made sausage made using whichever meat is available on the day. There will also be a weekly sea urchin special. The urchin will be sourced from south Sydney, with Ragazzi receiving a fresh delivery from a local every Thursday after his morning dive. So, expect to see it on the menu from Thursday night onwards (until sold out) in dishes like sea urchin spaghetti with chilli and garlic or pasta fritta with sea urchin and butter. [caption id="attachment_730168" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Felix Colman, Scott Williams, Nathanial Hatwell and Matthew Swieboda[/caption] Williams will use Spanish cooking techniques to create his Italian bar snacks, too — a nod to his experience in the kitchens of Madrid and Barcelona. Those include pork belly and smoked scamorza croquettes, made with béchamel filling, and the antipasti offered as single-serve tapas instead of on large share plates. "We're trying to keep things a smaller and lighter so people can try more things without being completely stuffed," says Williams. Apart from all the pasta and bar snacks, there will be a few regularly changing meats, including whole goat, lamb and pig, that'll be sourced locally and broken down into a range of dishes and Milanese-style cutlets. A few simple salads — such as shaved cabbage with hazelnut and pecorino — will make the cut, too, along with daily-churned gelato for dessert. The space will take on neutral tones, with textured concrete walls, leather banquette seating and a 10-seat bar — one which we imagine will be full from day dot. Ragazzi will open in early August at Shop 3, 2–12 Angel Place, Sydney. Hours will be Monday through Friday from 11am–midnight and Saturday from 3pm–midnight.
Sydney Good Food Month presented by Citi is gearing up to turn the big 2-0 this October. To mark the occasion and honour the chefs, restaurants and dishes that have shaped the country's food scene over the past two decades, the food fiesta is hosting a series of throwback-themed lunches. And, because you've been on this journey too, we want you to join the celebration. We're giving away double passes to the two Long Lunch events which will take place in the festival's hub, the Hyde Park Palms, a retro homage to Palm Springs, California (think shaggy carpets, Parker furniture and geometric prints). The first lunch will take place on Sunday, October 7, and will focus on that bygone era that popular culture just can't seem to let go of: the 90s. This is your chance to literally feed your nostalgia as chefs Victor Liong (Lee Ho Fook) and Andy Bowdy (Saga, ex-Hartsyard) create a menu of quintessential 90s flavours. The exact menu remains a secret, but we know Bowdy is partial to the classic 90s desserts (including vanilla slice and apple turnovers), so expect some recognisable flavours from your childhood. Meanwhile, on Sunday, October 14, Melbourne pastry queen Kate Reid (Lune Croissanterie) and young gun chef Mitch Orr (Acme) will take over the Hyde Park Palms kitchen to pay tribute to the noughties. What they're whipping up remains under wraps for now, but both chefs are well-versed in these throwback flavours. Reid's world-famous croissants in classic flavours like finger bun and pecan pie create hour-long lines at her Fitzroy bakehouse, and Orr's baloney sandwich and use of Jatz in a fine-dining setting have made waves in the local culinary scene. Time travel unfortunately doesn't exist (yet) but these long lunches are the next best thing if you're craving a dose of childhood nostalgia. The events sold out quick smart so, if you're keen, decide which lunch most takes your fancy and enter below. [competition]681064[/competition]
Let's call it the sitcom effect: when you watch enough episodes of a TV comedy and suddenly get inspiration to change your life. Maybe you binged Friends and started hanging out in coffee shops more often. Perhaps you saw Parks and Recreation and became obsessed with breakfast foods, working for the parks department, whisky and tiny horses. Or, Schitt's Creek might've had you wanting to open your own motel or apothecary, or star in a horror movie about attacking crows (or just saying "eww" a lot). Whichever fits, we've all been there. Taking a few cues from upcoming sitcom Killing It mightn't be the best idea, though — unless you want to start hunting snakes. That's exactly what the series is about, because TV comedies really can be about anything. And if you're wondering why it should pique your interest beyond its concept, we're sure its off- and on-screen talent will do just that. The last time that Dan Goor and Luke Del Tredici made television together, Brooklyn Nine-Nine was the end result — with Goor one of its co-creators and Del Tredici an executive producer. If that's not enticing enough, their new reptile-focused show also stars The Office's Craig Robinson (another B99 alum, too), as well as Aussie comedian Claudia O'Doherty (Love, Sarah's Channel, Our Flag Means Death). Robinson keeps his first name on-screen here, playing a man with a dream — chasing the American dream, in fact — but very little luck. Then he gets in a rideshare driven by O'Doherty's Jillian, and is quite shocked when she stops mid-trip to casually swing a hammer at a python, as you do. It's a lucrative business, she informs him in her Aussie accent, and he's soon as intrigued as you likely will be while watching the series' first trailer. Killing It isn't just about snake hunting, though. Like most shows and movies that ponder the American dream, it's also about class and capitalism. And yes, it's just the kind of series that was always likely to land in this post-Tiger King world — because the combination of critters, cash and entrepreneurship is rife with possibilities, and also has plenty to say about the US today. Stan subscribers will be able to watch the results from Friday, April 15, which is when Killing It starts streaming — arriving at the same time locally as it does in the US. Also, whatever premise it had, any series that teamed up Robinson and O'Doherty was always going to be a must-see — slaying snakes or not. Check out the trailer for Killing It below: Killing It will start streaming in Australia via Stan on Friday, April 15. Images: Skip Bolen/Peacock.
