Lorde is back. After five years away from music, the New Zealand pop sensation returned in 2021 with third studio album Solar Power. And, if you've been hanging out to hear it live, her delayed tour is finally heading our way in March. The Solar Power World Tour was meant to hit in 2022, but was postponed due to New Zealand's COVID-19 situation and border rules at the time. When it makes its way to Sydney's Aware Super Theatre on Monday, March 13–Tuesday, March 14, fans will still be in for a treat, of course — and three albums worth of Lorde tunes. [caption id="attachment_816623" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Come Up Show[/caption] On the Solar Power tour, expect to have plenty of company belting out all the words to 'Ribs' and 'Green Light'. The last time that Australia was treated to Lorde's live set was her headline set at Splendour in the Grass 2018, a full-circle moment for the singer as she returned to the stage of one of her first ever performances as a last-minute replacement for Frank Ocean back in 2013. A year prior, in 2017, Lorde also toured some of Australia's largest and most iconic outdoor venues including the Sydney Opera House Forecourt. Top image: Liliane Callegari via Wikimedia Commons.
The annual reason to not go excessively turbo on New Year's Eve, Field Day, has announced its return for 2023. The festival will return to its home of The Domain, helping festival-goers start their new year with an extremely vibey day out, soaking up an equal mix of sunshine and live music. This year the tunes have been sourced from a stacked roster of local and international artists and creators, including Diplo, Honey Dijon, Bicep (Live), Denzel Curry, Yung Lean and Kaytranada. Tickets are on sale now and offer the usual range of experiences and access. That includes Fast Forward, which fast tracks you through most of the festival including express entry, exclusive bar lanes and dedicated toilets in the GA area. If you hate a queue, these are the tickets for you. Up another notch is VIP – taking the Field Day experience to a new level – with a dedicated entrance, access to a fully air-conditioned luxe venue, exclusive bar, toilets and a viewing platform of the main stage . Maybe the most enticing perk is phone charging stations to ensure you've got the juice to secure an Uber home and keep tabs on your mates. So, let's review: A day out in The Domain, three stages to watch all your favourite artists, a fully licensed bar, free water, snacks galore and ticket perks. What are we missing...oh right, the full lineup. FIELD DAY 2023 LINEUP A Little Sound A.GIRL Aitch Benee Bicep (live) Charlotte De Witte Cloonee Denzel Curry Diplo Dom Dolla Glaive & Ericdoa Holy Goof Honey Dijon Gold Fang Jennifer Loveless JK-47 Jnr Choi Kanine Kaytranada Mike Dimes Ninjarachi Partiboi69 Patrick Topping Pretty Girl Remi Wolf SG Lewis Shygirl Sofia Kourtesis Tkay Maidza Yung Lean Waxlily Field Day 2023 kicks off at 12pm on Sunday, January 1, 2023, and runs until 11pm. For more information on the venue, lineup, set times, and to secure tickets visit the website. Images: Field Day, Anna Ward.
If anyone can promise a Mardi Gras after-party you won't forget in a hurry, it's the folks at monthly LGBTQI+ dance fiesta Saturgay and the ever-inclusive All Sorts. And indeed, the two are coming together to host one especially memorable shindig, helping to round out Mardi Gras' jam-packed program with their post-parade Blackout Mardi Gras Party on Saturday, March 2. Taking over three rooms across both levels of The Lansdowne Hotel, this double whammy celebration will be hosted by the highly entertaining Miss Ellaneous and Marzi Panne, from Party Passport. Downstairs, punters will experience Saturgay's signature serve of disco-drenched, dance floor-filling good times, while a All Sorts delivers one of its legendary mixed bag adventures — headlined by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTIQA+ crew, Brotha Boys, Sista Girls — upstairs. You'll catch high-energy performances from the likes of Dreamtime Divas, Nova Gina and Miss First Nation finalists MadB and Timberlina, along with DJ sets from favourites like GLDSPK, Ruby Slippers and Nelly Yuki, well into the wee hours. Best bring your dancing shoes for this one.
The days of sipping a caffeinated brew and remaining blissfully unaware of its environmental impact are long gone; however, so are the days of cafes and other coffee-related businesses not doing their bit to help. From plantable coffee cups, recyclable containers and BYO mug campaigns to compostable coffee pods, mushrooms grown in discarded grounds and sheets made from repurposed coffee yarns, there's no shortage of eco-conscious coffee-related activities and products — and now, there's coffee cups made out of coffee waste as well. Meet HuskeeCup, a reusable alternative to ceramic drinkware that's made from recycled coffee husks. It's the brainchild of a group of Australian coffee industry professionals including Pablo & Rusty's Saxon Wright, and aims to reduce coffee-related discards in both growing beans and making hot cuppas. "We wanted to create a closed-loop system, so we thought if we could use waste from farming to create a cup we could solve problems both at the cafe and farm level," he told the Sydney Morning Herald. The cups are designed not only to do make a difference on an environmental level, reusing organic material that's usually thrown away, but to look good too — and keep coffee hotter for longer. They come in three sizes, with a one-size-fits-all saucer and lid. HuskeeCup has just finished a fundraising campaign to start production, exceeding its target more than five times over. The first orders are due in April 2018 — keep an eye on their website for more information. Via inhabitat. Image: HuskeeCup.
So you walk out of Central Station along Elizabeth St, get your phone out and in a couple taps you're looking through the camera across the streets. Where you see stuff. 'Augmented reality' is a few years old now, essentially laying the locations of local interesting things over a live video feed as you move your phone's camera around. Creative space benefactors Queen Street Studios have just put together their own AR camera-fed tour of Surry Hills and Darlinghurst, launching this weekend as Peep Show. In the (iPhone) app, moments from the suburb's history, history in the making and local hotspots get marked out for you virtually, as the tour takes in spaces as diverse as Brisbane Street's Paramount Pictures building, the now relocated statue of Joy, the sex worker, and the homes and haunts of late lamented 'razorhurst' personalities. And while the app is easy to find, the party is more of a challenge. Officially the launch takes place Saturday and Sunday on the hour, every hour, 11-5 outside Heffron Hall. But for those willing to search for clues around some 'hotspots' highlighted over the weekend, there's also a secret launch party waiting there for the intrepid and the lucky.
Africa is a big place. Getting a handle on just its Western corner is no easier than getting your head around the whole of of Western Europe. It's almost equally big, diverse and connected across borders. Even just sizing up the music can be a bit of a job for the outsider, with skinny harps made of wood, calabash and skins, more modern guitars, djembe drums tracing their designs back to the fourteenth century and a lot of dancing. Café Carnivale is offering to accelerate this education with a West African Festival to unite you with half a day of of occidental music and culture. Exploding on the Marrickville stage will be the salsa-like swing of Keyim Ba, the soft stories of Miriam Lieberman, twisting rhythms of Pape Mbaye and Chosani Afrique, reggae-loving Afro Moses, Errol H. Renaud's Carribean grooves and Guinean percussionist Sibo Bangoura. More traditional music education comes in the form of dance and drum workshops, food from African Feeling to help you keep the energy between moments at dance or play and, if you have any energy left, you can browse around the market stalls that help round out the line-up. Image by Shane Rozario.
Not so long ago, Newtown locals went to the 'Townie' to drink and a handful of cafes to eat. Now there's a long list of options each quirkier, cleverer and more welcoming than the last. But one does not simply open a venue in Newtown. Its locals are fiercely loyal and discerning, known for having evicted a McDonalds back in the '90s. A bar or restaurant opening up in Newtown has to feel like it was made by Newtown, not just plonked down in it, and that's produced some excellent establishments that are loved by both locals and outsiders. Check out these ten standouts. Miss Peaches Soul Food Kitchen American food may be flavour of the month, but it's also the flavour of Newtown, as several recent openings attest. Step off Missenden Road and be transported to a pseudo-Louisiana where Miss Peaches and her Soul Food Kitchen are waiting. The spacious brick bar has old-school Southern charm with plenty of comfy booths, a balcony overlooking the hustle and bustle of King Street below, plus a blues-infused vinyl collection to get any feet dancing. The menu is the antithesis of all diets and not for the faint of heart. Think cornbread sliders filled with deep-fried mac and cheese, chicken or beef short rib (3 for $18), crispy tater tots with maple bacon ketchup ($8) or flaky crawfish pies ($12). Cornerstone Like Tutankhamun's tomb, Carriageworks' food and drinks site seems to have had an ancient curse menacing it. Venues have come and gone (most recently John and Peter Canteen), perhaps banking on a more formal, sit-down crowd than they can reliably attract in a pre-show context. New bar and restaurants Cornerstone has a real chance of kicking this hex. It's grazing menu is masterminded by the Fresh Catering team, and it boasts a truly gorgeous fit-out that lures you in even if you're not spending the evening with a show at Carriageworks. The Garden Bar at the Marly The Marlborough Hotel has tried to banish the ghosts of first years past with its new fit-out, and it's doing surprisingly well. New owners John Singleton and Geoff Dixon have breathed new life into the pub by introducing the Garden Bar while still maintaining the old-school charm for which the Marly is known. back courtyard is the perfect spot to spend the afternoon catching some rays in the secluded, art deco-furnished terrace. The kitchen has gone Deep South, and not timidly. You gotta try the waffles — choose from crispy buttermilk deep-fried chicken, smoked pulled pork, cheesy BBQ sirloin or Mexican lentil toppings ($8). Soda Pony Newtown has always had a superlative cafe scene, and Soda Pony is the latest bearer of that tradition. Positioned at the south end of King Street, Soda Pony fits in seamlessly amongst the many second-hand vintage stores, invoking feelings of nostalgia with its mismatched chairs and antique posters. Try their epic choc-malt frosty thickshake ($5.50) — only for the courageous, but totally worth it. What's more of a bonus is that they're serving a mean Double Roasters coffee ($3.50) here, so reheating your mitts is taken care of. You may, however, have to take care of your landlord — you've found a new home. Mary's The fit-out is undoubtedly cool, a step up from some of the surrounding venues without a doubt. From the literally bottomless Jack Daniel's bottle light fixtures to the big, chunky, brother-made wooden table on the far right ground floor corner, it's clear a great deal of time and effort has gone into gutting what once was and tailoring it to suit Newtown's growing crowd of aesthetes. Luckily, judging from the diversity of said crowd, and much like the suburb itself, everyone and anyone seems to be welcome. The burgers are already famous — like Maccas in style, but with the fancy finger work of Powell on the grill, not to mention the fabulously now trashcan-lid-smoked bacon as an optional extra, the taste beats that shining yellow M any day. The Bank Hotel Beer Garden The Bank's got a reputation as being a boozy outer suburbs drinking den frequented by out-of-Newtowners and doesn't quite fit into the area's grungier vibe. Now the longstanding Sumalee Thai restaurant downstairs, which was serving Newtown's international cuisine of choice for about 20 years, has made way for a gourmet gastro pub grub kitchen. The nameless kitchen offers restaurant-standard meals rather than dishing out just burgers and chips (although that too is on offer, if renamed 'bun stuffers'). There's no reason why the Bank won't enjoy the same success as the Newtown Hotel, and there are plans to extend the terrace to a front balcony, like the Newtown (though some work needs to be done on the bland front bar to make the back garden, which is very inviting, to be more than a hidden secret). Osteria Russo & Russo Technically, this may be Enmore, but Russo & Russo's effect is definitely felt towards the Newtown end of the street. It's building up the local fine dining scene pioneered by Hartsyard, Spencer Gutherie and Sixpenny. Head chef Jason Saxby bent the norm at The Bridge Room with nice, quirky takes on traditional dishes, but he's free from the semi-corporate environment now. There are no Italian standards on the menu, but rather busy, fussy dishes such as the wild hare ragu intertwined with scarlet red, hand-rolled beetroot pasta ($24). The glazed beef cheeks with semolina gnocchi, broad beans and radicchio ($28) is a hit, too. Newtown Social Club It was a sad day for Sydney's live music scene when Newtown's beloved Sandringham Hotel was placed in receivership last June, and even sadder when it was finally forced to shut its doors in December. But there was also cause for cautious optimism, with word that the team behind two of Melbourne's most iconic venues, the Corner Hotel and Northcote Social Club, would be taking over the site. Bands haven't started playing yet (the band room on the second floor needs renovations), but it's a nice place for a cheap pizza and beer in the meantime and has retained a lot of the old venue's spirit. Newtown Hotel Okay, this one's been open since October last year, but it's been such a pioneer of the Newtown Renaissance, it deserves a long celebration. The pub oozes Newtown; from local street artists' art adorning the walls, to the cinema on the second floor, which shows indie flicks during the week. And you may remember the pop-up bar Freaky Tiki, which operated in the hotel before the refurbishment? Well, the Tiki is well and truly alive too, with cocktails from the former bar that scream rock and roll. Try the Janis Joplin, chamomile tea-infused Jack Daniels, white crème de cacao, Cointreau and lemon ($16). Hartsyard Hartsyard may be the oldest venue on this list (one year old in May), but it's the kind of place that keeps surprising you anew. It's American food again, this time with the experimental touch of a fine diner. Start with the poutine ($23) for a no-holds-barred introduction to American cuisine that borrows generously from the Bible Belt, French Canada and the friction between urban and rural dining. Hartsyard prides itself on homegrown ingredients and traditional recipes reappropriated for a modern palette, and it delivers on all three fronts. So, grab your friends, order generously, and be prepared to use your hands and lick your fingers. By the Concrete Playground team.
