Thanks to the soothing tones of waves lapping against the shore, a trip to Burleigh Heads always comes a soundtrack. From May, if you're a fan of Japanese cuisine, it'll also feature slurping noises aplenty. That's when RaRa Ramen is set to open its doors, with the Sydney-based chain making its first trip north — adding a Gold Coast site as a sibling venue to its four NSW stores. On the menu: tonkotsu ramen, which has proven quite the hit at RaRa Redfern, RaRa Randwick and RaRa Chan in Eveleigh. Taking its cues from the chain's vegan offshoot Lonely Mouth, RaRa Burleigh Heads will be doing meat-free bowls as well. Chicken karaage, cauliflower karaage and corn tempura will also be on offer, covering snack options for both carnivorous and plant-focused diners alike. While a great bowl of broth and noodles is always a drawcard, RaRa Burleigh Heads will boast another thanks to its neon-lit cocktail bar. Glowing hues are a feature of the company's other sites, too; however, in this case, the vivid lights will be nodding to the area's history. When on the Gold Coast and all that. Drinks-wise, sours will be a highlight, alongside a lineup of beers that'll include Japanese brews. And, the venue's decor will reflect its beachy setting in other ways, including in the curved lines featured in the fitout. RaRa is expected to open in Burleigh Heads before the middle of May, at the back of an arcade on James Street. If you're wondering why owners Scott Gault and Katie Shortland have decided to make the leap, Gault is originally from Brisbane — and, on a trip this way to see family after navigating border closures and restrictions during the peak of the pandemic, the pair spotted the property. "We let it percolate in our heads, and thought it could be a good opportunity to bring RaRa to the Gold Coast," Gault tells Concrete Playground. "Initially, we didn't have any plans to expand interstate, or to open a new store at the time." Like most Brisbanites, Gault has fond childhood memories of spending ample time on the coast, and identified Burleigh as an exciting food hub. Also a factor in the decision: the Gold Coast's existing culinary range. Gault notes that the city has boasted "great options for Japanese food over the years, which have informed everyone's palate." RaRa Ramen will open before mid-May at 21A/50 James Street, Burleigh Heads. Images: RaRa Ramen Randwick, Kitti Gould.
The bars that exist in five star hotels are a different breed. Grain bar, perched at the Four Seasons on George Street, epitomises this said breed. This newbie has a quiet elegance, A grade barmen and waiters who know what you want before you do. A prototype of eating and drinking decadence, Grain is the modern version of what hotel bars in the movies stand for; a place of sultry looks, sophisticated liquor and and inspiring service. Grain reflects the ethos of the bar; everything possible is carefully crafted or hand made, every ingredient is of quality. The entire interior is made of dark timber, which glows in the low yellow light engulfing the bar in cosiness. The island bar is the stand out feature, which is made of frosted glass covered in twisted pieces of Queensland Blackbutt timber, which gives the internationally branded bar a sense of location. Trays suspended at different levels hold perfectly aligned bottles of spirits aloft. The cocktail menu is a thing of wonder. The De Vines ($17), comprising grapes, elderflower and pisco shaken with lime and topped with sparkling wine is perfectly refreshing. The Eastern Promise ($19), fresh pineapple, coriander and vodka shaken with absinthe, is unlike any other cocktail I've tasted. The usually sweet pineapple is mellowed by the absinthe and as you sip, you get an incredible hit of coriander on the nose. The substantial food menu is designed to share and incredibly tempting, something we've come to expect from Hamish Ingham of Bar H. The oysters (there is a choice of three) are large and incredibly fresh, Moonlight en Surface ($4.50 each) are particularly good if your prefer them creamy and salty rather than fishy. The Old Man's Fried Salt Bush ($12) is a plant from South Australia with wide leaves that are dipped in batter, deep-fried and served with garlic aioli. This is a great drinking dish as it is salty with a fantastic crunchy texture. The flavour of the plant, however, is somewhat lost. This is a shame as the strong herbaceous, almost citrusy flavour compliments the salty batter very well. The Grain burger and fries ($21) is suited to those after something heftier; the seeded roll is stuffed full with pulled beef short rib, radish, onion and sorrel. The rangers valley hanger steak with salt and vinegar parsnip ($29.5) is cut up to share, with a salsa verde-type sauce is melt-in-your-mouth tender. I'm dying to try the Roquefort and chocolate oaties ($12) or box of tobacco chocolate almonds ($8) but am nearing on a food coma, so opt for a beer instead. My pick? The Brooklyn Lager ($11) which is amber and hoppy. So if you're in Circular Quay after a show at the Opera House, this is the perfect way to top a classy night. Make your way down to Grain quickly, because its set to dish up a full house seven days.
When pink guards approach, little that's good happens. In the first teaser trailer for Squid Game season three, that proves true again. The just-dropped sneak peek at the Netflix hit's third and final season starts with its red-adorned figures carrying a black box — the type used as coffins for players who haven't made it in this life-or-death game. Naturally, everyone decked out in a green tracksuit is curious, as well as apprehensive. It's time to play one last time — or it will be come Friday, June 27, 2025. Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae, The Acolyte) is back in the game. A huge gumball machine is part of the next round, complete with red and blue balls. The Front Man (Lee Byung-hun, The Magnificent Seven) also makes a return. Expect to hear a baby crying as well. That the deadly contest at the heart of Squid Game just keeps going, continuing to pit new batches of 456 players against each other in a battle to the death to win 45.6 billion won, sits at the heart of the award-winning Netflix series — but will that remain the case now that the show itself is wrapping up? What happens next in Gi-hun's quest to bring down those responsible for the killer competition? If you've watched season two, which dropped on Boxing Day 2024, then these are probably some of your questions already. Fans will also know that Player 456 went back in the game with new fellow competitors for company, then found himself closer to the person pulling the strings than he knew. However his efforts pan out this time around, the show's last run will feature a finale written and directed by series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk. In Squid Game's second season, Gong Yoo (Train to Busan) also returned as the man in the suit, aka the person who got Gi-hun into the game in the first place — and so did Wi Ha-joon (Little Women) as detective Hwang Jun-ho. That said, a series about a deadly contest comes with a hefty bodycount, so new faces were always going to be essential. That's where Yim Si-wan (Emergency Declaration), Kang Ha-neul (Insider), Park Sung-hoon (The Glory) and Yang Dong-geun (Yaksha: Ruthless Operations) all came in. If you've somehow missed all things Squid Game until now, even after it became bigger than everything from Stranger Things to Bridgerton, the Golden Globe- and Emmy-winning series serves up a puzzle-like storyline and unflinching savagery, which unsurprisingly makes quite the combination. It also steps into societal divides within South Korea, a topic that wasn't invented by Parasite, Bong Joon-ho's excellent Oscar-winning 2019 thriller, but has been given a boost after that stellar flick's success. As a result, it's easy to see thematic and narrative parallels between Parasite and Squid Game, although Netflix's highly addictive series goes with a Battle Royale and Hunger Games-style setup. Netflix turned the show's whole premise into an IRL competition series as well, which debuted in 2023 — without any murders, of course. Squid Game: The Challenge has already been picked up for a second season. Check out the first trailer for Squid Game season three below: Squid Game season three streams via Netflix from Friday, June 27, 2025. Season one and two are available to stream now. Images: Netflix.
So you nabbed your 1kg bag of Grinders Coffee Roasters beans or ground? You want to go into the running to score the funds for an all-out date with your schmoopy woopy? Let's get your entry in, lover. Now, we know that pet names for partners can be divisive at the best of times. But, whether you love them or loathe them, Concrete Playground is joining forces with Grinders Coffee Roasters to make a case for sharing yours with the world. In anticipation of Valentine's Day, let's delight in (or cringe at) the pet names we use to refer to our nearest and dearest — and then send 40 of you honey pies on an all-out date. Simply enter your details in the form below, upload a photo of your receipt (that clearly shows your purchased kilo of beans or ground) and then tell us the delightfully soppy (or saucy) nickname you use on your lover (or bestie, cos we're into that platonic love too). Forty of you will be scoring a $250 Mastercard e-gift card from Grinders Coffee Roasters — the grounds for a very good date with snookums. From Wednesday, January 18 until Tuesday, February 14, ten of the prizes will be scored each and every Tuesday. Red hot. To go in the draw, enter your details below. Top image: LanaStock
Set the clock. For two-and-a-half hours only, Maybe Sammy is taking over 29/30 at W Sydney for a Vivid-inspired pop-up. Get there between 7–9.30pm on Thursday, June 5, to try a selection of unique, light-themed cocktails. The star of the show is definitely the Monsoon Mirage: a dreamy blend of bourbon, vermouth and peach wine, topped with a Southeast Asian fusion of calamansi and tamarind, layered with Greek yoghurt, and spiced with chilli. Plus, it arrives at your table in a glowing LED box, making you a walking, talking part of Vivid. On top of that, throughout the festival, W Sydney's Living Room Bar is bringing you three special, Vivid-eqsue drinks — all with a Japanese twist. Try the creamy Neo Kyoto (matcha whisky, coconut, lemon and milk topped with matcha-salted foam), the aromatic Velvet Yume (gin, peach, sakura and yuzu) or the refreshing Hanami (rum, umeshu, soda, cucumber and yuzu). W Sydney is one of many spots celebrating Vivid with signature cocktails. Others include rooftop bar The Rook in the CBD, Chin Chin in Surry Hills and Untied in Barangaroo.