It seems that 2020 is the year of staying local, although you don't need us to tell you that. For months so far — and for months to come — we're all making the most of our own backyard. We're eating local, and supporting local businesses. We're all travelling and holidaying throughout New South Wales, too. And, whether you prefer a yeasty brew to cap off your week, a full-bodied wine with dinner or a few cocktails whenever the mood strikes, you can drink the state's finest tipples as well. We're always keen to highlight local folks doing great things, of course — and, to showcase homegrown winemakers, brewers and distillers, we've teamed up with our mates at BWS to celebrate a few of the best. Here are six must-try NSW and ACT drops that you can pick up at your nearest BWS.
Husband-and-wife furniture business Reddie has a new showroom next to The Dolphin Hotel on Crown Street. Created by Caroline and Andrew Olah, Reddie specialises in sleek, modern and colourful homewares with an emphasis on durable high-quality materials — all of which will be showcased at this Surry Hills gallery-like showroom. "With our new showroom, we can showcase our products in the way they were intended in a clean and pared-back space. Our products are architectural minimalist in design with a utilitarian approach. We don't follow trends and fads, instead, we focus on clean lines, versatile designs, and beautiful craftsmanship," Creative Director Caroline Olah said. "As customers can tailor products by colour and/or size, the gallery-like space allows them to feel inspired and get creative. The simplicity in the space also creates a gender-neutral environment for our customers." In order to give visitors an experience reminiscent of an art gallery, the Olahs have stripped the building, knocking down walls and giving it a stark white coat of paint, creating a flowing open showroom that accentuates the fun and vibrancy of the furniture. Potential buyers will have the chance to wander through this homely space in the heart of Sydney, discovering the variety of items Reddie has on offer. Alongside its signature chairs, tables and desks, the organisation also produces home accessories by upcycling waste from its furniture production. You'll find wall hooks, umbrella holders, chopping boards, bowls and planters, all made using leftovers from some of Reddie's larger projects.
Over the past week, we've been hurtled into the throes of winter. While Australia sweltered through a warmer-than-average autumn, it's now appropriately windy and rainy. The gloves and beanies are out of storage and it's time to start loading up on sweets and carbs. To help us do this, Krispy Kreme has announced it's giving away an extremely excessive number of doughnuts. How many? 100,000, to be exact. The giveaway is running in conjunction with 'World Doughnut Day', and while we're not a big fan of food 'days' we are big fans of free food. Especially free doughnuts. To snag yourself a signature glazed freebie (Original Glazed doughnuts are being given out) head to your closest store in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Perth. Sydneysiders have ten stores — stretching from Penrith to the CBD — to choose from, while Victorians have eight, including a Collins Street store. Queenslanders can pick from five different doughnut shops, with the most central in the CBD Myer Centre, and Perthians can head to one of three Krispy Kreme stores or some Jesters. The 100,000 doughnuts will be spread across all Aussies stores, which means there'll be about 3000 free 'uns available at each. So, you'll want to get in relatively early if you want to kick off your Friday with a free sweet and doughy treat. Most stores open around 7am and there's a limit of one glazed doughnut per person. The free doughnuts are not available at BPs or 7-Elevens. Krispy Kreme's free doughnut giveaway is happening nationwide on Friday, June 7. To find your closest store and check its opening hours, head to the Krispy Kreme website.
Hot on the heels of opening their second RaRa outpost in Randwick, owners Scott Gault and Katie Shortland have just unveiled a third ramen joint on Newtown's Australia Street — but this one is 100 percent vegan. Opening its doors on the weekend, Lonely Mouth is located in the old Oscillate Wildly digs, next door to Black Star Pastry and down the block from Continental Deli and the Courty. Gault said the (slightly) new direction for the popular brand was in response to how popular RaRa's vegan ramen had been at its other two outposts. "Since opening RaRa Redfern, we have been blown away by the support from our vegan customers," says Gault. "We worked on various vegan ramen and sides in the background, but due to the limitations of the size of the Redfern space were unable to give the dishes the light of day or proper attention they deserved." As Newtown is already a top destination for vegan and vegetarian dining, with the likes of Gigi's Pizzeria, Golden Lotus and Lentil as Anything, the RaRa team felt Lonely Mouth would fit-right-in alongside the other vegan "trailblazers". [caption id="attachment_694680" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Luisa Brimble[/caption] At Lonely Mouth, the team has introduced a menu that's entirely new — apart from the vegan miso ramen, which is a fan-favourite already at RaRa Redfern. Alongside it, you'll find three new (all-vegan) ramen: a sunflower and hemp seed shoyu, with plant-based 'chashu', nori, bamboo shoots and black fungus; the tantanmen (spicy sichuan-based sesame broth) topped with house 'mince', bok choy, ground mixed nuts and sichuan peppercorns; and a soy shiro miso, topped with grilled tofu, red cabbage, bean sprouts and grilled corn. And, on top of the ramen, instead of tamago, you'll find Lonely Mouth's own house-made vegan 'eggs'. Apart from ramen, the menu also features a few snacks, including cauliflower karaage infused with shoyu-tare, seasonal Japanese pickles, kimchi and tempura corn. For drinks, expect a new selection of low intervention wines — vegan, of course — as well as the brand's usual Yulli's Brews in cans and Asahi on tap. The fit-out is a cross between a modern ramen shop and a small Tokyo cafe, with art installations and a living plant wall, plus more hanging greenery, lanterns and warm lighting. You can expect more of those typical RaRa queues, too, so expect a (well worth it) wait. Lonely Mouth is now open at 275 Australia Street, Newtown. Opening hours are noon–2.30pm and 5.30–9.30pm Wednesday; noon–2.30pm and 5.30–10pm Thursday–Friday from, noon–10pm Saturday and noon–5.30pm Sunday.
