The Heiresses, a Paraguayan film featuring a first-time actress and hailing from a debut feature writer and director, has emerged victorious at this year's Sydney Film Festival. After picking up two awards at this year's Berlinale — including best actress for star Ana Brun — Marcelo Martinessi's moving drama beat out 11 other contenders to win the 2018 Sydney Film Prize. That's no mean feat in any year, but given that this year's competition included Cannes prizewinner BlacKkKlansman; Sundance hits Leave No Trace and The Miseducation of Cameron Post; and fellow Berlin standouts Transit, Aga and Daughter of Mine, it's quite the considerable achievement. Telling the tale of Chela, who is forced to adjust when her girlfriend of more than three decades is imprisoned due to the couple's mounting debts, The Heiresses became the 11th feature to nab the festival's $60,000 award. Again, it's in fine company, with previous winners including On Body and Soul (2017), Aquarius (2016), Arabian Nights (2015), Two Days, One Night (2014), Only God Forgives (2013), Alps (2012), A Separation (2011), Heartbeats (2010), Bronson (2009) and Hunger (2008). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dD_LxrE9vVA Comprised of Australian artist and filmmaker Lynette Wallworth, Aussie actor Ewen Leslie (The Daughter), Filipino producer and writer Bianca Balbuena (Season of the Devil), South African film composer and songwriter Chris Letcher and Tokyo Film Festival programming director Yoshi Yatabe, the jury dubbed The Heiresses a "provocative, layered and surprising film". "The film we chose carried us with restraint and confidence into a world still shielded by entitlement even as its structures crumble," explained Wallworth at SFF's closing night ceremony. "It revealed a delicately unfolding courage to release what we cling to, even when it is all we know, and let change come — within ourselves and within this collective frame that we build, that is society." The fest's other big 2018 prize — the $10,000 Documentary Australia Foundation Award for Australian Documentary — went to Aussie doco Ghosthunter by another first-timer, Ben Lawrence. In the kind of story that has to be seen to be believed, the documentary starts out as a portrait of Sydney security guard Jason King and his after-hours gig as an amateur ghost hunter. That's not how it ends up, however, with the film evolving over the course of its seven-year shoot to delve into King's troubled family history.
It's called Ghostbusters, not franchisebusters — so, four decades after the initial supernatural comedy flick in the series proved a huge hit, of course the saga is still tackling ghouls on the big screen. There was a 27-year pause between 1989's Ghostbusters II and 2016's women-led, excellent and wrongly maligned Paul Feig-helmed Ghostbusters, but then came 2021's Ghostbusters: Afterlife. Next up: its sequel Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire. As both the initial teaser back in 2023 and the just-dropped full trailer show, familiar faces are everywhere in the fifth Ghostbusters movie — and from past features both recent and classic. Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, McKenna Grace, Finn Wolfhard, Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson: they're all back, teaming up to take on an ancient force that's trying to unleash a second Ice Age. Rudd (Only Murders in the Building) returns as Gary Grooberson, while Coon (The Gilded Age), McKenna Grace (Crater) and Finn Wolfhard (Stranger Things) are back as Callie, Phoebe and Trevor Spengler. Yes, they're the daughter and grandchildren of the late Harold Ramis' Egon Spengler, who became initiated in the family business when they inherited his old farmhouse in Afterlife. Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire reverses the last flick's swap, which centred around that eerie abode. So, rather than unfurling in Oklahoma, it returns the series to New York. There, summer is proceeding as normal until an unseasonable chill kicks in. The reason for the plummeting temperatures isn't any old blast of cooler weather, either, which is where the Ghostbusters come in. Also in Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire's cast: Kumail Nanjiani (Welcome to Chippendales), Patton Oswalt (What We Do in the Shadows), Celeste O'Connor (A Good Person) and Logan Kim (The Walking Dead: Dead City), alongside OGs Murray (Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania), Aykroyd (Zombie Town) and Hudson (Quantum Leap), plus Annie Potts (Young Sheldon). A certain firehouse pops up as well, as does Slimer, an army of ghosts, possessed possessions, rising supernatural attacks and a new paranormal research centre. The latest film sees Gil Kenan (A Boy Called Christmas) directing. After helming Ghostbusters: Afterlife, Jason Reitman (Tully, The Front Runner) — who is the son of Ivan Reitman, who directed the first two movies — co-writes the script this time around. Check out the full trailer for Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire below: Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire opens in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
Australia has so much wonderful wilderness that spending a few days trekking up hills and down mountains is something everyone should try at least once. But doing so is not something that anyone should take lightly — from safety steps, to preparing food and drink, to having the ideal gear, being suitably prepared for your journey is a must before heading off. Since 1973, Macpac has been ensuring that both new and experienced hikers get the most out of their overnight treks, all thanks to a range of technical clothing and outdoor gear that can handle any type of climate. So, we teamed up with the brand — in celebration of the opening of its new Adventure Hubs — to help you get properly kitted out and put your plan in place. It's time to go trekking. HIKE AT THE RIGHT TIME It probably doesn't come as much of a surprise, but Australia's weather can be pretty temperamental. So when it comes to overnight hiking, it's important to choose a track that's going to have the right conditions for when you're planning to set off. Throughout the year, many hikes can change dramatically thanks to heavy rain or snow, with some becoming inaccessible altogether. Ensure that you're not caught out in the wrong place at the wrong time by researching exactly where you're heading — and by keeping an eye on the weather forecast so you always have the appropriate gear. Pack this: Less is Less Rain Jacket in women's and men's styles ($329.99) MAKE A PLAN AND STICK TO IT Whenever you set out for an overnight trip into the hills, having a travel plan that you can stick to is the best way to avoid a bad situation. There are plenty of things to consider but, if it's possible, you should seek advice from the local Parks Victoria office or experienced local hikers so that you know what to expect when you arrive. (Plus, this way you may get some hints to some epic sights and views.) But bear in mind that if conditions change and any dangers arise, it's better to scrap the plan and cut your trip short than to keep pushing forward. Also crucial: making sure that you leave a detailed itinerary for someone at home, who can then raise the alarm if you don't return by your expected time. Include where you're going, the route you plan to take and how long you think you'll be gone for. You can also head to the Macpac website to make use of its helpful planning tool. Pack this: Suunto Spartan Sport Watch ($699) TAKE EXTRA FOOD AND WATER — JUST IN CASE More is more when you're heading off on an overnight hike — that is, it's always advisable to take more food and water than you think you'll need. And while packing food can be a bit of a challenge, you'll be thanking yourself if you largely opt for lightweight, dehydrated and non-perishable foods. As a general guide, you'll want to try to consume around 12,500 kilojoules or more per day; for water, it's recommended that you drink 250 millilitres for every 30–45 minutes of hiking. In terms of what to pack, many hikers prefer simple products that are easily stored like muesli bars, oatmeal sachets and basic pasta. But if you're feeling ambitious, here are a host of awesome camp food ideas that you can try if you consider yourself a bit of a chef around the fire. Pack this: Hydration Reservoir 3L ($59.95) PICK YOUR GEAR WISELY Bringing all of the right gear is going to make your overnight hike smoother and more enjoyable — plus, you'll feel like a seasoned adventurer. If you're the forgetful type, pack early and have a checklist of all the things you know you'll need. One thing that people often don't remember is just how useful a headlamp is, especially if you've ever tried cooking in the dark with one hand occupied by a torch. That also means bringing along some spare batteries, while sunscreen, a first aid kit and a paper map are always good ideas as well. Next, you need to consider if the gear you currently own is going to be suited for the climate that you're heading into. Consider upgrading your tent, sleeping bag or winter clothing if you think things might get a little chilly. Many popular hiking destinations also have online packing lists, so checking them out will also help. Pack this: Petzl Headlamp ($59.99) LEAVE NO TRACE Everyone loves Australia's pristine nature, so we all need to work together to keep it that way. Always plan to leave no trace when you go out hiking — that means carrying your rubbish with you and staying respectful of any wildlife you come across. Also, make sure that you're aware of any local camping regulations or environmental concerns in the area. One particular warning to take note of: total fire bans. While everyone wants a campfire when they set up their tent for the night, bans are commonplace across Australia and must be followed. If having a fire is allowed, try to keep it small while also using fire pans or mounds, which help keep the flames safely under control. Pack this: Scarpa Kailash Boots in women's and men's styles ($399.99) DON'T FORGET ENTERTAINMENT If storm clouds roll through and you find yourself stuck in your tent for a few hours, you might find that the conversation becomes a little stale. That's why bringing some light form of entertainment to keep yourself and others occupied never goes amiss. A deck of cards weighs next to nothing and is easy to carry, while paperback books (or a Kindle), magazines and audiobooks are other great ways to pass the time before you can hit the track again. Top image: Visit Victoria.
This article is sponsored by our partners, General Assembly. It’s all too easy to get caught up in the work-sleep-eat grind. But the last thing the folks at General Assembly want to see is you, losing your precious youth to blood, sweat and tears. So they’ve come up with a simple, straightforward, foolproof solution. On Thursday, September 25, they’ll be hosting an epic, free warehouse bash at Work-Shop (80 George Street, Redfern). And all things work-related will be left at the door. All you have to do is turn up, ready to chat, dance and sample some high-quality, handcrafted beverages. Any ‘I-should-be-networking-and-handing-out-my-business-cards’ sensations can be completely and luxuriantly ignored. Guest DJs Seekae will be spinning a three-hour set, shortly before jetting off around the world. This year, the Sydney-London three-piece has played at SXSW, blitzed the UK with a sold-out tour and released their third album, The Worry. In the meantime, drinks will be sponsored by the Rocks Brewing Company and Naked Wines. The former is a local craft brewery based in Alexandria, run and operated by fifth and sixth generation descendants of convicts. The latter is a crowdfunded wine business. Customers invest in independent winemakers, and, in return, score exclusive access to fine, handmade wines at wholesale prices. Entry is free, but you'll need to secure yourself a spot by booking online via the General Assembly website. General Assembly hosts events and classes in tech, design and entrepreneurial business, with campuses in Sydney, Melbourne and around the world.
