With the Year of the Rat almost upon us, The Rocks is turning its regular weekend markets into a Lunar New Year celebration. From 10am on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sunday between January 30–February 9, lanterns and themed stalls will be lining the cobblestones of Playfair Street, George Street and Jack Mundey Place. As is usually the case at The Rocks' regular Friday Foodie Market, there will be plenty of tasty treats to choose from, with Mr Bao and Let's Do Yum Cha slinging steamed buns and dumplings, Sri Lankan hoppers from The Hopper Pan, Firepop's selection of skewers and Zizime's Korean pancakes and toasties. [caption id="attachment_758152" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anna Kucera[/caption] On the sweeter side, Spontané, Yum Thai Juice Bar and Som Som Candy are providing everything from bubble tea to animal-shaped fairy floss for the New Year. You can find the perfect new year gift for anyone with a selection of boutique stalls offering everything from silk scarves to spicy Thai condiments. The Rocks Lunar Markets run from 10am–9pm Thursday–Saturday and 10am–5pm Sunday.
If you can't afford the time or money for an island holiday this summer — or just can't be bothered trekking down to Bondi — drop by the East Village instead. The terrace has done away with its spring theming and has transformed into a beach club, complete with palms, festoon lighting, bright colours and frozen cocktails. A slushie machine has been brought up to the rooftop so you can cool down with frozen piña coladas and frosé while taking in the view of the city skyline. If you want to go full moon party vibes, Midori illusions and blue lagoons will be served in mini buckets — complete with tiny umbrellas. The food menu has been altered to match, and will be serving up oysters, prawn rolls and spicy tater tots. The beach club is now open and will stick around for the rest of summer.
Usually, a feast at Circular Quay's Bar Patrón will cost you a pretty penny. But if you can swing a visit mid-week then it will only set you back $30. Every weekday throughout the month of February, the restaurant will be offering an all-you-can-eat taco option at a tidy 30 bucks. Make a booking between 12.30pm and 3.30pm and you'll have two hours to work your way through its taco menu (twice over, if you like). That includes all five of its tacos: oyster mushroom, al pastor, fried fish, lobster and seared wagyu. We recommend ordering a few of the lobster ones — they come topped with mango salsa and gold leaf. To redeem the offer, you will need to purchase a drink of sorts. Margaritas and palomas are the order of the day, but the bar also has an extensive collection of tequila and beers, and even does some good non-alcoholic cocktails. Hot tip: if you make a 2pm booking, you could slide right into happy hour at 4pm, when margs become $12 and beers just $7. If you're going to get a work crew together, you might want to book in advance. You can lock down a table here.
If you dote over your vinyl collection with obsessive passion — or even if you just casually collect whichever albums you happen to come across whenever you're in your local record store — then you probably have one Saturday in April permanently marked on your calendar. That'd be Record Store Day, the annual celebration of ace music, a beloved format and the shops that trade in both. As happened last year, RSD has been postponed in 2021. Instead of its usual timeslot, the huge vinyl event will now take place in June. But that doesn't mean that your record pile has to remain static for the next couple of months, with record companies banding together for a huge vinyl sell-off: The Great Australian Warehouse Sale. Across the weekend of Saturday, April 17–Sunday, April 18, music aficionados will be able to snap up vinyl galore via indie record stores. Record companies such as Universal, Sony, MGM, Warner and more will be diving into their vaults, clearing out their warehouses and making as much stock available as possible, while individual shops will also be adding their own spin to the fun. Different stores will have different items on offer, so going crate-digging at your favourite shops is highly recommended. For further details — including which places are taking part — head to The Great Australian Warehouse Sale website.
Malaysian hawker chain Pappa Rich is spreading the love for its eighth birthday, with two weeks of banger deals across all six of its NSW stores. You'll be able to try your Pappa Rich favourites, or taste something completely new, all for just $8. Dip roti canai in vegetarian curry, try stir-fried noodle dish char koay teow and tuck into a toasted hainan sandwich. Or go classic with chicken rice and steamed chicken. There'll be a different dish for $8 each day from March 16–29, including blended ice drinks, teh tarik and puddings. You can check out each day's deal below. Since 2012, Pappa Rich has opened 28 stores around Australia. The chain has developed a reputation for serving up a fusion of flavours from Chinese, Indian and Malay influences, as well as creating next-level limited edition bites, like this nasi lemak burger and a collaborative chicken sandwich with Belles Hot Chicken. PAPPA RICH $8 MEALS March 16 — three roti canai March 17 — nasi lemak curry (chicken, vego or mutton) March 18 — chicken curry laksa March 19 — two ice blended or two nasi lemak bungkus March 20 — six chicken wings and a drink March 21 — toasted hainan sandwich and two half-boiled eggs March 22 — deep-fried chicken skin and a drink March 23 — char koay teow March 24 — roti canai curry (chicken, vego or mutton) March 25 — nasi lemak fried rice (chicken, vego or mutton) March 26 — two drinks (lemon iced tea or teh tarik) March 27 — two puddings or three curry puffs March 28 — chips and nuggets or salt and pepper chicken wings with rice March 29 — chicken rice and steamed chicken Pappa Rich's $8 meals are available from March 16–29 at all six of its NSW stores.
Australia's real-time restaurant deals app EatClub — which was launched by celeb chef Marco Pierre White — is now offering Sydneysiders $1 tacos. Yep, for three weeks you can tuck into tacos for pocket change at Woolloomooloo's 1933 Booze House & Kitchen. So, if you haven't got the app yet — and you're a Mexican cuisine fiend — we suggest you download it. Then, round up the crew for a wallet-friendly feast. Running from Tuesday, February 25 till Tuesday, March 17, this steal of a deal is available every Tuesday from 6–11.30pm, giving you a month to eat as many tacos as your heart desires. To claim the offer, download EatClub (if you haven't already), click on 1933 Booze House & Kitchen's store on the app's interactive map on the day at 6pm and redeem the '$1 Tacos' deal. Once that's all done, stroll into the bar and settle in for a Mexican food fiesta. To download the EatClub app, head here.