Bondi's Icebergs is usually known for its stunning beach views and breezy blue and white palette, but, this Halloween, it'll transform into a haunting scene from a Stanley Kubrick film for a decadent and slightly spooky dinner. Taking place on Saturday, October 31, the extravagant evening will include a seven-course meal, theatrical cocktails and an intimate performance by Sneaky Sound System. And it comes with a fairly extravagant price tag, too: $400 a head. If you've got that kind of money to drop on a fun night out — we're not currently spending any cash on overseas jaunts, after all — read on. At the dinner, you'll eat your way through the likes of coral trout tartare with green ants, David Blackmore wagyu bresaola with pig's blood crackers, squid ink spaghetti, suckling pig and truffle salad all created by Head Chef Alex Prichard. You certainly won't be leaving hungry — or thirsty for that matter. While the ticket price doesn't include drinks, a range of horror film-inspired cocktails will be on offer. Sip on a chilli-spiked watermelon drink that's served on fire, a blood red cocktail inspired by that hallway scene from The Shining and a black gin fizz. The dress code is black tie, but, as it's Halloween, a little fake blood and fangs wouldn't go astray. Bookings are essential and can be made over here. [caption id="attachment_786694" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nikki To[/caption]
Get ready for some action-packed bombastic fun this winter at Australia's hottest new attraction: Monster Jump. The 280-metre-long inflatable obstacle course is set to bounce into the Entertainment Quarter in Sydney over the school holidays on Saturday, July 1. Monster Jump will be running daily up until Sunday, July 16, so book in a session with your crew before the tickets sell out (as they inevitably will). You can bring the whole family to this inflatable wonderland for hours of fun and some healthy competition, whether you want to take your time bouncing your way through the obstacles or racing your mates to see who can finish the fastest. Slide, climb and bounce into school holiday fun with this thrilling family-friendly day out. For more information and to book, visit the website.
Newtown's newest Italian spot Casa Mia Osteria is doing things a little differently. The King Street spot's pizzas come on fluffy-yet-crunchy Roman-style bases. Known as pinsa, these flatbread-esque creations are a contemporary take on an ancient style of making pizza. Come Wednesday nights, the new inner west spot runs pinsa night where all pizzas on the Casa Mia menu can be paired with a glass of wine for just $20. If you're looking for an affordable and unique midweek meal, Casa Mia has you covered. While you're there you can pick up a bottle of red to accompany your dinner from the restaurant's refined hand-picked selection of Italian and Australian wines. If you want to get your hands on one, topped with four cheese and pear, mortadella and pistachios, or prosciutto and gorgonzola, you can find them on south King Street right by Sydney Park. Casa Mia is open for takeaway, or free delivery to inner west locals on order over $100. Images: Kitti Gould
Swim season is nearly upon us (finally) and the Andrew (Boy) Charlton pool is starting it off with free entry, free brekkie and free yoga. The pool will officially reopen for the 2019/20 season on Sunday, September 1 and it's giving free entry to every single person who walks through the door between 6am and 7pm that day. If you see yourself doing a lot of swimming this spring, you can also sign up for a free two-week 360 Membership, which gets you access to all City of Sydney pools and fitness centres. Now, back to the yoga. The Sydney Yoga Collective is hosting free classes at 10am and 3pm. They're limited to 30 people each, so if you're keen you should sign up here ASAP. In between laps, you'll also be able to eat free brekkie, listen to live tunes and maybe score a door prize. And, of course, the ABC pool's proximity to the Botanical Gardens and views across the harbour make it an appealing spot as it is.