Do you ever get nostalgic for the excitement of school fetes, but sans the dorky talent competitions and your mum hawking homemade jam by the gym? Well, this might be the just the event for you. Turn Out is a fete made for grown-ups, rather than kids under 12. Run by Decode Media, the event will take over Eveleigh's Locomotive Workshop from 5–9pm on Friday, October 26 and 10am–5pm on Saturday, October 27. There'll be a bar instead of pony rides, and, rather than pancake stalls, food varying from Asian-style snacks to sweet treats. The indoor jungle vibes will be high with numerous plant stalls, and market stalls selling homewares, jewellery, and clothing – much cooler wares than you would have found back at your primary school fete (most likely). Add DJs and a bunch of record shop pop-ups to the mix — and some old-school arcade games — and you've got one very un-daggy organised event to spend your weekend at. There'll be talks and workshops as well, so you can turn your Saturday brain to learning about sustainable fashion, kokedama, floristry and book-binding. Spots are limited so make sure you RSVP to the event to stay up to date with registration details.
She may only be 24 years old, but Sarah Callaghan has the confidence of a veteran performer. Trained in improv at the Second City School in Chicago, the British comedian broke out in a big way last year, with the debut of her critically acclaimed solo show, Elephant, at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Set in her bedroom, the show combines personal stories about ambition and the desire to escape, with gut-busting comic jabs delivered with a wry smile or a sneer. She's only in Sydney for a single night, so be sure to snap up tickets while you can.
Harry's in Surry Hills is helping us make up for lost dancing time with a 12-night rave running till 3am every night. Called Altar Danceteria, the event will see the pub transformed into a rave cave with electro tunes, lasers, fluro posters and installations by Babekuhl and Serwah Attufah. The Danceteria's lineup stars some of the country's best DJs, including Stereogamous, Roy Blues, Body Corp, Santamaria Bros and Finer Things Deejays. The best part? Entry to all the events is absolutely free. Stock up on glow sticks and glitter, folks, this is going to be one helluva party. You can check out the full lineup over on the website.
Sweet birthday babies, the big dose of déjà vu you've long been waiting for is finally almost here. It's been three years since Russian Doll first brought its Groundhog Day-meets-The Good Place vibes to Netflix, proved a hit and got renewed for a second season — and if you've been hanging out to rehash the smart and twisty Natasha Lyonne-starring series all over again, it'll drop new episodes in April. Orange Is the New Black, Irresistible and The United States vs Billie Holiday star Lyonne plays New Yorker Nadia, who had a 36th birthday she'd never forget in Russian Doll's first season — although she desperately wished that she could. While getting stuck at a celebration in your own honour will sound like a literal party to most folks, that wasn't Nadia's path. So, after a couple of go-arounds, she went searching for answers. Indeed, being trapped in a loop featuring her closest pals (Sisters' Greta Lee and Werewolves Within's Rebecca Henderson), friendly ex (Yul Vazquez, Severance), wise aunt (Elizabeth Ashley, Ocean's 8), a cute roaming cat and a determined but neurotic guy (Charlie Barnett, You) who lives around the corner wasn't quite bliss for the show's acerbic, misanthropic lead character. Co-created and co-written by Lyonne, the one and only Amy Poehler, and filmmaker Leslye Headland (Bachelorette, Sleeping with Other People), the show's eight-episode first run was one of the highlights of 2019 — and fingers crossed that its second season proves the same in 2022. As well as announcing that Russian Doll's second season will drop on Wednesday, April 20, Netflix also released a first sneak peek at the new episodes, although little is given away story-wise. Examining fate, logic, life's loops and wading through limbo in a clever and compelling way is this show's wheelhouse, though — and proving dark, heartfelt, hilarious and inventive all at once, too, even though the do-over premise has become a well-established trope on both the big and small screens. So, if any series was well-placed to serve up a savvy second season — a do-over in a show that's already about do-overs — it's this one. NYC's subway system does feature prominently in the season two trailer, so there's one big clue. Also, Barnett is back as Alan. A graveyard is seen, too, as so is Nadia providing her latest advice: "when the universe fucks with you, let it." Plus, although they're not glimpsed in this first sneak peek, Schitt's Creek and Kevin Can F**k Himself star Annie Murphy and District 9's Sharlto Copley also join the cast. Check out the first teaser trailer for Russian Doll's second season below: The second season of Russian Doll will be available to stream via Netflix on Wednesday, April 20. Image: Netflix.
"It was the month before we had to shut our doors that was probably the scariest," PS40 Owner Michael Chiem says of the start of Sydney's COVID-19 epidemic. "I was looking into getting an insurance job, getting a 9-to-5 work-from-home gig." Luckily for Sydneysiders, Chiem didn't. Despite just signing the papers to become the sole owner of the highly lauded CBD cocktail bar, a bar that was suddenly forced to close its doors — and lose its main source of income — Chiem decided to stick with it and try his hand at the delivery game. "I'd seen it work pretty well in New York and Melbourne before we started doing it in Sydney, and we pretty much started straight away," says Chiem. Two days after the bar closed, PS40 Sofa Series, a nod to a now-appropriate, then-unfortunate autocorrect in one of the bar's first reviews, kicked off. For what Chiem calls "a pretty crazy two months", the team was bottling, labelling and delivering — sometimes all in one day — a selection of the bar's greatest hits, alongside a few classics. Housebound epicureans could order a coffee bean-spiked breakfast negroni, a spicy corpse recliner or a the blueberry bomb straight to their couch. In fact, they still can. [caption id="attachment_654873" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Alana Dimou[/caption] While the CBD bar has reopened to dine-in customers — albeit only 25, just over 40 percent of its maximum capacity — it's keeping some of its COVID-19 changes around for the time being, if not permanently. "There are a lot of people that can make it into the city to drink at bars, but there are also people that want a nice cocktail but for different reasons can't make it into the city — whether or not they have kids, they live a little too far away or it's little too complicated to get out — so it's a really nice option to have delivered cocktails." As well as the Sofa Series, PS40 has launched a Booze Cage (yes, in an actual cage) filled with takeaway alcohol. You can stop by the bar and pick up a bottle of Das Juice or Good Intentions Co, both from South Australia, for less than $30, or spend a bit more on a Gut Oggau — an Austrian wine label that's developed a bit of a cult-like status Down Under. While the CBD isn't short on nice places to drink wine, it's not overflowing with places to buy it to-go, so Chiem hopes the Booze Cage will remain popular well after Sydneysiders all return to work. [caption id="attachment_728683" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Wes Nel[/caption] Because of the bar's locality, many of its patrons are of the city-worker variety. With many businesses still working from home, though, the CBD isn't the hive of activity it usually is — and neither is the bar. As a result, the bar is now operating just four nights a week and it's producing a smaller menu. The way the team is designing this newly compact menu is smarter, too, and more cautious of waste. "We're looking into our cool room and seeing what needs using each day, which has made us creatively come up with things differently," says Chiem. "We have a smaller list, but we're making those ones even better." While the list rotates often, there are two drinks you're likely to catch if you head in this winter. One is a bar favourite, and a drink that Chiem says should be at the top of your list if you haven't tried it, called the Africola. Described as an upside-down irish coffee, it's warm on top, cold down the bottom and made with warm coconut foam, a really cold shot of Mr Black coffee liqueur and a splash of PS40 wattle cola. The second looks like a tart and tastes like a tart, but is cold and liquid — and is made with rum, rhubarb and lemon curd. Just exactly how Chiem manages to create this physics-defying drink, however, is best learnt in person. Find PS40 on Skittle Lane, Sydney. It's open from 4–11pm Wednesday–Saturday. PS40 is the first bar in Concrete Playground's new series 52 Bars in 52 Weeks, exploring COVID-19's impact on the city's bars and encouraging Sydneysiders to pull up a seat, every week. Top image: PS40 by Alana Dimou
Edward Gant's Amazing Feats of Loneliness is about two things: the ability of even small forays into art to remind us of beauty where at first glance there is only ugliness, and costumes. Edward Gant himself is a "prodigy, soldier, traveller, poet, but always a showman", and also something of an alter ago for writer Anthony Neilson (The Wonderful World of Dissocia). Like Neilson, he's found salvation from despair in rounding up strange, surreal, sweetly tragic and slightly grotesque stories for display in what is at one point dubbed his "unintelligible travelling vanity project". Gant (Paul Bishop) just does it in a green-sequined cape and with a charm reminiscent of Michael Sheen spliced with a bit of Betelgeuse (that is, a lot of charm). His three actors (played by Lindsay Farris, Bryan Probets and Emily Tomlins) present their collection of tales — of ostracised Sanzonetta, who's physical disfigurement holds the key to riches, love, freedom and social capital; of heartbroken Edgar, who scales the Himalayas to get his absent lover's face erased from his memory (years and questionable technologies ahead of Eterntal Sunshine) — on a skew-whiff, decagonal stage above which dangles the world, in paper lantern form. The costumes, meanwhile, are by Romance Was Born, who have clearly embraced the opportunity to design for a dreamy narrative with no attached commercial imperative to translate it to ready-to-wear. Their confections include an endlessly layered, peaches-and-cream lace frock crowned with sculptural, bougainvillea-like headgear; a beard of differently sized pearls; a pith helmet and pastel regalia; and a dress built entirely of jammy sponge rolls. Their signature patchwork and pomp is perfectly at home in Gant's arena, and the aesthetic is matched in the tricked-out set (Renee Mulder) and dramatic lighting (Damien Cooper). Eventually, a tear emerges in the high-fashion fabric of the Amazing Feats, infighting dooms the show's future, and it all gets a bit meta. As the play implodes, the characters enact debates about the purpose of theatre and the value of whimsy versus realism that one imagines torment Neilson around the clock. The love-it-or-hate-it turn of events at least brings extra meaning and fun. It's not a masterpiece and doesn't pretend to be, but Edward Gant is a bit of a treasure.
