A new restaurant has opened on Carrington Street from award-winning Turkish chef Somer Sivrioğlu (Efendy) with a push towards vegetarian and plant-based cuisine. Maydanoz is a new 100-seat venue from Sivrioğlu and his business partner Tarik Köni that takes inspiration from the Turkish coast and its veggie-loving meze bars. The menu at the expansive venue is predominantly vegetarian and plant-based, with a smattering of meat dishes found on the menu. "So often, people equate Turkish cuisine to kebab or lamb, but in fact, the meat is often secondary to the incredible array of vegetable-driven dishes available in Turkish cuisine, particularly in the West," Sivrioğlu said. Sivrioğlu and Köni have created a series of distinct menus, based on dishes cooked in olive oil zeytinyagli style. If you are heading to Maydanoz for dinner, you'll be greeted with an extensive a la carte menu with highlights like smoked eggplant salad; beetroot, rhubarb and aged feta sandwiches; honey, sesame and rosemary haloumi kebabs; and carrot hummus. A smattering of meat options are also on the menu, including Murray Cod collar with brussel sprouts and sheep's head wedding soup. If you want to sample your way through the menu, you can opt for the feast menu for $88pp. This includes aforementioned highlights like the hummus, sandwiches and haloumi kebabs, alongside cacik, chilbir on toast, imam bayildi and Tencere-style chicken. This fun doesn't stop at the feast menu. The restaurant has just added an express lunch deal, which offers an array of signature dishes and a glass of wine for $49pp. Featuring stone-baked bread with Pepe Saya butter, hummus and Murray cod collar kebab to name just a few of the dishes, the deal is available from midday until 3pm and is ideal for work catch-ups with your colleagues. Plus, head to Maydanoz between 4–6pm and you will receive a complimentary stone-baked bread and dips to snack on, as well as $12 cocktails and $7 hour beers, wines and spirits. Cocktails on offer include the Spice Market Negroni which adds seven spices gin, ginger, star anise and rhubarb liqueur to a usual negroni recipe; or opt for the Turkish coffee and date martini. Maydanoz marks Sivrioğlu and Köni's first of two new venues. Keep your eyes out for their next venture Tombik, which is set to arrive in Barangaroo in the near future. Maydanoz is open at Shop 1, 50 Carrington Street, Sydney for lunch and dinner Monday–Sunday. Images: Steven Woodburn
Opening at Firstdraft from June 7 is a new exhibition from Brisbane-based artist Tyza Stewart, whose self-portraits of ambiguously gendered selves interrogate fixed ideas of binary gender. Hey Remember When I Had a Rat Tail focuses on the issue of transgender visibility, and its potential use as a tool to limit discussion of queer experiences of gender. Stewart works in what has been called a brutally honest, occasionally controversial way, using video and oil painting to create art that challenges and complicates the viewer's perception of gender. The aim? To frustrate our ability to neatly categorise and apply normative readings to a person's identity (something the artist has personally experienced during interactions with various journalists and art institutions), and instead embrace complexity, ambiguity and multiplicity. Interviewed in Manuscript Daily, Stewart says, "I want to experience less rigid, polarised ways of understanding and being perceived, and I think a lot of other people might also benefit from this, so that's the kind of larger political agenda I'm interested in being involved in." Promises to be a thought-provoking show. Image: Tyza Stewart, Hey Remember When I Had a Rat Tail, courtesy the artist and Firstdraft.
For a glorious month this winter, the Matildas were everywhere. When the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup took place Down Under in July and August, Australia's national women's soccer team made history on the pitch and on TV screens, and the country revelled in every moment. Been missing that time, living and breathing all things Sam Kerr and Mackenzie Arnold, being on calf watch, and donning green and gold? For the next week, the squad is back on home turf to play three matches. The Tillies' players have been busy since August, of course, thanks to their regular club seasons around the world. Some of the Matildas ply their trade year-round in England, in the Women's Super League; some hit the turf on home soil; and others are in teams everywhere from France and Spain to Sweden and Mexico. But, kicking off on Thursday, October 26 — and then also taking to the field on Sunday, October 29 and Wednesday, November 1 — this is the first time that the squad is back together since their Women's World Cup campaign. [caption id="attachment_912896" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Disney+[/caption] The reason? Qualifying matches for the 2024 Paris Olympics, with the Tillies playing all three games in Kerr's hometown of Perth. First up at 10pm AEDT / 9pm AEST / 7pm AWST on Thursday is Iran, followed by The Philippines at 6pm AEDT / 5pm AEST / 3pm AWST on Sunday and then Chinese Taipei at 10pm AEDT / 9pm AEST / 7pm AWST on Wednesday. If you're in the Western Australian capital and want to go along, or you're keen to head over, you'd best already have tickets as all three games are sold out. The match against The Philippines had already been moved to the 60,000-seat Optus Stadium to fit more fans in. The other two games are being played at the 20,000-capacity HBF Park — so that's 100,000 seats sold, a feat that's given the Matildas 11 soldout games in a row. [caption id="attachment_913693" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Rovena Rosa/Agência Brasil[/caption] To watch along from home, 10Play, 10Bold and Paramount+ are your destinations — plus Network 10 on regular TV. As for the squad, Kerr, Arnold, Alanna Kennedy, Ellie Carpenter, Steph Catley, Caitlin Foord, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Katrina Gorry, Hayley Raso, Cortnee Vine, Emily van Egmond and Tameka Yallop are among the team. After this, you have a few more chances to get your Matildas fix this year. The team will play two friendlies against Canada in Canada on Saturday, December 2 and Tuesday, December 5 — and, in Sydney, Arnold, Fowler and Kennedy are doing a live fan stadium event on Thursday, December 21. MATILDAS OLYMPIC QUALIFYING MATCHES IN PERTH: Thursday, October 26 — versus Iran at 10pm AEDT / 9pm AEST / 7pm AWST Sunday, October 29 — versus The Philippines at 6pm AEDT / 5pm AEST / 3pm AWST Wednesday, November 1 — versus Chinese Taipei at 10pm AEDT / 9pm AEST / 7pm AWST The Matildas' Olympic qualifiers in Perth take place from Thursday, October 26–Wednesday, November 1 — and you can watch via 10Play, 10Bold and Paramount+.
Something delightful has been happening in cinemas in some parts of the country. After numerous periods spent empty during the pandemic, with projectors silent, theatres bare and the smell of popcorn fading, picture palaces in many Australian regions are back in business — including both big chains and smaller independent sites in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. During COVID-19 lockdowns, no one was short on things to watch, of course. In fact, you probably feel like you've streamed every movie ever made, including new releases, Studio Ghibli's animated fare and Nicolas Cage-starring flicks. But, even if you've spent all your time of late glued to your small screen, we're betting you just can't wait to sit in a darkened room and soak up the splendour of the bigger version. Thankfully, plenty of new films are hitting cinemas so that you can do just that — and we've rounded up, watched and reviewed everything on offer this week. SEE HOW THEY RUN As every murder-mystery does, See How They Run asks a specific question: whodunnit? This 1950s-set flick also solves another query, one that's lingered over Hollywood for seven decades now thanks to Agatha Christie. If this movie's moniker has you thinking about mouse-focused nursery rhymes, that's by design — and characters do scurry around chaotically — however, it could also have you pondering the famed author's play The Mousetrap. The latter first hit theatres in London's West End in 1952 and has stayed there ever since, other than an enforced pandemic-era shutdown in COVID-19's early days. The show operates under a set stipulation regarding the big-screen rights, too, meaning that it can't be turned into a film until the original production has stopped treading the boards for at least six months. As that's never happened, how do you get it into cinemas anyway? Make a movie about trying to make The Mousetrap into a movie, aka See How They Run. There's a clever-clever air to See How They Run's reason for existing. The same proves true of its narrative, the on-screen explanation about how The Mousetrap sits at the centre of this film's story, and the way it details those rules around adapting the play for cinema. Voiced by in-movie director Leo Köpernick (Adrien Brody, Blonde), that winking attitude resembles the Scream franchise's take on the horror genre, but with murder-mysteries — and it also smarts in its knowing rundown about how whodunnits work, who's who among the main players-slash-suspects and what leads to the central homicide. First-time feature filmmaker Tom George (This Country) and screenwriter Mark Chappell (Flaked) still craft a film that's enjoyable-enough, though, albeit somehow both satirical and by the numbers. Keeping audiences guessing isn't the picture's strong suit. Matching its own comparison to Christie isn't either. But the leads and snappy sense of fun make this a mostly entertaining game of on-screen Cluedo. Was it actor Richard Attenborough (Harris Dickinson, Where the Crawdads Sing), his fellow-thespian wife Sheila Sim (Pearl Chanda, War of the Worlds), big-time movie producer John Woolf (Reece Shearsmith, Venom: Let There Be Carnage) or his spouse Edana Romney (Sian Clifford, The Duke) getting murderous in the costume shop at the backstage party celebrating The Mousetrap's 100th show? (And yes, they're all real-life figures.) Or, was it the play's producer Petula Spencer (Ruth Wilson, His Dark Materials), the proposed feature adaptation's screenwriter Mervyn Cocker-Norris (David Oyelowo, Chaos Walking) or his Italian lover Gio (Jacob Fortune-Lloyd, The Queen's Gambit)? They're among See How They Run's other enquiries, which Scotland Yard's Inspector Stoppard (Sam Rockwell, Richard Jewell) and Constable Stalker (Saoirse Ronan, The French Dispatch) try to answer. After the death that kicks off the film, the two cops are on the case, working through their odd-couple vibe as they sleuth. Naturally, everyone that was in the theatre on the night in question is a suspect. Just as expectedly, convolutions and complications abound. Plus, possible motives keep stacking up — and there's plenty of in-fighting among the stage and screen in-crowd who might've done the deed. In other words, even with equally parodying and paying homage to all things murder-mystery chief among See How They Run's aims (alongside showing off that it thinks it knows the basics as well as Christie), it isn't blind to following the standard formula. The guiding narration, which notes that it's always the most unlikeable character that gets bumped off, takes a ribbing approach; "seen one, you've seen 'em all" it advises, because Köpernick was charged with helming The Mousetrap's leap into movies, wasn't so impressed with the source material, then advocated for violence and explosions to spice up the whole thing. Yes, viewers are meant to see parallels between what he's saying and what they're watching. Yes, being that self-aware and meta truly is a feature-long commitment. Read our full review. SMILE If high-concept horror nasties get you grinning even when you're squirming, recoiling or peeking through your fingers, then expect Smile to live up to its name — in its first half, at least. A The Ring-meets-It Follows type of scarefest with nods to the Joker thrown in, it takes its titular term seriously, sporting one helluva creepy smirk again and again. The actual face doing the ghoulish beaming can change, and does, but the evil Cheshire Cat-esque look on each dial doesn't. Where 2011's not-at-all spooky The Muppets had a maniacal laugh, Smile does indeed possess a maniacal, skin-crawling, nightmare-inducing leer. In the film, the first character to chat about it, PhD student Laura Weaver (Caitlin Stasey, Bridge and Tunnel), explains it as "the worst smile I have ever seen in my life". She's in a hospital, telling psychiatrist Rose Cotter (Mare of Easttown's Sosie Bacon, daughter of Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick), who clearly thinks she's hallucinating. But when the doctor sees that grin herself, she immediately knows that Laura's description couldn't be more accurate. Toothy, deranged, preternaturally stretched and also frozen in place, the smile at the heart of Smile isn't easily forgotten — not that Rose need worry about that. Soon, it's haunting her days and nights by interrupting her work, and seeing her act erratically with patients to the concern of her boss (Kal Penn, Clarice). Rose upsets a whole party at her