The Squish Burger — a cheeseburger flattened with an iron fish press — has been making headlines (and Instagram posts) at Bondi Beach Public Bar since 2017. Now, Executive Chef Monty Koludrovic (Icebergs, The Dolphin) is moving the famed lunch item east, and adding heaps of truffle into the mix. The compact burger is heading to The Dolphin's venue-within-a-venue, Scout Sydney. The world-famous London cocktail bar made its way Down Under back in February, with founder Matt Whiley bringing his highly unusual, hyperlocal cocktails with him. Now, Koludrovic is giving us even more to love about the bar by recreating a truffled version of the BBPB Squish. While the Bondi version had two patties, the Surry Hills version has one and comes with truffled cheese, truffled burger sauce and Polish-style pickles for $28 all up. It's joined by another brand new dish, too — a $16 Chicago-style deep dish pizza, topped with tomato, garlic and fresh mozzarella (with additional prosciutto for $4). Alongside the new eats by Koludrovic, Whiley is turning out his usual high quality of seasonal cocktails. At the moment, those include the Cameflage (vodka, clarified cow and camel milk, pet nat caramel and yuzu) and the Human Race (Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz gin, wax leaf, mango and passionfruit mead and tonka). Yup, pairing them together is sounding like one very tasty combo. Scout Sydney is located on the top floor of The Dolphin Hotel at 412 Crown Street, Surry Hills. The new menu items are now available to order.
Known mononymously as Nobu, Nobuyuki Matsuhisa oversees a restaurant and hotel empire that spans more than 40 cities, including Los Angles, Moscow and, come the end of 2020, Sydney. The legendary sushi chef's third Australian restaurant — and third inside a Crown resort, with Nobu outposts already located in Melbourne and Perth's Crown Towers — Nobu Sydney is set to open inside the controversial multibillion-dollar Crown Sydney this December. The restaurant, located on the edge of the harbour, is set to have panoramic views across the city, a modern industrial look and statement lights. Exact details of the food and drink menu are still being finalised, but you can expect to try many of Nobu's signature dishes, showcasing Japanese and South American flavours, that he's perfected at his 42 eponymous restaurants. The yellowtail jalapeño is sure to make an appearance, as will the black cod with miso — a dish that's said to be a favourite of Nobu's business partner, the actor Robert De Niro. Nobu opened his first restaurant in Peru back in the 70s, before eventually moving to Los Angeles and launching Matsuhisa, where he met Robert De Niro. Together with co-founders restaurateur Drew Nieporent and producer Meir Tepar, they opened the first Nobu in New York in 1994. The rest, they say, is history. [caption id="attachment_773848" align="alignnone" width="1920"] An artist's impression of Nobu in Crown Sydney[/caption] Nobu won't be the only high-profile chef making an appearance inside the Barangaroo casino and hotel, either. It'll be home to 14 bars and restaurants, including one by Clare Smyth, who's worked at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay and Alain Ducasse's Le Louis XV (both three Michelin starred-restaurants), which is slated to open in February 2021. The rest are under wraps for now, but, if the first two announcements are anything to go by, expect some more legendary chefs from across the globe to announce Sydney openings imminently. Nobu is slates to open inside Crown Sydney, Barangaroo in December 2020.
On your next getaway in southeast Queensland, head up in the world, then stay there. Located 45 minutes out of the Gold Coast in the Scenic Rim region — which Lonely Planet named one of the best places in the world to visit in 2022 — Tamborine Mountain is the area's lofty tree-change go-to. From December 2024, the scenic site will also be home to a new boutique motel. The latest accommodation option from the team behind Cassis Red Hill in Victoria's Mornington Peninsula, The Tamborine boasts 23 rooms in its 80s-style abode, which takes its design cues from haciendas. When you're getting cosy, you'll be doing so in king-sized beds — and with mountain views no matter which room you're in, including from either a private balcony or a terrace. If you're keen for a splash as well, there's a heated mineral pool and spa. The Tamborine will also include a lounge and bar area, where complimentary continental breakfast is served each morning, hosted aperitifs are on the menu each afternoon, and drinks and bar snacks can be ordered to enjoy poolside. The drinks focus: locally sourced sips. But if you're eager to use the motel as a base to explore the rest of the mountain, the crew here understand — and have a curated array of experiences beyond the site's doors to suggest. "Whether it be immersing oneself in nature, enjoying a tipple at one of the many and emerging microbreweries and distilleries, or exploring the artisan wares the mountain is famous for, The Tamborine will be the perfect escape for our guests. We want guests leaving feeling enriched and connected, and eager to return," advised co-owner Nina Aberdeen. "We are beyond excited to open the doors to The Tamborine and share this special place with our guests. The hotel is designed to offer a seamless connection between our guests, our hosts, the natural surrounds and the local community," added co-owner Gina McNamara. "Every detail has been crafted to ensure that when guests arrive, they feel a deep sense of relaxation and belonging. We can't wait to see them experience the stunning views, unwind by the pool and explore everything the Scenic Rim has to offer." Find The Tamborine at 99 Alpine Terrace, Tamborine Mountain, Queensland, from early December 2024. Head to the motel's website for bookings and further details.
Originally formed in 1985 under the name 'Virulence', Fu Manchu exploded onto the hard rock scene with their 1990 single 'Kept Between the Trees'. Since then, this Californian band has accrued a loyal 'stoner rock' fan base. This May, Fu Manchu will bring its own catchy and unpretentious brand of hard rock to Sydney audiences in celebration of the 15th anniversary of their 1997 hit album The Action Is Go. Get going and go get your tickets before it's too late. https://youtube.com/watch?v=_Zko7pBeHkk
Dimitri's Pizzeria and its eye-catching red-and-white sign have been a permanent fixture on Crown Street since the 70s; while it moved once (around 20 years ago), it's never left the strip — until now. The Surry Hills pizza stalwart has uprooted its tables (literally) and relocated to Oxford Street, where it's setting up shop in the building previously home to Hunky Dory Social Club. And it plans to occupy all three of its levels — meaning the pizzeria is about to grow six times in size. On the ground floor, it'll be the pretty much the same old Dimitri's, but bigger and better. Owners Ken Williams and Drew Huston have finally gotten their hands on a woodfired pizza oven and are making the type of pizza they've been wanting to do for "a long time". "It's a massive improvement on the pizza we were serving before," says Williams. And Huston agrees: "We're cooking our ideal pizza right now, I reckon — safe to say, we're pretty psyched about it." [caption id="attachment_729638" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kimberley Low[/caption] The woodfired oven can get up to 150 degrees hotter than the restaurant's previous oven (meaning the pizzas only have to spend a third of the time inside) and the pair is also making a new 100-percent sourdough base that is fermented for much longer — a minimum of 48 hours. What does all this mean for you? The dough is lighter, easier to digest and a whole lot tastier (and the pizzas will land on your table much quicker). The dough is similar to that of Neapolitan-style pizzas, but Williams is quick to point out that their pizzas are not 'traditional' Neapolitan — "it's like neo-Neapolitan, but some chefs hate that term". And while the dough itself is fairly traditional — despite its use of a blend of Australian organic stone-ground flour — the toppings certainly aren't. Expect to find brussels sprouts, honey (from Williams' mum's beehive), radicchio, rainbow chard and even corn atop the pies. As well as the necessary mozzarella, which is stretched daily in-house. The pair is planning to alter the toppings with the seasons, too, making the most of short-season produce like pine mushrooms and truffles. You'll be eating all of this on the old Dimitri's tables — which have been repurposed by Williams' brother Lex, a furniture builder and designer — surrounded by exposed brick walls, art, fairy lights and the restaurant's namesake: a striking red neon Dimitri. [caption id="attachment_729630" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kimberley Low[/caption] "I asked a tattoo artist friend of mine [Sanchez from Oxford Street's Thanks Tattoo] to draw up a tattoo of a crazy pizza man," says Williams of the restaurant's illuminated mascot. "And that's the head of the crazy pizza man." This head is now located inside at the new Oxford Street venue, right next to the stairs, which will, by the end of spring, lead to the next two levels of Dimitri's. With a total capacity of around 150 people, the top two levels will be home to "Dimitri's but in bar form", which means Grifter beer on tap and all-natural wines — including the likes of Das Juice, Gut Oggau and Delinquente — and a short and sharp cocktail list. Williams says to expect "really good quality drinks, a chilled atmosphere and good times". These good times will extend to the third-level open terrace, too, where you'll be able to drink looking out on the street below. And on the rooftop — yes, it keeps going — there'll be a garden, where Williams will be growing herbs and some veggies for super-fresh pizza toppings. It's a big job — especially when the owners are doing all the handiwork themselves. "Pretty much everything you see is hand built," explains Williams. "Which is definitely keeping us busy." This means when the first level of Dimitri's opens in early July, it'll only be firing pizza four days a week, giving the team three days to work on the rest of the building. In the meantime, keep an eye on Oxford Street for the glowing red sign — it's turning on tonight. Find Dimitri's at 215 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst. It's currently open on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights, with bookings available via Instagram message — though, keep an eye on its social media for opening hour updates. The bars on level two and three are expected to open before summer. Images: Kimberley Low.
The holiday season is quickly approaching, and with it the rat race of gift buying. If you're trying to stay off the commercial path and are looking for unique knickknacks for your peeps, then be sure to check out Etsy's upcoming Christmas pop-up shop. The darling online marketplace for vintage and handmade goods is taking a physical form for just 15 days in November and December. The temporary shop will feature over 300 products from 150 independent artists and skilled craftsmen, including jewellery, art, fashion, kids wear, vintage items and homewares. Shoppers will also have the opportunity to test out their own skills in any of the free DIY workshops and attend demos hosted by the artists and sellers. Specials include flower bomb and ceramics workshops, and 'Man Night' with free haircuts from a professional barber. So if you're in the mood to get a little artsy at Etsy, or just want to find a rad gift, check out their shop in Sydney's CBD. They'll be open daily from 8am to 9pm.
If you have an opinion about crying in baseball — if you're a big fan of baseball Down Under in general, actually — then you might have classic 1992 film A League of Their Own to thank. It starred Geena Davis, Madonna and Rosie O'Donnell as members of a 1940s women's baseball team, with Tom Hanks playing their manager — and famously deciding that tears didn't have a part in the bat-swinging game. Like almost everything ever made, including from the 90s, that movie has now scored a remake — and it's sliding into your streaming queue this winter. This time around, Broad City's Abbi Jacobson leads the show, and also co-created and executive produced it. She's joined by Voyagers' Chanté Adams and The Good Place's D'Arcy Carden among her teammates, plus Parks and Recreation favourite Nick Offerman as well. The new A League of Their Own marks Jacobson's first ongoing on-screen TV role since Broad City said goodbye — and it'll follow the same story as its big-screen predecessor. So, when it hits Prime Video from August 12, it'll again jump back to World War II, and follow a group of women who dream of playing professional baseball. That said, the new series also promises to expand further, charting a whole generation of baseball-loving ladies with that dream — and looking at both race and sexuality on and off the field in the process. All eight episodes of A League of Their Own will drop on the same day, ready for binging. And, Prime Video has just released a sneak peek teaser trailer of exactly what's in store. Also appearing on-screen alongside Jacobson, Adams, Carden and Offerman: Gbemisola Ikumelo (The Power), Roberta Colindrez (Vida), Saidah Arrika Ekulona (Better Call Saul), Kate Berlant (Search Party), Kendall Johnson (Sexless), Kelly McCormack (George & Tammy), Alex Désert (Better Things), Priscilla Delgado (Julieta), Aaron Jennings (Grand Crew), Molly Ephraim (Perry Mason), Melanie Field (The Alienist) and Dale Dickey (Palm Springs). Check out the first teaser trailer for A League of Their Own below: A League of Their Own will start streaming via Prime Video on August 12.
