Calling all gallery goers. If your love of art is on par with Charlie's love of chocolate, we've got something that'll bring a golden twinkle to your eye. We're giving away a golden ticket to the Art Gallery of NSW, which grants you and a mate access to every single exhibition held there this year. That's free passes to some of the most exciting curatorial offerings in town in your hot little art-loving hands. So what's lined up, you ask? Well, until Sunday, March 3, you can check out Masters of Modern Art from The Hermitage. The exhibition is an eye-poppingly awesome selection from the St Petersburg's State Hermitage Museum that includes works by radical innovators Monet, Cézanne, Matisse, Picasso, Gauguin, Kandinsky and Pissarro. Works by legendary Australian artist Brett Whiteley are also on show until Sunday, March 31. From early drawings of Sydney and France through to the landscapes, interiors and nudes of his later career, this survey celebrates the integral, inspirational role drawing played in his creative process. In April, the gallery hosts the most comprehensive Marcel Duchamp exhibition to ever be seen in the Asia-Pacific, treating visitors to about 150 works and documentary materials from the influential artist's rich career in The Essential Duchamp. You'll get to see early gems like Portrait of Dr. Dumouchel (1910) and Sonata (1911) alongside later career-changing works including Nude Descending a Staircase No. 2 (1912). And in November, the gallery is set to host, Japan Supernatural, a blockbuster exhibition of Japanese artworks, including those by Takashi Murakami. But that's not all. The passes also include entry into an exhibition dedicated to masterpieces from Taipei's National Palace Museum, plus the annual Archibald, Wynne & Sulman Prizes. To enter, see details below. [competition]684175[/competition]
If you've been making plans to revamp your style, but haven't been able to rustle up the coin, here's your chance. For two weeks, Hugo Boss will be hosting a mega sale at its outlet stores. You'll be able to score a further 50 percent off a massive range of premium clothing — from comfy t-shirts and soft sweaters to suave suits and women's dresses. Whether you're after a suit for a special occasion or looking to level-up your wardrobe, Hugo Boss's end-of-year outlet sale will have you sorted for a fraction of the fashion label's usual prices. You'll have to get in quick to score though, with the sale running from Wednesday, December 16 to Friday, January 1. Hugo Boss end-of-year outlet sale will run from Wednesday, December 16 to Friday, January 1. To find your closest outlet store, visit the website.
Located on the site of a former brickpit, Henson Park is an inner west haven for sports lovers. The park is the home to NRL team the Newtown Jets, who compete in the Premier League (the highest rated NSW state rugby league competition). It also hosts some AFL matches and soccer clubs. To accommodate the spectators of all this action, there's a 1000-person grandstand, which was built back in 1937. There's also a grassy knoll and large car park, for those who want to watch from the grass or their car. Other sections of Henson Park include a grass running track, adjacent tennis courts and heaps of green space for visitors to enjoy a picnic or hang session with mates. The park also has the added benefit of being down the street from The Henson — one of the best pubs in the inner west. Stop by pre- or post-match for a cold one and a feed.
Well folks, it’s that time of year again, when the rising mercury sends us outdoors en masse, pumping our concrete playground with an energy of revelry and renewal. The spirit of summer is a celebration of what it means to be alive. We rediscover our joie de vivre with sandy toes, burnished skin, BBQs by the beach, and one too many margaritas. But with so much going on at this time of year it’s hard to know where to begin, and what is supposed to be some well-deserved chill time can become a full-blown panic attack. So, what do you do when overwhelmed with options? Welcome to the inaugural Concrete Playground Summer Guide, a comprehensive shortlist of the best this city has to offer over the next three months, from rooftop bars to beaches to picnic spots to outdoor dining and much more. With two different formats — iPad/iPhone and softcover book — of the Summer Guide on offer, you’ll never be without access to the best of everything, because the year’s too long and summer’s too short to waste time on the mediocre. Now slap on your invisible zinc and get out there, blue skies wait for no one (and don’t we know it). Summer, we salute you. Buy the iPhone/iPad edition here for $5.40, or buy the softcover edition here for $14.95. Concrete Playground is giving away ten copies of the softcover edition of Sydney: The Summer Guide. To go in the running, just make sure you're subscribed to Concrete Playground, then email your name and postal address to hello@concreteplayground.com.au Preview The Summer Guide
The annual reason to not entirely obliterate yourself on New Year's Eve, Field Day, has announced announced one of its most all-round thumbs-up inducing lineups yet, with one big name at the top: Tyler, The Creator. The chart-topping American rapper will be heading to Australia for the first time since releasing his highly lauded album IGOR. He'll be joined on stage by fellow American and trap master RL Grime, gold masked German DJ duo Claptone, British rapper Skepta, dancefloor starters Disclosure and electro duo Snakehips, among one heck of a killer lineup. Local legends aren't scarce this year, either, with the likes of Hatchie, Pnau, Hayden James and more locked in for NYD sets. Returning to The Domain on New Year's Day, January 1, 2020, Field Day proves once again that some lineups are worth skipping the last NYE UDL for. [caption id="attachment_735766" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tyler, The Creator by Sam Rock[/caption] FIELD DAY 2020 LINEUP Tyler, The Creator Antony & Cleopatra Chris Lake Claptone Dena Amy Disclosure Dom Dolla Eves Karydas Glades Green Velvet Gunna Hatchie Hayden James IAMDDB Jauz Lastlings Nyxen Pnau RL Grime Running Touch Skepta Snakehips The Japanese House Tokimonsta Ybn Cordae Image: Field Day/AP Photography.
John Hughes’ 1987 hit combines a ‘buddy movie’ with a ‘road movie’ and an ‘odd-couple sitcom’ to create one of cinema’s all-time classic comedies. It’s a tale of man versus nature, man versus technology and even man versus fellow man as uptight ad executive Neal Page (Steve Martin) and schlumpy shower curtain ring salesman Del Griffith (John Candy) are forced together during a disaster-laden journey from New York to Chicago for Thanksgiving. This is Murphy’s Law at its most unforgiving, transforming a two-hour flight into a three-day back roads odyssey thanks to some bad weather, bad decisions and simple old bad luck. The casting was spot on in this film, which was made when both actors were at their professional peaks. The steady accumulation of frustrating setbacks was a perfect device for Martin, who easily remains the most enjoyable actor to watch suffer an explosive on-screen meltdown. His performance is more subtle and nuanced than usual, however it does also feature a scene in which he famously drops the f-bomb 18 times in less than a minute, taking the otherwise PG-13 film well into the M-bracket. John Candy is equally fantastic; creating a deeply empathic character despite traits that would have rendered him wholly annoying in the hands of almost any other actor. Together with Hughes (who also wrote the screenplay), they took a simple road movie and turned it into something far more enriching, both comically and emotionally. The team behind the much-anticipated event Downtown Drive-In has announced Carriageworks in Sydney’s Eveleigh, just three kilometres from the Sydney CBD, as the location for its three-night season, which will run from November 29 to December 1, 2012. A seldom-used section of the 120-year-old heritage listed building will form the perfect backdrop for the Back Roads USA season of films. The films to be screened include On The Road, Planes, Trains and Automobiles and Vanishing Point. Downtown Drive-In will also feature a custom menu with individual items designed by The Dip, Sydney’s favourite American-style diner, playfully paying tribute to the films and shared Americana settings and atmosphere. Major sponsor Audi will supply a range of luxury cars for the ultimate drive-in experience. The cars will also feature razor-sharp sound from audio partner Bang & Olufsen. Entry into Downtown Drive-In will cost $50 for vehicles of up to four people. Walk-in deck chair seating is also available near the screen, at $25 per person. For more information on the film schedule, drive-in experience and participating partners, visit www.downtowndrive.in
In the underworld of street art, few events can match the adrenalin-charged battle that is Secret Wars. Drawing battle lines between rival artists, this once secret tournament has made a dash for the surface to host the upcoming final between two of Sydney's most skilled street artists. After a furious rise to the top, both artists Houl and Creon have let paint fly, leaving nothing but a broken brush in their wake and for the last time are ready to step up and make their mark. But if you haven't been paying attention, here is how it works: two artists are placed side by side, whether in a hotel foyer or an abandoned meat factory. They battle with black acrylics on a fresh white canvas. Their time is 90 minutes — no pencils, no preparation. The winner is crowned by two guest judges and the all-important crowd vote. You can imagine it's like watching Michaelangelo at work, that is if he painted in the local tavern against his enemy Bramante surrounded by hooligans dissing his brush-stroke. We saw the paint fly with Houl in the semi's, but can he pull it off against Creon for the title of Secret Wars champion?
Feeling uninspired? Stuck on date ideas? Want free booze? Or even, do you like art? We’ve put together a hot list of exhibitions for you to check out this July, a month tending towards the challenging and just plain weird. These aesthetic escapades will take you from Sydney’s smallest to most well-known galleries. Image: Aleks Danko, TASTE, 1987–88.