We've all been there. You've just finished off a delicious meal at a restaurant or bar and the waiter asks if you can be tempted by dessert or a digestif. But why not have both? We're big believers in treating ourselves guilt-free, which is why Glenmorangie's latest collaboration with Smoke caught our attention. The scotch label has partnered with Barangaroo House rooftop bar to celebrate the launch of its new cake-inspired whisky, A Tale of Cake. Designed by Glenmorangie's Director of Whisky Creation Dr Bill Lumsden, A Tale of Cake is aged in dessert wine casks, which gives it a distinct, candy-like flavour. To prove how well this new tipple would pair with a dessert, Glenmorangie had world-famous pastry chef Dominique Ansel (creator of the legendary cronut) design a special dessert to be enjoyed with A Tale of Cake cocktails, dubbed a Caketail. Now, to launch the spirit Down Under, Glenmorangie has done the same here, by teaming up with Smoke Bar to create its very own Caketail. The cocktail, designed by Smoke's bartender Pauric Kennedy, pairs the whisky with sweet vermouth, chocolate bitters and orgeat syrup for a rich cocktail with notes of marzipan and spice. The dessert, created by Chef Tom Haynes, explores those flavours, too. It consists of a hard chocolate shell filled with a chocolate almond mousse that's been spiked with coffee and marzipan liquor, and it's served with hazelnut ice cream (infused with Tale of Cake) and a nut crumble. The end result is an extremely decadent cocktail and cake pairing that's perfect for the festive season. Smoke's Caketail cocktail and dessert pairing is available from Monday, November 23 to Monday, December 21. To make a booking, head this way. Images: Kimberley Low
When the annual World's 50 Best Restaurants announced its picks in 2023, Australia was completely absent, missing out on spots in both the top 50 itself and the 51–100 longlist. Which eateries have made the cut in 2024 is only just starting to be unveiled, beginning with the tail end of the choices — and trust Josh and Julie Niland to help get Aussie hospitality back among the rankings. Saint Peter has taken out 98th place on the 2024 51–100 longlist, and it's the only Australian restaurant named so far. The top 50 itself will be unveiled on Wednesday, June 5, so there's still hope that some more love will be sent Down Under. The last time that there was an Aussie showing in the full 100 was in 2022, when Andrew McConnell's Melbourne diner Gimlet at Cavendish House came in at 84 for its World's 50 Best debut. [caption id="attachment_952313" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Christopher Pearce[/caption] Named ahead of its move in July into The Grand National Hotel, Saint Peter is similarly a new entry, earning praise for the Nilands' famed nose-to-tail approach to the ocean's finest. That ethos has already seen Josh's applauded The Whole Fish Cookbook win him the prestigious James Beard Book of the Year Award back in 2020, becoming the first Australian to ever take out the prize. In 2022, he was the only Australian chef to feature in The Best Chefs Awards for 2022 — aka the list of the top 100 best globally — too. The same year, both Josh and Julie picked up the Game Changer Award from France's La Liste. "Not every restaurant can legitimately claim to be spearheading a movement. Yet this cool concept from Josh Niland takes the great Australian seafood tradition to previously unexplored heights," said the team behind 2024's World's 50 Best Restaurants 51–100 list in this year's rankings. "Known as 'the fish butcher', Niland favours techniques typically associated with meat. With a gill-to-fin approach, he utilises as much of the fish as possible, from eyes to organs, bones to scales – and everything in between. The innovative menu changes daily to reflect that morning's catch," the shoutout went on. [caption id="attachment_952314" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Christopher Pearce[/caption] Australia's hospitality scene hasn't ever dominated the World's 50 Best Restaurants gongs, but not placing at all for 2023 didn't escape attention. Just two Aussie restaurants claimed spots in 2021's awards, both of them Victorian, with Dan Hunter's Brae placing 57th and Ben Shewry's Ripponlea fine diner Attica coming in at number 97. There were no awards in 2020, but Brae and Attica also placed in the longlist in 2019. In 2018, Attica came in 20th and Brae 58th. Australia has had up to four restaurants in the top 50 before, including three when the awards debuted in 2002. The World's 50 Best awards are chosen by a panel of over 1000 culinary experts, guided by a strict voting procedure. They're now hosted by a different country each year, with Melbourne playing host city back in 2017. In 2023, Central in Lima, Peru acme in first. The year's other picks included Disfrutar in Barcelona in second, Diverxo in Madrid in third, Atxondo's Asador Etxebarri in fourth and Copenhagen's Alchemist in fifth. Next came Maido in Lima, Lido 84 in the Gardone Riviera, Atomix in New York, Quintonil in Mexico City and Table by Bruno Verjus in Paris to round out the top ten. Wondering about the best places to eat Down Under, regardless of what the World's 50 Best Restaurants chooses? Check out our picks for the best Sydney and best Melbourne restaurants. [caption id="attachment_811440" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nikki To[/caption] To check out the World's 50 Best Restaurants 51–100 list, head to the awards' website. The top 50 will be announced on Wednesday, June 5 — and we'll update you then. Top image: Christopher Pearce.
Set on a mission to reinvent the wheel of Australian cuisine, Penelope's has found a home in the heart of Sydney. Led by owner and Executive Chef Cuong Nguyen (ex-Hello Auntie), this vibrant restaurant is dedicated to reflecting the city's multicultural landscape through an innovative menu, fantastic cocktail list and luxe dining experience. To tackle the task, Nguyen has pulled together a star-studded backing team featuring Head Chef Bremmy Setiyoko (ex-Spice Temple, Sepia) and General Manager Lee Potter Cavanagh. "We thrive on diversity and various culinary influences from around the world," says Nguyen. "Don't call us 'fusion' at Penelope's; we're simply passionate about sharing our authentic Aussie experience." Drawing influence from the plethora of cultures within the city — including Nguyen's own Vietnamese heritage and his exposure to the culinary landscape of the Inner West — Penelope's highlights Mediterranean, Asian and modern Australian flavours with creative flair and a big focus on flavour. The new 132-seater is located in Quay Quarter Tower on Bridge Street. The space features a sleek bar, a breezy balcony dining area and plush lounges through the interior dining room. The Harbour Bridge-facing venue spotlights the iconic landmark thanks to panoramic views from every seat. As for the menu, Penelope's offers a diverse range of eats meticulously crafted by Setiyoko alongside a wine list curated by Potter Cavanagh. "I'm excited to create something fresh and captivating," explains Chef Setiyoko. "Cuong has given me a lot of freedom to explore and create at Penelope's so I can cook something I'm really passionate about and [is] hopefully delicious." Standout creations on the Penelope's menu include the bakar chicken, a coriander and turmeric-coated roast chicken paired with toum (garlic sauce) and a turmeric and lemongrass sambal for some heat — a dish that hits close to home for the chef, as it draws inspiration from his mother's cooking. Then there's the surprising wonton-style pork and prawn ravioli in a familiar brown butter and sage sauce. The drinks list has also received a fair amount of attention with Potter Cavanagh's big focus on wine. Peruse away and you'll discover 100 sips ranging from Australia's up-and-coming tipples to imported wines from across the globe. For cocktails, Australian natives take centre stage with peppermint gum featuring in the whisky-based Jiminy Cricket, and wattleseed paired with a Vegemite caramel star in the Bogan Old Fashioned. And to top things off, Penelope's will be pumping the tunes with a rotation of live music and DJs. "We can not wait to share our passion for food, wine, and cocktails," says Potter Cavanagh. "We're also very proud of the space and have great tunes. I'm hoping it's somewhere that everyone can enjoy and see a piece of Sydney in it." You'll find Penelope's open from 12pm to 10pm Monday to Saturday and 12pm to 4pm on Sunday at Level 1 in Quay Quarter Tower at 50 Bridge Street, Sydney.
The masters of contemporary Italian fare behind Ormeggio at The Spit are at it again, choosing Sydney's northern beaches for their new 49-seat venture, Sotto Sopra. After launching on February 9, the Newport trattoria sees acclaimed Ormeggio partners, Alessandro Pavoni, Victor Moya, and Bill Drakopoulos, joined by Roman-born chef Mattia Rossi, who's fresh from a stint heading up the kitchen at Chiosco. While the team has hinted at a more relaxed vibe this time around, fans of Ormeggio will know to expect a healthy dose of creative flair and a few well-executed surprises, regardless. Sotto Sopro is Italian for 'upside-down', and proves a fitting name given the menu, which sees traditional Italian flavours enjoy some clever, rather unexpected treatments. Taking pride of place in the kitchen is an imported woodfire oven, where dishes like cacciucco pie and slow-cooked, Roman-style porchetta will channel the cooking that Pavoni grew up with back in Italy, albeit crafted on top Aussie produce. Both a 16-seat, custom-made, communal feasting table and two share menu options ($69 & $79 per person) are bound to get a solid workout, heralding many a long, lazy lunch to come. Think mouth-watering stuzzichini, broccoli and honey bug orecchiette, and house-made tiramisu, alongside an affordable line-up of Italian wine varietals. Find Sotto Sopra at The Palms G04/316-324 Barrenjoey Road, Newport. For more information, visit their website and Facebook page.
Stay tuned. More info on its way. Image: Destination NSW.
While he's never been a traditional leading man, actor Crispin Glover is one of Hollywood's most recognisable faces. With a host of famous roles behind him, including the Thin Man in Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle and George McFly in Back to the Future, he's earned himself quite the cult following. On Friday July 20 and Sunday July 21, Glover will join with Chauvel cinema for a two-part performance of his Big Slide Show — one-hour narrations of eight copiously illustrated books, the images from which will be projected behind him during these dramatic readings. They'll be followed by screenings of films he's produced. Whether you're a fan of this grossly underappreciated treasure or a lover of all things wacky, this is not to be missed.
Channelling the cultural and creative breadth of Japan's 47 prefectures, this six-venue hub, contains four restaurants, a patisserie and a whiskey bar by the award-winning team behind Sydney institution Maybe Sammy. The flagship venue, Garaku, offers a traditional kaiseki experience — Japan's answer to the degustation. Ex-Tetsuya Executive Chef Derek Kim has crafted an exquisite and theatrical concept, with each dish offering an elegant interpretation of the four seasons. Meanwhile upstairs, Ibushi is a lively robata restaurant serving up smoke, skewers and sake while summoning shades of the bustling streets of Tokyo, led by Head Chef Chris Kim and Executive Chef Takashi Yamamoto. The most exclusive venue on the site is Omakase, an intimate eight-seat diner aiming to set a new gold standard for the classic Japanese chef's table experience. Master of omakase sushi, Akira Horikawa and Tomoyuki Matsuya from Hatted restaurant Kame House, will be feeding the lucky few who manage to bag a seat at their coveted bar. There are also plans in the works for a rotation of celebrated Japanese sushi masters to visit as guest chefs. Exploring the ways Japanese cuisine has influenced dining cultures around the world is FIVE, featuring a modern European menu reimagined with Japanese flourishes conceived by Head Chef Hiroshi Manaka, formerly of Charlotte Bar & Bistro. The name is inspired by the five core fundamental elements expressed in the menu: taste, colour, cooking, moderation and the senses. The latest venture from Maybe Group is Whisky Thief, a bar for both seasoned whisky enthusiasts and newcomers to the amber dram. Expect an impressive list of aged drops alongside the kind of creative cocktails the Maybe Sammy team is famed for. Finally, Dear Florence, a classic patisserie, is serving up delectable sweet treats and refined desserts created by Executive Pastry Chef Aoife Noonan. Top image: Anson Smart
Located across from Narrabeen Beach, this Asian-fusion diner from the team behind Paddington favourites Chubby Cheeks and Armchair Collective showcases a menu developed by ex-Mimi's chef Julian Laczyc-Wyhowski. Featuring a mix of contemporary twists, Fat Pomelo offers small 'chubby bites' and hearty mains reflecting its warm and inviting atmosphere. Stunning interiors from Giant Design take their cues directly from the venue's name. The pomelo, a large citrus fruit often displayed and consumed for good luck over Lunar New Year, is a symbol of prosperity and fortune and the heart of this venue's concept. With a bright and lively main dining space as well as intimate private rooms, Fat Pomelo offers an ideal and welcoming space for any occasion.