Activewear fans, we've got some big news: P.E. Nation is bringing back its warehouse sale — and it's all online. The athleisure experts hosted their first ever sample sale in 2016, and everything sold out in the first day. But, luckily, you don't have to worry about being crushed in a throng this year. You just need to have your mouse at the ready. Whether you're stocking up your own balcony-gym wardrobe (or WFH outfit, if we're totally honest) or doing a solid for sporty loved ones, you'll find an extensive array of swim, activewear, accessories, sweaters and jackets now available — and all for up to 60 percent off. That spans tops from $49, bottoms from $59, hoodies from $69 and jackets from $129 (because yes, cold weather really is just around the corner). Remember the age-old advice of when it comes to sample sales: you need to get in quick. Given the following the label has amassed since General Pants Co. design director Pip Edwards and former senior Sass & Bide designer Claire Tregoning joined forces, its functional, fashionable bits and pieces are bound to be popular. So, keep an eye on the website — and you'll need to be signed up as a member to access the deals.
The opening at Sydney's new dining and retail precinct Darling Square have has staggered openings over the last 18 months — first Steam Mill Lane opened, followed by the Maker's Dozen and, most recently, XOPP by Golden Century inside the new Exchange building. But now, as the precinct nears completion, the final nine retailers have been announced, and including everything from a tiny Japanese omakase joint to a designer sneaker store. If Chinese is what you're after, Lilong by Taste of Shanghai focuses on authentic regional dishes like pan-fried soup dumplings and spicy handmade noodles. Or head to Goobne, an Australian-first outpost of the Korean roast chicken chain that boasts a whopping 1000 stores in Asia. When it opens on November 11, you'll be able to chow down on eight flavours of roast chicken (including sweet and spicy, sichuan and teriyaki styles), along with a range of Korean comfort dishes. Then there's the Kickstarter-funded IIKO Mazesoba, which will specialise in its namesake Japanese-style 'brothless' ramen dishes that are tossed in savoury sauces instead of soup. The house-made noodles will come in varieties such as multigrain, matcha, beetroot and squid ink. Karaage fried chicken, potato salad and shaved iced desserts will make the menu, too. Chinta Ria serves up Malaysian comfort food and its fit-out features a three-metre-tall Buddha statue for good measure. Expect dishes like laksa, satay, rendang, noodle stir fries and gado gado salads on offer. Perhaps the most exciting opening, though, is the tiny 11-seat Omakase features a 24-course chef's menu that changes daily and focuses on fresh, local seafood. You'll be able to grab a seat at the kitchen counter, some sake, and watch as Head Chef Fukada San prepares your meal. Bookings here are a must, with only one lunch sitting (12–2pm) and two dinner sittings (6pm and 8pm) each day. While the rest of the retailers will open by the end of the year, Omakase won't be open until March 2020. Other additions include Pancakes on the Rocks, designer sneaker store Solemate Sneakers, a Chinese skincare specialist and — since you'll obviously be spending a lot of money here — a community bank. The whole precinct has so many food options as it is, so we've put together a handy rundown of the things you can now eat in the precinct to make things a little bit easier. When everything's up and running, Darling Square will have a whopping 70 cafes, restaurants and shops, not to mention all the apartments, office spaces and a brand new library, which is slated to open on October 28. The final nine shops at Darling Square, Haymarket will open before the end of the year, except for Omakase, which will open in March 2020.
Everyone loves digging into a bowl of hearty, cheesy, carby pasta — whether it's the middle of a drizzly winter today or the peak of summer. But sometimes, depending how fancy you go, they can set you back nigh $30. For World Pasta Day (a thing, it seems), Fratelli Fresh is shunning exxy bowls and instead celebrating with a day of $10 pastas on Thursday, October 24. All six Fratelli Fresh stores — Alexandria, Bridge Street, Crows Nest, Darling Harbour, Entertainment Quarter and Westfield CBD — will be offering six different pasta dishes for only a tenner. All day. Choose from rigatoni with slow-braised lamb ragu, prawn linguine, gnocchi with pancetta and goat's cheese, and mushroom ravioli (among others). To redeem the deal, you will also need to purchase a drink, but we still think it's pretty lovely considering some of these dishes are usually priced at up to $35 price tag. Book your spot for lunch or dinner via the website.
The team behind A Tavola in Bondi and Darlinghurst have laid claim to a hallowed piece of Surry Hills, with the opening of their brand new Italian eatery and bar, Besser. Located at 3/355 Crown Street, former haunt of Billy Kwong, Besser promises an Italiano informale experience, with tasty Italian food in a relaxed, casual setting designed to make diners feel well at home. The venue takes its name from its ten-metre-long bar, made up of 96 concrete besser blocks — a building material that was popular with Italian Australians in the 1960s and 1970s. Head chef Sandro di Maroni, formerly of A Tavola Darlinghurst, will serve up dinner seven nights a week, along with lunches Thursday through Sunday. Standouts on the menu range from small 'single' plates served at the bar, to hearty Italian staples including venison tartare, gnocchi with oxtail and red wine ragu, as well as a variety of pasta, meat and fish dishes. Also on offer is the '6pm risotto', which you can only order at the designated time. The recipe changes daily, with variations including risotto all Milanese with bone marrow or crab with zucchini. The drinks menu includes fifty wines sourced from Australia and Italy vineyards, handpicked by A Tavola sommelier Ennio di Marco, as well aseight boutique Italian and Australian wines available on tap. They’re also boasting a pretty intriguing array of cocktails, including the Besser Sour, Breakfast Martini, Sicilian Julep and Besser Aged Negroni. Besser is located at 3/355 Crown St, Surry Hills.
From what I've observed over the years, art school is pretty hard work. You have to actually be there for amounts of time that'd shock your average undergraduate and your learning involves a lot of being told you're doing what you love and feel like you're best is wrong. There's also the whole intense range of technical skills you need to develop across media that you might dislike or find gives you calluses, and social dynamics that wouldn't sound out of place described by Sir David Attenborough. But every year a new crop of certified, officially qualified practising artists come out of the places, and NAS, like most art schools, celebrates this with an exhibition. Bodies of work from across the disciplines of painting, drawing, ceramics, photography, printmaking and sculpture go on show representing the culmination of years of theoretical, practical and curatorial education. There's always a sense of excitement about a grad show, something to do with the accomplishment of getting the degree done and the possibilities in front of the artists. It's a chance for NAS to show work that shows that their system works. Image: Caroline Karlsson, Vessel, 2011
Philly Cheesesteak rolls. Peanut Butter and Chocolate Shakes. A Barbie Q Tofu Sub. Carbs. Protein. Unholy combinations. Is this real life? Is classic diner food really coming to World Square? Deliciousness, ahoy. As someone who spent the better part of four years' worth of midnights gorging herself on disco fries at cholesterol-spiking diners in New York, I must say the Nighthawk Diner food truck is definitely something to be excited about. Those dang Yankees have been enjoying diner food on wheels without us for far too long. Over the next fortnight, beef brisket, Monterey Jack cheese and oceans of mustard will be tantalising your tastebuds at World Square when the chic 1959 International Harvester Scout ('Queen Latifa') and retro silver trailer roll in, opening for business from 30 September to 13 October. Surely there is no more appropriate way to fuel your shoe-shopping at Hype. Chefs Alistair and James' slobber-worthy creations are feeding the besneakered masses every day from 11am to 10pm. Lox and cream cheese bagels, potato salad, Mexican Coke, meatball sub and chilli fries are waiting for you right now. If for some unimaginable reason you can't make it to World Square, you can check out on Nighthawk's website where Queenie is heading next or catch the diner's dishes at Play in Surry Hills.
How'd you like to populate your Christmas feast with local, artisanal goods to make your relatives impressed and your in-laws floored? Carriageworks is bringing back its Christmas Market, where you can buy fresh seasonal produce just a couple of days before Christmas. Importantly, you can also buy last-minute gifts ahead of the big day — because we know what you're like. Taking over Carriageworks on the evening of Wednesday, December 21, the market will go full Christmas with a cornucopia of goodies from more than 80 of Australia's best producers, restaurants and designers. Think, homemade puddings, seafood, fresh cherries, award-winning cheeses and more. Expect the best from the weekly Carriageworks Farmers Market and more, including Christmas hams, handcrafted spirits, bottled cocktails and floral bouquets made to complete your Christmas table. Just some of the stallholders include Bondi Oysters, LP's Quality Meats, Flour and Stone, Sonoma, AP Bakery, Broomfields, Nonna's Grocer, Wildflower Brewery and Pepe Saya. The food and drink options available for your on-site consumption on the night are nothing to scoff at either. You can kill up on eats from Bar Pho, Blini Bar, Kepos St Kitchen, Bird and Ewe, and Chat Thai, plus wander the stalls with a drink from Atomic or Archie Rose in hand. "We are delighted to once again bring together so many incredible local and regional producers from all across the state for the annual Christmas Twilight Market, offering Sydneysiders the chance to fill their Christmas table with the best in seasonal produce," Creative Director of Carriageworks Farmers Markets Mike McEnearney says. "Come celebrate the holiday season and stock up on gifts and treats perfect for festive entertaining." Images: Jacquie Manning
Artist workspace, sometime venue and art scene mainstay Bill and George is a minor institution and elder member of a generation of art spaces that predate the rush to fill Marrickville warehouses. Having just come out of its five year lease to face, the space faces rising rents that have left it saying farewell to its Redfern digs and shutting down. While other new local spaces in the area will hopefully keep Redfern friendly to the art types, Bill and George will still be a hard act to follow. To say goodbye Redfern, its friends and itself it's holding one final Farewell Party in the former workspace before closing up for the last time. The musical acts announced so far include the Brutal Poodles, LukeSnarl and Sven Simulacrum.