In 2013, 300 people danced to Kate Bush's' 'Wuthering Heights' in a field — and in 2020, the idea is back and bigger than ever. Yes, The Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever is happening in Sydney on Saturday, July 11. Yes, everyone should be dressed as Kate Bush, complete with a red dress, red stockings and black belt (men, that means you as well). On the day, a clowder (that's the collective noun for Kate Bushes, just FYI) will descend upon the park and copy Bush's swaying, kicky dance in unison just for the pure joy of it. Support for this weird and wonderful outing has been widespread, and Kate Bush fans from around the world have been inspired to create events in their home cities. So get your gear together (dressmakers are usually flooded with orders for the day) and ready yourself to roll and fall in green, out on the wily, windy moors of Sydney Park. If you need an incentive — other than the event itself, of course — it's now 42 years since the song was first released. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BW3gKKiTvjs
If it's the knockoff frothies you're missing the most, tuning into the new live stream programming from The Crafty Pint and Ale of a Time should provide some hopped-out, fizzy relief. The two Aussie beer publications have joined forces and launched a new YouTube channel, where they're broadcasting a series of daily virtual beer-sipping sessions. The Beer Together videos are here to help during a time when the pub's off-limits, inviting a roll-call of industry mates to your screens for some good ol' beer appreciation, education and banter. Each session varies, though they're mostly focused on celebrating great local beer, with guests from some of your favourite breweries and venues. You can keep an eye on what's to come over at Ale of a Time's Facebook page. We've had an on-couch tasting party with New Zealand's Behemoth Brewing Co, a sit-down with Sparkke Brewing's Carla Naismith, a cooking class with Casey Wall of Falco Bakery and now a regular beer quiz helmed by The Crafty Pint's Judd Owen, streaming 8.30pm AEST every Sunday. And of course, if you miss any of the live streams, the videos are sticking around on YouTube for you to view any time you like. Hooked and want more? Jump on the mailing list for links to the post-video after-parties. Top image: Kate Shanasy
Love pasta, but never quite mastered the art of making your own gnocchi? Always wanted to whip up your own soap and shampoo bars — or maybe some soy candles? Perhaps you've dreamed of fashioning bangles, macrame key rings and clay planters yourself. Or, you could harbour a lifelong dream to get into calligraphy. Whether you're keen to get stitching and sewing, build a terrarium, or paint a portrait of your pet pooch, ClassBento's new Craft Box workshop series has a session for you. Moving its classes online, it's now live-streaming all manner of 30–60 minute creative seminars. They're taught by a range of artists and teachers across Australia — and you can either enrol in one of ClassBento's public classes, or round up some pals (virtually, of course) and book in for your own private session. Given the broad selection of classes on offer — including punch needle embroidery, making edible wafer paper roses for cakes and shibori dyeing, just to name a few — dates and prices vary. For the latest details on your session of interest, head to Class Bento's website. [caption id="attachment_766964" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] The Paint Bar[/caption] Plus, if you're wondering about all the different tools you'll need to learn to weave, make a kokedama hanging moss ball or create paper mache collage bowls, each class comes with a craft box. Once you've chosen your session, it'll be delivered to you in advance — so, when class time comes, you'll be ready to go.
If you're a Brisbanite with a fondness for trivia — and a head full of otherwise pointless tidbits just waiting to be scribbled down quickly — then you've likely been to one of Man vs Bear's events. Usually, its slate is filled with both general and themed trivia evenings at plenty of pubs and bars around town; however, when COVID-19 restrictions hit, it took its questions online for everyone everywhere to enjoy. Meet Isolation Trivia. No, all the questions won't just be about staying indoors — but because that's what we're all now doing, these trivia nights will be live-streamed. Man vs Bear and Not On Your Rider's Aimon Clark will play quizmaster, you'll jot down your answers at home and everyone can compare scores virtually — and battle for trivia supremacy. Isolation Trivia will be popping up regularly, with the next trivia nights live-streaming on Tuesday, September 22 and Friday, September 25 — at 6.30pm AEST. To play along, head to the event's Facebook page. Top image: Not On Your Rider
National Reconciliation Week happens every year, with the purpose of educating all Australians about our shared history and celebrate the culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The (very fitting) theme this year? In This Together. Running from May 27 to June 3, the festival's dates signify two important milestones in our reconciliation: the 1967 referendum and the Mabo decision, which saw the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples land rights. This year, the program will centre on ideas of moving forward as a nation and working toward a shared future. Of course, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the week-long program will look a little different. It'll launch with an Acknowledgement of Country from 12pm on Wednesday, May 27, with Australians paying their respects via social media. Then, a panel discussion hosted by Larissa Behrendt (Speaking Out) will take place on Thursday, May 28 from 12–1pm. She'll be joined by parliament members Ken Wyatt and Linda Burney, plus Reconciliation Australia CEO Karen Mundine and University of Wollongong Lecturer Summer May Finlay to discuss the historic bridge walks of 2000 and the role of reconciliation since then. For more information and to stream, check out the Facebook event here. Also on the bill is a Virtual Indigenous Film Festival and an hour-long concert, featuring Busby Marou, Alice Skye and Jimblah and hosted by Christine Anu, no less. It'll go down at 9.05pm on Friday, May 29 and you can tune in via ABC Radio or head to Reconciliation Australia, ABC Sydney or ABC Australia Facebook pages. The National Gallery of Victoria will be hosting its own events to celebrate Reconciliation Week, including an introduction to Indigenous art, a look at the artworks of Destiny Deacon, and 'Curating Indigenous Art', which is a collaboration between the NGV, ACMI, Koori Heritage Trust and Deakin University. Sydney's AGNSW currently has an interview with artist Gail Mabo you can watch as part of its Together in Art series. The Sydney Opera House has a five-day program lined up, too, including recorded concerts, talks, dance performances, Badu Gili and the First Nations Arts Awards 2020. Red Room Poetry is hosting its annual Poetry in First Languages. https://youtu.be/T5hs5MLVqUM Images: Badu Gili, Sydney Opera House; Regalla (2013) by Reko Rennie, NGV courtesy of blackartprojects.
Keen to make your next night in a big one? Now that you can invite five mates round (with sensible social distancing in place, of course), you can make it a real party. So, if you're keen to cut some serious shapes this weekend, ring up five of your nearest and dearest and dust off that disco ball because a new one-off party with pumping tunes and bad fashion is taking over your living room on Saturday, May 23. Yep, Canadian Club's annual Bad Sweater Party is going virtual. Hang on, a Bad Sweater Party? The major point of difference for this party is that you've got a dress code. Don an ugly jumper — it's OK, you're partying at home. And, yes, you'll get pretty sweaty with all those killer moves you'll be busting. Hot Dub Time Machine will be bringing the dance-worthy tunes, which will have you pushing your furniture aside and starting a makeshift dance floor in no time. Expect everything from 50s rock 'n' roll tunes to disco hits like ABBA's 'Gimme Gimme Gimme' and Earth, Wind & Fire's 'September'. Once you hit the more recent decades, there's often glam rock, a bit of 90s grunge, Darude's epic 'Sandstorm' and 'Toxic' by Britney. As you dance your way through the decades, you'll be working up quite the sweat (you'll be in a sweater, remember), so you'll also want some cold ones nearby. Get into the spirit of things by mixing up some CC 'n' drys. Or save yourself the trouble and grab a case of the stuff. It'll all kick off at 7pm and you can tune in to the live set via Hot Dub's Twitch account.