They say your body is a temple, but it can be hard to find your inner sanctuary without being in an actual sanctuary. A trip to Port Douglas could fix this, with the Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa giving you all the calm and relaxation time you need, with a generous serve of beautiful Port Douglas surroundings thrown in. This far-north Queensland holiday spot is right on the doorstep of two of Australia's biggest natural attractions — the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. Snorkelling, scuba diving, sailing and seaplane tours regularly set off from here out onto the reef, and while most people explore the Daintree on foot through its hikes, you can get a different view via 4WD, horseback or zipline. Don't discount the pleasure of spending time in Port Douglas itself, either; the holiday town has an upmarket feel, with restaurants serving high-level contemporary cuisine and a local microbrewery, Hemingway's, producing pilsener from the freshwater of nearby Mossman Gorge. With one of the biggest lagoon pools (3000-square-metre) this side of the earth, the 5-star Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa resort is situated smack bang on Four Mile Beach, Port Douglas' trump card when it comes to sand and sea. Guests can stay in studio spas, swim-out apartments, or go all out and stay in apartments that feature their very own plunge pool. On-site restaurant AQUA has you covered for contemporary food made from fresh local produce, and the resort also has a day spa, Vie Spa, with eight treatment rooms – which means there's a whole lot of pampering to be had. When you're all pampered out, head on over to the adjacent 18-hole golf course, or venture out a little further to explore Mossman Gorge and the Daintree Rainforest – or add a tick to your bucket list and hop on that boat to the Great Barrier Reef. Most people come here during the Australian winter, avoiding the rain and humidity that is at its worst from January to March.
Want to experience the buzz of live sumo without the hassle of that long flight to Tokyo? You're in luck, because you can experience the thunder of one of Japan's most ancient and traditional sports here in Australia over one action-packed weekend. On Friday, January 19 and Sunday, January 21, Melbourne and Sydney respectively will play host to 'Sumo International Downunder'. Punters will get to experience all the show and panache that comes with live sumo, including a traditional pre-match Taiko drumming show. Hiroki Sumi, a huge figure in the sumo world, will be the star of the show. Known for his appearance in Netflix's 2023 series Sanctuary, he has gained international recognition beyond traditional sumo circles. Although he plays a fictional character in the series, Sumi is a genuine world-class sumo wrestler, and his appearance in Australia is a massive get. Special VIP tickets are available if you fancy donning a mawashi (sumo belt) and trying some sumo wrestling on stage. VIPs will also get an exclusive meet-and-greet with the sumo wrestlers, including Sumi himself. Melbourne's Festival Hall will host two events on the same day, with the first starting at 11am and the second at 6pm, while Sydney's Aware Super Theatre will host the final show at 7pm. [caption id="attachment_878169" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Alessio Roversi (Unsplash)[/caption]
It takes a fair amount of chutzpah to open your first bar — and a wine bar at that — and call it "a bartender's bar", but Enmore Road spot Bar DEMO isn't about playing by the rules. What it does have, though, is some serious credentials to back up its claim: run by seasoned bartenders (and first-time owners) Claudia Morgan and Olly Churcher, who met while working at Double Deuce Lounge, the 50-seat venue doesn't take itself too seriously — except when it comes to its mood-driven wine list, its tight, fuss-free cocktail offering and a hi-fi sound system spinning vinyl records in full all night long. Inspired by the new wave of casual, walk-in wine bars found in San Francisco, Paris and Berlin, Bar DEMO welcomes both serious oenophiles and the vino-curious alike. Its approachable 60-bottle wine list isn't grouped by grape or region, but rather by mood, whether you're after something easy to drink or feeling like a grown-up wine. There's also a solid selection of bottles for under $100 and around a dozen on rotation available by the glass in two sizes, with a focus on natural producers. A sharp cocktail list is just as considered, with playful selections like two-sip 'fun-sized' serves, throwback classics — dark 'n' stormy, anyone? — and creative signatures like the teeth-chatteringly cold house martini served at –15 degrees. There's no kitchen here, but you will find some great snacks curated with drinks pairing in mind, like Cantabrian anchovies, LP's charcuterie, and cheese prepared to order. Once a month, Bar DEMO will host Sunday guest chef pop-ups, which will see some of Sydney's top kitchen talent whip up a selection of exclusive, no-fuss small plates each at under $20. It's not just the drinks here that hint at the kind of space Morgan and Churcher want Bar DEMO to be — the venue's personality comes through in every detail, from its booth-lined layout to the nightly soundtrack of vinyl LPs played from start to finish on a sound system handmade by Marrickville studio Translate Sound. It's all intended to create a space for connection and conversation, with the kind of off-the-cuff energy that invites you to settle in for the night, even if you only came in for one drink. Images: Katje Ford.
If December approaches and a new festive film isn't hitting cinemas, is it really Christmas? In 2020, as in pretty much every year before it, we won't find out the answer to that question. Heading to the big screen just in time for the merriest portion of this year's calendar is rom-com Happiest Season — the newest addition to the hefty lineup of holiday-themed movies competing for your eyeballs whenever the tinsel, trees and twinkling lights come out. Following in the footsteps of 2019's Last Christmas, 2018's The Grinch, 2017's A Bad Moms Christmas and 2016's Bad Santa 2 and Office Christmas Party — just to name a few recent festive flicks — Happiest Season plunges viewers into one couple's seasonal experience when they decide to meet the parents over the holidays. Abby (Kristen Stewart) heads home with Harper (Mackenzie Davis, Irresistible) to meet the latter's mother (Mary Steenburgen, The Book Club), father (Victor Garber, Dark Waters) and other relatives. The catch: Harper's folks don't know that she's gay, or about her relationship with Abby. Also, Abby was actually planning to propose at Christmas dinner. While Happiest Season is heading to streaming in the US, it'll hit cinemas in Down Under on Thursday, November 26. That's when audiences are in for some heartfelt and amusing holiday antics as Harper and Abby try to navigate their tricky situation — if the film's just-dropped trailer is any indication, that is. Happiest Season's star-studded cast also includes GLOW's Alison Brie, Parks and Recreation's Aubrey Plaza, Schitt's Creek's Dan Levy and Crazy Ex-Girlfriend's Burl Moseley. It's directed and co-written by a familiar face, too: actor-turned-filmmaker Clea DuVall, who has appeared on-screen in everything from The Faculty and Girl, Interrupted to Veep and The Handmaid's Tale. Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_jjELPpKkk&feature=youtu.be Happiest Season opens in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, November 26.
The unfortunate thing about genre movies is how often they’re judged solely by way of comparison against their own kind. Action movies undergo the Die Hard test, romcoms are stood alongside When Harry Met Sally or The Seven Year Itch and every sci-fi flick must inevitably endure the 2001: A Space Odyssey comparison instead of being considered purely on its own merits. The problem is that anybody who’s not a fan of a particular ‘type’ might easily overlook a film they’d otherwise wholly enjoy, just as critics might dismiss a movie simply because of its genre. This was perhaps never more obvious than with the furore following the 2009 Academy Awards when The Dark Knight was ignored for Best Picture on the grounds it was ‘just a superhero movie’ – a miscalculation now widely acknowledged as the reason the number of nominees has since been increased from five to ten. It’s therefore disappointing but unsurprising to find Moneyball being analogised to baseball staples like Bang The Drum Slowly and The Natural rather than critics simply asking: is it a good movie? That’s because the answer is a resounding “yes” – and it goes far beyond anything that might simply be termed a ‘baseball movie’. Instead, Moneyball is an exceptional movie that just happens to be about baseball. Adapted from the book Moneyball: the art of winning an unfair game, it tells the true story of the Oakland Athletics baseball team and its general manager Billy Beane. When Beane (Brad Pitt) realises his small team can never hope to match the enormous budgets of clubs like the New York Yankees ($41 million vs $125 million) he embarks upon a radical overhaul of the system that eschews more than 120 years of prevailing ‘baseball wisdom’. Assisted by a young Yale economics graduate named Peter Brand (Jonah Hill), Beane sets out to identify and recruit undervalued players in the market by way of a rigorous and objective statistical approach known as ‘sabermetrics’. It’s effectively ‘sport by spreadsheet’ and the approach sets forth a fascinating David and Goliath season that threatens to completely change Major League baseball forever. Directed by Bennett Miller (Capote) and co-written by Aaron Sorkin (pretty much everything), Moneyball is fundamentally a movie about the birth of an idea and the quixotic crusade of two men determined to see it through. The performances are excellent throughout, with Pitt and Hill ably supported by Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Robin Wright. The dialogue’s definitely heavy on jargon but not prohibitively so, and the story manages to achieve an excellent level of suspense regardless of whether you’re familiar with how the season played out in real life.
It's been quite a year of events for the MCA, what with their involvement with Vivid, their Future Classic summer Sunday sessions and yoga on the roof. But for the year's last instalment of MCA ARTBAR driven by Audi, the MCA is going all out with indigenous artist Adam Hill (a.k.a. Blak Douglas) curating the 2015 finale. In what have been some of our favourite nights this year, the MCA's monthly parties are an always-excellent after-dark extravaganza of art, music, food and booze. A perfect combination, really. November's Blak Douglas-directed event — aptly named Blakout — will include performances by Ursula Yovich, Leah Flanagan, MC Boomali and the Rising Sun Trio, interactive artworks by Aroha Groves and Adam Gezcy, and a slam poetry workshop taken by Luka Lesson. If you want to partake in some discussion, there'll be a special BlakChat roundtable, along with a few film screenings for those who want to simply wine and watch. We even hear that some pole dancing will be going down. Of course, a ticket gets you entry into the MCA so you can see their current exhibitions — it'll be your last chance to see Primavera 2015 and Matthys Gerber, both closing December 6 — in a different light, after the sun goes down. But the best place to be is the rooftop bar, where DJ Black President (a.k.a. Leo Tanoi) will be shooting vibes until 11pm.
If you've never tried the cream puffs at Emperor's Garden Bakery in Chinatown, today's the day to fix that sad situation. As soon as you escape the office, make a beeline for the outpost on the corner of Hay and Dixon streets, and join the queue waiting for a taste of the venue's famous Emperor Puffs. These hot little custard balls are sold straight from the oven and are well worth the wait. Plus, a single dollar buys you three of these babies so you can order as many as you want without putting a dent in your wallet. Craving even more sweet treats? Wander inside the bakery, where you'll find moon cakes, chocolate eclairs, egg tarts and a whole bunch of other delectable nibbles. Image: Alpha via Flickr.