Whether it's half a capsicum or a few slightly withered mushrooms, we're probably all guilty of throwing away perfectly good food. But collectively, food waste costs Australians up to $10 billion each year. To put that in perspective, about one third of what is produced ends up in landfill. Given 2 million people still rely on food relief, this is pretty baffling. Think.Eat.Save. will see Oz Harvest team up with the United Nations Environment Program to tackle the problem and advocate more sustainable solutions. On July 21, some of the nation's top chefs, politicians and celebrities will be donning aprons and dishing up a delicious free meal to thousands of members of the public. Made from surplus food, it should inspire you to switch on socially and get creative with those odds and ends at the back of the fridge. With an increasing global population and the effects of climate change expected to reduce agricultural yield by up to 5 percent in some areas, it's time to start thinking collectively and enhance efficiency. Check the website to find out where your city's free food hotspot will be.
They might not have been big on colour blocking or ironic fanny packs, but for our ancestors fashion was still an important way to define status and style. We use our clothing as an aid and we use it as a weapon, and this was the situation even when we wore Cabbage Tree Hats instead of Conical Asian ones. This year History Week is taking a sartorial spin, rummaging through the wardrobes of our ancestors via talks, exhibitions, workshops, and parades. Highlights include a parade of retro wedding gowns through the Eryldene Historic House and Garden, displays of period clothing and an exhibition of pre-Sartorialist fashion photographs from the last 160 years. Sometimes things get more specific, with one exhibition zooming in on the "1970s feminist lesbian fashion" of Annandale, Balmain, Leichhardt, Lilyfield, and Rozelle. Events will be taking place all over New South Wales, from Sydney city to the mid-north coast. Check the website for the full program.
There's a new ladies night in town, but it's a far cry from the sessions of budget bubbly and trashy tunes you've encountered elsewhere. Instead, Camperdown's Lady Hampshire has launched a monthly pub session sans-stereotypes, promising a safe, fun and inclusive space for all female-identifying and non-cis bodies. Proudly dubbed See You Next Tuesday (it runs the second Tuesday of each month), the event taps into the pub's laidback vibe, yet offers a program of kickass, female-friendly activities to boot. We're talking things like beer yoga, dancehall classes, clothes swaps and drives for local women's shelters, intergenerational trivia and workshops with the likes of cake queen Katherine Sabbath. After a successful launch in November and a festive second effort in December, the third party will celebrate live music and ice cream on Tuesday, January 16. Taking care of the former is indie punk band Scabz, while the latter comes courtesy of Gelato Messina — and it's free. There'll also be an ice cream-eating competition, should you feel the need to devour a whole litre of frosty goodness in a ridiculously short period of time. Plus, this instalment of SYNT will feature brews from Sparkke Change Beverage Company, an Adelaide outfit run by nine women, available for just $5. The gloriously named Vadge Draw will be back too — $5 will get you your very own bronze clam keyring and entry into the monthly prize pool, with prizes for January including a double pass to Gelato Messina's Creative Department degustation. Image: Charlotte Koch.
If January 26 finds you looking for a thoughtful way to reflect on the impact of the arrival of the First Fleet and Australia's colonisation on its First Nations people, you should join the folks from Sydney Festival the evening prior. For the fourth year running, the festival will be running a vigil at Barangaroo Reserve from dusk on Monday, January 25 through to dawn on Tuesday, January 26. There will be contemporary ceremony, song and fire from First Nations artists, as well as performances and reflections from members of the Indigenous Australian community throughout the night. You can drop by at any time or stay all night — if you're in it for the long haul, make sure you bring warm clothes. Feel free to take some mates with you, but the event is also a good opportunity to meet new people and have conversations around the anniversary and what it means for all Australians. The Vigil is free, but you must register your interest before attending in order to aid with COVID safety. You can register over here. Images: Victor Frankowski
Last year Vodafone enlisted the help of Charlie Parr - the self-depreciative country and blues musician from Minnesota - for their Australian and New Zealand phone promotions. Nothing like an ad to propel your music into the national psyche. Yet while Vodafone advertising has had an expected change of heart and moved on, Charlie is in fact a real person and is coming to The Basement as part of his East Coast Australian Tour. Described as "a confused and shy individual" this bearded folk singer has apparently "failed at most things in life", and even music has rendered him unemployable (a victim of society and its demand for qualifications?). Inspired by the gospel/country/blues greats such as Charlie Patton, Reverend Gary Davis, and 'Bukka' White, Charlie Parr both celebrates and extends this musical legacy. So if you have craving for the sound of a 12-string guitar played piedmont blues style (rhythmic finger picking on the guitar), accompanied by a range of lake and nature metaphors, you have found the appropriate food. If you can't make it to The Basement, Charlie is also doing a free in-store appearance at Mojo (32 York Street, Sydney) from 12.30-1.30pm on the same day.
In preparation for the release of her super-hyped, internet-breaking personal memoir Not That Kind of Girl, your spirit animal Lena Dunham has created a 12-part web series. Taking the whole 'voice of her generation' thing to its logical conclusion, Dunham poses as an agony aunt for people's personal and relationship problems and dishes out some stellar advice. Namely, don't date garbage men and don't yell 'vagina' in inappropriate public places (at home is obviously fine). Though Dunham has worked hard to differentiate herself from her on-air persona Hannah Horvath, it's interesting to note the similarities. For all her faults, the narcissistic Girls character is at least a feminist and a thinker. Here's how the two compare: Takeaway advice: Wear booty shorts and rock on with your bad self. Takeaway advice: Don't bother counting almonds, love your size and rock it in a romper. Takeaway advice: Don't waste time with bad friends. Takeaway advice: Don't fuck garbage people (or something like that). Takeaway advice: The personal is political. Write about whatever you want. Takeaway advice: Ask for help. Mental illness is just as serious as any other disease. Takeaway advice: Bullies are just sad ol' meanies. Takeaway advice: Eating your own stockings doesn't necessarily lead to lots of orgasms. Takeaway advice: Sometimes people just aren't right for each other. Takeaway advice: We're all going to die and Lena Dunham's life is much better than yours. Takeaway advice: We can all be successful, just make a fatty to-do list and hit that shit hard. Takeaway advice: Screaming 'vagina' in a chocolate store is apparently a bad thing. Not That Kind of Girl is released in the US on September 30. Expect overanalysed excerpts on Gawker not long after that.
Do you have a friend in Wellington who likes writing, and going to cafes where the baristas are knee-deep in tattoos and serve organic ethnic blend coffees? A friend who knows what a cold brew is, can stomach eating fine cuisine on a weekly basis, and gets enthused about going to the latest Bats plays and being 'in the know'? Would that friend enjoy getting paid to do all of the above and more? Well, good. We're looking for writers in Wellington city and need someone like your friend (you can subscribe here to read about it soon). So pass this message on to them and get them to send us through their name and wee bit of their writing (no personal postcard to your aunt or your Mills & Boon-esque short fiction piece, please) to wellington@concreteplayground.co.nz We'll be waiting.
Masters of putting unlikely things together, Ikea, have kicked off a smart design initiative to connect thousands of homeless dogs with potential families. Shelters are overcrowded and homestarters want that little extra addition to their pad, so the US-based Animal Lovers League and Singapore's Save Our Street Dogs have teamed up with the Swedish furniture giants for a very simple marketing project. Dubbed Home for Hope, the campaign uses the ol' cardboard cut out routine in the best possible way. Home renovators wander through Ikea displays picturing every thoughtfully-placed item in their own abodes (we've all entertained 'friends' around an Ikea display kitchen once, right?), a state of mind the furniture heavyweights are harnessing with life-size cardboard cut outs of the adoptable dogs merrily chillin' out in the lounge room. Customers visualise themselves 'completing their home' with throw rugs, patterned curtains and kitchen blackboards, then attach the same sentiment to a scruffy little face. https://youtube.com/watch?v=tBka2eF4OAI Ikea's team headed to the involved shelters, photographed the homeless pooches and created life-size cardboard cut outs of legends like Momo, Lady and Pampam. Then the team went to work, perching the 'dogs' on lounge chairs, begging at dinner tables, snuggling at the end of beds. Shoppers can scan the QR codes on the cardboard dogs' collars to register their interest in adoption, with each scruffy mutt having their own bio and individual video on the Home for Hope website (watching dogs have their own photoshoots is actually The Best Thing Ever). Alongside Ikea, Home for Hope will work with other big furniture players like Grafunkt, Foundry, Commune, Journey East and Noden Collective. The idea was borne from a lack of budget and a subsequent need to market the poor pooches creatively. "Home for Hope was borne out of a pressing issue," the foundation says. "With a limited budget, most animal shelters can only afford to voice their messages using social media. Problem is, their followers are pet lovers, and most already own pets. Hence, adoption rates are low." Via Fast Co.Design.