There's only one Wes Anderson, but there's a litany of wannabes. Why can't David O Russell be among them? Take the first filmmaker's The Grand Budapest Hotel, mix in the second's American Hustle and that's as good a way as any to start describing Amsterdam, Russell's return to the big screen after a seven-year gap following 2015's Joy — and a starry period comedy, crime caper and history lesson all in one. Swap pastels for earthier hues, still with a love of detail, and there's the unmistakably Anderson-esque look of the film. Amsterdam is a murder-mystery, too, set largely in the 1930s against a backdrop of increasing fascism, and filled with more famous faces than most movies can dream of. The American Hustle of it all springs from the "a lot of this actually happened" plot, this time drawing upon a political conspiracy called the White House/Wall Street Putsch, and again unfurling a wild true tale. A Russell returnee sits at the centre, too: Christian Bale (Thor: Love and Thunder) in his third film for the writer/director. The former did help guide the latter to an Oscar for The Fighter, then a nomination for American Hustle — but while Bale is welcomely and entertainingly loose and freewheeling, and given ample opportunity to show his comic chops in his expressive face and physicality alone, Amsterdam is unlikely to complete the trifecta of Academy Awards recognition. The lively movie's cast is its strongest asset, though, including the convincing camaraderie between Bale, John David Washington (Malcolm & Marie) and Margot Robbie (The Suicide Squad). They play pals forged in friendship during World War I, then thanks to a stint in the titular Dutch city. A doctor, a lawyer and a nurse — at least at some point in the narrative — they revel in love and art during their uninhabited stay, then get caught in chaos 15 years later. Amsterdam begins in the later period, with Burt Berendsen (Bale) tending to veterans — helping those with war injuries and lingering pain, as he himself has — without a medical license. He once had a Park Avenue practice, but his military enlistment and his fall from the well-heeled set afterwards all stems from his snobbish wife Beatrice (Andrea Riseborough, The Electrical Life of Louis Wain) and her social-climbing (and prejudiced) parents. As he did in the war, however, Burt aids who he can where he can, including with fellow ex-soldier Harold Woodman (Washington). That's how he ends up lending a hand (well, a scalpel) to the well-to-do Liz Meekins (Taylor Swift, Cats) after the unexpected death of her father and their old Army general (Ed Begley Jr, Better Call Saul). The bereaved daughter suspects foul play and Burt and Harold find it, but with fingers pointing their way when there's suddenly another body. Two police detectives (The Old Guard's Matthias Schoenaerts and The Many Saints of Newark's Alessandro Nivola), both veterans themselves, come a-snooping — and Burt and Harold now have two tasks. Clearing their names and figuring out what's going on are intertwined, of course, and also just the start of a story that isn't short on developments and twists (plus early flashes back to 1918 to set up the core trio, their bond, their heady bliss and a pact that they'll keep looking out for each other). There's a shagginess to both the tale and the telling, because busy and rambling is the vibe, especially with so much stuffed into the plot. One of Amsterdam's worst traits is its overloaded and convoluted feel, seeing that there's the IRL past to explore, a message about history repeating itself to deliver along with it, and enough mayhem to fuel several romps to spill out around it. The pacing doesn't help, flitting between zipping and dragging — and usually busting out the wrong one for each scene. Among all of the above, there's also no shortage of characters; that lengthy list of well-known names has to get up to something, and that jam-packed story has to get as many cogs whirring as possible. Valerie Voze (Robbie) sweeps back in just as pandemonium kicks in, under her brother Tom (Rami Malek, No Time to Die) and his wife Libby's (Anya Taylor-Joy, The Northman) watch. Old war buddy Milton King (Chris Rock, Spiral: From the Book of Saw) warns Burt and Harold about helping Liz from the start, but autopsy nurse Irma St Clair (Zoe Saldana, The Adam Project) — who Burt is visibly fond of — dutifully assists. Also popping up: celebrated army buddy General Gil Dillenbeck (Robert De Niro, The War with Grandpa), as well as intelligence officers Paul Canterbury (Mike Myers, The Pentaverate) and Henry Norcross (Michael Shannon, Bullet Train). Russell uses his supporting players to inject as many quirks and as much energy as he can, including via Canterbury and Norcross' cover as purveyors of glass eyes — something that Burt needs, in dark hazel green — and their keen and genuine interest in birdwatching as a hobby. Those and other eccentricities are also sprinkled around heartily as flavour, setting up and deepening the madcap mood with more than a tad too much force, particularly given that the score by Daniel Pemberton (See How They Run), roving and Dutch-tilting cinematography from Emmanuel Lubezki (Song to Song), and intricate production and art design more than do their showy and flamboyant part. Still, there's little faulting the spirited actors circling around Bale, Washington and Robbie — Malek, Saldana, Riseborough and De Niro especially — or that lead threesome. Whenever Amsterdam lags or rushes, the performances bring viewers in. Alongside Bale's engaging sense of comedy, Washington wears understated charm as well as a suit, and Robbie is just as charismatic playing free-spirited yet tenacious. Lubezki's floating lensing truly is magnetic; if ever given the option to go large or go home, Russell is rarely known for holding back or getting his collaborators to. The filmmaker is fond of idealistic protagonists making their way through a trying world with their sizeable personalities, hopes and hearts shining bright, recognisably so — and contemplating what his boisterous bounces through fictionalised/dramatised blasts from the past say about America today. Being aware of how quickly fascism can infiltrate, and via whom, isn't a new or novel message for 2022. Amsterdam is never as simplistic in stating the obvious as Don't Look Up was about climate change, though, and it isn't patronising, insulting or irritating, thankfully. It's no The Grand Budapest Hotel or even American Hustle, either, but worse can happen, a notion that the screwball flick's characters keep learning.
How best to celebrate the impending arrival of gin season? With the launch of what might just be the most fashionable gin going around, of course. Developed by famed UK bartender Tony Conigliaro (London's Colebrooke Row, Bar Termini and Untitled Bar), the new Goldy Gin is being launched this week in collaboration with two very familiar local names — Icebergs restaurateur and designer Maurice Terzini, and influencer, friend and fellow fashion heavyweight Justin O'Shea. "The Goldy Gin brand is concerned with a few things; authenticity, value, taste and fun," O'Shea explained. "So all of the partners in this project have to stand for these attributes." Primed for gin and tonics or classic cocktails, it's a no-fuss creation that's straight to the point, clocking in at 44% alcohol by volume. With big-name bars like Lou Lou's and Soho House in London, and Paris' Hemingway Bar and Caviar Kaspia already fans, the gin is gearing up for a huge global launch, right here in Australia this week. Terzini and O'Shea will be hosting Goldy tastings at bars across Sydney and Melbourne over the coming days, with a launch party set to take over The Dolphin in Sydney this Thursday, November 16. Image: Zackery Michael.
A new fashion market is joining Sydney's growing array of weekend shopping spots; however this one-off event has something other than bargain purchases or vintage finds in mind. At the Slow Fashion Market, attendees will browse through racks of clothing and shelves of accessories that fit two criteria. Firstly, everything on offer is made from sustainable, non-toxic materials. Secondly, it all hails from retailers that either make the fashion themselves or pay their workers fair wages. It's the latest venture from Emma Morris and Lee Glezos — aka the team behind The Makers & Shakers Market and the Round She Goes Preloved Fashion Market — with the duo aiming to raise awareness about the slow fashion movement. With mass-produced, over-produced 'fast fashion' having an enormous environmental impact, resulting in around 85 percent of new textiles eventually ending up in landfill, the Slow Fashion Market "will bring together people who care about how their fashion is made," explains Morris. "Consumers are reaching their threshold for clothes that is made cheap and fast, that falls apart after a couple of washes, and potentially exploits the people who made them." Taking place from 10am–3pm on Saturday, September 1 at Petersham Town Hall, the market will feature more than 40 independent brands selling womens, mens and children's fare. Entry costs $2, so keep your gold coins handy. While there's a serious and important topic behind the one-day event, the Slow Fashion Market not only endeavours to educate consumers, but to celebrate makers. "We create an environment where everyone is comfortable asking questions — and 'who made my clothes?' is the core question at this event," says Morris. The Slow Fashion Market takes place from 10am–3pm on Saturday, September 1 at Petersham Town Hall. For more information, visit the market website. Image: Alana Dimou.
For 12 trend-setting hours, Vogue American Express Fashion's Night Out will take over Sydney CBD with a New York City-style block party. Swing by on Thursday, September 5 for giveaways, catwalks, launches, special offers, canapés and wine. It all kicks off with an official launch party at 4.30pm — and you can shop from 10am till stores close at 10pm. The program is pretty epic, involving nearly every brand — small and large — in Australia. So, we've picked out ten events you really can't miss, from sipping champagne in a beautiful Strand Arcade store to tasting free chocolate samples and gaining invaluable fashion tips from stylists. When you need a pick-me-up between the shopping madness, make sure you visit the David Jones American Express Lounge where you'll get to mingle with the most influential people in Sydney's fashion circles and snack on canapes. Don't leave it till after work, as Sydney's shopping marathon officially kicks off at lunchtime. CATCH CXLOE AND 'VOGUE' EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ON STAGE Get to Pitt Street Mall at midday for the official kick-off. Vogue editor-in-chief Edwina McCann will be leading the launch moment alongside Lord Mayor of Sydney Clover Moore. In between speeches, listen out for live music: making appearances will be two local singer-songwriters, Thandi Phoenix, whose 2019 single 'Say It' has been getting lots of love, and Cxloe, who gigs between Australian and the US. The party is free, and, once it's done, you'll be smack bang in the middle of the action — ready for champagne, canapés and fashion-inspired adventures. BE REWARDED FOR SHOPPING More than $70,000 in goodies will be up for grabs at Spin-To-Win, which you'll find in Pitt Street Mall throughout Vogue American Express Fashion's Night Out. Among the prize pool are gifts from some of Australia's biggest names in fashion, including Alice McCall, Witchery, Haigh's, Saba, Zara, American Express, Country Road and Vogue VIP. Keen to enter? All you have to do is register your details over here, spend $100 or more during the day (you'll need to take your receipts to the wheel), cross your fingers and give it a spin. SIP CHAMPAGNE WHILE YOU SHOP Local jewellery brand Dinosaur Designs will celebrate Vogue American Express Fashion's Night Out with the launch of its new collection at its Strand Arcade store. You're invited to join in the fun, with a complimentary glass of champagne and, if you spend $200 or more, a $50 gift voucher. Creative directors Louise Olsen and Stephen Ormandy have been designing their bold, unique jewellery and homewares for more than 30 years. There are now ten Dinosaur Design Stores across the world — in Australia, London and New York City. TAKE A BREAK WITH A TIPPLE AT AN EXCLUSIVE POP-UP BAR When you want to escape the crowds, disappear into the David Jones Card Member Lounge. You'll find this luxe hideaway on level two of DJ's Westfield store, from 5–9pm. Spend as long as you like indulging in a free glass of champagne, canapés and a quick spray of fragrance from the perfume bar. The only catch is you need an American Express Card to enter. Not in your wallet? Don't panic. We're here to get you through the door, with or without plastic — all you have to do is head over here. SAMPLE SOME FREE CHOCOLATE Of all the chocolate makers in Australia, Haigh's is the oldest. Having opened in Adelaide in 1915, the family business has spent more than 100 years transforming cocoa beans into perfectly creamy treats. And, during Vogue American Express Fashion's Night Out, you can sample the results of its hard work for free. Simply drop by the Queen Victoria Building store for a sweet break. Plus, spend $50 or more and you'll take home 200 complimentary grams of milk or dark chocolate speckles (worth $10.95). TAKE ADVANTAGE OF EXCLUSIVE STYLING TUTORIALS In need of a new look? Take yourself to Scanlan Theodore's Westfield store — on the corner of Pitt and Market Streets — for a transformation at the hands of the head stylist, who'll be offering exclusive style tutorials. When that's done, spend some time perusing the label's latest designs, while snacking on complimentary refreshments. Scanlan Theodore, which was born in Melbourne in 1987, has since been responsible for dressing French Vogue editor Carine Roitfeld, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Gemma Ward and Kylie Minogue, among other luminaries. PICK UP A PERSONALISED LUGGAGE TAG Jetting off somewhere? Head into Fossil's QVB store anytime during the celebration for free embossing. You get to choose between shimmering foil — available in silver and gold — and a classic stamp, with blind emboss. On top of that, Fossil will give you a free luggage tag. To lay your hands on these goodies, all you have to do is sign up to the database. You're not obliged to spend any cash. That said, Fossil's impressive collection of bags, watches and jewellery, inspired by vintage and classic design, could well have you lusting. REFUEL FOR SHOPPING ROUND TWO At some point in your sampling, styling and shopping extravaganza, you're going to need a feed. If that need involves a hankering for wine, pop into Assamm Thai Eating House, which you'll find in the QVB. Spend $30 or more and present your American Express Card, and you'll be rewarded with a glass of red or white. By the way, we recommend the satay chicken skewers served with nahm jim jaew smoked chilli dipping sauce, followed by ramen with wontons, crab meat and barbecue pork. Sydney's Vogue American Express Fashion's Night Out takes place on Thursday, September 5. Don't miss out on the VIP treatment, register your attendance for the VIP Lounge here. And to find out more about the exclusive benefits of being a David Jones American Express Cardholder, head over here.
A trip to France might not be on your agenda in 2024. Sans DeLorean, travelling back in time definitely isn't. But add visiting regional Victoria to your itinerary between March–July and you can enjoy a look at Paris in the Belle Époque period. Bendigo Art Gallery is hosting Paris: Impressions of Life 1880–1925, a big exhibition that benefits from pieces from Parisian history museum Musée Carnavalet — Histoire de Paris. This is an exclusive showcase, so hitting the town from Saturday, March 16–Sunday July 14 is the only way to see it in Australia. Art and artisan objects will be on loan from Musée Carnavalet, and they'll have company thanks to fashion pieces from houses of the era, which will be provided by National Gallery of Victoria and the National Gallery of Australia. [caption id="attachment_943227" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Georges Stein. Riders, and carriages on the avenue du Bois c. 1900. oil on canvas. Musée Carnavalet. © CCO Paris Musées / Musée Carnavalet — Histoire de Paris.[/caption] More than 170 works will be on display from Paris' oldest municipal museum, which is a mere fraction of its 620,000-strong collection. This is the first time that an exhibition has been solely developed from the Musée Carnavalet for an international gallery only featuring its own pieces — other than the fashion that Bendigo Art Gallery is pairing with it — which is no small coup for the venue. Paris: Impressions of Life 1880–1925 will split its wares into seven strands, all endeavouring to show Paris of the era as seen by those who lived there. Accordingly, including across 90-plus paintings, attendees will peer at gardens, the Seine's banks, theatres, Montmartre's cabarets, openair markets, restaurants and more. Among the artists featured: Ludovic Vallée, Albert Marquet, Louis Abel-Truchet, Maurice Utrillo, Paul Signac, Jean Béraud, Maximilien Luce, Jules Chéret and Leonetto Capiello. [caption id="attachment_943231" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Paul Signac, Le Pont des Arts 1928, oil on canvas. Musée Carnavalet. © CCO Paris Musées / Musée Carnavalet — Histoire de Paris.[/caption] Henri de Toulouse Lautrec's theatre posters will also be a big drawcard. Or, you can check out shop signs from cafes and hairdressers, illustrated dining menus, and souvenirs from the 1889 and 1900 Exposition Universelles. It was for the 1889 event that the Eiffel Tower was built (see also: the film Eiffel). As for the fashion, it'll cover pieces from the late-19th century to the 1920s, too, including from House of Worth, Jacques Doucet, Madeleine Vionnet and the Callot Souers. [caption id="attachment_943228" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Poster for the cabaret venue Divan Japonais at 75 rue des Martyrs 1892. colour lithograph. Musée Carnavalet. © CCO Paris Musées / Musée Carnavalet — Histoire de Paris.[/caption] "Paris is without doubt one of the world's most picturesque and captivating cities, and the exhibition distils its beauty and energy, from the busy banks of the Seine, bustling marketplaces, grand boulevards, idyllic public gardens and the bohemian Montmartre area, as it was portrayed by some of the most influential artists and artisans of the period," said Jessica Bridgfoot, Director of Bendigo Art Gallery. "This is a rare opportunity for audiences to take a promenade through turn-of-the-century Paris, a dynamic time when the city courted the attention of the world." Stepping back into Parisian history is also on the agenda in Sydney this year, thanks to the Art Gallery of New South Wales' huge Alphonse Mucha exhibition, while both The LUME in Melbourne and HOTA, Home of the Arts on the Gold Coast are focusing on the Italian renaissance. [caption id="attachment_943230" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ludovic Vallée, Montsouris Park c1900, oil on canvas. Musée Carnavalet. © CCO Paris Musées / Musée Carnavalet — Histoire de Paris.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_943232" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Souvenir fan with panorama of the 1889 Universal Exhibition 1889, printed glazed cotton percale and wood. Musée Carnavalet © CCO Paris Musées / Musée Carnavalet — Histoire de Paris.[/caption] Paris: Impressions of Life 1880–1925 will display at Bendigo Art Gallery, 42 View Street, Bendigo from Saturday, March 16–Sunday July 14 — head to the gallery's website for further details. Top image: Jean Béraud, The Entrance to the 1889 Universal Exhibition 1889, oil on wood. Musée Carnavalet. © CCO Paris Musées / Musée Carnavalet — Histoire de Paris.
