With restaurants and bars currently shut to patrons, you're probably spending more time than usual preparing your own drinks at home. And if your cocktail making repertoire consists of a G&T and not much else, you could be in a bit of strife. Don't get us wrong, we love a G&T. It's simple, reliable and dead easy to make in just three quick steps: simply mix gin, tonic and ice together, stir and top with your preferred garnish. But it can also get a bit repetitive. To help you shake things up a bit (pun intended), we've teamed up with Sydney Gin to share some different gin cocktails that look more complex than they actually are. Each of these colourful tipples has been created by award-winning bartender Kate McGraw (owner of Bondi bar Isabel) and uses Sydney Gin's handcrafted small-batch spirit, which is made in the inner city. Its flavour — a solid spice-filled base with zesty notes of lemon myrtle, orange rind and lime peel — is designed to epitomise Sydney's unique identity. And all of these cocktails take just three steps to make but they'll leave your housemates, partner or colleagues on Zoom thinking you've been taking virtual bartending classes. BIRD IS THE WORD It may look sweet and fruity, but the inclusion of bitters makes this well-balanced concoction the ideal afternoon aperitif. – 40ml Sydney Gin – 7.5ml Campari – 20ml lemon juice – 1 heaped teaspoon raspberry or strawberry jam – 2 dashes Angosturra Bitters Combine all ingredients in a shaker. Shake hard with ice and strain into coupe glass. Garnish with a strawberry or raspberry and a lemon twist. SYDNEY SMASH This tangy mix goes down extremely well on a hot day. Shake it up, take it outside and soak up the rays — you'll be transported from that sunny spot on your balcony to a faraway tropical destination in no time. – 45ml Sydney Gin – 20ml fresh mandarin juice – 10ml fresh red grapefruit juice – 10ml dry vermouth – 10ml sugar syrup – 2 basil leaves Combine all ingredients in a shaker. Shake hard over ice and strain into a rocks glass over ice. Garnish with a grapefruit peel and some extra basil leaves. Hot tip: tap the leaves against your hand to release extra aroma. CHOCOLATE NEGRONI Forget ice cream — this is what you should be making for dessert tonight. It's rich, creamy and slightly bitter, just like a piece of dark chocolate. Chocolate Campari – 300ml Campari – 150ml chocolate milk (almond, oat and macadamia chocolate milk all work) Combine the Campari and chocolate milk and let it sit at room temperature for about an hour. Pop it in the freezer till the milk freezes, then strain through a coffee filter. Cocktail – 30ml Sydney Gin – 30ml Chocolate Campari – 30ml sweet vermouth Combine all ingredients over a big ice cube in a glass and stir with a mixing spoon. Garnish with a piece of chocolate (or shard of Easter egg). SCARLET SNAPPER Brighten up your next at-home weekend brunch with this spicy, zesty gin twist on a classic bloody mary. – 45ml Sydney Gin – 60ml tomato juice – 15ml lemon juice – 3 dashes worcestershire sauce – 3 dashes hot sauce – 1 teaspoon olive or pickle brine – 1 pinch ground szechuan pepper – 1 pinch smoked paprika – 1 stick rosemary Combine all ingredients with just a few leaves of rosemary in a shaker. Shake hard with ice and strain into a tall glass. Top with the remaining rosemary and your favourite bloody mary-style garnishes — think a celery stick, celery salt on the rim, cherry tomatoes, bacon or pickles. Sydney Gin is currently offering free delivery for Concrete Playground readers. Head to the website and use the code CONCRETE to get a bottle sent your way (offers ends 03/05/20).
The 2013 Sydney Film Festival is bringing out Jeff Desom's intense, insanely complex-looking video installation Rear Window Loop. Projected on a 10m-long surface, the panoramic piece allows you to see the world as it appeared to Jimmy Stewart's paranoid, wheelchair-bound photojournalist Jeff in Hitchcock's Rear Window — possible murders and all. The effect is created by splicing scenes together in After Effects, a process more complicated than it sounds in this sentence. "I dissected all of Hitchcock's Rear Window and stitched it back together in After Effects," says Desom on his website. "I stabilised all the shots with camera movement in them. Since everything was filmed from pretty much the same angle I was able to match them into a single panoramic view of the entire backyard without any greater distortions. The order of events stays true to the movie's plot." The three-channel projection runs for 20 minutes. You can get a good idea of the process as well as the finished product in this video, also from Dessom's site. Rear Window Loop won Best Remix in the Vimeo Awards and Golden Nica at Ars Electronica and will be installed at the Sydney Film Festival Hub at Lower Town Hall, which since last year has been the festival's route to incorporating art happenings, interdisciplinary works and playtime, acknowledging the role of film outside the cinema. It's curated by Sydney's favourite cultured revellers, The Festivalists (Jurassic Lounge). You can see Rear Window Loop at the Sydney Film Festival Hub at Lower Town Hall from June 6-14 at 5-6pm and again from 10pm-midnight. The SFF itself runs from June 5-16.
We don't care what you say, fries are the main course at Lord of the Fries, and this Thursday, July 13 the vegetarian fast food joint is giving away free serves of 'em. Just get to one of their stores between 1 and 2pm and you'll be gifted with the greatest gift of all: free shoestring fries. You don't even have to purchase any vego nuggets to redeem them. Why is this happening? Well, it's National Fry Day — and whether or not this is an actual holiday, it doesn't really matter because a) we should celebrate fried golden potato sticks every day of the year, and b) it's free. Your free fries won't be naked, either. The Lords are throwing in some complementary sauce — they've got Aussie, American, Indian, French Canadian and Malaysian. You know the drill. The free fries will be available at all Australian stores, which includes Melbourne and Sydney. For a full list of Lord of the Fries locations, check out their website.
Midnight in Paris, which opened the Cannes Film Festival in May, is a deliciously frothy, light, fun film which shows Woody Allen is still in top form. Few film directors have experienced as many dizzy highs and debilitating lows as Mr Allen at the box office, but his 41st film definitely has that certain 'je ne sais quoi' that holds you in thrall to this most irreverent of directors. Gil (Owen Wilson), a self-described Hollywood hack screenwriter, is in Paris with his sexy but spoilt fiancee, Inez (Rachel McAdams). Gil wants to walk around the higgledy-piggledy streets in the rain; Inez prefers the company of her Tea-Party type parents and an insufferable pedant called Paul (Michael Sheen). Gil is, we are given to understand, financially successful, but harbours an increasingly desperate desire to move to Paris and strike out as a novelist. He's already written most of his first novel — aptly about a man who runs a nostalgia shop — but Inez isn't exactly encouraging him to finish it off because she fancies a beach house in Malibu. One moonstruck night, Gil wanders off on his own after a wine tasting, slightly drunk and somewhat maudlin. As a bell rings midnight, a yellow vintage Peugeot pulls up, and unseen champagne drinkers beckon him into the carriage. Gil finds himself magically transported back in time to his favourite era, Paris in the 1920s. Suddenly, he is swapping witty repartee with Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemmingway, and Pablo Picasso's muse, the beguilingly lovely Adriana (Marion Cotillard). Allen's film is not just a love letter to Paris; it's a beautifully envisaged valentine to all the literary luminaries who lived in Paris during the Roaring Twenties. Some literary references will make you wish you had paid more attention at university, but others, like Salvador Dali, are gratifyingly universal. He sprouts some very funny lines about rhinoceroses. Midnight in Paris isn't a serious film — it makes no effort to justify how or why Gil can time travel, because it simply doesn't matter. It's an exercise in fanciful filmmaking, a frolic through his light-as-a-feather fantasy of bohemian Paris. The most implausible thing about this film isn't, strangely enough, the plot; it's that Gil is with a woman like Inez in the first place and that he can tear himself away from Gertrude Stein's famous salon long enough to trawl expensive furniture shops with her. https://youtube.com/watch?v=BYRWfS2s2v4
The Annandale Hotel, the beloved Parramatta Road music venue, is bringing primary school back by pitching the boys against the girls in a showcase of some of Australia's most exciting male and female talent. With an epic lineup of six bands, and evoking lunchtime kisschasey games, Boys vs Girls is a night sure to provide you with your musical money's worth and a minimal amount of playground hair-pulling and name-calling. Headlining are one of Sydney's finest up and coming bands Ghostwood, who you should in all seriousness check out, because if things in the world are fair they deserve to get very big. The female half of the headline is represented by Laura Imbruglia's witty, folk-inspired tunes, and bringing up the rear are the jangly guitars of Young Revelry, the grungy pop of The Betty Airs, as well as Creepers and Bonney Read. The first fifty pre-sale tickets will receive a limited edition cassette single of Ghostwood's incredibly catchy single 'Sunset Mirage.' A friend of mine has been trying to get his hands on one of these for a couple of months now, so I'm guessing there has to be something pretty awesome about them, aside from the novelty of owning pieces of dead technology gradually being revived by hipsters and nerds.
If Life of Pi has had you pondering life’s big questions, here's your chance to pursue your ideas in the flesh with some live theatre. Performance Space is hosting another instalment of Nighttime, its popular evening of short dramatic works curated by a local artist, this time to tie in with the provocative Matters of Life and Death program. Eddie Sharp (the Late Night Library series, Some Film Museums I Have Known) will be curating this round, titled NightTime: Live and Let Die. A bunch of independent artists will bring their most surreal imaginings, terrifying nightmares, and outlandish black humour to the stage for one night. Those featured include Lucinda Gleeson, who'll present Walter Burley Griffin Has a Lot to Answer For; Karli Munn with Raining Blood; and Julian Day with The Regret Tree. Whether you've spent your life sitting under a tree contemplating Hamlet repeatedly or drinking your way into oblivion so as to avoid turning your mind to mortality at all, this show is bound to leave you with something to think about. Also included in Performance Space's Matters of Life and Death program of Aussie and international works is dance piece Performance Anxiety, macabre foodie event The Last Supper, not-so-funhouse Unsettling Suite, and the Death Knocks Supper Club of impolite dinner table conversation. Read what the artists had to say in our feature 'Seven Positive Ways to Think About Death at Performance Space'.
Fear not, there is a cure for the Monday blues — a cure that's been tried and tested by sufferers since the dawn of the five-day week. It's simple, and only requires three things: cheese, wine and a cosy setting. An excellent place to find this special cure is at The Wine Library in Woollahra, one of our favourite wine bars in Sydney. It has an intimate interior and an exquisite selection of wines, in addition to incredible cheese and charcuterie options. Wash down some spicy salami and red peppers with a selection of five cheeses, and roll into Tuesday safely knowing that you made the most of your Monday.