Located above the current Sydney Fish Market site, the Sydney Seafood School has been a staple for top-notch cooking classes for over 30 years now. Following some reduced seasons of classes due to the pandemic, the school is back with a hefty spring season of classes featuring some of the best chefs in the biz. The program is expansive but highlights include a Sundowener Session with Lankan Filling Station's O Tama Carey where the acclaimed chef will take guests through some of her favourite Sri Lankan dishes over a drink. There's a healthy seafood and veg class with online sensation Tom Walton, a First Nations Seafood class with Rockpool Dining Group's Luke Bourke, and a masterclass with Danielle Alvarez formerly of Fred's. Other classes in the program are based around specific dishes, with attendees mastering the art of Singapore chilli mud crab, Malaysian laksa, Spanish tapas, sea urchin and retro Australian-Chinese. To check out the full program head here. The cost of classes ranges from $110–240 — and with this quality of dishes and calibre of chefs, you're getting a lot of bang-for-your-buck. Hot tip: tickets to any one of these would go down a treat as a gift. Top image: Franz Scheurer
What's more terrifying than standing out at high school? It Lives Inside scares up an answer. Here, fitting in with the popular kids has haunting costs — literally — as Indian American teen Samidha (Megan Suri, Never Have I Ever) discovers. Her story starts as all memorable movies should: with a sight that's rarely seen on-screen. While beauty routines are familiar-enough film fodder, watching Sam shave her arms, then use skin tone-lightening filters on her photos, instantly demonstrates the lengths that she's going to for schoolyard approval. Among the white girls that she now calls friends, she also prefers to go by Sam. At home, she's increasingly hesitant to speak Hindi with her parents Inesh (Vik Sahay, Lodge 49) and Poorna (Neeru Bajwa, Criminal). And when it comes to preparing for and celebrating the Hindu ritual of puja, Sam would rather be elsewhere with Russ (Gage Marsh, Big Sky), the boy that she's keen on. It Lives Inside's frights don't spring from razors and social media, or from shortened names and superficial classmates; however, each one underscores how far that Sam is moving away from her heritage. Worse: they indicate how eagerly she's willing to leave her culture behind, too, a decision that's affected her childhood bond with Tamira (Mohana Krishnan, The Summer I Turned Pretty). As their school's only students with Indian backgrounds, they were once happily inseparable. Now Sam considers Tamira a walking reminder of everything that she's trying to scrub from her American identity. Keeping to herself — skulking around clutching a jar filled with a strange black substance, and virtually hiding behind her unbrushed hair — the latter has become the class outcast. So, when she asks Sam for help, of course no is the answer. Making his feature debut after a sizeable list of shorts —and winning SXSW Austin's 2023 Audience Award in its Midnighters section with the unsettling results — writer/director Bishal Dutta loads It Lives Inside's early moments with gnawing unease. Everything that Sam is putting herself through doesn't sit cosily, nor is it meant to. Distress has been eating away at Tamira as well, as her horrified stare everywhere that Sam looks constantly makes plain. Wild and wide eyes shaped by fear and uncertainty may be one of this genre's staples, but Krishnan sports a perfectly petrified pair of peepers as she pleas for assistance. After Sam smashes the ever-grasped canister in anger, annoyance and disbelief, letting out the flesh-eating demonic entity inside, Suri joins in with her own frequently aghast eyeballs. Casting Get Out's Betty Gabriel as a concerned teacher at Sam and Tamira's school savvily reinforces what audiences can quickly spot with In Lives Inside: this is a social thriller just like Jordan Peele's Oscar-winner (and also Us and Nope), plus everything from Sorry to Bother You and Parasite. Here, with a moniker and a central stalking force that also brings It Follows to mind, cues similarly taken from The Babadook, plus high-school humiliation that'd do Carrie proud, it's the pressure to eschew one's roots to blend in that scores the horror treatment. The supernatural presence doing the spooking is a Pishacha, which hail from Hindu and Buddhist folklore — and, as it feeds on negative vibes, its targets aren't random. Indeed, in painting a portrait of the pains that accompany being caught between the traditions of your parents' homeland and the daily reality of the only place you've ever known and its homogenous demands, Dutta gets his movie sinking its teeth in. There's no doubting that It Lives Inside's feature filmmaking first-timer is a student of scary movies: conventions from English-language frightfests spanning decades keep peeking through. Accordingly, the plot co-penned by Dutta with Ashish Mehta (Hush Hush) does inescapably feel like plenty of other flicks, complete with being set in a Spielbergian-esque town. This film loves splashing around red hues to get nightmarish as well, and peering intently at everyone quivering in Pishacha's presence. Using alarmed and startled people on-screen to evoke the same sensations in viewers might be one of the simplest tricks in the book, but it works: empathy is one helluva horror-movie tool. Dutta understands that, and also how powerful it is to witness Sam being so visibly shaken by being trapped between her background and the Americanised ideal that she's decided is her future. Also working swimmingly: Suri and Krishnan, who both make expressive horror stars (as, given Dutta's affection for close-ups, they need to). When Tamira disappears, forcing Sam to take her otherworldly mythology tale and its life-and-death manifestation seriously, Suri keeps adding weight to It Lives Inside's layered emotional journey. Trying to erase your heritage because you think that's the only option and then grappling with what that truly means aren't easy things to deal with, with or without confronting a monster. While many of the movie's most potent moments don't involve the Pishacha in the frame, Suri sells it all — the angst, the facade, coping with her supposed pals thinking that speaking another language is cute, the frustration over her mum's disapproval and choices since moving stateside, the realisations, and the terror and panic all included. It Lives Inside isn't without its own chilling visual touches, though; proving that hinting works better than showing, one early altercation with the picture's boogeyman gives Dutta an instant resume highlight. And, that it's the situation and its significance rather than the actual murderous beast that lingers is 100-percent by design. Musing about immigration, displacement and conformity, and joining the ranks of culturally specific horror such as Under the Shadow and The Vigil, this is a tense and thoughtful film — even if it too, like Sam, is torn between two realms. Thankfully, the meaning that lives inside It Lives Inside gives freshness to a movie that knows it's working with a formula; filtering US teen horror through the Indian American experience is also one of Dutta's clear quests.
Thredbo is becoming so much more than a quick snow sojourn as an abundance of activities such as Clicquot in the Snow and the Smirnoff Snow Dome provide Thredboers with endless entertainment options both on and off the slopes. Adding to this calendar is the debutant Efterski Festival, a combination of music, everybody's favourite winter sports and an enormous amount of fun and frivolity. The work of Rekorderlig Cider and One Hit Wonder, it's set to take Thredbo Village by (snow)storm from Thursday, September 12, until Saturday, September 14. The music line-up is one not to be missed, with a mixture of live acts and DJ sets ready to turn up the volume at Thredbo and deliver tunes deep into the evening. Kele of Bloc Party fame will be headlining with his own DJ set. and he will be handsomely supported by a host of homegrown favourites, including Blue Mountains hip-hoppers Hermitude, Melburnian melody makers World's End Press, party favourites Alison Wonderland, rockers Bleeding Knees Club, club stalwarts Sosueme DJs and many more. It wouldn't be a Thredbo event without action on the snow, though, and there will be plenty of skiing and snowboarding throughout the festival. Daytime will see adventurous freeskiers competing in events including the Toyota One Hit Wonder Big Air event, the first big air event of the 2013/14 world tour calendar, and the Atomic Alpine Knockout, a team slalom event open to snow sport enthusiasts occuring on Friday September 11 and sporting a top prize of $10,000 (and an intangible amount of snow cred). If slalom isn't for you though then perhaps the Rhythm Skim Showdown on Saturday September 14 is. Free for all entrants dressed in their fancy dress finest, the aim of the game is to stay dry whilst getting from one side to the other. In all likelihood everybody will fall in for a swim, but what better way to welcome spring. Did I mention that there are cash and prizes for best outfit and best wipe-out? So make sure to don your best costume and be ready to fail the hardest, and when you step out of the pool you can head straight to the Alpine Hotel hot pools in the village to warm up again. Accomodation packages start from $165 so make sure to book if you decide to head down to Thredbo for an avalanche of fun. https://youtube.com/watch?v=eWyQ20nOWOs
2023's working year might've only just begun, but it's already time to book in a big overseas holiday. Put in that leave request ASAP. Block out your calendar. Bust out your suitcase, too, and make sure your passport is up to date. Your destination: the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, because Coachella is back for 2023 with a characteristically impressive roster of acts. Mark April 14–16 and April 21–23 in your diaries — including if you you're just keen to check out the livestream. (Remember, Coachella was livestreaming its sets long before the pandemic.) The full bill is a jaw-dropper, as usual, with Bad Bunny headlining the Friday nights, BLACKPINK doing the Saturday nights and Frank Ocean on Sunday nights. Also on the bill: a stacked array of acts that also spans everyone from Calvin Harris, Gorillaz, The Chemical Brothers, ROSALÍA and Blondie through to The Kid LAROI, Björk, Fisher, Charlie XCX, Porter Robinson and Idris Elba. Whether you're after new tunes, the biggest music names right now or dripping nostalgia, it's on offer at Coachella 2023. Anyway, let's be honest, you haven't truly read any of those words — you'll be wanting this: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Coachella (@coachella) For music lovers planning to watch along from home, Coachella will once again team up with YouTube to livestream the festival. That's no longer such a novelty in these pandemic times but, given the calibre of Coachella's lineup, it's still a mighty fine way to spend a weekend. For those eager to attend in-person, you can signup for access to tickets over at the festival's website — with pre-sales starting at 11am PT on Friday, January 13 (aka 5am AEST/6am AEDT on Saturday, January 14). At the time of writing, the festival advises that there are very limited passes left for weekend one, so your best bet is the second weekend. COACHELLA 2023 LINEUP: $uicideboy$ ¿Téo? 070 Shake 1999.ODDS 2manydjs A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie Adam Beyer AG Club Airrica Alex G Ali Sethi Angèle Ashnikko Bad Bunny Bakar Becky G BENEE Big Wild Björk BLACKPINK Blondie Boris Brejcha boygenius BRATTY Burna Boy Calvin Harris Camelphat Cannons Cassian Charli XCX Chloé Caillet Chris Stussy Christine and the Queens Chromeo Colyn Conexión Divina DannyLux Dennis Cruz + PAWSA Despacio Destroy Boys Diljit Dosanjh Dinner Party featuring Terrace Martin, Robert Glasper and Kamasi Washington DJ Tennis + Carlita Doechii Dombresky Domi & JD Beck Dominic Fike Donavan's Yard DPR LIVE + DPR IAN DRAMA EARTHGANG El Michels Affair Eladio Carrión Elderbrook Elyanna Eric Prydz presents HOLO Ethel Cain Fisher + Chris Lake FKJ Flo Milli Fousheé Francis Mercier Frank Ocean Gabriels GloRilla Gordo Gorillaz Hiatus Kaiyote Horsegirl Hot Since 82 IDK Idris Elba Jackson Wang Jai Paul Jai Wolf Jamie Jones Jan Blomqvist Joy Crookes Juliet Mendoza Jupiter & Okwess Kali Uchis Kaytranad Keinemusik Kenny Beats Knocked Loose Kyle Watson Labrinth Latto Lava La Rue Lewis OfMan Los Bitchos Los Fabulosos Cadillacs LP Giobbi Maceo Plex Magdalena Bay Malaa Marc Rebillet Mareux Mathame Metro Boomin Minus the Light MK Mochakk Momma Monolink MUNA Mura Masa NIA ARCHIVES Noname Nora En Pure Oliver Koletzki Overmono Paris Texas Pi'erre Bourne Porter Robinson Pusha T Rae Sremmurd Rebelution Remi Wolf Romy ROSALÍA Saba Sasha & John Digweed Sasha Alex Sloan Scowl SG Lewis Shenseea Sleaford Mods Snail Mail SOFI TUKKER Soul Glo Stick Figure Sudan Archives Sunset Rollercoaster Tale Of Us TESTPILOT The Blaze The Breeders The Chemical Brothers The Comet Is Coming The Garden The Kid LAROI The Linda Lindas The Murder Capital Tobe Nwigwe TSHA TV Girl Two Friends UMI Uncle Waffles Underworld Vintage Culture Wet Leg Weyes Blood WhoMadeWho Whyte Fang Willow Yaeji Yung Lean YUNGBLUD Yves Tumor Coachella runs from April 14–16 and April 21–23 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. Find out more information and register for tickets at coachella.com — with pre-sales starting at 11am PT on Friday, January 13 (aka 5am AEST/6am AEDT on Saturday, January 14).