Start making Easter plans: Bluesfest is returning for 2023. From Thursday, April 6–Monday, April 10, the iconic annual festival will hit up Byron Events Farm at Tyagarah for its 34th event — with Elvis Costello, Mavis Staples, Bonnie Raitt and Gang of Youths leading the bill. Also heading to northern New South Wales as part of the five-day lineup: Jackson Browne, Tash Sultana, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Jimmy Barnes with The Barnestormers, and Talib Kweli, GZA and Big Freedia as special guests of The Soul Rebels. As usual, Bluesfest's roster of talent spans a hefty array of music genres — blues and roots, obviously, but also soul, rock, hip hop, R&B and more — with Beth Hart, Buddy Guy, Lucinda Williams, Steve Earle and The Dukes, The Cat Empire and Xavier Rudd also set to take to the stage. Rockwiz Live will be doing its thing, too, in the perfect setting. And, would it be a Bluesfest without Michael Franti & Spearhead? In 2023, you won't need to find out. While all of the above and more were named in Bluesfest's first announcement, the second added Allison Russell, The Doobie Brothers, Counting Crows, Vintage Trouble, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats and St Paul & the Broken Bones. Organisers are calling the 2023 fest "the first original-style Bluesfest since the world's borders re-opened". While the event went ahead in 2022 after two years of pandemic cancellations (and a thwarted temporary move to October for the same reason), it showcased a primarily Australian and New Zealand lineup. With the return of international travel, Bluesfest can welcome top-notch acts from around the globe again. BLUESFEST 2023 LINEUP — FIRST ANNOUNCEMENT: 19-Twenty Allison Russell The Barnestormers Beth Hart The Black Sorrows Bonnie Raitt Buddy Guy The Cat Empire Chain Christone 'Kingfish' Ingram Counting Crows The Doobie Brothers Elvis Costello & The Imposters Eric Gales Femi Kuti & The Positive Force Gang of Youths Greensky Bluegrass Jackson Brown Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit Joe Bonamassa Joe Camilleri Presents: A Star-Studded Tribute to the Greats of the Blues Jon Stevens Kaleo Keb' Mo' Band King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard Lachy Doley and The Horns of Conviction Larkin Poe Lp Lucinda Williams Marcus King Mavis Staples Michael Franti & Spearhead Nathaniel Rateliff & The Nightsweats Nikki Hill Robert Glasper Rockwiz Live The Soul Rebels & Friends with special guests Talib Kweli, GZA and Big Freedia Southern Avenue Spinifex Gum featuring Marliya Steve Earle & The Duke St Paul & The Broken Bones Tash Sultana Vintage Trouble Xavier Rudd
Three of Sydney's Japanese food favourites are coming together to celebrate all things sake across August. Nakano Darling, Tachinomi YP and Yakitori Yurippi are teaming up for Sake Month to present a range of special set menus and snacks to pair with a wide variety of sake. At both Nakano and Tachinomi YP, diners can order a limited-time sake and otsumami (Japanese for 'snack') set, with varieties of the Japanese spirit paired with moreish finger food. The menu is available daily during August and changes week to week with new combinations popping up throughout the month. Over in Crow's Nest, Yakitori Yurippi is also making the most of Sake Month with its Hide's Izakaya chef's table experience. This seven-course izakaya-style menu is limited to 24 people each Tuesday with seatings available at 5pm, 7pm and 9pm. "It's been a pretty cold winter, but it's clear that everyone loves being out again with friends and family," the venues' co-owner Tin Jung Shea said. "We get it and we wanted to create something special to give our customers more chances to have fun, stay warm, and try some amazing Japanese cuisine while they're getting back to dining out."
A favourite among Sydneysiders for its top-notch gyoza and free karaoke, Goros is turning pink for six weeks to celebrate Sakura season. As part of the Sakura Festival, pink sushi, pink burgers and pink mochi desserts will be on offer, plus Goros' signature bubble tea cocktails will be turning pink. The festival of pink has taken over the bar until Saturday, May 7 and includes a whole heap of activities and antics to accompany the brightly coloured eats and drinks. Goros dance floor will take centre stage with a heap of DJs popping up at the bar over six weeks. There are also plenty of cherry blossom-themed installations and decorations that set the vibe and create ample photo opportunities. Entry is free, but to ensure you get a spot, you can book online. Make sure to nab a karaoke room while you're there for the full Goros experience.
Warm spring nights, outdoor shopping, eating, drinking and music. These are a few of my favourite things, and there are few occasions when the universe brings them together in one big extravaganza of all things good. This is precisely what’s on offer every Friday night from November at Markets by Moonlight at The Rocks. Picture yourself on a balmy summer night, ambling through the cobblestone streets, perusing the wares of around 50 specialty stalls full of tasty fashion, arts and crafts, jewellery and homewares (perfect for early gift grabbing before the holiday season) and catching gigs from some of Australia’s best merging artists. Literally. I’m talking artists like Fergus Brown, Parades, Guineafowl and Nicholas Roy. And it’s all free! So take a refreshing break from the standard Friday night after-work drinks and soak up the best of Sydney in the springtime.
Brett Whiteley is considered one of the most prominent Australian artists of the 20th century. So it's a little surprising to learn that there has never been an exhibition specifically dedicated to his drawing — until now. Across summer, the Art Gallery of NSW is hosting a retrospective solely focused on this element of Whiteley's work and the pivotal role it played in his wider practice, titled Brett Whiteley: Drawing is Everything. You'll get to experience rarely seen works dating from the early days of his career through to his later years as one of Australia's most beloved and internationally successful artists. With an impressive 116 pieces on display, expect to see an amazing variety of drawings, ranging from portraits and nudes to interiors, lyrical landscapes and abstracts. The exhibition also showcases some of Whiteley's most significant paintings and sculptures, aiming to highlight the way in which drawing — which Whiteley once described as an "un-rehearsable and unrepeatable visual truth" — habitually planted the seed for his broader artistic practices. As always at the Art Gallery of NSW, there's a bunch of related workshops, talks and special events to get involved in. Over weekends during February and March, you can hop on a free shuttle between the Gallery, the Brett Whiteley Studio in Surry Hills and Wendy Whiteley's Secret Garden in Lavender Bay (if you've never been, you're in for a treat.) Plus, when you visit the exhibition, you'll be given a pencil and drawing booklet so you can record your own creative response. Even if you're not much of a drawer, give it a go and don't overthink it. In Whiteley's own words, "It is better to have drawn and lost than never to have drawn at all." Brett Whiteley: Drawing is Everything is open at the Art Gallery of NSW until Sunday, March 31. For more information on the associated public programs and to purchase tickets, visit the website. We also have five double passes to the exhibition to give away. Enter with your details below. [competition]705901[/competition]
If the cloying coverage of a certain “fairytale” wedding has left you craving something satisfyingly dark and bittersweet, Ruby Moon asks why red-hooded children never make it safely to grandmamma’s house. It is a subversive re-jig of Little Red Riding Hood that “begins like a fairytale,” but ends somewhere else entirely. The best fairytales, after all, are fractured and fraught with danger; they meld tenderness with malice and romance with depravity. One day little Ruby Moon puts on her red dress and sets off to visit her grandmother at the end of the cul de sac. She never returns. Unable to compress their grief or console each other, her parents resort to re-enactment as a form of solace. When brown paper parcels containing dismantled doll parts start arriving on their doorstep, their suspicions take on a new, warping desperation and they begin interrogating their neighbours in earnest. They refuse to refer to Ruby in the past tense, convinced that behind closed doors, someone knows what happened to their daughter… Ruby Moon was short-listed for the Queensland Premier's Literary Awards, and is playwright Matt Cameron's most celebrated play. It's both a profoundly felt moral story and a surreal tragicomedy about the terrible price of love. It begs the question, if little Ruby had even reached her grandmamma's, would she have been better off?
The minds behind Barossa Grape & Wine Association and vinous event organisers Revel have another specialised wine exploration to add to your calendar, this time devoted to the famed South Australian wine region of The Barossa Valley. On Saturday, July 14, Barossa. Be Consumed makes its Sydney debut, before returning to North Melbourne's Meat Market for the second time on July 21. Expect a one-day celebration of the Barossa's finest, showcasing a huge 44 of the region's wineries, including Yelland and Papps, home to 2018 Young Gun of Wine finalist Michael Papps, and Turkey Flat Vineyards, winner of the 2017 Jimmy Watson Trophy. You'll have the chance to meet producers while you sample their best creations, and then have bottles of your favourite wines shipped straight to your door. Drops from the likes of Seppeltsfield Road Distillers, Barossa Distilling Company and Barossa Valley Cider Co. round out the liquid offerings, while the region's top edible produce will be showcased at the Barossa Maker's Table. Meanwhile, local acts like Sam Brittain will deliver the soundtrack to your wine appreciation, and you'll even have the chance to try your hand at that beloved Barossa pastime, Kegel — a traditional German bowling game.
You could spend one hour trying to get a cab to some party where you might be able to hear some fireworks, or you could spend it heading up to the beautiful Glenworth Valley for Peats Ridge. This year Sydney’s alternative to a New Years spent in the city is hardcore delivering on their promise to be all about the vibes. The (huge) musical lineup will be headlined by John Butler Trio, who are pretty much Peats Ridge in the form of three musically-adept men. Other acts sure to get the vibes flourishing include NZ’s Unknown Mortal Orchestra, our own Deep Sea Arcade, techno guy Luke Slater and Friendly Fires in DJ mode. On the arts side there’s a new theatre, a trippy Derivan Art Tunnel, an actual circus complete with trapeze artists and a slew of interactive installations. Have your eyes and ears wowed, put your bottles in the bins provided and don’t forget to meet at 6pm for the infamous New Years Eve Fancy Dress Masquerade Party.