There are two types of beer festivals: the kind you throw for yourself when you're having a few brews with your friends and the ones that pubs put together with plenty of painstaking planning. A mainstay at The Australian Heritage Hotel, the great Australian Beer Festival falls into the latter category. Luckily, come October, the pub's huge three-day street party is back for its 15th year. The Aussie has always been a proud supporter of local brewers, stocking a small-run Australian brews and launching the Annual Australian Beer Festival back in 2004. So, the place knows what it's doing. Across the weekend, expect more than 130 Australian beers and ciders from over 30 different breweries, including Modus Operandi, Grifter, Six String and Balter. You'll also find gourmet food stalls, an oyster bar and blind tastings aplenty. Plus, you can learn all about your favourite ale at 'Meet the Brewer' sessions or simply kick back to some live tunes. Or, watch the Rugby World Cup on the huge outdoor screen thanks to Feral Brewing. It'll be on for the entirety of the beer fest, so you can sit on a bean bag or hay stack and watch away (with a beer in hand, of course). Whilst entry is free, drinks can only be purchased with vouchers. So, if you're looking to skip queues and get your hands on some beer-themed merch, you can grab early bird packages ($20–65) here. Consider yourself a bit of a brewer? In conjunction with Australian Beer Festival, the pub hosts a home brewing competition. If you take out the top gong, your beer will be produced at Akasha's brewery in Five Dock, then later sold on tap at the Aussie. Registrations close Monday, September 30. To sign up, head here. Australian Beer Festival 2019 will take place on Friday, October 11, from 4–10pm; Saturday, October 12, from 12–8pm; and Sunday, October 13, from 12–9pm. Entry is free, but to skip the queues, you can pre-purchase beer vouchers here.
Fans of Bob's Burgers are familiar with the many hilarious and heartfelt tunes belted out by the Belcher family and friends. Well, now there's a full album dedicated to the show, featuring the comic voices of Aziz Ansari, Sarah Silverman, Bill Hader and Zack Galifianakis, as well as special guest artists St. Vincent and Cyndi Lauper. To celebrate the album's release, record labels Inertia Music and Sub Pop are joining forces with late-night dumpling and karaoke haunt Goros to host a very special trivia night next Tuesday, May 16 — Bob's Burgers themed, of course. First place winners take home a $200 bar tab, along with a Bob's Burgers merch pack which includes the new album, stickers and a poster. Second and third place also nab sweet $100 and $50 bar tabs, respectively, and bonus question winners receive a round of sake bombs. Entry is free, but space is limited and you must reserve a table to get a spot.
Catching a movie at one of Sydney's favourite outdoor cinema spots is a summertime tradition, combining new and recent big-screen flicks with spectacular panoramic views of the city, the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. And, while little about the past year has been normal, Westpac Openair Cinema has announced that it'll definitely be returning for yet another stint of harbourside cinema. Every movie that graces the cinema's big screen has to hold its own against the stunning sights glittering away behind it, of course — and although Openair hasn't yet revealed the full lineup of flicks it'll be screening this time around, it has unveiled a couple of titles alongside its 2022 dates. It'll kick off on Thursday, January 6 and run through until Tuesday, February 22, all at Mrs Macquaries Point as usual, with a program that includes long-awaited Bond instalment No Time to Die, sci-fi sequel The Matrix Resurrections, Wes Anderson's The French Dispatch, and the Adam Driver and Lady Gaga-starring House of Gucci. Sydney movie lovers, get ready for 48 nights of openair cinema — and 48 excuses to feast your eyes on the on the 350-square-metre screen that rises from the harbour for the occasion. Unsurprisingly, the event will run under COVID-safe guidelines, but exactly what changes will be in store are yet to be advised, including what it means for the event's usual food and booze spread. That said, Openair has revealed that Kitchen by Mike will be behind the cinema's meals, and DJs will be spinning tunes to set the mood. As happens every year, tickets are likely to go quickly when they go on sale. Across the summer of 2018–19, more than 40,000 tickets sold within the first two days of pre-sale — so put it in your diary ASAP. Westpac Openair 2022 runs from Thursday, January 6 –Tuesday, February 22. Tickets will go on sale on Wednesday, December 8 — and we'll update you with further details about the lineup, and COVID-19 restrictions, when more information is revealed. Image: Fiora Sacco
There's nothing quite like the thrum of a crowd at a live gig, but we often forget to acknowledge all the incredible work that goes into putting on a show. Australia's live music scene is growing, and we owe so much of that to not only the musicians but also their managers, agents, crew and others working tirelessly behind the scenes. Support Act props up the music industry with mental health and wellbeing initiatives, like the Wellbeing Helpline, short-term financial aid and dedicated First Nations support. On Thursday, November 30, it's asking you to help continue to raise funds for music workers by showing your support on Ausmusic T-Shirt Day. Don your favourite Ausmusic tee on Thursday, November 30 and donate to Support Act to boost Australia's music industry. If you don't have a shirt, you can buy one on the website for $50. Take your pick of designs created by local artists, featuring musos such as Kylie Minogue, Nick Cave, Paul Kelly, Gang of Youths and John Farnham – but get in quick, as stocks are limited. All proceeds go directly to Support Act. You can get additional merch from celebrated stars such as Jess Mauboy, Tame Impala, Tash Sultana, INXS, RÜFÜS DU SOL and Ocean Alley, who are donating a percentage of sale proceeds to the campaign. Find the full list of merch partners at the website. In showing your support, you'll become a part of something bigger. Upholding the cause are some notable names in Aussie music — lead ambassadors Amy Shark, Budjerah and Jimmy Barnes are joined by Alex Lahey, Baker Boy, Client Liason, Gretta Ray, Jet, Josh Pyke, MAY-A, Voyager and more. ARIA, Triple J, Heaps Normal, Gildan Brands and AAMI are also backing the cause. "November 30 is a day where we can all rally together, show our support of Aussie music and raise much-needed funds for Support Act who do amazing work for artists, crew and music workers across the industry," shares Amy Shark. Donate and get involved at the Ausmusic website.
The biggest countdown of the year is almost here. It's time to start rounding up the crew and locking in plans for how you're going to ring in the new year and kick off the next roaring 20s. We all know there's plenty to do in Sydney, so if you're not lucky enough to be gallivanting around the world this silly season, you're still guaranteed have a killer time. There are events around town to cater to every party style, whether you favour casual bites and bubbles, a fancy sit-down dinner or an all-night dance party. There are hundreds of parties taking place in Sydney, so we've teamed up with Australian Venue Co. to bring you seven stellar options. Say goodbye to 2019 and bring in 2020 surrounded by bright-eyed partygoers and a few of your nearest and dearest.
Outgrowing his first location in Fitzroy is something Andrew McConnell (Cumulus Inc., Supernormal) didn't expect to happen so quickly — but, after just two years, the acclaimed chef and restaurateur is set to open a second store, this time in St. Kilda. Along with co-owner and butcher Troy Wheeler, McConnell will bring his fancy meats, trademark club sandwiches and snags to the south. The pair will set up shop in the historic Gruner's, a butcher and deli with over 60 years of tradition. In a classic Australian immigrant tale, founders Endre and Rose Gruner arrived in Melbourne from Budapest in 1957, looking to establish a new life and opportunities for their children. Fellow Hungarians were said to have come from all over Melbourne to not only buy familiar food, but also to speak in their native tongue, and the shop still holds cultural significance for the area. "A long-standing business like Gruner's has been an integral piece of Melbourne food history," McConnell says. "Troy and I are thrilled to be part of continuing this tradition." With an old-meets-new philosophy, Meatsmith's Barkly Street location will inherit some of Gruner's most-loved recipes, with Hungarian, Polish and European smallgoods taking their spot next to Meatsmith's classics; including dry-aged beef, the Cumulus Inc. lamb shoulder and foie gras parfait. Architects Herbert & Mason (who fashioned the Fitzroy interior) will team up with award-winning, minimalist interior designer Fiona Lynch to ensure the new fitout is in line with the Meatsmith brand and feel — think clean lines and lots of white marble. The new store will open in August, with an exact date still to be confirmed. For those itching for a Meatsmith fix in the meantime, the original location has just kicked off a bi-monthly ode to the world's best food regions, starting with a celebration of Italy for the month of July. Meatsmith St Kilda is set to open in August at 227A Barkly St, St. Kilda.
Pirates of Australia: prepare to panic and startle the parrot perched on your rough, sea dog shoulder. The Pirate Bay, the worst enabler of petty criminality in Australia (probably), will be blocked in the next 15 days. According to ABC News, in a case before the Federal Court of Australia, Foxtel and Village Roadshow have asked for five major torrent sites, including The Pirate Bay, to be blocked by major internet service providers. Other sites include Torrentz, TorrentHound, IsoHunt and SolarMovie. It'll be up to the ISPs to decide how to do the blocking. In what is presumably favourable news for piraters, the ISPs haven't been granted a rolling injunction, which means new sites can't be added to the block list as they spring up. This means mirroring can (and most probably will) spring up, making the whole legal exercise a little redundant. One commenter on the ABC post offered their experience of similar legal orders in the UK. What the lack of rolling injunction means is that if a site like TorrentHound (which doesn't actually exist anymore), closes down and restarts under a different name, they will have to go back to court to shut it down. It's been noted (again and again, mind you) that VPNs are an easy and cheap way around the blocks, but Graham Burke — co-chief executive of Village Roadshow, who, as well as being one of the copyright-holding applicants, have also proposed a plan to fine illegal downloaders — told the ABC he doesn't think they are a significant issue. "The experience overseas is not many people use VPNs because they cost money as well," he told ABC News. Sure thing. While the outcome of this court case doesn't worry most people — and there's nothing in the act that mentions any fines or penalties for people who try to access the blocked sites — the precedent has been set, so it'll be easier in future to litigate. In a live Facebook video chat, ABC journalists Will Ockenden and Jake Sturmer note that piracy rates have dropped since sites like Presto, Netflix and Stan have become widely available in Australia, so it's possible a solution is out there. What did they expect, though? Australia was colonised by a steady stream of low-key crims from the start. If they could have downloaded bread in the 1700s, you know the convicts would have been racing home every Monday to download the latest tastiest loaf from HBO. Via ABC News.
When the horror event fiends Haus of Horror started showing flicks at Parramatta Gaol, that was just the beginning of its scary-movie screenings in notably eerie venues. Next came loving all things spooky and strange at Camperdown Cemetery in Newtown — and those graveyard film nights are returning from November 2023. Kicking things off on Saturday, November 25: Gremlins, which means remembering all of the rules about feeding after midnight, and exposing its firry creatures to water and sunlight. It also means seeing Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul's Jonathan Banks, aka Mike Ehrmantraut, plays a deputy in a bit part in this upbeat, anarchic comedy. While the movie is the main attraction — specifically, this movie in this particular setting, especially given that it isn't usually a cinema — attendees can also enjoy a cemetery tour, Mowgli May on DJ duties, a Gremlins-themed photobooth, and food and drinks. One caveat: attendees are asked to be respectful of the site, including its headstones, trees and buildings. Doors open at 6pm, with the film playing from 8pm.