nephew's birthday, too, and makes her fiancé Trevor (Jessie T Usher, The Boys) have doubts about their future. There's a backstory: Rose's mother experienced mental illness, which is why she's so passionate about her work and her sister Holly (Gillian Zinser, The Guilty) is so dismissive. There's a backstory to the diabolical frown turned upside down also, which she's quickly trying to unravel with the help of her cop ex Joel (Kyle Gallner, Scream). She has to; Laura came to the hospital for assistance after her professor saw the smile first, then started beaming it, then took his own life in front of her — and now Rose is in the same situation. It springs from debut feature writer/director Parker Finn's own 2020 short film Laura Hasn't Slept, but given how quickly Smile's nods to other horror flicks come — and how blatant they are — it's hardly astonishing how little in its narrative comes as a surprise. A malignant terror spreading virally on sight? A single-minded pursuer that can hop bodies, but always chases its new target with unyielding focus? Yes, as already mentioned, a J-horror franchise and its American remake are owed a huge debt, as is David Robert Mitchell's breakout 2014 hit. And yes, there's no way not to think of a certain Batman adversary each time that eerily exaggerated smirk flashes (given how many times the Joker has featured on-screen, it's downright inescapable). But when Smile is smiling — not just plastering that unnerving grin far and wide, but frequently directing it straight at the camera (and audience) — the fear is real. It's an odd experience, the feeling of knowing how obvious every aspect of a movie's narrative is, yet still having it spark a physical reaction. Finn deploys jump-scares that do genuinely invite jumps. His film goes dark and grim in its look and atmosphere, tensely so, and with cinematographer Charlie Sarroff (Relic) adoring soft, restrained lighting that one imagines the realm between life and death could have. He knows when to let a moment and a shot hang, teasing out the inevitable but still making sure the payoff is felt. And, among all of that, the mood is Ari Aster (Hereditary, Midsommar)-level bleak. The biggest kudos goes to (and the biggest responses come from) that hellish expression that could pop up anywhere on anyone, though. When Smile stops smiling, it's a blander movie — and although the fact that much of it is spliced together from elsewhere, and what isn't is largely generic, doesn't ever slip from view, that's also when the feature gets heftier. Read our full review. ON THE COUNT OF THREE What happens outside an upstate New York strip club at 10am on an ordinary weekday? Nothing — nothing good, or that anyone pays attention to, at least — deduces the unhappy Val (Jerrod Carmichael, Rothaniel) in On the Count of Three. So, he's hatched a plan: with his lifelong best friend Kevin (Christopher Abbott, The Forgiven), they'll carry out a suicide pact, with that empty car park as their final earthly destination. Under the harsh morning light and against a drably grey sky, Carmichael's feature directorial debut initially meets its central duo standing in that exact spot, guns pointed at each other's heads and pulling the trigger mere moments away. Yes, they start counting. Yes, exhaustion and desperation beam from their eyes. No, this thorny yet soulful film isn't over and done with then and there. There are many ways to experience weariness, frustration, malaise and despair, and to convey them — and On the Count of Three surveys plenty, as an unflinchingly black comedy about two lifelong best friends deciding to end it all should. Those dispiriting feelings can weigh you down, making every second of every day an effort. They can fester, agitate, linger and percolate, simmering behind every word and deed before spewing out as fury. They can spark drastic actions, including the type that Val and Kevin have picked as their only option after the latter breaks the former out of a mental health hospital mere days after his last self-harming incident. Or, they can inspire a wholesale rejection of the milestones, such as the promotion that Val is offered hours earlier, that everyone is told they're supposed to covet, embrace and celebrate. On the Count of Three covers all of the above, not just with purpose but with confidence, as well as a much-needed willingness to get messy. It knows it's traversing tricky terrain, and is also well-aware of the obvious: that nothing about considering taking one's own life is simple or easy, let alone a laughing matter. Working with a script by Ramy co-creators Ari Katcher (also a co-creator of The Carmichael Show) and Ryan Welch, Carmichael doesn't make a movie that salutes, excuses or justifies Val and Kevin's exit plan. His film doesn't abhor the emotions and pain behind their choices either, though. Instead, this is a complicated portrait of coping, and not, with the necessities, vagaries and inevitabilities of life — and a raw and thoughtful piece of recognition that the biggest standoff we all have is with ourselves. Rocking a shock of dishevelled bleached-blonde hair, and looking like he hasn't even dreamed of changing his wardrobe since the early 00s, Abbott could've wandered out of Good Time as Kevin — he and Robert Pattinson could/should play brothers some day — including when he's staring down Val with a gun. First, On the Count of Three jumps from there to the events leading up to it, including an earlier attempt by landscaping supply store worker Val in the work bathrooms, his response to hearing about that aforementioned climb up the corporate ladder. In hospital, Kevin is angry; "if any of you knew how to help me by now, you would have fucking done it!" he shouts. But when the time to shoot comes, it's him who suggests a reprieve to take care of a few last items — revenge being his. Read our full review. THE HUMANS Movie buffs who like to theme their viewing around the relevant time of year — holiday-related, primarily — are always spoiled for choice. Christmas films, spooky flicks at Halloween, Easter-relevant fare: you can build a binge session or several out of all of them. The same applies to Thanksgiving, all courtesy of the US, and The Humans is the latest addition to the November-appropriate list. This A24 release ticks a few clearcut boxes, in fact, including bringing a dysfunctional multi-generation family together to celebrate the date, steeping their get-together in the kind of awkwardness that always stalks relatives, and having big revelations spill over the course of the gathering (the calendar-mandated time for such disclosures, pouring out before the tryptophan kicks in). That said, even with such evident servings of underlying formula, The Humans is far creepier and more haunting than your usual movie about America's turkey-eating time of year. A hefty helping of existential horror will do that. Based on Stephen Karam's Tony-winning 2016 Broadway play — a Pulitzer Prize finalist as well — and adapted and directed for the screen by Karam himself, The Humans is downright unsettling, and for a few reasons. There's the tension zipping back and forth between everyone in attendance, of course — as crucial an ingredient at every Thanksgiving party as food, booze and warm bodies to consume them, at least if films are to be believed. There's also the bleak, claustrophobic, run-down setting, with the movie confined to a New York apartment close to Ground Zero, which aspiring composer Brigid (Beanie Feldstein, Booksmart) and her student boyfriend Richard (Steven Yeun, Nope) have just moved into at significant expense. And, there's the strange sounds emanating from other units, and perhaps this creaking, groaning, two-storey abode itself, which couldn't feel less welcoming. As a result, seasonal cheer is few and far between in this corner of Manhattan, where the Blake family congregates dutifully rather than agreeably or even welcomely. Also making an appearance: parents Deirdre (Only Murders in the Building's Jayne Houdyshell, reprising her Tony-winning part) and Erik (Richard Jenkins, DAHMER — Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story), Brigid's lawyer older sister Aimee (Amy Schumer, Life & Beth), and their grandmother Momo (June Squibb, Palmer), who has dementia and uses a wheelchair. No one is happy, and everyone seems to have something that needs airing — slowly and reluctantly when it's a matter of importance, but freely and cuttingly when it's a snap judgement directed at others. Watching The Humans, the audience hopes that no one has truly had a Thanksgiving like this, while knowing how well its fraught dynamic hits the mark. Thanks to Richard, film first-timer Karam has a straightforward way to start doling out backstory — a time-honoured function of fresh attendees to on-screen family dos, and not just in movies about Thanksgiving. Erik chats, filling the newcomer in, although the talk between everyone dishes out plenty of handy details. Religious and political affiliations cause strains, as do booze and money. The clash between the big city, where the Blake family daughters now live, and their hometown of Scranton, Pennsylvania also informs the discussions. Health woes, relationship struggles, generation clashes, expecting more both from and of each other but getting less: that's the baseline. Brigid stews about not being given enough cash by her parents, and therefore jeopardising her career dreams; Aimee frets about treading water at work, being alone and a medical condition; Deirdre's conservative leanings bristle against her daughters' decisions; and Erik clearly has a secret. Read our full review. If you're wondering what else is currently screening in Australian cinemas — or has been lately — check out our rundown of new films released in Australia on June 2, June 9, June 16, June 23 and June 30; and July 7, July 14, July 21 and July 28; August 4, August 11, August 18 and August 25; and September 1, September 8, September 15 and September 22. You can also read our full reviews of a heap of recent movies, such as Mothering Sunday, Jurassic World Dominion, A Hero, Benediction, Lightyear, Men, Elvis, Lost Illusions, Nude Tuesday, Ali & Ava, Thor: Love and Thunder, Compartment No. 6, Sundown, The Gray Man, The Phantom of the Open, The Black Phone, Where the Crawdads Sing, Official Competition, The Forgiven, Full Time, Murder Party, Bullet Train, Nope, The Princess, 6 Festivals, Good Luck to You, Leo Grande, Crimes of the Future, Bosch & Rockit, Fire of Love, Beast, Blaze, Hit the Road, Three Thousand Years of Longing, Orphan: First Kill, The Quiet Girl, Flux Gourmet, Bodies Bodies Bodies, Moonage Daydream, Ticket to Paradise, Clean and You Won't Be Alone.
Monopole's ongoing series an Evening With continues with its third installation this Tuesday, June 7. In collaboration with Sydney wine favourite P&V Mike Bennie, the evening will champion the small Jura region in France. As one would expect with Bennie heading up the evening's proceedings, wine is central to the event. So central in fact, that there are nearly double the number of paired wines compared to dishes. Guests will enjoy a six-course Jura region-inspired menu with shared dishes, paired with 11 matched wines. On the menu, duck and pork neck terrine paired with dijon mustard and cornichon; river trout, nettle butter and pickled onions; and a pear tarte tatin with vanilla ice cream.
In news that's miffed more than a few snow bunnies just days out from the start of the ski season, New South Wales ski resort Thredbo has announced an all-out tobogganing ban on its property. A statement published on Thredbo's website says that "to maximise safety for guests, employees, and resort property, Thredbo prohibits the use of toboggans and other miscellaneous snow sliding equipment that is associated with 'Snow Play' within our leasehold area". The statement pointed out the "inherent risk" of sliding around on a toboggan, due to limited control, and suggested that too many punters have been breaking the rules, taking the snow sliding equipment beyond the designated tobogganing areas and out onto ski runs. It doesn't look like there'll be any back-tracking on the resort's decision either, with the statement confirming that "no enquiries will be entertained from toboggan or miscellaneous snow sliding equipment users". While fellow NSW ski resort Perisher hasn't formally mentioned any changes to its snow play offering, The Sydney Morning Herald has reported that tobogganing is currently prohibited there as well. If that's the case, it looks like you'll have to travel to interstate to get your tobogganing kicks this winter. The ACT's Selwyn Snow Resort and Corin Forest, and Victorian ski resorts Mount Hotham and Falls Creek don't appear to have made any changes to their tobogganing and snow play policies. Victoria's Mount Buller and Mount Stirling have gone one step further, confirming they won't be following Thredbo's lead. "Mt Buller Mt Stirling Resort Management has no plans to ban tobogganing in existing authorised areas on Mt Buller or Mt Stirling," said the group's CEO, Mark Bennetts. "Tobogganing is a great family activity, and we look forward to welcoming all guests to our resorts to enjoy a day in the snow".