It's safe to say, restaurants like Meu Jardim don't come around every day. After all, this dramatic new Skittle Lane venture from restaurateur Ussi Moniz Da Silva not only boasts a heady $4.1 million dollar fitout, but also a huge firepit and a three-metre-high indoor waterfall. A futuristic nod to the natural elements of fire and water, the two-level, 330-seat space delivers a striking vision of glossy white angles and turquoise neon finishes. White pearl walls supposedly pull inspiration from the Dordogne Valley in France, while an impressive curved block staircase connects the two floors. [caption id="attachment_764760" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kitti Gould[/caption] Upstairs is dedicated to a high-end contemporary French restaurant, its entrance marked by that flowing sheet of water and an oyster shucking station, and its open kitchen set artfully behind glass. Here, Executive Chef Jason McCauley (Banc Restaurant, Carpaccio Leichhardt, Eatalia) is plating up modern reworkings of classic fine French flavours. It's a lineup that's both considered and totally decadent, kicking off with bites like escargot in garlic, butter and champagne, Western Australian lobster tail and a wagyu tartare starring quail yolk and Tasmanian summer truffle. Mains might include a duck a l'orange featuring turnip, green olive and an orange gelee, or the blue eye trevalla and mussels done with plenty of white wine and cream. There's even a 1.2-kilogram grass-fed tomahawk steak, which you can pimp out even further with the addition of some gold leaf for an extra $60. If decisions aren't your strong point, a five-course degustation is also on offer for $100 a head, which will take you from scallops with caviar through to fillet and an apple tarte tartin served with smoked honey yoghurt ice cream. [caption id="attachment_764757" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kitti Gould[/caption] A more casual (and affordable) affair awaits you downstairs, where snacks, shared plates and bistro fare take centre stage. Expect to tuck into creations like the chicken liver parfait served with a port gel and sesame lavash, salt cod beignets and the restaurant's signature 'crodogs' — a croissant-hot dog hybrid — filled with the likes of pulled pork, lamb and mint or strawberries and cream. You can also pull up a seat by that 40-person firepit to settle in with a cosy tipple. There's a wine selection heroing drops from across Australia and France — go for a glass of the 2018 Domaine Paul Blanck pinot blanc from Alsace, perhaps — and a cocktail lineup starring forgotten classics alongside signature creations. Stay on theme with something lush, like the Vuju De — a fusion of Monkey 47, sherry, Dom Benedictine, Lillet Blanc, creme de violet and orange bitters. Opening just weeks before COVID-19 forced the closure of all Sydney restaurants, Meu Jardim isn't quite running like it first intended. Instead of 330, the restaurant can currently fit 50. You'll also need to record your details when you dine, and follow its social distancing and hygiene procedures — but, if you've gone out since restaurants were allowed to reopen in mid-May, this will be nothing new. Find Meu Jardim down Skittle Lane, Sydney. It's currently open 12pm–12am Monday–Thursday and from 4pm–12pm Friday–Saturday. Bookings are recommended. Images: Kitti Gould
The upside to getting to a shopping centre right on opening? It's easy to find a park. The downside? You skipped brekkie to get there on time and now you're hungry. If that's happened to you while shopping at Chatswood Chase, let us point you in the right direction: Three Beans. Part of a collection of cafes with over 20 locations dotted across Sydney and Brisbane, Three Beans Chatswood Chase will sort your early morning hunger out with its menu of cafe classics. Whether you opt for something sweet like muesli or banana bread with house-made praline butter, or a hearty green brekkie bowl, packed with avocado, quinoa, haloumi, pesto and an egg, you'll leave feeling satisfied and ready to power through that shopping list. Slept in? Not to worry, the menu is available all day and also includes wraps, sandwiches and tarts. And don't be put off by the fact that Three Beans is a chain; it uses its scale for good, by supporting Aussie growers and producers. The eggs come from Rohde's farm in South Australia's Clare Valley, pork is from Borrowdale near Goondiwindi and the chicken is from Mount Barker.
Filling your stomach with warm, toasty things to get you through the cold months is a tried and true method for surviving winter. We're talking veggie soup and ramen right through to hot chips and cheesy bowls of pasta. And not to mention booze — spirits like rum are often a good call for your cold bones, particularly they have a bit of wintry spice to it. As such, The Kraken Black Spiced Rum isn't too shabby a choice to liven things up and make you feel warm and cosy on your insides. At a recent Christmas in July event in Sydney, Kraken whipped out a a selection of dark wintry cocktails made to warm even the most cold-blooded, all made with its signature Black Spiced Rum. We learnt the tricks to some new fancy spiced rum cocktails that may just be our lifeblood until the sun comes around again — and we've nabbed the recipes. Here are four recipes to get you playing along at home. SPICED EGG FOGG A twist on the standard Christmas classic, this eggnog is much more appropriate for winter. Too often you've got the summer (and meat) sweats on Christmas Day, so this Egg Fogg might be the perfect way to warm up to Christmas in July — Kraken Black Spiced Rum provides the kick needed. Ingredients 700ml of The Kraken Black Spiced Rum 24 egg yolks 12 egg whites 3 cups of sugar 2 litres of milk 2 litres of cream 1 tablespoons of orange marmalade 3 cloves 4 star anise 2 cinnamon quills 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon nutmeg Method Combine cream, milk, marmalade and all spices in large pot over heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Whisk together egg yolks and sugar in a separate bowl, slowly adding the rum bit by bit. When it's all mixed in, add the cream and milk mixture, then serve into rocks glasses. To finish, mix egg whites until they've formed soft peaks and top the eggnog mixture with the peaks. If you want to go the whole hog and just happen to have a kitchen blowtorch lying around, toast the tops of the peaks. Garnish with a star anise and serve (maybe while wearing a Christmas jumper). SUCKER PUNCH The Sucker Punch has more of a fruity vibe, with orange liqueur, lime juice and fresh pineapple on the go for one big hit of vitamin C. Along with The Kraken Black Spiced Rum, this one straddles that very important cocktail line of sweet vs sour, and will have you forgetting you're not on a tropical holiday. Ingredients 30ml of The Kraken Black Spiced Rum 15ml of Italian bitter orange liqueur 15ml of fresh pressed lime juice 15ml of demerara sugar syrup or agave syrup 60ml of fresh pressed pineapple juice Method This one's simple: chuck all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake with ice. Strain into a Nick and Nora glass, or any cocktail glass that makes you feel fancy. SEA SPECTOR The Sea Spector is one of those 'the simpler the better' cocktails, with just three ingredients and a lemon peel garnish. Using falernum — a Caribbean syrup made of sugar cane syrup, lime, almond and cloves — the Sea Spector is a bit of a taste of the ocean (just without all the salt). Ingredients 30ml of The Kraken Black Spiced Rum 10ml of falernum syrup 3 dashes Creole bitters 1 swathe of lemon peel Method Stir all ingredients over ice in a glass then strain straight over ice into a frosty rocks glass fresh from the freezer. Pop the lemon peel in and wham, bam, thank you ma'am you've a pretty civilised cocktail on your hands. KRAKEN ESPRESSO MARTINI Of course, no cocktail menu is complete without the requisite espresso martini — and this one's a corker. Give yourself a treat in the form of a rum cocktail that will also wake you up and have you raring for the rest of the night with the coffee, chocolate bitters in a glass rimmed with coffee beans and salt. Ingredients 30ml of The Kraken Black Spiced Rum 15ml of coffee liqueur 60ml of espresso coffee 15ml of agave syrup 2 dashes chocolate bitters A mix of smashed coffee beans and salt Method Grab a coupette glass, wet the rim, and coat with a mix of smashed coffee beans and salt. Combine all ingredients and shake with ice in a cocktail shaker. Strain into the glass, sip through the caffeinated rim and enjoy that sweet, sweet kick.
Horror fans, your favourite spooky season is fast approaching — and how better to welcome Halloween month than with a spine-tingling new stage show guaranteed to make your palms sweat? (Keep that in mind if you're heading in on a date.) Darlinghurst Theatre Company is back treading the boards this spring in vampire-thriller meets coming-of-age story (oh, that old genre) Let the Right One In, opening at the Eternity Playhouse on October 6. If the name sounds familiar, it's because Tony Award-winner Jack Thorne has adapted it for the stage from the best-selling novel and cult-classic vampire film by Swedish writer, John Ajvide Lindqvist. Thorne is known for writing a little stage show you might have heard of called Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and his résumé also includes BBC's His Dark Materials and the BAFTA-winning National Treasure. Directed by Alexander Berlage (American Psycho) and starring a bevy of local talents including Heartbreak High's Will McDonald and Convict's Stephen Anderton, this is a vampire tale not all about the jump scares. Instead, it draws on coming-of-age horrors of real life, through the eyes of lonely, bullied teen Oskar (McDonald) and his neighbour Eli (newcomer Sebrina Thornton-Walker). Their social differences as outsiders bond them, but when a series of grisly, unexplained murders strikes throughout the neighbourhood, their unlikely friendship is tested beyond all imaginable limits. This critically acclaimed show racked up a series of five-star reviews during its London run, garnering praise from the likes of Time Out, The Guardian and The Observer. And of course, Darlinghurst Theatre Company is known for creating immersive experiences by transforming its foyer, so your show experience starts the moment you enter the venue. If you haven't ventured back to the theatre since lockdown, put this one on your spring calendar — Berlage says both fans of the film and those new to the story will be equally enthralled. "It's a type of theatre that you don't see a lot of on stage, particularly in Sydney," he says. "It's a genre piece – combining a coming-of-age story with elements that draw on both the supernatural and horror. At its core, the production explores the deeply human experience of desperately trying to find hope and one's place in the world." Running from October 6 until November 20, tickets start at just $54 for an evening of thrills, chills and spookiness in an iconic Sydney location.
Nestled into a leafy pocket of Brisbane's western suburbs, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary already boasts the honour of being the world's first and largest koala sanctuary. It's a tourist destination and a favourite with locals, as well as a great place to cuddle a koala — including on Christmas Day if you're looking to for something other than the usual festive celebrations. From November, it'll become a new spot to see animals by night, too, with the Fig Tree Pocket venue announcing the addition of an nocturnal precinct. Opening on Wednesday, November 1, Lone Pine's latest reason to drop by will hero Australia's nocturnal wildlife and offer night-time experiences. The animal haven is gaining seven exhibit spaces, which will become home to ten species. On the list: tree kangaroos, potoroos and pademelons, plus bandicoots, bettongs and more. Half of the residents of the nocturnal precinct will be new species to Lone Pine, with patrons able to peer their way using portable thermal imaging cameras. The experience is designed around not disrupting the critters — so, no torches beamed their way. If you're keen, you'll be able to sign up for a tour that'll run for 90 minutes three times a week, on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Each group will welcome 20 visitors. As well as the nocturnal precinct, Lone Pine is also gaining a new kilometre-long accessible boardwalk. Part of a $3.2-million project, the new additions further expand a venue where getting up close and personal with wildlife — not just by cuddling a koala, but also by holding an owl, touching snakes, and watching everything from kangaroos, wombats and echidnas to birds of prey, turtles and even Tasmanian devils — is on offer. "Australia has some of the world's most unique wildlife and being able to discover their natural behaviours after dark will be an experience like no other — it's a secret world some of our staff haven't even seen!" said Lone Pine General Manager Lyndon Discombe. "In addition to the night experience, we're very excited to offer our animals beautiful new exhibit spaces, perfectly reflecting their natural habitat. The new precinct is situated among our working eucalyptus plantation, so although you are only 12 kilometres from the CBD, it feels like you're in the middle of the Australian bush," Discombe continued. "Opened almost 100 years ago as a koala refuge, Lone Pine Sanctuary has an enduring reputation among overseas and Australian visitors as a Brisbane bucket list destination," added Queensland Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe, with the state government contributing $1.2 million to the new additions. "Lone Pine's night-time precinct opens up an entirely new dimension in marsupial experiences for visitors to discover in one of Queensland's great tourism destinations." Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary's nocturnal precinct opens on Wednesday, November 1 at 708 Jesmond Road, Fig Tree Pocket, Brisbane. Head to the venue's website for more information and bookings.
When you've already announced Bad Feminist author Roxane Gay as one of your keynote speakers, what comes next? At the 2024 Festival of Dangerous Ideas, the conversation will flow from being a serial dissenter to the smartphone backlash, propaganda and censorship, giving kids the right to vote and taking on the one percent, then also cover tackling inequality, the myths surrounding women's health and humanity's need to find meaning through god-like figures. The full for the Sydney fest, which will take over Carriageworks for two days from Saturday, August 24–Sunday, August 25, is filled with exactly what an event dedicated to crucial and complex topics demands: a wide-ranging lineup of boundary-pushing talks where hopping from one session from the next means jumping between a vast array of subject matter. Under Festival Director Danielle Harvey, FODI has curated its 2024 roster around the theme of 'sanctuary'. Joining Gay among the 16 international guests presenting keynotes are US psychologist Jean Twenge, which is where diving into the impact of handheld devices comes in; journalist and writer Masha Gessen, who'll explore the ways that narratives about conflicts are controlled; and David Runciman to give the Christopher Hitchens Oration on the topic "votes for six-year-olds". Plus, Megan Phelps-Roper of Unfollow fame will team up with Andy Mills from The New York Times' The Daily and Rabbit Hole to dig into the impact of their podcast The Witch Trials of JK Rowling — and Jen Gunter has her sights set on the poor medical care women can be subjected to. Elsewhere, academic Saree Makdis will examine the west's response to the conflict in the Middle East, economists John N Friedman and Richard Holden will chat through ideas for increasing upward social mobility, The Next Frontier academic Todd Fernando will hone in on Indigenous excellence and The End of Race Politics' Coleman Hughes will be a guest on Josh Szeps' Uncomfortable Conversations. Attendees can also hear sustainability professor Jem Bendell step through how civilisation is already collapsing, philosopher David Benatar dive into the ethics of having children and comedian David Baddiel deliver the first John Caldon Provocation on how the need for god to give life substance disproves the deity's existence. The lineup goes on, whether you're keen for a session featuring Jordan van den Berg, aka renter advocate Purple Pingers, on why the one percent should be afraid — or chats about the new breed of world leaders, the price of democracy, public forgiveness, artificial and transplanted wombs, positive masculinity, peer pressure making us sick or individualism. If you can't attend or won't be in Sydney, some sessions will be livestreamed. For those heading along in person, perhaps you'd like to hear from Talk to Me's Danny Philippou about his favourite horror film and why we're all fascinated with fear, then crawl through a tape installation by Austrian and Croatian artists and designers Numen / For Use, then watch a jailbreak experiment by performance collective re:group, too? Yes, across what promises to be a busy weekend, they're all also on the program as well. Images: Jodie Barker, Ken Leanfore and Yaya Stempler.