We all love hanging out with our best friends, especially over a few drinks, but Bar Planet is taking things to the next level with the launch of BFFs: a new hyperlocal cocktail menu inspired by the Inner West and its standout producers. Crafted in collaboration with three of its favourite neighbours – A.P. Bakery, Goldstreet Dairy and Rooftop Bees – the crew has combined their skill behind the cocktail bar with top-notch bread, cheese and honey to shape something new. The first of these cocktails is the Buzzcut, made in collaboration with Rooftop Bees. Using hot honey sourced from four rescued bee colonies that now call Carriageworks home, this headline ingredient has been fermented with chilli for a week. Then, it's combined with Hendricks gin, gentian and lime to produce a sweet heat with a slight earthy bitterness. Next up is the Velo, a cognac sour with toasty notes conceived alongside the bread savants at A.P. Bakery. Pairing buttered cognac with Pineau fortified wine, lemon and egg whites, the special ingredient is the bakery's baguette syrup. Sure, it sounds a bit mad, but according to Bar Planet, this foamy creation "tastes like Paris by way of Enmore," so consider us more than a little intrigued. Rounding out this trio is the Scarlett, a creamy spritz featuring sour whey from Goldstreet Dairy. Expect rhubarb-infused pinot grigio and Bar Planet's one-of-a-kind infinite spirit – the world's first martini master stock – paired with the cheesemaking byproduct to add a silky texture and zingy flavour. While it almost goes without saying, the BFFs menu will undoubtedly add something different to your next cocktail night. "We are cementing our place in the beating heart of the Inner West," says Jeremy Blackmore, Creative Director at MUCHO Group. "We're working with some of our absolute favourite producers to make some of our best drinks yet. These are the kinds of drinks that you won't be able to get at any other bar on earth." Different as they may be, this tribute to the Inner West certainly falls within Bar Planet's usual wheelhouse of weird and wonderful cocktails. You can try them alongside the venue's signature lineup, which includes the Bengal, a fruity tropical highball, or the Sunbeam, a zesty, sour-leaning aperitif. Then, if you know your way around a martini, you're invited to build your own from a suite of ingredients. As the venue says, the drinks are designed as "almost memories," where each feels familiar but offers just enough surprise. The BFFs menu is available now at Bar Planet, 16 Enmore Road, Newtown. Head to the website for more information. Images: Dexter Kim / Nikki To
David Lynch has brought a sublime array of stunning sights to screens large and small over the past four-plus decades, but getting Nicolas Cage to serenade Laura Dern with Elvis Presley's 'Love Me' in Wild at Heart is among the most spectacular. So it's no wonder that Pleasures Playhouse, Sydney's new six-week music and arts festival, has chosen the 1990 movie to kick off its film season — and for free as well. Running on select Tuesdays from the end of September through till late October, Send Noods Cinema will pair classic flicks with Biang Biang Noodles and P&V's natural wine. And yes, every part of that equation is impressive. Also worth heading along for: the entire fest's venue, aka the old, usually abandoned Harbour City Cinema in Chinatown. Wild at Heart starts the program at 7pm on Tuesday, September 27, with 1996's Queen Latifah-starring heist film Set It Off following on Tuesday, October 4. Also on the bill: a hefty dose of the Material Girl on Tuesday, October 18 courtesy of Madonna: Truth or Dare, aka In Bed with Madonna; and, on Tuesday, October 25, 1974's rock musical comedy horror gem Phantom of the Paradise. While Wild at Heart is free, all other sessions are ticketed, with tix on sale from 10am on Thursday, September 8.
Located in the heart of Caringbah, this cosy wine bar is a great place for a low-key night in the suburbs. The menu features a considered range of local and imported wines and craft beers, including drops from boutique and small-batch producers. You can pair your vino with a cheese platter or selections from the concise tapas menu, too. Black Swan also hosts regular live gigs, as well as wine tastings and trivia nights, so you'll likely find something on whenever you swing by.
Ikea products are notoriously frustrating to assemble, and the lack of words in their assemble instructions doesn't make it any easier. While their commitment to sustainability and not wasting paper is admirable, surely a few words here and there wouldn't kill too many more extra trees. But have you ever been tempted to just throw the instructions out and see what happens? Italian design firm Teste Di Legno did just that, although more out of curiosity than frustration. While assembling some new office furniture, they came up with the idea of "enriching" one piece of furniture with bits of another, which led to the creation of their 'Lato B' collection — four pieces of multipurpose Franken-furniture made entirely out of reimagined Ikea products. For instance, their 'Unacucina' ('one kitchen') piece combines a coffee table, toy storage and flower pots with an island bench to create a quirky, one-off piece of furniture that even has space for a herb garden. On Teste di Legno's website, they describe the process of making the collection as being "like moving around a body to discover the less visible parts (from side A to side B), or illuminating with a ray of light the dark part — not of the moon — which forces a design to have a fixed, rigid, defined identity: a table is a table." Although 'Ikea hacking' is not a new idea, this is definitely among the more creative attempts we've seen. Via PSFK.
It's the sipper of the season, and it's not hard to see why so many people are in a love bubble with spritz. Inspired by the power trio of Italian orange bitters, prosecco and soda, the genre has exploded from classic Aperol concoctions to a whole new world of Champagne cocktails, with many using ritzy ingredients, from kombucha to rosé, lemon sorbet and sake. If that sounds like something you'd like to wrap your hands around, check out our list of Sydney's eight most exceptional spritz cocktails.
Aren't book fairs dandy? I love being able to show up with a collection of gold coins and leave with a fat stack of fiction. The good folk at Double Bay's Woollahra Library believe all books were created equal, and are hosting a big book fair to help you prepare for a solid three months of summer reading. Running across two days, Saturday November 24 and Sunday, November 25, the sale will have works from all genres and types, so if you're a fiend for romance, sci-fi, drama, young adult, philosophy, archaeology or practically anything else, you should be well catered for. There will also be a shedload of novels and magazines. The best part? Everything is priced between 50 cents and $5. That's cheaper than a few days of overdue fees at the public library. BYO bag. The Spring Book Fair will run from 10am to 4pm on both days.
UPDATE, Friday, November 10: The Killer screens in select cinemas from Thursday, October 26, and streams via Netflix from Friday, November 10. A methodical opening credits sequence that's all about the finer points, as seen in slivers and snippets, set to industrial strains that can only stem from Trent Reznor, with David Fincher and Andrew Kevin Walker's names adorning the frame, for a film about a murderer being chased. In 1995, Se7en began with that carefully and commandingly spliced-together mix — and magnificently. Fincher and Walker now reteam for the first time since for The Killer, another instantly gripping thriller that starts in the same fashion. It also unfurls as a cat-and-mouse game with a body count, while sporting an exceptional cast and splashing around (exactingly, of course) the full scope of Fincher's filmmaking mastery. This movie's protagonist is detail-obsessive to a calculating degree, and the director bringing him to cinematic life from Matz's graphic novels of the same name also keeps earning that description. The Fight Club, The Social Network and Mank helmer couldn't be more of a perfectionist about assembling The Killer just so, and the feature couldn't be more of a testament to his meticulousness. Fincher's love of crime and mysteries between Se7en and The Killer has gifted audiences The Game, Panic Room, Zodiac, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Gone Girl and Mindhunter, which have always felt like different books from a series rather than a director flipping through the same tome over and over. So it is with Michael Fassbender's long-awaited return to the screen after a four-year absence — X-Men: Dark Phoenix was has his last credit before this — which sees Fincher and his star aping each other in an array of ways. As well as being oh-so-drawn to minutiae, as the eponymous character reinforces in his wry narration, this duo of filmmaker and fictional assassin-for-hire are precise and compulsive about refashioning something new with favourite tools. For The Killer, it's fresh avenues to fulfill his deadly occupation. For the man who kicked off his feature career with Alien³ and now collaborates with a Prometheus and Alien: Covenant alum, it's plying his own trade, too. As Le Samouraï and Haywire have before this — Fassbender also appeared in Haywire, aptly — plus the John Wick franchise, The Killer finds someone in a shadowy line of work getting even murkier folks literally gunning for their demise. But first The Killer meets its namesake in Paris, camping out in an abandoned WeWork office, sleeping, people-watching, working through complicated yoga poses and grabbing a meal from McDonalds while dressed to resemble a German tourist, who he's certain that the French will avoid. Also on his to-do list: listening to every well-known song by The Smiths there is throughout the course of the film, because heaven knows he'll be miserable when his City of Light gig goes awry. And, as he waits, he coolly and calmly talks viewers through his highly disciplined, runs-like-clockwork, empathy-free approach to both life and death. It all goes smoothly for the hitman until it doesn't, however. The Killer quotes Popeye to say "I am what I am" about his way of making a living and his penchant for it, but fellow tautophrase "it is what it is" also comes to mind when a painstakingly lined-up shot from afar doesn't hit its target. His reaction: "WWJWBD?" or "what would John Wilkes Booth do?", he opines. Really, the screen's latest contract killer hops continents, countries and cities in an existential and mortal bind not just because he's flubbed a job, but because he's soon tracking down the other villains who've made cleaning up his misfire brutally personal. So, while his first port of call from Paris is the Dominican Republic, New Orleans, Florida and just outside of New York are among the destinations that follow. Most folks that The Killer crosses paths with get a similarly succinct moniker, including The Lawyer (Charles Parnell, Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One), The Brute (Sala Baker, Jungle Cruise), The Expert (Tilda Swinton, Asteroid City) and The Client (Arliss Howard, Mank). When Fassbender was once in everything everywhere for most of a decade, he too tinkered with many of the same traits that he's called upon to roll out in The Killer, from unrelenting in Hunger and single-minded in Shame to literally soulless in his Alien franchise stints and utterly consumed in Macbeth. His portrayal here is all killer, no throwbacks or filler, and it slays. He's as deadpan as he's ever been, as Fincher needs, but he's also exceptional as someone forced to realise that his rigid facade and detached air hides more than an all-business executioner inside. It's a mesmerisingly layered performance with fastidious subtleties, and that says as much without a word as all of those voiceover words. And, crucially, Fassbender knows and owns the tone: sardonic, and gleefully so. It isn't just the mix of Reznor and Atticus Ross' latest ominous Fincher score — their first, for The Social Network, won them an Oscar — with Morrissey, Johnny Marr, Andy Rourke and Mike Joyce's lyrical 80s yearning but anti-yearning that's funny in The Killer. And whether 'How Soon Is Now?', 'Bigmouth Strikes Again' or 'There Is a Light That Never Goes Out' is echoing, there's no doubting the humour behind the movie's main music choice as it helps bring viewers into the mercenary's mind (American Psycho's use of Huey Lewis and the News tapped its toes in the same territory, but The Killer isn't asking anyone if they like The Smiths). Fincher and Walker litter comedic touches everywhere, from aliases straight out of classic sitcoms to pointed statements about well-known brands. It's there in the sly internal monologue that their central figure keeps uttering around "stick to the plain", "anticipate, don't improvise" and other rules; the cycle of repetition that comes with it; altercations and their corresponding commentary; and, unshakeably and purposefully, the bigger picture. In look and efficiency, The Killer is also sharing what Swinton is selling in her scenes; both are icy, particular and sleek, with the film never wasting an emotion or moment. Fincher's frames glean as crisply as Swinton's blonde-topped David Bowie-channelling aesthetic, with help from Mank and Mindhunter cinematographer Erik Messerschmidt. The Killer is unsurprisingly rigorously pieced together as well, aided by the director's now six-time film editor Kirk Baxter (since The Curious Case of Benjamin Button). Welcomely stripped back, this a focused picture that's eager to be as streamlined as possible in a field, aka hired-gun flicks, where it's anything but a lone hand. Standing apart amid the murder-for-money masses is what The Killer wants, too, despite blending in being a professional must. As Fincher hones in on an assassin and the conscience that he says he doesn't have — including when noting that the amount of births and deaths each day means that his contribution to mortality rates barely registers — this riveting, reflective, slinkily engaging, expertly and finely pared thriller hits the bullseye in leaving an impression.
Still looking for that perfect romantic gift to satisfy your lover’s expectations this Valentine’s Day? Don’t sweat it - Instructables.com has the perfect solution for those who are in a creative drought. DIY beef jerky briefs are sure to provide a deliciously amusing experience this 14th of February. Forget about gag-candy underwear. These hand-made meaty undergarments are packed with protein and are guaranteed to cause some heat in the bedroom. Fun- Check. Sexy – Check. Practical – Check. All you need is some ground beef, a few flavourings to taste, a dehydrator and a little time, effort and love and voila – Valentine’s Day sorted. For vegetarians, or those unwilling to jeopardise their sex life today it’s probably best to stick to the old roses and chocolates combo.
Ningaloo Reef is the only large reef in the world that you can access straight off the shore. Whether you’re lazing on the sand in Exmouth or Coral Bay, all you have to do is slip on your snorkelling gear, paddle out a few metres and, within minutes, you’ll be hanging out in dazzling coral gardens, along with dolphins, turtles and manta rays. You’ll find the UNESCO heritage-listed wonder 1,200 kilometres north of Perth, from where it runs north along the coast for 260 kilometres, between North West Cape and Red Bluff. Like the Great Barrier Reef, its fragile environment is under constant threat — from both development proposals and excessive tourism. Here's your eco-friendly guide to spending time in Ningaloo, while treading carefully. For the best prices on flights and accommodation on the WA Coral Coast, check out Wotif.com. SWIMMING WITH WHALE SHARKS Ningaloo is most famous for the hundreds of mammoth-sized visitors that come around once a year — between April and July. Even though they’re called whale sharks, they’re so gentle you can swim alongside them. And they also happen to be the biggest fish in the world. In few places do they gather in big crowds, but when you have 18 metres of body to feed, Ningaloo’s plankton feasts are hard to pass by. To swim, snorkel or dive with whale sharks, book yourself into a day tour. Needless to say, we don’t want to bombard them with strangers, so tours are tightly controlled, with only ten people allowed to hang about each creature at a time. If you happen to be in Exmouth between 21 and 24 May 2015, you’ll be right on time for the Whale Shark Festival. HUMPBACKS, TURTLES AND DUGONGS Whale sharks aren’t the only underwater life seeking out Ningaloo’s culinary abundance. Where other habitats have been over-fished and stripped of their diversity, Ningaloo is still thriving (so far). 30,000 humpback whales breach and spout their way past between June and November, on their 11,000 kilometre journey from Antarctica to the warm breeding grounds just off the Kimberley. Minke, southern right and blue whales pop by frequently, too. Excellent spots for whale watching include Exmouth’s main beach, Bundegi Beach and Vlamingh Head, but if you’d like to get closer, join a whale watching tour. Then there are dolphins, manta rays, one thousand dugongs and Jacques Cousteau knows how many fish. Six of the world’s seven marine turtle species call Ningaloo home, four of them vulnerable or endangered, and the reef is one of the most important nesting grounds on the planet for green and loggerhead turtles. To watch hundreds of hatchlings making their dangerous dash to the sea, you’ll need to visit between November and February. The breeding process is incredibly delicate, so you’re asked to follow the guidelines outlined in the Ningaloo Turtle Watchers’ Code of Conduct, which you can pick up from the Exmouth Visitor Centre, or join a tour. PROTECTION AND PRESERVATION Back in the 1960s, the WA branch of the Australian Marine Sciences Association recommended that Ningaloo be turned into a marine reserve, but it wasn’t until May 1987 that their suggestion was realised, and not until November 2004 that the park boundary was expanded to incorporate the entire reef. At present, 34% of the reef is made up of protective sanctuary zones. Regardless of such legislation, however, Ningaloo hasn’t been immune to threat from developers. In 2003, a plan to build a 2,000-bed resort at Mauds Landing was rejected, largely thanks to the Save Ningaloo Reef Campaign. Then, in 2010, sustained opposition successfully defeated a proposal to develop a salt mine in Exmouth Gulf. Now, the focus is on ensuring that development of, and tourism in, the area happens along sustainable lines. If you’re visiting, be sure to opt for eco-friendly activities and choose ethical tour operators.