Christmas barely seems behind us, but it's time to start thinking about Easter already. And while there are many ways to mark the occasion, only one involves paying tribute to a cinema star like no other — and also playing mini golf in a cinema. Between Thursday, April 1–Sunday, April 4, the Ritz Cinema in Randwick is hosting Adam Sandler Fest. Although it kicks off on April Fools' Day, it definitely isn't a joke. You will be laughing at Billy Madison, Happy Gilmore and The Wedding Singer, though, and getting considerably more serious with Punch-Drunk Love. Rounding out the bill is the phenomenal Uncut Gems, Sandler's best-ever on-screen role, which'll be hitting the big screen in Australia for the first time — and, unlike everything else on the program, will be showing multiple times. While the whole festival is obviously filled with highlights, the 25th anniversary session of Happy Gilmore will include a putt putt contest before the movie. Yep, you'll be tap, tap, tapping, with prizes on offer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTfJp2Ts9X8
It's impossible to watch a movie directed by Wong Kar-Wai and mistake it for the work of another filmmaker. As he has kept proving over his 32-year career to-date, his work is just that distinctive. And while the opposite isn't true, either — no one will ever confuse a movie helmed by someone else for one of Wong's efforts — his influence on cinema and his peers is evident in every neon-hued tale of yearning, every mesmerising and aching love story that says as much through its imagery as it does with dialogue, and plenty of martial arts fare as well. Wong makes films to luxuriate in — to truly feast your eyes upon — and, unsurprisingly, Sydney Film Festival and the Australian Centre for the Moving Image want to celebrate that fact, and his work. Accordingly, they're teaming up to present touring program Love & Neon: The Cinema of Wong Kar-Wai. It showcases 11 of the filmmaker's titles, surveying his entire career, and will screen in Sydney from Saturday, January 16–Sunday, January 31 at the Art Gallery of New South Wales and also from Tuesday, January 19–Thursday, February 18 at Dendy Newtown. In the Mood for Love is on the bill, of course, but it isn't the only movie worth checking out on the silver screen. You can also see his debut feature As Tears Go By; Chungking Express, which is inspired by a Haruki Murakami short story; and the touching Happy Together — plus, the rebellious Days of Being Wild, the gorgeous 2046, and Wong's first English-language film My Blueberry Nights. Or, there's also his two martial arts epics: Ashes of Time: Redux and The Grandmaster. You'll be watching restored versions of most of the above, too, including glorious 4K restorations. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfbLJh7-hQY
When Winghaüs set up shop in Sydney, no one needed to guess what kind of food it focused on. You'd best like chicken pieces, because they're on the menu here in a big way — all day, everyday. How does a chook-loving joint up the poultry ante? Across the entire 2020–21 summer, it hosts an event called Wing Fest. Again, it really doesn't require too much explanation. From Tuesday, December 1–Sunday, February 28, Winghaüs isn't just doing its usual wing lineup, though. As well as its nine always-available types of rubs and sauces, the chicken-centric joint is adding a huge 13 more varieties. So, you can pick from 21 different styles — including salt and vinegar, garlic and parmesan, sweet and sour, mango habanero and vindaloo. Ever wondered what chicken wings with chicken salt taste like? That's on offer as well. Chicken may be the focus — either classic or boneless — but you can also opt for cauliflower wings. You'll get one complimentary sauce or rub for every ten-piece serve of wings ($12), with extra sauces and rubs costing $3 each. There are also 20-piece ($22), $50-piece ($49) and 100-piece ($94) options — and beers and cocktails on tap, plus margaritas served frozen, on the rocks and in shareable one-litre steins.
Sadly, after nine years of packed dance floors and support for Sydney's music and art scene, beloved nightclub Freda's will be closing permanently this month. The Chippendale venue will close its doors to the public on Saturday, November 21. But, Freda's is going out with a bang throwing a six-part final celebration over the next three weekends. The Festival of Freda's will begin on Saturday, November 6 with Disco Bongo: the Last Night of Disco, featuring DJ sets from Andy Webb of Disco Delicious and Honey Point. Sunday, November 7 will see Freda's celebrate tits ninth and final birthday, featuring two rooms of live music and DJ sets. The following weekend will feature a live set from local electro-pop group Gauci with support from Freedom Sounds on Saturday, November 13, and a DJ set from Ben Fester and friends the following night. Kicking off on Friday, November 20, Freda's final weekend will include a farewell party thrown by Sydney party collective Vibe Positive, and one last event titled Freda's: The End featuring the Freda's House Band. Head along to celebrate and commemorate a Sydney institution shutting up shop and enjoy Guaci's latest track to get you in the mood. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2-eM5I7s94 All events are seated and limited to 50 people per session due to social distancing regulations. All info and tickets are available at Freda's website. Top Image: Imogen Grist
As part of the flurry of new streaming services competing for our eyeballs, FanForce TV joined the online viewing fold during the COVID-19 pandemic — with the pay-per-view platform not only screening movies, but pairing them with virtual Q&A sessions as well. Now, between Wednesday, November 11–Sunday, November 15 it's also hosting an online film fest: its second Virtual Indigenous Film Festival. The returning event coincides with NAIDOC Week, and will showcase five films: In My Own Words, The Song Keepers, The Flood, Wik vs Queensland and Westwind: Djalu's Legacy. That means you can watch your way through an array of Aussie movies focused on Indigenous stories, spanning both dramas and documentaries — and exploring race relations in the process. Sessions will also feature guest speakers, such as The Flood's writer/director/producer Victoria Wharfe McIntyre, The Song Keepers' filmmaker Naina Sen and Ben Strunin from Westwind: Djalu's Legacy. Viewers can tune in on a film-by-film basis, or buy an all-access pass to tune into everything. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yY3O5LtMo9Q&feature=emb_logo Top image: Westwind: Djalu's Legacy
Gordi may be based in Sydney these days but, given she's originally from nearby Canowindra, her upcoming performance at the Cowra Civic Centre represents something of a homecoming for the indie pop artist. Her most recent album, Our Two Skins, was recorded at her family's farm and released during the global pandemic. Being involved in Great Southern Nights isn't even the first initiative in which Gordi's been involved in 2020; all profits from her single 'The Cost', released in January, were donated to Australian bushfire relief. Be aware that this jaunt to Cowra may be your last chance to see Gordi in such an intimate venue for quite some time as, next year, she'll be supporting alt-country legends Bon Iver on their Australian stadium tour. So, pack your bags, hit the road and catch this one-off gig you're sure to remember.
Sydney's got its fair share of post-pandemic art and cultural events happening at the moment and, now, it's getting a brand new museum. Located within the University of Sydney's Camperdown campus, the Chau Chak Wing Museum will open to the public on Wednesday, November 18, bringing together the tertiary educator's artistic, scientific, cultural and archaeological collections all in the one spot. To celebrate its launch, the four-level, 2000-square-metre museum will be showing 18 new exhibitions, from an exploration of Ancient Rome and The Mummy Room to an immersive installation by contemporary Aussie artist Daniel Boyd and a major showcase of art from eastern Arnhem Land titled Gululu dhuwala djalkiri: welcome to the Yolŋu foundations, demonstrating 100 years of Yolŋu knowledge sharing through painting and sculpture. In the Natural Selections exhibition, you'll find plenty of bird, mammal, fish and shell specimens, plus a rare giant beetle collected in the 18th century. Or, check out Coastline, an art exhibition of works depicting the oceanic and coastal landscapes by Aussie artists like Grace Cossington Smith, Arthur Streeton and J W Power. The Museum is free to enter and will also host talks, educational programs and guided tours. The Chau Chak Wing Museum opens to the public on November 18 and is open 10am–5pm Monday–Wednesday, 10am–9pm Thursday and 12–4pm Saturday and Sunday. The Museum will be closed from December 23, 2020 and will re-open on January 7, 2021.