Under current COVID-19 restrictions in Australia, there are various interstate border restrictions in place. Up-to-date information on restrictions are available at your state's health websites (click through for NSW, Victoria and Queensland). Of course, even border closures don't mean you can't start dreaming — bookmark this for when you can explore freely once again. Australia's hugely diverse landscape means there's plenty of choice when it comes to finding an off-road experience, no matter how you like to get around. From twisting turns across the Australian Alps to tropical rainforest descents, epic all-terrain mountain biking adventures can be discovered in every corner of the country. When you're ready to hit the road, don't forget to pack the new Sonos Roam. Designed to withstand a rough-and-tumble lifestyle, this lightweight and portable smart speaker is drop-withstanding and waterproof, making it the perfect device to soundtrack your journey. [caption id="attachment_812642" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ain Raadik Photography[/caption] THE AUSTRALIAN ALPINE EPIC, VICTORIA When it comes to the Alpine Epic, everything you need to know is in the name. The first trail in the southern hemisphere to be designated, quite literally, 'epic' by the International Mountain Bicycling Association, this exhilarating cross-country trail begins from the lofty Mt Buller Alpine Village. From there, you'll pedal through 40 kilometres of incredible alpine terrain, including many of the region's most picturesque destinations. Passing through snowgum groves and wildflowers via Soul Revival, One Tree Hill and Gang Gangs on this challenging descent, the Australian Alpine Epic is suited to experienced riders, and takes around seven hours to complete. The trail is open from December to April. [caption id="attachment_818224" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ready Aim Media[/caption] OURIMBAH STATE FOREST, NSW Situated at the southern end of the Watagan Mountains, just west of Wyong, Ourimbah State Forest is a popular destination for outdoor adventure activities near the Central Coast. As well as stellar hiking and ziplining experiences through the treetops, mountain biking is high on the agenda for many visitors with a series of well-maintained downhill and cross-country trails suitable for both beginner and experienced riders. You'll find plenty of obstacles and jumps to test your skills, with many of the routes designed with progression in mind. Plus, a convenient shuttle bus ensures you get a break on the way back to the top of the mountain. [caption id="attachment_818229" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] SMITHFIELD MOUNTAIN BIKE PARK, QUEENSLAND The dense, lush landscape of tropical north Queensland makes for the perfect destination when you're looking for some serious thrills. Featuring more than 60 kilometres of trails set deep within the rainforest, Smithfield Mountain Bike Park is considered one of the top all-terrain trail systems anywhere in the world. It hosted the 1996 and 2017 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships — and it's also the oldest mountain bike park in Australia. You can bounce your way across craggy hillsides and fast-flowing streams as you ride through vine-covered jungle and jagged ridges overlooking the Great Barrier Reef. While experienced riders flock to Smithfield for its great selection of quick technical routes to test their skills, beginners will discover a series of spacious, smooth trails that skirt the lower edges of the park. [caption id="attachment_812640" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] ARTHURS SEAT PARK, VICTORIA Surrounding the 314-metre summit of Arthurs Seat State Park is a striking network of mountain biking trails that wind through the region's native bushland and rocky terrain. There are suitable off-road adventures for every experience level here, with 14 trails of varying difficulty. Beginners will prefer the well-connected Pink Line Trail, Slippery Gypsy Trail and East Link Trail with their low gradients and minimal obstacles. More accomplished riders can take on the highly technical Deadwoods Trail or the sharp drops of the Pins and Needles Trail. [caption id="attachment_812638" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] THREDBO MOUNTAIN BIKE PARK, NSW Alpine mountain biking doesn't get much better than what's on offer at the Thredbo Mountain Bike Park. The trails are open from November to May each year and offer an evolving network of cross-country adventures that ensure you can find a path to match your skillset. Featuring Australia's only chairlift-accessed gravity trails open throughout summer, Thredbo is a great place for riders with a bit of experience to test themselves on berms, rock drops and other technical obstacles. For those who'd prefer a more relaxing off-road experience, Easy Street and the Thredbo Valley Track offer a stellar combination of thrills and alpine scenery. Thredbo Mountain Bike Park also offers clinics for all ages and skill levels. [caption id="attachment_812641" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] BIG HILL MOUNTAIN BIKE PARK, VICTORIA Situated atop the appropriately named Mount Beauty, Big Hill Mountain Bike Park is widely regarded as one of Australia's best mountain biking destinations. This labyrinth of downhill and cross-country trails spans more than 40 kilometres, with over 50 trails to choose from ranging in terrain and difficulty. Big Hill is home to the National Mountain Bike Championships, but there are a number of trails suited to less experienced riders including the Dart Spur Track and Sesame Street. With the charming town of Bright located within close proximity of this track, you can round out your outdoor adventures with a visit to the Bright Brewery or one of the many cafes in town. [caption id="attachment_818518" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Stromlo Forest Park[/caption] STROMLO FOREST PARK, ACT Stromlo Forest Park is the best place for mountain biking when you don't want to totally leave civilisation behind. Just a 15-minute drive from the centre of Canberra are over 40 kilometres of world-class trails that are suited to a wide range of riding abilities and age groups. Cemented in Australian mountain biking folklore thanks to its hosting numerous national championships and professional competitions, Stromlo Forest Park offers highly technical routes, including log rides and bridges, alongside easier trails with long, flowing descents. Stash away your lunch and Sonos for a relaxing post-ride picnic amongst the trees. [caption id="attachment_818267" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] NOOSA TRAIL NETWORK, QUEENSLAND Spanning a vast section of Queensland's rural landscape, the Noosa Trail Network encompasses eight distinct hinterland trails ideal for biking, hiking and horse riding. While these scenic journeys are slightly more focused on the incredible vistas that make up this part of the world, there are still plenty of challenges to be found. The 25-kilometre Kin Kin to Lake Macdonald Trail, for example, delves from wide-open countryside into the rainforest, while the Kin Kin Countryside Loop is a leisurely ride linking peaceful picnic spots with bird watching opportunities. Find out more about the new Sonos Roam at the official website. Top image: TBC
Each year sees William Street close to cars, with the usual traffic replaced with fun and frivolity spilling out onto the road for the annual William Street Festival. This year from 11am–8pm on Saturday, October 19, the unique businesses of Paddington will be celebrated in style with food, pop-up bars, shopping and live entertainment. What happens? Well, all of the boutiques along this well-known shopping strip swap their usual trading for parties, food and deals galore to lure you away from the Westfields of the world and back to the simple joy of wandering around the Victorian terrace-lined, quaint streets of Paddo. Plus, there'll be live music, street art and swing dancing to keep you entertained. Be sure to keep an eye out for the Victorian-inspired, eccentrically dressed entertainers, too, who will be roving throughout the streets in celebration of Hendrick's Gin's special edition, and deeply floral, Midsummer Solstice gin to keep you entertained and point you in the direction of the Paddo Inn — aptly renamed Paddo Ginn for October — where you can enjoy a Midsummer Solstice Spritz while surrounded by Dr Lisa Cooper's wonderful floral installations. You can also line your stomach with some of the best food, wine and cocktails the area has to offer, with 10 William Street, Barbetta, Italian Bar and The London all taking part in this street-wide party.
Last summer might only just be behind us, but it's never too early to start making plans for the next one — and for the festival fun that comes with it. Indeed, when the toasty weather returns at the end of 2022, it'll also herald another comeback, with music, art and food festival Spilt Milk locking in three events for this year. Originally only held in Canberra, then expanding to Ballarat, and now heading to Queensland as well — to the Gold Coast to be specific — the beloved event will return in November and December. First stop: its ACT home, of course, on Saturday, November 26 at Exhibition Park. It'll hit up regional Victoria next, on Saturday, December 3 at Victoria Park, before wrapping things up on Sunday, December 4 at Doug Jennings Park in the Sunshine State. The multi-city one-dayer has cemented its spot as a must-attend event for a heap of reasons — and tickets have sold out in under 30 minutes every year, including in a record nine minutes one year, to prove it. So, expect this to be one of the most anticipated returns of 2022, whoever is on the lineup. That bill won't be announced until Thursday, April 28; however, in the past, Spilt Milk has played host to Khalid, CHVRCHES, Juice Wrld, Channel Tres, BENEE, Lorde, Gang of Youth, Dom Dolla, Tones & I and more. This year, it's promising "a mega line-up with some of the most in-demand names on the scene". Start your guesses now, folks. Whoever tops the lineup — and whoever else helps fill the fest's stages — that musical roster will have impressive company, because the rest of the program always spans visual art, tasty eats and pop-up bars. Again, the details haven't yet been revealed, but it's worth blocking out your calendar now. SPILT MILK 2022 DATES: Saturday, November 26 — Exhibition Park, Canberra Saturday, December 3 — Victoria Park, Ballarat Sunday, December 4 — Doug Jennings Park, Gold Coast Spilt Milk will hit Canberra, Ballarat and the Gold Coast in November and December 2022. The full lineup will be announced on Thursday, April 28 — head back here then for further details — with pre-sale tickets go on sale from Tuesday, May 3 and general sales from Thursday, May 5. Head to the festival website for more info and to register for pre-sales. Images: Jordan Munns and Billy Zammit.
Budding designers need to have this store on their radar. Located in Redfern, this upholstery store specialises in fabrics from local and international designers, including end-of-roll and end-of-season specials. Owner Bev MacInnes channels expertise from a career as an interior architect to source unique and unusual textiles for professional designers and amateur home-crafters alike. The store also offers made-to-order services including bespoke bedheads, cushions, curtains, lampshades and upholstered furniture.
Small-scale organic winery Firescreek pairs an exploration of Indigenous tradition with a tasting of its native botanical-influenced wines for this unique cellar door experience. As you get comfortable among the manicured rainforest gardens, a local Aboriginal Elder will lead a discussion about Indigenous traditions and heritage before showcasing edible plants that are local to the Central Coast. Following this, a Firescreek winemaker will walk you through the biodynamic practices at the vineyard, which incorporates fruit growing and native permaculture. You'll get to taste a run of Firecreek's current vintages and test your palate detecting native flavours. Image: Destination NSW
The team behind Avalon's locally loved Bar Elvina has revamped its sandwich-slinging joint Sandy's, opening a breezy wine bar in its place. Taking up residence along Barrenjoey Road, Randy's Wine dons a coastal-inspired fit-out with splashes of colour throughout. From the pink hues of its Turkish marble bench tops, its custom red cedar windows and adorning leafy greens to the dim lighting and the neon-lit 'Randys' sign, the inviting space has a stylish and down-to-earth neighbourhood bar personality. Previously home to the crew's dedicated sanga spot, this intimate 20-seat outpost offers a select range of enticing bar snacks to pair alongside its premium selections of seasonally picked wines. The third brainchild of self-titled 'cork dorks' Andy Emerson and Nick Musgrave boasts a huge range of vino from across the globe, starring the likes of juicy reds, crisp whites and skin-contact sips. And for the cocktail lovers, Randy's offers a selection of seven cocktails, including an oyster shell martini and a zero-alcohol special. As for bites, you can get shucking with Sydney rock oysters, indulge in the buttery fried baguette paired or sink your teeth into fresh sashimi to start. Dive into the offering of seafood-forward plates, with Clarence River octopus and fried calamari with tarragon mayo leading the dishes. Or, for those opting to stay ashore, try the chicken liver parfait or the burrata with peach vinegar. Randy's also maintains some throwbacks to its previous era with a few sizeable sangas. There's a toasted sesame milk bun loaded with yamba king prawn and its very own take on a Zinger Burger — both of which can be converted into a happy meal with the addition of fries and beer or wine. And to sweeten the deal, there's also a smoky basque cheesecake available for dessert, paired with a citrus syrup. Looking to experience the joint as a whole? Opt for Randy's' 'let us feed you' menu, which showcases the bar's best for $50 per person.