Next time team bonding is on the agenda, think outside the cubicle and bring your colleagues to one of Sydney's finest establishments in their golden hours. These American Express-accepting venues offer an array of options for D&Ming that'll seriously put the mate in workmate. Bond over brews overlooking the harbour on a well-placed Sydney terrace or sip on something fancy at a sultry cocktail bar — either way, you'll be dishing on the highs and lows of the workweek in places ideal to help you and your co-workers relax. We've picked value-for-money happy hours, which means you won't see your hard-earned buckaroos go to waste on drinks that are too exxy to actually enjoy. You'll also be able to stock up on Amex points, too. The spread of places covers rowdy, classy or chill hangs — whichever you prefer to take the sting out this week's deadlines. 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.
Whether you're keen to cross completing a marathon off your bucket list or you're just looking for a wholesome and endorphin-inducing way to spend the weekend, there are plenty of must-run events taking place around Australia during the second half of the year. So, chuck on your very best activewear and get ready to clock some serious — or not so serious — kilometres at these events along the east coast. CITY2SURF, SYDNEY The annual City2Surf has called upon all Sydneysiders since its humble beginnings nearly 48 years ago, and this year shall be no different. The world's largest timed fun run has raised around $36 million for more than 900 charities since 2008 — and is aiming to raise a jaw-dropping $5 million this year alone. With more than 80,000 participants expected to tie up their laces and join the race, the City2Surf is a must-do for running enthusiasts. Owned and organised by the Sun Herald in partnership with Westpac, the 14-kilometre-long course starts from Sydney's Hyde Park, winds through the city streets, up the notorious Heartbreak Hill and through the eastern suburbs until it comes to a finish at glorious Bondi Beach. As you can tell, this isn't just your casual stroll through the park. Beyond the finish line, a beachside event awaits participants. Live entertainment, food vendors and cold beers await you. The City2Surf will take place on Sunday, August 12. You can register for the race here. RUN MELBOURNE, MELBOURNE This year, Run Melbourne will celebrate its 11th birthday with a two-day running festival — and it features live music and delicious food pop-ups as well as the race. As one of Australia's most iconic winter running festivals, Run Melbourne attracts both super fit athletes and casual Tan strollers alike. More than 175,000 runners have participated in this famed Melbourne running event since its inception — raising roughly $12 million for more than 400 charities to date. Organised in partnership with Lululemon, the course includes three race options: five kilometres, ten kilometres and a hefty half marathon. Run Melbourne will commence in the heart of the city at Federation Square, taking participants past Melbourne landmarks including the MCG, Rod Laver Area and South Wharf before finishing up at Birrarung Marr. Run Melbourne kicks off with the Friendship Dash on Saturday, July 28 with the main race taking place the following day, Sunday, July 29. Register for the Run Melbourne events here. THE COLOR RUN, NATIONAL Founded as a way to promote happiness and health, this five-kilometre-long run involves splashes of colour to distract you from the fact that you're, you know, exercising. All participants are asked to wear white t-shirts and embrace the colour pigment that's blasted at them at various points during the race. This is sweaty exercise disguised as straight-up fun. With a party at the beginning, a party at the end, and four colour zones to dance your way through — the fun never stops, and neither do your legs. The Color Run now takes place in more than 35 countries worldwide, attracting six million runners across the globe. This year it'll run races in Melbourne, Sydney, the Gold Coast and Perth. The Color Run will happen on the Gold Coast on Sunday, August 19; Sydney on Sunday, October 7; and Melbourne on Sunday, November 25. You can register for the events here. SYDNEY RUNNING FESTIVAL, SYDNEY On this Sydney track runners are afforded postcard-like views of the city while running on one of Australia's most iconic landmarks: the Harbour Bridge. With four events — the Marathon (42.2 kilometres), Half Marathon (21 kilometres), Bridge Run (nine kilometres) and the Family Fun Run (3.5 kilometres) — it doesn't matter whether you are a seasoned athlete or just starting your running journey. Post-event, all runners and their family and friends are invited to celebrate their achievements in the recovery village located in the Royal Botanic Gardens. The Blackmores Running Festival kicks off on Sunday, September 16. You can register for the races here. BRISBANE MARATHON FESTIVAL, BRISBANE A run is always made better by a scenic view — whether it's keeping you motivated, or distracted from your athletic endeavours, a pretty landscape makes all the difference. The Brisbane Marathon Festival provides running experts and novices with exactly that. Runners and walkers descend on the streets of the Brisbane CBD for this annual event, enjoying full closure of major city streets to experience a marathon event of epic proportion. The course has three duration options — the marathon, the half marathon and the ten-kilometre race — and whether you're from Brisbane or interstate, it's the best way to see the city in all its glory. The Brisbane Marathon will take place on Sunday, August 12. You can register for the marathon here. MELBOURNE MARATHON FESTIVAL, MELBOURNE The Melbourne Marathon Festival started back in the 70s and is a favoured annual running event for many Melburnians. The races vary in length and difficulty — the shortest event being a three-kilometre walk — and the flat course is perfect for less-experienced runners. The track spans the Melbourne CBD and gives runners an opportunity to experience the city's famous landmarks, feet first — from the St Kilda beach foreshore to the MCG, there's plenty to see. Take part on your own, as a team or with colleagues, and help raise funds for the Cerebal Palsy Education Centre, or a charity of your choice. The Melbourne Marathon Festival will take place on Sunday, October 14. You can register for the race here. [caption id="attachment_677471" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Flickr.[/caption] PUB2PUB CHARITY RUN, SYDNEY The annual Pub2Pub is arguably one of the most scenic runs in Sydney boasting spectacular beach views. Celebrating its 27th birthday this year, the running festival has raised more than $3.5 million for local northern beaches' charities. Whether you consider yourself an avid runner or more of a leisurely stroller, Pub2Pub has three course options available to satisfy all types of runners: Dee Why Beach (13 kilometres), Warriewood (six kilometres), and Mona Vale (three kilometres). Beyond the finish line, on the shores of Newport Beach, a huge family-friendly festival awaits with live music, a licensed bar, an array of food vendors, fun rides and games. The Pub2Pub Charity run kicks off on Sunday, August 26. You can register for the run here.
If you were to list all the redeeming elements of Australian politics at the moment, I'm sure Tony Abbott and Scott Morrison wouldn't make the cut (or even come close to it). The government's asylum seeker policies have sparked hysterical shock and anger throughout the nation, with everyone who gives a damn participating in street rallies and public forums. It's great to see then, that this cause hasn't fallen on deaf ears in our local music scene either. More than ten bands from across Australia are throwing a big fundraiser at the Marrickville Bowlo, with all donations going towards two grassroots organisations: the Bridge for Asylum Seekers and the Refugee Action Coaltion (RAC). Among the total legends playing on the day are beloved Melburnian indie pop crew Dick Diver, Sydney dance outfit Holy Balm and dreamy four piece Day Ravies. Other local acts on the lineup include The Ocean Party, High Tails, Cull, DAG, TV Programmes, Roamin' Catholics, melonmelonmelon, and Destiny 3000. Good tunes for a good cause; who could possibly resist? https://youtube.com/watch?v=q4ZXaj8P-UA
Move over Babe, Piglet, Porky and Peppa. Thanks to monochrome-hued documentary Gunda, cinema has a brand new porcine star. Or several, to be exact; however, other than the eponymous sow, none of the attention-grabbing pigs in this movie are given names. If that feels jarring, that's because it breaks from film and television's usual treatment of animals. Typically on-screen, we see and understand the zoological beings we share this planet with as only humans can, filtering them through our own experience, perception and needs. We regard them as companions who become our trustiest and most reliable friends; as creatures who play important roles in our lives emotionally, physically and functionally; as anthropomorphised critters with feelings and traits so much like ours that it seems uncanny; and as worthy targets of deep observation or study. We almost never just let them be, though. Whether they're four-legged, furry, feathered or scaly, animals that grace screens big and small rarely allowed to exist free from our two-legged interference — or from our emotions, expectations or gaze. Gunda isn't like any other movie you've seen about all creatures great and small, but it can't ignore the shadow that humanity casts over its titular figure, her piglets, and the one-legged chicken and paired-off cows it also watches, either. It's shot on working farms, so it really doesn't have that luxury. It features animals destined to play their parts in the food chain, a fact that can't be avoided. But, surveying these critters and their lives without narration or explanation, this quickly involving, supremely moving and deeply haunting feature is happy to let the minutiae of these creatures' existence say everything that it needs to. The delights and devastation alike are in the details, and the entire movie is filled with both. Filmmaker Victor Kossakovsky (Aquarela) looks on as Gunda's namesake gives birth, and as her offspring crawl hungrily towards her before they've even properly realised that they're now breathing. His film keeps peering their way as they squeal, explore and grow, and as they display their inquisitive, curious and sometimes mischievous personalities, too. Sometimes, this little family rolls around in the mud. At other times, they simply sleep, or Gunda takes the opportunity to enjoy some shut-eye while her piglets play. Whatever they're doing, and whenever and where, these pigs just going about their business, which the feature takes in frame by frame. In one of the documentary's interludes away from its porcine points of focus, the aforementioned chook hops about. Whether logs or twigs are involved, it too is just navigating its ordinary days. In the second of the movie's glimpses elsewhere, cattle trot and stand, and their routine couldn't seem more commonplace as well. It doesn't take a particularly observant person to notice the tag through Gunda's ear, or the fencing surrounding her and her fellow cast of creatures. No one need listen intently, their own ears figuratively pricked, to discern the noise of the human world beyond the sounds of nature. Evidence of people — even without even the slightest glimpse of a single one — is always there for viewers to see and hear, with Kossakovsky's engrossing and meditative documentary presenting it as plainly as it does everything else throughout its duration. The audience knows that these stories won't end happily as a result. It's well aware that humankind's intended use for the film's animals will trump the critters' own urges, desires and clearly apparent emotions. Indeed, Gunda screams its abhorrence of eating flesh without saying a word; to the surprise of no one who saw his Golden Globes and Oscars speeches in 2020, Joaquin Phoenix is one of its executive producers. Everyone finds their own meaning in every movie, but patient, dialogue-free, near-hypnotic documentaries like Gunda enhance that sensation several times over. Staring at its intimate visuals — at the stunning, resonant and evocative sights it presents again and again — sparks a shower of thoughts, threads and questions, and, sans guiding words dictating what to focus on and why, each individual viewer will veer in their own direction. Some will be struck by the act of watching life come into the world, then shaken by knowing its ultimate purpose. Others might be shocked by the way that even the simplest trace of routine connects every living thing. Others still could come to think differently about their diet choices. All three and more are options here, because Gunda ensures that its audience isn't just seeing its pigs, chicken and cows in a strikingly realistic, authentic and compassionate fashion, but is also confronting and challenging their own personal choices around animals at the same time. Gunda is an immensely empathetic film — director/co-writer/co-editor/co-cinematographer Kossakovsky was inspired by his own childhood experience, when he had a pig for a best friend — and also a work of astonishing skill. So seamless are Kossakovsky and fellow writer/editor Ainara Vera's (Aquarela) efforts that it's impossible to guess that Gunda and her piglets' lives in Norway are interspliced with scenes from British and Spanish farms. Every shot seen on-screen is so gorgeously framed and lit by the filmmaker and his co-director of photography Egil Håskjold Larsen (When Man Remains), and so vivid and textured in its inky black-and-white colour scheme, that avoiding the lure of its imagery is unimaginable. It's no wonder that taking in the documentary's every second feels like an act of surrender — visually, intellectually and emotionally, and to its layered and immersive soundscape as well. This isn't just a nature doco; it's a poetic musing on what it means for every creature to be alive and an examination of humankind's display of force over the natural world, and it's as staggering as it is stirring. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilNHPfOOeIs
There's plenty of food at Bondi Feast, but it's not the main course. The Rock Surfers Theatre Company's annual festival serves up offbeat performances, comedy and writerly projects from some of our favourite creative Sydneysiders, all backed up by a rotating cast of food vendors in the Bondi Pavilion's Festival Bar. With tickets to shows starting at $10, consider it a tapas of ideas, hilarity, provocation and feels. The shows here have fronted up ready to compete for our very limited attention spans on title alone. There's My Struggle: The Life and Times of an Individ (in a World Full of Hipsters), This Is My Box, Awkward Conversations with Animals I've Fucked, Jack Kerouac's Rules for Spontaneous Prose, Destroyer of Worlds and Josipa Draisma is Jean Claude Van Damme. The synopsis for (Melbourne Fringe Festival and Green Room Award winner) Tim Spencer's Sweet Sweet Merch reads simply, "Shock hot super cool amazing unbelievable award winning prizes escalation fireworks blow by blow action responsive titivating nudity live girls progressive mind bending altering adulterating celebrity scandal high quality mindfulness organic all natural beatific excellence quality service customer care highlights moisturising elevating prosthetic cyborg money back guarantee*". What more could you ask for? But there's a lot of substance to these dishes. With acts pulled together by festival director and regular indie theatre conduit Phil Spencer, Bondi Feast is a showcase of the east coast's best fringe or up-and-coming performers and writers. "Bondi Feast 2014 is packed full of action with guided meditations, dance classes, open auditions, 24 hour playwright parties, scratch nights, hot soup and bags of new works,” says Spencer. Included on the bill is Eddie Sharp (Erotic Fan Fiction), Genevieve Fricker (TV's The Roast), Vanessa Bates (Every Second), Jessica Bellamy (Shabbat Dinner), Caleb Lewis (Death in Bownegabbie), Daniel Townes and Hannah Malarski (Bushpig). For the duration of the fest, the Bondi Pav will kitted out as a North American roadside diner, featuring designer Gemma O'Nions' "bespoke truckie cab shrines". A different food truck or local business takes over the kitchen each night (in previous years that's included the Bucket List, Veggie Patch, Misschu, Bondi Harvest and the Beach Burrito Co), while Batlow's hot spiced apple cider provides the support you need to step out onto that blustery balcony with the killer beach views.