There hasn't been much to say cheers to in 2020, or many opportunities to do so out of the house. But between Thursday, November 19–Sunday, November 22, you'll be able to raise a few glasses and wander around Sydney, all as part of the boozy new Whisk(e)y on The Rocks festival. Yes, this fest is taking place in The Rocks, where you'll wander your way between four festival zones across two hours. Just where you start is up to you, with each space offering something different as part of your $25 ticket — with that price including seven tokens for samples. At Campbell's Cove, you'll find the The Fever-Tree High Ball Bar. Obviously, highballs are on offer here. So too is mixing and matching, depending on what whiskeys, whiskys and mixers you feel like. And the Glenfiddich 'Whisky Wanderer' bus will also be stationed onsite, complete with its own bar slinging samples. Next, at 47 George Street and 6–8 Atherdon Street, you'll be sipping Maker's Mark, Dead Rabbit's and Wild Turkey. There'll be multiple spaces, enabling you to pick your preferred tipple and your favourite spot. Then, on Playfair Street, the Monkey Shoulder Mixer Truck will be pumping out blended malt scotch neat, on the rocks or in cocktails poured straight out of said giant mixer. Finally, The Argyle Courtyard will be celebrating 200 years of Johnnie Walker, so you know what's on offer here. As well as the four festival zones, you can mosey through The Rocks Whisk(e)y Trail, which includes The Argyle, The Doss House, Mrs Jones Bar at The Orient Hotel, the Copper Dog Courtyard at The Push, The Mercantile Hotel, Sergeant Lok, Tayim, Fortune of War and Maybe Sammy. And, although they haven't been announced as yet, the fest program will also feature masterclasses — which will be ticketed separately. Whisk(e)y on The Rocks tickets go on sale at 2pm on Wednesday, October 14. You'll need to pick your day and your session, with timeslots at 5.30–7.30pm and 8–10pm each night, plus extras at 3–5pm Friday–Sunday and 12.30–2.30pm Saturday–Sunday.
Since the 1980s, Sydney collective Erth has been pushing the boundaries of innovative theatre with its much-loved puppetry performances. Erth's work educates while it entertains and Duba — as well as its sister show Badu at the Maritime Museum — is no exception. Ticketholders will venture into a living underworld to learn about rare, endangered creatures, meet living fungi and encounter the world that lives beneath our feet. Developed in conjunction with international conservation zoos, Duba highlights the vulnerability and fragility of our land-based ecosystems and the creatures that inhabit it. It's set to be a ground-breaking and unforgettable experience at Carriageworks for Sydney Festival. Images: Yaya Stempler
On a couple of occasions this year, McDonald's has spread some lockdown cheer by offering burger-loving customers free delivery. Now, with stores open for in-person dining around the country, it's doing something different — serving up daily specials for the entire month of November. This isn't the first time that the chain has run its 30 Days 30 Deals promotion — but it's kicking it off for 2020 with quite the offer. On Sunday, November 1, burger lovers can pick up 50-cent cheeseburgers. All you need to do is order through the MyMaccas app, select the deal, then mosey on down to your closest McDonald's to pick it up. Throughout the rest of the month, a new special will pop up each day. Think $2 Big Macs, $1 McFlurrys and $1.50 thickshakes, as well as $8 share packs, $5 small McChicken meals with a cheeseburger and $8 for two small Quarter Pounder meals.
Australia's first 100-percent plant-based hotel bar Alibi will be serving up special plant-based menu items throughout November in honour of World Vegan Month. From Sunday, November 1, you'll find unique vegan treats on the Alibi menu each week of November, as well as $10 spritzes and $6 beers throughout the month. Expect $10 plant-based cheeseburgers, $1 mac 'n' cheese balls, $10 cheesy dogs and $5 cauliflower bites. You'll also be able to enjoy Alibi's regular vegan offerings including high tea, an eight-course tasting menu and kitchen classics like tacos and bao. Alibi Bar is open from 4pm each day and you can reserve your spot over at the website. Alibi is located in the Woolloomooloo Ovolo Hotel who recently announced it would be going 100-percent vegetarian in all their hotels across Australia and Hong Kong for a full year. The initiative titled 'year of the veg' began on World Vegetarian Day on October 1. WORLD VEGAN MONTH LINEUP Week 1 (November 1–8) — $10 cheeseburgers Week 2 (November 9–15) — $1 mac 'n' cheese balls Week 3 (November 16–22) — $10 cheesy dogs Week 4 (November 23–30) — $5 cauliflower bites
If 2020 has you thinking about the simple things in life — good food, good booze and nice threads, for example — then block out the weekend of Friday, November 6–Sunday, November 8 in your diary. That's when Sorry Thanks I Love You, P&V Wine + Liquor Merchants' Mike Bennie and Saint Peter's Josh Niland are all joining forces to celebrate all of the above at an event they've dubbed Rack Off. There'll be bites to eat, with Niland and his Fish Butchery team taking care of the menu. They'll be whipping up those famed sea urchin crumpets, too. And to wash all that tastiness down, there'll also be natural and biodynamic wines by the glass and bottle. [caption id="attachment_601490" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Saint Peter, Nikki To[/caption] The main attraction, though, is the fundraising fashion sale. Across two mini warehouse spaces at 17 Oxford Street, Paddington, you'll be able to browse and buy — with items from Comme des Garçons, Issey Miyake, Veja, Rains, Rick Owens, Maison Margiela, Mykita, Hender Scheme, Sulvam, Lucy Folk and Bassike all on offer. Expect to nab a discount, feel like you're in a high-end boutique, but also hang out and drink and eat. A portion of the profits will be donated to integrated cancer hospital Chris O'Brien Lifehouse — and, at the checkout, you can play a game of paper, scissors, rock to either score 10 percent off your purchase or commit to donate 10 percent to the hospital. Rack Off runs daily from 10am–6pm. Top image: Joey Clark.
Every year across ten days, FOOD (Food of Orange District) Week shows off the best fare from 'The Food Basket' of New South Wales, including the best local produce, chefs and restaurants, as well as cool-climate wines. Of course, like many events, the annual affair was cancelled in 2020 — so you can bet it's coming back with a bang this time round. Not to mention, the event will be celebrating its 30th year, making it Australia's longest running regional food festival. Overall, you can expect six signature events, as well as over 90 smaller events hosted at local restaurants and cellar doors. Kick-start your culinary adventure at the FOOD HQ to pick the brains of local farmers, chefs and providores and buy their produce directly from them. Or, picnic in Patina Wines' lush garden or have a boozy Italian feast at Antica Australis, with a menu of locally sourced venison, chicken, artisanal cheese, wild honey, foraged forest mushrooms and, to finish, blue cheese gelato. On Monday, April 12, you can head to the 30th Anniversary Dinner for $150 a head. Here, you'll be treated to dishes created by the region's young-gun chefs, such as Richard Learmonth, Dom Aboud and Lily Hahn-Stevens, as well as paired glasses of top-notch local vino. There are several more gourmet experiences to be had during the week in Orange, including Meet the Producer workshops, running daily from April 12–16, and the Orange Farmers Market on April 10. Plus, fun activities such as Graze in the Maze at Cadogan Country House on April 10; Yoga in the Vines at Stockman's Ridge Wines on April 11; and Ballooning, Breakfast and Bubbles in nearby Canowindra, which is running throughout the festival. Then, on the final day, be sure to hit up the Sunday Producer Market at Cook Park, where you can pick up a stack of gourmet goodies before venturing home, as well as enjoy a leisurely al fresco brunch. To check out the full program — and buy tickets — head to the Orange FOOD Week website.