It's made from pickle relish, mustard, soybean oil, egg yolk, onion, garlic and vinegar, has been slathered on burgers for more than half a century, and boasts as passionate a following as any condiment can have. Yes, we're talking about Big Mac Special Sauce, which goes mighty well with two beef patties, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions and a sesame seed bun — and, for McHappy Day, it's being bottled up and sold separately. If you're keen to squeeze the famous sauce on your own homemade burgers — or whatever other everyday meals it happens to go well with — then head along to a McDonald's eatery ASAP. A 500ml bottle will set you back $12, and there'll be more than 144,000 available. That seems like plenty; however, folks tend to go a little overboard when it comes to the condiment. Case in point: back in 2015, when limited-edition bottles were put up for auction on Ebay, one sold for more than $20,000. This isn't the first time that Maccas has packaged its famous sauce and put it up for sale, with the chain doing so in 2018 to celebrate the Big Mac's 50th anniversary. Still, it's not the kind of condiment that you can buy everyday. And, while there's plenty of recipes online that explain how to whip up a version at home, your tastebuds can probably tell the difference. Profits from all sales will be donated to Ronald McDonald House Charities, which McHappy Day raises money for each year. If you're buying an actual Big Mac with your bottle of Big Mac Special Sauce, $2 from your burger will also go to the cause, with other merchandise on offer and gold coin donations also accepted. Bottles of Big Mac Special Sauce are now available to purchase in store at McDonald's stores nationwide. For more information, visit the McHappy Day website. CORRECTION: OCTOBER 28, 2019 — This article previously stated that the Big Mac Special Sauce would be available from Saturday, November, but it is actually available now (Monday, October 28) until sold out. The above article has been updated to reflect this.
Nine young people, high on life — maybe some drugs, definitely some alcohol — spill out on to the warm Sydney streets one summer night. They dance, they kiss, they party and then they suddenly stop. Someone commits a crime, and no one is sure of anything. Something just happened. Something just happened is the Sydney University Dramatic Society’s major production for 2011. Ambitious young theatre-maker Harriet Gillies is leading a fresh cast of undergraduates/party animals to reach out and take audience members by the hand. This piece of devised multi-media theatre is designed to bend and twist the performer-audience relationship and bring them closer than ever before. “Too often I see a piece of theatre and I feel like the show would be exactly the same whether the audience was there or not,” Gillies explains. “The point of this play is not the crime or the criminal. We want to remind the audience that we know they are there, we like them, and we want to play.” This production began with a boozy night out. After developing their characters and relationships, the cast set out at dusk to put the party in to action. Now, they will recreate that blurry evening with an emphasis on immediacy and story-telling. Staged in Erskineville’s open-plan PACT Centre for Emerging Art (site of the recent Tiny Stadiums Festival), something just happened will unfold in a reconstructed student share house. The audience will move freely around the space as each actor delivers their version of recent wild events; performers and audience all share the same space and interact freely.
There's a lot to love about Websters — the laidback Newtown local is the perfect place for a few sunset pints, and its whiskey list is enough to make a Scotsman weep into his Bruichladdich. But the thing that keeps us coming back to this iconic venue is the wings. Here, they're done in a classic American style: thickly coated in a mix of Frank's hot sauce, butter and a touch of honey, then served with blue cheese sauce and celery sticks. In other words, they're spicy, savoury and incredibly moreish. Stop in and line your stomach on the bar's rooftop before a big night out in Newtown.
Everyone loves Caroll Spinney, but no one realises it. For more than four decades, he has brightened up the television screens of children around the globe, and mirrored their crankier side as well. Sometimes he's inside a giant yellow suit. Sometimes he's crouched behind a trash can. Either way, he's surrounded by sunny days sweeping the crowds away, whether bird, grouch or man. I Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story helps redress his lack of fame in his own right, telling the tale of the person behind the puppets. A boyhood fascination with the puppetry (and a lucky break at an early show gone wrong) guided him towards none other than The Muppets' Jim Henson — and the rest, as they say, is history. Climbing inside a feathered costume, he made one of the world's most iconic creations. Channelling his inner grump, he fashioned another. Of course, both Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch are as famous as fictional characters can get, their traits and tendencies easily recognisable. Less apparent is the importance of Spinney in not just giving them form, but giving them personality. An array of talking heads, including many Sesame Street veterans, explain how the roles reflect both sides of his temperament. Indeed, as the documentary's title suggest, Spinney really is Big Bird, and his green furry friend as well. So unfurls 90 minutes of adoration for the otherwise unsung performer, as pieced together by directors Dave LaMattina and Chad N. Walker as a tribute from the outset. Given the nostalgia and affection likely to be felt by everyone who watches the film, there's never any doubt that positivity reigns supreme in this admiring and infectious effort. In case you weren't already feeling the loving mood, the sentimental score helps nudge you in that direction. There's nothing particularly subtle about the way this ode to a creative talent is put together, but it's all done with the best of intentions. The film is full of engaging memories and interesting insights too; whether peeking behind the scenes of the show, revisiting Sesame Street's trip to China, or revealing the mechanics behind the Big Bird suit — and the physical toll it takes on Spinney, who's still performing even though he's in his eighties. The man himself shares his recollections, his professional highs interwoven with the rollercoaster that was his personal life in his younger years. And yet, there's another person looming large over the piece, glimpsed in archival clips, who almost steals the show. It's impossible to explain the importance of Spinney without touching upon Henson, and expecting waterworks to follow. The intimacy of Spinney's chats about his time with his mentor gets to the heart of what makes I Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story an endearing documentary, even if it is put together in a standard fashion. Who wouldn't want to spend time with the men behind the figures that defined so many childhoods?
One of the world's most visited multi-sensory experiences will come alive in Sydney this spring From Friday, September 18, Van Gogh Alive will see more than 3000 large-scale images of the Dutch master's works projected onto walls, columns and floors at The Royal Hall of Industries in Moore Park. The project is the brainchild of Melbourne-based Grande Exhibitions, which, for the past 15 years, has hosted immersive exhibitions and gallery experiences in over 140 cities across the world. The company also owns and operates Rome's Museo Leonardo da Vinci. The family-friendly experience will create the sensation of walking right into Van Gogh's paintings. Famous works including The Starry Night and Sunflowers are presented in fine detail using Grande Exhibitions' state-of-the-art technology combining 40 high-definition projectors, while a classical musical score accompanies the vibrant colours in cinema-quality surround sound. The exhibition has already wowed audiences at 50 cities throughout the northern hemisphere and parts of South America — and was was initially meant to be unveiled in Melbourne this year inside a new multimillion digital art gallery in Melbourne called The Lume, but, because of the city's strict lockdown, the Australian premiere will now happen in Sydney. Van Gogh Alive runs at The Royal Hall of Industries, adjacent to the Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park from Friday, September 18 for a limited time. Tickets will cost $30 per person and go on sale at midday on Friday, August 21 via vangoghalive.com.au.
Husband-and-wife furniture business Reddie has a new showroom next to The Dolphin Hotel on Crown Street. Created by Caroline and Andrew Olah, Reddie specialises in sleek, modern and colourful homewares with an emphasis on durable high-quality materials — all of which will be showcased at this Surry Hills gallery-like showroom. "With our new showroom, we can showcase our products in the way they were intended in a clean and pared-back space. Our products are architectural minimalist in design with a utilitarian approach. We don't follow trends and fads, instead, we focus on clean lines, versatile designs, and beautiful craftsmanship," Creative Director Caroline Olah said. "As customers can tailor products by colour and/or size, the gallery-like space allows them to feel inspired and get creative. The simplicity in the space also creates a gender-neutral environment for our customers." In order to give visitors an experience reminiscent of an art gallery, the Olahs have stripped the building, knocking down walls and giving it a stark white coat of paint, creating a flowing open showroom that accentuates the fun and vibrancy of the furniture. Potential buyers will have the chance to wander through this homely space in the heart of Sydney, discovering the variety of items Reddie has on offer. Alongside its signature chairs, tables and desks, the organisation also produces home accessories by upcycling waste from its furniture production. You'll find wall hooks, umbrella holders, chopping boards, bowls and planters, all made using leftovers from some of Reddie's larger projects.
The husband-and-wife hospitality mavens behind revered Sydney restaurants a'Mare, Ormeggio at the Spit, Chiosco and Postino Osteria have added yet another Italian diner to their impressive portfolio. However, this latest venture realises a concept quite unlike any of Alessandro and Anna Pavoni's previous endeavours. Located within the Manly Pacific Hotel, which recently underwent a $30 million renovation, Cibaria offers diners the choice of several styles of Italian cuisine prepared at various open kitchens dotted throughout the beachfront venue. Delivering an interesting new riff on the recent boom in multi-venue hospitality hubs in Sydney — including the likes of The International, The Bristol and Prefecture 48 — Cibaria also features a double-storey terrazza event space for private functions and a "cocktaileria, birreria and champagneria", revamping the Manly Pacific's existing cocktail lounge 55 North with an infusion Stivali swagger. The heart of Cibaria is the Trattoria, which will operate from 11.30am until late, seven days a week. This part of the venue features six distinct kitchens. The Forneria, centred around a woodfired oven, will be serving up freshly prepared pizzettas. The Antipaseria will offer cold and raw dishes, such as a Catalana salad of king prawns and classics like vitello tonnato, as well as gorgonzola, served from a roving trolley al cucchiaio style — drizzled with locally sourced honey. The Friggitoria heroes deep-fried delights, including fritto misto and cacio e pepe suppli — Rome's answer to arancini. At the Spaghetteria, pasta takes the spotlight — think Venetian-inspired squid ink tagliolini with crab and slow-cooked ragú alla Bolognese with green tagliatelle. Showcasing dishes cooked over coals, the Bisteccheria will serve perfectly charred steaks, whole fish and crustaceans. Finally, the Pasticceria will round out this epicurean adventure through the cuisine of Italy with a range of desserts, from tried-and-true favourites like tiramisu and straccetti (sweet pizza dough with cinnamon, orange, honey and buffalo ricotta cheese) to house specialities, such as the soon-to-be-famous cheesecake from Head Chef Victor Moya. If, for some inexplicable reason, you're still hungry, a visit to the Gelateria is a must. Sydney has no shortage of gelato options, but Chef Moya charts his own path through this crowded offering with authentic flavours such as nocciola (piedmont hazelnut), cremino bianco (white chocolate gelato with roasted coconut), as well as weekly specials such as burro bruciatto (burnt butter gelato, coffee cookies, caramelised peanuts) and Italian mojito (rum, lime, basil sorbet). Catering to Manly's earlier rises, The Caffetteria, which will open daily from 9am–4.30pm, will be serving breakfast classics, top-quality coffee and a selection of takeaway options for grab-and-go diners. After dark, 55 North will be shaking and stirring classic cocktails and spritzes alongside Italian-inspired signature mingles such as the Paloma Italiano, featuring Espolon Reposado, Campari, agave, aranciata and grapefruit juice; and the Ligure starring Skyy vodka, limoncello, lemon juice and basil. The bar snacks menu distils the flavours and techniques on display in the Trattoria into a more casual menu featuring cacio e pepe fritters, lobster rolls, a smashed burger alongside sweets like nutella bombolone and a cheese plate. "When people think of Cibaria I'd like them to think of the Italian way of eating and socialising around a piazza. An all-day solution to different needs; from your morning espresso at the caffetteria, to an afternoon stop at the gelateria and aperitivo at the champagneria, to the spaghetteria or bisteccheria in the evening," Alessandro Pavoni says of his vision for the new venue. "The great thing about Cibaria is that you can now create your own Italian experience in one place." [caption id="attachment_981780" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Alessandro Pavoni[/caption] Cibaria will open at the Manly Pacific Hotel, 55 North Steyne, Manly, from mid-December.
Natty wines are all the rage right now. From fizzy pét-nats to dry orange varieties, the organic and naturally fermented wines are now mainstays at wine bars, vibrant restaurants and independent bottle shops around the city. As part of its big summer lineup of events, Stanmore Road pub Public House Petersham is dedicating a Saturday in December to these tasty drops with the return of its Natty Wine Social. On Saturday, December 11, the inner west venue is showcasing an array of local Australian wine-makers creating natural drops. You'll be able to sample selections from producers like Doom Juice, Imbibo and Vinsight, who will all have members of their team on site to walk you through the wines. Alongside the wine experts, you and your friends will also be treated to tunes from Public House's roster of fantastic DJs, setting the mood throughout the day. Tickets are $49 and include all of your wine tastings plus antipasto and snacks throughout the afternoon. Once you've tasted your way through all the exciting wines, you can buy your favourites by the bottle to take home.