Sydney loves a good collaboration. Whether it's the combination of two nostalgic chocolates, a new Enmore Road bar from a heap of hospo favourites or one-off culinary combos, it's always a delight to see two of our faves come together to make something new. Ricos Tacos and its owner Toby Wilson seems to agree, with the beloved Chippendale joint announcing a new series of collabs with three of this city's most exciting venues. Taking place every two weeks across three Tuesdays in autumn, Ricos Mates will roll out one-off menus, with a new Sydney favourite in the kitchen for each iteration. Things will kick off with a takeover from Porcine on March 28, so expect plenty of perfectly cooked pork to be injected into the Ricos menu. From there, Central Station's brand new pizzeria Pizza Oltra will be on the tools, bringing its New York-style flair over to Meagher Street on April 4. Finally, Marrickville warehouse restaurant Baba's Place will be arriving with its cult-following celebration of southwest Sydney cuisine on April 18. Ricos recently updated its opening hours, adding a dinner menu featuring crab tostadas and lemon myrtle margaritas to its already popular offerings. These collaborations take full advantage of the extended closing time. Each collab night kicks off at 5.30pm. You might be tempted to try and reserve your spot so you can make sure you get your hands on a Porcine or Baba's Place taco, but Ricos doesn't take bookings, so you'll just have to get down early. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ricos Tacos (@ricostacotruck) Top image: Nikki To
CLICK HERE FOR SET TIMES You know that feeling after you see one of your favourite bands. You clap for an encore and the band obliges but then after that it's over. You muddle about with your friends trying to "keep the vibe," trying to push through that initial moment of realising it's over before going home and falling into that trap of reminisce led by internet searches for instant keep-the-vibe gratification. Well, no fear with Playground Weekender as it goes for FOUR DAYS, and let's face it, after that last encore is done, you will be happy just to head home and wash the dirt from your feet with a smile. Let's start with the line-up. There's the cultish garage-rockers Brian Jonestown Massacre and the cultish gospel-rockers Polyphonic Spree. There's the new/old/infinity ravers Oribital, and the treadmill treaders OK GO, and Lupe Fiasco too. There's Jamie Lidell and James Lavelle, Bjorn Again and The Cribs. Also in there, local heroes Washington, Bluejuice and Pivot. See what I mean? I'm tired and not even through half the list yet. If the idea of just seeing bands for four days sounds exhausting, there's a cinema, bars, markets, food stalls and a 24 hour cafe. Saturday is for Fancy Dress which includes a catwalk show for you to show off whatever it is you decide to show off. If your chakras are a bit out of whack from all that hoofing around you can attend a yoga class or enter the Riverside Healing Zone. If you don't particularly fancy roughing it in a tent you can book in for a cabin, a nearby hotel or a caravan/campervan. If you are reading this thinking "yes, I will go to the Riverside Healing Zone," there are traditional tipis too. We have 2 x four-day (including camping) Playground Weekender festival passes to giveaway to a Concrete Playgrounder. For your chance to win, sign up for our weekly newsletter (if you haven't already) then email hello@concreteplayground.com.au with 'Playground' in the heading along with a haiku on why you should win. We'll notify the winner by 6pm, Tuesday 16th February. https://youtube.com/watch?v=ZhqDoWR9Jok
Returning this August to tickle the fancies of design nerds Sydney-wide is WORKSHOPPED15 — the 15th iteration of one of Australia’s longest running annual design exhibitions. Showcasing the work of emerging and established Aussie designers, this year the folk from WORKSHOPPED are calling for work that considers design in architecture, looking for designers who are reshaping, redefining and reinventing materials, techniques and forms. Expect the full shebang — complete with pendant lights, fancy fans and other assorted space enhancers — to take over the Supa Centa at Moore Park from August 6-23. (For insiders, there’s also a VIP opening night on August 5.) With over 50 designers bringing their best stuff, the WORKSHOPPED exhibition is the granddaddy of Australian design expos; it was here that Kate Stokes debuted her now-ubiquitous Coco Pendant back in 2010. All of which to say that you’ll want to be there — this is where next big design things are born.
What’s a Queen’s birthday long weekend for if not an excuse to throw a big loud party with lots of punk music where everyone sits around giving each other stick 'n’ pokes*? The Lansdowne have well and truly capitalised on that opportunity, with their long weekend mini festival God Save the Queen (which is just the smutty antidote you need to years of anachronistic colonial rule by one enormously and disproportionately wealthy and powerful stuffy English family over this country, and so many others). A ticket gets you an afternoon and evening of, among lots more, The Snowdroppers’ twangy swampy blues (with just the right amount of harmonica) and The Art’s genre-tipping hard rock. And when you inevitably find yourself wanting to ink up? (It’s that kind of music, after all.) You won’t have to go far, as King Street Tattoo will be there on the day doing flash tats for cheap. There’s no work on Monday, meaning you’ll have plenty of time to lay in bed and contemplate any regrettable and/or permanent decisions. *Disclaimer: The King Street folk are licensed professionals with proper equipment. Move along.
Prolific Japanese sludge-psychedelic noisemakers Boris are well acquainted with sounds of every type. They've released 19 albums full of them in the past 20 years — spanning from doom-laden metal to feedback-heavy acid rock — culminating in last year's release, with the you-can’t-say-they-didn’t-warn-you of a title Noise. It's a far cry from J-pop (though the trio have been known to dabble in it), but still a sound inspired by Japan. "Every street in every city is flooded with massive noise, from people talking, the constant playing of uncomfortable commercial music, so many conflicting sounds in one space," bassist/guitarist/vocalist Takeshi told the SMH. Last time Boris made it to Australia they played their 2002 cult classic record Flood in its entirety. If you manage to bag a ticket to one of their Newtown Social Club shows this month, come prepared for eardrum-popping experimental soundscapes as dense as their discography is in releases. Don't forget your earplugs. Supported by Dumbsaint + Hawkmoth.