New Zealand entrepreneur Hamish Dobbie is in the final rounds of a Kickstarter campaign to fund Yolkr, a rather nifty egg yolk separator. 'Finally', I hear you say, a simple and incredibly good looking kitchen tool for separating those whites from the yolk, without scattering shells throughout your 'egg'cellent kitchen creation. Having been tested by his 90 year old Grandfather, who has one eye, wears glasses and shakes somewhat, along with numerous others, the Yolkr project reached its Kickstarter goal within 5 days, and there are still 54 days remaining. Move over Number 8 wire, a new and revolutionary Kiwi invention has arrived. And it will change the way you make your omelette forever.
This year is flying by at rapid pace and that means summer is just around the corner — and we all need to get our warm weather wardrobes in order. Ready-to-wear and swimwear label Tigerlily is offering something very relevant to your interests: a big 29-hour online clothing sale to get you some much-welcome bargains. There's never a bad time to treat yourself to some new clothes, especially when you're saving a heap of money in the process. The Aussie brand is known and loved for its timeless prints and unique patterns, so getting your mitts on some of the goods at up to 80 percent off is a major win. You'll be able to get a brand new threads for a steal, including dresses, shorts, kaftans and sample pieces to help you prep for the summer months. The sale starts at 7pm on Tuesday, November 12 and ends at 11.59pm on Wednesday, November 13, so you'll have to get in quick. To check out what's up for grabs, head here. The Tigerlily click frenzy sale will kick off at 7pm on Tuesday, November 12 and end at 11.59pm on Wednesday, November 13.
On Saturday, February 15 and Sunday, February 16, 2020, the Royal Botanic Garden will be hosting its annual Tomato Festival for the seventh consecutive year. As well as eating tomatoes — obviously — it'll feature an abundance of cooking demonstrations, talks, tips and tricks that are guaranteed to inspire your creations in the kitchen. If cooking doesn't suit your weekend relaxing plans, take part in the Longest Tomato Lunch, a dining table that stretches 70 metres long on the Garden's foreshore lawn. No surprising for guessing the main ingredient on the menu — yes, you'll indulge in an Italian and tomato-inspired meal, with award-winning chef Luca Ciano putting together the menu. The 2020 fest promises more stalls, more food and beverage offerings and more places to sit — and, as usual, highlights include pop-up bar and cafes, a mandala made out of tomatoes, a produce market filled with some of Sydney's highest quality produce, and taste testing a-plenty. Tomatoes will be judged on their colour and smell, and you'll be able to witness some of the best in show, from the best local and homegrown farmers. Just don't wear white. Tomato Festival runs from 10am–7pm Saturday and 10am–4pm on Sunday. Images: Royal Botanic Garden Sydney.
Being spoilt for choice can be overrated. Sometimes, like when deciding which wine varieties you feel like at any given moment, it's easier to have someone else do the picking for you. Enter Pinot Palooza, which celebrates exactly the type of vino that's in its name, and has also locked in when you'll be able to spend a day sipping pinot noir in 2024. Here, the sound of a light- to medium-bodied red wine sloshing around a glass is the standard soundtrack. And you'll hear that noise a whole heap — before the pandemic, the Melbourne-born wine-tasting festival had notched up an estimated 65,000 tickets sold globally. In 2024, Pinot Palooza has spring dates locked in for Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, all for a two-day stint. So far, venues are yet to be announced. Also, tickets will go on sale in early July. The vino-sipping fun will play out similarly to before, although exactly who'll be doing the pouring is also yet to be revealed. Whoever it is, Pinot Palooza's lineup always spans drops from Australia, New Zealand and further afield. Last year, more than 50 winemakers came to the party. As always, attendees will spend their session swirling and sampling that huge array of pinot noir, and hitting up pop-up bars and food stalls between drinks. And, while Pinot Palooza as a standalone fest only has east coast dates for 2024, in Perth and Adelaide it's part of an already-announced collaboration with cheese festival Mould. Pinot Palooza 2024 Dates: Friday, October 4–Saturday, October 5: Sydney, venue TBC Friday, October 18–Saturday, October 19: Brisbane, venue TBC Friday, November 22–Saturday, November 23: Melbourne, venue TBC Pinot Palooza will tour Australia's east coast in October–November 2024. For more information, and for tickets from early July, head to the event's website.
More than any other pasta, gnocchi seems to cultivate a ravenous fanbase. The pillowy portions have such a large following that we now have entire restaurants dedicated to gnocchi and gnocchi alone. When are we getting a standalone rigatoni restaurant? Now that's the real question. One of Sydney's best purveyors of all things pasta, Fabbrica Pasta Shop on King Street, is facilitating our love for gnocchi once a week with a Tuesday night special. Each Tuesday, the CBD provisions store, bottle shop and small bar will be cooking up a different midweek dish showcasing Fabbrica's house-made gnocchi. Part of the Love Tilly Group, Fabbrica is known for boasting some of the city's best pasta alongside its sibling venues Ragazzi and Palazzo Salato. As with all of its other renowned carby creations, the gnocchi at this inner-city haunt is delicately handmade in-house, here using both royal blue and désirée potatoes. The series kicked off on Tuesday, July 25 with a winter warmer in the form of a truffle and pecorino gnocchi, but each week you can expect a different bold flavour combo. Servings of the gnocchi specials are limited and available from 5pm. Swing past after work to break up your week with a big dose of comfort food paired with one of Fabbrica's many top-notch organic and minimal-intervention wines. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Fabbrica (@ciaofabbrica) Top image: Dexter Kim.
"It's a shock to the system. It's a change to the everyday, regular routine. It's where the unhappy gene comes out — and it's a sign of the times today." That's the gloriously candid and empathetic Sandra Pankhurst on trauma, a topic she has literally made her business. Later in Clean, the documentary that tells her tale, she describes herself as a "busy nose and a voyeur"; however, that's not what saw her set up Melbourne's Specialised Trauma Cleaning. For three decades now, her company has assisted with "all the shitty jobs that no one really wants to do," as she characterises it: crime-scene cleanups, including after homicides, suicides and overdoses; deceased estates, such as bodies found some time after their passing; and homes in squalor, to name a few examples. As she explains in the film, Pankhurst is eager to provide such cleaning services because everyone deserves that help — and because we're all just a couple of unfortunate turns away from needing it. The 2008 movie Sunshine Cleaning starring Amy Adams (Dear Evan Hansen) and Emily Blunt (Jungle Cruise) fictionalised the trauma-cleaning realm; if that's your touchstone at the outset of Clean, prepare for far less gloss, for starters. Prepare for much more than a look at a fascinating but largely ignored industry, too, because filmmaker Lachlan Mcleod (Big in Japan) is as rightly interested in Pankhurst as he is in her line of work. Everything she says hangs in the air with meaning, even as it all bounces lightly from her lips ("life can be very fragile", "every dog has its day, and a mongrel has two" and "life dishes you out a good story and then life dishes you out a shit one" are some such utterances). Everything feels matter of fact and yet also immensely caring through her eyes, regardless of the situation that her Frankston-headquartered employees are attending to. Sometimes, STC does confront harrowing and grimy messes that could be ripped straight out of a crime drama, but ensuring that the families don't have to swab up themselves after a gory incident is a point of pride. Sometimes, it aids people with disability or illness by playing housekeeper when they can't, or sorts through a lifetime of possessions when someone has turned to hoarding. There's no judgement directed anyone's way, not by Pankhurst or the crew of committed cleaners who've formed a family-like bond under her watch. It takes a particular sort of person to do this gig, everyone notes, and the group is as sensitive and considerate as their boss because most have experienced their own hardships. They can also see what she sees: "everyone's got trauma; it's not the demographic, it's the circumstance". Pankhurst's company and tale isn't new to the public eye, thanks to Sarah Krasnostein's award-winning 2018 book The Trauma Cleaner: One Woman's Extraordinary Life in the Business of Death, Decay and Disaster — and both there and here, the role she has played and the fortitude she has displayed while sifting through her own personal traumas earns merited attention. Mcleod keeps his focus on STC for the film's first third, aided by Pankhurst's frank insights, but the many layers to the business, its workers and its clients are paralleled in her own multifaceted story. Clean takes her lead, though; never within its frames does Pankhurst offer up a simple assessment of herself, other than saying she'd liked to be remembered "as a kind human being — nothing more, nothing less". As a transgender woman who was adopted at birth, grew up in an abusive household, married and had a family, performed as a drag queen, undertook sex work, survived rape and drugs, transitioned, and became one of Australia's first female funeral directors, nothing about her can be deduced to a few mere words. The raw honesty, quick wit and spirited sense of humour continues as Pankhurst mentions many of these details, largely in passing or onstage when she becomes a motivational speaker after health woes stop her from cleaning. It's due to her medical conditions that she's vigilant about staff wearing PPE on the job — Clean's naturalistic, on-the-ground shoot, with cinematographer Louis Dai (Hakamada: The Longest Held Death Row Inmate in the World) behind the lens, began in 2019 well before the pandemic. There it is again: that unfaltering, highly moving, deeply inspirational compassion for others, whether they're the vulnerable struggling or employees lending the former a hand day in, day out. Clean looks upon Pankhurst with as much industrial-strength humanity as she sees in the world around her, even one where "people die in horrific ways every day", but never smoothes away her faults, doubts, rough experiences or tough edges. Mclean and Dai both double as the doco's editors and, as they begin splicing Pankhurst's time away from the business together with her team's everyday duties across the feature's second two acts, a touch of movie magic does filter in. To provide a wider array of imagery for the film's two strands, Mclean adds a number of brief recreations of Pankhurst's childhood and younger years, and of reconstructed crime scenes. They're unnecessary, and also don't suit the already affecting and absorbing tone that springs from Pankhurst and her employees telling it plain but with brimming understanding. There's a tender tenor in Patrick Grigg's (Australiana) score, too, that finds a better balance. Those dramatisations don't jumble the film by any means; they're just superfluous. Another reason that Clean's reenactments don't sit well: the feature has such a wealth of narratives to follow anyway, including time spent with specific members of the STC crew such as Brian Gaciabu, Rod Wyatt and others. Pankhurst gets the chance to search for her birth mother, her health gets pushed further to the fore, and some of the clients that the company helps also get a glimpse of the spotlight. Mcleod could've made several documentaries or a series about the overall situation, and even simply about the no-nonsense but endlessly entertaining Pankhurst; that COVID-19 impacted his timeline is apparent. This energetic but thoughtful tribute still cleans up, though — and that it has its imperfections fits every tale that it unfurls.