Thought bingo was for your nan? Think again. It's also for you — or perhaps, if she's a groovy gran, for the both of you. Hijacking the traditional format of bingo with raves, conga lines and lip sync battles, Bingo Loco is 50-percent one of those strange dreams you get after eating too much cheese and 50-percent just a walloping good time. This isn't Bingo Loco's first time in Sydney; however, when it returns on Saturday, February 27, it'll do so as part of a new Bingo Loco Rainbow Rave event. Time to coincide with Mardi Gras, this one-off will let Sydneysiders dance and celebrate in a COVID-19-safe way, all at the Enmore Theatre. Sabrina Babyslut will be playing host, while confetti showers will go off throughout the night (perhaps wear your glasses). Bingo ravers will compete for ultimate glory (and prizes) over the course of multiple rounds. In between the traditional bingo games, you'll be expected to groove to classic 90s rave bangers, partake in dance-offs, and battle others for lip sync queen titles. Basically, be prepared for many high-octane, energetic activities — gone are the days of simply raising your hand when you've got a full sheet of numbers. Doing your stretches and vocal warm-ups first are advised. You'll vie for prizes, which in the past have included Coachella tickets, boats and cars, among other goldmines. Bingo Loco has been running across the globe for a few years and now will trumpet its way around Australia once more, with proceeds going to the Make-A-Wish Foundation Australia. Tickets are on sale now — by the table, starting at $296.60 for four people and going up to $724.80 for ten people.
If there's one thing that the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles taught everyone as a kid — other than the names of famous artists, of course — it's that pizza can't be beaten. That said, there is actually one thing that's better than a regular slice. It's a free slice, obviously. Between 5–9pm from Sunday, January 31–Tuesday, February 2, Made in Italy's new Five Dock eatery will be slinging just that to celebrate its launch. Freebies will be handed out for pick-up orders, and you'll need to register in advance. Fill out the online form, and you'll then receive instructions as well as a code to redeem the offer. And as for the doughy delights themselves, just how Made in Italy makes its pizzas is all there in the name. Its Five Dock store joins the chain's other eateries in the CBD, Alexandria, Annandale, Pyrmont and Rose Bay.
Sydney's intimate, boutique Golden Age Cinema is teaming up with Four Pillars Gin for a mini booze and film festival. Each Wednesday night from February 3–March 3, the 56-seat Surry Hills spot is hosting double bills paired with gin cocktails. It's quite the lineup, too, with a little something for everyone on the bill. The festival is called Summer is Cinema, so that's the kind of tone it's going for — whether road movies, hazy escapades or out-there journeys are hitting the screen. First up on February 3 is Wes Anderson's The Darjeeling Limited — because the venue has also been running a season dedicated to the director — followed by seminal 90s classic Thelma and Louise. Or, if you're in the mood for a different kind of cinematic trip, perhaps February 10's pair of The Beach Bum and Inherent Vice will appeal. The next week, on February 17, Alfred Hitchcock's Rear Window will heat up the screen, accompanied by Spike Lee's iconic Do the Right Thing. Then, on February 24 comes Studio Ghibli's Spirited Away and Alexandro Jodorowsky's The Holy Mountain, both classics in their own distinctive ways. Finally, Badlands and Wild at Heart will wrap things up on March 3 with a lovers-on-the-run duo. These flicks will all get a beverage to match, made with Four Pillar's juniper spirits. The first screenings each evening kick off between 6–6.10pm, then the second start between 8.15–8.40pm — but we suggest you get there a little earlier for the drinks. Tickets cost $22.50 for each film.
Gerardo López of Kensington Mexican restaurant La Tortilleria is hosting online cooking classes to bring the art of Mexican cuisine into your home. For $80 you'll be sent a box of ingredients and a list of things you'll need to source yourself. You'll then be able to log on from 6pm on a Friday to join Lopez for a cooking masterclass. Lopez is running the class the first three Fridays of October, and spots are limited. If you can't make it, Lopez expects there to be more classes in November so keep your eyes out and follow the chef on Instagram. You'll start the night by creating margaritas, guided by special guest bartenders from Sonder. Once you have your drink in hand, you'll then make a traditional guacamole, your choice of fish or cauliflower ceviche and tinga tacos. Another bartender from On Top Bar will guide you through a second mezcal cocktail during the night to ensure you don't run dry, and the meal will be capped off by a dessert by Dulce Beso's Shai. Non-drinkers can purchase a version of the ingredients without the goods needed for the cocktails for $60 and join the class with water or a non-alcoholic beer in hand. All the profits from the cooking class are being donated to Friends for Good, a volunteer-driven not-for-profit that strives to help people connect with others and improve Australians wellbeing.
International travel could possibly be back on the cards for Australians by Christmas, but you'll be able to get a 26-film glimpse of Italy first. The reason: the 2021 Italian Film Festival. As it does every year, it's showcasing a stacked lineup of new and classic cinema from its chosen part of the globe, as part of its touring program. For Sydneysiders, this year's fest will arrive in late October, in line with New South Wales' roadmap out of lockdowns. From Wednesday, October 27–Sunday, November 21, movie buffs will want to head to Palace Norton, Palace Verona, Palace Central and Chauvel Cinema to get their Italian film fix. The fest opens with The Ties — and with a marriage in crisis. Starring Alba Rohrwacher (Happy as Lazzaro) and Luigi Lo Cascio (Human Capital), and helmed by Daniele Luchetti (La Nostra Vita, My Brother is an Only Child), this moving film follows a couple's tumultuous romance over the course of decades. It comes to the Italian Film Festival after opening last year's Venice Film Festival, and becoming the first Italian movie in more than a decade to do the latter. At the other end of the 2021 Italian Film Festival, the event will close with a classic: Roberto Rosselini's Rome, Open City. It's part of a four-film retrospective of the director's work, and also falls within the fest's look back at iconic Italian leading ladies. This event always comes with a big appreciation for Italy's filmmaking past, which is where documentary Fellini Forward: From the Creative Genius of Federico Fellini, about the acclaimed director, also fits in. Elsewhere, festival highlights include Cannes Film Festival Director's Fortnight winner To Chiara, about a 15-year-old who discovers her father might have criminal ties; Nanni Moretti's Three Floors, which is set across a Rome apartment block; Hidden Away, a biopic about artist Antonio Ligabue; and You Came Back, a thriller that makes ample use of Venice's lagoons. Or, there's also comedy Three Perfect Daughters; drama Tigers, about footballer Martin Bengtsson; and Sirley, which sees director Elisa Amoruso draw upon her adolescence for her first fictional film.
Where would we be without movies over the past 18 months? Even when cinemas have been closed for hefty portions of 2020 and 2021 in different parts of the country, we've all still sought out the joy and escapism of watching a flick — because when you're in lockdown, quarantining or isolating at home, or just spending more time indoors in general, it's particularly cathartic. Still keen to queue up a big heap of movies, and a hefty dose of couch time? Enter Movie Frenzy, the returning week-long online film rental sale. From Friday, October 1–Thursday, October 7, it's serving up a sizeable lineup of popular flicks from the past year, all for under $3 per movie. On the lineup: page-to-screen Aussie drama The Dry, long-awaited horror sequel A Quiet Place Part II, Bob Odenkirk aping John Wick in Nobody, and Jason Statham and Guy Ritchie teaming up again with Wrath of Man. The monster melee that is Godzilla vs Kong, the Chris Rock-starring Spiral: From the Book of Saw and Denzel Washington-led thriller The Little Things are also on the list, as is everything from Monster Hunter, Penguin Bloom, June Again and War with Grandpa to Tom and Jerry, The Croods: A New Age and Peter Rabbit 2. And while some are more worth your attention than others, we'll let you do the choosing. You can nab the cheap flicks via your digital rental platform of choice, including Apple TV, Fetch, Google Play, the Microsoft Store, Amazon Prime Video, Telstra TV Box Office and YouTube Movies — although just what's available, and the price, will vary depending on the service. Also, you won't need a subscription, unless you decide to join in the fun via the Foxtel Store.