If comedy is all about timing, then Aunty Donna have it — not just onstage. In 2020, Aunty Donna's Big Ol' House of Fun was the hysterical sketch-comedy series that the world needed, with the six-episode show satirising sharehouse living dropping at the ideal moment. While the Australian jokesters' Netflix hit wasn't just hilarious because it arrived when everyone had been spending more time than anyone dreamed at home thanks to the early days of the pandemic, the ridiculousness it found in domesticity was as inspired as it was sidesplittingly absurd. Three years later, heading out is well and truly back, as are Aunty Donna on-screen. Their target in Aunty Donna's Coffee Cafe, which streams in full on ABC iView from Wednesday, April 12 and airs weekly on ABC TV: cafe culture. When we were all staring at our own four walls for months, Mark Samual Bonanno, Broden Kelly and Zachary Ruane helped us to laugh about it — talking dishwashers, tea parties with the Queen of England, silly wi-fi names, Weird Al Yankovic and 'Morning Brown' sing-alongs included. Now, with stay-at-home orders relegated to the past, they've returned to make fun of one of the simplest reasons to go out that there is. During lockdowns and restrictions, how folks were allowed to patronise their local cafe, or not, was a frequent topic of conversation. It was also a bellwether for how strict the rules were at any given junction. Grabbing a cuppa is such an ordinary and everyday task, so much so that it was taken for granted until it was no longer an easy part of our routines. Unsurprisingly, now that caffeine fixes are back and brewing, Aunty Donna finds much to parody. With fellow group members Sam Lingham (a co-writer here), Max Miller (the show's director) and Tom Zahariou (its composer), Aunty Donna's well-known trio of faces set their new six-parter in the most obvious place they can: a Melbourne cafe called Morning Brown. The track itself doesn't get a spin, however, and neither does fellow fan favourite 'Everything's a Drum'. Indeed, the show's central piece of naming is its most expected move. As demonstrated in episodes that turn the cafe into a courtroom, ponder whether Broden might still be a child and riff on Australian Prime Minister Harold Holt's 1967 disappearance, nothing else about Aunty Donna's Coffee Cafe earns that description. Pinballing in any and every direction possible has always been one of the Aussie comedy troupe's biggest talents, with their latest series deeply steeped — riotously, eclectically and entertainingly, too — in that approach. Anything can happen in this Mark-, Broden- and Zach-owned coffee house, and does, just as everything could and did when they were sharing a home on-screen. Of course, anything can occur when Aunty Donna are involved anyway — they recently played corpses revived from the dead in Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves, and also released Aunty Donna's $30 bottle of wine and the Always Room for Christmas Pud picture book, after all. So, although Aunty Donna's Coffee Cafe embraces its its sitcom packaging more heartily than Aunty Donna's Big Ol' House of Fun did, its main setting remains a backdrop and a launchpad for as many random skits as they can dish up. When that court takes over, for instance, Richard Roxburgh (Elvis) plays Rake, even though that's not his Rake character's name. In another episode, stanning Gardening Australia and skewering unreliable streaming services get ample attention, complete with jokes at ABC iView's expense. Elsewhere, bucks parties earn their own lampoon. So does the Is It Cake? trend, working in hospitality, shoddy landlords — a particularly timely topic during a cost-of-living crisis — and the nightmare that is dealing with real estate agents when you're a tenant. Gaming bars, kidulting, food reviews, restaurant theming: they're all thrown in as well. If it stems from the culinary and hospo world, Aunty Donna have likely touched upon it. In fact, Aunty Donna's Coffee Cafe's debut episode begins with a pitch-perfect summary of cafe trends of late. The show's overall setup sees Mark, Broden and Zach desperate to make their laneway haunt a success, and determined not to let their lack of skills and experience get in the way. So, they survey all the current gimmicks, including axe-throwing, hurling abuse, selling vinyl and only serving cereal. They learn of spaces that devote their menus to popcorn and show a movie while it's consumed, and of spots to nab free books as you sip (and yes, the fact that these are just cinemas and libraries is the point). Playing fictionalised and heightened versions of themselves, Mark, Broden and Zach have a teenage employee, Stephanie (Gaby Seow, Young Rock), who is interviewed in the first instalment — which gives Aunty Donna's Coffee Cafe's plenty of material about outlandish bosses. Sally-Anne (Sally-Anne Upton, Neighbours) is the resident chaotic landlord, while Michelle (Michelle Brasier, Why Are You Like This) is the kind of devoted customer that Morning Brown wants more of. With its key cast established, this is a workplace comedy, like everything from The Office, Parks and Recreation and 30 Rock to Party Down, Scrubs and Cheers before it. Swapping slinging beer and spirits for lattes and blueberry muffins, and keeping things on the lighter side of anarchic — although a recess skit gets dark, fast — Aunty Donna's Coffee Cafe resembles an Australian spin on long-running absurdist great It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, too. It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia has aired 15 seasons now, becoming the longest-running American TV comedy, and also has at least three more to come. That's a feat achieved in no small part thanks to its ability to keep pouring out the most out-there, OTT, nonsense situations it can, and boasting the gamest of casts. Across their television slate, Aunty Donna share the same traits. They might be notching up their screentime across different shows, but they're having just as wild, uproarious, farcical and astute a time. So is the company that Mark, Broden and Zach keep here, spanning not only a committed Roxburgh, but also Miranda Tapsell (Christmas Ransom), Looking for Alibrandi's Pia Miranda making tomato day jokes, and everyone from Shaun Micallef and Tony Martin to Melanie Bracewell, Nazeem Hussain, Steven Oliver and Sam Pang. When Aunty Donna's Big Ol' House of Fun became one of 2020's best new shows, no one watched it a mere once. Aunty Donna's Coffee Cafe demands the same response, with its gags flying so thick and fast that laughing at one joke or bit of banter usually means drowning out the next with your own chuckles. In any skit-heavy series, it's impossible to ensure that every single moment lands, but Aunty Donna's shows come I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson-level close. Maybe don't watch it on your phone in your local cafe, though — no matter how trendy it is, if it's in a laneway, whether it's open till 5pm, if there's a criminal trial going on inside or ghosts are haunting the place. Check out the trailer for Aunty Donna's Coffee Cafe below: Aunty Donna's Coffee Cafe streams via ABC iView, and also screens weekly on the ABC at 9pm from Wednesday, April 12. Images: Richard Lowe / Jackson Flinter / ABC.
Sydney has a lot of outdoor pools in stunning spots, but one of the oldest and most iconic is the Andrew "Boy" Charlton Pool near the Royal Botanic Gardens — Australia's first ever swimming races took place there in 1846. In 1968, the pool, formerly known as the Domain Baths, took on its current name in honour of Andrew "Boy" Charlton, who set five world records at various Olympics. Duck out from your desk on Tuesday, and head to the pool for some picturesque laps, before the weather turns too cold.
One of Liverpool's last remaining, 20th century industrial buildings is getting a new lease on life, with Sydney's Coronation Property announcing plans to transform The Paper Mill into a buzzing cultural and community precinct. Once home to Australia's first paper manufacturing business, the historic riverfront site will soon play host to the area's new drinking, dining, and shopping destination — complete with a broad-ranging food and drink offering, 1,400 square metres of retail space, and a contemporary mix of indoor and al fresco dining areas. Slated to be up and running by the end of this year, a substantial part of the project is the rejuvenation of the heritage-listed mill warehouse, which will feature an open plan dining venue beneath its carefully-restored, iconic sawtooth roof. A diverse collection of vendors will include the likes of a wood fire pizza kitchen, an artisanal bakery and cafe, dessert carts and even an in-house brewery — primed for lunchtime pit-stops, dinner feasts, and mid-shopping snack sessions alike. And, in keeping with Liverpool's booming population, the site has also been earmarked for its own residential community, with 882 Coronation Property apartments set to take advantage of that prime riverfront real estate in the not too distant future.
For years, you've probably sat at pubs or parties, listened to your pals tell boozy stories and found yourself laughing heartily. In fact, you've likely spun a few tales in a liquored-up state yourself — because we've all been there. And, since 2008, you've might've chuckled along to the US TV show based on that very idea, too. Indeed, it's easy to understand exactly how Drunk History came about, because the entire concept is just so relatable. While, in America, the show's run has just come to an end, Australian television is now hopping on the Drunk History bandwagon. It shouldn't escape anyone's attention that, at a time when we're all spending less time hanging out in bars talking with our mates for hours and hours over several rounds of drinks, Aussie TV has decided to deliver the next best thing. Called Drunk History Australia, the local version spans a six-episode first season, with each instalment tackling a couple of chapters of Aussie history. If you've ever wanted to watch James Mathison and Osher Günsberg reenact Burke and Wills' expedition, listen to Matt Okine explore the history of 'Waltzing Matilda', or hear Becky Lucas tell the tale of the country's first female detective — all with beverages involved — well, here's your chance. Also getting the Drunk History Australia treatment are Don Bradman, Dame Nellie Melba, Dawn Fraser and Gough Whitlam, in case you want to relive your primary school history lessons in a far boozier manner. And, the show also touches upon cannibal convicts, a war with emus and the first female bushranger, among other topics. The cast is similarly lengthy, featuring everyone from Anne Edmonds, Nikki Osborne, Em Rusciano and Tex Perkins to Stephen Curry, Joel Creasey, Steph Tisdell and Brendan Fevola. Drunk History Australia will start screening on Network 10 at 9.30pm on Monday, September 14; however, if you're keen to stream the whole thing right now, it's also already available via 10Play. Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4iMnOEGI7c Drunk History Australia is now available to stream via 10Play, and will start airing on Network 10 at 9.30pm on Monday, September 14.
Surfing has been a part of the Australian vernacular for generations now, with the likes of Bondi, Byron Bay and the Gold Coast all contributing to a stellar international reputation that draws millions to our shores. But when it comes to getting out of town with your own board to enjoy a well-earned (surf) break, you know you'll want to find a classic Aussie surf spot where you and your mates don't have to fight a bobbing crowd of strangers to catch a wave. Nothing brings Aussies together like a bloody good surf break, so we've teamed up with Jim Beam to do the leg work and track down six of the top lesser-travelled surf spots around Australia, perfect for bringing together your fellow lovers of surf and spray for an adventure. From remote reefs to spectacular peninsulas, these local spots are often kept close to the chest, but we've highlighted just a few that will have you plunging right into Aussie surf culture in no time. And as always, make sure you respect the locals, wherever you go. [caption id="attachment_720257" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dee Kramer.[/caption] Aussie Pipe AKA Black Rock, NSW Depending on who you ask, this section of the New South Wales coastline has a few different names. Whether you call it Aussie Pipe, Black Rock, Summercloud Bay or South Coast Pipe, the waves here are so very special regardless and some of Australia's most photogenic breaks. You'll often find locals paddling out during mid-tide to catch the ideal wave as the swell begins to pick up. Located in the Aboriginal community of Wreck Bay Village, the surf spot is said to be the 'unofficial home of Indigenous surfing'. And be aware — this spot is most suited to those who already have some surfing experience under their belt. [caption id="attachment_720293" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Waitpinga Beach by Jesse Ehlers.[/caption] Fleurieu Peninsula, SA Situated just a 45-minute drive from Adelaide, the Fleurieu Peninsula provides some of the finest waves in South Australia. Along this picturesque stretch of rugged coastline, the surf breaks vary greatly with everyone from beginners to pro surfers having no problem finding a spot that suits their skill level. Goolwa Beach and Middleton Beach are where you want to head for some relatively mellow waves, while Waitpinga Beach and Parsons Beach have large swells more often. One of the best parts about the Fleurieu Peninsula is that even when the crowds arrive in high summer, there's still plenty of space for everyone. [caption id="attachment_720269" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW.[/caption] Angourie Point, NSW Set amid the Yuraygir National Park, Angourie Point was one of the first sections of the Australian coastline to be recognised as a protected surfing reserve. It's been a popular surf break for locals since the 1950s when the Yamba Life Saving Club would cruise the many nearby beaches looking for waves to catch. Jutting out into the ocean, Angourie Point's somewhat odd shape means it's exposed to the occasional storm clouds that roll in over the water. But there are also some consistently majestic barrels, which is what the locals look to catch pretty much all day, every day. When you've finished surfing, head to the Blue and Green Pools for a dip in the striking rock pool formed in old quarrying sites. [caption id="attachment_984691" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] OZBEACHES via iStock[/caption] Burleigh Headland, QLD The Gold Coast is home to some of the most famous beaches in the country, many with half-decent surf breaks, but you're going to have to battle a horde of tourists to get through to them. Burleigh Headland is close to the beaten track, but in the narrow stretch of surf along its rocky shoreline lies a surf break that, when on its game, is one of the best in the state. It's not the lava headland that makes these barrels roll but the outpour of current and fine river sand from the mouth of Tallebudgera Creek just to the south. It's not exactly beginner-friendly, and you'll be board-to-board with experienced locals, but time it right, and you'll have a real treat here. [caption id="attachment_720280" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism WA.[/caption] Red Bluff AKA Quobba Station, WA By far the most remote surf spot on this list, Red Bluff is about a thousand kilometres north of Perth, on the southernmost tip of Ningaloo Reef. But if you're willing to make the journey to this idyllic coast, you can be certain that the surf won't let you down. Known for its powerful waves that experienced surfies can't get enough of, Red Bluff gets busy throughout winter when those in the know make their way here. There aren't too many towns within reach ('nearby' Carnavon is 125 kilometres south), so be prepared to be self-sufficient. However, you'll be rewarded with great fishing, native wildlife, humpback whale sightings, panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and some of the country's top breaks. [caption id="attachment_720275" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria.[/caption] Winkipop, VIC Winkipop might not be the unknown surf break that it once was, but if you manage to avoid the crowds, there are some world-class waves on offer. Forming part of Victoria's famous Bells Beach with its spectacular limestone cliffs, the two main take-offs are named Uppers and Lowers. The latter tends to stay a little quieter, but that's probably because the waves here are quick and hollow, making for a challenging experience. Winki is great for surfing in just about any tide. Take a trip here and discover why it remains a favourite for many of the world's most talented surfers. Like Jim Beam, surfing and other outdoor adventures are all about bringing people together, so get out there this summer and find your tribe in the great outdoors. Top image: Red Bluff, courtesy of Tourism Western Australia.