Art and the mind — it's a collaboration that isn't always directly celebrated but it makes perfect sense when you think about it. The mind is the source of all artistic endeavours, so works of art reflecting back on this wellspring of creativity seem to offer a lovely symmetry, yes? The Brain Art Exhibition aims to showcase the work of talented young artists while simultaneously promoting brain awareness in the community. We're all interested in how our brains function in the realms of work, play, creativity and relationships and the 'Unconference' attached to this unique exhibition will include a series of explorations of these universally appealing issues. On opening night, March 3, you'll get to peruse the work of finalists in the 2011 Brain Art Awards and play voyeur as Julie Doye wields her live portraiture skills on some interesting minds ranging from a rock photographer (Tony Mott) to a psychiatrist (Amanda Wilson). Julie is a renowned painter, illustrator and installation artist with a pop/street-art sensibility and a penchant for performance art. So come enjoy a free glass of vino, check out the hot up-and-comers on the Sydney art scene, and contribute to the proliferation of brain awareness in the community. Can so many boxes really be ticked in one evening? Winners of the Brain Art Awards will be announced at the Fundraising Awards Night on Friday March 11, and you can purchase art from the exhibition during a live auction. Proceeds will contribute to the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse at RPA. Image: Julie Doye
Before Stranger Things returns for its fifth and final season sometime in 2025, Finn Wolfhard has some slasher things to deal with. Movie lovers in Sydney can see how that pans out at Fantastic Film Festival Australia's 2025 run. With Hell of a Summer, the actor also turns co-director and co-writer with his Ghostbusters: Afterlife, When You Finish Saving the World and Saturday Night co-star Billy Bryk, with the pair giving the summer-camp masked-killer horror subgenre their own spin. Helping out on-screen: Gladiator II and The White Lotus' Fred Hechinger, plus Reservation Dogs' D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai. That's how Fantastic Film Festival Australia is opening this year, with a meta horror-comedy. From there, this celebration of boundary-pushing pictures has 26 more features on its lineup, 16 of the rest brand-new and then ten others must-see classics. Sydneysiders can get their fix from Thursday, April 24–Friday, May 16 at Ritz Cinemas, Randwick. If you haven't been to FFFA before, the event is marking its fifth iteration in 2025 — and one of its hallmarks, the nude screening, is back for the occasion. Get ready to say "yeah, baby" to watching a movie sans clothes, with Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery this year's flick to watch while wearing nix (following on from past sessions of nudist camp-set comedy Patrick, The Full Monty, Zoolander and The Naked Gun). Another highlight of 2025's program: the retrospective dedicated to Scottish writer/director Lynne Ramsay. Her filmography might only span four features since 1999, all of which are showing at FFFA, but it's a resume that any fellow helmer should envy. For audiences, getting the chance to see Ratcatcher, Morvern Callar, We Need to Talk About Kevin and You Were Never Really Here on the big screen — whether for the first time or as a revisit — is a cinephile's dream. Among the fest's new fare, The Second Act hits the lineup after opening the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, with Rubber and Deerskin's Quentin Dupieux enlisting Léa Seydoux (Dune: Part Two), Louis Garrel (Saint-Exupéry) and Vincent Lindon (The Quiet Son) for his latest absurdist satire. Or, catch Tár's Noémie Merlant in The Balconettes, which she co-wrote with her Portrait of a Lady on Fire director Céline Sciamma; see what happens when The Wild Boys and After Blue's Bertrand Mandico combines two film essays in one split-screen presentation in Dragon Dilatation; and head back to 1999 while journeying into teen antics 3000 light years away in Escape From the 21st Century. Viewers can get a dose of eerie puppetry via Monkey's Magic Merry Go Round, too, then watch Crispin Glover (Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities) as a magician in Mr. K and undergo a unique animated musical-comedy experience with Spermageddon. Back with FFFA's 2025 blasts from the past, John Woo's (The Killer) gun-fu great Hard Boiled is the festival's closing-night pick, including screening in 35mm in Sydney. If you're keen on a movie marathon, Umbrella-Palooza will get you watching three films about technological nightmares, all courtesy of Australian distributor Umbrella Entertainment — starting with 2002's Cypher, then heading back to 1990's vision of cyberpunk in Hardware, before the OG Japanese Pulse unleashes its presence. Supporting homegrown efforts, the fest has 1977 psychological thriller Summerfield among its retro component, alongside four newcomers: the Super 8-shot A Grand Mockery; the Pedro Almodóvar (The Room Next Door)-inspired Salt Along the Tongue; Pure Scum, which is set amid Melbourne's private-school culture; and Sword of Silence, as shot completely under a full moon. Aussie talents are also in focus in the Sydney Shorts screening.