When some of Australia's biggest events were forced to change their 2020 plans due to the pandemic, it was hoped that'd be a one-time deal. But more than halfway into 2021, COVID-19 and Australia's response to it keeps causing havoc with the music and events industries. The latest casualty, following Bluesfest and Vivid Sydney: this year's BIGSOUND. If your spring routine usually involves bar-hopping around Brisbane — and around Fortitude Valley in particular — while listening to up-and-coming musicians, then you're in for bad news. The music-fuelled celebration normally takes over the Queensland capital every September or October, and did so virtually in 2020. Plans had already been announced for the event's physical return this year; however, given the current lockdowns in both Sydney and Melbourne, organisers have now scrapped the 2021 conference and festival altogether. "Without our music mates in New South Wales and Victoria and no certain timeline as to when domestic borders will remain open, BIGSOUND 2021 wouldn't be able to deliver on its promise to reunite the music community for three extraordinary days of connection, conversation, and music discovery," said QMusic CEO Kris Stewart in a statement announcing the cancellation. BIGSOUND's 2021 event was due to run from Tuesday, September 7–Thursday, September 9, with the three-day program slated to feature conferences, live festival showcases, secret shows and official parties. Around 150 musicians were expected to take to the stage, with past events showcasing everyone from Gang of Youths, Flume, Tash Sultana and Courtney Barnett to San Cisco, Violent Soho, Methyl Ethel and The Jungle Giants. Instead of trying to move around this year's fest or adjust to lockdowns and restrictions, the BIGSOUND team will now work towards staging the next event in September 2022. That said, 100-percent First Nations youth-led music conference Little BLAKSOUND will still go ahead this September, as presented by Digi Youth Arts. And, with 2021 marking BIGSOUND's 20th anniversary, work is underway to find a way to celebrate that milestone in some shape or form this year, too. BIGSOUND 2021 will no longer place between Tuesday, September 7–Thursday, September 9 in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane. Current ticket holders will receive refunds, as will artists who've paid application fees. For further details, visit bigsound.org.au. Top image: Kymie at BIGSOUND 2019 by Lachlan Douglas.
Anyone that's done time in the service industry will understand what we mean when we say it can be intoxicating — and not just because of how many free bevs you consume. ACT-based photographer Lucy Pallett-Jones has been on a mission to capture the good, the bad and the dirty of the hospitality life in a series she's dubbed Silk and Grit. The exhibition will take over Bulletin Place on Sunday, March 22, giving you one night only to explore the world of Australia's bartenders in a gallery space fitting for the topic at hand. Images in the exhibition were captured on film over a year — from behind, in front and on top of some of Australia's most beloved bars. Sydney's Cantina OK!, PS40 and Ramblin' Rascal feature, as do Melbourne's Heartbreaker and Brisbane laneway bar Death and Taxes. Award-winning bartender Alex Gondzioulis will create a special menu for the night, too, exploring themes from the exhibition. The event runs from 6–9pm and is free to poke your head into, but it's recommended you RSVP here. Images: Lucy Pallett-Jones.
Staying back after school has never been more stocked with good art and a cheeky tipple. The National Art School is launching Sydney's newest after-hours art party: Twilight Sessions. A free series of midweek soirees featuring art, live music, workshops, talks and film, Twilight Sessions has all the art party trimmings, with one marked difference: it's all going down in the Old Darlinghurst Gaol. Created to coincide with the International Year of Light (which it is, apparently), Twilight Sessions is launching on Wednesday, February 25 — the first of four dotted throughout the year. So what's in store for this Wednesday hootenanny? Sticking around after Sydney Festival, celebrated, light-based installation artist Bill Culbert will be showcasing his largest solo work in Australia to date — after he blitzed the 55th Venice Biennale. You can partake in free twilight drawing sessions in the gallery, inspired by Culpert's exhibition and led by artists and NAS faculty Lynne Eastaway, Margaret Roberts and Tania Rollond, or a photography workshop with respected Australian photographer Peter Solness (places limited, bookings essential, $25 per person). Once you're all arted out, you'll find Astral People's Mike Who spinning a few tunes at the pop-up bar. Mike Who has warmed up stages for the likes of Action Bronson, Oneman and Peanut Butter Wolf, so it's a pretty big pull for NAS. For the nibblers and noshers, there'll be tasty treats and wine and beer available on the night. Now you're nice and wine-fuelled, wander through NAS's Chapel for an an exhibition from Margaret Olley Drawing Week, and upstairs, Sydney artist Gary Warner invites you to make music on the social 'lamellaphone', an interactive musical instrument made from discarded street sweeper bristles, designed to be played by several people in tandem in a manner similar to an African thumb piano. Twilight Sessions will launch on Wednesday, February 25, and run from 6-9pm. It'll be back four times in the year to coincide with NAS Gallery’s 2015 exhibition program, including the Redlands Konica Minolta Art Prize, New Disciples: 50 Years of Ceramics and Rosemary Laing.
Have you ever been to a show where the band yelled about how amazing you were in between every song? And then at the end told you it was the best show they've ever played, and actually meant it? If not then you didn't go to Alt-J's gig at the Oxford Art Factory last October, which is completely understandable considering it sold out in three minutes — which is completely understandable considering they're one of the most deservedly hyped acts around right now. They've taken a genre (art-rock) and made it better by completely blowing it apart, subverting all conventions with their special blend of folk, pop and brains. This is music that's both radio-friendly and thought provoking. And for that we should be thanking them instead of the other way around. At Saturday's Laneway festival Alt-J announced they would play one intimate Sydney sideshow at the Metro Theatre this Wednesday, at which they'll be supported by City Calm Down. Tickets go on sale Tuesday, 5 February at 9am through Ticketek. If you're cool with your year peaking in early February we suggest you act swiftly. https://youtube.com/watch?v=MPH89HIBLiw
Roll up to the latest music festival that's taking to Australian and New Zealand stages: Light It Up, a brand-new hip hop fest that'll make its debut this spring. Hitting arenas Down Under come September, the event is backed by the folks that brought Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube this way earlier in 2023, and boasts its own impressive lineup. Leading the bill: 'See You Again' rapper Wiz Khalifa. If you've had Khalifa's 2015 single in your head for years, you're obviously a Fast and Furious franchise fan. The last time that the North Dakota star toured Australia was the same year that tune was featured in Fast and Furious 7, after being commissioned as a tribute to Paul Walker. It isn't the only track he'll be busting out on his next visit, of course, thanks to a career that also includes everything from 'Say Yeah' and 'No Sleep' to 'Work Hard, Play Hard' and 'Remember You'. Khalifa will be joined by fellow US talents Rae Sremmurd and Lola Brooke — both fresh from Coachella 2023, with the latter making her first trip to Australia. Rounding out the lineup are local acts Hooligan Hefs, Youngn Lipz and DJ BeastMod. When Light It Up debuts, it'll host its first-ever gig at Sydney's Qudos Bank Arena, then head to the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Adelaide Entertainment Centre, RAC Arena in Perth and Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena. After that, the fest will cross the ditch to Auckland's Spark Arena. LIGHT IT UP 2023 DATES: Saturday, September 2 — Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Sunday, September 3 —Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane Tuesday, September 5 — Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide Wednesday, September 6 — RAC Arena, Perth Friday, September 8 — Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Sunday, September 10 — Spark Arena, Auckland LIGHT IT UP 2023 LINEUP: Wiz Khalifa Rae Sremmurd Lola Brooke Hooligan Hefs Youngn Lipz DJ BeastMode Light It Up will tour Australia and New Zealand in September 2023. For more information, or for tickets — with pre-sales from 12pm local time on Thursday, June 1 and general sales from 12pm local time on Friday, June 2 — head to the festival website.
It's an undeniable fact that when it comes to variety in drinking holes, Sydney is spoiled for choice. From whisky bars to microbreweries, to cocktail bars and establishments that specialise in fried chicken and Champagne, there's always a fresh way to whet your whistle. A reoccurring theme of late, however, is the renaissance of the pub. The people's pub. A pub with sports on the TV and a pool table where you can pronounce all of the beers on tap. The Five Dock Hotel has always been counted among the number of such venues, and a recent change in ownership seems to perpetuate the preservation of the pub. Former rugby union barnstorming loosehead legend Bill Young acquired the venue from the Lantern Hotels group last November for a cool 28.75 million dollarydoos. The sale — along with the group's sale of the Waterworks Hotel in Botany shortly after — has sparked speculation that the company will be delisted in the not too distant future. It's not yet clear how the former Wallaby intends to approach the new digs, but at the moment the wine lists boasts a few solid Australian numbers and the taps are filled with Aussie favourites. Given Young's growing portfolio of hospitality venues, it doesn't look like a complete revamp of the Five Dock is on the way. Under the Young Hotels umbrella, he also owns nearby pubs the Palace Hotel in Mortlake and Hotel Concord in Concord West, which are both venues the tend towards the classic local pub that fit their respective locations perfectly. It would be impossible to maintain a lifestyle where every night out included cocktails garnished with fairy floss served in a glass slipper, or a 300-year-old single malt Scotch distilled in a cave by blind nuns. The good ol' local is a sure bet when it comes to serious relaxation, and Bill Young's latest purchase looks set to carry on that tradition of the pub down the road. The sale comes as pubs all over Sydney are changing hands. The Tennyson on Botany Road was recently sold to Merivale for $37.5 million, Matt Moran's Solotel last month acquired the Clovelly Hotel and Oxford Street's Gaslight Inn has just been sold too. Via The Sydney Morning Herald.
If you've always been curious to peek behind the curtain in art studios, now is your chance. Artists are opening their doors for a celebration of creativity and community with the Inner West Creative Weekend with the return of Creative Trails Midjuburi on November 2–3 from 11am–4pm and 2044 Street Takeover on Sunday, November 3 from 12–6pm. [caption id="attachment_976096" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Creative Trails Midjuburi, Erth Workshop Tours[/caption] Creative Trails Midjuburi This free two-day festival will take place on Saturday, November 2 and Sunday, November 3, from 11 am to 4 pm at 40 artist studios, independent galleries, and artist-run initiatives. Meet local artists and makers, see works in progress, watch art demonstrations, participate in workshops and join artist talks. You can even buy art created by talented local artists at studio prices at locations in Sydenham, Tempe, St Peters, Marrickville and Dulwich Hill. Studios getting involved include Airspace Projects, Clay Cartel, Erth, Monster Mouse Studios, Scratch Art Space, Mothership Studios, Studio ARTES, and Tortuga Studios. Attendees can follow the self-guided map — all studios are pinned on the Creative Trails Google Map. — or book a tour on a bespoke bus or with expert local guides. Some highlights among the workshops (many free) include porcelain cup glazing at Monster Mouse Studios and upcycled fashion at Mothership. Check out demonstrations where artists will candidly share their creative processes, including shibori dying to screen-printing and puppetry mastering. For a full list of all the happenings, check out the website. [caption id="attachment_976092" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 2044 Street Takeover, credit Jodie Barker[/caption] 2044 Street Takeover On Sunday, November 3, from 12–6pm, the streets of St Peters will come alive for the 2044 Street Takeover, a one-day celebration of the Inner West's unique creative energy. Set against the industrial backdrop of May Street and May Lane, this free street party invites locals to enjoy a lineup of live music, roving performances, craft workshops and outdoor dining. Expect performances from homegrown talent like Lady Lyon, CINTA, and school bands from Tempe High and Public School, plus the odd surprise — like a wandering, very lost and confused clown. It's not just a party — 2044 Street Takeover is a community-driven celebration, with hands-on workshops ranging from photo developing with Darkroom Social to urban-inspired art-making with Echoes of the City. Sydney Trapeze School will bring the aerial thrills, while local food vendors serve up delicious eats. Funded by Transport for NSW's Open Streets program, this event transforms local streets into vibrant hubs of creativity and culture. So mark your calendar and join the Inner West's finest for a street festival unlike any other. Creative Trails Midjuburi is taking place across the Inner West at select studios, independent galleries and artist-run initiatives on November 2–3 from 11am until 4pm. Find out more information — including a map of the locations — about this free event on the website. 2044 Street Takeover is happening on Sunday, November 3, from 12–6pm. Find out more information on the website.
“You still have your fingers on the strings, even now.” Although the third instalment of The Godfather was released in theatres over 25 years ago now, Michael Corleone’s words still resonate today. Literally. The Sydney Symphony Orchestra will have their fingers on strings and all of the other instruments involved in the appropriate recreation of the cinematic score when Francis Ford Coppola’s Oscar-winning American crime masterpiece is screened at the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall. There will be three performances of the iconic soundtrack arrangements, originally written by Nino Rota.