In the United States, Deadpool is officially the second highest-grossing R-rated film of all time, coming in just behind The Passion of the Christ. It's a point made directly to the audience during one of Deadpool 2's many fourth-wall-shattering moments, at once justifying the movie's own existence and letting us know that it knows that sequels usually suck. This particular follow-up, however, is definitely one fans were clamouring for. And they'll be delighted to find it once again delivers an outlandish blend of deeply meta comedy and ultra-violent action. Returning to don the Deadpool mask/burn victim makeup is Canadian newcomer and former Corrs percussionist Ryan Reynolds, whose talent for switching between dry sarcasm and affecting sincerity makes him perhaps uniquely qualified to steer such an unconventional character and film. This time round his alter-ego Wade Wilson finds himself on the cusp of parenthood, only to have the chance tragically wrenched away during the film's unexpected opening scenes (a surprise neatly reflected in the James Bond-style titles sequence featuring credits such as: 'Written By: the real villains of this film' and 'Starring: someone who clearly doesn't like sharing the limelight'). Seeking redemption, Wade first tries (and fails) to join the X-Men Who Aren't Popular Enough To Be Official X-Men, before finding himself tasked with protecting a troubled orphan named Russell (Julian Dennison) from the time-travelling assassin Cable (Josh Brolin). On paper, at least, it's a fairly conventional plot for a franchise that altogether mocks convention – to say nothing of the fact it also largely mirrors the storyline from last year's critically-acclaimed and patently better Logan (starring the unforgettable Hugh Jackman). But Deadpool 2 navigates this issue by peppering its script with literally hundreds of in-jokes, 80s references and endless winks to the audience. Admittedly they don't all land, but as the Inuit saying goes: swing at every pitch and you'll at least hit a few out of the park. Alongside Reynolds are most of the original film's key cast members, including Karan Soni, Leslie Uggams, Morena Baccarin and T.J. Miller. Opposite them, Marvel's current villain-du-jour Josh Brolin delivers the same reserved menace as Cable that he did as Infinity War's Thanos, albeit without the chin scars that make it look like he fell asleep on Roger Federer's racquet. Zazie Beetz of Atlanta fame also joins the team as the scene-stealing Domino, whose superpower is pizzas delivered fresh within 30 minutes or your money back, guaranteed. The challenge for director David Leitch (Atomic Blonde, John Wick) is to make fun of comic-book movies while still delivering one worth watching. As an exercise in subversion Deadpool 2 doesn't quite achieve the same level of success as the first film, opting too often to undermine its genre staples by prefacing them with glib one-liners. More successful are the jokes that take place during those sequences, or – even better – the darker twists this film puts on them without an accompanying gag. At one point, for example, Deadpool blocks a gun shot with his hand, only to then slide his now-gaping wound along the barrel and turn it on its handler to shoot him in the head. It's the kind of shocking violence you'll never see in a conventional Marvel movie and yet perfectly conforms to this character's unique, twisted style of problem solving. Thankfully, there are more than enough examples of this kind of gory comedy to keep Deadpool 2 comfortably in the successful column, right down to the closing credits scenes that sit amongst the movie's funniest moments. It may not be the romcom we deserve, but it's the one we need right now, and it's definitely worth your time. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D86RtevtfrA
Ding Dong Dang-ers, you've got a new karaoke spot to try obliterating your vocal chords at. Surry Hills' Japanese-style street bar Goros has just had a mini-revamp, counting two brand new karaoke rooms in the new features to be revealed on Monday, April 27. Sitting just outside the lockout zone, Goros are truly capitalising on the best or worst of late night kick-on choices — screeching 'Let It Go' into a shitty mic and throwing back a few Bacardi Breezers amongst the lasers. But these aren't your regular, lovably tacky karaoke rooms (and you won't be drinking alcopops). Built for groups of up to ten punters, Goros' new rooms have your regular big screen TV and microphone set-up. But there's also a dress up box. A dress up box. Things are inevitably going to get loose during 'Love Shack'. Goros' new karaoke rooms aren't the only new features of the reno; there's a new classic arcade games area — yep, they've got Tekken and Point Blank — and they've created six new booth spaces to snuggle into before pulverising your throat with 'You're the Voice' and the inevitable 'Bohemian Rhapsody'. Line that stomach with a Tokyo Chilli Dog from the new menu (the kitchen's open until 2am on Friday and Saturday nights and 12am on Thursdays), or try the new yakitori roulette wasabi challenge every Wednesday night. To give you a little liquid courage, there's now sake shots on the revamped Japanese spirit and cocktail list — best perused through the bar's old-school Viewfinders. There's $15 'sake journeys' on offer, a flight which includes three different sakes to get you ready to do some damage on 'Hotel California'. Happy hour runs between 5.30pm and 7.30pm Monday-Friday, which is a little early for karaoke but you might be naturally lacking in inhibitions already. You go Glen Coco. Find Goros at 84-86 Mary Street, Surry Hills. Reopen from Monday, April 27.
Whatever holiday plans you had for 2023, they're changing. Apologies to whichever island trips or European jaunts you'd been dreaming about — you're now going to Japan. That's the only way to react to Jetstar's latest flight sale, which is solely focused on visits to two cities and two cities only: Tokyo and Osaka. Even better — whichever you decide to fly into, the Australian carrier's new special will bring you home without bothering your bank balance. Yes, Jetstar is doing one of its big 'return for free' sales. In fact, it's the first time in four years that the airline has launched a Japan edition of this popular excuse to buy airfares and lock in getaways, and you've got just three days to snap up tickets. Running for 72 hours from 12am AEDT on Tuesday, February 28–11.59pm AEDT on Friday, March 3 — or until sold out — it really is as straightforward as it sounds. Whatever flights you opt for as part of the sale, covering direct flights from Cairns or Gold Coast, plus connecting flights out of Sydney, Melbourne (Tullamarine) and Brisbane, you'll get the return fare for nothing. You do need to nab one of Jetstar's starter fares, and you'll then get a free return starter fare for zilch. Also, you'll have to fly in and out of the same arrival and departure port — either Narita in Tokyo or Kansai in Osaka. Plus, as is usually the case with Jetstar, checked baggage is not included. Still, expect the flights to get snapped up quickly when they go on sale. If you're a Club Jetstar member, you'll get the jump on the special via access from 12pm AEDT on Tuesday, February 28 until midnight. Wondering when you'll be travelling? Dates vary per route, but there are a few windows, including from late April through to late June, and again from early October to mid-December — all in 2023. Jetstar's Japan 'return for free' sale runs from 12am AEDT on Tuesday, February 28–11.59pm AEDT on Friday, March 3 — or until sold out. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
Paddington's charming new South Dowling Street trattoria Zafferano has a lot of history. It originally opened as a café last year, before relaunching as a spot for afternoon drinks, long weekend lunches and hearty Sicilian dinners — but its history stretches far beyond that. The venue acts as a spiritual sibling and tribute to Trattoria Francu U' Piscaturi, a seafood restaurant that Head Chef Simone Crivello's father has been operating out of Capo Zafferano in Sicily since the 1970s. Crivello and his partner Isobel Galloway bring this long connection to Sicilian cuisine to the bustling Paddington street, offering diners a laidback slice of the Mediterranean within the hustle and bustle of Sydney's inner-city. "South Dowling Street has no shortage of iconic brunch and lunch options, from South Dowling Sandwiches to Bootsdarling and the Organic Bread Bar," said Crivello. "Bella and I spend a lot of time talking to our diners, the one thing we kept hearing was how desperately the street needed a Trattoria, for lingering afternoon drinks, turned cheerful evenings with friends and food." Crivello and Galloway have compiled a purposefully reserved menu based around Sicilian wine, staples from Capo Zadderano, fresh produce and minimal waste. The sfincione — Sicily's version of a pizza — emerges from the oven thick and fluffy, the pasta is topped with a mountain of parmesan and the risotto marinara is packed with mussels, clams, cuttlefish, prawns and crab. The latter is a recipe passed down from Francesco, Crivello's father, and has been on the menu at Trattoria Francu U' Piscaturi for 50 years. The final touch of Sicily is the fit-out, styled by ex-fashion designer Stephen Galloway, Isobel's father. The restaurant features a forest green and marble design, adorned with clay Testa di Moro heads, a signature of Sicily. And, on the walls, you'll find photos from Trattoria Francu U' Piscaturi and from the town's best fishing spots. Zafferano Trattoria Mediterranea is located at 354 South Dowling Street, Paddington. It's open 5–10pm Wednesday–Friday and midday–10pm Saturday–Sunday.
One of the easiest ways to really treat yourself is to buy an extra special sweet treat at one of Sydney's best patisseries, bakeries or cake shops. Devouring an avant-garde slice of cake, croissant or brownie can be a beautiful way to boost your mood (beyond the momentary sugar rush). We're big believers that a really good dessert can help you forget the world's problems — especially if you're a true blue foodie. So, if you've already licked the tub of ice cream in the freezer completely clean or sniffed out your housemate's secret stash of choccies and now have no goodies left, we're not here to judge. Instead, we're going to point you in the direction of some of Sydney's best desserts that you can pick up or get dropped to your doorstep the next time those sugar cravings hit.
If watching a film is an experience rather than an act of mere observation, then watching a film by Apichatpong Weerasethakul is like bathing underneath a waterfall of sound and vision rather than simply sticking your toes in a pool. The contemplative might be his domain, but so is the sensory. The Thai filmmaker's works are designed to wash over his viewers, and from the moment they start you have no choice but to let them. Cemetery of Splendour, the latest entry on his resume, is no exception to this rule. It's a film you dissolve into, like a dream you might not want to wake up from, one that's always trying to pull you further and further below the surface. Like Weerasethakul's previous film, the Palme d'Or winning Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives, this new work combines a patient pace, hypnotic images and details both personal and political, creating a lavish and leisurely package that's both melancholy and joyous.. The sensation Cemetery of Splendour inspires in those watching is rather appropriate, since its protagonist, housewife turned volunteer nurse Jenjira (Jenjira Pongpas Widner), falls under a similar spell. While caring for soldiers afflicted with sleeping sickness, she warms to one man in particular (Banlop Lomnoi), with whom she feels a connection. Assisted by a medium, Keng (Jarinpattra Rueangram), Jen tries to communicate with her slumbering patient. So far, so straightforward — and Cemetery of Splendour does present perhaps Weerasethakul's most linear narrative. Weaving in statues coming to life and ghosts of times gone by, it swiftly proves far from conventional, the filmmaker's experimental sensibilities as present as ever. Here, a sense of place is paramount, particularly Jen's ties with the site the hospital stands on. Her bond with her location actually mirrors her director, who sets the film in his own hometown of Khon Kaen, and once again fashions his feature as a statement about his country. Indeed, think of Cemetery of Splendour as a combination of cinema and poetry, its sights and sounds striking in their own right, but continually conjuring up even more evocative feelings the longer they linger — and this is a movie that knows how to linger. That might sound like a cliché, especially when a feature is as simultaneously slow and sumptuous as this. However in Weerasethakul's efforts, the language of regular films doesn't really apply. Once again, the applauded auteur has made something that almost defies description as it burns its images into your eyeballs. There hasn't been a more meditative and mesmerising image in recent cinema than the line of neon-lit beds that proves the movie's visual centrepiece — and when you're looking at them, you always know you're doing more than just watching.
Whether you loved it, were intrigued by it, or didn't warm to its absurdist scenario, The Lobster was one of the most intriguing films to grace cinemas screens in 2015 (for the record, we're in the first camp). What does a filmmaker do once he's made a Colin Farrell, Rachel Weisz, John C. Reilly and Olivia Colman-starring dystopian flick about single folks being forced to attend a romance bootcamp to find love within 45 days — and get turned into the animal of their choosing if they fail? If you're Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos, you make a TV dark comedy starring Kirsten Dunst. On Becoming a God In Central Florida will focus on "the cult of free enterprise and one woman's relentless pursuit of the American Dream in the early '90s," as first reported in Deadline. Fresh from trifling with frosty crime in the Fargo television series, Dunst will play recently-widowed Orlando water park employee Krystal Gill, who "lies, schemes and cons her way up the ranks of Founders American Merchandise — the cultish, flag-waving, multibillion-dollar pyramid scheme that drove her to ruin in the first place." The show is being developed by AMC, aka the American network behind the likes of Mad Men, Breaking Bad and The Walking Dead, and will be executive produced by George Clooney. There's no word yet on any other cast members. Still, as is always the case when it comes to the helmer behind not only The Lobster, but unconventional (to say the least) family drama Dogtooth and 2012 Sydney Film Festival winner Alps, it sounds mighty interesting. Alas, Lanthimos isn't writing the script, so it mightn't be quite as weird as his big screen ventures — which will also include the surgeon-centric The Killing of a Sacred Deer with Farrell, Nicole Kidman and Alicia Silverstone sometime this year. If you're wondering, yes, the worlds of film and television are continuing to collide, not that they were ever really that separate to begin with. Add On Becoming a God In Central Florida to your must-see small screen list for an as-yet-unannounced date in the future, alongside a heap of other shows with movie ties — such as Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind; the What We Do in the Shadows spinoff; Studio Ghibli's first TV show, Ronja the Robber's Daughter; and every other flick you can think of that's either already getting or is bound to receive the television treatment. Via Deadline.