If you could only use one word to sum up 2023 at the movies so far, that word would be Barbie. If you had to use a colour instead, it'd be pink. And the filmmaker of the year to-date? None other than Greta Gerwig. Why? Because the rosy-hued, Gerwig-helmed doll-to-screen flick has been everywhere — getting everyone buzzing via its many, many trailers before it arrived; packing in picture palaces once it officially released; breaking box-office records aplenty; and now becoming the highest-grossing title of 2023. First, a recap. Do you guys ever think about how well the film has been doing at filling cinema seats? Barbie really has been smashing it at bringing in audiences. In Australia, the movie made history almost instantly, notching up the biggest opening at the Australian box office for 2023 so far by raking in $21.5 million including preview screenings over its first weekend. In the process, it earned the biggest opening weekend ever for a film directed by a female filmmaker. That was in July. Then, in August, Barbie became the first movie by a solo female director to make $1 billion at the global box office. When it achieved that feat, the feature did so in just 17 days from release, earning that massive stack of cash faster than any other movie from Warner Bros (even beating Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2's 19-day run). So, Barbie now surpassing The Super Mario Bros Movie as the highest-grossing film of 2023 is hardly surprising — but it is still glorious news that calls for a giant blowout party with all the Barbies, planned choreography and a bespoke song, Also, Barbie is the biggest box-office hit worldwide, and also in each of Australia and New Zealand, of this year to-date. And if you're wondering how its Barbenheimer pal is going, aka Christopher Nolan's vastly dissimilar atomic-bomb thriller Oppenheimer, it sits third worldwide — separated by The Super Mario Bros Movie. In Australia, it's fourth after Avatar: The Way of Water. In NZ, Avatar: The Way of Water is second, the Moana re-release third, then The Super Mario Bros Movie with Oppenheimer at fifth. Making so much cash — over $1.3 billion and counting since mid-July — has also rocketed Barbie into the top 15 among the highest-grossing movies of all time globally. And, besting Avengers: Age of Ultron at 14th, Frozen II at 13th and Top Gun: Maverick at 12th isn't out of the question, with all three between the $1.4–1.5-billion mark. If Barbie tops Frozen II, it'll become the highest-grossing film ever by a female filmmaker. It's already the highest-grossing by a solo woman helmer, with the Frozen sequel co-directed with a male filmmaker. Yes, as the Margot Robbie-starring flick makes plain with its frames, Barbie really can be anything. The famous doll can be President, a Nobel Prize-winning physicist, a diplomat and a Supreme Court justice. It can be a mermaid, doctor, lawyer and Pulitzer-winner, too. Off-screen, Barbie the movie definitely is a helluva pioneer in breaking records as well. Back to 2023's box office, the Robbie- and Ryan Gosling (The Gray Man)-led film sits above not only The Super Mario Bros Movie and Oppenheimer worldwide, but also Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Fast X, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, The Little Mermaid, Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One, Elemental and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. Check out the Barbie trailer below: Barbie is showing in Australian and New Zealand cinemas now. Read our review. Via Variety.
Everyone has different priorities when it comes to planning a holiday. For some, it's a jam-packed itinerary of outdoor adventures. Others may be looking for a place to kick back and relax. But for you, it may be all about seeking out good food and drinks. Hey, we don't blame you. You've got to keep fuel in the tank for that sightseeing. Canberra is one city that delivers all of the above on a silver platter. A weekend here can be filled with wondrous epicurean delights, plus a hell of a lot of life-affirming tasty vino. You'll find everything from fine dining establishments and cosy wine bars to bustling markets and top-notch wineries. Throw in a few more unique food experiences that you're unlikely to find in your city and you've got yourself a pretty amazing food-filled weekend. If you're guilty of planning every single meal in advance, right down to the dishes you (and your travelling companion) will order, we've got you covered. Read on to discover five spots around the capital that you must make a stop at on your next trip. Please stay up to date with the latest ACT Government health advice regarding COVID-19.
Superheroes, like so much of the most populist of pop culture, are a secret vessel for our collective anxieties. That's why Captain America, the purest of patriots, appeared when the US felt overwhelmed by foreign wars. It's why tech-conquers-all capitalist/playboy Iron Man strut onto the scene to show up communism in 1963. And it's why, starting in the 1980s with The Watchmen, superheroes became a big, yielding study in meta. Superheroes no longer struggle against evil alone; they struggle with what their existence means. But the main thing superheroes are, of course, is vacuum-packed action with a narrative developed for so long as to have become a universe. For years, film studios bought the rights to these readymade stories and then systematically proceeded to screw them up. When Marvel Comics set up its own in-house studio and started releasing independent productions in 2008, it was with the intention of reclaiming and doing (vigilante) justice to the genre. They'd please the fans first, and the critics and audiences would follow. Marvel has been successfully building to its supers team-up, The Avengers, ever since, planting a seed in Iron Man's end credits and increasing momentum through the subsequent Incredible Hulk, Iron Man 2, Thor and Captain America. They then gave the ensemble film to Buffy maker and comics writer Joss Whedon to write and direct. It's a good move because he doesn't have to work to please the fans first; he is a fan first. He knows the medium, knows the genre, and with The Avengers, he proves he can show off its best bits to a broad audience with a slick, totally gripping and committed action-adventure. To call for the might of several heroes, The Avengers first needs a formidable foe, and it finds it in Loki (Tom Hiddleston), Thor's jealous trickster of a brother, who's ability to suddenly disapparate makes him near invincible and who's alliance with the alien Chitauri race brings an army. When he arrives on Earth to steal the Tesseract, an extraterrestrial energy source under the SHIELD agency's watch, agency head Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) puts into action the Avengers initiative, uniting Iron Man (Robert Downey Jnr), the reluctant scientist harbouring the Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), anachronistic Captain America (Chris Evans), extreme spy Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), pro archer Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner), and, riding into this world on Loki's tail, the truly godly Thor (Chris Hemsworth). It's not a foolproof plan. Fury's higher-ups think nuclear attack would be safer; Loki thinks calling on "such lost creatures to defend you" smacks of desperation. The Avengers succeeds because it balances the required elements of classic fantasy adventure, contemporary theming (renewable energy, you say?), self-referential ego clash, and measures of action and comedy. More than anything else, Whedon's strong suit is character, and here he's working with some great, and very different, ones. While that obviously comes to the fore in great exposition and narrative build, it's most impressive in action sequences that use the heroes' individual idiosyncrasies to keep up tension and lead to a meaningful resolution. The Avengers heralds a new age of Joss — where his mastery finally extends to the mainstream and not just the cult. As a fun, smart and brawny superhero flick, it can't be beaten. https://youtube.com/watch?v=NPoHPNeU9fc
Ready to hit the open road? If you're looking to add a dose of wacky charm to your next road trip, follow the lead of our readers who've shared some excellent suggestions for offbeat attractions that'll have you chuckling all the way to your destination. From oversized critters to weird sculptures, here's our guide to the lame (but legendary) stops you won't want to miss — as recommended by you — as well as the nearest The Bottle-O so you can stock up on bevs for a winner of a weekend. [caption id="attachment_697951" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Wikimedia Commons[/caption] The Big Merino, Goulburn NSW No surprise, one of Australia's best famed big things is first on our list: the Big Merino in Goulburn, NSW. This colossal concrete ram stands tall and proud, paying homage to Australia's wool industry and is a favourite for our reader Anita: "It's a baa-rilliant photo op you need for your Insta feed." If you're on a road trip from Sydney to Canberra over the long weekend, you've got no excuses not to pull over for a quick photo opp with this absolute unit. And before you park up at your accommodation in Canberra, swing by The Bottle-O to grab some tinnies and snacks to celebrate your arrival. Closest The Bottle-O: Mitchell [caption id="attachment_944023" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Australia Rock, David Burke[/caption] Australia Rock, Narooma NSW Are you planning a coastal road trip in NSW for an upcoming long weekend? Head to the coastal town of Narooma and you'll come across the iconic Australia Rock, a natural formation that looks a lot like the outline of this fair country. "Australia Rock in Narooma is an excellent road trip attraction," says reader Ned. "There's also loads of seals or seal lions on the rocks below. Perfect spot to stretch your legs when driving down to Bermagui, where I'll be heading this long weekend!" Stop in at The Bottle-O on the way down so you have ice cold brews to enjoy with your epic coastal views. Closest The Bottle-O: Ulladulla [caption id="attachment_944024" align="alignnone" width="1920"] SapiTerbang via Canva[/caption] Jacob's Ladder, Ben Lomond National Park TAS Feeling brave? Love a driving challenge? How about a seriously steep zig-zagging road that makes a dramatic ascent to a plateau? Make your way to Jacob's Ladder in Ben Lomond National Park for some serious adrenaline-pumping action. "Jacob's Ladder is iconic", says reader Greg. "It's well worth the trip from Launceston." Grab a few cold ones from The Bottle-O in Launceston to celebrate your driving victory after you return safely to your accommodation. Cheers to that. Closest The Bottle-O: Launceston Penguin, TAS No, we're not talking about the cute and cuddly kind – we're talking about the town of Penguin in Tasmania. Tassie has a fun habit of naming its towns and villages ridiculous names — we're looking at you Nowhere Else, Break-Me-Neck Hill, Doo Town, etc. But Penguin really takes the biscuit. "We always make a pit stop in Penguin to snap a pic with the giant penguin statue, and if it's late in the day, you could spot some local fairy penguins making their way to the water," says Penguin-town enthusiast and reader Laura. Grab a meat pie from the local bakery and enjoy a picnic by the beach with some beverages from The Bottle-O in town. Closest The Bottle-O: Penguin [caption id="attachment_944026" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Big Pineapple, Alpha via Flickr[/caption] The Big Pineapple, Woombye QLD Planning an escape to Noosa Heads or up to Rainbow Beach for the long weekend? Hop on the Bruce Highway and make a stop at the endearingly retro Big Pineapple in Woombye, not far from Nambour. This fruity landmark is a true Aussie icon, and our readers reckon it's worth the detour for the cheesy photo op alone. "Of the Big Things in Oz, it's definitely my top choice for a road trip detour," says reader Aidan. There's even a heritage-listed Pineapple Train through the sugar cane there, which might just be the most Queensland thing in existence. Closest The Bottle-O: Maroochydore [caption id="attachment_944027" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Pete Jones via Flickr[/caption] Tin Horse Highway, Kulin WA If the outback is calling you this long weekend, you'd be hard-pressed to find a more lame (with all due respect) but still legendary road trip detour than the Tin Horse Highway in Kulin, WA. This stretch of road is lined with homemade tin horses, each more ridiculous than the last. "The tin horses get more amazing the further your drive because the locals have been one-upping each other for decades," says reader Scott. "There's a slide made of tin horses, a horse riding a horse, and so much more." What started as a lark is now a fully-fledged competition with prize money, bragging rights and more tin horses. Now there are over 60 horses out there to discover. Take in a stretch, then you can debate your favourites when you pitch up at your campsite over a cold one from The Bottle-O. Closest The Bottle-O: Byford [caption id="attachment_944028" align="alignnone" width="1920"] David Burke[/caption] The Giant Koala, Dadswell's Bridge VIC If you're travelling around The Grampians for the long weekend, you'd be doing yourself a disservice if you didn't head south to Dadswell's Bridge and pay your respects to the Giant Koala. Towering over the surrounding countryside, this oversized marsupial is a legendary and ever so slightly cursed sight for any road tripper. "Nothing can prepare for looking into those wild red eyes," says reader Kate. "it reaches into your soul. Best Big Thing. No contest". Recover from the soul-piercing eyes as you relax as the sun sets over the mountains at your campsite with a much-needed bev from The Bottle-O. Closest The Bottle-O: Sebastopol [caption id="attachment_944029" align="alignnone" width="1920"] GrainCorp Silos at Sheep Hills, Artist Adnate, Credit Aaron Powell[/caption] Silo Art Trail, VIC We received a lot of recommendations for Silo Art, from the cockatoo-clad silo on Kangaroo Island to Newdegate in WA. But one state copped more recommendations than any other and that is Victoria. Whichever direction you head from Melbourne, you'll have plenty of silos to add to your roadside attraction list. "I love the Silo Art Movement. I've knocked off ten around Melbs and I'll be heading further into regional VIC to check off a few more this long weekend," says reader Michelle. And don't forget to pick up some drinks at The Bottle-O to enjoy while admiring your snaps when you reach your accommodation. Closest The Bottle-O: Doreen Wherever the road leads you on your weekend adventuring, find your nearest The Bottle-O and stock up on some standout bevs. Ready to start planning? Head to the website. Top image: David Burke
If you thought yoga retreats were all silence and brown rice, Yoga Cucina invites you to reconsider. Initiated by a trio of yoga instructors — and wine drinkers — it's a brand new kind of yoga-inspired getaway. Gear up to spend a weekend practising your salutes to the sun and downward dogs, in between sampling several drops, feasting on Italian fare, playing darts and swimming beneath waterfalls. "We want it to be an adventure, rather than a retreat," says Aly Clarke, who's organised the project alongside friends Rebecca Lockyer and Claire Blackwood. "It's not about people dressing in white and wearing patchouli." The idea came about at 1am, over a year ago. "We'd been to yoga together and were starving," Aly says. "Claire's husband, Marco [Gobbo] and his best friend Luca [Faccin] are both chefs, so they cooked up some risotto. There we were, eating and drinking wine and rum, and playing poker. We started thinking, other people must want to do this." And so, Yoga Cucina was born. The first adventure will be held over three nights, from September 29 to October 2 in The Pill Factory, a 19th century sandstone building in NSW's Southern Highlands. Think Chesterfields, open fireplaces and secretive nooks. "On the first night, we'll meet for a pre-dinner drink, then sit down to a big, family feast," Aly explains. Marco and Luca, who are both Michelin star trained, will be taking care of that. Come morning, you'll wake up to a two-hour yoga session, soundtracked by hip hop, before partaking in a barbecue lunch. Then it'll be off to a local national park for swimming under waterfalls and back to The Pill Factory for a pasta-making class, followed by another epic dinner and an evening in the games room, playing pool, darts and board games. Days two and three offer similar eclecticism, including a meeting with a monk at nearby Sunnataram Theravada Buddhist Monastery. A weekend at the retreat will set you back $880-935 per person, which includes all activities and brunch, dinner and snacks. Space is strictly limited to 26 and there are rooms for singles, doubles and groups. "The building is really big, so there's heaps of space for people to spread out and do whatever they want, Aly says. "We want them to feel free to do as little — or as much — as they'd like." After the first adventure is completed, the Yoga Cucina team will look further afield. When we chatted with them, they were scoping out venues in Tasmania. Image: Leeroy Te Hira.