What better way is there to end your week than a cleansing boogie on the dance floor. Reset yourself for the coming week with a Sunday session presented by Sydney party people Picnic. After a successful stint at Opera Bar, Picnic Social has moved to a new home at the Kings Cross Hotel rooftop. Gather the gang, farewell your weekend and psych yourself up for the week ahead with a few drinks, an openair rooftop, something to eat and a soundtrack of live tunes. That's all on offer as part of this weekly event's lineup, which takes over the venue each Sunday from 3pm–midnight. The bill changes weekly, but you can look forward to a heap of local talent. The first iteration of Picnic Social saw the likes of Setwun & Soulstranauts, Marco Vella and Lazywax grace the stage, plus DJ sets from Simon Caldwell, Kali and Lauren Hansom. The inaugural lineup for Picnic Social 2.0 in Kings Cross will feature a live set from Kiri, plus local DJs Bocconcini, Simon Caldwell and Clutch 4 Love. Images: Carlos Walters Updated Friday, December 10
Sweet-toothed Sydneysiders, rejoice — Sugar Republic, Australia's dessert-themed installation experience, is back for another serving this November. And if you think you've seen it all before, here's some extra-great news for all you candy lovers: the 2021 season will be bigger, and will also mix familiar attractions with new rooms and installations. Sugar Republic's previous Aussie iterations included a giant gumball machine that you can climb inside, and that's returning this time. But you'll also be able to jump out of a life-sized birthday cake, check out a huge lolly jar and see a rather big jelly — if super-sized sweets are your thing, that is. Still on that topic, the new Sydney setup will include a game of giant doughnut Connect Four, too, when it heads to The Rocks from Sunday, November 6. Also on the lineup: a prize claw machine you can crawl into, a pool of marshmallows that you can swim through, a sprinkles ball pit, chocolate and popcorn swings, and a wild west saloon dedicated to Bubble-O Bills. Yes, it sounds like the kind of place that Willy Wonka might own, complete with a scratch 'n' sniff wall where you'll guess the lollies, a living room dedicated to iconic Australian biscuits, art devoted to milk bars by Frida Las Vegas and a party zone to celebrate the 130th birthday of sweets brand Allen's. Each time that Sugar Republic pops up, it's always OTT. Basically, if you missed out on visiting New York's Museum of Ice Cream back in 2016, this is Australia's equivalent. Typically these kind of places are designed to be as photogenic and Instagram-friendly as possible, so expect plenty of pics to clog your Instagram feed. Exactly how long Sugar Republic will hit up Sydney this time hasn't been revealed; however, tickets are currently on sale until Thursday, December 23. And yes, free lollies and ice cream are part of the $38 admission price. Also, you can use Dine and Discover vouchers at the door.
There's one surefire way to keep those autumn shivers at bay, and that's a hefty dose of chilli. Or, in this case, a whole month of it thanks to two Sydney bars — Cronulla institution Northies and Mona Vale's Park House — which are teaming up with local brewery Young Henrys and spiced whisky brand Fireball to celebrate the spicy peppers in all their glory. First up, Northies will see its third iteration of the fiery fest, complete with spicy eats and tongue-tingling drinks. The kitchen is fuelling the burn with a chilli-charged special menu, featuring dishes like jalapeño poppers, TNT pizza and Fireball-glazed chicken wings. There'll also be a 'death wagon' rolling around the bar stocked with 50 hot sauces, which you can add to any dish. Meanwhile, the bar is coming to the party with some spicy treats of its own. Get cosy with a chilli-choc espresso martini or a heavily Tabasco-loaded bloody mary. Or, cool things down a little with a Young Henrys chelada of lime and habanero chillis topped with Young Henrys Natural Lager. To signify the fest's two sponsors, it's also letting you add a shot of Fireball for just $5 when you order any Young Henrys beer. Naturally, Northies will play host to chilli eating competitions, which will go down every Sunday arvo throughout the month. Expect to start off on the milder side as you work your way up to a carolina reaper. Sign up to compete in the competition here. Or, you can watch from a safe distance with tastebuds still intact. Over at Park House's chilli celebrations, there'll just be the one chilli chewing comp, taking place from 2pm on March 27 (sign up here). But, you can still expect a heap of chilli-loaded food and drink specials over the month — think chipotle cheeseburgers and chilli wings paired with burny bevvies like the spicy twist on a classic margarita, the Death by Marg. Head to Northies and Park House's respective websites for the full rundown.
Combining tequila, orange liqueur and lime juice, a classic margarita isn't all that complicated. But, this beloved cocktail can also be rather versatile. If you've grabbed a meal and a drink at El Camino Cantina, you've probably tasted one or several non-traditional varieties. And if you head by the lively Tex-Mex chain's Sydney venues in The Rocks, Manly Wharf, Entertainment Quarter and Westfield Miranda between Tuesday, March 2–Sunday, May 30, you'll be able to sip a few beloved types. After running a Hottest 100 Rita poll — and receiving more than 3000 votes — El Camino has announced exactly which varieties Aussies love. Prepare to drink your way through mango, watermelon, passionfruit and grape Nerds flavours over the next three months. All four are available cadillac-style, which means they come with a float of Grand Marnier. You'll pay $20 for a 15-ounce drink and $24. Prefer El Camino's signature strawberry margarita? It also remains on the menu. At The Rocks only, an extra four flavours are on offer as well. So, we hope you like lychee and fruit tingle ritas, and sour apple and calypso crush versions, too. Images: Michael Gribbin.
Sometimes, when a movie hits cinemas, it doesn't always play out exactly as the person behind it had hoped. The flick you're watching mightn't match the filmmaker's vision for a hefty number of reasons — but that's where director's cuts come in. We live in an age where a filmmaker can be replaced, have someone else take over, fans can complain about the finished product and the original director can then step back in and make a new four-hour version — see: the upcoming new version of Justice League — so of course we also live in a world where film festivals can celebrate these kinds of revised flicks. That's what The Directors' Cuts is all about, with Dendy Newtown showing a heap of familiar titles, but in iterations you mightn't have seen before. Blade Runner's director's cut is one of the most famous, and it's on the bill. 2o19's Apocalypse Now: Final Cut falls into both categories, too. You can also check out 2020's The Godfather Coda: The Death of Michael Corleone, longer versions of the vastly dissimilar Midsommar and Lion, plus The Exorcist, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Blood Simple, The Wicker Man, and both Alien and Aliens. The Directors' Cuts runs from Friday, February 26–Wednesday, March 17, with different films screening at different dates and times — so check out the full rundown for session details. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9l-ViOOFH-s
There's something oh-so-relaxing about staring at the sea, even if you're feasting your eyes on the water via the big screen. That's the concept behind the Ocean Film Festival Australia. You can't always spend all your time at the beach, by the river or in a pool — but you can spend an evening peering at the next best thing in a cinema. On select dates in March, screening at 7pm, the festival will unleash a cinematic feast of water-focused wonders onto the silver screen at various venues around Sydney. Head to the Randwick Ritz Cinemas from Tuesday, March 2–Wednesday, March 3, to the Hayden Orpheum in Cremorne from Wednesday, March 3–Friday, March 5 and the Seymour Centre in Chippendale from Wednesday, March 10–Thursday, March 11. Film-wise, viewers will spend time both above and below the ocean's surface thanks to a compilation of shorts from around the world. Expect to chase big waves, explore a range of sea life and get a hefty ocean rush, plus a heap of other sea adventures. The program is united by a love of the ocean, an appreciation of the creatures who dwell in its waters and a curiosity to explore the substance that comprises more than two-thirds of the earth. It's the next best thing to diving in, all without getting wet. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wo-qXf5sXAw&feature=emb_logo Image: Travis Burke.