At 156 Clarence Street in the CBD, you'll find a cluster of award-winning hospitality venues: Baxter Inn, Duke of Clarence and the Barber Shop. Come next week, another — slightly different — venue will be joining them: the second outpost of Manly's Chica Bonita. Co-owner Luke Miller, who owns Chica and Sunset Sabi with friend and business partner Sean Miller, recognises that his new restaurant has great company. And with great company, comes great expectations. "We need to bring our A-game when we have such great neighbours," Luke says. Opening in the old Atelier de Velo space, the 90-seat restaurant — designed by Adelaide architects Studio Gram — will be filled with booths, banquettes and smaller tables, all in earthy tones. The airy, well-lit space will also have an open kitchen with half a dozen seats at the counter, where guests will be able to watch the chefs at work. [caption id="attachment_714253" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Chica Bonita CBD by Ashleigh Larden.[/caption] Leading those chefs will be another Adelaide import: chef Alejandro Huerta. While he's most recently been working in the southern state, Huerta has previously worked at some of the world's best restaurants — including Pujol in Mexico City and Spain's El Bulli. Some Manly favourites will carry over to the CBD menu — including its fish tacos, California burrito and carne asada-topped fries — but, overall, it will be slightly more refined, with a focus on fresh seafood and an in-house al pastor (spit-grilled meat similar to a shawarma). A menu has not yet been finalised, but Huerta says to expect dishes like duck carnitas with sour cherries and beef ribs cooked for 48 hours in mole de olla and served with warrigal greens. As with most Mexican restaurants, agave will be central to the drinks list. On it, you'll find a lengthy lineup of margaritas and other tequila-heavy cocktails, as well as list of mezcals. It's not a long list, but it has depth. Luke and Sean spent time travelling around Mexico meeting distillers and their families, particularly in Santiago Matatlan, in Oaxaca, which is known as the 'World Capital of Mezcal'. If you'd like to drink your way through a larger (very large, in fact) variety of the smoky spirit, head around the corner to Cantina OK!. It's a just-opened, standing-room-only mezcal bar by the Tio's team — located in a space the Miller boys originally had their eyes on. Find Chica Bonita at 156 Clarence Street, Sydney from Wednesday, April 3. It's open from Monday–Friday 11.30am–late and Saturday 4.30pm–late. Images: Ashleigh Larden.
For six weeks at the end of 2023, cinema will join sun, surf and sand as one of the best things to enjoy at Bondi Beach. From mid-November, Sunset Cinema is heading to the iconic Sydney spot, setting up shop at Bondi Pavilion. There'll be movies under the stars. There'll be bean bags to sit on. There'll be a bar serving boozy beverages, food trucks dishing up bites and popcorn — of course — as a snack option, too. Sunset Cinema is no stranger to Sydney. Over the summer of 2022–23, it screened flicks in St Ives and also North Sydney, with a season at the latter also on the itinerary again from January 2024. Getting its projectors whirring at Bondi Pavilion is a brand-new addition to its lineup, however, and an exciting one — with exactly what you'll be watching still to be announced. Film lovers will be heading to Dolphin Court for their al fresco flick fix from Thursday, November 16–Saturday, December 23, with Sunset Cinema screening from Monday–Saturday. If the lineup is anything like the openair cinema's past Sydney runs, attendees can expect recent box-office hits, new arrivals on the big screen, festive flicks leading into Christmas and retro favourites. On the bill last season: everything from Top Gun: Maverick, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Strange World, Don't Worry Darling, The Menu and Everything Everywhere All At Once to Elf, Love Actually, Home Alone and The Nightmare Before Christmas. "We are excited to bring our unique brand of entertainment to the Bondi community this summer," said Sunset Cinema's General Manager Brad Garth, announcing the Bondi Beach season. "The Sunset Cinema movie experience is all about delivering quality entertainment that everyone can enjoy. We can't wait to launch the perfect summer event at Australia's most iconic beach." Sunset Cinema will take its openair flicks to seven locations across Australia's east coast over the summer of 2023–24, including Wollongong, Canberra, Brisbane and Melbourne. At all stops around the country, BYO picnics are encouraged; however, the event is fully licensed, which means alcohol can only be purchased onsite. And if you don't pack enough snacks, that's where the hot food options, plus plenty of the requisite movie treats like chips, chocolates, lollies and popcorn, come in. Sunset Cinema will hit Dolphin Court, Bondi Pavilion, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Bondi Beach from Thursday, November 16–Saturday, December 23 — screening from Monday–Saturday. Head to the Sunset Cinema website for further details. Top image: Bondi Pavilion.
Caffè sospeso — or 'suspended coffee' — is a Neapolitan tradition where you pay for two coffees at a café, drink one and the second is given to the next customer who walks through the door. It's a small, anonymous act of charity. Now laneway bar Bar Americano is bringing the tradition to the streets of Melbourne. Owner Matt Bax has subsidised espressos and two cocktails on his menu in the hope that it will encourage his customers to partake in the random act of kindness. While the first drink, for yourself, will be full price, the second espresso will cost $3, Amaro Americano (their namesake drink) $7 and Negroni $15. While it's not the first establishment to recreate the tradition down south — STREAT implemented it as an act of kindness for Melbourne's homeless — it is the first establishment to recreate it with cocktails. Bax — a renowned bar tsar who has been working in the city for over 20 years — hopes this venture encourages people to be more tolerant and kind to each other. "It may just be a $3 espresso you are buying for a stranger," he says. "But it's so much more. I think it's an investment in a better society." It might not change the world but — for those who can afford to, at least — caffè sospeso might at least help foster a sense of community in the middle of the CBD. Caffè sospeso is running six nights a week at Bar Americano, 20 Presgrave Place, Melbourne. For more information, visit baramericano.com. Image: Alicia Taylor.
Does your heart yearn for the freedom afforded atop a Harley Davidson on the wide open road? Well, Wild Ride is the motorcycle tour that will give you a taste. These trips have been roaring along Sydney's spectacular roads — and those of its surrounds — for 20 years. Don't worry about knowing how to ride: they're all chauffeured tours. As a passenger, all you've got to do is hold on tight and enjoy the journey. On the Lower Blue Mountains tour, you'll start in Penrith before heading into the stunning region, along the Great Western Highway up to Springwood, then back through Glenbrook and Emu Plains over a couple of hours. Take winding mountain bends and stop to take in the sight of Lennox Bridge, the oldest surviving stone arch bridge on the mainland. Or, opt to start at a Western Sydney pickup point for a tour of Lower Portland. You can choose either a scenery-heavy historic ride or a vino-tasting tour of local cellar doors.
Pretty lights take a turn for the fantastical and intergalactic at The Argyle's Fractured Fantasies this Vivid season. In a series of themed weekend events, The Rocks' iconic cobblestone courtyard venue is being transformed into an otherworldly paradise; populated with psychedelic light shows, fire twirlers, performers and a rotating lineup of local DJs — including MINX, Ben Morris and TASS. This weekend (29–31 May), make like Alice and tumble down the rabbit hole for Wonderland-themed cocktails and kaleidoscopic lights (the perfect combination for celebrating your very merry unbirthday). Then, on 5-7 June, don't be taken aback if you see Darth Vader and his ilk spinning the decks. There’s something just so right about the union of lights and lightsabers, so naturally this is your chance to release your inner Jedi (or maybe you’re more of an Ewok? Not judging). Fractured Fantasies kicks off at 6pm each Friday, Saturday and Sunday during Vivid. That’s your eyes and ears indulged, but what’s a feast for the senses without some nosh? Good thing The Argyle Precinct restaurants (Sake, Ananas Bar & Brasserie, The Cut Bar & Grill, Lowenbrau Keller and The Argyle itself) are also open from 5pm every day during the festival.
If you regularly walk down Crown Street, you've probably wandered past the windows of Hay and admired its beautiful designs while stuck at the traffic lights. Its pieces reference classic mid-century Scandi design as well as more contemporary industrial influences, using good-quality, durable materials and showcasing a range of beautiful, functional approaches to design. Teak fans are especially well-catered for here. The Surry Hills store also has a selection of homewares, lighting and contemporary stationary.
It's oft said that New Year's Eve is the most over-hyped night of the year. But, it doesn't have to be this year — Sydney, you've got a brand new NYE party to attend. From the folks behind Hot Dub Wine Machine and Alison Wonderland's Warehouse Project, NYE in the Park is set to make its bangin' debut this December 31, taking over the lush expanse of Victoria Park for an evening of (actually good) eats, fireworks, Champagne, dancing and no let-downs — it'll be a night you'll actually want to remember. Headlining the inaugural event is Canadian electro and techo maestro, Tiga. You'll remember dancing to his tracks like 'You Gonna Want Me' and 'Far From Home' (he's also behind the monster hit 'Bugatti') back in the 2000s. Also ringing in the New Year is Jurassic 5 legend Chali 2NA, and DJ Krafty Kuts, who'll take us back to the golden era of hip hop in a joint set. Other highlights include Belgian-based dance icons 2MANYDJS, powerful pop artist Vera Blue, disco kings Total Giovanni, and, the evening's host, Hot Tub Time Machine. He'll be counting down the crowd to midnight, before playing one of his signature party sets, sending revellers dancing through the decades on a two-hour journey from the '50s to today. The festival runs for a marathon 10 hours, so you'll need some sustenance. Luckily, there'll be plenty of that. Your cuisine choices range from American barbecue to Greek street food and Japanese snacks. If you're inclined to listen to us, we suggest starting with a crab slider and a spiked milkshake, moving on to a beef brisket burger and fries, then grabbing a Champagne and making your way to the dancefloor for the midnight toast and fireworks show. Let's hope the rest of 2018 is as good as the last night of 2017.
It’s time to brush up on your espanol and start memorising the lyrics to early '00s reggaeton because The Norfolk are holding their Puerto Rico Day Party on Sunday, June 8. The Norfolk corner of Surry Hills will turn into a mini San Juan, where you can forget about the realities of Sydney’s winter and drink $5 copal tinnies, $10 pina coladas and bloody ricos and $15 gasolinas until your heart is content. Celebrating all the great archipelago has to offer (but mainly rum-based cocktails), The Norfolk are slowing down on the schnitties and are instead offering $10 tostone nachos and $30 worth of Puerto Rican pig tacos to share with friends. And if bloated bellies from recent seafood festivities upstairs at House of Crabs have put you off 305 Cleveland Street for a little while, remember that it’s probably nothing a taco or five can’t fix.
A cavalcade of queer cinema is coming to Sydney's big screens — yes, it's almost Mardi Gras Film Festival time again. With the movie-focused offshoot of the city's long-running LGBTIQ celebration fast approaching, MGFF has unveiled their stacked program. On the agenda: diversity, new talents and familiar faces aplenty. While the 2017 selection features almost 100 screenings, where else can we start but with the most recognisable part of this year's lineup? Yes, that'd be James Franco. We've previously noted that the actor pops up just about everywhere, and MGFF really is no different. For fans, or for those who just can't stop themselves watching his work, Franco stars alongside Christian Slater, Alicia Silverstone and Molly Ringwald in King Cobra, which tells the true story of gay porn star Brent Corrigan. There's more than that on the schedule, of course, with one world premiere, four international premieres and 31 Australian premieres on offer from February 15 to March 2 at Event Cinemas George Street, Cremorne Orpheum and Golden Age Cinema, plus a selection of other venues in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. Fellow high-profile titles include the first four parts of new gay rights mini-series When We Rise, featuring Aussies Guy Pearce and Rachel Griffiths, and marking the reunion of Milk writer Dustin Lance Black and director Gus van Sant; Australian films Bad Girl and Teenage Kicks, each relaying coming-of-age narratives in completely different ways; and the Irish duo of A Date for Mad Mary and Handsome Devil, that will open and end the fest by finding their own kind of charm and comedy in their queer tales. Add a special screening of Golden Globe hit Moonlight, the world premiere of book-to-film adaptation Something Like Summer, a closing party hosted by the Queen of Ireland, aka drag performer Panti Bliss, and even Finding Dory for kids of all ages, and the scene is set for a wide array of perspectives and visions. "While we still feature this year's best coming-of-age movies, we are screening stories about the young and old in our community and everyone in between," says MGFF director Paul Struthers. "Building on last year's expanded program, we have again increased the proportion of lesbian and transgender content and included more people of colour." Mardi Gras Film Festival 2017 runs from February 15 to March 2 at Event Cinemas George Street, Cremorne Orpheum, Golden Age Cinema and Bar and other NSW and ACT venues. For more information, visit their website.