Swim season is nearly upon us (finally) and the Andrew (Boy) Charlton pool is starting it off with free entry, free brekkie and free harpists. That last one threw us for a loop, too. The pool will officially reopen for the 2018/19 season on Saturday, September 1 and it's giving free entry to the first 50 people through the door — though you'll have to wake up mighty early as the pool opens from 6am that day. If you're late, it's the standard $6.60 entry fee. And, in true 'early bird catches the worm' fashion, the first three people on line will nab a 12-month 360 active membership, which gets you access to ABC, Prince Alfred and Victoria Park pools. Now, back to the harpist. Singer and orchestral harp player Jake Meadow will perform poolside throughout the morning, while attendees are invited to swim, eat a barbecue breakfast and participate in yoga classes on the deck. 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. The event caps off at 10am, though, so late-sleepers should be wary of hitting the snooze button.
If you've ever wanted to witness a Lost Boys-style food fight (that may or may not conclude in slicing a coconut mid-air), you might want to mark this date in your diary. Part of the Museum of Contemporary Art's C3West program, FOOD FIGHT aims to raise awareness about food security in Liverpool and South Western Sydney through artist-led workshops, performances, cooking demonstrations and choreographed culinary combat. Set to take place in Liverpool's Bigge Park on the evening of Saturday, April 30, the event will be one big celebration of food. Expect cooking shows, projections and live performances, including a DJ set from experimental artist Mish Grigor. Don't expect your usual food stalls either; among a whole slew of culturally diverse snacks, there will be Laotian fare and even traditional Ukrainian food from artist David Capra and his mum and aunty. And all this deliciousness will culminate in a 100-seat al fresco banquet and an epic food fight performance. Artists Diego Bonetto and Branch Nebula (Lee Wilson and Mirabelle Wouters) — in partnership with the MCA and Genevieve Murray of Future Method Studio — will also collaborate with various local partners, including Foodbank, OzHarvest and Youth Food Movement Australia, on a series of community engagement workshops. According to recent statistics, roughly two million Australians rely on food relief programs every year, while close to a million children go without breakfast or dinner each day. "Our aim with this FOOD FIGHT project is twofold," said Bonetto. "We want to create a fun and engaging event that serves as a wake-up call and conversation starter on a hidden issue; whilst also celebrating the community champions and everyday heroes who fight for food security in the local area, one meal at a time." The event is free to attend as a punter, and if you want to get involved as a volunteer, you can sign up at the event website. If you don't live in the area, hop on a Bankstown-bound train — the park is only a short walk from Liverpool Station. We suggest you start practicing your hot dog hurling skills.
Mooncakes, ramen, fried ice cream, taiyaki, DJs and immersive light projections. These are all part of the Darling Square Moon Festival that's taking over the Haymarket precinct from Thursday, August 25-Sunday, September 11. The traditional Mid-Autumn or Moon Festival will be celebrated over the 18 days of festivities, with some of Darling Square's beloved restaurants and bars whipping up special celebrations for the festival. From Thursday, September 1, the Gong Grocer mooncake stall will be popping up in front of Nina Tea, with special mooncakes from the likes of Wing Wah, Meixin, and Golden Century's XOPP who will roll out its popular lava mooncakes. Elsewhere, Auvers Cafe has created themed custard mooncake and soft shell crab dishes, IIKO Mazesoba is offering limited-time ramen, mochi taiyaki and tuna kakiage creations, Wingboy is serving up fried salted caramel ice cream served with coconut crumb and chocolate fudge sauce, and Chinta Ria has crafted three celebratory set menus named Love, Peace and Happiness. An immersive art cube installation will also be popping up between September 7–11, depicting the scenery of South Korea across the four seasons. Check out the full program at the Darling Square website.
After an incredibly difficult year for the hospitality and cultural industries as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the New South Wales Government unveiled a statewide plan to motivate people to go out and help boost both sectors. Originally titled Out & About before being changed to Dine & Discover, the program offers four $25 vouchers to all NSW residents over the age of 18 — two to spend on dining out, and two to use on activities like cinemas, performing arts and amusement parks. With the program now rolled out across the state, some Sydney venues are doing special offers — even including doubling your money if you spend your voucher with them. Looking for a big feed at a small cost? Keen to get some big bang for your buck at a local cultural institution? We've compiled all the best deals around the city. [caption id="attachment_671514" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Winery by Letícia Almeida[/caption] DOUBLE YOUR MONEY WITH SYDNEY COLLECTIVE OR AUSTRALIAN VENUE CO If you head to one of Sydney Collective's eight venues with your $25 food voucher, you'll actually score $50 per meal. As the hospitality company announced back in November last year, it'll double the value of each voucher presented at every one of its sites — which include Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel, The Morrison Bar & Oyster Room, The Imperial Erskineville, Park House, Northies, Daniel San, Taylor's Rooftop and Balcony in Byron Bay. The catch: the venues are only doing the double-up deals between Monday and Thursday. Each venue is different, so head to Sydney Collective's website to check out when you can score the deal at each location. That's where you'll find Sydney Collectives's terms and conditions as well. Similarly, Australian Venue Co is offering a $25 credit when you spend you vouchers across ten of its venues. Sign up to the AVC app and you'll score the extra $25 at venues including The Winery, Untied, Manly Wine, Bungalow 8, Cargo and The Rook. SCORE TWO FREE PARMYS AT THE TAPHOUSE AND ELM ROOFTOP BAR Darlinghurst beer haven The Taphouse and its new rooftop bar Elm are also offering to double your Dine & Discover cash. While you can't use your vouchers to buy alcohol, the venues have a robust food menu, including both chicken and eggplant parmys for under $25. So, you and a friend can score a parmy each with just one voucher. If you're looking for something snackier to pair with a rooftop cocktail, $50 can go a long way on Elm's share menu. Order a feast of fish tacos, southern fried cauliflower bites and fan-favourite jalapeno poppers with money to spare. ENJOY A THREE-COURSE MEAL WITH ROCKPOOL DINING GROUP If using your voucher on a main meal doesn't provide enough value for you, Rockpool is offering multi-course meal deals across four of its citywide chains. While your Dine & Discover vouchers can be redeemed at any of Rockpool's venues, including its more high-end spots like Rockpool Bar & Grill and Spice Temple, the dining group's chain restaurants Fratelli Fresh, El Camino and The Bavarian are offering the biggest bang for your buck. Head to El Camino for an entree, main and churros for dessert, all for just $25. Or, score a main plus and entree or dessert at either Fratelli Fresh or The Bavarian for a single voucher. You can browse all the potential combos at each venue on the Rockpool website. SPEND A NIGHT CATCHING THE LATEST FLICKS ON THE BIG SCREEN After a year of reduced-capacity cinemas, Sydney's theatre chains are jumping at the opportunity to get more movie buffs through the door and in front of a big-screen showing of Cruella or A Quiet Place Part II. To sweeten the deal, many of the chains are offering exclusive $25 packages for those that send their Dine & Discover with them. When it comes to the big hitters, both Hoyts and Event are offering two standard tickets or one Gold Class/Lux ticket with your discover vouchers, as well as a range of combos with your dine vouchers. The smaller independent cinemas are also jumping on board. At Palace, your vouchers will get you a movie ticket with a drink and popcorn combo — and at Dendy you'll be treated to a free large popcorn when you use your discover voucher to catch a screening. BRING OUT YOUR INNER KIDULT WITH BOWLING, MINI GOLF AND ARCADE GAMES Funlab, the team behind family-friendly and adult attractions like Strike Bowling, Holey Moley and Archie Brothers, is offering big discounts for anyone that visits one of its Sydney locations with their Dine & Discover vouchers. Each entertainment venue has a specially crafted $25 package created for the vouchers. At Strike, you can redeem your voucher for two games of bowling. At Sky Zone, $25 will get you two hours of jumping. At Holey Moley, you'll score 18 holes of mini golf — while adult arcade Archie Brothers will let you trade a voucher for 90 minutes of arcade time, and B. Lucky & Sons will grant you an hour in the arcade. Dine vouchers can also be redeemed for two pizzas at any of the Funlab venues. Top image: Watsons Bay Hotel
Drawing on a background in visual art, band Cambodian Space Project also became known for the psychedelic designs that made up its aesthetic. The artworks quickly took on a life of their own, and now dubbed Sticky Fingers Art Prints, 30 designs in editions of four will be showing at the Newsagency Gallery in Petersham, which regularly supports emerging Southeast Asian art. Srey Thy, lead singer of the Cambodian Space Project, grew up in rural Cambodia during the decline of the Khmer rouge regime and came to idolise singers like Ros Sereysothea and Pan Ron, both of whom disappeared in the Killing Fields. When Srey moved to Phenom Penh to become a karaoke singer, she met Australian musician, Julien Poulson, and, well, the rest was history. The two came together to form vibrant and soulful rock band, the Cambodian Space Project, who have garnered acclaim from local outlets such as Triple J. Aimed at fostering up-and-coming talent, Sticky Fingers has enjoyed a meteoric rise, recently opening up a shopfront in Phnom Penh as well as a studio for aspiring Cambodian printmakers and artists. And while they're in town, you can combine a good cause with a good time and catch the Cambodian Space Project performing live at the exhibition September 21. Newsagency Gallery is open weekends, 10-5.