We all know them, the mad-keen foodie that just loves to be as hands-on as possible. They find joy in hand-kneading flour, eggs and water into a silky smooth pasta dough, crafting craft brews and creating a full (and fantastic) experience around their meal times. If one such person is on your giftee list this festive season, we've done the legwork for you. And there's no better place to start than with BrewArt. The hops-loving team has made it their mission to make the art (and science) of at-home brewing as fuss-free as possible — meaning the amateur brewer in your life will be pouring stand-out sips every single batch. In the spirit of the holiday season, together with BrewArt, we've compiled a list of stand-out gifts to get that hands-on foodie in your life. BREWART BeerDroid AND BrewFlo, From $799 What better to gift your foodie than a world first? BrewArt's BeerDroid — the first fully automated personal brewer — is single handedly turning amateur frothies into pub-quality pours, every time. And the BrewArt app means they'll be overseeing their brew from wherever they are. So if you know the next master brewer or are simply looking for the ideal gift for a DIY foodie (who is partial to an arvo at the pub), consider your gift chosen. Go all out and pick up the BrewFlo, too. In-house (read: at home), they'll have up to 10 ice-cold litres of IPA, XPA, pale ale or kolsch on its way to a glass with a pub-perfect frothy head — every time. With no need for CO2 (another world first) and a handy LCD screen control — it's thirst-quenchingly good. [caption id="attachment_879951" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Luisa Brimble[/caption] PIG & PILGRIM PARILLA, $3150 Whether you're gifting a carnivore or someone that simply loves cooking with smoky flavours and hot coals, a parilla from Pig & Pilgrim is an exceptional choice to pop under the tree. Pictured above is The Sideburn, the "grand dame" of the Sydney-based biz's range of South American-style charcoal barbecues. Featuring a brasero in addition to a grill, this big bit of machinery is designed for longer cooks — with the easy option of creating more coals as you're roasting away. From experimenting with the amount of heat and smoke used to grill shrimps on the barbie, setting up chicken yeeros over red-hot coals and impressing morning guests with an al fresco shakshuka, the die-hard foodie in your life will be all set for the new year. Plus, there are options that pack less of a financial punch, including The Farrow —the small, portable grill that's ideal for any happy camper in your life. NOT WASTED JUICE CLUB MEMBERSHIP, From $99 Alongside good food, you must have good sips — and when it comes to natty wines, the good folks at Not Wasted are the people to turn to. Not only do they sling out bottles from both Aussie and international producers, they dive deep into the best (and most eco-friendly) viticulture practices and then share it with the world. If you've got an oenophile in your life that you'd love to gift a drop to, or you know a foodie that's looking to level up their wine knowledge, sign them on up to Not Wasted's Juice Club. With four size options — three bottles or six, for newbies or wine snobs — and the flexibility to pick the frequency of deliveries, your favourite foodie will receive a curated collection of vinos. A rare gem, a red that's ripe for the chilling or maybe something funky, they'll be pouring stand-out drops all year long. GOZNEY ROCCBOX, $799 There's something about a homemade pizza that absolutely hits. Whether it's the overarching process — from kneading the dough to having complete creative control over the toppings — or the winning combo of cheese and carbs straight from the oven, it's a universally adored experience. And taking it up a notch is the red-hot Roccbox from Gozney. Turning the heat up to 500°C, this tabletop pizza oven is cute, portable and a cinch to use. We're sure your lucky recipient will be inviting you over for a slice in no time — a delicious return on your investment. [caption id="attachment_879952" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Meg Yonson[/caption] FAT TUESDAYS CHOPPING BOARD, $110 Although prepping food comes nowhere near the enjoyment factor of chowing down, having fun and functional tools is a must. Enter Fat Tuesdays, the creators of constantly sold-out, hand-made chopping boards artfully made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic (that's both sourced and repurposed in Sydney). The range comes in four delightfully named colourways: birthday cake, guacamole, sherbet and raspberry jam, and we hear there are more on the way. If you've got your eyes on one of these beauties — for yourself or a friend — the last release of the year hits the shop early December, be quick. PASTA-MAKING CLASS, Varies A pasta class — taught by the pros — is as much a gift for your loved one as it is for you. Teach them to make fresh homemade pasta and you'll likely get to reap the rewards yourself (letting them do all the hard work of cooking — just like they like). Fussili, orecchiette, mafaldine, good old classic gnocchi — there are more pastas in the world than can be truly mastered in one lifetime, so even if they're an old hand, there'll be new tricks for them to learn. Grab them a gift card to one of the following spots and they'll be kneading flour, eggs and water in no time. Sydneysiders, Pasta Emilia (pictured above) is your best bet, Brisbanites can (and should) head to Fortitude Valley's Angelo's Pasta Classes, and Melburnians can make a beeline straight for La Cucina di Sandra. STYLE-HEAVY SERVING ACCESSORIES, Varies As your foodie fave will surely attest, plating up is as important (if not, nearly as important) as the food on said plate. So, any of the style-heavy objects that Maison Balzac, the Aussie experts in artful glassware and more, produces are a winning pressie. Maybe a set of gin and tonic glasses with a delicate citrus hit via a little glass slice of lime, some sea-blue glass plates or a celebratory set of tumblers (that, just quietly, would hold a frothy pour of beer quite nicely). VINTEC WINE FRIDGE, $899 If we're talking tech for foodies, a Vintec is nearing on essential. A temperature-controlled room to store your 35-bottle collection? Lush. Although they're not technically fridges, they basically are. Temperature and humidity are regulated, plus the bottles (and their precious drops) will be protected from both UV and vibrations — all the variables that can spoil your wine are controlled. It doesn't hurt that they look a bit alright, too. Hardcore wine lovers will already have one of these on their wish list. Got a foodie in your life? A beer lover? Ensure you're their fave with the help of BrewArt's frothy expertise and tech. Head to the website to get your order in, stat.
Greater Sydney could become three interconnected cities by 2056, under a long-term planning strategy unveiled by the NSW Government over the weekend. Greater Sydney Commissioner Lucy Turnbull yesterday launched the Draft Greater Sydney Region Plan 2017, an ambitious vision for a tripartite Sydney that could see two-thirds of residents able to commute between their homes, jobs and key services in under 30 minutes by the year 2056. The three cities would include an emerging area west of the M7 (which will, by then, be home to the new Western Sydney Airport, which is expected to open in 2026), a central river city surrounding Parramatta and an eastern harbour city that incorporates the current Sydney CBD. Of course, more urban infrastructure requires a public transport system that's reliable and able to handle an infinite increase in patronage. The plans for this revamped Sydney were launched alongside a long-term transport strategy, NSW's Future Transport 2056, in a cross-government collaboration designed to align land use planning with the future growth of transport services and networks. "Reshaping Greater Sydney as a metropolis of three cities — Eastern, Central and Western — will rebalance it, fostering jobs, improving housing affordability, easing congestion and enhancing our enviable natural environment across the entire region," Turnbull said in a press release. The population of Sydney is expected to bump from its current 4.6 million to six million within the next two decades, reaching eight million by 2056. It's thought Sydney's west will see the majority of this growth, with more than half of the city's residents expected to be living west of Parramatta by 2036. The three-city plan could certainly alleviate the bottleneck that commuters currently face when travelling to and from the current CBD, but depends entirely on the transport available to travel within and between the cities, as well as away from them — at the moment there is no planned train line to the new Badgerys Creek airport. And will Sydney be able to cope with steady population growth in the meantime? 2056 is still another 40 years away. The draft Greater Sydney Region Plan is on exhibition until December 15. Read it and offer your feedback here.
How many times have you thought about learning how to defend yourself, but never gotten around to doing it? Here is your reminder — and a chance to learn some kick-ass skills for free. The Sydney Jiu Jitsu Academy Ku Ring Gai is calling all women to bring their friends, mums, sisters, aunts and daughters to a free self defence workshop on International Women's Day. The one-hour class will run from 10–11am on Sunday, March 8. No-gi world champion Charles Negromonte will be taking attendees through all the techniques you need to fight like a girl. If you find yourself wanting more and sign up for future classes, you'll get free training for the rest of the month and won't pay for your uniform either. Spaces in the class are limited, so head to the Facebook event to secure your spot.
NAIDOC Week happens in the first full week of July every year, and this year there's a packed program of events to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. One of the biggest drawcards is NAIDOC in the City, which invites Sydneysiders down to Hyde Park for an afternoon of festivities on Monday, July 7. The event is a sensory delight (seriously). Two underground earth ovens will be temporarily installed in the park, cooking up slow-cooked samplers of crocodile, kangaroo, emu, chicken and fish (as well as corn and sweet potato, representing your serving of veg). Chefs from Goanna Hut and Fred’s Bush Tucker will be up from 5am prepping the ovens, which use rocks heated by fire to cook the foods under a blanket of banana leaves, branches, wet hessian and sand. While you're there, watch traditional dance, try weaving or seashell art, and hear music from the likes of Marcus Corowa, Evie J, Jimblah and Horrorshow with Georgia Humphries. If you're feeling active, you can even make your way there by way of bicycle tour (bookings essential). Aboriginal guides from the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority will lead you around some of our city's most historic sites, finishing up in Hyde Park so you can join in on the fun. There's plenty else going on throughout the week, too. See John Pilger's Utopia at the Opera House or take a wander through the Art Gallery of NSW. Their special edition Art After Hours on July 9 features pop group Pirra, actor Luke Carroll and a tour of the Yiribana collection.
On the main drag in Woy Woy, a town on the southern edge of the Central Coast, is a pasta joint and cocktail bar that would be equally at home in Newtown or Surry Hills. It's run by a couple of young guns — Dannielle Mills heading up the kitchen and Bryce Gleeson running the floor — and it's serving up house-made pasta and gelato, using ingredients from the compact garden out the back. The only tip-off as to your location, while inside the restaurant, is the space between tables. You can gesticulate to your heart's content without fear of knocking out your neighbour with a wayward elbow. While it's certainly spacious, it's not lacking in atmosphere. It's filled with locals and out-of-towners alike digging into bowls filled with fat tubes of rigatoni, in a hearty sauce of spicy pork sausage and bitter greens, or soft pillows of gnocchi paired with capers, sugo and stracciatella. But, as good as the mains may look, we suggest beginning your feast with one of the small plates. If they're on offer, order the ham hock and potato fritters. A twist on arancini, the balls arrive hot and crisp, stuffed with molten cheese and potato, atop red pepper salsa and mayonnaise. They pair well with a glass of something natural — a vermentino by Delinquente Wine Co, perhaps — or an Aussie twist on the negroni made with Maidenii vermouth. If you're ready to roll out at this point, resist the urge to do so without ordering gelato. It's more of a palate cleanser, and you won't regret it. You will regret making the journey to Young Barons without making a reservation, however — it packs out most weekends. If you're able to make a midweek sojourn, head in on a Wednesday, when you can snag a bowl of spaghetti and an Aperol spritz for a neat $25.