Love might be blind, but deaf it is not. Just ask anyone who’s fallen madly for a snorer. Like Anthony Burgess wrote, “Laugh and the world laughs with you, snore and you sleep alone.” No amount of moonlit serenading, Shakespearean declarations of passion or Lindt chocolate can make up for harrowing nights next to your own personal Boeing-747. But how to deal with it? Entire national websites are dedicated to the problem. Surgery to remove parts of the snorer’s mouth and throat? Implants to harden up their palate? Sticking tape to their nose and chin? Approaching an ear plug company for sponsorship? The Crowne Plaza Hotel chain has trialled “snore absorption” rooms in Europe and “snore monitors” in the UK. The latter patrol a hotel’s “quiet zones”, knocking on the doors of snorers who are audible from the corridor. Hammacher Schlemmer, supplier of “unexpected gifts”, has now introduced a 'Snore Activated Nudging Pillow' to the market. A tiny inbuilt microphone picks up on the sonic vibrations caused by snoring. As they escalate, an internal bladder fills with air, causing the would-be marriage wrecker to shift position. It’s possible to adjust the mic according to the user’s velocity and set the inflation level at anywhere between 7 and 17 centimetres. A contoured shape and 100 percent polyurethane filling aim to make the pillow as comfy as possible and the 100 percent polyester removable cover is machine-washable. Valentine’s Day might have come and gone, but if you don’t mind spontaneously splashing out on your favourite unbearably noisy bedfellow, US$149.95 will buy a Snore Activated Nudging Pillow. Via PSFK.
When a franchise has spent more than a decade intertwining 20-plus films and multiple TV shows, watching along often becomes a game of 'spot the other superheroes'. Yes, we're talking about the never-ending, always-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe, which loves popping as many caped crusaders as it can into its flicks and shows — and serving up surprises, too, beyond the usually sizeable list of main spandex-wearing players that any of its movies or series have already announced. The next film set to do just that: Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, the 28th big-screen chapter in the MCU, the followup to huge 2021 hit Spider-Man: No Way Home and the direct sequel to 2016's Doctor Strange. It first dropped a trailer last December, back when No Way Home arrived. In fact, that trailer was tacked onto the end of the Spidey flick if you sat through it till the very end of the credits. But now Marvel has released a second sneak peek at Doctor Strange's next adventures — Super Bowl day is always a big trailer day in the US, which is why it's dropping now — and it comes with quite the tease. Already, fans knew that The Power of the Dog Oscar-nominee Benedict Cumberbatch is popping his Doctor Strange cloak back on, as he did in No Way Home. We were also already that this new dive into the mystic arts would include a post-WandaVision Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) — plus Benedict Wong (Nine Days) as Wong, Rachel McAdams (Game Night) as Strange's ex Dr Christine Palmer and Chiwetel Ejiofor (Locked Down) as fellow Master of the Mystic Arts Mordo, too. The new trailer seems to add to the film's cast in a huge way, however, which is exceptional news for anyone that's loved movies based on Marvel comics since other superhero teams were doing big things in the early 2000s pre-Iron Man. The surprise is best discovered by watching, could signal the arrival of a whole heap of other familiar characters into the MCU, and arrives in a trailer that sees Doctor Strange forced to face the consequences of breaking the rules for Peter Parker. Indeed, Wanda points out that the repercussions for his actions appear to have been rather different than the fallout for hers post-WandaVision, and she's really not thrilled about it. Expect Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness to serve up will trippy Inception-style imagery, Strange's brooding demeanour and Marvel's usual world-in-peril shenanigans as well, all in a flick that also boasts a nice piece of symmetry. The movie marks the MCU filmmaking debut of acclaimed Evil Dead franchise director Sam Raimi, the man who helmed the original three Spider-Man movies in the 00s, way back before the Marvel Cinematic Universe was even a glimmer in the comic book company's eye, and obviously long before Doctor Strange and Tom Holland's Spider-Man became pals. Check out the latest Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness trailer below: Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness releases in cinemas Down Under on May 5, 2022. Images: Photos courtesy of Marvel Studios. ©Marvel Studios 2022. All Rights Reserved.
What do Parks and Recreation, Wellington Paranormal and Ted Lasso all have in common? They're all stellar examples of kind-hearted TV comedies that are an utter delight to watch, especially in chaotic times. Like a balm for frazzled nerves, these types of sitcoms focus on nice and caring people doing nice and caring things, even while their characters navigate all manner of ups and downs. Michael Schur-created favourite Brooklyn Nine-Nine also fits the category, because it too celebrates people who support each other, are always there for each other and form heartwarming bonds as a result. That's what these instantly likeable programs perfect again and again — and do so to not just an entertaining but to a soul-replenishing degree. By now, three of the aforementioned shows have already established a legion of fans, and deservedly so. Ted Lasso, the fourth series named above — and a 2020 newcomer — definitely belongs in the same company even just based on its ten-episode first season, plus the first two instalments of its second season so far. Starring a gloriously optimistic, already Golden Globe-winning Jason Sudeikis, the comedy first introduces its titular character during a period of transition. A college-level American football coach, Ted is hired by struggling English soccer team AFC Richmond, despite having zero knowledge of the sport. Ted is recruited for the role by the club's new owner, Rebecca Welton (Hannah Waddingham, Game of Thrones), who received the organisation in her divorce settlement and is determined to tank it to spite her slimy ex (Buffy the Vampire Slayer's Anthony Stewart Head). And, she knows that her new hire will face more than a few issues in his unlikely job. The ravenous British media write Ted off instantly, the club is in a spot on on-field bother, and veteran champion Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein, Uncle) and current hotshot Jamie Tartt (Phil Dunster, Judy) just can't get along. And yet, this American in London's upbeat attitude does wonders — as aided by his laconic offsider and long-time friend Coach Beard (Brendan Hunt, Bless This Mess), and the team's kit man-turned-assistant coach Nathan Shelley (Nick Mohammed, Intelligence). For much of his career, Sudeikis has excelled at playing thorny, jerkish characters (see: the terrific Colossal) who initially appear otherwise. He's exceptional at showing how arrogance can lurk behind a nice-guy demeanour, and he's proven that multiple times. Ted Lasso is never mean-spirited, however — and that applies to both the series and its main figure. Sudeikis is fantastic here as the genuinely caring coach just trying to do his best, and attempting to bring out the best in others. Yes, the series he's in is just as spot-on, as are his impressive cast members. In Ted Lasso's second season, which has just started streaming on Apple TV+, Ted faces a new challenge. The team has just added psychologist Dr Sharon Fieldstone (Sarah Niles, I May Destroy You) to its ranks and, while Ted may be all positivity, all the time, he's not fond of Dr Fieldstone's profession — and finds her an unsettling presence. This is a series about working through those kind of roadblocks, though. It's one where Rebecca has moved on from just trying to use the club to annoy her ex, and is now thoroughly invested in its fortunes — and where her friendship with model, media darling, Jamie's ex-girlfriend and Roy's current partner Keeley Jones (Juno Temple, Maleficent: Mistress of Evil) is never framed as competitive, as would likely be the case elsewhere. Consequently, exploring this storyline in a meaningful and positive way just adds to Ted Lasso's strengths. Viewers definitely don't need to love soccer or even sport to fall for this show's ongoing charms, to adore its determination to value banding together and looking on the bright side, and to love its depiction of both male tenderness and supportive female friendships. Those traits keep building episode by episode, as does fondness for its underdog team both on and off the pitch, and its ability to make Roy's love of swearing constantly both smart and hilarious. It's no wonder that Ted Lasso picked up a whopping 20 Emmy nominations this year, for its first season alone, including acting nods for pretty much every main actor involved in the show. In fact, this is the best sitcom currently in production. Check out the trailer for Ted Lasso's second season below: The first two episodes of Ted Lasso's second season are available to stream via Apple TV+, with new episodes dropping weekly — and all of the show's first season is also available via the streaming service.
Something delightful is happening in cinemas across the country. After months spent empty, with projectors silent, theatres bare and the smell of popcorn fading, Australian picture palaces are starting to reopen — spanning both big chains and smaller independent sites in Sydney and Brisbane (and, until the newly reinstated stay-at-home orders, Melbourne as well). During COVID-19 lockdowns, no one was short on things to watch, of course. In fact, you probably feel like you've streamed every movie ever made over the past three months, including new releases, comedies, music documentaries, Studio Ghibli's animated fare and Nicolas Cage-starring flicks. But, even if you've spent all your time of late glued to your small screen, we're betting you just can't wait to sit in a darkened room and soak up the splendour of the bigger version. Thankfully, plenty of new films are hitting cinemas so that you can do just that — and we've rounded up, watched and reviewed everything on offer this week. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gnTuWEKSXw BILL & TED FACE THE MUSIC When it comes to goofy and sweet movie concepts handled with sincerity, the Bill & Ted franchise has always proven most triumphant. In 1989's Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure, the big-screen comedy series introduced the world to Californian high schoolers Bill S Preston, Esq (Alex Winter) and Ted 'Theodore' Logan (Keanu Reeves), who are apparently destined to write the rock song that unites the universe — if they can first pass their history exam by travelling back in time in a phone booth to recruit famed past figures like Beethoven and Socrates to help, that is. The idea that Bill & Ted's affable, air guitar-playing slackers would become the world's salvation was a joke that the film itself was in on, and the movie struck the right balance of silliness, earnestness and affection as a result. So, the end product was joyous. And, it inspired two follow-ups: 1991's even loopier but still entertaining Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey, and now Bill & Ted Face the Music's affectionate dose of warm-hearted lunacy almost three decades later. Bill (Winter) and Ted (Reeves) are back, obviously. They're older, definitely not wiser, and yet again take a few leaps through time. The fate of life as everyone knows it is still at stake. And, as always, the loveable pair's motto — "be excellent to each other" — is pivotal. Combine all of the above with marital malaise, chip-off-the-old-block daughters Theadora (Ready or Not's Samara Weaving) and Wilhelmina (Atypical's Brigette Lundy-Paine), multiple Bills and Teds, and a 77-minute deadline to write the tune the changes the future, and Face the Music saunters casually forward with a purposeful sense of familiarity. Thankfully, though, this film isn't merely trying to relive past glories. In fact, the very notion that some dreams don't come true sits at the core of this tender and loving movie. Naturally, it's a delight to see Winter and Reeves reprise their roles. They step back into Bill and Ted's shoes with ease, expertly conveying the characters' lingering immaturity, middle-aged malaise and ever-present kindness. They're also clearly having a blast as different versions of the duo, and their enthusiasm is infectious. But when Face the Music finds a plethora of ways to illustrate the merits of their characters' optimistic and warm mindset, it's at its best. Far from bogus, the heartfelt happiness it brings is 100-percent excellent. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RO2rvCCVQLQ ADAM From its opening frames, Moroccan drama Adam is both tender and determined, with neither trait subsiding for a moment. Its focus: the unmarried but visibly pregnant Samia (Nisrin Erradi), who tries to find both work and a place to stay in Casablanca as the birth of her baby approaches. Met with the type of attitudes she's already running from, and demonstrating her society's overall disdain for births outside of wedlock, she's turned away at every single door — including, at first, by baker and bereaved single mother Abla (Lubna Azabal). But when the latter spies Samia sleeping on the street across from her home and shop that same evening, she gives her a bed for the night. It's just a once-off, Abla insists; however after Samia hits it off with Abla's pre-teen daughter Warda (Douae Belkhaouda), shows that she's experienced at making pastries (popular ones, too, as the store's customers attest) and starts to share her story with her initially begrudging host, that arrangement is extended. If the above narrative sounds simple, that's because it is, with first-time feature filmmaker Maryam Touzani never resorting to needlessly complicating matters. There's enough that's complex about both Abla and Samia's situations as it is, including the way that they're treated by the world simply for existing and cycling through the usual life events that women face, that Adam really doesn't require any big twists or turns to heighten its emotional impact. A fine-tuned, observational, always heartfelt script, also by Touzani, helps considerably, as does the movie's naturalistic visual style — which suits a drama that makes clear the high stakes in play for its two characters, as well as the huge choices they're confronted with for their children, but allows its plot to unfurl in a low-key way. One playing resourceful but uncertain, the other stern and wounded, both Catch the Wind's Erradi and Mary Magdalene's Azabal turn in stellar performances, too. The film could easily watch the ebbs and flows of their relationship for far longer than its 98-minute running time, in fact. As a result of all of the above, add Adam to the ever-growing collection of features that thoughtfully, carefully and unwaveringly unpack the plights endured by women around the world. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgA8DMzjzlk SLIM & I As documentary Slim & I conveys more than once, there's little in this life that's ever been more Australian than Slim Dusty. But, as the film's title also informs viewers, this survey of more than a half-century of Aussie country music stardom isn't just about the man known for 'A Pub with No Beer', 'Duncan' and 'G'day G'day', among other tracks. For all of those years, and spanning more than 100 albums and oh-so-much time on the road playing the country's outback towns, Joy McKean was by Slim's side — as a performer in her own right on tour with him at first, then as his wife, musical partner and driving force, as well as the person responsible for penning most of his tunes. Joy won the first ever Golden Guitar award for writing Slim's 'Lights on the Hill', and her lyrical impact has inspired as many Aussie performers as her husband. Indeed, to make that point plain, Slim & I assembles a lineup of talking heads that spans Paul Kelly, Keith Urban, Missy Higgins, Troy Cassar-Daley, Kasey Chambers and Bill Chambers. As directed by Red Dog and The Go-Betweens: Right Here filmmaker Kriv Stenders — blending the unshakeable Australiana of the former with the music acumen of the latter — this affectionate doco also ensures that Joy herself does plenty of talking. Looking back on her life at the age of 90, she's sprightly, no-nonsense and generous as she chats through her and Slim's intertwined story, including the struggles as well as the highlights, and spanning both professional and personal details. An impressive treasure trove of archival footage is splashed across the screen to help, meaning that there's always a new and interesting piece of material to catch the audience's attention. It's all set to the obvious soundtrack, and the result is as loving, engaging, informative and well put-together as you'd expect from an endearing portrait of Aussie icons. While there's much about this celebratory effort that lingers, however, seeing Slim and Joy's commitment to taking their music to the country in action leaves a firm impression. It's never difficult to understand why this movie was screaming to be made, and why Joy deserves as much public acclaim as her husband, but watching the adoring response from the remote Indigenous communities they visited again and again isn't easily forgotten. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6fssT03sSw BECKY If, in Becky, its eponymous 13-year-old protagonist was to exclaim "keep the change, ya filthy animal" — or, to be precise, to play a videotape of a movie where a gangster utters those words — it wouldn't be surprising for a second. That doesn't happen but it easily could've, given that Becky (Ready Player One's Lulu Wilson) is charged with fending off the villains who've encroached upon her family's lake house. That said, she isn't home alone. Her widower father Jeff (Joel McHale) is onsite as well and, much to Becky's displeasure, he has invited along his new girlfriend Kayla (The Handmaid's Tale's Amanda Brugel) and her young son Ty (Random Acts of Violence's Isaiah Rockcliffe). Alas, after a knock at the door, a group of Nazi prison escapees led by the tattooed and menacing Dominick (Kevin James) also make their presence known. Searching for a hidden key on the secluded property, they quickly take Jeff, Kayla and Ty hostage, leaving Becky to fight back. Like Kevin McCallister, Becky is eager to use every means at her disposal to mess with these interlopers — in a far more brutal and bloody fashion than this film's obvious predecessor, though. No one will be screening Becky to families at Christmas for decades and decades, that's for certain. Making their third feature after 2014's Cooties and 2017's Bushwick, filmmakers Jonathan Milott and Cary Murnion don't ever pretend that they're in new territory here. Instead, they take their given concept, soak it in violence and embrace as much nasty carnage as they can fit in. The end result is repetitive, but it's also filled with a host of gorily entertaining and nicely choreographed B-movie moments. And although enlisting James to play wildly against type is blatantly supposed to be the big casting drawcard, it's Wilson who steals every scene as the calculating, clever, fierce and often fearsome teenage girl who won't let anyone — the dad she's initially angsty at, the future stepmother she doesn't want to give a chance or the very unpleasant men with equally unpleasant plans who spoil her weekend — get in her way. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bovE44LgBv0 AFTER WE COLLIDED The worst movie of 2019 now has a sequel, and it's on track to claim that exact same title in 2020. Originally penned as Harry Styles fan fiction, the After series takes a leaf out of Twilight and 50 Shades of Grey's books by holding up a thoroughly toxic relationship as the ultimate in epic romances — this time focusing on the on-again, off-again exploits of two college students. In After, Tessa Young (Josephine Langford, the Wolf Creek TV series) and Hardin Scott (Hero Tiffin Fiennes, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince) met, opposites attracted and a hot-and-heavy affair kicked off, although the rebellious Hardin sought after the virginal Tessa with shady intentions. Accordingly, when After We Collided meets back up with the duo, they're no longer seeing each other. But the brooding Hardin is still unhealthily obsessed, and the supposedly smart and conscientious but actually overtly insecure Tessa can't help but make reigniting their bond the latest entry on her lengthy (and expanding) list of bad decisions. This time around, the plot uses Tessa's new internship as its reason for a fresh spate of terrible dialogue, as well as its source of drama. It's in publishing, in case 50 Shades didn't already spring to mind, and it's one of those fantasy jobs where the lowest person in the company's hierarchy gets their own office to sit around and read manuscripts in all day. Shameless and steamy wish fulfilment is exactly this franchise's aim, of course — but the big dream that author and After We Collided co-screenwriter Anna Todd pushes is constantly insulting, with the series repeatedly telling its audience that being loved by a moody, erratic bad boy, and taking the breakups, fights and stalking with the gifts and shower sex, is the ultimate fate. This sequel also throws a romantic rival into the mix, courtesy of Tessa's straight-laced colleague Trevor Matthews (Dylan Sprouse, twin brother of Riverdale's Cole Sprouse), and where that narrative strand goes proves as predictable as everything else in the film. Although he has Cruel Intentions on his resume, director Roger Kumble only adds superficial gloss and no signs of interest or excitement; however given that two more After books exist — After We Fell and After Ever Happy — it's highly likely two more movies will, too. If you're wondering what else is currently screening in cinemas, check out our rundown of new films released in Australia on July 2, July 9, July 16, July 23, July 30, August 6, August 13, August 20 and August 27 — and our full reviews of The Personal History of David Copperfield, Waves, The King of Staten Island, Babyteeth, Deerskin, Peninsula, Tenet, Les Misérables and The New Mutants.