The black parade is coming back to Australia — eventually. After their last attempt to head to our shores in 2020 was thwarted due to the pandemic, the reunited My Chemical Romance announced earlier in 2021 that they'd tour the country's east coast in 2022. However, those gigs have now been pushed back to 2023 — but extra shows have also been added. Hopefully the third time will prove the charm for Gerard Way and co, and for music lovers eager to grab their eyeliner, don every black piece of clothing in their wardrobe, relive their angsty emo teenage years and let out three cheers. The new tour will mark more than a decade since MCR last came to our shores for the 2012 Big Day Out — and comes after the US group went their separate ways in 2013, then reformed in 2019. Fans will be pleased to know that MCR are headlining their own shows on this tour, too, rather than leading a festival bill as they were slated to do in 2020. And, they'll now be playing two gigs at each of their stops in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney — with their rescheduled 2023 tour doubling down on stints at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Rod Laver Arena and Qudos Bank Arena. While waiting an extra year to see MCR isn't quite the end-of-2021 development anyone wanted, being able to snap up tickets to new shows if you missed out in the first round is clearly much better news. Back in late 2019, when MCR announced that they were literally getting the band back together, they sold out their first reunion gig in Los Angeles quick smart — and tickets to their Australian gigs have already proven mighty popular. The group has been trying to take its new show on the road ever since they reformed, but, thanks to the pandemic, that has obviously proven much trickier than anticipated. MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE 2023 AUSTRALIAN TOUR: Monday, March 13 — Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane — NEW SHOW Tuesday, March 14 — Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane — SOLD OUT Thursday, March 16 — Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne — NEW SHOW Friday, March 17 — Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne — SOLD OUT Sunday, March 19 — Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney — SOLD OUT Monday, March 20 — Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney — NEW SHOW My Chemical Romance will tour Australia's east coast in March 2023. For further information — and for pre-sale tickets for the just-announced new shows from 3pm on Tuesday, December 14, and general tickets from 12pm on Wednesday, December 15 — head to the tour website. Top image: My Chemical Romance performing by NBSTwo via Flickr.
In 2016, Potts Point restaurant Yellow underwent a radical transformation when it transitioned from a French-inspired bistro to a plant-fuelled fine diner. It's fair to say the gamble — coming three years after the restaurant first opened — paid off for Bentley Restaurant Group co-founders and owners Brent Savage and Nick Hildebrandt, with the Macleay Street spot quickly establishing itself at the forefront of innovative meat-free dining in Sydney and becoming the first vegan restaurant to be awarded two chef hats in the Good Food Guide along the way. And now, after nearly a decade of plant-powered pioneering, Yellow is once again embarking on a new chapter, with Savage and Hildebrandt having sold the business to longtime head chef Sander Nooij and his business partner Mark Hanover (pictured below). Don't expect any more radical changes though: the ethos of Yellow will remain, more or less, the same. Changes under the new owners will be more gradual, reflecting a new approach to plant-based dining that Nooji and Hanover define as 'botanical gastronomy' — the menu will change with the seasons, with dishes and ingredients evolving as new produce becomes available. There'll be an emphasis, per Nooji, on "seasonality, sustainability and the extraordinary". "Botanical gastronomy is a culinary approach that celebrates the vibrant world of plants, herbs, and flowers," Nooji continued. "Free from the controversy and politics that can be part of the vegan narrative, botanical gastronomy merges elements of contemporary cuisine with a strong emphasis on botanical ingredients, showcasing their flavours, textures, and nutritional advantages." The more obvious changes to the restaurant will be cosmetic, with a refreshed bar area, as well as new artwork and decor. Hanover emphasised the desire for Yellow to be "more than a restaurant". "We want it to be a place where people gather for extraordinary food, great wine, and the joy of discovery," he said. Savage expressed pride in passing the baton to Nooij, who he notes has been "an integral part of Yellow's success". "When you have the chance to hand over a restaurant like Yellow to a much-loved staff member, you don't pass it up," Savage said. "We couldn't be more proud to see [Nooji] take the lead and bring his vision to life." Savage and Hildebrandt will now focus on Bentley Restaurant Group's CBD venues, including Bentley Restaurant + Bar, Monopole, King Clarence and recently opened Eleven Barrack. With ambitions to rank among the country's finest dining establishments (not just among its plant-based brethren), Yellow is poised to continue pushing the boundaries of modern cuisine. Perhaps Nooji sums it up best: "Our goal is to create a dining experience that is not just for vegans, but for anyone who values creativity, refinement, and the beauty of nature on their plates." Yellow is located at 57 Macleay Street, Potts Point. For more details, head to the website. Images: Andrea Veltom
The annual Parramatta Lanes festival returns for its eighth year this month, bringing the finest eats to the streets of the west. The Paramatta palooza will include 14 themed laneways, more than 50 food stalls and six pop-up bars. The food lineup will feature many Sydney favourites and lots of sweet and savoury treats. It's far too extensive to list in its entirety here, but highlights include Frencheese's oozy raclette and crowd favourite Koi Dessert Bar, which will be set up at St John's Cathedral. Plus, one of the best laksa makers in town Temasek is popping up in the Roxy Car Park. Butter will dish out its famed fried chicken from the rooftop of the Eat Street Car Park, which will also be home to three epic events: a giant Pac-Man maze, Bingo Loco (that's bingo, but reinvented as a party, with conga lines, dance offs and comedians) and a 90s club. When it comes time for a drink, choose between a six different bars, including Monkey's Corner. Beyond eating and drinking (and trying to elude those multi-coloured ghosts), festival-goers can enjoy live music, dance workshops and performances, art installations with a focus on sustainability and roving theatrical performances. Parramatta Lanes runs from Tuesday–Thursday 5–10pm and Friday 5–10.30pm. Images: George Gittany UPDATE: OCTOBER 10, 2019 — Duo Duo Ice Cream will no longer be at this year's Parramatta Lanes. The above article has been updated to reflect this.
Bon Appetit Selera Malaysia has been serving up casual, generous servings of Malay food on Enmore Road since May 2018 — and now it's opening a second outpost, dubbed Everything Malaysia, in Darlinghurst. Opening today, Monday, October 29, underneath Ching-a-Lings, the eatery is offering a pretty sweet banquet deal. Available every night of the week for lunch and dinner its all-you-can-eat jackpot will only set you back $11.90. Yep, $11.90. While it is a buffet, it's a buffet stocked with quality Malaysian fare — no lukewarm scrambled egg or dry sangas here. It's stocked with everything from beef rendang burgers to sweet and sour fish and roti canai, and there are a heap of vegan options, too (if you do choose all vegan, all-you-can-eat is only $10.90) including eggplant masala and vegan tom yum soup. If you've tasted everything and you're in a curry stupor, reenergise with a teh tarik (a hot milk tea beverage) or an Air Bandung (a sweet, pink Malaysian drink) — Bon Appetit offers free (non-alcoholic) drinks if you spend $40 or more on food. To celebrate the opening of its new outlet in Darlinghurst, they will be giving away 300 free Malaysian lunch buffet meals this Monday, October 29. The grand opening will kick off from 11:30am and run until 3:30pm (or until 300 people hungry for Malay food have been fed, so get in early). Find Everything Malaysia at 129 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst from Monday, October 29 at 11.30am. Image: Bon Appetit Selera, Enmore
Bondi already boasts a fantastic array of restaurants and takeaway spots, and it can now add viral sensation Tommy Panini to its selection of sensational venues. Following the success of their Brookvale store, the owners of Tommy Panini have transported their concept from the Northern Beaches to Bondi Beach, but with a special addition. Come evening, the lunchtime sandwich shop will transform into Pizza Laundry, a pizza and wine bar housed in a New York-esque laundromat. You've likely seen (and salivated over) these viral sandwiches on your FYP. Tommy Panini claims to be "Not another sandwich shop", which is owing primarily to the signature, woodfired, charry and fluffy panini bread, folded straight from the pizza oven and stuffed with your filling of choice. The chicken cotoletta with spicy vodka sauce, pesto, torched provolone, and pickled chillis found fame on TikTok, as did the mortadella with pistachio praline, rocket, parmigiano and ricotta. To celebrate the opening of the Bondi store, the new beef and pickles panini was unveiled. It has layers of slow-cooked beef, sauerkraut, dill pickles, torched Swiss cheese and a sauce so good it's known as Marry Me Sauce. Owner Tom Morrison (who famously worked for Mariah Carey) says they wanted to "create sandwiches that feel indulgent but approachable…with a bit of fun and flair." While Tommy Panini will operate from Wednesday to Sunday, 11am to 3pm, Pizza Laundry will take its place from 5 to 9pm. Co-owner Kyle D'adam (former bar manager at Mr Wong and Old Mates) says the evening venue is "about creating something compelling and thought-provoking, pizza that's thin, crisp and light, paired with a space that's casual, fun and uniquely Bondi." Designers CoffeyHallett have created a playful space with a sense of nostalgia, but a coastal, Bondi feel at its core. With outdoor dining and the option to BYO, Pizza Laundry is set to become a summer hot spot. Images: Supplied.