We hate to break it to you Australia, but there’s yet another reason to lament the current dominance of the fun police. As of March 7, drinking in the street in New York City's Manhattan will no longer be a criminal act. Start spreading the news. Yep, whether you’re lazing about in Central Park, strolling through Harlem or reliving the '60s in Greenwich Village — that is, anywhere on the island of Manhattan — you can crack open a cold one and enjoy it at your leisure, without fearing arrest or a criminal record. That said, drinking’s been decriminalised, not legalised — and only in the borough of Manhattan. In practice, decriminalisation usually means you can expect the police to turn a blind eye to minor offences, and to give warnings rather than make arrests. Strictly speaking, you could still cop a fine and/or summons. So, if you’re contemplating kicking back with a glass of champagne or two on a SoHo stoop, don’t go making any trouble. The idea behind the policy change is to redirect New York City’s resources towards weightier and more dangerous matters. "Using summonses instead of arrests for low-level offenses is an intuitive and modern solution that will help make sure resources are focused on our main priority: addressing threats to public safety,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said in a media statement. “Today’s reforms allow our hardworking police officers to concentrate their efforts on the narrow group of individuals driving violent crime in New York City. This plan will also help safely prevent unnecessary gaol time for low-level offenses.” If this news has you booking a one-way flight to NYC, you might be interested to know that drinking’s not the only pastime to have been decriminalised. Others include littering, riding between subway cars, taking up more than one subway seat and — wait for it — urinating in public. Via The Observer. Image: Ben Duchac.
Fresh, nutritious food is the game at Golden Lotus, cementing it as one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Sydney. David Nguyen's Vietnamese eatery promises the authentic flavours of Saigon without any animal products — making it vegan, too. Beyond tofu, there are a few soy meat options available across the menu of family recipes that includes stir fries, dumplings and noodle soups. Appetisers include tasty tofu rolls and mushroom fritters while the vegan duck pancakes are especially convincing. But if you prefer to start with a soup, try the tofu and cream corn. It's hard to belief this incredibly creamy concoction is totally vegan. Vegan chicken dishes are also plentiful at Golden Lotus, with the highlight being the fried "chicken" with Shandong sauce, served with salad and your choice of sauce. The fish menu is a bit more limited but no less delicious, with the vegan fried fish in clay pot with a peppery light sauce and onion the standout. If you're the type of vegan who's more into veggies than fake meats, you are also looked after. The eggplant in claypot and the fried mushroom with salt and chilli are our top picks. The food at Golden Lotus is so tasty that even the most vehement meat-eaters will be placated — that is, ff they can look past the glowing pink "Veganism is magic" sign on the wall. The set-up is cosy and familiar; the walls are bright green and tables are placed close together to give the place a buzzing, community atmosphere. Summed up, it's very Newtown.
If your 2024 resolutions involve seeing stunning art and travelling, here's one of the best ways to tick both boxes: a visit to digital-only art gallery teamLab Borderless in Tokyo. Not only is the Japanese venue finally set to reopen in a new location, but it'll welcome folks back in with a spectacular array of never-before-seen installations. If you fancy being surrounded by bubbles, jelly, flowers and oceans, you'll be especially thrilled. When it initially launched in 2018, teamLab Borderless instantly became one of the most spectacular must-sees on any Tokyo trip; however, the venue has been closed for a year and a half while shifting to its new site at Azabudai Hills. Come Friday, February 9, it'll reopen its doors with another dazzling array of artworks — pieces that epitomise terms like breathtaking, kaleidoscopic, glorious and delightful, and are worth a trip to Tokyo to see all by themselves. The new teamLab Borderless will span both evolved and brand-new artworks. So, even if you've been before at its old digs, you won't just be seeing the same things — even though they're definitely worth enjoying more than once. While the full range of works that'll feature at teamLab Borderless 2.0 still hasn't yet been revealed, the list keeps growing — and impressing. Pieces announced so far include the jaw-dropping Light Sculpture series, which cycles through an array of light formations and colours, as well as an eye-catching mirrored infinity room-style space that's tentatively been titled Microcosmoses. Among the world-premiere installations, there's also Bubble Universe: Physical Light, Bubbles of Light, Wobbling Light, and Environmental Light, which is comprised of spheres that look like soap bubbles and jelly, and will move through various colours. With Flowers and People — Megalith Crystal Formation, you'll spy florals bud and blossom, then wither and decay, repeating that pattern endlessly. And thanks to Black Waves — Megalith Crystal Formation, the sea gets a nod. Attendees can also enjoy Giant Solidified Spark, which is a sphere made from rays of light — plus Wall Without a Wall, which you'll see as a wall even though nothing physical exists. In its original guise, teamLab Borderless was also anointed the most-visited single-artist museum in the world during its first year of operation. Expect that to happen again in central Tokyo, where it's relocating to from its past Odaiba base. That means that you'll no longer be crossing over Tokyo's gorgeous Rainbow Bridge to get there — but your eyes will have much to feast on inside. If you were lucky enough to mosey around the OG spot before the pandemic, you'll know that the Borderless experience involves vibrant, constantly moving, always-changing interactive digital art keeps that keeps glowing and rearranging before your eyes. As the name makes plain, nothing is fixed or static here. Pieces move from one space to the next, and interact with other works. Sometimes, several different projections and installations mingle together. For attendees, peering at the end results isn't merely a passive experience, with the venue encouraging patrons to "wander, explore and discover". teamLab might be best-known for its Tokyo site, but it doesn't only operate in Japan. A second teamLab Borderless has already been open in Shanghai since 2019, and others are slated for Jeddah in Saudi Arabia and Hamburg in Germany — the former without an exact opening date, the latter slated to launch in 2025. The organisation also operates a different museum in Macao, and has its first teamLab Phenomena on the way for the Saadiyat Cultural District in Abu Dhabi, again targeting a 2024 launch. The list goes on, with teamLab's works a drawcard wherever they pop up. teamLab Borderless Tokyo: MORI Building Digital Art Museum will reopen at its new location at Azabudai Hills, Garden Plaza B B1F, 1-2-4 Azabudai, Minato-ku, Tokyo sometime on Friday, February 9, 2024, with tickets on sale from Tuesday, January 16 — for more information, visit the museum's website. Images: teamLab, Exhibition view of teamLab Borderless: MORI Building DIGITAL ART MUSEUM, 2024, Azabudai Hills, Tokyo © teamLab, courtesy Pace Gallery.
Behind the mysterious billowing silk that marks Spice Temple's iconic entrance is a shrine to the chilli to which every lover of the sweet burn must make pilgrimage, and there's never been a better time to do so than Wednesday, May 28. Masters of the chilli Neil Perry and Andy Evans are presenting a one-night-only Some Like It Hot dinner, showcasing the fiery fruit in dried, fresh, salted, pickled and fermented forms in a menu that's set to sizzle. From crispy chicken laced with heaven-facing chillis to red braised pork belly with dried chillis and quail eggs to whole fried chillis with lap yuk and Sichuan black beans, one thing's for sure: this dinner is not for the faint of heart. Since even the most seasoned aficionados will feel the fever-pitch heat, there's a carefully matched boutique beer flight and a flavoursome green apple granita to cool you right back down. For bookings or further details contact Donna Tsakonakas at Spice Temple Sydney on (02) 8078 1888 or visit rockpool.com.
90 years ago, an artist by the name of Jimmy Bancks came up with a character by the name of Ginger Meggs. And, like that, an Aussie legend was born. But unlike other icons we've lost along the way, Ginger lives on, in the forever-land of cartoons. These days, he's parented by young, Perth-based artist Jason Chatfield. To celebrate Ginger reaching such a distinguished age, the Museum of Sydney is hosting a dedicated exhibition. Through original strips by Bancks, Chatfield and Ginger's three other dads, Ron Vivian, Lloyd Piper and James Kemsley, the show tracks the character's evolution through nine decades, beginning with the billy carts, wireless radios and cricket matches that shaped his '30s world to his 'real-life' appearances at major events like the opening of the Harbour Bridge and the launch of the Space Age. There's also a bunch of vintage memorabilia on display, including Little Golden Books, dolls, clothing and Ginger-themed paintings by Martin Sharp. “With his vivid red hair, larrikin boy charms and never-ending ability to get himself into and out of trouble, Ginger Meggs is a mischievous character whose everyday escapades echo the experiences of millions of Australian children," says Anna Cossu, Sydney Living Museums curator. "[He is] still published in over 120 newspapers across Australia and around the world."
If you're a fan of true-crime stories, then you'll know a disturbing truth: that there's no shortage of real-life tragedies that films and series in the genre can draw upon. White House Farm's inspiration comes from the notorious killings known as the White House Farm murders, which took place outside an Essex village and saw five members of the Bamber-Caffell family lose their lives, and continued to garner headlines intermittently in the decades since as appeals were lodged and reviews took place. Across six episodes, the show not only heads back to August 6, 1985, but also follows the investigation into the case. Feeling tense is part of the package, even if you're already familiar with the details. Cast-wise, Snatch's Stephen Graham and Game of Thrones' Mark Addy play the detectives trying to get to the bottom of the traumatic and complex situation — and fellow GoT alum Alfie Allen also pops up.
Under current COVID-19 restrictions in Australia, you can't go on a holiday (locally or overseas). But, you can start dreaming. Bookmark this for when you can explore once again. Winding through the rugged expanse of Victoria's Wimmera Mallee region, lies the country's largest outdoor gallery, where the artworks are metres tall, and grace not walls, but towering grain silos. First dreamt up back in 2016, evolving from a small community art project, the now famed Silo Art Trail unfolds over 200 kilometres, where six large-scale works have transformed structures in Brim, Patchewollock, Lascelles, Rupanyup, Sheep Hills and Rosebery. The mural portraits, painted by a collective of artists in conjunction with Yarriambiack Shire Council and international street art agency Juddy Roller, capture the spirit and history of this unique corner of the world, each work offering a snapshot of its host town. If you're visiting the art trail from Melbourne, the closest silo is in Rupanyup — approximately 3.5-hours' drive from the CBD. From there, it'll take you just over two hours to reach the other end of the art trail in Patchewollock. That's the order we've listed the artworks here, but to design an alternate route, head to the Silo Art Trail website. [caption id="attachment_681273" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nicole Reed[/caption] RUPANYUP, JULIA VOLCHKOVA When you reach Rupanyup, you'll spy a realistic pair of faces by Russian muralist Julia Volchkova, an homage to local youngsters Ebony Baker and Jordan Weidemann. Kitted out in their sports gear and looking bright-eyed and fearless, the characters are a nod to the region's younger generation and the realities of rural life for adolescents. Here, Volchkova has used monochrome tones to capture a spirit of strength, creating a lifelike mural similar to her large-scale works depicting locals across Southeast Asia. [caption id="attachment_681271" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nicole Reed[/caption] SHEEP HILLS, ADNATE Shining a light on the region's indigenous history and community, the 80-year-old GrainCorp silos in Sheep Hills now boast a vibrant portrait of four locals — Wergaia Elder Uncle Ron Marks and Wotjobaluk Elder Aunty Regina Hood, alongside children Curtly McDonald and Savannah Marks — with a bold, dreamtime-inspired night sky as the background. The striking piece is the work of Melbourne artist Adnate, whose creative focus often lies in sharing the stories and cultures of Aboriginal Australians. Here, he has embraced the concept of customs and wisdom being passed down through the generations, and the strong ancestral bonds shared among the area's indigenous community. [caption id="attachment_681276" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nicole Reed[/caption] BRIM, GUIDO VAN HELTEN The striking Guido van Helten mural in Brim is where it all began in 2016, spurring inspiration for the rest of the project after putting this sleepy town on the map. Melbourne-raised van Helten kicked things off strongly with his earthy-toned portrait of four farmers, all varying ages, themed around shifting ideas of community identity. The artist's work using translucent aerosol paints lends a faded, ghostlike quality to the characters, shaking the concept of time. [caption id="attachment_681274" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nicole Reed[/caption] ROSEBERY, KAFF-EINE The latest addition to the Silo Art Trail is a captivating Rosebery mural by lawyer-turned-street artist Kaff-eine. She has set out to embrace the region's past, present and future, with a portrait of a young female sheep farmer, alongside one of a horseman bonding with his four-legged mate. Elements like cowboy boots, Akubra hat and oilskin vest aren't just an unmistakable nod to country life, but capture the strong sense of symbolism that is signature to much of Kaff-eine's work. [caption id="attachment_681275" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nicole Reed[/caption] LASCELLES, RONE Meanwhile, over in Lascelles, there's a sense of quiet wisdom that emanates from the portrait of fourth-generation farming couple Geoff and Merrilyn Horman, wrapped around two decades-old grain silos. Captured by Melbourne's Rone in 2017, this one speaks to a people's deep, long-running connection to the land, with monochrome hues and water-blended paint creating a hazy, ghostly effect through the work. [caption id="attachment_681272" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nicole Reed[/caption] PATCHEWOLLOCK, FINTAN MAGEE In Patchewollock, Fintan Magee's 2016 silo mural was inspired by a stay at the local pub, where he met his portrait subject, local farmer Nick "Noodle" Hulland. The colourful, 35-metre-tall piece is a fitting ode to the hard-working Aussie farming community and its rugged spirit. Hulland's shown gazing to the horizon wearing the classic faded flanny, sun-bleached hair and weathered face that so often go hand in hand with life on the land.