Have you got a lot of pent up energy you can't wait to let loose? Luckily, you don't have to travel far to blow off steam. A full spectrum of thrills is on offer within Sydney and its surrounds, and you don't need to plan these adventures months in advance either. We've teamed up with Adrenaline to highlight some of the high-energy activities it offers for whenever you're ready to get going. Give the rest of the year the boost it sorely needs by canyonying your way through the Blue Mountains or leaping out of a plane over Wollongong. These eight top-notch experiences are a stellar way to set the tone for things to come. FLY OVER SYDNEY IN A BLACK OPS MILITARY-STYLE HELICOPTER If there's one thing guaranteed to put your heart in your mouth, it's a death-defying helicopter flight ramping up to almost 240 kilometres per hour. Lifting off from Sydney Airport, the helicopter will fly high above the city skyline and along the coastline. You'll be safely inside the same type of helicopter used by military forces around the world, and your flight helmet comes complete with a GoPro to capture the entire experience. Once you've safely landed, you'll receive your footage edited together with the in-flight communications and an action-packed soundtrack, providing you with endless memories of this Mission Impossible-esque experience. RACE THROUGH A RAINFOREST ON A ZIPLINE The warm temperate rainforests of the Southern Highlands make quite the impression from the ground. But they're even more awe-inspiring when you're strapped into Australia's highest zipline adventure. Soaring across a series of cables and suspension bridges at 35 metres above the ground, you'll get to experience remarkable vistas stretching all the way to the Pacific Ocean. If you decide to embark on this journey, you'll also receive an educational rundown on the region's vibrant flora and fauna, and gain access to the Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk where you can stroll among the seemingly endless green canopies. TEST YOUR UPPER BODY STRENGTH WITH AN INDOOR ROCK CLIMBING SESSION You don't have to be free soloing up a sheer cliffside like Alex Honnold to get your palms sweaty from rock climbing. You can achieve a similar rush from the safety of the Villawood's Indoor Climbing Gym, as you spend the entire day taking on a variety of challenging obstacles. The gym has 250 unique routes to test your technique on, so you'll encounter overhangs, vertical drops and sharp slabs on your way to the top of the 16-metre-tall walls. This centre serves as the perfect indoor adventure to conquer within Sydney's limits before deciding whether you have what it takes to scale an openair peak. [caption id="attachment_702979" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sydney Aquarium[/caption] MAKE SOME NEW TOOTHY MATES AT SYDNEY AQUARIUM There aren't too many places where you want to come face to face with a shark, but this 30-minute diving encounter at Sydney Aquarium is a rare exception to the rule. Although you're probably eager to leap straight in with these notorious creatures, first you'll undergo a detailed introduction to scuba diving and apply your new skills in the training pool. Then it's time to take a deep breath, as your expert instructors lead you inside the aquarium tanks teeming with over 30 sharks, including 4.5-metre long wobbegongs and other marine life, like stingrays and turtles. Friends and family can watch on from the spectators' tunnel, so get them to snap some photos of you with your new sharp-toothed pals. ZOOM OVER SYDNEY IN A FIGHTER JET Do you like to live life in the fast lane? Well, there's almost no faster lane than the one used by fighter jets. This high-octane adventure places you in the rear seat of a blisteringly quick L-39 fighter jet, with your veteran pilot more than happy to put the aircraft through its paces. Before take-off, you'll get dressed in a military-style flight suit (BYO aviator sunglasses) and partake in a safety briefing explaining the extreme g-forces your body is about to experience. Soon you'll be zooming down the runway and bursting through a 15-minute sequence of high-velocity manoeuvres that'll expand your definition of speed. Let's hope you can hold onto your lunch. JUMP OUT OF A PLANE OVER WOLLONGONG Few things are bound to satisfy an adrenaline junkie more than skydiving from a plane at 15,000 feet. And there aren't many better places to experience the thrill of plummeting towards the ground at 200 kilometres per hour than over the picturesque landscape of Wollongong Beach. Don't worry, you won't have to fling yourself into thin air on your own — you'll be jumping in tandem with a highly trained instructor who'll ensure you reach the beachfront safely. Following an electrifying free-fall lasting up to 60 seconds, you'll get to soak up the coastal views as you glide down and eventually get your feet back on solid ground. GO HORSE RIDING AND QUAD BIKING THROUGH BUSHLAND If you've been cooped up inside for the last couple of months, getting some fresh country air sounds like a smart idea. You won't have to head far beyond Sydney's outer suburbs to reach Glenworth Valley's sprawling 3000 acres of countryside for a horse riding and quad bike combo tour. You'll be given the option of trail or free-range riding depending on your previous horse riding experience, then you can spend two hours exploring the surrounding valleys and rainforests. Next, it's time for part two of your adventure as you have another 90 minutes to motor through the property's myriad bushland tracks and river crossings on a high-speed quad bike. Treat yourself to a trip that's guaranteed to jump-start the rest of your year. Head to the Adrenaline website and find an adventure that won't disappoint. Top image: Adrenaline
We know how it goes, the sun starts shining and your desire for a cocktail grows. You fish around in the fridge for some ingredients and end up with some flat tonic, a skerrick of sad-looking cucumber and you make do with a subpar G&T. Well, we're here to tell you, summer cocktails don't have to be last-resort failures. It's time to take some pride in your gin-based tipple and treat your tastebuds to something special. To set you off in the right direction, we've partnered with Greenall's and crafted five foolproof recipes for some top-notch summer cocktails — and with a particularly summery drop we might add. Inspired by the blackberries growing in English hedgerows, England's oldest gin distiller's Wild Berry Gin offers a delicate sweetness with subtle red fruit notes that develop into rich camphor and citrus tastes. While the spirit can be enjoyed simply with soda and lime, take things up a notch and try out these cocktails below. Whether you're shaking them up for a group of friends or giving your significant other a nice cool treat on a hot summer's day, these pink-hued cocktails are sure to impress. [caption id="attachment_683817" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kate Shansay.[/caption] DOLCE VITA 'Dolce Vita' is Italian for 'sweet life' and the surest way to keep things saccharine is to pair your Wild Berry Gin with palate-smacking zingy passionfruit and sweet vermouth. — 45ml Greenall's Wild Berry Gin — 15ml Aperol — 15ml sweet vermouth — 5ml passionfruit syrup — slice of orange Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, pour in all your molto bella ingredients — minus the orange, that comes later — and stir vigorously. Hey, you've gotta work for your sweet treat. Strain over an ice-filled tumbler — or a whisky glass and a chunk of ice, if you're feeling fancy — and garnish with a slice of orange. Salute, sweet tooths. PRETTY IN PINK Just like the 1986 Molly Ringwald masterpiece, this feel-good tipple is super sweet in all the right ways and bound to be a cult favourite. — 40ml Greenall's Wild Berry Gin — 20ml raspberry puree — 30ml cream — 10ml crème de fraise de bois Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker along with a good handful of ice, then holler at Ducky and get him to give it a good shake. Next, strain the pink concoction into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a fresh raspberry, or two. Get the 80s hits pumping and enjoy this pretty little drink. FLORA DORA This is Greenall's take on a West End comedy which went on to become one of Broadway's biggest musicals, a round of applause for the Flora Dora. Get ready, this cocktail is a real showstopper. — 40ml Greenall's Wild Berry Gin — 20ml fresh lime juice — 10ml raspberry syrup — ginger beer You're the choreographer to these sweet, tart and spicy ginger elements. Your job: build all ingredients in a highball glass over ice and give 'em a good stir to make sure they hit their mark. Then, take a bow and a well-deserved sip. FOREST FRUIT CUP Give the shaker a rest and make a cocktail jug to share instead. This fruity delight will draw all your long-lost friends out of the woods (or forest) and into your home. — 50ml Greenall's Wild Berry Gin — 25ml fresh lemon juice — 10ml Cointreau — 15ml sugar syrup — 1 thin slice of ginger — 150ml ginger beer Gently press your ginger slice into the bottom of a large highball glass (a hurricane or sling will work equally well). Pour over the rest of the ingredients and stir. For added pizzazz, chuck in all the fruits of the forest along with some lemon, mint and cucumber. To make a jug, simply multiply by four. WILD BERRY FROSE Finally, you don't have to choose between your G&T, slushie or wine. It's a real problem, we swear. Greenall's have married together all three in this refreshing cocktail cool enough to tackle any heatwave. — 50ml Greenall's Wild Berry Gin — 20ml lemon juice — 10ml strawberry puree — 10ml raspberry puree — 30ml sugar syrup — 65ml rosé wine Grab your trusty blender and pulverise all ingredients with ice until a smooth granita texture is achieved. Pour the mixture into a large highball, hurricane or sling glass. Garnish with a strawberry fan if you're feeling fruity or a paper umbrella if you're feeling sassy. Make 'em all to find your go-to sweet Greenall's drink for summer. Top image: Leícia Almeida.