Canberra's light rail, the swish new(ish) north-to-south route that delivers passengers into the heart of the city, is more than a commuter line. It's an easy — and cheap — way for visitors to get around town between 6am and 11.30pm (or 1am on Saturday nights). Yep: no designated driver, no ridesharing, just you and the open rails. Well, 12 kilometres of them, anyway. Make your Canberra weekend away as simple as possible, and leave yourself with more money to spend on food and fun, by touring the capital via the light rail. Some of Canberra's best eats, well-stocked bars and intriguing curiosity shops (plus a surprising nighttime sports hub) are waiting to be explored along the light rail line. Here, we've got the ultimate hop-on-hop-off adventure for a day out in Canberra. Please stay up to date with the latest ACT Government health advice regarding COVID-19.
Just because you're cooped at home doesn't mean you have to sink into a monotonous existence of spaghetti and canned tuna. You can, in face, add a bit of flair to your cooking repertoire without leaving the house, thanks to a new series of free virtual cooking classes from one of the world's greatest chefs. Massimo Bottura — the Michelin-starred chef behind Italy's famed Osteria Francescana (which is temporarily closed during Italy's nationwide lockdown) and Gucci's glam new LA eatery — is keeping his quarantined spirits high by sharing his culinary secrets with the masses via nightly tutorials live streamed on Instagram. The fittingly titled Kitchen Quarantine is designed to help spread feelings of connectivity, curb boredom and teach a few new tricks, at a time when an increasing chunk of the world's population is in lockdown (as Italy is), self-isolation or self distancing. And of course, with Bottura's famously cheery personality, the guy's just a total joy to watch. https://www.instagram.com/tv/B9zQFp3JbJM/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Handily enough, the videos are in English, and they've so far covered dishes like a vegetable thai curry and cream tortellini. The show's live on Instagram nightly at 8pm CET, which is 6am AEDT, 5am in Brisbane and 8am NZDT. But if that's a little early, you can also catch the videos screened later on San Pellegrino's Fine Dining Lovers YouTube channel. Bottura's Instagram also has a series of Q&A's with the chef, which you can catch any time.
When summer starts to scorch, we'll do anything to cool down. And while we'd like to be able to fling ourselves into the ocean at every 30-degree-plus opportunity, that's not always an option. That's when we usually turn to air conditioning. But while it might be a convenient way to keep your cool, it has its drawbacks — from its dehydrating effects and potential to spread bacteria to its massive energy consumption (which is both a drain on your wallet and the planet). And of course, some of us are living in stuffy rental properties where clicking on that air con remote isn't even an option. So, now that summer's here with a vengeance, we thought we'd bring you a few simple hacks for avoiding air con — or just surviving without it. You'll need ice, water and — if you're really keen — some trees. Go nuts. HACK YOUR FAN On scorching days, fans can be rudely ineffective, seeming to do little more than blow more hot air into your face. But a quick hack can work some magic. Find a big bowl, fill it with ice and place it between your fan and you. The propellers will work on the now-cooled air, sending it straight your way, transforming your fan into what feels like an air conditioner. Another option is to hang a bag of ice (or bottles of frozen water) directly in front of the fan. You can also place a wet, cool towel over the fan itself, which should get you an hour or so of extra crisp air. MAKE CLEVER COLD DRINKS Just carried the beer in from the car? Wrap each bottle in a soaked (but not dripping) paper towel and pop it in the freezer. The moisture will evaporate and cool speedily, and within 15 minutes, you'll be sipping on an ice-cold brew. You can swap your hot caffeine hit for an iced one by turning just-made coffee into ice cubes — for something different, make it Vietnamese-style by adding a dash of condensed milk. Or, if you're kicking all the habits this summer, add frozen berries to a glass of water, which cools down your drink while upping the taste factor. APPLY COLD THINGS TO YOUR PULSE POINTS Anyone who's ever spent term four in an Aussie primary school should already know this trick, but just in cased you missed out: the easiest way to cool down quickly is by applying a source of cold to your pulse points. Start by holding your wrists under running water for at least three minutes. Afterwards, apply an ice pack (or equivalent; heck, some frozen peas will do) to your wrists, neck, back of knees and/or ankles. These strategies cool the blood running through your veins and decrease your body temperature. MIST-IFY YOURSELF Got an empty spray bottle lying around? Give it a good, thorough clean and fill it with cold — or icy — water. Then, whenever you feel your temperature start to rise, spray yourself and everyone else in your vicinity. It's a basic trick, but an easy one. If possible, keep the bottle in the refrigerator or freezer (for short periods only – don't let the water turn into ice). Otherwise, just re-fill that baby as often as you can. PUT PLANTS IN FRONT OF YOUR WINDOWS Got pot plants? Got windows that let in lots of light? Well, there's an energy-saving match, right there. Use said plants to block said windows. The taller and leafier the better (consider that your permission to stock up on even more plant babies). In fact, if you're serious about keeping cool, it's worth investing in some dense trees or even vines, as long as you have a way to hang them from the windows. Not only will plants reduce the light and heat entering your home, they'll also provide you with cleaner air. Go for lemon trees you'll get some fruit out of it, too. FREEZE YOUR PILLOWS AND SHEETS One of the biggest challenges of an air con-free summer is getting to sleep. To produce the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin, your body needs to reduce its core temperature. But once the thermometer hits 25 degrees, this becomes a tough task. To make it easier, stick your pillows and sheets in a plastic bag and shove them in the freezer for 30 minutes, before making and hopping into your bed. As the night wears on and you start to warm up, you might find yourself waking up — if you're really committed, keep a spare set of PJs in the freezer, so you can do a quick switcheroo. CLOSE ALL THE WINDOWS Up to a third of heat inside a house comes in through open windows and doors. So, go on a closing rampage — and tell your family or housemates all about it so they can get on board. While you're there, cover windows as effectively as possible by drawing blinds and curtains, and shutting shutters. If nighttime brings any relief, open them up again. And, to increase the effect of any cooler air, hang wet sheets in front of the windows. As the evening breeze blows through, the moisture will drop the temperature even further. Just don't forget to close everything again in the morning before it heats back up. GIVE YOUR FEET A COLD BATH When you need to sit in one spot for a while — maybe you're getting some work done or watching a flick — fill a container with cold water (and ice, if you can hack it) and stick your feet in. Immerse your ankles if you can — they're pulse points, so when they're cool your whole body temperature tends to drop. Should this work for you, go one further with a bath or shower. Or, if you'd rather avoid hanging around in the bathroom all day, invest in a kiddy pool to use either indoors or outside. TURN OFF YOUR APPLIANCES You'll be surprised how much heat is generated by your appliances. The obvious one is your oven. Even a seemingly harmless spurt of baking can give the thermometer a major surge. If you've got people coming over for dinner, an outdoor barbie is the best solution. Beyond the oven, there are loads of other heat-creating suspects, including your microwave, electric jug, television, bedside lamps, dishwasher, washing machine and computers. Whenever possible, switch them all off and unplug them — it'll help you stay cool and save energy. SPICE IT UP There's a good reason why spicy food is so popular in steamy parts of the world like India and Bangladesh. When you ingest all that chilli, your body starts to sweat and, as you know, sweating cools you down. Make your meal hot enough and you'll be so deep in the sweats you won't know what season it is. What's more, spicy food comes with a heap of potential health benefits, from increasing life expectancy to preventing cancer.
On the third Saturday of every month, Ernest Place is transformed into a bustling marketplace with food stalls, clothing, bric-a-brac, antiques and more. The market is organised by The Rotary Club of North Sydney who is also responsible for a number of other markets in the area. Take a leisurely stroll browsing through the market stalls, grab a bite to eat from one of the many food stands and maybe relax in a nearby pub afterwards. The market offers a lively and diverse space to catch up or meet new friends and take in some excellent artisanal products and rare finds. Or, if you're looking to kick-start your passion project or new business, new stalls are always welcome and encouraged to get involved.
After expanding south to Melbourne late last year, Camperdown's Acre Eatery has ventured north and opened a sprawling plant-filled restaurant on Sydney's lower north shore. Spread across 2000 square metres with 400 seats all up, Acre Artarmon is designed to educate and inspire its visitors, while putting them back in touch with the terroir of their food. That said, it's not just a restaurant, either. It's also a bakery, cafe, terrace bar and greenhouse-style functions space, surrounding by sprawling indoor and outdoor gardens. First up is the Atrium cafe and bakery, which is serving up all of the usual suspects — croissants, pastries, country-style pies and sausage rolls — alongside salads and baguettes for lunch. Cuppas by Sydney's Gypsy Coffee Roasters are also on offer, as is house-made gelato (in flavours like pavlova and banana dulce de leche). Italiano restaurant, which is opening this Friday, November 6, features dishes made using sustainably sourced produce. For starters, think local burrata, salmon crudo and peach prosciutto. There's also a pizza oven slinging a three simple Neapolitan-style pies — margherita, prawn and prosciutto — and a lineup of seasonal pasta dishes, which currently includes spanner crab linguine and bucatini carbonara with zucchini flowers. Larger plates feature whole john dory in a brown butter, lemon and caper sauce, spicy woodfired eggplant with pine nuts and ricotta, and a cotoletta to share, made using ethically raised chicken that's been stuffed with fontina and finished with burnt sage from the kitchen garden. If you want to try a bit of everything, the banquet menu will sort you out. The cocktail list is also Italian-inspired, with barrel-aged negronis and seasonal spritzes (think native flavours like lemon verbena) sitting alongside less popular tipples. Those include the garibaldi — which uses gin from neighbouring distillery Finders, plus Campari and freshly squeezed orange juice — and the sgroppino (vodka, prosecco, lemon sorbet and fresh mint). You can enjoy these drinks in the restaurant or the adjoining greenery-filled terrace. Designed by Sydney interior design studio Etic (Barangaroo House), the spaces are filled with curved planter banquettes surrounded by banana trees and a water fountain that doubles as seats, as well as greenery aplenty, with bougainvillea, fruit trees and vertical planters all making the cut. Apart from Acre's gardens, the space features a chicken coop, worm farm, community compost area and kids' playground. Guided tours, chefs' demonstrations, long lunches and meet-the-maker events will all be on the docket as well.