If seasonal change has left you in a dizzy headspin of new colours and fabrics and prints and jackets — or if, y'know, you just like some fancy new clothes now and then — you'll be pretty pleased to know that the Big Fashion Sale is coming back to Sydney for four days this April. But this time round, it's teaming up with pre-loved designer fashion retailer The Frock Exchange to offer new and pre-worn pieces from local and international labels. Shop 1000 lush items from past collections, samples and one-offs from a heap of designers — both well-known and emerging. Names you'll see on the racks include Kenzo, Marni, Phillip Lim, Romance Was Born, Anna Quan and more. With pieces starting at just $50, this is one way to up your count of designer threads while leaving your bank balance sitting pretty, too. Prices this low tend to inspire a certain level of ruthlessness in all of us, though, so practise that grabbing reflex in advance. This is every shopper for themselves. The Frock Exchange x Big Fashion Sale will be open 9am–7pm Thursday, 9am–6pm Friday and 9am–5pm on Saturday.
When it comes to exposing the work of switched on, up-and-coming young writers, literary journal Seizure is a welcome repeat offender. Their latest, music-themed issue is out on December 6, and to launch it, Seizure is putting on a double-punch evening of sound and words. The line-up is acoustic, with Edward Deer, Cogel, Jess Chalker and Piers Twomey as well as Benny Davis (aka the Human Jukebox) from Axis of Awesome and more to be announced. The journal is eclectic: this time, it features stories from Simon Tedeschi talking with Frenzal Rhomb, Benny Davis (Axis of Awesome), Alice Rebekah Fraser (comedian, ex-lawyer), and an online mixtape curated by Edward Deer. And the location is 107 Projects, one of the more recent DIY artists' spaces to pop up in Sydney. Entry includes a copy of the mag.
We usually picture Tasmania as Australia's sleepiest state — but when they go and pull off a weekend rager in a remote meadow, you've really got to question why we think this. We probably should have realised when they upped festival standards by giving us MONA FOMA. Set in White Hills, a beautiful, forested area about 20 minutes from Launceston, Party in the Paddock brings a punchy list of international and local artists to the island state. When not at the stage, Party in the Paddock's Vibestown is the place to head for gourmet Tassie nosh, comedy, art, yoga, glitter and skateboarding. And, for its sixth year, PITP has stuck an extra day onto the festival — on Thursday night there's a Funk in the Forest psychedelic rave that will continue over to Friday and Saturday nights. PARTY IN THE PADDOCK 2018 LINEUP Gang of Youths GROUPLOVE The Avalanches (DJ Set) Meg Mac Ball Park Music Client Liaison The Preatures Tkay Maidza Holy Holy Aunty Donna Crooked Colours Tired Lion
The Opera House is transforming The Studio into a party hub for Vivid's opening week. Each night from 9pm, the space will be taken over by local and international DJs – from Astral People to the UK's Burial. Head down on May27 to catch Kuren alongside Electric Fields (Michael Ross and Zaachariaha Fielding), in a celebration of the 1967 Referendum's 50th anniversary. Kuren's been doing the rounds on the festival circuit, while Electric Fields combines soul-infused pop, electronica and storytelling in Zaachariaha's traditional language, spoken by SA's Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara people. If you're strapped for cash, then save your party for May 31, when London's Burial throws a free shindig, driven by his UK garage beats, otherworldly arrangements and haunting vocals. The following night, Sydney's Astral People will invade with a New York disco, featuring Danny Krivit, Natasha Diggs and Lauren Hansom. Finally, on June 2, Mad Racket, who've been keeping Sydney's house and techno fans happy for 19 years now, will play the finale, with Lord of the Isles in live mode.
For a lot of people, the lead-up to Easter is a mammoth sweet treat eating session — hot cross buns and chocolate eggs every single day. And if treating yourself is high on the agenda this season, then Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney has two possible outlets — and they're both sugar-coated doozies. From Monday, April 1, the Lobby Lounge will be transformed into a magical Easter garden and, inside you can enjoy a bevvy of themed delights. First up, there's an Easter-themed high tea, whipped up by executive pastry chef Anna Polyviou. As always, Polyviou has designed a delightfully whimsical and dessert-focused menu. There's a cracked egg tart, decadent chocolate pots and the requisite hot cross buns, plus a club cake and some whippy ice cream to tail things off nicely. With all that sugar, you'll surely need a refreshment or two; try a vodka spritz (it's still warm enough outside) or the popcorn caramel martini — or play it traditional with a flute of bubbly. Tickets for this decadent feast starts from $75, with sessions running three times daily until Monday, April 29. To book your spot, head this way. And if savoury snacks and a relaxed vibe are more your style, the Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney has you covered with Cocktails in the Garden. It's just what the label says: a tipple in the Easter 'garden', accompanied by a picnic basket filled with cured meats, cheese, olives, quiche and fresh fruit. The picnic set for two ($55) includes a spritz, flute of Chandon or popcorn caramel martini each. You can upgrade it with a flute of Veuve each instead ($85) or make the cocktails free-flowing for $115. This special cocktail package is available between Friday, March 29 and Monday, April 29 and can be booked here.
Winter is coming. And while that might send shivers down the spine of some, the silver lining is the abundance of winter food to warm you from the inside out. Soup season is a great time to branch out or revisit some old favourites, be it a steaming broth, hearty laksa or super-rich ramen. Together with American Express, we've put together a list of belly-warming noodle soups you should seek out in Sydney as the days grow shorter and you find yourself needing a bowl of nourishing comfort to brighten your day.
In a year that's seen us all pondering holidays close to home, the New South Wales National Parks department has just gifted the state's residents another new reason to book a local trip. It already gave everyone three great excuses to enjoy a local getaway back in September, courtesy of three refurbished cottages in supremely impressive locations — and now it has added another beach house, in Murramarang National Park, to the list. You'll find Judges House in Yellow Rock on the south coast. Wondering about the name? It was owned by a Supreme Court judge and used as a family getaway, before being given to the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. And, because it sits within a 30-minute drive from Batemans Bay, it's a nifty choice if you want to feel secluded but also don't want to be too far from the rest of the world. Thanks to that location, Judges House boasts views out across Batemans Bay — and you'll have access to a beach while also being surrounded by bushland. So, it's a best-of-both-worlds kind of deal, if you can't choose between a coastal holiday and trees as far as the eye can see. [caption id="attachment_794552" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] John Spencer, NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment[/caption] Here, for between $350–$450 per night — with a seven-night minimum stay — you can vacation in a group of up to six. The self-contained three-bedroom abode also comes with a fully equipped kitchen, indoor and outdoor toilets and showers, an open-plan living space, a big wraparound deck and an outdoor barbecue. In terms of things to do, swimming ranks high on the list, as does kayaking, canoeing and fishing. Or, you can wander through walking tracks that trek through coastal bushland, and also head to the national park's rocky coves — and spot birds, dolphins and whales in the process. Judges House is now available for bookings. For more information, or to make a reservation, head to the NSW National Parks website. Images: John Spencer, NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.
Home to one of the largest green walls in the southern hemisphere, The Calyx (set inside the The Royal Botanic Garden) is an inner city oasis for Sydney's plant lovers. And now you can take some of that feature wall home with you. The Calyx is currently hosting its October plant sale, which will run over the next week and a half. The pop-up is open daily, from 10am–4pm, until Friday, November 6 — while supplies last, that is. On offer are festive princettias from The Calyx's stunning green wall. The first week will have white princettias only, but the second week will feature white, pink and rose-coloured varieties to choose from. Each plant will cost just $5 a pop, or you can nab three for a tenner. In keeping with COVID-19 safety protocols, the sale will be via card transactions only, so don't bother stopping for cash. Patrons are asked to BYO a bag or box too, and there will be heaps of other social distancing measures in place. With capacity set at 100 people, there's sure to be a line — so get in early or risk missing out.
Secret Garden 2012 by Anastasia Tighe. See the gallery here. There’s a certain magic about nightfall. When the mother of all celestial light bulbs cuts her fuse for the day, what might at best pass for mundane in the stark light of day can take on a quality of enchantment, mystery, and charm. There's a reason vampires don't conduct their business during peak hour despite maximum strike potential. And you won't catch a witches coven congregating around a bubbling cauldron on a sunny Sunday in Bondi, now will you. No. Why? Because everything's so much more intriguing beneath a cloak of darkness. As part of Art Month, Art at Night will be making the most of the city’s power grid with galleries staying open to the public well beyond the close of business. Some of the best new artists showcasing alongside art bars and FBi DJs is surely reason enough to stay up late and call in sick, but if you needed more convincing, Slow Blow, Wooden Shjips, 2 One Another, and La Traviata will be taking Sydney nightlife up a notch. So crank the coffee machine – it’s after hours adventure week! Art At Night The details: Thursday, March 8-Friday, March 23 @ all around Sydney Visiting galleries of an evening has really started to catch on in Sydney. As its contribution to this widening field, Art Month is hosting six nights of Art at Night, with six Sydney precincts opening their doors late. Each evening one gallery hosts an art bar and FBi DJs, with a constellation of late-opening galleries around it. So take your love of art out after dark. Read more 2 One Another The details: Friday, March 9-Saturday, March 31 @ Sydney Theatre Human interaction is the clay from which Sydney Dance Company's new season forms. Read more Down the Rabbit Hole The details: Friday, March 9-Wednesday, August 1 @ White Rabbit Gallery White Rabbit's latest exhibition takes us on a trip to the East, via China and Taiwan. Read more Infinity The details: Thursday, March 22 @ The Compound A kaleidoscopic installation dropping into Chippendale for one night only. Read more Fantastic Planet Film Festival The details: Thursday, March 22-Sunday, April 1 @ Dendy Newtown The most interesting new fantasy, sci-fi, horror, Asian and cult films crammed into 11 days at the Dendy. Read more Wooden Shjips The details: Saturday, March 24 @ Oxford Art Factory Wooden Shjips' maximum-volume psych transcends things like time and space barriers. Read more The Dailies The details: Friday, March 23-Sunday, April 22 @ MLC Centre Demand, whose works feature inside New York City’s Guggenheim and MOMA galleries, has earned plenty of praise for his genius minimalistic takes. Read more 21 Jump Street The details: Thursday, March 15-Wednesday, April 11 @ various cinemas Chaotic and far-fetched yet funny enough to have audiences rolling in the aisles. Read more
It's that time of year again. Australia's favourite mid-winter music festival kicks off this Friday, with some amazing acts gracing Belongil Fields in Byron Bay. Featuring The Kooks, Jack White, Bloc Party, The Smashing Pumpkins, Miike Snow, Gossip, Lana Del Rey, Azealia Banks, and New Zealand's Kimbra and Ladyhawke to name a few, the three day festival offers that little ray of escapism from the long winter months and the lack of summer sun time witnessed by most. And those fortunate enough to secure tickets to the sold out event are in for a treat, with long range forecasts for weather looking pretty good. If you can't make this year's event, you can watch the performances via over 8 hours of live streaming performances thanks to Virgin Mobile's sponsorship of Splendour in the Grass. Plus, Virgin Mobile customers who register via the Virgin Mobile Facebook App will be rewarded with access to a number of customer benefits made available to them by using Near Field Communications (NFC) Wristbands. Some of these benefits are: Star Treatment Stop on the drive to Byron, providing coffees, massages, comfy beanbags and refreshing tunes.Access to Posh Pits which is code for a fancy bathroom with five minute makeoversFast Lane express bar queue. More time watching the music as opposed to yarning to some random about how awesome this event is. You had me at hello.Recharge Stations for your mobiles so you can tell your mates how awesome this event isAccess to an exclusive Channel V party at the Beach Hotel on the SaturdayAnd of course, access to prizes (which you find out by tapping the Wristband). I will be heading on this trip to experience all of this, taking a representative from New Zealand's largest Festival Rhythm and Vines, who will no doubt be taking some serious notes on how brands can tastefully activate at a Festival without tarnishing the experience. For full updates, follow @playgroundnews and @playgroundNZ. Sponsored post
Welcome to... your latest excuse to imagine what Australia looked like back in prehistoric times, and to picture which creatures roamed the land and flew through the sky all those years ago. After the nation's largest ever dinosaur, Australotitan cooperensis, was identified back in June, the country's largest flying reptile has just been named as well. Meet Thapunngaka shawi, a creature that researchers have described as "the closest thing we have to a real-life dragon." Making that statement: University of Queensland PhD candidate Tim Richards, from the Dinosaur Lab in UQ's School of Biological Sciences. He led a research team that analysed a fossil of the creature's jaw, which was found on Wanamara Country, near Richmond in northwest Queensland. "It was essentially just a skull with a long neck, bolted on a pair of long wings," said Richards. "This thing would have been quite savage. It would have cast a great shadow over some quivering little dinosaurs who wouldn't have heard them coming until it was too late." If your mind has jumped to depictions of dragons in pop culture — Game of Thrones, obviously — that's not quite how artists' impressions of Thapunngaka shawi look. But this creature does appear immensely imposing. And, obviously, quite big. Researchers believe that its skull would've measured one metre in length — and contained around 40 teeth — and its wingspan would've hit seven metres. The pterosaur — a class of flying reptiles that existed around 228–66 million years ago — would've flown over the inland sea that once took up much of outback Queensland, too. And although it has just been given a name now, this specific fossil was actually found back in June 2011 by Richmond local Len Shaw, who located the specimen just northwest of the town. [caption id="attachment_822354" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Tim Richards with the skull of an anhanguerian pterosaur. Credit Tim Richards[/caption] Thapunngaka shawi also belongs to a particular group of pterosaurs known as anhanguerians, and is just the third species of anhanguerian pterosaurs ever found in Australia — all three in western Queensland. It has been named for the Wanamara words for 'spear' and 'mouth', as well as for Shaw — with its full name meaning 'Shaw's spear mouth'. Like Australotitan cooperensis, Thapunngaka shawi's fossil is on display to the public, this time at Kronosaurus Korner in Richmond. And yes, if Jurassic Park or Jurassic World ever happened to become a reality in Queensland, recreating local dinos in the process, we'd all come face to face with quite the mammoth creatures — and stand beneath them while they swooped through the air, clearly. Also in the state, in Winton, Queensland is already home to a dinosaur-focused museum — because that's where other dinosaur fossils were found back in 1999. So yes, your next road trip can involve trekking across the outback to check out these fascinating remnants of the earth's past. Life keeps finding a way, obviously. Find the Kronosaurus Korner at 91-93 Goldring Street, Richmond — open from 8.30am–4pm daily from April–October, and 8.30am–4pm Monday–Friday and 8.30am–3pm Saturday–Sunday between November–March. For further information, head to the University of Queensland website. Top image: Artist's impression of the fearsome Thapunngaka shawi.