Most people will be familiar with celebrity chef Manu Feildel through his prime-time stint judging My Kitchen Rules. Soon, however, Sydneysiders will have the chance to flip the script, judging Feildel's skills on the pots as he returns to the kitchen to launch a new bistro in the heart of the Inner West. Bistro Red Lion by Manu will occupy the upper level of the 196-year-old Red Lion Hotel in Rozelle, which has undergone a $1.5-million top-to-bottom renovation over the past eight months. For his return to a restaurant kitchen following a four-year hiatus, Fieldel — a sixth-generation chef — is presenting a menu of rustic French bistro fare, including treasured recipes passed down through the Feildel family. For his return to a restaurant kitchen following a four-year hiatus, Feildel has collaborated with long-time friend and Laundy Hotels Group Executive Chef Jamie Gannon to deliver a concept that can appeal to a broad range of diners through "delicious, approachable food rather than aiming for the stars". "I want guests … to forget the outside world and feel as though they're dining at my home," Feildel said. Crowd-pleasing comfort foods will feature prominently, including a double-baked comté cheese soufflé designed for sharing and a country-style pâté with prune and armagnac jam, a recipe created by Feildel's father. Carnivores will be well served with hunger-busting mains such as the pork tomahawk, chargrilled and served with braised fennel and mustard sauce; confit chicken served on a bed of cannellini beans with and kale fricasée and jus gras; and, of course, steaks — here, you can carve into a butcher's cut of beef accompanied by pommes dauphine house-made sauces including peppercorn, mushroom and blue cheese. Desserts will be similarly indulgent, with a selection that includes a luxuriant chocolate mousse topped with hazelnut chantilly cream, as well as a riff on crêpes Suzette featuring flambéed canelés, the cork-shaped Bordeaux-famous pastry, served with vanilla ice cream. With almost two centuries of heritage to honour, renovating Red Lion was a necessarily sensitive process. Design collective Co:Aika was tapped to realise a fitout that has the updated finishes today's pub-goers expect, while cherishing the existing charm of this historic Rozelle institution. And first thing's first: yes, the pub's iconic taxidermied lion will remain a focal point of the ground-floor space. So too will many of the venue's original features, including the working fireplace, balustrades and sweeping staircase. Exposed sandstone walls, contemporary light fixtures and cosy booth seating will add a modern touch, but tempered with a heritage-inspired colour scheme. The 120-seat bistro on the first floor will evoke the spirit of a Parisian bistro, with a muted yet sophisticated palette of creams, egg-shell blue and taupe, counterpointed by the rich stain of the extensive wood panelling. Pops of colour from modern artworks and other objets d'art will add some playful winks that echo the restaurant's unpretentious ethos, while the restored wrap-around balcony is set to offer year-round al fresco dining overlooking Darling Street. Don't worry if French cuisine isn't your feed of choice — Red Lion's ground-floor kitchen will continue to serve pub favourites, including the hotel's ever-popular hand-crumbed schnitzel, alongside bangers and mash, pepper steak pie, and a slow-cooked beef ragu bolognese. Red Lion, including Bistro Red Lion by Manu, will open to the public from Friday, July 12, with the restaurant operating Thursday–Sunday. Red Lion's ground floor kitchen will operate daily, 10am–9pm. Images: Kitti Gould
After being hauled back from the financial brink in 2016 and then making the move from central Sydney to Parramatta earlier this year, Tropfest has seen a lot of change over the past few years. But it seems that the world's biggest short film festival has found some security in a few big multi-year partnerships, with Tropfest founder and director John Polson announcing that it will return to Parramatta Park in 2018. Like last year, the festival will be held on a Saturday, with a series of events (like the Tropfest Talks program) to run in the lead-up to the main event. This year's 'signature item' is rose, which entrants can interpret or include in their seven-minute-max film at their discretion. After finally reaching an equal gender split this year (that is, 50 percent female filmmakers and 50 percent male), Polson is pushing for more cultural diversity for Tropfest 2018. "Australia is one of the most multicultural countries on Earth, which makes for some unique perspectives," he said. "We are calling for diverse stories from filmmakers of all backgrounds to showcase in the heart of Parramatta, western Sydney — one of Australia's most ethnically vibrant communities." If you're thinking of giving it a go, entries open for submissions will open on October 15, 2017 and close on January 11, 2018.
Sydney's Museum of Contemporary Art is celebrating the 25th anniversary of Primavera, the gallery's annual exhibition dedicated to showcasing the work of Australian artists under the age of 35. Featuring pieces selected from the MCA collection, Primavera at 25 will be exhibiting both established and emerging artists working across a range of disciplines from painting, sculpture, video, performance, kinetic and installation art. Many of the works in the exhibition explore the concept of transformation: moving, twirling, shimmering and spinning to create new forms. Others examine the notion of time, with pieces keeping track of or recording time, and deliberating ageing and degrading right in front of your eyes. Many of these works draw on the idea of personal and shared memories. So if you're interested in reviewing the past and possible future of Australian contemporary art and are keen to discover young artists, make your way down to the MCA from December 19 to amble through the works of these talented creatives.
Griffin Theatre Company has been showcasing beloved and boundary-pushing stage productions out of the SBW Stables Theatre for over 40 years. Since Dr Rodney Seaborn saved the theatre from demolition in the mid-80s, Griffin has called the Darlinghurst venue home, playing a pivotal role in Sydney's theatre scene ever since. Thanks to a landmark $5 million donation from The Nielson Foundation, the theatre company is set to purchase its longtime home from The Seaborn, Broughton & Walford Foundation, providing Griffin with ongoing stability and support for the major renovations planned for the space. Following this revamp, which has been supported by a multimillion-dollar grant from the NSW Government, the SBW Stables Theatre will boast a 44-percent increase in capacity, full accessibility, improved dressing rooms and a new rehearsal space. "There have been many times over the last four decades that this mission has been threatened in some way or another... Be it funding cuts, threats of eviction, or just the general trials and tribulations of staging plays in a 100+ year old horse stables," Griffin Theatre Company Artistic Director Declan Greene said. "In this landmark moment in the company's history, the Neilson's have made it possible to hold this mission in perpetuity. This is an extraordinary gift to the current custodians of Griffin, and to our predecessors. But it is also a gift to the generations of playwrights and theatre artists who are yet to be nurtured and supported by a company that is, in so many ways, the theatre of first chances." [caption id="attachment_865110" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The SBW Theatre, Dr Seaborn and John Bell[/caption] Griffin has been central to the theatre and arts ecosystem in Australia across its 42 years. Actors including Cate Blanchett and Jacqueline McKenzie cut their teeth on the SBW Stables Theatre stage. Australia's most produced contemporary play Away by Michael Gow was first performed at the theatre. And, hit local films Lantana, The Boys, The Heartbreak Kid and Holding the Man were all based on productions by the company. Griffin Chair Bruce Meagher said: "The generosity of the Neilson's is truly extraordinary, with many arts companies benefiting from their support. It's hard to imagine another company where the impact of that support will be as profound as for Griffin." "After the turmoil and disruption of lockdowns and restrictions in the last few years, we believe that opportunities for connection and exploration are more important than ever," proclaimed the Nielson Foundation's Kerr Neilson. "Theatre allows people to explore new perspectives, stories and ideas in ways that digital media will never." If you want to head down to catch a performance at the SBW Stables Theatre, acclaimed playwright Dylan Van Den Berg is bringing the debut of his new work Whitefella Yella Tree to Griffin from Friday, August 19. The heartwrenching story tells the tale of a pair of Indigenous teenagers who meet and fall in love in the early 19th century just as their country is being invaded by white settlers. [caption id="attachment_865109" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Render of the SBW Stables Theatre revamp[/caption] The Griffin Theatre Company is based out of the SBW Stables Theatre at 10 Nimrod Street, Darlinghurst. Head to the theatre company's website to view all of its upcoming shows. Top image: Ken Leanfore
When you think of Brisbane, the words 'world-class public transport system' probably aren't the first things that come to mind. But the Queensland capital isn't doing too badly on the PT front, especially if the new Brisbane Metro turns out like the draft plans intend. Brisbane City Council has today revealed the Brisbane Metro draft design report, which sets up the plan to deliver a new high-frequency 21-kilometre system connecting Eight Mile Plains to Roma Street and St Lucia to Herston via 18 stops and 11 interchanges. The project was first announced back in 2016, and, is set shake up the city's transportation network, particularly around the CBD. But along with more frequent services — which will run every three minutes in peak periods and every ten minutes at a minimum — and a plan to close a major bridge to cars, the report also includes a says that service will run all night on weekends. Yep, all night — from 5am Friday right through until midnight Sunday. Now, this won't exactly be happening soon — construction isn't slated to start until 2019 to 2022, and services won't commence until at least 2023. But, still, it shows that Brisbane City Council is willing to commit to a 24-hour model, much like the one that Melbourne trialled and then permanently instated last year. Fingers crossed Sydney can beat Brisbane to the punch. For now, Brisbane's draft design report is currently open for public comment until May 25, with information sessions taking place between April 28 and May 18. From here, the council will draw up detailed specifications to gain final approval and funding.
Prepare to step inside the mind of a cinematic genius. It's a big call, sure, but when it comes to David Lynch, it's true. No one makes movies or TV shows quite like the man who brought us Eraserhead, Blue Velvet, Mulholland Drive and a little series called Twin Peaks, and we mean no one. Don't just take our word for it — experience his movie marvels for yourself as part of the Ritz Cinema's two-month-long season of all of his films. It's diving deep into his distinctive audiovisual catalogue, screening every feature he has ever made on Thursday nights between October 8–December 10. That means you can watch the sci-fi flick he took his name off of, Dune, before this year's remake hits; his Nicolas Cage-starring Palme d'Or winner, Wild at Heart; and his old-man-on-a-lawnmower tale, The Straight Story. And that's only the beginning of a very eclectic bunch of movies. Also on the agenda is Lynch's moving and thoughtful The Elephant Man to celebrate its 40th anniversary, the twisty thrills (and ace 90s soundtrack) of Lost Highway, and Inland Empire, aka the flick the director famously wanted Laura Dern to win an Oscar for so badly that he campaigned on Hollywood Boulevard with a live cow. And then there's the thing we've all been waiting for: no, not Twin Peaks the series, but the show's exceptional horror sequel/prequel Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me on the big screen. BYO damn fine cup of coffee. Sessions kick off at 7pm each week, and tickets cost $12 for members and $20 otherwise. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyG0LqcdvU0 The Ritz Cinema's David Lynch retrospective runs every Thursday at 7pm from October 8–December 10.