Sydney Sweeney is ready for her closeup. Playwright-turned-filmmaker Tina Satter obliges. A household name of late due to her exceptional work in both Euphoria and The White Lotus, Sweeney has earned the camera's attention for over a decade; however, she's never been peered at with the unflinching intensity of Satter's debut feature Reality. For much of this short, sharp and stunning docudrama, the film's star lingers within the frame. Plenty of the movie's 83-minute running time devotes its focus to her face, staring intimately and scrutinising what it sees. Within Reality's stranger-than-fiction narrative, that imagery spies a US Air Force veteran and National Security Agency translator in her mid-twenties, on what she thought was an ordinary Saturday. It's June 3, 2017, with the picture's protagonist returning from buying groceries to find FBI agents awaiting at her rented Augusta, Georgia home, then accusing her of "the possible mishandling of classified information". Reality spots a woman facing grave charges, a suspect under interrogation and a whistleblower whose fate is already known to the world. It provides a thriller of a procedural with agents, questions, allegations and arrests; an informer saga that cuts to the heart of 21st-century American politics, and its specific chaos since 2016; and an impossible-to-shake tragedy about how authority savagely responds to being held to account. Bringing her stage production Is This a Room: Reality Winner Verbatim Transcription to the screen after it wowed off-Broadway and then Broadway, Satter dedicates Reality's bulk to that one day and those anxious minutes, unfurling in close to real time — but, pivotally, it kicks off three weeks earlier with its namesake at work while Fox News plays around her office. Why would someone leak to the media a restricted NSA report about Russian interference in getting Donald Trump elected? Before it recreates the words genuinely spoken between its eponymous figure and law enforcement, Reality sees the answer as well. Reality Winner boasted a moniker that no one would forget long before the events that she'd make international headlines for, and have inspired a play and now a film. Still, she couldn't have suspected, nor her father who gave it to her, that so many folks would learn who she was and what she's called — or why they'd do so. Satter's movie is in dialogue with its subject's distinctive name. It surveys Reality and reality by using reality, and it observes no winners. There's also no escaping the fact that reality is both precarious and subjective when it comes to Winner's deeds and others like them: Trump has been indicted for mishandling classified documents himself, with boxes of them found in his Mar-a-Lago home, but the likelihood of his penalty eclipsing the longest-ever sentence given by a US federal court for releasing government information is miniscule. Everything is average, standard and nondescript when Winner (Sweeney, also a Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and The Handmaid's Tale alum) pulls up outside of her house to discover an audience. Satter scripts with James Paul Dallas (Halston's archival producer), enlisting Paul Yee (Joy Ride) as Reality's cinematographer, plus Jennifer Vecchiarello (Thor: Love and Thunder) and Ron Dulin (Resurrection) as editors — and, before agents Garrick (Josh Hamilton, The Walking Dead) and Taylor (Marchánt Davis, A Journal for Jordan) start talking, the scene that the film spins, sees and splices couldn't appear more commonplace. The daytime sunlight streaming down doesn't brighten. Winner's brick abode could sit on any block almost anywhere. She's sans makeup, wearing a white shirt and cutoffs that she wouldn't have thought twice about. And, once the chatting begins, peppered as it is with routine small talk, it too is mundane. Is Winner thirsty? What's the best way to handle her rescue dog? Will her cat bolt if the door is left open? Is there somewhere private, away from the other agents executing search warrants for her house, car and phone, where the trio can head to? These details comprise much of the early conversation, as laced with ums, aahs and awkward pauses. With no disrespect to the best screenwriters — the best at procedurals, too — every word and gap in Reality could've only sprung from real life. And there are purposeful holes, thanks to part of the chat remaining redacted in the publicly released transcripts that Satter works with. Her inventive and perceptive solution: glitching in and out, having the people affected disappear and reappear, and reminding audiences oh-so-savvily that every single take on reality is always just that, a take, and should always be inspected and unpacked. With talk echoing — especially in a room that Winner doesn't usually use, describes as "weird" and "creepy", and looks as close as a space in someone's home can to a prison cell — Reality steps through why the agents are there, what they're chasing, their suspect's tale and her reaction. As crucial as words are to the film, and the exact words uttered off-screen at that, they only tell part of the story. They explain that Winner can speak Farsi, Pashto and Dari; aspires to be deployed to Afghanistan; trains in CrossFit and teaches yoga; and owns guns, including a pink AR-15. They establish Garrick as playing the nice guy among the FBI cohort, and Taylor as affable but sterner. They eventually lay out what Winner is accused of doing, and how. Satter witnesses what isn't spoken, though, such as the rigid physicality that sits in stark contrast to the agents' warmer tone — and the displays of force that are everywhere, simply because the FBI is everywhere, when Winner is permitted to squeeze into her kitchen to put her perishables away. As every meticulously calculated stylistic choice ramps up the stress, Nathan Micay's (Industry) jittery score among them — and as Sweeney delivers a phenomenal masterclass in microexpressions that's a career-best performance to-date — Reality spots a gut-punch of an inescapable truth as well. We hope, think and are led to believe, aided by movies and TV shows, that significant instances and incidents feel significant; and yet big moments aren't actually always big moments, even when whistleblowing, revealing state secrets and the legal response are involved. Indeed, the movie's ripped-from-reality look and dialogue, plus its central naturalistic performance, are all calibrated to reinforce that sometimes life changes drastically when nothing huge initially seems to. Winner's existence was forever altered by the scenes that Satter displays, but Reality knows that no one was shouting and screaming that that was the case as it occurred. More than that, and with gripping chills and dripping dread, it puts viewers in Winner's shoes as her world turns — and ours — but the world keeps turning.
No longer confined to children's birthday parties, bouncy castles, inflatable obstacle sources and blow-up labyrinths are currently hot property for adults (and their inner kids, of course). And the next blow-up event to hit Australia is big. Really big. Dubbed 'The Big Bounce Australia', it's an inflatable theme park made up of Guinness World Records-certified world's biggest bouncy castle, a 300-metre long obstacle course and a three-part space-themed wonderland. You're going to need a lot of red cordial to bounce your way through all of this. Set to hit Sydney between January 25 and February 9, The Big Bounce is open to both littl'uns and big'uns — but there are a heap of adults-only sessions, so you don't have to worry about dodging toddlers on your way through. Tickets for adults will set you back $55, which gives you a whole three hours in the park. You'll need it. Inside, you'll encounter the aforementioned bouncy castle — aptly named The World's Biggest Bounce House — covering a whopping 1500 square metres and, in some spots, reaching ten metres off the ground. In this house, you'll encounter a heap of slides, ball pits, climbing towers, basketball hoops and (if you can believe it) a stage with DJs, confetti cannons and beach balls. Then, there's The Giant, with 50 inflatable obstacles, including giant red balls and a monster slide. [caption id="attachment_749668" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Big Bounce AirSpace[/caption] Before you hit the final, three-part section of the park, you may need to pause, down some red frogs and maybe even have a nap. Or not, you do only have three hours to explore it all. Next up, is AirSpace, where aliens, spaceships and moon craters collide with a five-lane slide, some more ball pits and an 18-metre-tall maze. Now, you'll certainly need a nap. This extremely OTT theme park is hitting Sydney's St Ives Showground before going to Adelaide (February 14–March 1), Brisbane (March 6–22) and Perth (April 3–19).
Take your Christmas shopping to the next level this weekend — that is, level four of the Strand Arcade. That's where a large collection of artisan producers will be selling home products, ceramics, accessories and more. And it's all in the name of supporting independent Australian art, fashion and design. It'll all take place at Courtesy of the Artist's 200-square-metre multi-purpose space at the top of the arcade this Thursday to Saturday. For the market's opening on Thursday night, there'll be DJ Charlie Villas on the decks. Look out for flawless products from a long list of Australian makers including Alison Jackson Tableware, watches from Aãrk Collective, Isobel Sippel Studio, Gewürzhaus Herb and Spice Merchants, Lauren Webster, Loom Towels, Carrol Russell, Fink, Tracy Dickason, Pass A Ball, Avi Amesbury, Ainslie Walker and Pendolino Olive Oils. If you can't make this week's markets — which run from 6pm to 9pm on November 16, 10am to 5.30pm on November 17, and 10am to 4pm on November 18 — then stay tuned for further Christmas markets in December.
It has been 87 years since Perry Mason first started sleuthing his way across the page, 86 since the defence attorney character initially hit the big screen, 77 since he made the leap to radio serials and 63 since he made his TV debut. In other words, this is a fictional figure with more than a little history — but 2020's version, starring Matthew Rhys, just might be the best yet. Brooding, moody, slinky, and making the most of thematically fitting, visually stunning inky black tones and lingering shadows, the HBO series heads back to 1932, when Los Angeles and the US in general are struggling with the Great Depression. Traumatised from World War I and grappling with a tough divorce, Mason is struggling as well. Then he's hired on a missing-child case as a private detective, and this star-filled series — think: John Lithgow, Robert Patrick and Tatiana Maslany, among others — kicks into quite the compelling gear.
When Tenacious D return to Australian and New Zealand stages in winter 2024, it won't just be a tribute — it'll be the real two-man comedy rock group, aka Jack Black and Kyle Gass, performing their first Down Under shows since 2013. The duo has announced July dates in seven cities, playing arenas as part of their The Spicy Meatball tour fresh from sellout gigs in the US, UK and Europe in 2023. In the 11 years since Tenacious D last took to the stage Down Under, plenty has happened, including for Black and Gass. Black's acting resume has added everything from Goosebumps and two Jumanji movies to Weird: The Al Yankovic Story, voice work on Rick and Morty and lending his vocals to Bowser in The Super Mario Bros Movie. Gass popped up in Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Hacks. And in 2018, the band released their fourth studio album Post-Apocalypto. [caption id="attachment_939746" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Raph_PH via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] Now, the Grammy-winning pair, which first came together in the 90s as theatre students in Los Angeles, has locked in dates in Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide in Australia — plus Wellington and Auckland in Aotearoa. Expect tickets to go quickly if the overseas response is any guide. In London alone, Tenacious D's O2 show was all snapped up the week that it was announced. [caption id="attachment_939740" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Travis Shinn[/caption] From not just their latest record, but also Tenacious D's self-titled 2001 debut, 2006's The Pick of Destiny — the soundtrack to the film of the same name — and 2012's Rize of the Fenix, attendees will hear 'Wonderboy', 'Tribute', 'Kickapoo', 'Low Hangin' Fruit' and more get a spin. Also on the band's current setlist: 2023's 'Video Games', the group's first single in five years, and their cover of Chris Isaak's 'Wicked Game'. They've been busting out Thin Lizzy's 'Jailbreak', Gerry Rafferty's 'Baker Street' and Led Zeppelin's 'Good Times Bad Times', too — but not The Super Mario Bros Movie's 'Peaches'. Tenacious D The Spicy Meatball Australia and New Zealand Tour 2024 Dates: Sunday, July 14 — ICC Sydney Theatre, Sydney Tuesday, July 16 — Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Newcastle Thursday, July 18 — Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane Saturday, July 20 — Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Monday, July 22 — Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide Wednesday, July 24 — TSB Arena, Wellington Friday, July 26 — Spark Arena, Auckland Tenacious D are touring Australia and New Zealand in July 2024, with ticket presales from 9am AEDT on Wednesday, February 7 and general sales from 12pm local time on Friday, February 9 — head to the tour website for further details. Top image: Sven Mandel via Wikimedia Commons.