If you're looking to level-up your vino game, who better to have on your side than Australia's oldest family-owned winery. Barossa Valley's Yalumba has been crafting fine wine since 1849 — a stint that's spanned six whole generations. And in addition to its stable of top-notch drops for all occasions, the independent label is helping Aussies elevate their wine-sipping experience with its own Yalumba Wine Club. With a little something for seasoned wine aficionados and novices alike, the Wine Club lets you to tap into expert wine knowledge, exclusive offers and product specials, as well as to access a range of special events and tastings. And despite the swag of goodies that comes with it, membership won't cost you a cent. Sign up and you'll nab ten percent off select purchases in the online wine store and at the beautiful Angaston Wine Room, including plenty of those premium red wines that have become synonymous with South Australia's Barossa Valley. You'll also score exclusive access to a series of seasonal wine packs, chosen by Yalumba's winemakers. Order one of these bad boys delivered to your door, whip out the selection for your next dinner party and prepare to impress your guests with your newfound vinous smarts. Yalumba Wine Club members can also look forward to free shipping on online orders over $200, exclusive dibs on a bunch of limited releases and special wines, and invites to Yalumba events, including premium tastings and masterclasses held all over the country. You can sign up to the Yalumba Wine Club for free over at the website. 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.
It comes around but once a year — the season when spookiness is at its peak. Halloween in Sydney is a frightfully fun affair, with parties, festivals and activations summoning ghoulishly good times across the city. We've rounded up the best ways to celebrate All Hallow's Eve in the Harbour City, with events to suit families with young trick-or-treaters, couples looking for devilish date night ideas, and revellers in search of death-defying dance floors.
For ten days, the ATYP Studio will host the return of alumni Yves Blake, delivering her hilarious, music-infused show THEN. Since leaving Sydney two years ago to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Yve has been blitzing the UK, winning over crowds at some of the best theatres in the nation, including The National. At the same time, she’s been running a website by the name of WhoWereWe.com. It’s an interactive platform that asks visitors to answer the question, “Who do you feel you used to be?” So far, more than 1,000 funny stories, nervous voicemails, bizarre photos and embarrassing playlists have been submitted from 154 nations. It is with this information that Yve has created THEN. The one-of-a-kind production is a celebration of the people we once were — be they strangers, legends or fools. Starring Yve’s Bjork-esque voice and a slew of costumes, it features songs and soundscapes sampling everything from flushing toilets to orchestras to dance breaks. Yve says, “We constantly play audience to our friends’ lives online, but forget that scrolling through Facebook is like viewing someone else’s highlight reel. It’s easy to feel behind in the race. I built WhoWereWe.com as a portal for strangers to anonymously reveal memories of dumb decisions, terrible haircuts, of self doubt and censored dreams so that I could transform these stories into music and celebrate them. It’s exciting and heartwarming to recognise ourselves in the words of others, so I figured, the more ‘others’ the merrier.”
Much-loved nerdy white guy and Seth Cohen-endorsed musician Ben Folds is bringing his upbeat brand of piano pop back to Australia. Though you might remember his music best from the battered walkman you rocked in the late '90s, rest assured that this talented US Adelaide enthusiast is still a force to be reckoned with. And nothing proves this more than the fact that his backing band will be the nation's best symphony orchestras. From mid-November, Folds will be touring all of Australia's major cities (except Brisbane, oddly enough) performing with each state's respective orchestral talents. Taking both excerpts of his new Concerto for Piano and Orchestra as well as jazzed up versions of his old pop hits, this dynamic musician will be creating an exciting and unique show in some of the nation's best venues. Of course, this is a tour Folds is familiar with. He's performed with some of the world's best orchestras over the past decade, and before he gets to our shores this year, he'll be taking the Ben Folds Orchestra Experience all around Europe. Hardcore fans might even remember that Australia was the site of his first orchestral work — this performance with the Western Australia Symphony Orchestra was immortalised on film in 2005. But you don't need to know all that to enjoy the show. Whether you have a long history with 'Brick' and the rest of his early work, or just really like that Triple J Like A Version he did of 'Such Great Heights' — this is a show not to be missed.
The past couple of years have been tough on all of us. Plus, with life-as-normal coming back at what seems like full speed, we wouldn't blame you if you needed time away from it all. And there's no better way to do that than by escaping to somewhere that feels like a world away from your daily routine. That's where we come in. We've teamed up with Wild Turkey to offer four lucky Aussies the chance to win a $2000 Airbnb voucher for their next weekend away. And with some pretty spectacular Airbnbs that can be found all around this great land, you might have a tough time deciding where to go — and who to take with you. We'll also throw in four cases of Wild Turkey's new Discovery Series to keep the good times going, wherever you find yourself. To be in the running, all you have to do is tell about your favourite off-the-beaten-track destination — the spot you don't tell anyone else about. (Don't worry, we won't tell anyone either.) Need some inspo? Check out our guides to the towns of Lexton, Cunnamulla and Lightning Ridge. [competition]838819[/competition]
Eveleigh's Carriageworks hosts one of Sydney’s best farmers' markets every Saturday, and on Saturday, 19 October, they take their commitment to interesting use of local produce to another level with Wild Tucker, which will introduce you to the exciting flavours of bush tucker. Aboriginal elder Aunty Beryl Van Oploo and Billy Kwong head chef Kylie Kwong team up with Skye Blackburn, an expert on insects as food, for a talk and cook-up based on this exciting new foodie frontier. Check out the rest of our top ten picks of Good Food Month here.
Before the pandemic, when a new-release movie started playing in cinemas, audiences couldn't watch it on streaming, video on demand, DVD or blu-ray for a few months. But with the past few years forcing film industry to make quite a few changes — widespread movie theatre closures will do that, and so will plenty of people staying home because they aren't well — that's no longer always the case. Maybe you haven't had time to make it to your local cinema lately. Perhaps you've been under the weather. Given the hefty amount of titles now releasing each week, maybe you simply missed something. Film distributors have been fast-tracking some of their new releases from cinemas to streaming recently — movies that might still be playing in theatres in some parts of the country, too. In preparation for your next couch session, here are eight that you can watch right now at home. The Fall Guy The Nice Guys mightn't have scored a sequel, but The Fall Guy does nicely instead. Getting a hearty workout: Ryan Gosling's charm, comedic talent that just earned an Oscar-nominated showcase in Barbie and action skills as last seen in The Gray Man. He's back in stunts, too, as Drive first gifted the world so mesmerisingly. A loose remake of the 80s television series of the same name, The Fall Guy is a take-it-and-run-with-it kind of film, then. Not only does it grasp hold of what Gosling does best and sprint, but the same applies for co-lead Emily Blunt (Pain Hustlers) — and, of course, for director David Leitch (Bullet Train), who first took the journey from stunt performer to filmmaker with John Wick, has kept filling his resume with action fare since (see: Atomic Blonde, Deadpool 2, Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs and Shaw and Bullet Train) and now virtually comes full circle in helming a flick where his protagonist does the same gig that he once did. Gosling's Colt Seavers is also taking it and running with it — in a profession where it's his job to help bring whatever impossible physical endeavour is required to the screen, as well as on the gig that gets him to Sydney. The Fall Guy starts 18 months prior to his trip Down Under, however, but still with him doubling for Tom Ryder (Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Bullet Train), one of the world's biggest actors. Seavers has a career that he loves and steady work at it thanks to Ryder's fame. He's also happily romancing Jody Moreno (Blunt), a camera operator with dreams of doing more. Then a stunt goes wrong, leaving him badly injured, battered and bruised emotionally and psychologically, and inspiring him to quit the business. Only a call from Ryder-loving producer Gail Meyer (Hannah Waddingham, Ted Lasso) sparks his return to the industry — he makes a crust as a valet once he's fit and able in-between — and, even then, it's only really the fact that Moreno is helming Ryder's latest movie as her directorial debut that nudges him onto the plane. Then, upon his arrival in Australia, Seavers soon discovers that the situation isn't exactly what he's been told. The Fall Guy streams via YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review, and our interview with David Leitch and Kelly McCormick. Challengers Tennis is a game of serves, shots, slices and smashes, and also of approaches, backhands, rallies and volleys. Challengers is a film of each, too, plus a movie about tennis. As it follows a love triangle that charts a path so back and forth that its ins and outs could be carved by a ball being hit around on the court, it's a picture that takes its aesthetic, thematic and emotional approach from the sport that its trio of protagonists are obsessed with as well. Tennis is everything to Tashi Duncan (Zendaya, Dune: Part Two), Art Donaldson (Mike Faist, West Side Story) and Patrick Zweig (Josh O'Connor, La Chimera), other than the threesome themselves being everything to each other. It's a stroke of genius to fashion the feature about them around the game they adore, then. Metaphors comparing life with a pastime are easy to coin. Movies that build such a juxtaposition into their fabric are far harder to craft. But it's been true of Luca Guadagnino for decades: he's a craftsman. Jumping from one Dune franchise lead to another, after doing Call Me By Your Name and Bones and All with Timothée Chalamet, Guadagnino proves something else accurate that's been his cinematic baseline: he's infatuated with the cinema of yearning. Among his features so far, only in Bones and All was the hunger for connection literal. The Italian director didn't deliver cannibalism in Call Me By Your Name and doesn't in Challengers, but longing is the strongest flavour in all three, and prominent across the filmmaker's Suspiria, A Bigger Splash and I Am Love also. So, combine the idea of styling a movie around a tennis match — one spans its entire duration, in fact — with a lusty love triangle, romantic cravings and three players at the top of their field, then this is the sublime end product. Challengers is so smartly constructed, so well thought-out down to every meticulous detail, so sensual and seductive, and so on point in conveying Tashi plus Art and Patrick's feelings, that it's instantly one of Guadagnino's grand slams. Challengers streams via YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review, as well as what Zendaya, Josh O'Connor and Mike Faist had to say about the film when they were in Australia. Perfect Days When Lou Reed's 'Perfect Day' enjoyed its initial sublime movie moment in Trainspotting, it soundtracked a descent into heroin's depths, including literally via the film's visual choices. For three decades since, that's been the tune's definitive on-screen use. Now drifts in Perfect Days, the Oscar-nominated Japan-set drama from German filmmaker Wim Wenders (Submergence). This slice-of-life movie takes its name from the song. It also places the iconic David Bowie-produced classic among the tracks listened to by toilet cleaner Hirayama (Kôji Yakusho, Vivant) as he goes about his daily routine. Fond of 60s- and 70s-era music, the Tokyo native's picks say everything about his mindset, both day by day and in his zen approach to his modest existence. 