Redfern barbershop Hair by Tommy J has a bit of a rock n' roll edge to it. A self-proclaimed 'greaser style' stylist, it made a bit of itself by offering just one particular style: the classic short back and sides. Run by barber Tommy J Heath, the shop's prices are reasonable — think $50 for a cut, $20 for a beard trim and $40 for a face or head cut throat shave. Uppercut Deluxe products are used liberally — Heath is a brand ambassador. The barbershops offers both men's and women's cuts and attracts a motorcycle crowd, with bikes regularly seen lined up out front. Hair by Tommy J is also a regular at events around the city, having participated in the Rock & Roll Alternative Markets and Sydney's annual Tattoo and Body Art Expo. And, for those located in Sydney's northwest, there's a second shop in Windsor. Images: Cassandra Hannagan
Head Chef over at The Lady Hampshire and formerly a member of the Baba's Place team, Brendan King is already carving out his mark as one of Sydney's most exciting young chefs at the age of 25. Derrel's is his nostalgic neighbourhood diner in Camperdown. Derrel's comes to Parramatta Road from King in partnership with PUBLIC Hospitality (The Empire, Oxford House, Maybe Sammy) right next door to The Lady Hampshire. King's former colleagues at Baba's Place Creative also lent a helping hand in nailing that lived-in suburban energy. A bright pink countertop, an office panel ceiling, menus printed on the back of Woman's Weekly covers from the 80s, Bend It Like Beckham playing proudly on the 2000s-era TV and an abundance of secondhand furniture all transport you back to a trip to your grandparents or your best friend's house for dinner after school. Inspired by his grandfather Derrel's passion for Indian home cooking, King has created an inviting casual eatery and takeaway spot designed to provide affordable feeds to Inner West residents and complement The Hampshire's offerings. The menu is kept simple. There are a few snacks and share plates like samosa chaat and tandoori wings, a trio of kathi rolls that pile tandoori chicken or hara bhara onto flaky paratha flatbread, and a selection of curries paired with rice, roti, lime, onion and chutney. You can also order hot chips with curry sauce or kachumber salad on the side — and round out your meal with a sweet treat like paratha with Nutella (a favourite of King's grandpa). The restaurant is BYO, so feel free to grab a few beers from Camperdown Cellars across the road or bring a bottle of your favourite natty wine to pair with your tandoori chicken plate. Better yet, Derrel's is open late. Paddington has Indian Home Diner offering late-night revellers with curry-filled wraps, and now Derrel's is here to provide anyone out in Camperdown with a kathi roll up until 2am.
Gone are the days when travellers checked into hotels with the sole purpose of sleeping. It seems everyone wants a bit extra with their holiday, be it a gardening course, an onsite brewery or a window onto the underwater world. The latest addition to the globe's accommodation wonders is an immersive Stars Wars hotel, which will debut as part of Walt Disney World's new 360 vacation concept in Orlando. We're happy to report that the resort is taking the immersive bit very seriously. Upon check-in, guests become a citizen of the galaxy, which means that, every minute of every day of your stay, you're a part of whichever Star Wars story is happening around you. Chances are, you'll find yourself helping Luke Skywalker in his struggle against the Galactic Empire, being rescued by R2D2 or facing off Darth Vader. And it sounds like dress up will be included and required. For now, the hotel is in concept stage only. As you'd expect, the rooms will be themed and several spaces will likely be straight out of the movies. You'll have to be committed to the experience, as the "every minute of every day" comment may well include sleeping hours — the dark side never sleeps, after all. Image: Disney/Lucasfilm via Disney Parks Blog.
When it comes to neighbourhoods that offer a little something for everyone, Darlinghurst certainly delivers. By day, locals can roam the leafy streets and spend up a storm in the many boutiques. When the sun goes down, Sydneysiders from near and far flock to the area for an after-work tipple, a hearty meal, live music and maybe even a boogie. There are many, many small businesses in Darlinghurst that should be on your radar. In partnership with American Express, we've selected ten that should become your go-tos for every possible (or perhaps, impossible) situation.
For many Australian restaurants, February 14 represents the most pressurised nights of the year — when dining rooms are taken over by loved-up tables of two trying to impress. But next Valentine's Day, A Table to End Hunger will let food-loving couples skip at least one stressful part of the planning the evening, allowing them to skip the queue and score a VIP table at some of the country's most in-demand restaurants where bookings are usually snapped up days (or weeks) in advance. And they'll be donating to charity at the same time. Returning for its second year in 2017, the initiative is the work of The Hunger Project, an Aussie non-profit on a mission to end world hunger by the year 2030. The event offers punters the chance to bid on often hard to get Valentine's Day reservations, each with a meal for two and a bottle of wine. Participating restaurants include culinary hotspots like Ester, The Apollo and Cho Cho San in Sydney, Urbane and Ecco Bistro in Brisbane and Minimishima and Toko in Melbourne. A coveted dinner reservation and the chance to help fight poverty? Now that's what we call a V-Day win. As all proceeds generated through the A Table to End Hunger eBay bidding site go towards supporting The Hunger Project's global work, you can expect the bookings to go for a little more cash than usual — last year, someone bid $5k for one. The funds raised will help to empower people in Africa, India and Bangladesh to end their own hunger, helping to break the cycle of poverty and nudge communities towards self-reliance. Bidding for 'A Table To End Hunger' kicks off on January 23 here.
Sydney nightlife precinct YCK Laneways, which encompasses 15 bars located across York, Clarence and Kent streets, will be popping up in Sydney's historic GPO building for two evenings this October. Making its home in The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, favourites including Since I Left You and Stitch Bar have teamed up to create a 1920s-inspired cocktail bar, complete with a bespoke drinks menu. Expect the likes of a Premier Cru French 75 with Bombay, lemon juice, sugar syrup and bubbles. Visitors will also be able to enjoy art from the likes of visual creator George Rose, Melbourne muralist Justine McAllister and illustrator Sarah McCloskey while they sip. Live music will fall to house music vocalist Arrnott Olssen with The Potbelleez's DJ Dave Goode, as well as Angela Rosero from Sydney dance band Cumbiamuffin. The initiative is in partnership with real estate group CBRE and Bacardi. It will form part of Wynyard's Flow and Glow event program across October 13-14, which is free to attend and includes access to pop-up art galleries, immersive experiences and panel talks on creating conscious cities. [caption id="attachment_805685" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Since I Left You on Kent Street[/caption] YCK Laneway's pop-up will run from 5pm on Thursday, October 13 and Friday, October 14.
Sydney is known for being a haven for unique thinkers. From music to food to philanthropy, the nation's largest city is filled with creatives who see the world — and how to navigate it — a little differently. 15 of these people, retailers with blossoming local businesses, recently participated in the City of Sydney's Retail Innovation Program. The program helped them grow their innovative concepts and, overall, nurture the city's locally owned shops, restaurants, cafes, charities and more. Out of this crew of local entrepreneurs, we spoke to four of them about changing the game and approaching business a little differently. These businesses have all managed to nail the core objective of fulfilling a purpose — and they've done so by figuring out what their defining feature is that sets them ahead of the pack and combats a problem in a unique way. Read on to learn how being part of the City of Sydney program aided them on their quest to challenge the status quo. KOA RECOVERY: PERSONALISED, HOLISTIC CARE FOR EVERYONE "We view recovery through the lens of personal experience which translates to a personalised approach which is not driven by commission." After experiencing a back injury a few years ago, founder Shaun Button struggled with his recovery, physically and mentally. After heading to the US and experiencing recovery centres there that specialised in helping people with chronic pain and trauma, Button realised that Australia didn't have anything like it. So, he took matters into his own hands and started his own centre. Combining years of research with Shaun's personal experience, Koa Recovery was created. The wellness centre is a breath of fresh air not only for those who want to treat their pain holistically but also those looking to maximise their athletic abilities. "We exist to enable every body without limits," says Button. Treatments use the latest scientific research and are personalised to each individual via therapies like cryotherapy, float therapy, electrical muscle stimulation and compression therapy. The centre is more than a physio or chiro, taking a full body and mind approach to recovery and performance. [caption id="attachment_734178" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Trent van der Jagt[/caption] CULTURE SCOUTS: TOURS OF THE REAL SYDNEY "Seeing a gap in the market for neighbourhood tourism [is what inspired me]. There is so much to see beyond the tourist centre around our harbour." Culture Scouts offers guided tours that hit the real and raw Sydney that's often left by the wayside in favour of the classic tourist traps. Started by Emilya Colliver, Culture Scouts began as a way to show tourists, residents and local companies alike the more authentic side of Sydney neighbourhoods that often goes unnoticed — from local art to heritage sites all with some bizarre historical anecdotes. Colliver, who says her company functions by "appreciating creativity in new ways", has made her business successful by trying different things to see what actually works. "Being innovative means consistently being curious with the world and not being afraid to try and try again." MODSIE: AUTHENTIC, VERIFIED SECOND-HAND LUXURY "Enabling our members to give a second life to the products they don't use anymore is our contribution to a more sustainable fashion consumption in Australia." Ever bought a second-hand designer item, only to get it and realise it's, err… not quite real? Modsie has you covered. The second-hand fashion marketplace makes it easy to find authentic designer pieces by employing one-of-a-kind quality control. Joséphine de Parisot, who started the business after moving over from Paris, has her Masters in Intellectual Property Law and has worked with luxury brands to identify knockoffs — so she knows her stuff about counterfeit goods. "I wanted to pursue my passion for buying and selling pre-owned fashion products, but realised that there was no specialised, secured marketplace in Australia," she says. Thus, Modsie was born. On top of providing a safe shopping environment for luxury goods, Modsie is also pushing to create a more sustainable mindset within the fashion industry. "We really want brands to adapt and see the huge opportunity in the second-hand market for their own products, instead of [seeing] the second-hand economy [as] a parallel market," explains de Parisot. In the future, Modsie is looking to partner with brands to encourage their customers to sell items they no longer use via the platform. [caption id="attachment_734183" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Trent van der Jagt[/caption] THE FREEDOM HUB: DEDICATED TO STOPPING SLAVERY AND SUPPORTING VICTIMS "We are creating an opportunity for every Australian to do something about ending modern slavery in Australia and overseas." A non-profit focusing on eradicating human trafficking and slavery, The Freedom Hub runs two cafes (in Waterloo and on the Gold Coast) and a store in order to raise money for and educate survivors. It also provides training to help businesses be more ethical and comply with the Modern Slavery Act. Founder Sally Irwin created the organisation after working in Berlin supporting trafficked women and realising that thousands of trafficking survivors needed assistance in Australia, too. The cafe offers loads of ethically sourced classic breakfast dishes, teas and coffee and the shop sells a wholly ethical, slavery-free retail range — "our supply chain is audited for slavery," explains Irwin. 100 percent of profits go directly to helping survivors in Australia — in particular, running an education program for them. So, your morning coffee isn't just giving you a boost — it's serving a much greater purpose. Irwin says a truly innovative thing about The Freedom Hub is that they "put people before profit", and the Survivor School is the epitome of that attitude. Not only an education program which helps survivors learn life, personal and workforce skills, it also works to support them and provide a community they can depend on as they rebuild their lives. Learn more about the City of Sydney Retail Innovation Program here. Top Image: Culture Scouts by Trent van der Jagt.