Nature's Energy offers relaxing indulgent experiences to make you feel as wonderful as you truly are. Alongside its well established bathhouses in Balmain and Newtown, the Glebe day spa is the largest of the three featuring 16 treatment rooms, a wet room, steam and sauna. There are a number of treatments to choose from including hair, massage therapy, acupuncture, facials and many others to help you look and feel relaxed and radiant. The spa also caters to hens parties and offers workshops in tarot reading for treatments that are a little outside the box.
Flow Athletica's super-popular silent disco yoga classes have, in the past, seen up to 800 yogis shavasana-ing together. This time, it's aiming for 10,000. Obviously, in the current COVID-19 climate, this won't feature people in one physical room, but thousands of people all logging on together for a virtual version of the class. First up, taking place at 7pm AEST on Thursday, April 9, the 90-minute all-level vinyasa class will be hosted by Flow Athletic co-founder Kate Kendall — and beamed across the world to Hong Kong, London, Singapore and New York. In true Flow style, there'll be beats from Sydney DJ James Mack. And lots of neon. Then, at 7pm AEST on Wednesday, May 6, there'll be a slower vinyasa class, focusing more on relieving stress and tension and accompanied by mellow tunes. Expect 40 minutes of flowing movement, followed by 20 minutes guided rest. Tickets are only $10, which is a bargain considering physical classes usually set you back $50. You will, however, need to BYO yoga mat.
Tortuga Studio’s In the Night Garden has been a strong mark on our cultural calendar across its brief existence. From a promising 2011 debut, to an enthusiastic 2012 follow-up, it has taken the laneway intersection behind St Peter’s Tortuga Studios and filled it with luminescent art of all descriptions. The night has featured realtime projection, heads aglow, a mushroom-like tree of lamps, live binding and live painting. This year, Tortuga is adding writers to the mix. Visitors will be able to settle into an overlapping mashup of writers’ workspace, as a single desk switches faces from one set of writers to the next. The word work will be curated by Zoe Adler Bishop, with local wordsmiths Tabula Rasa (long-time, critical denizens of the Sydney arts scene and fresh off a recent relaunch) adding their keyboard pounding power into the back-lane lineup.
People dream of finding someone who looks at them they way that Michael Fassbender looks at Alicia Vikander in The Light Between Oceans. A World War I soldier turned lighthouse keeper, Tom Sherbourne (Fassbender) has swapped the horrors of combat for the routine and simplicity of his new life — and he never glances anything less than adoringly at Isabel Graysmark (Vikander), the woman who'll become his wife. In a film that is unashamedly a weepie, his stare tells a sometimes heart-swelling, sometimes heartbreaking story, and silently speaks of the ups and downs of life that everyone wants to weather with someone by their side. An intimate tale working with big, sweeping feelings as well as notions of guilt and forgiveness, The Light Between Oceans is a melodrama through and through. Not that that's a bad thing, necessarily. This adaptation of Australian author M. L. Stedman's 2012 novel is not what might derisively be labelled merely a chick flick. Yes, it may tug at the heartstrings, and focus its plot around marital life and motherhood, but the sentiments this period-set romantic drama stirs up remain unflinchingly real. The aforementioned couple meet, wed and forge a life together in and around Janus Rock off the coast of Western Australia. They're the only inhabitants living off the mainland, though it seems they'll be joined by the pitter-patter of tiny feet until tragedy strikes on multiple occasions. Then, a lifeboat — or a rowboat, to be exact — brings them a lost baby girl. Keeping her will help them become a family. But unbeknownst to them, it will also tear the child's real mother (Rachel Weisz) apart. After exploring the complications of romance in the raw and resonant Blue Valentine, and pondering the ties between parents and children in The Place Beyond the Pines, writer-director Derek Cianfrance combines the two in The Light Between Oceans, as though he's been building up to this all along. It may not be the strongest of the three features, but it's as astute in matters of the heart as it is picturesque. Indeed, as far as the latter is concerned, Australian cinematographer Adam Arkapaw, who gave the recent version of Macbeth such an icy, compelling gleam, will have you gazing at the soft, glowing, frequently pink-lit images in the same way that the film's characters gaze at each other. Cianfrance provides ample space for Fassbender and Vikander to flesh out their loving but troubled characters. There's no mistaking the actors' chemistry, or the hard-earned range of emotions they cultivate, often in no more than their expressions. He conveys Tom's doting affection as well as the war-inspired melancholy he can't quite hide, while she paints Isabel as vibrant and determined, both in happiness and in pain. Even when the film's efforts to evoke tears are a little too evident, Fassbender and Vikander ensure that everything feels, and looks, utterly genuine. [competition]598626[/competition]
There aren't many foods that can bring a smile to a Sydneysider's face quite as quickly as gelato. Australian-born, Italian-influenced entrepreneur Kieran Tosolini knows this all too well, bringing Bologna-based chain RivaReno back with him from The Boot to spread the creamy love on Crown Street. An interesting choice of location perhaps, what with highly popular rival only a few minutes away, but born out of "passion, imagination, dedication and determination" to bring the finest and healthiest gelato treat to the market, these guys probably aren't scared of a little competition. Everything is Italian, from the staff to the imported milk, and it's no surprise this place is a hit back in the homeland. The signature and most popular mascarpone flavour, dubbed Alice, comes drizzled with a fine layer of gooey melted giandiuia (chocolate and hazelnut) and lives up to its European dairy cream heritage with an added splosh of Marsala Vergine Soleras (a scrumptious aged dessert wine). The same can be said for the array of other fine flavours, from the Pistachio, which packs just the right amount of nutty punch, to the sweet simplicity of the Cream, a rich yellowy flavour of traditional pastry cream with Madagascan bourbon vanilla thrown in for good measure. The sorbets are all made on premises, have only the minimum amount of sugar, and really do taste like the fruit they're made from — try the Peach, you'll see exactly what we mean. You should also try a Granita, a refreshing and simple summer-must-have drink made from fruit, sugar, and water. The raspberry is delicious. Overall it's the emphasis on authenticity that makes this place a winner. Unlike other ice cream parlours that entice you in with their multicoloured goods on display, RivaReno knows its product is worth its weight and doesn't need to show it off. After all, as the great Italian Leonardo da Vinci once quipped, "simplicity is the ultimate in sophistication." Image: Trent Van der jagt.
With summer upon us and Christmas on the horizon, it's the perfect time to treat yourself and sort out your sleep. If you're tossing and turning at night it might not just be because of the state of the world, it could be your mattress and pillow as well. Luckily, premium homewares brand Ecosa wants to help you get a good night's sleep. All items on the Ecosa website are 25 percent off from Monday, November 23 to Monday, November 30. That's right, a whole week of deals in which you can save up to $350 on everything you need for a sleek, comfortable nights sleep. If you've been complaining about a crook neck, maybe head off to the physio and get yourself fancy new memory foam pillow. The ergonomic pillow boasts an adjustable height, a curved shape that suits side and back sleepers and a compressible foam that supports the natural shape of your head. Plus, two compression bags so you can pack it up and take it with you everywhere. Yep, it's one helluva pillow. If that's not enough, Ecosa also offers free shipping and returns Australia-wide, plus a 100-day free trial period. And, with everything on sale, get in early for some Christmas shopping. Ecosa is your one-stop sleep shop, with luxe bamboo sheets, silk pillowcases, wooden bed base, memory foam mattress and weighted blanket all available at the discounted price. So, you can treat yourself, your friends and your whole family to a better night's sleep. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
After much hype and anticipation, The Lansdowne is officially back in business. If you still haven't had a peek at the renovated space, swing by this evening to check out the new pool table, light-up dance floor, DJ booth and Playboy wall collages. Once you've had a poke around, grab a table and order the Mary's Pizza. Yes, you read right; The Lansdowne has taken Sydney's most iconic burger and done it in pizza form — with a crispy base topped with a beef patty, cheese, onion and pickles, then drenched in Mary's special sauce. Once you're satisfactorily stuffed, head downstairs for a go on the shiny new rock 'n' roll pinball machines.