Travelling solo can be great fun. There's no arguments about where to go, no bickering about where to eat and no ruining of life-long friendships that don't translate well from your hometown to the road. But it can get lonely too. You can Instagram great views, delicious meals and cute animals till your fingers are sore, but sometimes even 100 likes are no substitute for real-life, two-legged company. And someone to take a photo that actually has your face in it. So an Aussie adventurer by the name of Troy Elmes has come up with a solution — he's created an app that facilitates meet-ups for people who are travelling the world on their lonesome. Called Solo Traveller, it's a bit like Tinder for travellers (but without the sexy bit). You swipe through profiles of people who are on the road near you, let them know you're keen to meet up and connect with them in real time. Search results can be filtered according to age, gender, location, common interests and/or shared goals. Elmes invented the app after extensive travel on his own along Spain's Camino Trail. "I noticed there were a lot of like-minded solo travellers out there not having someone to share life’s moments with," he says on his website. "I also noticed how difficult it was to meet new people within my age range and there was an incredibly large and diverse group of travellers out there that were looking for the same connection, information and new experiences." Wanting to put these lone travellers in touch with each other, Elmes created Solo Traveller. Download it from the App Store or Google Play and keep it on-hand for the next time you're in a foreign city and desperately seeking good conversation. Image: Steven Lewis via Unsplash
January 2014 will see Sarah Blasko embark on a short but surely sweet Heavenly Sounds tour, with the singer-songwriter choosing a restrained program of just four shows in four churches across Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide. The tour will be the final round of performances celebrating her ARIA-nominated fourth studio album, I Awake. Loyal fans might have already witnessed the ideal pairing of the singer's ethereal tones and cathedral acoustics back in 2011, when her collaborative side project Seeker Lover Keeper (with Sally Seltmann and Holly Throsby) launched Heavenly Sounds. Now’s your chance to settle back amongst the stained glass and enjoy a night of pure Blasko. "These will be my last shows for I Awake, and really, what better place is there to sing (apart from the shower of course) than a beautiful church?" says Blasko. "I'll be playing songs from all four albums and it's likely to be the most intimate show of mine you'll see for some time."
Gracing the streets of Mosman is the much-anticipated restaurant and bar, St Siandra. The Spit's newest waterfront venue boasts stunning interiors, beachfront views and a menu that will guide you on an experiential Mediterranean tour — from the comfort of your seat. Brought to you by the hospitality duo behind Great Eats, Mitchell Davis and Gavin Gray's first Sydney venue takes nautical inspiration for its name, honouring the famous Middle Harbour-based yacht from the 1950s-60s. The chefs-turned-restauranteurs have teamed up with Head Chef Sam McCallum, formerly from Nomad, and Adam George, now St Siandra's General Manager, for a star-studded in-house team with a wealth of experience. [caption id="attachment_895500" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Pictured left to right: General Manager Adam George and Head Chef Sam McCallum[/caption] "From sunset cocktails to long, leisurely lunches overlooking the water, St Siandra is all about having a holiday state of mind, offering a sensory escape to the Amalfi Coast without the need to leave Sydney," said General Manager Adam George. Decked out with golden, Amalfi Coast-inspired interiors, gorgeous terracotta tiling and a bar laden with white marble and gold detailing, the restaurant dons a sunny aesthetic to emulate a luxurious getaway to the Italian region. For those who choose to arrive in style, you can make your entrance on the water from the venue's wharf access, or opt for the usual route on land. Designed by Sally Taylor, who has previously curated venues including Felix, Queen Chow and Elva, the restaurant also features woven loveseats sourced from Italy and decorative plaster lighting. Head up the winding staircase to discover the events room — named the Bluebird Room & Deck — adorned in blue hues and basking in natural light. This function space caters up to 70 patrons and includes a private bar and deck accompanied by picturesque views. Wondering when you can visit this flavour-fuelled haven? St Siandra is open for all key meal times — breakfast, lunch, dinner — but also offers up takeaway coffee and breakfast treats from Seaforth's Staple Bakery. And when you want a taste of everything, the tasting and group dining menus have got you covered for $88 per person. The stacked, seafood-focused menu champions local Australian produce, pairing it with Mediterranean spices to offer up a flavourful dining experience. If you opt for the breakfast menu, be sure to try the chickpea pancakes paired with vanilla ricotta and date syrup, or the house-made granola with pistachios, honey and yoghurt. Heading over for the lunchtime or dinner menu, instead? Skull Island tiger prawn skewers and the seven spice slipper lobster are crowd-favourites. For a meat-focused main, opt for the charcoal-smoked Angus MB4 short rib or the lamb shoulder accompanied by eggplant, yoghurt and pomegranate. Dessert runs to the likes of apple brik pastry pie, with almonds and cardamom ice cream; and the pineapple pavlova, with crème fraiche and molasses. Continue the nautical theme and sail your way through cocktails named after local luxury yachts — the Rum Runner and Champagne Charlie are highly recommended — or a bottle of bubbles. Images: Steve Woodburn Located at 75 Lower Parriwi Road, The Spit, Mosman, St Siandra is open for dine-in from 11am-5pm Wednesdays, 11am-late Thursdays, 7am-late Fridays and Saturdays, and 7am-5pm on Sundays. Takeaway is also available 7am-12pm everyday.
This holiday season, restaurateur Maurice Terzini (Icebergs Dining Room, Ciccia Bella, The Dolphin Hotel, Bondi Beach Public Bar) has joined forces with Sonoma Bakery to bring Sydneysiders a festive treat: an extra-special, limited-edition panettone. An Italian sweet loaf first created in Milan, panettone is typically baked and eaten during the holidays. The Icebergs and Sonoma version is made for Christmas lunches and dinners, too, but this one combines traditional Italian techniques with native Aussie ingredients — so, it's made for enjoying alongside a plate of fresh prawns next to the pool (or on the beach). This panettone has also been quite a labour of love — it took Sonoma Executive Pastry Chef Alejandro Luna and Icebergs' Head Chef Alex Prichard and Pastry Chef Brittany Smith nine months of testing and tweaking to perfect their creation. And it's not a simple creation, either. The sourdough starter goes through a three-step fermentation process, during which it's combined with some favourite local ingredients, including Pepe Saya butter and Heilala vanilla. While traditional panettone is studded with the likes of dried raisins, candied orange and lemon zest, this one has a distinctly Aussie flavour. The chefs have instead added a mixture of roasted macadamias, davidson plum and sour cherries that have been soaked in lemon myrtle syrup. It's got a healthy dose of milk chocolate inside, too. Once baked, the panettone are hung upside — as is the Italian way — in order to preserve the dome shape and crumbly texture. All up, this dessert takes over 36 hours to make. If you're keen to nab a taste, the panettone is now available on the dessert menu at Bondi's Ciccia Bella, Surry Hills' The Dolphin and, of course, Icebergs. You can also nab a whole one for $35 to take along to your next Chrissie party from The Dolphin and Icebergs, as well as Woollahra's Victor Churchill and natural wine bottle shop Drnks (online store only). If all goes well, this collab panettone will become a new Christmas tradition. The Icebergs X Sonoma panettone costs $35 and is now available to-go from The Dolphin, Icebergs, Victor Churchill and Drnks online store. You'll also find it on the dessert menu at Ciccia Bella, Icebergs and The Dolphin.