Regent Place tucked just behind George Street in the CBD has certainly received a revitalisation in recent years. Small bar Assembly has moved in along with Senyai, rice paper roll experts MissChu and the Japanese matcha café Chanoma. It has breathed life into a section of George Street which was lacking in decent food and drink options. Ramen house Tenkomori has joined its Asian counterparts on the ground floor of the complex. From the owners who brought us Menya Mappen just a few doors down and Menya Noodle Bar, Tenkomori resembles a cafeteria-style eatery but instead of serving burgers and chips, it dishes out ramen noodles, karaage chicken and other fried Japanese fare. This is how Tenkomori works: line up at the counter and order your ramen, grab a plate and select some fried sides such as tofu, chicken and prawn. Move along the assembly line and pick up a miso soup while you're at it. At the very end you pay whilst your noodles are being made in front of your eyes. It's really a fool-proof system and means the restaurant can process orders quickly and efficiently. Tables turn over quickly too as diners slurp down their noodles and leave. Make no mistake, ramen is king at Tenkomori. Every kind of ramen dish comes in three types of broth: shoyu, miso and tonkotsu. The pork kakuni ramen with tonkotsu broth ($7.30) is certainly indulgent. The pork belly falls apart at the slightest pressure with the spoon and when slurped down with noodles and the soup, you just can't wait for the next spoonful. If you want egg, pickled mustard green and bamboo that'll be an extra $2.50. Pick up a piece of karaage chicken for $2 a pop, or fried tofu for $1.50 and although they are both deep-fried, they're not dripping in oil. The kaarage chicken bowl ($4.50) has fried chicken sitting on top of rice, with generous lashings of Japanese mayo. If you don't feel like a noodle soup, try the Ontama chilli pork ($8.90) with a choice of hot or cold ramen, chilli pork, bean sprout and topped with an egg. It's fresh and packs a punch with the chilli. The pace at Tenkomori is fast and the food is decent. Will it become as iconic as Ryo's in North Sydney or Gumshara in Chinatown? Probably not, but crowds are sure to flock to Tenkomori for a cheap fix of noodles and deep-fried goodness. If you hand over a $10 note you might even pick up some change, and this will definitely bring people back.
Head into Sydney's Odd Culture in Newtown, or its new accompanying bottle shop and small bar SPON, and you'll be greeted with a stack of tasty wine and snack pairings. The venue's chicken liver pâté with potato chips and fish sauce caramel is one of the Harbour City's best bar snacks. The same can be said down in Melbourne, where Odd Culture's Fitzroy digs boasts the same addictive trio on its snack menu. And, all three offer charcuterie from LP's Quality Meats — all of which can be paired with a white, red, skin-contact, rosé or pét-nat. But, sometimes you're not on the hunt for something as extravagant as pâté and instead are hankering for a snack with a bit more nostalgic familiarity. Well, not to worry — we've asked Odd Culture Group's Beverage Manager Jordan Blackman (Odd Culture, The Duke of Enmore, The Old Fitz) for suggestions for the best wines to pair with schoolyard snacks, all of which are available in-store or online at SPON. (And, yes, SPON ships beyond New South Wales.) If you've ever craved a natty wine with a full box of cheese and bacon Shapes, or wondered what drop would partner well with a berry Roll-Up, we've got you covered. ROLL-UPS Jordan: "If we're talking Roll-Ups, then we simply can't go past grenache. Candied fruit with a lick of spice — a match made in heaven. Grab a bottle of 2021 Les Fruits Gonzo made from a blend of grenache and cinsault. Bright and crunchy with juicy red fruits (think strawberry, raspberry and cherry) and gentle tannin. Great chilled, great at room temp. It goes without saying we're talking about the best flavour of Roll-Ups here — and that's strawberry." OVALTEENIES Jordan: "Why do they call it Ovaltine? The mug is round. The jar is round. They should call it Roundtine. Anyway. Steering away from anything too hectic that might overwhelm the sweet, delicate chocolate malt of our precious Ovalteenies, I'd crack into some Ngeringa Altus from Mount Barker. Inspired by Vin Santo by way of Tuscany, it's sweet yet oxidative and insanely complex — crème caramel, Turkish delight, hazelnut and dried fruits drenched in honey." CHEESE AND BACON SHAPES Jordan: "My mind immediately gravitated towards Bandol rosé from the south of France — weighty, powerful and made from mourvèdre, often said to be quite 'meaty'. In the spirit of keeping things homegrown, I've gone with a longstanding favourite: 2022 Poppelvej Dead Ohio Sky Rosé which clearly draws inspiration from the Bandol. Organically grown Mourvèdre from McLaren Vale with texture turned up to eleven, it's serious, savoury and spicy all the while refreshing and moreish — kind of like cheese and bacon Shapes?" LE SNAK Jordan: "Cheese and crackers, but not just any ordinary cheese and/or cracker — elevate your lunchbox with Le Snak and a bottle of 2021 Harkham Aziza's Chardonnay. Hands down, one of my favourite cuvées — zero adds, clean as a whistle, alive! Naturally fermented and rested in seasoned French oak, these two play almost too well together coaxing out notes of fresh sourdough, vanilla biscuits and whipped cream while racy acidity keeps everything in check." JUMPY'S Jordan: "Apparently there are other flavours of Jumpy's than chicken? 2022 Trutta Pétillant Naturel Blanc is the obvious choice here. A blend of chardonnay and riesling, this organic fizz is brimming with energy, bright acidity and reminds us of another nostalgic Australian snack — oh, glorious Splice! Saline, zippy and ultimately refreshing — a perfect match for couch snacks of the kangaroo-shaped kind. We love salty snacks with our bubbles." Head to SPON's website — or in-store if you're in Sydney — if you want to get your hands on any of the mentioned wines. SPON is open at 256 King Street, Newtown 12pm–10pm Monday–Thursday, 12pm–12am Friday and 11am–12am Saturday.
There are a lot of things Japanese cuisine does right. Ramen, sushi, teppanyaki — it's all had its time in the sun of the Australian foodie scene, and for good reason. In recent years, though, Sydney has wholeheartedly embraced the sweet life, with plenty of Japanese and Japanese-inspired dessert companies bringing their goods to the people Down Under. Here in Australia, eateries and dessert shops, like their Japanese counterparts, are usually met with long lines and Instagram-happy customers eager to try the much-photographed sweets. To help you on your mission to try all the cult Japanese desserts Sydney has to offer, here are five to add to the top of your list.
It may have dawdled getting here, but it now seems winter is coming. And when it’s unforgivingly cold outside and emerging from the snuggery of a warm bed causes acute physical suffering, the prospect of a bowl of porridge can really turn the morning around. Warm, filling, rib-stickingly comforting, porridge is — when done well — the perfect meal to start a winter’s day with. Taking inspiration from Goldilocks, we went in search of the best porridge in Sydney and found five bowls that were just right. Sweet + Scandinavian: Fika Swedish Kitchen Tucked away in Manly’s Market Place, Fika Swedish Kitchen feels like a sunny beach cabin decorated by Ikea. Their semolina porridge ($12) is exactly what you’d need if you had to ski to school every morning. The creamiest texture imaginable, it’s served with a cute bottle of cold milk, generous fleshy strips of caramel-drizzled pear and candied almonds. And not individual almonds; think more of an almond brittle smashed into rough chunks and used as a garnish. Crunchy to begin with, once you swirl them through the piping hot porridge they melt into a glorious chewiness. Just two mouthfuls are enough to insulate you from crown to toe; by four mouthfuls you’ll be removing a layer of clothing. Not the healthiest breakfast option perhaps, but a very delicious one. Warning: don’t attempt a swim afterwards. You may sink. Fika Swedish Kitchen, 5b Market Lane, Manly Tropical delights: Porch and Parlour If you spent the summer ploughing through their brown rice porridge with star-anise poached pear, you should try the winter offering from the Porch and Parlour kitchen. A sensibly sized portion of oatmeal, it’s served with lightly caramelised banana, coconut (instead of milk or cream), lashings of lime and a tempting side dish of brown sugar. Pretty much the closest a porridge could ever come to tasting like a cocktail, and at $12, roughly the same price as one. Flavour is what makes this a winner: lime zest keeps the dish light and refreshing — two things porridge so rarely is — while the banana, coconut and oats satisfy even the most intense hunger pangs. The brown sugar is optional, but this writer highly recommends a generous sprinkling. You can always wash it down with their green juice to balance things out. Porch and Parlour, 17/110 Ramsgate Avenue, Bondi Beach Taste of Arabia: Kazbah You may know Kazbah for the delectable tagines and incredible shakshouka, but don't ignore the sweeter offerings at this Balmain institution. The banana porridge with date compote and stewed rhubarb ($15) is a photo-worthy marvel. Served with the banana already mashed up and swirled within the rather chunky oats, it’s topped off with milk and what tastes like a liberal splash of cream. A little accompanying dish of brown sugar and slightly sweet, slightly tart stewed rhubarb finishes it off perfectly. The best part though is the chewy, fudge-like date compote sitting slap-bang in the middle of it all. Advice: one bowl is big enough to pop buttons, so if you're in constrictive clothing you may want to share it. And if you start feeling woozy, pull yourself together with one of their signature Turkish coffees. Kazbah, 379 Darling Street, Balmain Health-conscious: About Life Some mornings you might be more in the mood for a porridge that leaves you feeling health-guru smug rather than teddy bear-esque. And if you like your breakfast vegan, gluten free and dairy free, you’ve probably already visited your nearest About Life cafe. These guys make “warming” coconut chia porridge with banana, walnut, chia seeds and cinnamon ($11), which manages to be extremely healthy while tasting anything but. Served with all the visual appeal of a mouth-watering dessert, its flavour is best described as “Christmas-meets-tropical-island”, what with the festivity of the walnuts and the dusted cinnamon dancing around the soupy quinoa and fatly shredded coconut. It is extremely filling (banana + coconut + chia = waddle to the car then no appetite till dinnertime) so you may not finish the whole thing. But you’ll certainly have fun trying. About Life cafes are in Cammeray, Bondi Junction and Rozelle. Rice to meet you: Bills Famous for their ricotta hotcakes drizzled in honeycomb butter, Bills also serves up a mean porridge, using brown rice instead of traditional oats. Decorated with mango when in season, it’s currently bedecked with slices of reddish orange and perfectly ripe papaya. Texturally, it’s more like a rice pudding, or a less sticky version of Thai sticky black rice. The papaya provides a nice tangy flavour, heightened by a generous squeeze of the accompanying wedge of lime. Don’t worry about the lack of milk, as the sweet white miso and coconut yoghurt lend a creamy quality to the fibrous, chewy rice, without weighing it down too much. Overall, it’s a simple, fortifying dish that leaves you feeling full but not stuffed. It comes in two size options: a very generous small ($12.50) and, for the ravenous, what they call 'regular' ($15). Bills, 359 Crown Street, Surry Hills, and 433 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst. Look out for Oats-obsessives should keep their eyes open for the next pop-up porridge event in Sydney. It’s the brainchild of friends Stella and Babs, two porridge-lovers who spring up every now and then to craft magnificently topped porridges in biodegradable bowls for $6 or under. Think banana with raspberry coulis and other such delights. To be in the loop, sign up to their newsletter. Top image: Pop-up Porridge
When quizzed on their favourite things about summer, a staggering number of Australians place 'the beach' and 'the cricket' in the top two spots on their lists. And rarely do we have to choose between the two. But when the cricket rolls into town, you can be forgiven if you're stumped by the choice of a day at the beach or a day in the sun with friends at the cricket. Now you can combine both to enjoy a uniquely Australian summer experience that will deliver the best of both worlds. Coke has transformed a stand at one of Australia’s most iconic sporting arenas, the Sydney Cricket Ground, to bring Sydneysiders the Coca-Cola Beach – a pop-up beach at the cricket. Feel the sand between your toes and cool off in the splash pool as you cheer on the Aussies in fancy dress at one of limited over matches versus Sri Lanka (January 20) and the West Indies (February 8), respectively. To find out how you can get a spot on the sand head to cokeunleashed.com.au
Chocolate, flowers, candles, soaps, socks — if the usual Mother's Day gift ideas aren't cutting it for you this year, and you can't quite afford a weekend away on the Mornington Peninsula, don't fret. Barangaroo Artisan Market has you covered – even if you're the most last minute of last-minute shoppers. Happening at 10am on Saturday, May 10 — the day before the big day — the annual event will see more than 70 stallholders take over the streets of Barangaroo. Whether your mum's into ceramics and homewares or jewellery and textiles, you'll find something special to take home and wrap up. Alternatively, take her along for a big day out. Among the stalls, you'll find stunning functional artworks from Upcycled Glassware; slow, sustainable, ethically-sourced fashion from Essena; Aussie-made prints, cards and wrapping from Breezy Bird Studio; and unique, handcrafted jewellery from Aboriginal artist Sonia Pallett — among many, many other surprises and delights. In between browsing and buying, be treated to excellent eats, as well as live music and roving performers. Look out for the acrobatics of the Disco Divas, the juggling and hula-hooping of Kenny and Shiho, and the fluoro florals of Walks of Art, a parade inspired by Van Gogh and Monet.