If sunning yourself on a beach, surrounded by palm trees and crystal blue waters, sounds like total bliss, we'd say you're not alone. Most of us have a pang of wanderlust from time-to-time and, after a pretty stressful year, kicking back in a bikini or boardies with a cocktail in hand sounds like paradise. Sure, you can't yet jet off to the sandy white shores of Puerto Rico, the turquoise seas of the Maldives or the buzzing streets of Havana, but you can still get plenty of vacay vibes in Australia. We've teamed up with our friends at go-to rum label Bacardi to bring you four cruisy cocktails that you can whip up fuss-free over summer. We bet these tasty tipples will transport you to a tropical island in no time. So, don your favourite holiday outfit, whack on some bossa nova tunes and get ready makes some next-level drinks. THE COOL ONE: FROZEN DAIQUIRI Serves one Aussie summers are hot, so you'll want an ice-cold beverage on those days where the cicadas thrum and the air is thick and sticky. Enter the frozen daiquiri, a cool riff on the classic daiquiri. Basically, it's summer in a glass. To make it, you'll need a blender, so you can make multiple serves at once, meaning it's the perfect party drink. Just be sure to stick to the ratios to ensure you're serving up a sweet-but-equally-tangy concoction. Ingredients 60ml Bacardi Carta Blanca 30ml sugar syrup 30ml fresh lime juice 1 lime wedge (optional) 3/4 cup ice Method Combine all ingredients and ice in blender and blitz until a slushie consistency is achieved. Serve in a highball glass, or, if you're feeling fancy, a martini glass. Garnish with lime wedge and serve. THE PARTY STARTER: SPICED PIÑA COLADA Serves one If you like this fun drink and getting caught in the rain on a sweltering summer evening, then you should be making yourself one stat. Originating from Puerto Rico, the piña colada is typically made with white rum, coconut cream and pineapple juice aplenty. But this version, using Bacardi Spiced to hints of vanilla and cinnamon, is sure to get any party going. It has a surprisingly smooth finish, too, and the coconut water instead of cream or milk keeps things fresh. Ingredients 60ml Bacardi Spiced 30ml fresh pineapple juice 30ml coconut water 2 teaspoons castor sugar 3–4 cubes of fresh pineapple 1 pineapple slice (optional) 1 tropical leaf (optional) Ice Method Place pineapple cubes and castor sugar in cocktail shaker and slightly crush using a muddler or spoon. Add pineapple juice and coconut water to mixture and stir to dissolve the sugar, then add Bacardi Spiced. Half fill cocktail shaker with ice and shake until chilled (about 30 seconds). Strain into a highball glass and add ice cubes. Top with crushed ice and garnish with pineapple slice and leaf to serve. THE COOL ONE'S FUN COUSIN: FROZEN STRAWBERRY DAIQUIRI Serves one This frosty, fruity take on the daiquiri is pretty much an adult slushie. Again, to make this frozen delight you'll be using a blender, meaning you can easily make it in batches. Not only is it delicious, but its vibrant colour makes it an ideal go-to throughout the holiday season. Best of all, it is easy as a Sunday morning to whip up. Ingredients 45ml Bacardi Carta Blanca 20ml sugar syrup 30ml fresh lime juice 3–4 strawberries 1 partially sliced strawberry (optional) 1 cup ice Method Combine all ingredients and crushed ice in blender and blitz until a slushie consistency is achieved. Serve in a highball glass or any glass, really. Garnish with sliced strawberry and serve. THE CLASSIC: MOJITO Serves one If there's one drink that has you dreaming of salsa dancing in Cuba upon first sip it's the mojito. It's got all the ingredients for a refreshing summer drink without being utterly dull. There's zesty citrus, the freshness of mint, a slight sweetness and some fizz to keep things light and bubbly. Of course, there's also the rum. If you want to keep things old-school opt for Bacardi Carta Blanca, or you can spice things up a bit by using Bacardi Spiced. Either way, it's an A-class cocktail. Ingredients 60ml Bacardi Carta Blanca or Bacardi Spiced 4 lime wedges 2 teaspoons castor sugar 6–8 mint leaves 15–30ml soda water 1 mint sprig (optional) Method Squeeze lime into a highball glass, add sugar and stir until dissolved. Add mint leaves and muddle. Half fill glass with crushed ice, pour Bacardi Carta Blanca, or Bacardi Spiced if you're making a spiced mojito, then stir to combine. Top up with more crushed ice, add a dash of soda (to taste) and garnish with mint sprig. Do what moves you this summer with these super-easy tropical cocktails from Bacardi. Once you've mastered the art of rum cocktails, check out Bacardi's competition, where you and 20 mates could win the chance to attend Australia's smallest music festival. Top image: Mushroom Creative House
Sydney is home to two Acne Studios stores, slinging coveted Scandi-minimalist garments, and maxing out Sydneysiders' credit cards on the reg. Now, over in Paddington, the brand is hosting a five-day pop-up with a heap of standout sales. Here, you'll be able to snaffle clothes, shoes and accessories — with discounts of up to 75 percent. While the label is being appropriately vague about what will be on offer, expect plenty of items that you'd rather see in your wardrobe rather than on its shelves. Who knows, maybe that pink silk jacket — or those leather white sneakers — you had your eye on a couple of years ago will be back (and actually affordable). We do suggest, however, heading in earlier rather than later, as the best bargains will be snapped up early. Acne Studios Pop-Up Sale will be open at Paddington Town Hall from 10am–8pm on Wednesday, 10am–7pm on Thursday, 10am–6pm on Friday and Saturday, and 11am–5pm on Sunday.
For many of us, the festival season's been plagued by cancellations and hot chips that are actually cold. Thankfully, the clever Simon Beckingham and Wade Cawood are lifting the game with their new boutique festival. Appropriately named Lost Picnic, the Centennial Park event will begin a new festival tradition of gourmet eating this Sunday, March 23. While you graze on the hampers on offer, local musos — including singer-songwriter Megan Washington, alt-rockers The Rubens, Emma Louise, Dustin Tebbutt and Sons of the East — will make for a more bohemian alternative to the festival season. Big Day Out it ain't. The gourmet hampers are put together by renowned chefs Martin Boetz from The Keystone Group and Maurice Terzini from Icebergs and the Cherry Kitchen. Boetz's hamper includes goodies from Rushcutters and his Cooks Co-Op, including smoked meats with remulade and dill pickles, sweet onion tart with smoked speck and paprika, potato salad, pretzel loaf and chocolate torte. Terzini's hamper is based around Icebergs' catering arm, on which they collaborate with Cherry Kitchen. It's Italian to the max, packing Buffalo mozzarella with two Sicilian salads, bresola involtini with goats cheese and caramelised onions, porchetta paninis with Italian coleslaw and tiramisu. The hampers serve up to three people (gather a group of six and you could order one of each) and cost $69 in addition to your ticket, which is $89 at first release. Tickets are on sale now through the festival website.
The golden curve that is Coogee Beach has long been a go-to for groups. It's got a local feel to it, but still draws its fair share of travellers, making it an ideal spot to make some new mates over a friendly game. Set up several Survivor-style obstacle courses and see who is crowned champion. Or, if the beach isn't bustling with sun-kissed bodies, dive into a game of beach volleyball (as long as an organised competition isn't going on). Afterward, grab a round or two at Coogee Pavilion. Image: Destination NSW
"It is with the reading of books the same as with looking at pictures; one must, without doubt, without hesitations, with assurance, admire what is beautiful." These are the words of one Vincent van Gogh, part-time ear surgeon, all-time famous artist, declaring the artistic beauty inherent within books. Some artists have elected to take his words literally, adopting literary works as their medium and through careful artistic surgery have constructed intricate and engrossing works that put even the greatest of pop-up books to shame. The best of these have now been collated together by Laura Heyenga in the new book Art Made From Books: Altered, Sculptured, Carved, Transformed. The volume features the varied book-based work of 27 different artists, each with their own technique of sculpting. Whether it is transforming a hardback book into a miniaturist tableaux of surgical precision or carefully operating with scalpel and tweezer to encapsulate a new literary work like the one below, each artist has their own means of message-construction. "Some of these artists are making comments about the role of reading in contemporary culture, others find that books are a handy art form," says Alison Kuhn, author of the introduction to Art Made From Books: Altered, Sculptured, Carved, Transformed, in an interview with Fast Co.Create. "They see books as a backdrop for their creativity." Whilst some may think of these works as vandalism, many are merely breathing new life into tired books or outdated telephone directories. "The information is outdated, the paper is probably yellowed or worse, so the fact that a book can become something charming and creative and valuable in a new light is kind of great." Amidst the depths of the digital age and the advent of the Kindle, these works just go to show that van Gogh was right; there is no replacing the enchanting aura of a book. Let the bookception begin. BRRRRRRRAAAAAWWWWRWRRRMRMRMMRMRMMMMM!!! Via Fast Co.Create
Looking for ways to celebrate Sydney's warm weather? Make tracks to the Woollahra Hotel then, because this eastern suburbs oasis knows how party, particularly in its leafy rooftop terrace. And from now till Thursday, April 30, the bar's offering up a luxe deal. For a celebratory tipple, order a bottle of Moët & Chandon Rosé Impérial. At $130 a pop, this isn't your average bottle of bubbly. Coming from one of the world's most lauded champagne makers, this pink-hued, red fruit-driven vino is sure to take your drink game to the next level. So go ahead, grab your mates and splash that cash — you're celebrating, after all. Plus, the Woollahra is throwing in a complimentary — and complementary — charcuterie platter for every bottle you buy. Expect plates piled high with the likes of bresaola and pastrami, plus cornichons, hummus, grilled peppers, olives and toasted bread. A pretty perfect wine and food pairing for when you want to party in style. To book a spot for your crew, head here. [caption id="attachment_762744" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anna Kucera[/caption]
Set along the banks of the Parramatta River, the Riverside Theatre is Western Sydney's premier performing arts centre. It's a favourite amongst locals and visitors alike, with some of the best performances taking up residency here each year. Alongside all the theatrical performances, Riverside also screens a range of films in its Raffertys Theatre. And you can use two NSW Dine & Discover vouchers for any show at all, which will cover the cost of all of the aforementioned, as prices range from $30–49 for non-member adults. Before or after the show, be sure to check out the 'eat street' precinct along Church Street, with loads of restaurants offering quality pre-theatre dining options. Image: Destination NSW