You know those Mondays when things just keep getting worse? You're having a hard time suppressing the yawns, can't stop daydreaming about the fading glories of the past weekend and you keep checking your watch — it's barely noon. On days like this, you need a little something-something to get you through to 5pm, and we reckon a lunch hour or post-five feed spent getting intimate with a juicy burger is just the ticket. In collaboration with American Express, we've rounded up ten of the best places in Sydney to get your burger game on — and up your Amex points balance. Whether you're a fan of the basic burg with a side of skinny fries or want something a little more indulgent, we've got the place for you. From the classic beef version to the fish, chicken and vego varieties, the burgers at these spots will kick those back-to-work blues where it hurts. Throw in some sweet treats like a caramel milkshake or a cup of frozen custard, and your Monday just started looking a hell of a lot nicer. Got yourself in another dining situation and need some guidance? Whatever it is, we know a place. Visit The Shortlist and we'll sort you out.
Sometimes, you just wake up on the wrong side of the bed. Inevitable grumpiness ensues. "Where's my coffee," etc. Amelie and Friends, a sweet restaurant in West Sussex, England, has introduced branding to combat those early morning bad moods. "Wakey, wakey!" chirps the label wrapped around the coffee cup. "I'm all yours!" assures the brown paper packet housing your delicious morning muffin. The packaging was conceptualised by design boutique ilovedust and features feel good messages to complement the feel good pastries made fresh daily by this fine establishment. If only it were just a little closer to home. [Via Trend Hunter]
Since 2011, frosty things have been afoot — or so we've been constantly told. We've all lost count of the amount of times that someone has said "winter is coming", both in Game of Thrones or by someone you know quoting it. Watching new prequel series House of the Dragon, the same sentiment shines through again, too. Something chilly is indeed headed Sydney's way on Monday, September 12, however: House of the Dragon-themed gelato in House Vanillaryon and Heir to the Cone flavours. The two new limited-edition varieties are being whipped by up Gelato Messina, and they'll only be available for a single day at the chain's Newtown store. Also, there's 3000 scoops and they'll all be free. If your tastebuds are as eager as a Targaryen about sitting on the Iron Throne, House Vanillaryon combines burnt vanilla gelato, smoked chocolate brownie and burnt honey caramel, while Heir to the Cone will feature red velvet cheesecake gelato with dragonfruit puree. (Something dragon-related was always bound to pop up.) Just for the day from 12–9pm, Messina's King Street spot is also transforming into Westeros, which is set to involve appropriate decor. Given that House of the Dragon is all about the Targaryens, expect to feel like you're stepping into their world. Dragons will likely feature heavily here, we suspect — and if want to wear your best (or worst) blonde wig while you're there, that's up to you. A key caveat: Messina's collaboration with Australian streaming service Binge, which airs House of the Dragon, is a first-come-first-served event. So, while the one-day-only affair will kick off at 12pm and could indeed run till 9pm, those free gelato flavours are just available while stocks last. Also, you do need to go in-store to get your freebies, as it isn't on offer via delivery. Go on, try not to say "winter is coming" while you're there. Check out the trailer for House of the Dragon below: Gelato Messina's one-day-only House of the Dragon makeover, and its free Heir to the Cone and House Vanillaryon giveaway, takes place on Monday, September 12 at 262 King Street, Newtown — from 12–9pm, or until stocks last. House of the Dragon streams via Foxtel and Binge in Australia. Read our full review of season one.
It's happened again. Last month it was Marrickville's Vic On The Park, before that it was The Colloroy, and in December last year it was The Tennyson on Botany Road. Now Bondi's Royal Hotel has been acquired by Sydney hospo monolith Merivale — which will take its tally of Sydney pubs to 13 when it gets the keys in July 2018. The Bondi Road pub has been owned by the Moulding family for 40 years and went up for sale last month. Unlike the Vic On the Park — which Merivale stated would remain as-is for the time being — the venue looks set to undergo the kind of extensive renovation Merivale is known for. In a statement released today, the group said it would announce future plans for the venue "in due course". How much Merivale paid for the venue is not yet known, but The Daily Telegraph reported just last week that it was expected to sell for around $30 million. The Royal is the group's first Bondi acquisition and further confirm it plans to spread its brand across every inner-city suburb in Sydney.
The sunny shores of Newcastle will play host to the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship as it comes to a climactic boiling point for its grand finale. Held across November 23–25 at the Coates Hire Newcastle 500, one of Australia's most renowned street races, Round 16 represents the ultimate showdown in racing. Even when the engines aren't on, there's plenty happening across the weekend to keep you occupied. You'll have the opportunity to watch the teams prepare for the finale with a pit lane walk and meet the drivers at dedicated autograph sessions, if that's your jam. Meanwhile, the off-track entertainment is some of the most exciting in recent years with pop-up bars, live music and a LEGO play zone for the little ones. Headlining the festivities is Scottish band Simple Minds, who'll take to the stage on Saturday night for an exclusive Australian show with support from much-loved Aussie rockers Birds of Tokyo and The Delta Riggs. And good news: the concert is included in the cost of your Saturday race ticket. As the drivers race from the eastern end of Newcastle CBD, along Nobbys Beach and through Newcastle Harbour, the picturesque surrounds will provide the perfect send off for fan favourite Craig Lowndes, who is taking part in his last race as a full-time driver. Grandstand passes have already sold out but there is still space trackside with tickets starting at $59 for one day or $131 for the full weekend. To purchase tickets, head to Ticketek.
Consider yourself a gin lover? Well, we've got just the thing for your juniper-loving self — a luxe, gin-fuelled trip to Melbourne. After all, don't we all deserve a little getaway? Thanks to our friends at urban gin distillery Patient Wolf Distilling Co., you and a mate could be jetting off to Melbourne for two nights — with flights, accommodation and gin all on the house. Should you win this prize, you'll spend the weekend at the luxury W Melbourne hotel. You'll also learn about distillation and botanicals in a Patient Wolf gin masterclass — a must-do for all gin lovers — at its home in Southbank, just on the edge of Melbourne's CBD. During the masterclass, you'll hear all about the distillery's story; sample its three signature gins; and get to spend $200 at the bar or purchasing a couple of bottles to take home. You'll also score a $200 voucher to spend on a decadent dinner at W Melbourne's on-site restaurant, Lollo, after a hard day of gin sampling. The competition is open to people aged 18 years and over. See further details below to enter. [competition]814639[/competition]
The Vines are a long way from their Rishikesh days. The reformed, Craig Nicholls-run, Sydney staple is back with a new double album Wicked Nature — their sixth studio album — and two new members. Drummer Lachlan West and bassist Tim John have joined Nicholls for the latest reincarnation of The Vines, a band that quite simply refuses to surrender. Wicked Nature has been released independently and was produced in part by Nicholls, indicating an authentic sound uninfluenced by commercial pressures. After a three year hiatus from any touring The Vines will return to the stage for an exclusive one off show to perform their new material — in the carpark of Enmore's Vic on the Park. Creating a bonafide ruckus over the October long weekend, The Vines will play a free show on Sunday, October 5 from 1–6pm. Considering Wicked Nature has been in the holding tank for two years, The Vines are pretty keen for fans to become acquainted with the new sound. We spoke to bass player Tim John about recording Wicked Nature, joining the band with fellow newbie Lachlan West, and what's in store for the future of The Vines. Check out the interview here. Entry to the Vic show will be on a first in, first served basis so get there early. https://youtube.com/watch?v=OPWeDWeedg0
There can't be many tasks more challenging for a performer than making an unlikeable character likeable, yet when done right, that character's humanity and compassion can often burst though — amplified and disarming — with a powerfully cathartic release. Such is the case in John Lee Hancock's tender-hearted tale Saving Mr Banks, which chronicles Walt Disney's 20-year effort to bring Mary Poppins to the big screen. Disney, however, is not the focus of the film. The man was far from saintly, definitely, but — when played by Tom Hanks — his likability was assured. Instead, Saving Mr Banks focuses on the author of that beloved children's story, PL Travers (Emma Thompson), who was every bit the unlikeable character: stubborn, terse and paradoxically impolite in her constant castigations of anyone who failed to observe common etiquette. Common British etiquette, mind you. Beginning in 1961, Travers had found herself in financial trouble when the royalties from Mary Poppins had all but dried up. Faced with the possibility of losing her London home, she finally acquiesced to the pleas of her exasperated agent and travelled to Hollywood to discuss selling the film rights. Her unease, one she'd staunchly maintained for two decades, was that the story and characters would be 'Disneyfied' by way of frivolous cartoons, childish singing and dancing animals. An author seeking creative control was nothing new to Hollywood, but nobody could quite understand why Travers guarded her story with such unyielding ferocity. That mystery is what lies at the heart of Saving Mr Banks. Presented as a dual narrative, the movie flicks back and forth between Travers' present-day obstinacy in the Disney Studios and her difficult childhood in the Australian outback, with the latter periodically informing and recasting our understanding of the former. It's no secret the true subject of Mary Poppins was not the children, but rather their father — Mr Banks — and the quiet crusade by Poppins to reconnect him with his family. Accordingly, Saving Mr Banks's early scenes focus on the relationship between the young Travers (whose real name was Helen Goff) and her alcoholic yet devoted father, played by Colin Farrell. The parallels are all a little too neat, psychologically, but very much contribute to both the story's greater meaning and the audience's eventual appreciation of Travers' hidden benignity. In the lead, Thompson is unsurprisingly sensational. What initially feels like an exaggerated and caricaturesque performance proves remarkably spot-on courtesy of some unmissable credits, and her ability to transform both mood and meaning with the tiniest change of facial expression demonstrates why she remains top of her game. Hanks is reserved in his turn as Disney, though still proves capable of stealing a scene — most notably during an exquisite description of his own father's strict approach to parenting. In supporting roles, Paul Giamatti offers a lovely turn as Travers' driver, while Bradley Whitford, Jason Schwartzman and BJ Novak are excellent as the bewildered creatives charged with appeasing Travers and adapting her book to the screen. There's a good chance you'll cry in this film, both in moments of tragedy and sentimentality — but really, that's always been the Disney formula. Sweet, heartwarming and consistently funny, Saving Mr Banks is every bit the opposite of its main character, but — just like her — ultimately surprises with some unexpected tenderness. https://youtube.com/watch?v=FvKcwNyOnWo
At a time when representation continues to prove an issue in cinema, this year's Sydney Latin American Film Festival is leading by example. Already responsible for showcasing the kinds of South American flicks that wouldn't make it to Australian cinema screens otherwise, the 2017 event — the fest's 12th — also features a lineup that boasts gender parity. When SLAFF rolls into Dendy Opera Quays between September 7 and 11, half of its program will be directed by female filmmakers. That includes opening night's Havana-set On the Roof, Everything Else featuring Oscar-nominated Babel actress Adriana Barraza, and documentary When Guns Go Silent, about Colombian guerrillas trying to make peace with the government. Other highlights range from Bad Influence, about the issues and struggles of the Indigenous Chilean Mapuche people to Dominican sports drama Sambá (a hit at this year's Tribeca Film Festival) to closing night's Bad Lucky Goat, about two siblings on the run after accidentally killing a farmyard animal. In total, SLAFF 2017 will screen eight features, two documentaries and seven shorts across its five-day stint, highlighting the latest movies from Cuba, Argentina, Mexico, Chile, Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia and the Dominican Republic. And if that's not enough excitement, the bookending screenings will feature parties and performances.