The great Granny Smith is one of Australia's favourite apples. But do you know where the popular fruit gets its name? Fun fact: it comes from Ryde local, Maria Ann 'Granny' Smith, who accidentally grew the first known crop, way back in 1868. Since then, Eastwood has celebrated with a free annual festival of market stalls, food trucks, rides, live entertainment and a pop-up bar. Plus, there's also a 2,000-strong community parade through the streets. It all goes down on Saturday, October 19 this year. So, expect the neighbourhood to transform into an apple extravaganza. Begin your adventures by checking out out the market stalls along Rowe Street and Progress Avenue, peddling designer jewellery, clothing and, of course, creations inspired by apples. Be sure to drop into the Green Hub, too, to get yourself a native plant and learn all about making your home more sustainable — without spending any more money. Or, play a game of mini golf or jump on the ferris wheel. Then, head to Granny's Cider Bar on West Parade, near Eastwood Oval. Bilpin Cider will be serving up cider and other chilled offerings, soundtracked by beats from the DJ Boombox Truck. Come lunchtime, take a wander through food stalls and trucks, feast on raclette, fried chicken, Dutch poffertjes (tiny pancakes) and more. Plus, you can catch some live tunes from local musicians at the closing concert, which kicks off at 6pm. Granny Smith Festival will run on Saturday, October 19, from 9am–8.30pm. Check out the rest of the Granny Smith Festival program over here.
To many, a blank piece of paper is begging to be scrawled upon. But while writers and list-makers, heck, dreamers of any type look to words and doodles to fill empty space, German artist Thomas Demand has long had others ideas. Renowned for creating large-scale sculptures out of paper and cardboard, and then photographing the end results before destroying his handiwork, Demand’s forthcoming exhibition will fascinate the masses for its understated beauty. In an image featuring a piece of crumpled notepaper, poking out from the steel bars of a street gutter, the scene’s simplicity evokes an overwhelming sense of sadness. Truly, you almost feel sorry for the paper and if you stare at it long enough, the creases begin to resemble rose petals. Another, of a coffee cup squished between the links of a fence, sparks further intrigue. It is Demand’s quiet story-telling ability that proves hypnotic. Who would’ve thought blank sheets of paper could speak in such volume? Critics might compare the whole business to something like Sam Mendes’ infamous magnet for mockery, the American Beauty plastic bag. And yes, in a similar vein, each work encourages viewers to stop and really survey their surroundings. But there is an undeniable depth to Demand’s imagination. Demand, whose works feature inside New York City’s Guggenheim and MOMA galleries, has earned plenty of praise for his genius minimalistic takes. Arguably his most famous work, Presidency, which was commissioned by The New York Times and now hangs in photo-form in Washington’s National Gallery of Art, showcases a recreation of the White House’s Oval office. Life-like like you wouldn’t believe, it serves as an unassuming conversation starter. Much like each of the works in this particular exhibition. The Dailies is open Monday to Friday 11-7, Saturdays 11-4. On April 5, 12 and 19 it opens until 9 for Parlour.
It's the trend that's spreading the fun of surfing beyond the beach, and it has finally hit Sydney: man-made surf parks in general, and the Harbour City's first Urbnsurf specifically. From Monday, May 13, surf's now up at Sydney Olympic Park. Who said that you could only ride waves on the coast? Originally greenlit back in 2017, construction on Urbnsurf Sydney took its time; however, the facility has been targeting opening before winter 2024 since last year. Back in April, the Urbnsurf crew confirmed the Sydney site's exact launch date, and that it had begun pumping out waves — and the time to welcome surfers of all skill levels into the lagoon is now here. The brand's second location in Australia, after opening in Melbourne in 2020, the $75-million development isn't small. How much space do you need to give Sydney its first Urbnsurf complete with perfect waves year-round, plus impressive food and beverage offerings? And to be able to accommodate up to 1000 people a day? A whopping 3.6-hectares. The diamond-shaped lagoon pool with waves up to two metres in height — and capable of churning out waves every eight seconds, with surfers set to catch between ten and 12 waves per hour — also isn't petite, coming in at around the same size as the Sydney Cricket Ground. "Finally seeing the gates open and the wave machine pumping is a feeling like no other," said Urbansurf CEO Damon Tudor. "Just like Melbourne, Urbansurf Sydney offers the perfect surfing conditions that cater for high-performance athletes and advanced surfers through to people trying surfing for the first time. We're extremely proud to be celebrating this achievement and we are stoked to see our customers ripping it up in the lagoon." "Urbansurf is much more than a surf park and one of the benefits born out of Melbourne is the strong sense of community guests feel when walking through the doors, creating a sense of culture is deep rooted in our core values — and we're excited to start to build our Sydney community," continued Tudor. Urbansurf Sydney offers a range of sessions catering to all types of surfers, whether you're just learning, are returning to the sport or consider yourself an expert. Also, thanks to LED lighting illuminating the man-made waves after dark, visitors have the option of an evening swim. When surfers are done riding waves, Urbnsurf Sydney also features a wellness studio, skate park, Rip Curl store and a surf academy for those looking to take their skills to the next level. Just keen to swim, not surf? There's a pool for that as well. Plus, Sydney hospitality group Applejack is in charge of the culinary offerings at the park, as announced in 2023. Applejack owns and operates venues across Sydney such as Forrester's, The Butler, RAFI and Bopp & Tone. The team is bringing the same produce- and service-driven approach found at its other venues to surfside eatery Sandy's, which launched with the park — and RAFI Urbnsurf, which is on the way, opening this winter. Applejack joins the Urbnsurf family alongside farm-to-table favourites Three Blue Ducks, who provide the food and drink offerings down in Melbourne. Find Urbnsurf Sydney at Sydney Olympic Park — open from 6am–10pm daily.