'Perfect Day' and Nina Simone's 'Feeling Good' each also sum up the feeling of watching this gorgeous ode to making the most of what you have, seeing beauty in the everyday and being in the moment. Not every tune that Hirayama pops into his van's tape deck — cassettes are still his format of choice — has the same type of title. Patti Smith's 'Redondo Beach', The Animals' 'The House of the Rising Sun', Otis Redding's '(Sittin' on) The Dock of the Bay' and The Rolling Stones' '(Walkin' Thru the) Sleepy City' also rank among his go-tos, all reflecting his mood in their own ways. If there's a wistfulness to Hirayama's music selections, it's in the manner that comes over all of us when we hark back to something that we first loved when we were younger. Perfect Days' protagonist is at peace with his life, however. Subtly layered into the film is the idea that things were once far different and more-conventionally successful, but Hirayama wasn't as content as he now is doing the rounds of the Japanese capital's public bathrooms, blasting his favourite songs between stops, eating lunch in a leafy park and photographing trees with an analogue camera. Perfect Days streams via YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review. Robot Dreams Heartbreak is two souls wanting nothing more than each other, but life having other plans. So goes Robot Dreams, another dialogue-free marvel from Spanish filmmaker Pablo Berger, who had audiences feeling without words uttered with 2012's Blancanieves — and showed then with black and white imagery, as he does now with animation, that he's a master at deeply expressive visual storytelling. His fourth picture as a director was nominated for Best Animated Feature at the 2024 Academy Awards. In most years, if it wasn't up against Studio Ghibli's The Boy and the Heron, it would've taken home the Oscar. It earns not just affection instead, but the awe deserved of a movie that perfects the sensation of longing for someone to navigate life with, finding them, adoring them, then having fate doing what fate does by throwing up complications. Usually this would be a boy-meets-girl, boy-meets-boy or girl-meets-girl story. Here, it's a dog-meets-robot tale. The time: the 80s, with nods to Tab and Pong to prove it. The place: a version of Manhattan where anthropomorphised animals are the only inhabitants — plus mechanised offsiders that, just by placing an order and putting together the contents of the package that arrives, can be built as instant friends. Eating macaroni meals for one and watching TV solo in his small East Village apartment each evening, Dog is achingly lonely when he orders his Amica 2000 after seeing an infomercial. As he tinkers to construct Robot, pigeons watch on from the window, but they've never been his company. Soon exuberantly strutting the streets hand in hand with his maker, the android is a dream pal, however, this kismet pairing isn't what gives Robot Dreams its name. Robot Dreams streams via YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review. Origin For most filmmakers, Isabel Wilkerson's Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents would've screamed for the documentary treatment. A non-fiction text published in 2020, it works through the thesis that racism in America isn't just the product of xenophobia, but is an example of social stratification. The journalist and author — and, in 1994, Pulitzer Prize-winner — examines how categorising populations into groups with a perceived grading is at the heart of US race relations, and how the same was true in Nazi Germany and still does in the treatment of the Dalit in India. A doco could spring easily from there. If it happens to in the future, no one should be surprised. Ava DuVernay, who brings Wilkerson's prize-winning tome to the screen now, has demonstrated again and again with Selma, The 13th and A Wrinkle in Time that she's not most directors, however. Make the points in Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents via a documentary, if and when that occurs, and they'd be accurate and powerful. Express them through cinema's function as an empathy machine, via personal tales including Wilkerson's own, and they resonate by getting audiences stepping into a range of shoes. Watching isn't merely investigating and learning in Origin, as Wilkerson as a character — played by Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor (The Color Purple) in a phenomenally passionate and thoughtful lead performance — does in a movie that's also a biopic about her life and work. Sitting down to DuVernay's film is all about feeling, understanding what it's like to be a range of people who are forced to grapple with being seen as less than others for no reason but the fact that urge to judge that keeps proving inherent in human nature. Origin streams via YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review. Boy Kills World In The Hunger Games and its sequels and prequels, a post-apocalyptic totalitarian state enforces order by murder, picking children via lottery to compete until just one remains standing. Before it reached pages and screens, The Running Man, Battle Royale and Series 7: The Contenders were among the stories that got there first, always with kill-or-be-killed contests at their cores. Now Boy Kills World enters the fray, but in a city ruled over by despot Van Der Koy matriarch Hilda (Famke Janssen, Locked In), with a group of candidates chosen annually, then slaughtered at big televised display that is The Culling no matter what. The titular Boy (played by the US Goodnight Mommy remake's Nicholas and Cameron Crovetti as a kid) is the rare exception: after witnessing his sister and mother's execution in this nightmarish realm, he's simply left for dead. Making his feature debut, director Moritz Mohr (TV's Viva Berlin!) holds tight to another big-screen staple: a revenge mission. As an adult, that the role of Boy falls to Bill Skarsgård fresh from John Wick: Chapter 4 says plenty. The vengeance that's always fuelled that Keanu Reeves (The Matrix Resurrections)-led franchise, and fellow influence Oldboy as well, mixes with cinema's wealth of fight-to-the-death tales. Also thrown in with the fervour of a fan mixing together his favourite things — which is Mohr's unapologetic approach from start to finish — is a colour scheme that Kill Bill also deployed, Deadpool-style humour and violence, notes cribbed from Matthew Vaughn's Kingsman movies and Argylle with its carnage, and nods to video games and Hong Kong action fare plus Looney Tunes and anime. Boy Kills World streams via YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review, and our interview with Moritz Mohr. The First Omen Resurrecting horror franchises that first gleamed bright in the 70s is a trend that Hollywood isn't done idolising. Halloween did it. The Exorcist returned as well. Via remakes, Carrie, Suspiria and Black Christmas have all made comebacks since the 2010s. The Omen was always going to get its turn, then. Taking the prequel route — because the OG 1976 film hadn't spawned one yet with 1978's Damien — Omen II, 1981's Omen III: The Final Conflict and 1991's Omen IV: The Awakening, plus a 2006 remake and 2016's one-season TV series — gives rise to The First Omen, as set in Rome in 1971. Fans will know that June 6 that year was when Damien was born. Spinning backstories into new movies can create flicks that smack of inevitability above all else, but not here: this is a genuinely eerie and dread-laced Omen entry with an expert command of unnerving imagery by first-time feature director Arkasha Stevenson (Brand New Cherry Flavour), plus a well-chosen anchor in lead actor Nell Tiger Free (Game of Thrones). Horror, unusual babies, childminding at its most disquieting, a claustrophobic location, a lack of agency, distressing displays of faith: Free has been here before. Indeed, if Stevenson and her co-writers Tim Smith (a screenwriting debutant) and Keith Thomas (the director of 2022's awful Firestarter remake) used Servant as their inspiration in more ways than one, they've made a savvy choice. Featuring their star for four seasons between 2019–2023, that M Night Shyamalan (Knock at the Cabin)-produced series was one of the great horror streaming efforts of the past five years. The First Omen goes heavier on jolting visuals to go with its nerve-jangling atmosphere, but it too stands out. Its worst choice is being needlessly and gratingly blatant in connecting dots in its very last moments, even if nearly half a century has passed since this spawn-of-Satan saga began. The First Omen streams via Disney+, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review. Back to Black Casting a biopic can't be easy. The awards-courting label that hangs over the genre that's earned Cillian Murphy (Oppenheimer), Will Smith (King Richard), Jessica Chastain (The Eyes of Tammy Faye), Rami Malek (Bohemian Rhapsody), Renée Zellweger (Judy) and Gary Oldman (Darkest Hour) lead actor and actress Oscars over the past decade alone can't make the task any less tricky, either. Then, when music bios get a spin — which is often — the weight of recognition and fandom is an especially heavy factor. Does the actor resemble the star that they're playing physically or in spirit? Can they? Will their attempt to slip into someone else's mega fame read like a triumphant ode or a faded facsimile? Will they try to inhabit rather than impersonate? Is doing the real-life person justice even possible? The questions go on. Even with those queries in mind, Back to Black has chosen its lead well. In Industry's Marisa Abela, who has just six prior acting credits on her resume before now — Barbie is the latest; Man in a Box, her first, came when she was only 11 — the Amy Winehouse-focused film from director Sam Taylor-Johnson (A Million Little Pieces) and screenwriter Matt Greenhalgh (Film Stars Don't Die in Liverpool) has someone who looks the part beehive or not, and convincingly lives and breathes it behind a north London accent. She sings it, too, when the picture weaves in her own vocals atop Winehouse's music. But casting isn't the only key element for a biopic. The dance that a feature is taking through a well-known figure's life needs the material and the approach to support its central performance — the lyrics and tune to match with sheer talent, in music terms. If they fall flat, so does the flick. And unlike a bad song for an exceptional singer, there's no second chances in this realm. Back to Black streams via YouTube Movies and Prime Video. Read our full review. Looking for more viewing options? Take a look at our monthly streaming recommendations across new straight-to-digital films and TV shows — and fast-tracked highlights from January, February, March, April and May 2024 (and also January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December 2023, too). We keep a running list of must-stream TV from across 2024 as well, complete with full reviews. And, we've also rounded up 2023's 15 best films, 15 best straight-to-streaming movies, 15 top flicks hardly anyone saw, 30 other films to catch up with, 15 best new TV series of 2023, another 15 excellent new TV shows that you might've missed and 15 best returning shows.
In Forster, on New South Wales' Barrington Coast, sits a regional craft microbrewery and brewhouse. The 1200-litre facility and attached tasting room is home to an aptly named outfit, too — because clearly The Coastal Brewing Company doesn't want anyone to forget exactly where it is located. You don't need to drink these beers by the shore, of course. But, if you're instantly feeling relaxed due to the brand's beachy moniker, you have a few brews to choose from. Sours, stouts, IPAs, lagers and wheat beers are all on Coastal's lineup, as made locally with all-natural ingredients. Head by the brewhouse and tasting room, and you can take a tour, sip your way through a selection of brews, and take growlers, squealers, six-packs and 24-can cases home with you.
With lion dancing, modern Chinese cuisine and film screenings of Chinese classics, the Art Gallery of New South Wales is undoubtedly the best place to celebrate Chinese New Year outside of Chinatown. The vast majority of these events are free, with highlights including Chinese High Tea, fan dancing performances, tai chi workshops and a lecture from the Deputy Director of the Hubei Provincial Museum. Tours of auspicious symbols in Chinese art will also make more of the culture legible to newcomers. Two exhibitions are also timed for the occasion. In the Asian gallery, ritual art from ancient China (more specifically, the Chu kingdom during the Warring States period) will be on display. But the big draw card is undoubtably the terracotta warriors. Perhaps the most incredible archaeological find of the century, these iconic figures will be displayed alongside other recent finds which have rarely been seen outside China. This exhibition is the only part of the program you will need to pay for, but at a meagre $20 is certainly worth a look. Image: 'Group of soldiers', Araldo De Luca
A couple of years ago an empty shopfront with 'Keys Cut' signage re-emerged as an artist-run initiative where artists could show without being obliged to sell, and a bit of funding that meant they could pay exhibitors. Emma White's current show, 'While You Wait', is a nod to the history of the site and to the philosophy of the directors of the Locksmith Project. She’s made a giant key for the window, some touchably-realistic replicas of household-type sets on colourful chains hanging inside the store, and she will be making more creations for the duration of the show. During the gallery hours, White will be in-residence with her tools: wire, pliers, markers, coloured putty, a roller and an oven — and visitors can not only watch her work but get a fully-baked copy of their own keys to take home, and leave their spares behind. On the last night of Emma’s show, the Locksmith Project will be launching and selling the third issue of their self-titled ‘whenever we can-nual’ journal that showcases works and research in emerging contemporary art. The limited run of 300 multi-volume boxed sets, dedicated to “basically anything that constitutes making art work”, is already available to pre-order.