Sydney's cinema scene started off the year with a deep dive into the wondrous cinematic worlds of Wes Anderson. But, when this filmmaker is involved, you can never have too much of a good thing. So, from Thursday, February 4–Wednesday, February 24, Dendy Newtown is falling head over heels for the acclaimed director's work, too — via a film series called Fantastic Mr Wes: A Wes Anderson Retrospective. Film buffs can enjoy Anderson's distinctive visual stylings, compelling soundtracks and all-star casts, with the inner west venue playing different flicks multiple times across the three-week period. First up, catch 1996 crime-comedy Bottle Rocket, followed by the Jason Schwartzman-led hit Rushmore, the family dramas of The Royal Tenenbaums and the stop-motion animation delight that is Fantastic Mr Fox. Also on the bill: The Darjeeling Limited (which'll help you vicariously indulge your wanderlust), The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou (if you feeling like wearing matching tracksuits with your movie date) and Isle of Dogs (because no one does animated canines like Anderson) — plus Moonrise Kingdom's tale of young love and the exceptionally cast The Grand Budapest Hotel as well. Fingers crossed that 2021 is the year we all finally get to see Anderson's latest, the pandemic-delayed The French Dispatch, too. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rs7mIoG8ffI
Looking to wind down after silly season in search of a wholesome way to spend a summer's day? Well, The Rocks is here to the rescue thanks to its string of pop-up events set to take over the harbourside precinct till the end of summer. First up is The Rocks Art Trail (December 28–February 28), which is an artist, maker and designer trail championing local retailers throughout The Rocks' cobblestone streets. Then, hit up The Rocks' Gin and Toning event, happening every Wednesday from January 20–February 24. The event kicks off at 5.30pm with a free pilates class in First Fleet Park, then, after attending, you'll score a free gin cocktail voucher to use at Sergeant Lok that evening. Or, you can kick back at The Argyle's openair cinema on a Wednesday instead, which is screening the likes of Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues, Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Wedding Crashers over summer. And, for a pre- or post-movie tipple, sip Iced VoVo and Fruit Tingle-inspired margaritas at El Camino Cantina. You can also head to the year-round The Rocks Markets, which is once again running on Fridays from 10am–3pm, as well as on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am–5pm. Here, you can pick up an array of goodies and even get bendy with its free outdoor yoga sessions. The precinct is also set to be a hive of activity come January 26, with a specialty high tea by way of Tea Cosy — think fairy bread, Vegemite sangas and lamington iced tea galore. Plus, there'll be roving performers and entertainment and a kids' corner at First Fleet Park. [caption id="attachment_795905" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anna Kucera[/caption] The Rocks Goes Pop runs from December 27, 2020 through February 28, 2021. For more details, head to therocks.com.au.
This planet we all call home is constantly in flux. After the year everyone has just been through, that shouldn't be news. And, it isn't a new topic to Australia's annual Transitions Film Festival either. Based in Melbourne — and touring its program around the country on occasion over the past decade — it routinely programs films on the topic. In 2021, it's continuing that mission, too. There is something different about this year's Transitions Film Festival lineup, however. For the first time, the festival is jumping online. In collaboration with MPavilion, it is still hosting a physical screening of documentary Beyond the Burning in Melbourne on February 23 — but from February 26–March 15, it's streaming its selection of films digitally. Available on an on-demand basis (so you can view whatever you like whenever you like), the program includes plenty of factual flicks on topics as broad as walking barefoot across America (as seen in Barefoot), youth activism (the subject of NOW), a lawsuit against an animal rights advocate (The Walrus and The Whistleblower) and the benefits of adopting a universal basic income (Inherent Good). Or, you can dive into the sea with An Ocean Story, watch the fight against plastic pollution via Microplastic Madness, see the threats to Canada's Boreal forests in Borealis and tackle blazes in Megafires. Elsewhere, The Hidden Life of Trees takes its name from Peter Wohlleben's best-selling book, and continues its focus on forest. And, Invisible Hand dives into the battle between capitalism and nature — and it's produced by Mark Ruffalo. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzDFF0y-O9w Top image: The Hidden Life of Trees, 2019, Constantin Film Verleih GmbH, nautilusfilm.
Already known for its bottomless vegan pizza and pasta feasts, Italian restaurant chain Salt Meats Cheese has been upping its cruelty-free food game at a monthly special event. Called Soul Meets Cheers, it serves up an entirely plant-based menu, featuring vegan versions of Italian classics. For the feast's February outing — taking place at all Sydney venues from 5pm on Tuesday, February 2 — it'll be focusing on bites to eat inspired the northern region of Lombardy in Italy. Think polenta fries with napoletana sauce, three-pumpkin pizza and Milanese-style risotto. And yes, that's just a few of the dishes on offer. Your $49 ticket also includes a glass of vegan wine or or Young Henrys beer or cider upon arrival.
Sydney Festival has always been synonymous with live music, and after a year of very few opportunities to dance and sing along to live tunes, the festival is teaming up with the city's live music venues to bring us a suite of intimate gigs. Waywards, Club Parramatta, The Marly, The Lansdowne and the Old 505 are all hosting local musicians, record label owners and DJs from January 16–23. You can see Triple J favourites E^ST and Jaguar Jonze at the Seymour Centre, Alice Ivy and futurist R&B project KYVA at Waywards, Emily Wurramara at Eternity Playhouse and Haiku Hands at The Albion Hotel. Tickets range from $15 up to $95 for a night of cabaret, and as spaces are limited some gigs are already running a waitlist. Okenyo image: Kate Williams
Get lost in an immersive and inflatable installation called Harbour Garden this winter. Located by the water at the Australian National Maritime Museum, the pop-up artwork is inspired by what lingers under the sea. Expect to encounter ocean creatures big and small as you explore the artwork. It's been designed by Studio A, an organisation that supports artists living with intellectual disability, and Goldberg Aberline Studio, which has created large-scale sculptures for the likes of Sculpture by the Sea and Mardi Gras. In a big win for those with light pockets, you can explore Harbour Garden without spending a cent, too.
After humble beginnings at its hole-in-the-wall Wynyard digs in 2014, Black and White Espresso Bar has found a new home in The Rocks. And, to celebrate its new harbourside address (and liquor licence), the coffee shop and bar is giving away some irresistible treats. On Friday, June 4, check out the brand new store — you'll find it perched right next to the MCA at 140 George Street — at the official launch party, featuring giveaways, games and more. The first 100 coffee orders placed from 7am will nab a flaky Portuguese tart from Clovelly institution Tuga Pastries for zero dollars. Single O parachute coffee units will be floating out for free, too. And if guessing games are your specialty, have a crack at the cookie jar comp to win a $25 voucher to spend in store. If you stop by after work on the launch day, you can grab a free Mr Black espresso martini between 5–6pm to usher in the store's new bar offering. Although, there are only 100 caffeinated cocktails up for grabs, so best get in quick. [caption id="attachment_762031" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kitti Gould[/caption] Black & White Espresso Bar's official launch party will be held on Friday, June 4. The free Mr Black espresso martinis are only available for people aged 18 and over, and are limited to one per customer. For more information, visit the website. Black and White Espresso encourages the responsible service of alcohol.