A permanent festival site in the inner city, a NSW Minister for Music, millions of dollars in funding for contemporary music and a biennial live music census are some of the suggestions put forward today to improve Sydney's wallowing music and nightlife economy. While a vote to repeal to the lockout laws sits with the NSW parliament and is set to be discussed later today, a year-long inquiry into the state of Sydney's music and arts economy has just released its findings — and it has a lot of big recommendations. But, the recommendations are just that: recommendations. For any of them to become a reality, they'll need to be accepted by NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, and actually implemented. Nonetheless, the inquiry's committee found that due to the NSW Government's history of neglect, and lack of funding, for the sector, Sydney's contemporary music economy is "disintegrating". While it doesn't blame the lockout laws for this, it does acknowledge that this is the sentiment throughout the city, quoting submissions from a member of the public saying that "the introduction of the lockout laws were a 'sledgehammer' to the city's night-life" and that "since the lockout laws, not only have the number of venues dramatically decreased, there is no longer the variety of capacity for venues". Sixty recommendations were put forth by the committee, which received more than 400 submission from local businesses, artists and individuals — including Keep Sydney Open, record label Future Classic and the City of Sydney — and a large chunk of them talk directly to Sydney's contemporary music scene and nightlife economy. None of them, however, talk directly to the lockout laws. If you have time to comb through all 351 pages of the report, you can do so here. Otherwise, here are the big six recommendations: The NSW Government should match funding for contemporary music with that of the Victorian Government (which would total $35 million over the next four years). Some NSW gaming machine profits should be used to support the live music industry (which, by the way, was almost $2 billion from Dec 2017–May 2018). A live music census should be held every two years. New live music venue-specific liquor licences should be introduced. Outdated conditions for liquor licences, such as prohibiting music genres or specific musical instruments should be removed. A permanent festival site should be created in inner Sydney. It's also suggested that these changes are made relatively quickly, with the committee urging the NSW Government to complete and publish a nighttime economy master plan by no later than December this year. It ends with Committee Chair Hon. Paul Green MLC saying that to "neglect the music industry any further in New South Wales" will come at the state's "own peril". This report comes weeks after the City of Sydney released its own plan to improve the city's after-dark economy, through the introduction of 24-hour trading in the CBD, later opening hours for bars and a new cultural precinct in Alexandria. The CoS has no power over lockout laws — that's sitting with State Government — and other Liquor & Gaming NSW legislation, which is why Ms Berejiklian and her team need to submit an action plan of their own. Another potential spanner in the works is that a NSW state election is scheduled to take place in March 2019, so even if Ms Berekjiklian does accept some of these recommendations, there's no saying that newly appointed Opposition Leader Mike Daley will if voted in. Mr Daley has already come out to say he's against the winding back of the laws. We'll update you as soon as Ms Berejiklian comments on the report. Image: Frankie's by Katje Ford.
It can seem like when summer disappears, so do our social lives. A bit dramatic? Perhaps. But you have to admit that when the temperature drops, your free time becomes a little less about beach days and barbecues and a little more sweatpants and streaming. But when you've only got limited daylight hours at your disposal, why would you want to spend them all inside? Sydney still gets plenty of sunshine at this time of year and, when a day like that comes along, the best place you can be is by the water with a glass of wine in your hand. So, we've found special lunch deals at two well-loved Sydney restaurants that'll get you out from behind that Netflix queue and soaking up a little more vitamin D. First up, there's Ripples Chowder Bay — the Italian-style restaurant set in a heritage listed building overlooking Sydney Harbour. Throughout autumn, the restaurant is running a special weekday lunch — choose any two courses from the a la carte menu, plus a side and glass of Cape Mentelle wine for just $49 per person. You could stick with an entree and main — think king prawns with smoked paprika aioli and whole market fish — or opt to swap your starter with dessert and have the belly-warming combination of beef fillet with truffle mash and banoffee pie. Whatever you decide, we recommend nabbing a seat on the deck to enjoy your meal al fresco. Meanwhile, Manly Pavilion is skipping the side and offering its two-course lunch menu, with a glass of either Cape Mentelle sauvignon blanc semillon or cabernet merlot, for $45. This decadent long lunch will be on offer Tuesdays to Fridays in the slick bistro dining space. The menu features squid ink linguine with stewed calamari, smoked angus beef brisket, tiramisu and more. And, in some very good news for you (and your somewhat bare social calendar), we're giving you and three mates the chance to enjoy one of these luxurious long lunches. Enter your details below for a chance to win. [competition]714822[/competition]