Dishing up desserts across Sydney, Melbourne, Queensland the Australian Capital Territory, Gelato Messina obviously specialises in frosty sweet treats. But, because the chain has amassed quite the following, it also has a range of merchandise. Over the past couple of years, it has released gelato-scented candles and decked out a line of clothing with pictures of its towering ice cream cones — and now it's collaborating with Lanolips on a gelato-flavoured balm. You can't spend all day every day eating Messina's desserts (sorry); however, you can slather your lips in its new salted caramel and mango coconut lip balm. Presumably, like those aforementioned candles, this'll give you a constant craving for a few scoops — so if you start eating more gelato as a result, you'll know why. The Messina x Lanolips collab takes its cues from Messina's most popular coconut milk sorbet — a flavour that features Murray River salt and Australian Kensington Pride mango salsa. In balm form, it's made with lanolin from local sheep's wool, vitamin E, natural coconut oil and mango fruit extract. You'll find the lip-smacking new product in all Messina stores, Messina's online store, at Lanolips' website and at Mecca. Head to Messina to pick some up before Tuesday, November 2 — or buy one from Messina's website — and you'll also nab a free scoop while stocks last. For more information about Gelato Messina's new Lanolips balm — and to buy some — head to the chain's website.
If you're going to celebrate an invented food-themed holiday, you have to go big. If you're Mister Fitz and it's National Ice Cream Sandwich day, then you clearly have to turn things to eleven. Behold, their 20-scoop monster of an ice cream sandwich. Dubbed the 'Baby Got Back' in keeping with the ice cream parlour's usual hip hop-themed menu, the giant creation features more ice cream than you've probably eaten all winter, all stuffed between two super huge M&M cookies. Because old Fitzy is known for smashing extra goodies into its frozen treats too, the dairy deliciousness inside also boasts a decent smattering of mini M&Ms. If you're keen on trying it out and you've got a few mates to help — you only need to look at it to know this isn't a solo dessert — then you'd best get in quick, with the mammoth ice cream sandwich only available today, August 2. It's also only available via Deliveroo, meaning that you won't have to worry about gorging on this behemoth in public (but hey, if you're keen on munching your way through this, you're probably not all that worried about making a mess anyway).
The Melbourne Cup is nearly upon us again, and with it, all the outrageous fascinators, sartorial fun and guaranteed afternoons off work. For those who can't make the Flemington Racecourse this year, we've narrowed down some of the best alternatives at which to spend your first Tuesday of November. These ten are a safe bet for a good — neigh, amazing! (so lame, we're sorry) — time. All include big screens and most have TAB facilities, sweepstakes and fashion on the field prizes. East Sydney Hotel The East Sydney is the kind of old friend you've known for decades. Its menu is refreshingly unpretentious (the most complicated item on there is a steak), and it's been proudly calling itself a no-TV and no-pokies pub since day 1. On Melbourne Cup day, the East Sydney loosens its tie a little and calls an exception to the no-TV rule — the only one day of the year this happens. Join the crowd and you'll see why the East Sydney is such a local favourite. 113 Cathedral Street, Woolloomooloo The Norfolk Hotel The Norfolk has been always been a favourite go-to place for celebrating the Melbourne Cup. This year is no different. The Surry Hills hangout is offering a bunch of snacks, mains and dessert plus your choice of beer, wine and sparkling from 1-3pm. Don't worry about missing out on the race action; the Norfolk has promised there will be more than enough screens to go around. Be sure to book if you're a group of four or more — email functions@thenorfolk.co or call 0410 551 717 (Bridget) for reservations. 305 Cleveland Street, Surry Hills El Loco The frustration of leaving Melbourne Cup plans to the last minute can only be surpassed by the anger felt upon realising all your favourite venues have been booked out. Thankfully, Sydney's favourite Mexican cantina holds a firm no bookings required policy, allowing you to just rock up freely on the day. Along with the usual prizes, TV screens and sweeps, El Loco is brewing up a special concoction for the occasion: a Melbourne Cup Day margarita. 64 Foveaux Street, Surry Hills The Grounds of Alexandria Sydney's favourite cafe courtyard will once again be the Melbourne Cup destination for 2014. This year they're throwing a bash in their newly renovated garden, with live entertainment, interactive games, sensory installations, an array of canapes, buffet tables, mini desserts and an ice-cream cart with doughnut ice-cream sandwiches(!). For those wanting to stick around after the celebrations, there'll be an afterparty in The Atrium until late. Tickets are $140 including food, alcohol and a goodie bag. Building 7A, 2 Huntley Street, Alexandria The Fish Shop If fish and chips and a flute of sparkling sounds like the perfect accompaniment for the Melbourne Cup race entertainment, you might want to put Potts Point's The Fish Shop on your list. For $45, it's your bargain option. You bag a two-course meal and a complimentary glass of Chandon NV. For bookings, call 9240 3000. 22 Challis Avenue, Potts Point Ms G's Ms G's, the funky Asian-inspired restaurant with those cute-as-heck bubble tea cocktails are preparing a banquet extravaganza come Melbourne Cup day. Eight courses of Dan Hong's delicious food will be on offer, including his signature miniature banh mi and crunchy vegetable salad. Don't forget the complimentary Moet on arrival either, all for $85. For bookings, call 9240 3000. 155 Victoria Street, Potts Point The Glenmore Provided you don't get distracted by the rooftop harbour views, The Glenmore might be one of the best places to call in the Melbourne Cup. There'll be a lavish luncheon spread, prizes for best dressed and best hat and live entertainment to boot, all for the sum of $149. Oh, and remember to stick around for the free afterparty too, featuring Scotty Sax Trio and DJs until late. For bookings, call (02) 9247 4794 or email info@theglenmore.com.au. 96 Cumberland Street, The Rocks The Bristol Arms A rooftop party is always guaranteed fun. It's great to know then, that The Bristol Arms is throwing a huge bash in their kitchen and rooftop bar with canapes, a four-hour drink package (wine, champagne, beers), photo booth, and a DJ from noon till late. For bookings, email jess@thebristolarms.com.au or call on (02) 9262 5491. 81 Sussex Street, Sydney Chiswick at the Gallery Opened just this October, Chiswick at the Gallery is a city take on the original namesake restaurant nestled in the leafy streets of Woollahra. For this year's Melbourne Cup, co-founders Matt Moran and Peter Sullivan (of Aria fame) have devised a three-course lunch with a glass of Taittinger on arrival, for $115pp. For bookings, call (02) 9225 1819 or email martina@chiswickrestaurant.com.au. Art Gallery Road, Sydney The Argyle The heritage-listed Argyle must be one of the classic spots to spend the Cup, so make sure you don your racing best. For $99pp, you receive a standing lunch and two hours of beverages. Alternatively, you can sign up for a Member's Pavilion three-hour lunch and beverage package, which will set you back $135pp. Tickets are selling fast, so get in quick by emailing reservations@theargylerocks.com or calling (02) 9247 5500.
Update Tuesday, February 1: Josh and Julie Niland's Fish Butchery Waterloo is opening on Thursday, February 3. The venue will offer raw and dry-aged fish as part of its retail offering and a takeaway menu featuring yellowfin tuna belly pastrami sandwiches, murry cod souvlaki, tuna pie packs and smoked scallop banh mi. It'll be open 10am–7pm Wednesday–Saturday, 10am–6pm on Sundays. Three years after opening Fish Butchery in Paddington — and just a few months after launching new sustainable fish and chip shop Charcoal Fish in Rose Bay — Josh and Julie Niland are giving Sydneysiders another spot to pick up top-notch seafood. The pair has just signed the lease on a space at 965 Bourke Street, Waterloo, which is set to become home to Fish Butchery's second venue. Come mid-January, Fish Butchery Waterloo will be following in its sibling's footsteps. It'll also mark the Nilands' fourth venue overall, including their original venture Saint Peter. And, the Bourke Street spot will give acclaimed seafood chef Josh plenty of room to work with — 270 square metres, which is more than twice the size of Fish Butchery Paddington. The same no-waste approach to all things fish will obviously make the leap to the new venue, with the store's range set to span fresh seafood, fish charcuterie and frozen produce. After running Mr Niland at Home during lockdown, ready-to-cook fish pies, albacore lasagnes, yellowfin tuna koftas and yellowfin tuna burger patties will also be available. Fish Butchery Waterloo will serve up Australian oysters shucked to order at a central island counter, too, and fill its hot pie cabinet with grab-and-go swordfish bacon quiche lorraine, yellowfin tuna meat pies and Murray cod sausage rolls. And, among the takeaway and dine-in options, there'll be everything from swordfish tacos al pastor, tuna chorizo sandwiches and king prawn hot dogs to the Fish Butchery ploughman's lunch, double tuna cheeseburgers and a hot smoked kingfish reuben sandwich. With such a hefty site to play with, the couple will also use the extra space for Josh's development work — to come up with even more must-try fish dishes — as well as for training and fish storage. "We want to create a space where we can make greater use of the opportunities within each fish. By centralising our fish purchasing, storage and preparation to one location, we will be able to ensure that every part of the fish is utilised across our venues to its maximum potential," the couple said in a statement. "Custom-built dry ageing cool rooms will condition fish for Saint Peter, Charcoal Fish, Fish Butchery Paddington and Fish Butchery Waterloo and two large marble workbenches in the centre of the room will provide a work area for our fish butchers — bringing visibility and theatre to the often behind the scenes processes of Fish Butchery," they continued. Fish Butchery Waterloo will open at 965 Bourke Street, Waterloo, sometime in mid-January — with an exact launch date yet to be revealed. We'll update you with further details when they're announced. Images: Fish Butchery Paddington.