Every last trilby-wearing tween celebrity, President's daughter and your smug, smug US-based friends will be rubbing their paws together after this morning's Coachella festival lineup announcement. Running over two weekends from April 14–23, the Californian festival has delivered their usual jaw-dropper of a lineup. Big gun headliners Beyoncé, Radiohead and Kendrick Lamar mark the top of the weekend bills, with a bonafide metric fucktonne of squealworthy buds filling out the rest — the xx, Bon Iver, Justice, Lorde, The Avalanches, New Order, Future Islands, and Kaytranada to name a few. Even German composer Hans Zimmer is getting in on the action. Homegrown Aussie and New Zealand legends are heading on over and representing with gusto, with Pond, King Gizzard, Broods, Jagwar Ma, Anna Lunoe, What So Not and Empire of the Sun — as well as the aforementioned Avalanches and Lorde — on the bill. Anyway, let's be honest, you haven't truly read any of those words — you'll be wanting this: Coachella runs over two weekends, from April 14-16 and 21-23 in Indio, California. Tickets go on sale at 11am PST on Wednesday, January 4. For more info, visit coachella.com.
COVID-19 has made us put many things on hold: holiday plans, visiting the office, meeting with friends. And for those of us who are not isolating with our significant others, some aspects of our relationship have definitely changed, too. Has our generation moved on from online dating to remote relationships? Perhaps, but only for a little while. Being far apart will take some getting used to, and video calls can hardly compare to actually spending time together, but there's nothing stopping you from having a fun date night with your partner. With everyone locked up at home, conversation can run a little dry, or veer straight into the coronavirus anxiety realm. That's not very romantic. So get creative and try things with an open mind, so you and your significant other can enjoy some much needed quality time together. Here are just a few ideas to get you started. COOK THE SAME MEAL — AND DECIDE WHOSE IS BETTER With so much time on our hands, we can all take advantage of isolation to work on our cooking. And what's more fun than adventuring into the kitchen with your favourite person? First you need to agree on a meal you both enjoy and can manage to round up ingredients for. Here are some recipes that call for five ingredients or fewer. You can also order boxes of groceries from a heap of restaurants. Once you've got everything you need, FaceTime your partner, open a bottle of wine, and get cooking. While you cook, you'll be able to see your significant other in action, doing their own thing, which is quite rare these days of virtual convos. Once your gourmet creation is ready, sit down and enjoy it together while you determine who's the better cook. Who said MasterChef? START A TV SERIES TOGETHER While streaming through a screen share might be a little ambitious, the two of you can coordinate playing and pausing whatever you're watching while you video chat. Right now we recommend checking out Hunters on Amazon Prime if you're looking for an intense action drama, or taking a look at Tiger King on Netflix if you're in search of a bizarre docuseries. You can also turn to cult classics you never had time to watch, like Peaky Blinders and Breaking Bad on Netflix. Looking for something lighter? Check out these titles. If you end up deciding on a Netflix series, the streaming platform has a handy plug-in called Netflix Party that lets you stream with friends (or, in this case, your significant other). In times like these, it's good to get lost in the world of fiction occasionally, and watching together will also give you two a lot to discuss. GET FIT TOGETHER AND DO A WORKOUT (OR A FEW) Few things are funnier than seeing your significant other struggling in candle pose when you decide to take a break from the yoga flow you're doing together. There are many local studios offering online classes to pick from, with work outs varying from yoga to 80s-style aerobics and so much more. Try ClassPass, which has put together livestream classes in a variety of disciplines and levels, so you can stay in shape while supporting local businesses. You can also ramp up the comedy a little by dressing up for the workouts: cue leopard-print leotards and OTT leg warmers for aerobics. MASTER THE ART OF CROSSWORDS Waking up on Sunday morning, whipping up a nice breakfast and sitting on the couch with your partner to solve the Sunday crossword, just like in the movies. Isn't that a nerdy dream we all can get behind? But Sunday crosswords can be hard, so we recommend you start off with some easier versions, like those printed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Then, you can slowly level up until you two can master the Sunday crossword, hopefully by the end of this time of isolation, so you can do it right: over brekkie with sunshine beaming through the window, and of course, with both of you in the same room. You might want to try the classic New York Times Crossword, or these free puzzles from The Guardian. Whichever you choose, you can download Discord or Zoom to share your screen to work on the same crossword while video calling. LEARN A NEW SKILL OR TWO TOGETHER Have you two daydreamed about visiting Mexico together? Now is the time to sit down and learn Spanish. Always wanted to know more about wine, to go on that romantic wine tasting trip together? Enrol in an oenology course together, and get the wines you need to taste delivered to your home. With everything going on, universities and websites are offering a bunch of online courses. What better use of your time apart than getting smarter together, and perhaps preparing for something you can do in the future. This can also help you expand your shared interests, something that will help your relationship beyond quarantine.
Lunch breaks in South Eveleigh are going to get a lot more entertaining with Kylie Kwong's latest venture, Lucky Kwong, tipped to open its doors on Tuesday, May 25. Unlike the now closed, much-loved institution Billy Kwong, Lucky Kwong will be set up canteen-style: visitors will need to order and pay at the counter and takeaway isn't only available — it's welcomed. The Australian-Cantonese eatery focuses on accessibility, so the team won't be taking bookings and the venue is strictly walk-in only. "For me, Lucky Kwong is all about true nourishment. This eatery is a celebration of everything I love in life with care, community, collaboration and delicious, life-giving food at its heart," Kwong said in a statement. "This is a big shift for me as a restaurateur." [caption id="attachment_812604" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lucky Kwong's steamed prawn dumplings with Sichuan chilli and Jiwah native mint.[/caption] You can expect offerings including steamed savoury pancakes with fried egg, Asian herbs and caramel-tamari, plus some of Kwong's signature dishes like her steamed prawn dumplings with Sichuan chilli dressing . Uncle Jimmy's steamed noodles with brown rice vinegar dressing and caramelised pork belly with Davidson's plum will also feature on the curated menu. Daily rotating specials are set to showcase local producers and culinary collaborations with other chefs, so you'll always have an excuse to drop in during the week. The Lucky Kwong team will source organic herbs and vegetables from a newly created garden in collaboration with South Eveleigh Aboriginal mentor and proud Cudgenburra and Bundjalung man, Clarence Slockee. Slockee and his crew at Jiwah will also provide the eatery with native edible plants for its menu. "Beyond being a great gathering place for delicious food, I want Lucky Kwong to nourish and feed people's spirit, to be a force for good. It's a simple and humble offering that is very clear in its intention and motivation to positively contribute to society," Kwong said. Lucky Kwong will be set in the historic Locomotive Workshop, and joins the likes of Matt Whiley (Scout) and Maurice Terzini's (Icebergs Dining Room & Bar, Ciccia Bella) groundbreaking new sustainability-focused bar, Re. in the South Eveleigh precinct. Lucky Kwong will open at 2 Locomotive Street, Eveleigh on Tuesday, May 25, Monday- Friday 11am–2.30pm. You can check out Lucky Kwong's website here.
Near the end of the degustation at Momofuku Seiobo, you receive a dish of steamed grouper endives, celeriac puree and bonito dust — and a glass of onion juice. It’s part of the restaurant’s juice pairing, an alternative to matching wines where you get a different juice with each course. Momofuku Seiobo was the first restaurant in Australia to offer anything like it. “We had plenty of customers who are coming and they don't drink alcohol, and it's sort of ripping their experience a bit,” says assistant sommelier Ambrose Chiang. “So we worked out with the chefs what's in season and what's available.” That’s how it started, simply juice. It has since evolved to be a much more creative and nuanced way to pair food and drink. “People think it's just apple, orange and pineapple ... Things you could usually get out of a bottle. Sometimes it blows their mind a little bit.” Ambrose says. “It's the same way we approach the wine pairing. Certain flavour profiles, how we serve it, serving temperatures. Whether we strain the juice or not to give it more texture.” HOW MOMOFUKU DISCOVERED THAT ONIONS HAVE LAYERS Ambrose’s ‘onion water’ is the best example. As Momofuku’s menu is based around light and savoury flavours, Ambrose wanted to experiment with creating a savoury juice. “One problem with doing savoury juice — I don't want it to be a broth, I don't want it to be a sauce,” he says. Having something too heavy would offend the dish and that’s the last thing any sommelier wants to do. So he came up with an idea for, not onion juice or onion sauce, but onion water. Brown onions, spring onions and eschallots are cooked in a steaming hot pan until burnt and caramelised. Smoky and slightly sweet in flavour, they’re placed in bags of water and steamed overnight at 65 degrees. In the morning, Ambrose strains the onion and freezes the flavoured liquid. Still oily from the infusion, the ice block is left to drip through a fine muslin bag for two days. It looks like black tea and tastes, at first, like a nothing but a hint of savoury. Then, before it sinks down your throat, you get a burst of charred onion flavour. Ambrose describes the accompanying steamed fish course as “very savoury, slightly smoky but light”. To match it he needed something that was equally light but “with a slight sweetness, smokiness and savouriness” — exactly what you get from his onion water. EMBRACING MOLECULAR GASTRONOMY IN LIQUID FORM With the help of similar pioneering restaurants overseas, Momofuku’s innovation has helped the idea of non-alcoholic pairings to be taken more seriously in Australia. Sydney's Bentley and newcomer nel. are the most recent of a small but growing number of restaurants to test the idea of juice pairings. “My reaction was probably similar to others — sceptical to say the least,” says Bentley sommelier Nick Hildebrandt. “But with our new bar manager and drinks guru Phil Gandevia we actually started to put some thought and effort into it and came up with something that I believe is unique and very good.” Bentley’s first dessert — coconut sorbet, desert lime and honeyed melon — is now available with a pineapple, aloe vera and basil juice. “The idea was not only to match the dessert but to in a way add to it by having another component in liquid form sitting to the side.” Melbourne’s Attica runs a juice pairing based on the produce from their 1200 square metre garden. Banjo Harris Plane, the head sommelier, says one of his favourites is a cold smoked Granny Smith apple juice that’s paired with a King George whiting that’s been torched in a paperbark wrapping. “The harmony between the aroma of the dish and the juice is incredible.” Even with the success they’ve achieved at Attica, Banjo says they’re still scratching the surface of what could be done. “Next for Attica is to experiment with non-alcoholic fermentations, carbonation and thickening. We have also been looking at a scientific device called a homogeniser that incorporates liquids into each other, resulting in better consistency.” TAMING THE SWEET AND THE ACIDIC Joshua Picken, sommelier at Orana in Adelaide, told us they’re working on something similar for their juice pairing using native ingredients. “I have been playing with structural elements like tannin and tartaric acid. We explore non-alcoholic fermentations as I don't want every juice matching to taste sweet.” It’s a sentiment shared by many top sommeliers. “When you think about the juices that are available to us, they're quite sweet," says Ambrose. "If you're just offering juice by the glass, it's fine, but if it’s a pairing, it has to be working with the menu.” He says some other pairings he’s had served great juices, but they’ve been too sweet or overpowering to match the food. After being surprised by a customer request for a non-alcoholic pairing, Quay’s head sommelier, Amanda Yallop, was inspired to create a matching of mocktails and tea. “I am not a fan of only juice being presented. I’m a very big fan of acid in my wines, but to chase an entire meal with only juice is simply too much acidity.” Similarly, Vue de Monde and Brae in Victoria offer entire tea matchings from specialised tea sommeliers. THE NON- (OR LESS-) ALCOHOLIC FUTURE “I think that an evolution is on its way," says Amanda. "Chefs, bar staff and sommeliers are playing and testing with these pairings on a pretty serious level. There is enormous potential as to how far and how extreme it can become.” Despite that, she thinks non-alcoholic matches will never be treated with the same level of passion as wine. Considering both the range of flavours available to juice and the fact that high quantities of alcohol dampen your ability to taste, it could be argued that a non-alcoholic pairing is ultimately more appropriate for degustation-style eating. For one of the best sommeliers in the country, that doesn't quite fly. “I’d argue that there’s still more variety in wine than there is in juice, but I don’t really see it as either or,” says Banjo. “Different occasions for different things.” So perhaps a drink pairing is the best solution? Instead of juice or wine pairings, you’d simply get a different drink matched to each course; some will be wine, some will be juices and some will be something new. “What a fun idea," says Amanda. "I’m not sure how it would go down with guests expectations ... I might try it at Quay’s next food and wine training with our floor team and gauge the reception.” Images: Bodhi Liggett.
Since opening back in 2022, the Southern Hemisphere's first-ever Ace Hotel has been serving up expectedly sleek accommodation and a heap of fun extra-curricular activities — from takeovers of the lobby bar to dinners at Mitch Orr's Kiln. And this year, as Mardi Gras comes to town, there are more exciting additions to the hotel's party program to get in your diary. Alongside the extravagant Dolar Rosa Dines presents Holy Homo Hedon dinner that's popping up on Friday, March 1, there's a more low-key celebration of LGBTQIA+ pride coming to the Ace Hotel's cafe Good Chemistry for a summer afternoon: Melbourne-based record store Queer Records will be up in Sydney on Saturday, February 17, hitting Foy Lane from 12-4pm. While Queer Records doesn't have a physical shopfront quite yet, the team has been celebrating queer musicians through an online store, queer events and BYO record parties. Now, it's bringing the fun to Sydney with a one-day pop-up filled with iconic tunes and deep cuts from LGBTQIA+ artists to dig through. The team has also curated a collection of 46 vinyl records for Ace Hotel guests to borrow and listen to in their rooms, available for anyone staying between Thursday, February 15–Sunday, March 3. You can find out more about Queer Records and the pop-up via Instagram — and, if the aforementioned Holy Homo Hedon tickled your fancy, head to Humantix for more information. Top image: Nikki To