We're living on borrowed time. If it's not the climate that wipes humans out, it'll be our over-inflated desire for financial growth. Given that almost every nation in the world runs on a bloated economy of debt and speculative trading — the prayers of a banker religion — imagine the horror when it all falls apart. How is life, both the barest form of it, not to mention the healthy quality of it, able to flourish in the dusty aftermath? This is the question asked by Perth's tactical media art renegades pvi collective in their new work, blackmarket, presented by Performance Space, which premieres in May at Alaska Projects. Audiences are invited to a future version of Kings Cross, a postcode scorched by riots and the eating of the rich, where a grassroots, underground economy has sprung up based on ancient traditions of barter and gifts. It seems a bleak setting, but there is scope for great humanity in this raw marketplace. Playing the role of post-apocalyptic survivors, known as “hustlers”, audiences arrive at the blackmarket with objects to trade in order to flourish. It may not require dollars, but some sense will help hustlers go far, so we spoke with pvi collective's Kelli McCluskey for her advice on how to thrive in a world after the banks come crashing down. BE OPEN TO LEARNING NEW SKILLS pvi collective is working with local Sydney artists who will take on the role of “traders” in blackmarket. Each trader has trained in specific services that they will teach you if you trade an object with them. These services range from useful urban scouting skills to holding your own in a riot and spiritual acts of compassion. “We let our traders loose in the city for a day and they had to survive without money,” recalls McCluskey. “We set them challenges — you need to be able to make a coffee, or find a shower, and all they had were these services that they'd been workshopping with us. And they came back after six hours on the street and you'd be surprised how it shifts everyone's thinking — 'I've gone out without my wallet and I've been fed, had a shower, I've experienced generosity from strangers, I've had companionship, I've had hugs from people'. It becomes this addictive thing.” BE PREPARED TO GIVE EVERYTHING AWAY As a hustler, you'll bring five objects that might be of value in the blackmarket economy. McCluskey encourages hustlers to “let go of the things they've placed a certain value on, and replace them with an experience or some knowledge that may help in this doomsday scenario.” While hustlers can trade any object, a philosophical reward comes if you push yourself to give away objects that you consider highly valuable. “Are we physically able to let go of the things that we consider important in our lives?” McCluskey asks. Doing so may lead to a powerful reassessment of your values, with revelations such as: “I have companionship in my life, and if that were to be lost, it would be more significant than if I lost my jewellery, or a pair of shoes.” “At the end an audience member may come back absolutely empty-handed, but what they do have is this knowledge, these experiences, that will stay with them,” says McCluskey. BE READY TO TEACH OTHERS Winning and losing are common when playing games or trading, but such capitalist ideas fade away in blackmarket. “I think that people are naturally competitive,” says McCluskey, “but here there is this level playing field where you are in control. It's completely up to you what you choose to do, what services you do, what trades you choose, so it really is your own adventure.” While not necessarily competing with other hustlers, you might “level up” during the course of the game. “There is this weird twist in the work where you've been trading and giving away your stuff, and then there is this internal calibration inside the app, which looks at all the choices you've made and assigns you a service [to teach] — okay, now you are a trader, who's going to want your services?” So, there may not be one winner, but resourceful hustlers could start teaching other hustlers and take over from the traders. BE ACCEPTING OF FAILURE AS A RESULT OF EXPERIMENTATION This is blackmarket's first public performance. “It's on the cusp of being part social experiment, part performance work, so we don't know how audience members are going to behave,” admits McCluskey. With the open-ended, experimental and audience-driven nature of blackmarket, the traders face the possibility of the game experience going off-road. This will not stop the show, however. Even if hustlers ignored the services offered by traders and directly exchanged goods with one another — swapping clothes for shoes, electronics for artwork, for example — it's an equally fascinating prospect for McCluskey and her team, as it “says something about who we are”. WELCOME A POSSIBLY UNCERTAIN FUTURE While blackmarket occurs in a fantasy world of hustlers and traders, you'd do well to hold onto some of those survival skills picked up during the game. “I really do feel like there is something brewing,” warns McCluskey, “we've seen the effect austerity measures have had in Europe, we've seen financial crisis in America, in Greece, we've seen violent uprisings. As for Australia, it's not a question of if, it totally is when – maybe not in our lifetime, but it's there hovering over our heads.” Though sobering to know that a violent social collapse is on its way in the future, hustlers can still take hope from this. “Humans have a desire to want to see things fall apart,” says McCluskey, “even though it's terrifying, it's also kind of liberating. blackmarket is about learning to let go of this current system and see the potential of something else emerge.” Blackmarket is on from May 27 to June 6 at Alaska Projects, Kings Cross. Presented by Performance Space.
It may be tempting to pull the doona back over your head and stay in bed as the shortest day of the year rolls around. But, Coogee Bay Hotel is giving us all a pretty solid reason to put on a scarf and beanie and head outdoors. The beachside bar is gearing up to host its Winter Solstice Festival across Saturday, June 22 and Sunday, June 23. Supported by 4 Pines Brewing, the two-day fiesta will celebrate all that is great about the cold season with hot food, steamy drinks, night markets and live entertainment. From 12pm till late each day, you can fill your belly with dishes from five market-style food stalls set up in the garden. You'll be able to indulge in ramen with a chicken and pork (or a vegan option), beef and cheese pies with pea puree and gravy, lamb spit, paella, nachos and more. And, of course, you'll need something to wash it all down with — that's where the mulled wine, mulled cider, 4 Pines Pacific Ale and Nitro Stout come in. For live entertainment, you'll be entranced by fire performances, while a range of musicians — from a didgeridoo player to a saxophone duo — will play across the weekend, too. Plus, State of Origin game two will be playing live on the big screen at SELINA'S on Sunday evening, so you won't miss any tries as you embrace the winter spirit. Coogee Bay Hotel's Winter Solstice is free to attend. To RSVP, visit the website.
If you were to summarise Paddington in one word, it would be creativity. Time spent here is time spent immersed in beautiful creations — from the galleries showcasing the works of emerging artists to the boutiques filled with designer wares by local and international labels. To some, the high price tags that can accompany these displays of creativity can be intimidating. But others know better. Paddo residents (and frequent visitors) know creativity extends into more accessible places, too — from cosy bars serving experimental cocktails to the restaurants pushing culinary boundaries. So, when you're wanting to explore more of this neighbourhood, who better to turn to for advice than its locals? We teamed up with City of Sydney to ask you — Concrete Playground readers — what businesses you love to support in Paddington. Here are some of your top picks. Read on to discover some of the most popular picks to visit during the day. Then, flick the switch above and we'll dim the lights to show your favourite things to do once the sun goes down.
Every September and October, Germany erupts with brews, food and lederhosen-wearing revellers for its annual Oktoberfest celebrations. When that time rolls around Down Under, Australia follows suit. One such festivity is Oktoberfest in the Gardens, which has been throwing big Bavarian-themed celebrations around the country for 13 years — and has locked in a seven-city tour for 2023. Oktoberfest in the Gardens will make return visits to Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth, and add three new stops: Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Newcastle. Across them all, it expects to welcome in over 70,000 people enjoying steins, schnitties and German shindigs. Every city's festival will serve up the same kind of beer- and bratwurst-fuelled shenanigans that Germany has become so famous for. So, if you have a hankering for doppelbock and dancing to polka, it's the next best thing to heading to Europe. Oktoberfest in the Gardens boasts a crucial attraction, too — as well as serving a variety of pilsners, ciders, wine and non-alcoholic beverages, it constructs huge beer halls to house the boozy merriment. When you're not raising a stein — or several — at the day-long event, you can tuck into pretzels and other traditional snacks at food stalls, or check out the hefty array of entertainment. Live music, roving performers, a silent disco, rides and a sideshow alley are all on the agenda. "Australia loves Oktoberfest. COVID was a tough time in the events industry and saw the demise of other events such as Oktoberfest St Kilda and Oktoberfest Brisbane. Our team was very fortunate to be able to run successful events in some parts of the country when others were in lockdown and this allowed us to make it through," said Ross Drennan, co-founder of Nokturnl Events, which runs Oktoberfest in the Gardens. "We're now going all in to really ramp up Oktoberfest in the Gardens and take it to the next level with events all around the country." OKTOBERFEST IN THE GARDENS 2023 DATES: Saturday, September 23 — Pinky Flat, Adelaide Saturday, September 30 — Broadwater Parklands, Gold Coast Saturday, September 30 — The Station, Newcastle Saturday, October 7 — Langley Park, Perth Saturday, October 14 — Brisbane Showgrounds Saturday, October 21 — Catani Gardens, St Kilda Saturday, October 28 — The Domain, Sydney Oktoberfest in the Gardens tours Australia in September and October 2023 — head to the event's website for tickets and further details.
Goodgod's the place where people go for the gig and stay for the nachos. An inner-city favourite, the Liverpool Street location is playing host to a night of POP-FRIENDZZZY on Thursday, November 21. From 8pm, San Franciscan Sonny & The Sunsets will be headlining an evening of rock 'n' roll. The foursome will be joined by lo-fi Kiwi kids Surf City, whose forthcoming album We Knew It Was Not Going to Be Like This is making waves in the psychedelic scene. With Sydney bands Adults and Community Radio by their side, they'll be making Goodgod's Danceteria the definite Thursday night go-to on the 21st.
'Based on true events' has been the theme for 2013, and why the hell not? Stranger than fiction and all that. Pick any genre and you'll find an example: Action - Gangster Squad; Comedy - Pain & Gain; Thriller - Captain Phillips; Horror - The Conjuring. None, however, are as adept at circling the carcass of history and picking away at the choice bits like Drama. Even just to look at the 'now showing' or 'coming soon' listings is to see: The Wolf of Wall Street, 12 Years a Slave, Dallas Buyer's Club, Philomena, Fruitvale Station and The Railway Man — all in some way grounded in real-world events. The question is how grounded, and that's why the opening to David O. Russell's new film American Hustle is so refreshing. "Some of this actually happened," it declares, acknowledging in those five simple words that — yes — liberties have been taken for your amusement, but also — yes — some of this stuff actually happened. That stuff is the infamous 'Abscam' sting of the late 1970s, during which the FBI engaged two prolific con artists — Sydney Prosser and Irving Rosenfeld — to ensnare a number of high-ranking US politicians on corruption charges. Sporting elaborate combovers, fake accents and plunging necklines, Prosser (Amy Adams) and Rosenfeld (Christian Bale) were a retro Bonnie and Clyde pairing who used smooth words instead of Tommy guns to fleece desperate men of their savings. Eventually caught by the FBI, they avoided jail time by agreeing to work alongside the ambitious agent Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper), and atop their list of targets was a New Jersey mayor named Carmine Polito (Jeremy Renner). What began as a simple enough sting, however, soon ballooned out of control as hubris, greed and jealousy picked away at the already threadbare alliance and placed both the operation and their lives in jeopardy. O. Russell is undeniably an actors' director, and like just his previous films (The Fighter, Silver Linings Playbook), American Hustle is built around its strong performances and crackling dialogue. Bale, Adams, Cooper and Renner are all at their best here; however, it's Jennifer Lawrence as Rosenfeld's wife, Rosalyn, who steals the show. Part seductress, part clown, she moves seamlessly between the two extremes with such ease and speed that each can appear multiple times in a single scene. Keep an eye out, too, for an uncredited cameo by Robert De Niro as a mafia heavyweight in easily the most gripping of the film's 138 minutes. Yes, it is long, and it definitely drags at times; however, it's also immensely funny and beautifully captures the flashy/trashy excess of the '70s — most notably in Adams' countless revealing dresses — for which none will receive any 'best supporting role' nods vis-a-vis her perilously positioned breasts. Yet even they have their place, establishing the complexity of a character who freely exposes all to the world save for the truth of who she really is. That's American Hustle, too: a layered and captivating film where you're never quite sure who to believe or which stuff actually happened. https://youtube.com/watch?v=NqgjPRNRDSY
When Hans Zimmer composes a film score, audiences remember it. His list of credits is as massive as his love of music, spanning everything from Dune, Top Gun: Maverick and No Time to Die through to Prehistoric Planet, Wonder Woman 1984 and The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run in just the past three years alone. Also on the German composer's resume: helping put the bounce in The Lion King's score — both versions — and the droning in Inception's memorable tunes, plus Thelma & Louise, Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy, Blade Runner 2049 and more. We could keen naming titles — flicks like Hidden Figures, The Boss Baby, Dunkirk, Widows, X-Men: Dark Phoenix, Gladiator, Pirates of the Caribbean, 12 Years a Slave, Sherlock Holmes, Mission Impossible II and Pearl Harbour, for instance — but all movie lovers know that the best way to appreciate the the Oscar-, Golden Globe-, Grammy- and Tony-winning talent is to listen. And, that's exactly what the Sydney Symphony Orchestra wants you to do on two big winter nights, thanks to its upcoming The Music of Hans Zimmer performances at the Sydney Opera House's Concert Hall. [caption id="attachment_724809" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hans Zimmer[/caption] Sadly, especially if you caught his 2019 Australian tour, Zimmer himself won't be there. But Australian conductor and composer Nicholas Buc will lead the charge as the SSO plays through a selection of Zimmer's work, focusing on The Dark Knight, Gladiator, Inception, Interstellar, Pirates of the Caribbean and The Lion King. Buc is no stranger to Zimmer's tunes, after conducting the world-premiere live concert for The Lion King. And, he's no stranger to this kind of event in general, with doing the same for Beauty and the Beast, and just leading live film concerts around the country and the world, also on his resume. Taking place on Friday, June 23–Saturday, June 24, The Music of Hans Zimmer will also feature The Art of the Score podcast hosts Andrew Pogson and Dan Golding talking audiences through the music with Buc. The event sits on a growing roster of movie-themed performances for the SSO, including concerts focused on Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, 100 years of Disney flicks, Black Panther and The Princess Bride also in 2023. [caption id="attachment_886230" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sydney Symphony Orchestra[/caption] The Music of Hans Zimmer will hit the Sydney Opera House's Concert Hall on Friday, June 23–Saturday, June 24. Pre-sale tickets are available now, with general sales from 10am AEDT on Tuesday, January 31 — for further details, visit the Sydney Symphony Orchestra's website.