The foundations of wine are relatively simple — find a fertile patch of land, plant extraordinary grapes, and make the best wine you possibly can. In Australia, we grow more than 100 different grape varieties scattered across the country, in 65 distinct wine regions, and in each region we celebrate our unique climate and landscape by crafting some of the most exceptional wines in the world. Knowing the differences between them all is not so simple, which is why we've pinned down the six varieties you should get to know better — from dry, crisp rieslings to that spicy shiraz you like to crack open at a summer barbie. Winemakers, grape growers and viticulturists all work with Australia's varied climates and our ancient soils to plant classics like riesling, chardonnay, pinot noir and shiraz alongside newer varieties like vermentino, fiano, nebbiolo and sangiovese. Unlike other winemaking countries in Europe, Australia's not beholden to any rules or boundaries, which means we've fostered a creative and innovative wine scene. Our winemakers are pushing boundaries by not only experimenting with new grape varieties and unusual blends but also by toying with new winemaking techniques, such as partial berry ferments, carbonic maceration and skin-contact wines. Start taste testing the classics and progress from there. [caption id="attachment_673382" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Manly Wine[/caption] RIESLING Riesling is one of the most exciting and elegant dry white wines in the world. The grapes produce aromatic light- to medium-bodied wines with high acid presence and Australian rieslings tend to lean on the drier, crisp end of the spectrum. They are generally unoaked to highlight the wines zippy, acid lines, and while it's drinkable when it's very young, some wines can mature for decades. Where it's grown: Clare Valley, Eden Valley, Tasmania, Great Southern (WA) and Canberra District. What it tastes like: It's got so many expressions: jasmine florals overlaid by lime cordial and lemon meringue pie with a backbone of acidity and structure that will complement dishes like pork dumplings or sweet-and-sour chicken. SAUVIGNON BLANC Even though it's a white varietal, sauvignon blanc is the parent grape to red grape cabernet sauvignon. Hailing from France's Loire Valley, the grape was first grown in Australia in the 1800s but didn't become popular until 160 years later when our friends across the ditch started generating buzz about this little aromatic variety from the Marlborough region. Sauvignon blanc suits a more 'hands-off' approach; it's often picked when ripe and then fermented in stainless steel tanks to maintain freshness and vibrancy. Where it's grown: Adelaide Hills, Margaret River, Tasmania and Orange. What it tastes like: Australian Savvy Bs tend to take on a more tropical fruit expression — think pineapple, mandarin and guava — with bright citrus notes that scream for a bucket of prawns or fish and chips by the beach. CHARDONNAY Chardonnay is an excellent representation of the vineyard in which its fruit was grown, and it allows for experimentation — winemakers can choose what barrel it's fermented in, for example. Australia makes lean and light-bodied wines in cooler climates up to fuller-bodied, rich and ripe versions in our warm climates. Where it's grown: Adelaide Hills, Yarra Valley, Tasmania, Margaret River, Hunter Valley and Mornington Peninsula. What it tastes like: Ripe stone fruits like white peach, balanced with fruits like pink grapefruit or apples and pears, rounded out with vanilla notes (from the oak it's fermented in). ROSÉ There are a few different ways to make rosé, but the most common is the practice of 'free run' juice. The grapes are crushed and all the liquid freely drains from the skins to the tank before the squeezing process begins. This process produces wines that are balanced in acidity and display high levels of purity in fruit aroma and flavour. Where it's grown: Yarra Valley, Tasmania, Langhorne Creek, plus most other wine regions. What it tastes like: Depending on the style of rosé, you could have florals, pomegranate and wild strawberry characters with fleshy savoury flavours (like dried herbs) on the other end of the spectrum. Dunk one in an ice bucket and enjoy with an antipasti platter for summer grazing. [caption id="attachment_731347" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Steven Woodburn[/caption] PINOT NOIR All over the world pinot noir is regarded as one of the hardest grapes to grow and requires extra attention in every step of its development. A common winemaking strategy when handling pinot noir is to do an 'early press'. Pressing is the process that separates the red juice from its skins. Flavour and structure are extracted during this process by pressing early, before fermentation is completed. Where it's grown: Adelaide Hills, Yarra Valley, Tasmania, Mornington Peninsula, Gippsland, Geelong and Macedon Ranges. What it tastes like: It runs the full gamut of flavours from raspberry and crushed blueberries to savoury expressions like hints of clove, cinnamon bark and wet earth. With its complexity and versatility, pinot noir is the ultimate team player — an all-rounder that can fit into any culinary occasion. SHIRAZ Shiraz thrives in the heat and requires a warm growing season (something we're not short on here in Australia). However, the most aromatic, elegant styles of shiraz are grown in regions with high diurnal temperature ranges (warm days/cool nights). In more temperate areas, shiraz shows jammy, dark berry and plummy fruit characters and less of the delicate aromas. Where it's grown will affect how shiraz is processed and fermented, allowing the winemaker to create a particular style and to build character and complexity into the wine. Where it's grown: Barossa, McLaren Vale, Langhorne Creek, Heathcote, Hunter Valley, Canberra District, McLaren Vale, Eden Valley and Mount Barker. What it tastes like: Punnets of berries dusted with black and green peppercorns, usually medium-bodied in style with drying tannins that call for barbecued meats. WHO'S DOING THINGS DIFFERENTLY? Australia's winemakers are always looking for new ways to develop, and even our more established wineries are open to experimentation in crafting new and exciting wines. The Wolf Blass Makers' Project range is all about celebrating the artistry of winemaking and showcasing the unique properties of each grape variety grown at a particular site. Experimental wines, like this range, are a way of developing and fostering new talent too, as the opportunity encourages the next generation of winemakers to think outside the box. The Wolf Blass Makers' Project wines showcase textures and freshness from the grapes to create fun and easy-to-drink styles like the pink pinot grigio, which is crafted with 'free run' juice, and the pinot noir, made using early pressing techniques to create a smooth and silky wine that's bursting with berry fruit characters. And then there's the reserve shiraz, which uses whole berry fermentation so that more full-fruit and robust flavours are extracted with gentle spicy characteristics. Explore the range that celebrates the processes of skilled winemakers, here. Love to wine and dine? Learn about your favourite flavour matches in our series Encyclopedia of Wine in collaboration with Wolf Blass. Top image: Hunter Valley, Destination NSW.
So there's this other short film festival organised by an interesting Australian bloke that started local and went global. Unlike its Kings Cross contemporary, the Manhattan Short Film Festival started out projected on the side of a delivery truck in New York City. Floating his idea on the tide of the internet, festival director Nick Mason turned his festival into an international event. Screens across the world will be screening the same films over the same week, letting a global audience decide who the festival's prizewinners should be. Sydney's screening is taking it close to the wire, bringing the festival to the Chauvel's ample screen before the results are announced in New York a little over a day later. There's a strong lineup this year, with the surprisingly serious themes of David and Goliath telling the true story of a Jewish man who survived the Nazis thanks to a dog's intervention and Martyr Friday, where a New York University student in Egypt between semesters ends up unable to leave the country and finds himself filming Egypt's Green Revolution. Fearsomely strong actor Julia Stiles plays a mistress who takes her relationship problems to her lover's wife in Sexting, while the makers of Incident by Bank re-create a failed real-life robbery with a cast of 90 extras in a single enormous take.
Neutral Bay has its fair share of Japanese restaurants, but none are quite like Ichibandori. Although the restaurant has been open on Sydney's lower north shore for a while, Hideto Suzuki of Manpuku and Tomoyuki Matsuya of HaNa Ju-Rin have recently taken it over and given it a new twist. They've turned it into a late-night ramen haven. But, you won't find any ramen here when the doors of the small 20-seater restaurant swing open at 5pm — you'll have to wait till 9pm. For the first half of the night, from 5–8pm, the restaurant is Ichibandori Robata, and this when the robata grill takes precedent. A traditional charcoal grill used throughout Japan, particularly in Hokkaido (where both Matsuya and Suzuki grew up), it's traditionally used to cook 'off-cuts': liver, thighs, heart. Ichibandori adds in some extra cuts for those less-adventurous eaters, including scallops, chicken breast marinated in sweet soy, young corn grilled within its husk and potato with creamed butter and fermented squid. These are paired with izakaya-style snacks, too, such as fresh sashimi, gyoza and fried chicken. By 9pm, the line is out the door, stretching down Military Road. You'll want to lineup early, and, we promise, it's worth it. Suzuki and Matsuya's idea for Ichibandori Ramen is based on the concept of late-night eating in Japan — often individuals go out for a few of drinks and slurp down a big bowl of ramen before heading home. That tradition hadn't quite made it to Australia yet. Noticing the lack of people out in the evenings on Neutral Bay, they jumped at the chance to open right across from The Oaks Hotel — to draw people in for some late-night noodles. It does comes at a price, however, with one single bowl will set you back $25. Suzuki — who looks after the ramen side of things — uses the best produce for each bowl, even importing many of the ingredients from Hokkaido. There are only two bowls available: the signature ramen — creamy tonkatsu ramen with chashu, pureed apple, enoki mushrooms, broccolini and a soft-boiled egg — a ramen of the day. When we visited, their special was a shio (salt) ramen with chicken (cooked on the robata), a soft-boiled egg, chargrilled shiitake and enoki and a variety of herbs. But, Suzuki is also known for his seafood ramen and, rumour has it, a lobster ramen will hit the menu in the near future, too. An extensive drinks menu is also available, including beers, sake and wine that are all sourced from Japan or from Japanese winemakers. One of our favourites is the Small Forest chardonnay, which is produced by a Japanese winemaker in the Hunter Valley, NSW, and on the sweeter side, which cuts through the umami of the ramen. Ichibandori is a restaurant like no other in Sydney. It makes the most of a tiny space, packing it full of delicious robata dishes and ramen well worth a drive across the bridge. Find Ichibandori at Shop 4, 81–91 Military Road, Neural bay. Ichibandori Robata is open from 5–8pm, and Ichibandori Ramen is open from 9pm–midnight, Monday–Saturday.
You may already know and love FOMO Festival after they slayed their debut in Brisbane last year. Well, this year they're back, bigger and better. The one-day festival is spreading its wings in 2017 and carrying the good times to Adelaide and Sydney, which is a huge leap for a young summer festival. They'll be gracing Adelaide with their crispy vibes on Friday, January 6, Brisbane on Saturday, January 7 and Sydney on Sunday, January 8. But onto the important stuff — the lineup. The festival is being headlined by Flosstradamus and Empire of the Sun (they're back again!), both here exclusively for FOMO. On the eats side of things, there'll be food from Butter, Pub Life Kitchen, Eat Art Truck and Messina. Check out the full lineup below. FOMO 2017 LINEUP Flosstradamus Empire Of The Sun Peking Duk JME GoldLink Metro Boomin Hannah Wants Slumberjack George Maple Feki Maribelle Lastlings Be there, or suffer ironic FOMO.
It has been five years since Deliveroo started speeding through Australia's streets to bring takeaway meals to our doors. And, as we all like to when a birthday rolls around, it's celebrating. This is the kind of party that rewards everyone, too, with the company delivering $1 meals from more than 26 eateries across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide. Each day this week, between Tuesday, November 10–Friday, November 13, Deliveroo is picking a city and gifting its residents meals at $1 a pop. A different number of eateries will be taking part in each location, and they'll each be offering up 100 meals at the gold-coin price. So yes, that means getting in quickly is recommended. First up, from 1–5pm on Tuesday, November 10, is Adelaide. On the menu: dishes from Burgertec, Goodlife Modern Organic Pizza, Cheeky Chook, Blue & White Cafe and Lukoumades. Then, from 12–6pm on Wednesday, November 11, it's Melbourne's turn — with Chicken Episode Plus, Bistro Morgan (including in Collingwood), Tadka Hut, Gelato Messina in Richmond and Royal Stacks Brunswick among the eateries involved. [caption id="attachment_783738" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Royal Stacks[/caption] When Thursday, November 12 rolls around, Sydneysiders can get their cheap food fix between 1–4.30pm — from Little L, Fishmongers, BL Burgers, Manoosh Pizzeria, Johnny Bird, The Italian Bowl and Burger Patch. Finally, to close out the week of super-affordable eats, Brisbane's Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers in Paddington, Ginga Sushi Japanese at Emporium, Brooklyn Depot in South Brisbane and The Yiros Shop will get in on the action between 2–5pm on Friday, November 13. There are a few tricks to the $1 special, however. It will really only cost $1 — there's no delivery cost on top of that — but exactly what each restaurant will be offering for that price won't be revealed until the day. And, a new restaurant will appear on Deliveroo's Instagram every hour, which is where you'll find out what's on the menu. From there, you'll just need to search for '$1 deals' when you're ordering online or via the Deliveroo app. And yes, that's an easy way to decide what to eat on the relevant day in your city this week. For further details about Deliveroo's $1 fifth birthday specials — which are on offer in Adelaide from 1–5pm on Tuesday, November 10; Melbourne from 12–6pm on Wednesday, November 11; Sydney from 1–4.30pm on Thursday, November 12; and Brisbane from 2–5pm on Friday, November 13 — keep an eye on the company's Instagram feed. Top images: Johnny Bird, Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers.
Dust off your sombreros, amigos. The latest international excuse for a good time to reach our shores is Cinco de Mayo — a celebration of all things Mexican (which, if we’re being nit-picky, is really more of an Americanisation than anything but shh, let us party). In celebration, the folks at Corona and Beach Burrito Company West End are putting together a fiesta, complete with face painting by local street artists and the first ever Taco Time Trials Eating Contest. For the less competitively inclined but equally taco-happy, Cinco de Mayo falls conveniently on a Tuesday, and Beach Burrito Co’s regular $3 taco deal applies, so your pesos’ll stretch further. With what you’ve got left, you can sip salt-rimmed margaritas, down trays of tequila shots (not recommended) or share a bucket of ice-cold Coronas. And, of course, come prepared to smash and whack your way to glory, because they wouldn’t be doing Mexico right without pinatas.