Enjoy a leisurely brunch looking out over Sydney Harbour, at the recently opened Flying Bear in Kirribilli. Attached to the Sydney Flying Squadron sailing club, the cafe is being run by Adam Marshall, who previously operated Bird and Bear Cafe in Elizabeth Bay, and is also helming the club's relaunched restaurant, Foys Kirribilli. "The history and location of this building is truly special," Marshall told Good Food. "Our inspiration was to transform the space into a harbour retreat for locals and professionals from North Sydney, which in turn would secure the ongoing viability of this unique community asset." Morning menu offerings include bircher muesli with tea-soaked figs, grated apple, toasted almonds and yoghurt; rosemary, cheddar and sundried tomato scones; and toast with avocado, tomato, chilli flakes and truffle oil. Lunch options are a little heartier, such as a roast chicken, red cabbage, caramelised onion and aioli sandwich; and a grilled chorizo salad with soft boiled egg, rocket, butter beans, parsley and mint. As for beverages, fresh coconut juice seems like an appropriate match for the waterside locale. Alternatively, they also serve tea, coffee, milkshakes and smoothies, and are looking at hosting champagne brunches down the line. Food at the adjoining Foys Kirribilli is handled by chef Fernando Sanchez, previously of Darlinghurt's Food Society. Standout dishes include Tasmanian salmon cured in tequila, lime and cumin with crème fraiche, sourdough wafer and dill leaf; eggplant stuffed with ricotta, napoletana sauce and basil; and share plates of crispy roast chicken with cauliflower puree and chimichurri. Flying Bear will also be hosting live music sessions on Thursday evenings, complete with taco menu and sangria. The Flying Bear and Foys Kirribilli are located within the Sydney Flying Squadron Sailing Club at 76 McDougall Street, Kirribilli. For more information, check them out on Facebook. Via Good Food.
For the aquatically inclined, this weekend's SurfSho at Bondi's southern banks will provide an opportunity to glimpse some of the world's preeminent surfers ply their craft on and above the water. Taj Burrow, fresh off winning last week's Quiksilver Pro, will be flying high against Kelly Slater, Mick Fanning, Owen Wright and Jordy Smith in the first international surf competition at Bondi in 20 years. Highlights of the three-day event, billed as the world's biggest aerial surf contest, include a performance by coastal rockers the Beautiful Girls on Saturday afternoon and a jet ski-powered "expression session" on Sunday. We're giving away a pair of Arnette sunnies, a Hurley beach towel and a Boost Mobile touch phone from Samsung. Just email your name and ten words on who you think will win SurfSho and why to hello@concreteplayground.com.au to win.
There's no doubt that 2020 has been the year of leisurewear, and Venroy's enduring popularity — even before the days of Zoom meeting attire — make it a must for lovers of style and cosiness alike. Established in Bondi in 2010 as a maker of swim shorts, it's all about quality fabrics, comfort and detail, applying those key principles to a wide range of clothing across three additional Sydney boutiques. When the weather is warm, Venroy's abundance of linen products is certain to be a hit for both seasoned buyers and newcomers to the brand. Other fabrics employed at its own production factory include Japanese denim, cashmere and rich cotton shirting — all centred, of course, around the idea of leisure. Images: Kitti Smallbone
Glass, by director M. Night Shyamalan, concludes a trilogy nobody knew was a trilogy until the final moments of his previous film, Split. What at first seemed a fun and, at times, disturbing thriller about a split-personality kidnapper (played by a terrific James McAvoy) suddenly presaged an entirely new world of superheroes in the vein of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Harking all the way back to Shyamalan's 2000 film Unbreakable, Glass is the film designed to bring together the stories of McAvoy's unhinged killer, Bruce Willis's reluctant hero and Samuel L Jackson's evil genius. It's a two decade project and a gutsy effort to try something new. Unfortunately, the finished product fails to live up to the alluring concept. A quick refresher. Unbreakable brought together two fascinating characters in the form of comic book expert Elijah Price (Jackson) and sports stadium security guard David Dunn (Willis). Dunn is the sole and miraculous survivor of a horrific train crash from which he emerged entirely unscathed. He's a soulful and introverted family man, and it's not until Price contacts him that he realises he's never been sick or injured his entire life. Price, by contrast, is wheelchair bound, a sufferer of a brittle bone disease that makes him, effectively, as fragile as glass. Price's theory is that if he's as weak as humanity permits, it stands to reason someone must be his direct opposite; a man who is, essentially, unbreakable. Then in 2016 came Split and the introduction of The Horde (McAvoy), a collective name for the many personalities embodying the hapless Kevin Wendell Crumb. Chief amongst them is The Beast, an abnormally strong and animalistic entity capable of scaling sheer walls and even ceilings. If Dunn is the superhero, then The Beast is the super villain. Glass ties these characters together by locking all three up in a mental institute under the care of psychiatrist Dr. Ellie Staple (Sarah Paulson). Her speciality is illusions of grandeur manifesting in the belief that its sufferers are superheroes, and the film does an impressive job of sewing doubt in both the characters' and audience's mind that everything we've seen to date might be explained away by simple science. It's an enticing counterpoint to the conventional superhero narrative, which tells us they simply exist and that's that. Here, Shyamalan continues his preoccupation with how one might become a superhero. It's a trilogy-long origin story, grounded in the lore and mythology of comic books. Fascinating as that idea is, however, the movie spends far too long footnoting itself, going to pains to explain again and again how its events track the narrative arc of any comic. It's as if Shyamalan is desperate to ensure you know how clever his idea is, and all you want to do is yell back at the screen: IT'S OKAY! WE GET IT! MOVE ON! Admittedly, it is clever. The idea that superheroes do exist, but are also very human and only marginally more enhanced and capable than everyone else represents an appealing and refreshing take on the genre. And yet the film's theoretical strength is also its practical weakness. The climactic clash between Dunn and The Beast feels entirely lacklustre and unimpressive in a world now accustomed to such scenes frequently involving the levelling of entire cities. Mass destruction can be tiresome as well, of course, but surely there's room for something in between? In Glass, the characters are a far cry from Superman, Thor or The Hulk. Consequently most of their fighting consists of the pair locked arm-in-arm like a dull MMA bout. There are flourishes of brilliance – Beast's inhuman gallop across a field being amongst the best – but they're far too infrequent. Ultimately though, the biggest problem with Glass is that it's far too preoccupied with explaining itself as it goes. And so while the journey is enjoyable enough, the final feeling is that a great opportunity has been missed. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95ghQs5AmNk
Kevin Un has worked across some of Sydney's best kitchens, including Restaurant Hubert, Lotus Dining Group and Sergeant Lok. Now, he's at the helm of a new Northern Beaches restaurant that's pulling together this experience and paying homage to his Malaysian-Indonesian heritage. Lantern Fish explore's South-East Asian cuisines, drawing from the traditional without being afraid to get creative. You'll find a dumpling menu that leans heavily on prawn, offering up combinations like scallop and prawn or pork and prawn siu mai. Or there are cheeseburger spring rolls, Malaysian kingfish ceviche, red curry prawn toast and tsui wan poached two ways. "I would describe my food as Malaysian, Indonesian and Chinese. It is my heritage combined with my experience," Un says. "I like it to be creative, I don't want my food to be found anywhere else but it won't be over the top; no foams or gels. I want it to be different but I want it to be fun." Alongside these signature dishes, the menu is extensive, providing more of Un's vibrant version of classic dishes. Other highlights include five-spice tofu and zucchini san choy bow, flash-fried cauliflower with Sichuan sauce, twelve-hour Cape Grim beef ribs and XO crab fried rice. If you order ahead, you can also organise to centre your meal around the Lanturn Fish specials — mud crab and lobster feasts. "When I was younger, the Chinese New Year table in Kuching would be a lot, more than 30 people, and we would always have three huge crabs cooked by my grandma. I want people to experience that," says Un. And, drop in for lunch and you can treat yourself to the express feast for $42 for two people. This special daytime set menu features oysters, salt and four-pepper squid, dumplings, smokey fried rice, kung pao chicken and chilli jam greens. Lantern Fish is located at Shop 5/2–8 Darley Road, Manly. It's open midday-3pm and 5–9pm Tuesday–Thursday and midday–3pm and 5–10pm Friday–Sunday. Photos: Kimberley Low