Despite the rapid change we experience in our cities, there are some things that stay the same. And just like clockwork, Melbourne has been named the world's most liveable city in the world The Economic Intelligence Unit's Liveability Index ranks 140 cities on stability, healthcare, education, infrastructure, culture and environment. This marks Melbourne's seventh consecutive year at the top of the charts, and the Victorian Government could barely contain its glee. "Melbourne pipped Vienna for the top ranking, and finished well above Sydney, which did not make the top ten," read the incredibly smug press release issued by Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews' office earlier today. "This is a win for all Victorians, who contribute so much to making Melbourne the best place to live in the world," said Andrews. "Every Melburnian knows that they're living in the world's greatest city – and this proves it yet again," added Tourism and Major Events Minister John Eren. Rounding out the top five were Vienna, Vancouver, Toronto and Calgary, which tied with Adelaide in fifth place. Sydney came in at number 11 — which, for what it's worth Melbourne, is only just outside the top ten.
If you haven't had the opportunity to see one of Lisa Reihana's innovative multimedia works, now's your chance. The renowned Aotearoa New Zealand artist's first Australian survey show features a collection of photographic and video works, including the much-talked-about In Pursuit of Venus [infected]. This massive panoramic video installation is a modern reimagining of the famous colonial nineteenth century wallpaper Les Sauvages de la Mer Pacifique. Spanning a width of 26 metres, the live action video uses cutting-edge digital technologies to animate and reinterpret the wallpaper, interrogating the complexities of colonisation, and historical and contemporary stereotypes. Image: Michael Hall
UPDATE, June 3, 2022: Kajillionaire is available to stream via Netflix, Binge, Foxtel Now, Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. When Evan Rachel Wood played a troubled teen in 2003's Thirteen, the then 16-year-old received a Golden Globe nomination. For her work in Westworld since 2016, she has nabbed multiple Emmy nods. So when we say that the actor puts in her best performance yet in Kajillionaire — the type of portrayal that deserves several shiny trophies — that observation isn't made lightly. Playing a 26-year-old con artist called Old Dolio Dyne, Wood is anxious but yearning, closed-off yet vulnerable, and forceful as well as unsure all at once. Her character has spent her entire life being schooled in pulling off quick scams by her eccentric parents Robert (Richard Jenkins, The Shape of Water) and Theresa (Debra Winger, The Lovers), who she still lives with, and she's stuck navigating her own street-wise brand of arrested development. Old Dolio knows how to blend in, with her baggy clothes, curtain of long hair and low-toned voice. She also knows how to avoid security cameras in physical feats that wouldn't look out of place in a slapstick comedy, and how to charm kindly folks out of reward money. But she has never been allowed to truly be her own person — and, from the moment that Wood is seen on-screen, that mournful truth is immediately evident. Kajillionaire introduces Old Dolio, Robert and Theresa as they're falling back on one of their most reliable swindles: stealing packages from post office boxes. Old Dolio bobs and weaves like a ninja to avoid prying eyes, while her parents watch on from a safe distance, a formula that most of their other small-time rackets also rely upon. They're not trying to strike it rich and live ultra glamorous lives, although they do like entering competitions. As Robert lectures on one of his many musings about their chosen lifestyle, they don't want to be kajillionaires like everyone else in America seems to. Rather, they're merely endeavouring to maintain their offbeat existence — including keeping a low profile, staying off the grid and away from the government's prying eyes, and holing up in the basement level of an abandoned office building. In the aforementioned vacant structure the Dynes call home — which is still filled with cubicles, office furniture and stationery — big waves of pink suds seep down from above multiple times a day. That's an absurdist detail, even just to look at; however, it says more about the film's characters, the feature itself and the approach favoured by writer/director Miranda July than a simple description can convey. As the latter demonstrated with Me and You and Everyone We Know and The Future, she's fond of both surveying the routines of everyday life and using surreal and whimsical flourishes to lay bare the emotions lingering underneath. Vivid to watch but considered a chore in the movie, those soapy bubbles are a classic July touch. They also reflect the blend of eccentricity and repetition that marks this unconventional family's days, and share much in common with Old Dolio specifically. Never treated like a child or allowed to celebrate her birthday, and trained to split every score she makes with her parents since she was a kid, she has long been taken for granted — but, for those willing to actually take notice, she's far more than just the third part of a trio. Narrative-wise, Kajillionaire tracks this realisation within Old Dolio herself, as sparked by two developments. Firstly, to make a quick $20 to help cover overdue rent, she agrees to attend a parenting class for someone she meets on the street, and is struck by how far removed its teachings are from her own experiences. Secondly, on a return flight back to Los Angeles from New York as part of a travel insurance grift, her parents meet and befriend lively optometrist's assistant Melanie (Gina Rodriguez, Annihilation). So accustomed to playing the role dictated to her by Robert and Theresa, and never deviating from it, Old Dolio isn't prepared for the emotions stirred up by both changes to her status quo. But July's poignant and perceptive movie — a film that's a quirky heist flick, a playful but shrewd exploration of family bonds, and a sweet love story — is perfectly, mesmerisingly equipped to navigate her protagonist's efforts to reach beyond the only loved ones and the only type of life she has ever known. That Wood and July make a delightful actor-filmmaker combo really can't be stressed enough. Old Dolio finds herself searching for the kindness she didn't know she'd been missing, Kajillionaire's director regards everything about the character with affection and understanding, and the result is one of the most distinctive, empathetic and engaging movies of the year. The film doesn't gloss over any of its key figures' flaws or struggles, of which there are many, or the fact that little about these scammers can be wholly trusted even by each other. And yet, July knows that the best way to tell Old Dolio's tale — and Robert, Theresa and Melanie's too — is to jump on their wavelength. Ultimately, this is a movie shaped as much by its mood, tone and rhythms as its plot and themes, although it does an intuitive and insightful job of demonstrating how consumption-driven lives, 21st-century living in general, and the supposed be all and end all that is the American Dream can prove empty and limiting. To answer the question that's on everyone's minds from the moment that Old Dolio's name is uttered, yes, Kajillionaire offers an explanation. Yes, it's as idiosyncratic and revealing as the rest of the movie. It's rare for a film to feel so rich, so unique and so completely the sum of its parts, but July's third feature manages that feat in everything from its bright but never postcard-perfect lensing of LA and its off-kilter episodic antics to its tender appreciation of an individualistic young woman whose initials literally spell out ODD. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-fxRXzfi0U
Sydney's city skyline is set to welcome three towering new additions, as the designs are finalised for Sydney CBD's new tech hub. Dubbed the Tech Central Precinct, it will span from Central to Eveleigh and has been pitted as the "Silicon Valley of Australia" by NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian. First announced back in 2018, the precinct will be home a $2.5 billion commercial development with two sky-high towers — clocking in at 37 and 39 floors, respectively. Architecture firms Fender Katsalidis and Skidmore and Owings & Merrill have just been announced as the winning designers of the development, called Central Place, which will be overseen by Dexus and Frasers Property Australia and will also include a sandstone building with shops, eateries and working spaces. The precinct is set to be built with 100 percent renewable energy as well as a "double skin façade" to help control heat gain and minimise the need for air-conditioning. [caption id="attachment_779987" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Render courtesy of Fender Katsalidis[/caption] Adjacent to the two towers will be a third imposing building: the world's tallest 'hybrid timber', in fact, built by tech giant Atlassian. Clocking in at 40 storeys and announced in late June, it's set to take over the existing YHA site on Pitt Street, with a mix of indoor and openair areas, including elevated green spaces and a plant-filled terraced rooftop. The National Trust has, as reported by the Sydney Morning Herald, raised concerns about the new towers, saying they are "out of context with the surrounding area" and could "overwhelm" existing buildings. Atlassian will submit a development application for the tower in the coming months and, if approved, hopes to start construction in 2021. Renders courtesy of Fender Katsalidis.
'Tis the season for indulging, celebrating and catching up with friends you haven't seen for a while. You can tick all three of those boxes at the newly renovated Forrester's in Surry Hills, which has just launched a new lunch offering. For a sensible $79 per person, you can enjoy two hours of endless rosé and eight dishes to share, including king salmon tiradito (Peruvian-style crudo), fried crab cakes, guacamole, and roasted lemony chicken. You'll be eating in drinking in the sunny Phylli's restaurant, which is filled with plants, art and plenty of blond timber. The bottomless lunch is a weekend affair, with spots available on Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm–3pm. Bookings can be made for groups of four people more — so, if crab cakes, guac and a never-ending pour of rosé sounds like the perfect way to spend a sunny weekend afternoon, round up three of your closest and make a beeline for Surry Hills. [caption id="attachment_788391" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Yasmin Mund[/caption] Bottomless rosé lunches available 12pm–3pm on weekends. Top image: Yasmin Mund
2ser 107.3 has been a pillar of the airwaves in Sydney for 30 years now. This month they celebrate this 30th with a great lineup of shows all around town. The gigs seem to achieve the same diversity as the station itself, from Dubstep to folk and in between - check out the whole lineup here. For one such evening, they've enlisted the tall-as-hell troubadour Jack Ladder. Ladder has decided that instead of being a moody balladeer as he was on his debut Not Worth Waiing For, he'd quit the self pity and get himself a band, tapping into more of a Sam Cooke/Otis Redding vibe, but still with slight hints of post-punk weirdness and malady from his baritone. In 2008, Ladder - nee Tim Rogers - developed this new sound whilst living in the USA and Europe, putting it down on an album which came out earlier this year called Love Is Gone. The LP sees his bluesy stories on top of a bigger beat, with rollicking drums (courtesy of Pivot's Laurence Pike) and electric guitars all jangling along, conjuring up ideas of dusty saloons and smokey basements. The Cad Factory will be the setting for these electrified tunes this evening, and there's a great lineup of supports, specifically Adrian Deutsch (ex Red Riders) and Tired Hands (Moonmilk). It's all ages too so kids, come on down!https://youtube.com/watch?v=2BLC5yp1XjA