As part of the flurry of new streaming services competing for our eyeballs, FanForce TV joined the online viewing fold during the COVID-19 pandemic — with the pay-per-view platform not only screening movies, but pairing them with virtual Q&A sessions as well. Now, between Wednesday, May 27–Tuesday, June 2, it's also hosting an online film fest: the first Virtual Indigenous Film Festival. The event coincides with National Reconciliation Week, and will showcase six Australian documentaries: In My Blood It Runs, The Australian Dream, Gurrumul, Undermined: Tales from the Kimberley, Zach's Ceremony and Namatjira Project. That means you can watch your way through an array of Indigenous stories, spanning everything from everyday tales to culturally significant figures in art, sport and music — and exploring race relations, tradition and the environment in the process. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXa3gw3g4C4 Sessions will also feature guest speakers and expert panelists, such as Gurrumul director Paul Williams, Undermined filmmaker Nic Wrathall, and Zach and Alec Doomadgee from Zach's Ceremony. Viewers can tune in on a film-by-film basis, with tickets starting at US$6.99, or buy an all-access pass to everything for US$19.99.
There are plenty of great dates for the end of the world. Archbishop James Ussher's infamous count ended on October 23, 1997, at midday. The year 2000 was a focus of millenialism, and had the luck to have its Millennium Bug as a weightier side show. Today's so-called end of the world is a similar, numbers thing. The Mayans reach an interesting date today, with rumours going around that their version of December 21, 2012 could be a pretty bad day indeed. So many rumours that NASA has set up a page on why we'll all still be around this time tomorrow. They expect no surprise interplanetary collisions, worldwide blackouts or 180 degree polar shifts arriving in the earth's near future. What is coming is a turned page on the Mayan calendar. The Mayans numbered their years with a calendar system called the Long Count, which started on August 13, 3114BC. For them, that year was 13.0.0.0.0 — 13 baktun (400 years) 0 katun (20 years) 0 years 0 months 0 days. Their creation date started at 13 baktun, but tocked straight from 13.0.0.0.0 back to 1.0.0.0.0, 400 years later. Today the calendar has completed about 5,125 years and is up to 13.0.0.0.0 again, though the evidence seems to suggest that the Maya had no particular plans to start the count again. 400 years from now baktun 14 should arrive, right on schedule. There are probably very few modern Mayans who think the world is coming to an end. If anything, a Mayan world ended centuries ago: when sixteenth century Conquistadors put an end to much of the mesoamerica's way of life. What's happening today is that we're ticking over from 13.0.0.0.0 to tomorrow's 13.0.0.0.1. The numbers are nice, but tomorrow is bound to look a lot like today. Leading image of the Aztec calendar stone by El Commandante.
Michael Caine and Harvey Keitel wonder about days gone by, while Rachel Weisz and Jane Fonda deliver verbal tirades designed to awaken the ageing men from their apathy. All four spend their time in an expensive Swiss spa, and in a film as visually luxurious as their lush surroundings. So unravels Youth, its seasoned cast and opulent images its obvious selling points. Musings about life, love and legacy have rarely looked as exquisite, even if the movie's charms remain somewhat surface level. Youth is an inescapably familiar effort from writer-director Paolo Sorrentino, who covered similar territory — contrasting internal emptiness with external splendour — in his Oscar-winning last feature, The Great Beauty. Alas, the same magic doesn't strike twice, though in some ways that's rather apt. There's obvious symmetry in a filmmaking repeating the past by depicting characters stuck in theirs. Caine's Fred Ballinger is a retired composer, so renowned that he's asked to conduct his most famous creation for the queen, and so haunted by his troubles that he can't agree to participate in the performance. His discussions with Keitel's Mick Boyle, a filmmaker trying to finish a new script, largely focus on former glories, the ailments of being elderly, and their feuding children. Fred's daughter, Lena (Weisz), is married to Mick's son, Julian (Ed Stoppard), until Julian announces that he's leaving her for another woman. Others wander around the retreat, including an actor (Paul Dano) worried about being typecast and a fading screen siren (Fonda) Mick wants to re-team with for his next movie. In slivers and glimpses, Youth casts its net even wider, with a famous footballer, a beauty queen, and a motley crew of fellow guests also featuring. Together, they paint a universal picture of the ebbs and flows of existence, and of the contrast between the sublime and the grotesque. Sadly, most come across as diversions and distractions, directing attention away from the flimsiness of the film's supposedly wise dialogue. That's not to say that Youth doesn't have its pleasures — just that they're saddled with less successful elements, which is an appropriate outcome for a movie that tasks its characters with attempting to find the joy beyond their own sorrows. Watching Caine and Keitel chat and ponder is as enjoyable as it sounds — and while their conversations aren't as profound as they're clearly meant to be, the performances are moving nonetheless. Coupled with a strong score, Sorrentino's aesthetic flair ensures the feature offers a sight to behold and a soundscape to revel in, whether fashioning a music video for a pop star, taking a trip down memory lane or just staring at the folks reclining by the pool. It all makes for a suitable spectacle of mortality and melancholy; however the filmmaker's greatest feat is also his greatest undoing. He makes Youth feel exactly as it should, but always like an imitation. It's a decadent picture about watching the world go by, rather than really experiencing it.
Summer in the Harbour City is the perfect time to explore the city's many and varied outdoor spaces — and there's perhaps none more impressive than the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. There are plenty of ways to experience the inner city space this season, from hands-on workshops and immersive exhibitions to free outdoor gigs backed by some of the best views in town. The Calyx will be hosting Inside the Tide, an exhibition that explores the fascinating world of marine plant life. Open daily from 10am–4pm with entry by donation, Inside the Tide presents a surreal, under-the-sea experience that combines theatre and horticulture. With over 20,000 plants on display and a remarkable green wall, this exhibition will inspire all ages. Elsewhere, book a spot on an Aboriginal Bush Tucker Tour for a fascinating experience that'll expand the palate and the mind. This one-hour tour will take you through the Garden while your First Nations guide teaches you about Indigenous bush foods. You'll also find out how Indigenous foods have been cultivated traditionally as well as learn more about their growing place in contemporary cuisine. It'll set you back $30 per person, and you'll even get to taste some goodies along the way. If you're looking to get creative, be sure to head to the Art Kintsugi Workshop with Yoko Kawada. This hands-on workshop will guide you through the traditional Kintsugi mending method, leaving you with your very own artwork to take home. Practice the centuries-old Japanese art of repairing ceramic objects with lacquer and gold dust, transforming objects into new pieces that embrace the beauty in imperfection. Tickets for the workshop, which will be held on Tuesday, February 8 at the Maiden Theatre, are priced at $190 per person, with lunch also included. For those just wanting to kick back and enjoy the view, The Garden Social is back to give you the ultimate summer destination to do just that. Settle into the sunshine with a lineup of live music, spanning jazz to electronic, while enjoying great food and drinks all set to sweeping views of Sydney Harbour and the Opera House. The best part? Entry is free. Discover more things to do this summer at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney over at the website.
At a time when Australia's craft spirits scene was yet to kick into gear, Griffin Blumer and Jesse Kennedy pulled their inspiration from overseas, spurred on by a desire to give locals a taste of something fresh and exciting. And that something was their debut creation, Poor Toms Sydney Dry Gin. It was back in their Enmore share house that the two mates — already keen gin-thusiasts — started exploring a whole new world of international gins. We talk to the gin duo about finding a core audience and ultimately staying true to yourself. "We discovered all these different gins from around the world that were doing new things, and I guess a light bulb went off," Blumer explains. "Each gin was bringing something new to the table based on its geography and the mentality of these small producers, and we were like, 'why isn't anyone doing that here?'" he says. "There are all these unique ingredients here. Australians have a good attitude towards experimenting with new products and flavours, and it just made sense that someone would be doing this in Sydney. That's when it all kind of clicked." A little dose of inspiration from sources closer to home helped to seal the deal. "Our house was really close to a couple of new breweries, and seeing how they were experimenting with new styles did inspire us somewhat — that there probably was a market for a smaller, more expressive style of gin that speaks to this city the way these beers were," reveals Kennedy. Now, with their distillery having cemented its status as one of Sydney's best-loved, the duo's creative process is driven by that same desire to give local gin lovers something great. They've always been big on feedback, their creative direction steered by the people enjoying their gin. It's why Poor Toms' strawberry gin went from an exclusive onsite pour to an upcoming major release. "We saw how much it's enjoyed at the tasting bar and how well it's sold there," says Kennedy. "That's all the feedback we needed to realise it was something worth making available to everyone. That's pretty much what inspires us anyway as a brand, just making enjoyable spirits." The boys are quick to tell you they're not out to please everyone, however. "If you're a tiny producer, you can make the product you want to make," explains Blumer. "You can cater to people in a unique way and find your hardcore audience, rather than being mildly pleasing to everybody. Being small is good for that." You could say it's an attitude that extends to the duo's style, staying true to their own relaxed selves, rather than worrying about what everyone else thinks. "I pretty much wear the same clothes every day," says Blumer. "Whether I'm doing something sweaty at the distillery, going to a tasting at a bar or even to a corporate event, I'll just wear my jeans. Jeans are a staple." For him, it's part and parcel of creating something decent. "People take you as you are, if you project that. Being relaxed and not up yourself is an important part of the process — and making good stuff," he muses. "If your job is to give people enjoyment, then you have to enjoy yourself. You're not enjoying yourself if you're always worrying about what other people think of you." Check out Poor Toms' distillery and bar, and find the denim that brings out the creative, innovator and gamechanger in you at The Iconic. Images: Trent van der Jagt.
One of the most strenuous undertakings of summer is deciding how best to allocate your funds to Sydney's music festival calendar. This year doing so has proved especially draining to both brain and bank balance what with all the excellent new boutique festivals cropping up alongside the mainstays, but hopefully you've remembered that the best lineup is often painstakingly kept on the d-low until well into spring. After weeks of teasing Twitter followers with inscrutable clues St Jerome's Laneway Festival has finally released its lineup and, duh, it's an indie-dense doozy. Headliners Bat for Lashes, Yeasayer and Nicolas Jaar help comprise the exciting international contingent, alongside plenty of budding artists you'll be hearing a lot more of before 2013. In alphabetical order, the St Jerome's Laneway Festival 2013 Lineup: ALPINE ALT-J# BAT FOR LASHES CHET FAKER CLOUD NOTHINGS DIVINE FITS EL-P FLUME HENRY WAGONS & THE UNWELCOME COMPANY HIGH HIGHS* HOLY OTHER JAPANDROIDS# JESSIE WARE JULIA HOLTER KINGS OF CONVENIENCE THE MEN MS MR THE NEIGHBOURHOOD NICOLAS JAAR## NITE JEWEL* OF MONSTERS AND MEN* PERFUME GENIUS POLICA POND REAL ESTATE# THE RUBENS SHLOHMO SNAKADAKTAL TWERPS YEASAYER St Jerome's Laneway Festival 2013 dates: Brisbane RNA Showgrounds Friday 1st February Sydney Sydney College of the Arts (Subject to Council approval) Saturday 2nd February Melbourne Footscray Community Arts Centre (Subject to Council approval) Sunday 3rd February Adelaide Fowler's Live and UniSA West Courtyards Friday 8th February Perth Perth Cultural Centre Saturday 9th February 2013 Presale tickets start 9AM, Wednesday 3 October. See full details on the Laneway website. https://youtube.com/watch?v=iqkLWlZx7A4
Been dreaming of a cherry-blossomed-filled trip to Japan, but can't quite afford the cash or time? Surry Hills' Japanese dive bar Goros has you sorted. It's bringing cherry blossom season to Sydney with Cherry Bomb. For six weeks, the venue will be transformed into a pink wonderland, inspired by clubs all over Tokyo that do the same. As soon as you walk in, you'll be transported via pink installations, lanterns, karaoke and DJs. Equally pink is the cocktail list. Take a seat under cascading sakura blooms while sipping on a Momo Kitty (Nikka Coffey vodka, peach sake, yuzu and green apple) or an Ume Sour (Nikka Days whisky, umeshu, watermelon and lemon) – and sampling watermelon sashimi, tempura prawn bao and strawberry fried ice cream. But perhaps the real highlight is Goros Castle, happening during the first week of May. It's a chaotic contest where you get to prove yourself in a series of fun competitions — from eating giant ramen to wrestling in a sumo suit. Cherry Bomb is on from Wednesday, April 2, to Saturday, May 10. To get in on the action, head along any day from Wednesday to Saturday from 4pm.