Highly awarded cocktail bar Maybe Sammy, which was named the 11th best bar in the world this year, will welcome a sister venue to the CBD come February 2021. Sammy Junior will sling cuppas by day and mini cocktails by night — until 6pm, that is. Opening in the heart of the CBD along King Street, the new espresso bar will take design cues from Maybe Sammy, with its interiors overseen by famed architect George Livissianis (The Dolphin Hotel, Chin Chin Sydney, The Apollo, Cho Cho San), For its coffee, the cafe will offer a blend that's been specially crafted for the venue by coffee connoisseur and Maybe Sammy Co-Founder Martin Hudak (2017 World Coffee in Good Spirits Champion). Classic Aussie breakfasts, as well as sandwiches and salads for lunch, will cater to both takeaway and dine-in customers, with around 50 seats for the latter. The food menu has been created by Chef Robert Lechowicz of Cronulla's Blackwood Pantry, so you know you'll be getting some top-notch bites, too. [caption id="attachment_794853" align="alignnone" width="1920"] DS Oficina[/caption] Then, in the evenings, Sammy Junior will have similar cocktail-den vibes to its sibling. Mini cocktails will be available on tap, with a few wines and beers also on the docket. But, Sammy Junior will shut up shop around 6pm each night, so revellers will need to take a short walk down to Maybe Sammy in The Rocks for kick-ons. In other news from the hospitality group, Maybe Frank in Surry Hills closed its Bourke Street location for good on Sunday, December 20. But Maybe Frank Randwick is still going strong and a new Surry Hills outpost is on the cards, too, so it's not all bad news. Sammy Junior will open in February 2021 at 66 King Street, Sydney. Images: DS Oficina
When you're looking for a change of pace, Queensland's outback reaches might just be the perfect place to take some time out and get into the wild. But where should you start exploring the seemingly endless expanse of red dirt and rolling hills? Located about 800 kilometres west of Brisbane, the charming community of Cunnamulla fits the bill. Boundless opportunities await for you and your travelling buddies to embrace this rural heartbeat of Australia, thanks to its enchanting river systems, soaring sand dunes and historic outback stations. Meanwhile, Cunnamulla also has just enough creature comforts to ensure a relaxing stay. In partnership with Wild Turkey, we've picked out seven ways to experience this fascinating rural region. [caption id="attachment_841312" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] VISIT A TRADITIONAL OUTBACK STATION AND EXPERIENCE LIFE ON THE LAND Whether you're a city slicker or certified survivalist, enjoying life on an outback station is an unforgettable experience. Fortunately, the areas surrounding Cunnamulla are home to a number of historic farmlands that welcome visitors for outdoor adventures and backcountry camping. One such example is Franc Villers Station, which features serene unpowered camping sites alongside a picturesque dam. Here, you're welcome to fish, swim or just relax in the country air. Meanwhile, Nulla Station offers camping along the Warrego River right beside a wildlife reserve, with a network of tributaries and rocky outcrops offering self-guided explorations. [caption id="attachment_841313" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] KAYAK, FISH OR SWIM IN THE MIGHTY WARREGO RIVER The Warrego River gives life to this dusty part of the country, stretching for more than 1000 kilometres and supporting the region's remarkable flora and fauna. Running through central northern New South Wales and southwest Queensland, this alluring intermittent river system is best experienced up close — and Cunnamulla is one of the best spots from which to do just that. Bringing along a kayak or canoe ensures you catch a glimpse of the shifting landscape, which traverses through wide-open plains and dense timber forests. The Warrego is also great for fishing, with freshwater species like silver perch and Murray cod known to inhabit the biodiverse waterways. [caption id="attachment_844554" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Elliott Kramer[/caption] GO SANDBOARDING ON NATURAL RED SANDHILLS Cunnamulla might be 850 kilometres from the nearest beach, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy some of the country's best sandboarding adventures in the heart of the outback. While the climb to the top of these natural lofty dunes is a little tough, your efforts will be well rewarded with a thrilling ride down the slopes. A selection of local tour companies transport travellers to and from the nearby sand dunes, and also provide all the gear you need to surf these granular waves. Plus, the dunes offer awesome views of the surrounding landscape, ensuring you can fully appreciate the scale of the outback. TEE OFF AT THE CUNNAMULLA GOLF CLUB If you're planning to head to Cunnamulla, you don't have to leave your favourite set of clubs behind. The Cunnamulla Golf Club offers 18 challenging holes that ensure you practice your game overlooking the great outback expanse. However, don't expect the Augusta National when you arrive. This remote golf course is landscaped using dirt fairways and sandy 'greens', meaning you might have to give your swing some extra oomph. Sections of the course are lined with river gums and coolabah trees, so keep an eye out for local wildlife using the course as a thoroughfare from the nearby Warrego River. [caption id="attachment_844043" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mark Gillow (Flickr)[/caption] TAKE A STROLL AND GO WILDLIFE SPOTTING AT THE CUNNAMULLA BUSHLANDS The Cunnamulla Bushlands are perfect for a relaxed wander that puts you amongst the region's incredible natural beauty. This site is divided into ten ecological sections, with a charming one-kilometre walk that ensures you experience each one. Right at the end, you're rewarded with a peaceful place to sit in the wetlands. Here, striking native animals also run wild. You won't have any problem finding kangaroos with Cunnamulla recognised as having one of the largest populations in Queensland. Plus, the area is also known as a great place to see emus taking a stroll. [caption id="attachment_841311" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] TAKE IN HISTORY AND CULTURE ON THE CUNNAMULLA HERITAGE TRAIL Cunnamulla and the surrounding Shire of Paroo are steeped in history with the land occupied by the Gunya people long before the township's foundation. Nowadays, you can explore this history through the Cunnamulla Heritage Trail, which documents tales about the characters and buildings that forged this captivating outback community. There's great insight into the town's folklore throughout the trail. For instance, the Robber's Tree was climbed by wannabe bandit Joseph Wells as he tried to escape the police after he attempted to pillage the Queensland National Bank in 1880. Meanwhile, the towering bronze figure of the Cunnamulla Fella captures the spirit of 1950s bush characters recounted in Slim Dusty's namesake tune. [caption id="attachment_841310" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] CAMP OUT AT CHARLOTTE PLAINS STATION AND COOL OFF IN ITS ARTESIAN SPRINGS Cunnamulla offers visitors a range of comfortable accommodation options. But if you're looking for a unique outback stay, resting up at Charlotte Plains Station will deliver something special. Spanning a mind-boggling 70,000 acres, this massive property offers endless ways to reconnect with nature. While hundreds of working sheep and cattle are dotted across the farm, parts of the property have been transformed into idyllic countryside retreats, with powered camping sites, bungalows and more. With guests invited to shear sheep, search for stunning wildlife and bathe overlooking an ancient bore, this outback experience is like no other. Top image: Tourism and Events Queensland
Whether you have tickets to Bluesfest or you were just intending to head to Byron Bay for an Easter getaway, the latest COVID-19 developments in New South Wales might have you rethinking your plans. Today, Wednesday, March 31, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has announced that four shires in the north coast region will be placed back under gathering and venue restrictions in response to the recent community transmission cases linked to the area. From 5pm AEDT today until at least 11.59pm on Monday, April 5, the Byron, Ballina, Tweed and Lismore shires will revert back to 30-person caps for at-home gatherings, and will reinstate the one person per four-square-metres rule at all indoor public settings, including hospitality venues. You'll also have to sit, not stand, while you're having a drink. And, masks will be compulsory on public transport, in retail settings and whenever you're indoors in a public place. https://twitter.com/NSWHealth/status/1377061983447490560 The Premier also revealed today that one case has been identified in Byron Bay, linked to one of the venues visited by two positive cases from Brisbane who visited the area over the past weekend. The man in his 20s "sat in proximity to the travellers from Queensland who were infectious at the time," NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant advised at today's press conference. Due to this growing cluster, the Greater Brisbane area is currently in lockdown. Announcing the changed restrictions in the four shires, Premier Berejiklian said that "we know through this one case of community transmission that there could be others. Until the end of Easter, those four local government areas will be subject to some restrictions." She continued: "the positive news in all of this is we're not saying to businesses shut your doors, quite the opposite. We are saying you can keep your doors open but because of the risk that is there — we want you to be extra cautious." If you've seen NSW Health's COVID-19 figures for today, it lists no new cases in the 24 hours to 8pm yesterday, Tuesday, March 30 — but this new case in Byron Bay was identified after that period ended. Premier Berejiklian also advised that the government isn't locking down the identified areas, but folks who were planning to head there might want to re-evaluate their plans. "We won't tell people to stop going to those four regions over Easter but, given the new restrictions about the four-square-metre rule, venues which could previously take more people may have to take less people," she said. "We ask everybody who was attending those local government areas to reconsider their plans, although we're not saying it is compulsory not to go." Specifically regarding Bluesfest, which is due to kick off tomorrow, Thursday, April 1, the Premier said that a statement will be put out later today. Speaking about the festival, NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard also said discussions are ongoing with the event's organisers. "There is a high level of concern from our public health officials that, with these new cases that have come from Queensland and then the newest case that we have heard about just overnight, that we all need to be on high alert," he advised. "What I would say is that if it were absolutely safe, then we wouldn't be making this comment... To those who might be intending to come, just be alert to the messages that will come from the New South Wales Government in the next 12-24 hours as we look at the unfolding situation on the north coast," he continued. As always, Sydneysiders are asked to continue to frequently check NSW Health's long list of locations and venues that have been visited by positive coronavirus cases — and, if you've been to anywhere listed on the specific dates and times, to get tested immediately and self-isolate. You can also have a look at the venue alerts over at this interactive map. For more information about the status of COVID-19 in NSW, head to the NSW Health website.
Sometimes, it's the little things that motivate us. That's why we savour a coffee when we get out of bed each morning, and love a Friday afternoon drink after a week at the 9-to-5 grind. And, it can work when it comes to getting vaccinated, too. Indeed, plenty of companies have been offering up small rewards to encourage getting the COVID-19 jab — and, if you like your meals with a side of chips, Deliveroo is joining them. The delivery platform's vaccination incentive is open to everyone, but there's a big catch: it only kicks in when 60 percent of eligible folks in your state or territory have received both their COVID-19 shots. When that happens, Deliveroo will add a free large serve of fries to orders from Hungry Jack's and other participating eateries for three days — on the following Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Yes, you would like fries with that. You do need to order something to get the freebies, so you can't just get a large fries by itself without buying anything else. But, hey, free chips makes every meal better. And, it'll be added to your order automatically, so you won't need to do anything. Exactly when this giveaway will kick in around Australia obviously depends on vaccination numbers in each state and territory. Keen to keep an eye on vax rates? We've rounded up the websites helping you do just that. Deliveroo will add a free large serve of fries to each order from Hungry Jack's and other participating restaurants in a particular state or territory when that state or territory hits the 60-percent double-jabbed mark. For further details, head to the Deliveroo website.
Keen to pair trivia with a touch of trouble? Well, now you can. Intimate Kent Street venue Since I Left You is hosting a series of storytelling and trivia nights themed around crime history. Bring along your best accomplices — or crime history buffs — to form your equivalent of an Oceans Eleven crew that'll dominate a trivia match. The night will take place in the CBD spot's fairy light-lit outdoor terrace, and you'll score a beer, wine or spirit of your choice upon entering before being tested on an array of historically unlawful acts spanning local, national and international crimes. But first, you'll be led through an immersive storytelling session by Sydney crime historian and storyteller Max Burns-McRuvie. Following story time, you can put your new-found knowledge to the test with a round of trivia which you can pair with a sip from the bar's signature cocktail list. For its June edition, you'll delve into a slice of local history when discovering the strangest ways to get arrested by Sydney police — so you may want to brush up on this niche bit of knowledge ahead of the event.