Since he was 15 years old, Jarvis headed up Pulp, the Sheffield Brit-poppers that broke all barriers of the non-movement. Pulp changed the musical climate in England and abroad with their music, which was described by biographer Allen Sturdy as “a cross between Abba and The Fallâ€. Pulp released 7 much acclaimed studio albums, none more so than Different Class which included their biggest single Common People. He is a much respected figure in the musical and cultural cosmos, and since Pulp have been on hiatus he has collaborated with many leading figures past (Marianne Faithful and Nancy Sinatra) and present (he contributed three songs to the Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire soundtrack). Amongst a plethora of other diverse and ever changing projects and collaborations he has also hosted his own arts series Journeys into the Outside on UK Channel 4. The multi-tasker released his first solo album Jarvis in 2006 and Further Complications was released in May this year. The Steve Albini produced record sees Jarvis turning up the volume and rocking out more with complete with feedback and distorted guitars- including single Angela which according to a Q Magazine interview is about “thwarted lustâ€. His nice-suited self will grace our The Metro Theatre on 7th December.https://youtube.com/watch?v=AzpxtSmEL9s
Slightly patchier than last year's lineup, Days Like This Festival returns to the Entertainment Quarter (yes, it used to be called Fox Studios, and yes the new name is stupid). Once you get over the fact that you are hanging out in a car park between cement buildings behind the cricket ground, you will probably have some fun. I went last year and it seemed like it catered to people avoiding both the neon and Southern Cross tattoos that are often prevalent at festivals. More than amazing headliners, this year the attractions are some slightly more obscure gems. Micachu & The Shapes pricked my ears a while back with their lo-fi folky electronics and cut and paste sounds, complimented by 21 year old front woman Mica's obscure lyrics and vacuum samples. Another example is Mayer Hawthorne, a hip hop MC and producer who made an old school soul record in his bedroom and is now riding it around the world. Having pointed those out, there are some bigger acts that are worth seeing too. Roots Manuva is somewhat of a legend these days with his dubbed out grimey hip hop, and skip the Cat Empire for the other feline feature Cat Power, who is still sober and still playing soul tunes. It is a lineup for dancing, and with funky cats like The Bamboos and hip hop greats Method Man and Redman, it should be another fun festival to start the year. Check the website for the full lineup because we couldn't squeeze it in here.https://youtube.com/watch?v=8TRkZpFgJcI
Reward yourself for getting through the week with a set of free doughnuts this Saturday. DoorDash is celebrating its second anniversary by giving away 26,000 free doughnuts, delivered to your door. The food delivery service has teamed up with Krispy Kreme to ensure you're giving into your sweet tooth this weekend. In order to claim your free doughnuts, you just need to spend $10 or more at Krispy Kreme through DoorDash and you'll be rewarded with four free doughy treats. Delivery on all orders has been cut to $2 on Saturday, meaning you can nab a pair of coffees and four doughnuts for $12 or eight doughnuts for around $16. Of course, you could also just throw caution to the wind and order yourself a whole heap of Krispy Kreme knowing you'll be treated to a few extra doughnuts in your delivery bag. The deal is available until all 26,000 doughnuts are sold out so make sure you jump on the DoorDash app early on Saturday and get your order in.
The Red Bull Music Academy Weekender is gearing up for a second visit to Aussie shores. The globally acclaimed festival will return to Sydney from August 31 through September 3, and sees a sharp curation of performances, conversations, installations and club nights taking over some of the city's best-loved venues, with a careful selection of internationally recognised artists coming together in a celebration of contemporary music. Sydney was lucky enough to be tapped last year, joining previous host cities including Tokyo, Dubai, Vienna, and Stockholm. Expect everything from a carpark carnival from One Day to a minimalist Japanese electronic concert at North Head. Red Bull Radio will also be broadcasting live across all four days with a program of conversations, special guests, local stories, and live streams to accompany the tunes. The rest of the country is getting a taste of the action, too — this year's festival will kick off with a little help from the Road to Weekender, a series of events and lectures slated for Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane and Melbourne in the lead-up to Sydney from August 26 through 31. The Red Bull Music Academy boasts a long-held legacy of cultural celebration, fostering musical talent and collaboration across the globe. In Australia alone, the Academy has also hosted stages at Splendour in the Grass and Laneway Festival, as well as put on an industrial rave at Dark Mofo.
Not every Sydneysider has the luxury of being able to nab a cheeky beach dip in Tamarama after work. The words "hectic traffic", "epic trek", "generally CBF" start a long list of pretty solid excuses. If you're an inner-city dweller, chances are you've found your nearest community pool for cooling off and doing mad laps in. Luckily, the City of Sydney's built a fair few aquatic centres around town, five in all. And summer's the perfect time to try 'em all — for free. Over a series of Saturdays, the City of Sydney is hosting a series of free open days in their swimming pools, inviting locals to try out everything each 50-metre pool has to offer — from the insanely pretty Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool located on the edge of the harbour, to the $40 million Harry Seidler and Associates-designed Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre. There'll be a range of activities for all ages on the day, including tours, fitness classes, aquatic inflatables, learn-to-swim information, barbecues and face painting. Plus, you get to swim for free. The idea behind the open days is to give you a chance to test out the facilities associated with the City of Sydney's 360 card — $53.40 a fortnight for access to all five of the City of Sydney's aquatic centres across the city, and their adjoining fitness facilities. CITY OF SYDNEY SWIMMING POOL OPEN DAYS: Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool: Saturday, January 30, 9am-midday Prince Alfred Park Pool: Saturday, February 6, 9am-midday Victoria Park Pool: Saturday, February 13, 9am-midday Cook + Philip Park Aquatic and Fitness Centre: Saturday, February 20, 8am-1pm Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre: Saturday, February 27, 8am-1pm Image: City of Sydney.
Whether you've got a dinner party, picnic or trip to a BYO restaurant lined up, two Sydney venues are offering an unbeatable booze deal right now. Solotel favourites The Erko and The Abercrombie are making the most of their wines on tap by offering one-litre squealers of vino for just $25. Just head into either of the Sydney pubs, or The Abercrombie's attached wine bar Lil Sis, and you can purchase one litre of pinot grigio, rosé or grenache to take away for $25. If you want that deal sweetened, return the jug once you're finished with it, and you can purchase a refill for just $20. The Abercrombie and Lil Sis are even offering a special skin-contact drop in the squealers for all of those natty wine lovers. Both venues use a mix of bottled and kegged wines, with the latter being delivered thanks to a collaboration with local producer Alpha Box & Dice. Using kegged wines means that over 5000 bottles are diverted from landfill and recycling per venue per year. It also helps to keep the wine fresher for longer. [caption id="attachment_887494" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lil Sis[/caption] The takeaway wine deal comes at a busy time for both venues. The Erko has just revitalised its menu with a new hyper-seasonal selection of eats that utilise produce from a local community garden. Ex-Chiswick chef Ethan Robinson is behind the revamp — with the new offerings including zucchini fritti, kingfish ceviche, octopus salad, a standout chicken schnitzel and $2 oysters on Sundays. Over at The Abercrombie, the pub, nightclub and rooftop bar is officially celebrating one year since it reopened under the guidance of Solotel. After sitting vacant for years, the Chippendale stalwart reemerged last summer, quickly returning to its place as a cornerstone of the city's party and music scenes. [caption id="attachment_924567" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Erko, Steven Woodburn[/caption] Head to The Erko, The Abercrombie or Lil Sis to score a takeaway squealer of wine for $25.
If views are what you're after to see out 2019, then The Glenmore is the place to be this New Year's Eve. The Rocks' famed rooftop bar overlooks Sydney Harbour, with uninterrupted views of the Opera House. So, here, you can expect fireworks and good times aplenty. At the pub's NYE Party, you'll be ushering in 2020 while kicking back on the rooftop and around the cocktail lounge. Your ticket will cost $385 and includes four hours worth of drinks, with select wine, beer and spirits, plus a celebratory glass of Mumm at midnight. And you can't put a price on those million-dollar views, really. In between sipping, you'll be feasting on top-quality canapés, plus there'll be a grazing station on arrival should you need to line the stomach early. And, of course, it's New Year's Eve, so there'll be live tunes playing all night long, with Emily of One Stop DJs kicking things off, followed by the dreamy (and dance-worthy) harmonies of Thousand Rivers.