Merivale's more affordable George Street diner and takeaway eatery Jimmy's Falafel has packed up shop and moved to a new location — just a few doors down from its original home. The Middle Eastern restaurant closed on Saturday, March 18, only to pop right back up in a larger inner-city spot at 330 George Street, side-by-side with other Merivale favourites Bar Totti's and MuMu. The move aims to accommodate more patrons and larger groups with the new digs boasting bigger tables and booths. Design-wise, it sticks close to the original with orange neon signs and retro Middle Eastern posters alongside playful touches like a disco ball and a set of DJ decks. As with the original, the result is a space that feels both sleek and casual, with welcoming booths sitting alongside a flashy bar area. The menu has also been given a shake-up, with Head Chefs Simon Zalloua and Alex Verhovtsev bringing inspiration back from recent trips to Lebanon, Jordan and the UAE. While Jimmy's favourites like chicken shish with toum and late-night pitas are still here, you can also find a massive lamb share plate, whole flounder, butterflied charcoal chicken and wagyu kusbasi steak. The dessert menu has also been refreshed, with coffee-soaked dates with coconut sorbet and ricotta-filled crepes joining the venue's famous baklava. "The new space has provided the inspiration to expand our menu to include larger dishes designed for sharing, with more seating for bigger groups to come together," says Zalloua. "Growing up in a Lebanese household we would eat every meal together in a big group, it was an opportunity to really connect and be present." "I'm super passionate about our new signature dish, Jimmy's Famous Lamb, which is a homage to what my father loves to cook when we entertain or celebrate at home. When we first opened Jimmy's, the menu was really inspired by my mum's homestyle cooking and her recipes, but this signature lamb dish is inspired by my dad, and his love for cooking a whole lamb on the spit at home for our family and friends." Jimmy's Falafel is now located at 330 George Street, Sydney. It's open 11.30am–midnight Monday–Wednesday, 11.30am–2am Thursday–Friday, midday–2am Saturday and midday–10pm Sunday. Top image: Jiwon Kim
Spunky Bruiser's founders Bex Frost and Christian Olea sum up the brand's aesthetic as "distinctive, lusciously gritty and unapologetic". Celebrating sustainable design, the duo use recycled and reclaimed materials to hand-make one-off garments for men, women and kids, taking a firm anti-mass production stance and proudly turning the usual shopping experience on its head. Trends are ignored ("Our designs are made to be eternally relevant," say the couple), as is standard sizing (garments come in "you size"). Instead, the pair specialises in custom making pieces to suit not only a person's frame, but their personality too. This often means incorporating sentimental materials belonging to the client into the work — they're particularly known for re-working tapestries into eclectic, eye-catching jackets. They even offer to patch up any wear and tear for the lifetime of the garment. As Bex and Christian say, there's nothing quite like it out there. Images: Steven Woodburn
A dip in Walsh Bay itself might not seem all that appealing, but some summertime splashing in a harbourside pool sure does. So tomorrow — just in time for the balmy days to come — harbourside hotel Pier One is launching a pop-up called The Pool, featuring an actual plunge pool out on its private pontoon. Promising a luxe poolside experience for hotel guests and visitors alike, the space has been kitted out with lush foliage, umbrellas, deck chairs and pool toys to complement an upscale food and drink offering. In between dips, punters can enjoy classic Aussie-style barbecue dishes from on-site smokehouse The Kerrigan, like spiced calamari rings and fried chook wings. Pier One's Sydney Harbour Bar will be slinging a summery array of signature cocktails, while local DJs will grace the decks, bumping up the party vibe. It's all on offer Fridays through Sundays from noon till sunset throughout summer, and open daily from 3pm between December 26 and January 1. Access to The Pool will cost you $30, including a towel, use of the pool toys and an alcoholic beverage. It's for adults only and they don't take bookings, so you'll want to get in early to nab a primo poolside spot. If you've got a spare $499, you can also get on board The Pool's huge New Year's Eve party, taking advantage of that prime, harbourside fireworks-viewing real estate. Find The Pool at Pier One Sydney Harbour, 11 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay. For more info, visit pieronesydneyharbour.com.au.
The enthralling showcase of aerialists, acrobats, jugglers and circus performers is back once again this Easter long weekend to dazzle audiences at the Hoopla Festival at Darling Harbour. With a range of incredible skills and talents on display for 2013, this year's crew will provide a weekend of exceptional entertainment for all ages and backgrounds. With a Tumble Circus all the way from Ireland, the Barolosolo Cirkus Company revealing some of most hilarious and entertaining acts France has to offer, as well as performers straight from Cirque du Soleil, Legs on the Wall and Circus Oz, the high calibre of the artists on show will have you gasping, laughing and wanting much, much more. The acts on offer range from tricky magicians, bendy contortionists, burly handbalancers and saucy burlesque performers to hilarious comedians. Most of the performances are free or $5, ranging up to only $25, and they are all easily located on the ideal backdrop of our very own Darling Harbour. Check out the program to plan the most compelling Easter weekend (and probably cheapest) you would've and will have in a while.
Summer arvos call for cocktail-sipping in the open air, and one of the best tipples to enjoy al fresco-style is the Aperol spritz. The drink whisks you away to the Italian coastline and makes any sunny day just that little bit brighter. Merivale knows this all too well so it's launched Aperol Afternoons, a decadent deal that's available at some of its best outdoor venues across the sunny season. From 4–6pm each day, your group can relax and enjoy Aperol spritzes — and if three of you order this delicious tipple, you'll only pay for two. Paying for a round is sounding a little more appealing now, right? To take advantage of this special sundowner offer, head to the lush Coogee Pavilion Rooftop until Wednesday, February 6. After that, Aperol Afternoons will be making stops at The Newport's expansive beachside deck from Friday, February 8—Friday, March 6 and the Ivy Pool Club's sky-high oasis from Friday, March 8–Sunday, March 31. For more information on the deal and venues, visit the Merivale website.
On return from her artist residency in Arita, Japan, Sydney-based ceramicist Milly Dent will hold a solo show at Saint Cloche in Paddington. Inspired by the rich ceramic history of Japan, Milly's work explores how history affects contemporary practice. Capturing a sense of space, form and clarity, her work illuminates the juxtaposition of the pristine mountains and forests that surround Arita and the heaps of discarded ceramic cut-offs piled behind the ceramic factories. In her own words, Dent wanted to create "a sense of revival or reincarnation of the forms, which can now be seen as more beautiful and interesting with the capturing of the decay". And so, through a combination of utilitarian and sculptural technique and style, Dent's work reflects the beauty and timelessness of earth's essential ecosystems that are continually at work, regardless of human activity. If you've got some cash to spare, all of the pieces will be available to purchase.
Sydney dancefloor demons, bust out your baggiest Adidas tee because DJ Jazzy Jeff is going to 'Boom Shake the Room' at The Soda Factory this Saturday night. Straight after his pool party at the Ivy, the Grammy-winning hip hop megastar is heading over Surry Hills way for a smaller, more intimate show to please his loyal, local fans. DJ Jazzy Jeff (Jeff Townes) formed one half of '90s super duo DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince with Will Smith, and has since gone on to become one of the biggest names in contemporary hip hop. Now, after dropping in on the American diner-cum-club that is The Soda Factory, he has decided he wants to leave his mark there. The gig goes down this Saturday night, without any cover charge to speak of. The Soda Factory is well reputed for smashing short notice parties, and DJ Jazzy Jeff is likely to make this one for the ages. https://youtube.com/watch?v=ZwS14TiO7Pk
No longer just the realms of Monica Trapaga yazz residencies and kiddie-aimed pantomimes, the Twilight at Taronga series is taking it up a huge, cred-worthy notch. Kicking off a frankly kickass lineup set to play mega concerts at Sydney's Taronga Zoo, Bright Eyes' soul-searching dreamboat Conor Oberst, twee monarchs Belle and Sebastian, the one and only Rufus Wainwright and Powderfinger's legendary nice guy Bernard Fanning are just the tip of Taronga's genuinely killer program — spanning each Friday and Saturday night from Friday, January 30 through Saturday, March 21 after hours at the zoo. Being one of Australia's most high-fiveworthy zoos, Taronga's drummed up an Australian contingent worth crossing seas for: Paul Kelly presenting Merri Soul Sessions, You Am I, Sarah Blasko, Dan Sultan, Something For Kate, Little May, Jack Ladder and the Dreamlanders, Hiatus Kaiyote and more are all confirmed to front that top notch Sydney Harbour backdrop. And Ken Done's designing the marketing collateral, because 'straya. One of the most contemporary lineups the Twilight at Taronga series has seen in its 19 years running, the feathered, furred and finned will have plenty to choose from this summer. Whether the giraffes are Conor Oberst fans or the bilbies get into some sweet Belle and Sebastian remains to be seen. And you should see the also-announced Melbourne Zoo program — they get the motherflippin' Village People. TWILIGHT AT TARONGA 2015 PROGRAM: Friday 30 January – BERNARD FANNING, supported by Little May Saturday 31 January – BELLE AND SEBASTIAN, supported by Special Guests Friday 6 January – PAUL KELLY PRESENTS THE MERRI SOUL SESSIONS featuring Clairy Browne, Kira Puru, & Vika and Linda Bull, supported by Hiatus Kaiyote Saturday 7 February - YOU AM I, supported by Jack Ladder & The Dreamlanders Friday 13 February - SARAH BLASKO, supported by Luluc Saturday 14 February - ANTHONY CALLEA presents Ladies & Gentlemen, The Songs of George Michael, supported by Caterina Torres Friday 20 February - THE BEAUTIFUL GIRLS, supported by Caravana Sun Saturday 21 February – THE BAMBOOS, supported by Katalyst with special guests (Original beats set) Friday 27 February - BOYS IN THE BAND – 50 years of hits! Saturday 28 February - BJORN AGAIN Friday 6 March – CONOR OBERST, supported by The Felice Brothers Saturday 7 March - RUFUS WAINWRIGHT performing The Best of Rufus Wainwright, supported by Lucy Wainwright Roche Friday 13 March – DAN SULTAN, supported by Benny Walker and Pierce Brothers Saturday 14 March - JAMES MORRISON BIG BAND Friday 20 March – SOMETHING FOR KATE, supported by Jen Cloher Saturday 21 March - ROSS WILSON and Mental As Anything Tickets for Twilight at Taronga's full program go on sale 9am, Friday, October 31 over here.