Throughout autumn, Golden Age Cinema and Bar flirted with darkness. It contemplated fate, twisty rendezvous and chance meetings, in fact, all through its season-long film program. Now, with winter upon us, it's still exploring the shadows — this time via a lineup that it has fitting called Shadow Play. Expect to see a few shady characters grace the Surry Hills venue's big screen each weekend between Saturday, June 5–Sunday, April 15. Expect noir thrillers, twisty crime sagas, all-night adventures and quests for eternal youth, too. Private detectives will make more than a few appearances, as will femme fatales. And more than one acclaimed actor will play famed fictional PI Philip Marlowe. Among the highlights: The Big Lebowski, which kicks off the season with a big dose of The Dude; Blade Runner, because this Ridley Scott-directed dystopian tale never gets old; After Hours, Martin Scorsese's Manhattan-set after-dark caper; and Inherent Vice, which sees Paul Thomas Anderson spin a shaggy dog tale in 70s Los Angeles. Everything from The Maltese Falcon, The Big Sleep and Le cercle rouge to The Long Goodbye, To Die For and Death Becomes Her also features — screening at various times on Saturdays and Sundays. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQRawYZl-ls
Earlier this autumn, Sydney's CBD got a new precinct. Dubbed YCK Laneways, it encompasses 15 bars located across York, Clarence and Kent streets — and it's turning up the heat this winter. Across the 13-night program, the bars and their surrounding outdoor areas will come alive with live music, tarot readings, crime stories, DJs, drag queen bingo and 90s-themed music nights. You'll be able to boogie to Caribbean tunes at The Lobo, Latin American melodies at Esteban, live jazz at Stitch Bar and deep house in Since I Left You's courtyard, too. Or, you can wander over to Barrack Street's outdoor stage, where different musicians are performing each night. You can browse the full program and stay up to date on everything happening in the YCK precinct via the YCK Laneways website. [caption id="attachment_805684" align="alignnone" width="1024"] The Lobo[/caption] Top images: Since I Left You
A new night market has been added to the Sydney event calendar. Following the success of other after-dark food festivities like the Night Noodle Market and the Lunar Lane Night Markets, Vegan NSW has announced they will be taking over Sydney Olympic Park with a market full of vegan and plant-based eats. After a successful iteration of the Sydney Vegan Market in Sydney Olympic Park back in January, as well as pop-ups in Newcastle and Gosford, the Vegan Night Market will debut from 2–9pm on Saturday, June 5. Stores will range from vegan Greek eats to ethically sourced artisan good from the likes of I Should Be Souvlaki, Treat Dreams and The 3 Amigos. Entry to the markets is free and you can bring your pooch as it will be a dog-friendly affair. Vegan musicians will be setting the mood with performances throughout the night, and it's encouraged you bring your own picnic rug to set up in the Cathy Freeman Park, as well as your own cup, container and cutlery in line with the market's environmentally sustainable ethos.
How do we see each other? Can we find any real meaning in the idea of a global family anymore? And is the idea even relevant in a world in which societies are battling both a pandemic and deep-seated social injustice? These questions form the launching point for Family: Visions of a Shared Humanity, a major exhibition now showing at the Art Gallery of NSW until February 13. Created in partnership with AGNSW and Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM), this free exhibition showcases a suite of powerful works by some of the most renowned artists practicing right now. The exhibition of mostly video works showcases artists including Arthur Jafa, whose work 'Love Is the Message, the Message Is Death' was named by The New York Times as one of 'The 25 Works of Art That Define the Contemporary Age'; Carrie Mae Weems, who in 2014 became the first female Black American artist to have a retrospective at the Guggenheim; and acclaimed filmmakers Steve McQueen (12 Years A Slave, Shame) and Isaac Julien. The showcase has been guest curated by Franklin Sirmans, director of PAMM. [caption id="attachment_838245" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Theaster Gates, 'Breathing' 2010 (video still). Image: Chris Strong courtesy Theaster Gates.[/caption] The works, many of which have never been shown in Australia, explore issues of togetherness and family through a lens of inequality and injustice. And while they comment on the international context of these themes, a local perspective is also explored through The Family Album. This digital music extension of the exhibition sees four First Nations musicians — namely, amby downs, BARKAA, Emily Wurramara and Divide and Dissolve — responding to the exhibition, and to our current times of unsettlement, by sharing their global contemporary musical influences. For the full experience, take a walk through the exhibition while listening to one of the curated playlists, which can be accessed here. Family: Visions of a Shared Humanity, is exhibiting until Sunday, February 13. For more information head to the AGNSW website. Top images: Isaac Julien, 'Western Union: small boats (The leopard)' 2007 (video still), image courtesy the artist and Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery; Garrett Bradley, 'America' 2019 (video still), image courtesy the artist and Lisson Gallery.
Picture this: it's the middle of the work week, you're already exhausted and feel like you're crawling to the Friday finish line. Sound familiar? If you're considering taking the night off doing the dishes or you want to treat yourself to a midweek lunch out of the office but don't want to blow your budget, then listen up because EatClub's Feast Week will be right up your alley. EatClub is an app for people who love to eat and be fiscally responsible at once. It helps connect hungry humans with vacant restaurant tables to ensure you can enjoy the best food in the city more often and business owners can feed as many mouths as possible. And, from Monday, May 24 to Sunday, June 6, you can score $5 takeaway dishes from some of Sydney's top dining destinations for breakfast, lunch and dinner for Feast Week. But, don't let the name fool you, this is actually a fortnight worth of tasty treats for the average price of a coffee. To get involved, all you have to do is order and pay through the app then pick up your food from the venue to tuck in to a delectable and affordable dinner. Grab $5 eats from places like Bondi Relish, Stage 27 and Mr Bao Buns during Feast Week and then thank us later. Feast Week is running from Monday, May 24–Sunday, June 6. For more information and to see all the participating restaurants, visit the website here.
Pier One's harbourfront igloos are back. And, this year, they're offering a particularly dazzling place to enjoy Sydney's winter. Those hankering after waterside drinks will be able to get sipping in a lit-up space, with one igloo surrounded by with cherry blossom trees adorned with light globes. In case you're wondering, the igloos aren't made of snow and ice. They're transparent dome-shaped structures that you can hire for yourself and up to nine mates (socially distanced, of course). You will need to be willing to indulge in a few cocktails, glasses of champagne and snacks — choosing between canapes, grazing boards or a barbecue. To hire out the cherry blossom igloo, you have to spend $400–700 on food and drinks for your 2.5-hour session, and pay a $200–300 hire fee. The minimum spend and hire price changes depending on the day and time. You can hire out the igloos daily, from 12–2.30pm, 3.30–6pm or 7–9.30pm, until Sunday, August 29. And if you opt for the latter time slot from Friday–Sunday, you'll need to add on a compulsory night's stay in the suite for an extra $350 — which includes overnight accomodation for two, plus breakfast and parking. Images: Anna Kucera.