UPDATE, November 13, 2020: The Front Runner is available to stream via SBS On Demand, Google Play, YouTube Movies and Prime Video. A true tale of scandal on the election trail, The Front Runner is inspired by events from three decades ago. The book that it's based on — non-fiction tome All the Truth Is Out: The Week Politics Went Tabloid — was published in 2014, while columnist-turned-author Mat Bai started the ball rolling with a profile in 2003. And yet, this is a film blatantly begging to be made in the current political climate. Adultery, cover ups, a media firestorm, and debates about the ethics of news coverage and what's even newsworthy all fill the movie's frames. Sound familiar? When Gary Hart's (Hugh Jackman) private life makes the headlines, with a young woman (Sara Paxton) who isn't his wife (Vera Farmiga) seen leaving his Washington DC townhouse, the US politician's response is simple. He might be the Democratic party's leading contender for the 1988 presidential nomination, but he believes that what happens behind closed doors is nobody's business. He's the young, handsome, idealistic hotshot with a real chance of mobilising the masses — the beloved midwestern senator with real policies and real momentum. He's about as far away as you can get from sitting American president Ronald Reagan and likely Republican candidate George HW Bush, and he's certain that his professional deeds matter more to voters than his personal peccadillos. Call Hart naive, call him optimistic or call his judgement incredibly poor; when first asked about his alleged womanising ways, he even dares one Washington Post reporter (Mamoudou Athie) to follow him around. Whichever description you choose, there's one thing that you can definitely call Hart: caught in interesting times. In the thick of the 80s, JFK's rumoured affairs were old news, Bill Clinton's impeachment was still to come, and everything that Donald Trump has brought to the presidency couldn't have been dreamed up. Forced to fight for his political life as stories keep circulating and reporters keep chasing, Hart's situation proves a time capsule of sorts. Unfaithful politicians are splashed across the news with frequency today, but we no longer live in a world where a highly publicised extramarital affair (or worse) precludes someone from becoming America's commander-in-chief. Is that the right outcome or the wrong one? Without overstating the parallels between then and now, The Front Runner successfully shows just how much has changed. That said, the movie also leans heavily on Hart's chief rebuttal to his attackers — that exposing his indiscretions cheapens political discourse. Initially shot and packaged with jaunty, fast-paced flair reminiscent of Aaron Sorkin's political dramas, or of writer-director Jason Reitman's own Thank You For Smoking and Up In The Air, the film doesn't always find a comfortable position. It wants viewers to condemn the current status quo, feel for Hart, experience the deflating effect the controversy has on his loyal staffers, and realise that, without this incident, history could've been very, very different. They're not always compatible ideas, even in a movie that knows how complicated the scenario is. More than that, they're not always given the depth they need by Reitman, Bai and Jay Carson's screenplay. Never lacking in complexity is Jackman, whose performance is charismatic without being smooth and serious without being sombre. Hart isn't the greatest showman, but rather a great believer in the power of elected office — and someone who believes he should get his chance to ascend to the top job. It's the kind of layered portrayal that hasn't featured on Jackman's resume that often of late. Beyond its leading man, however, The Front Runner is well-served by its entire cast. Paxton is never simply the stereotypical other woman, and nor is Farmiga just the bland, dutiful wife. JK Simmons, alongside Paranormal Activity alum Molly Ephraim, convincingly rides the ups and downs that come with working for the senator. But, worlds away from his work in Patti Cake$ and The Get Down, it's Athie who threatens to steal the show. Playing a young journalist trying to do what's right even when he's told that it's wrong, the actor provides the film's conflicted centre. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-R-vFH_G0V4
It's the orchestra, Jim, but not as we know it. ACO Underground is the temporary stage name of the Australian Chamber Orchestra, which is reforming as an electro-acoustic collective for one night only. Next Sunday Australia's most talented classical musicians will be swapping the concert hall for the beer-stained stage of New York loft-style venue The Standard. With the assistance of former Midnight Oil guitarist Jim Moginie, they'll be playing a setlist more pleasantly bizarre than when Nelly and Tim McGraw teamed up in 2004. And, ranging from Radiohead's dreamy rock and Nick Drake's melancholy folk to the spellbinding Italian baroque of Vivaldi, the evening will traverse across as many decades as it will genres. Clearly this is not your average gig, so don't be thinking you can take the 7pm doors time as an invitation to rock up three hours later. Preceding the show will be a video montage installation by surf cinematographer Jon Frank, projected onto the walls and set to specially chosen audio, and that's an opening act you don't want to miss.
Food, glorious food! You can take your music festivals, writing festivals, mountain, flower and tree festivals — give me a food festival every single day of the week. Taste stands alone as the king of travelling food festivals, because not only can you taste a vast array of delicious food, it offers you the opportunity to get behind the scenes with some of Sydney's most illustrious chefs and try their more amazing creations (without the usual corresponding bill). See Manu Feildel, Tony Bilson and Peter Kuruvita create their dishes live on stage, right before you head to the Jaguar Wine Theatre to swish it down with a fine drop and learn more about what you drink. And that's not all. The Festival also includes the artisan's producers markets for the best morsels to take home, an exploration from percolator to pot with Nespresso's Journey Through Coffee, the Sensology Art of Cocktail Making courses to learn how to mix the classic drinks, and for those of you with a sweet tooth don't miss out on the De Dietrich cooking school where you'll learn how to make the finest French pastries with chef Vincent Gadan. So pick up your fork, dust off your chopsticks and prepare your buds for the Taste sensation this festival will bring.
