In the darkness of space in Alfonso Cuarón's Gravity, no one could hear a stranded astronaut scream. In the writer-director's follow-up, Roma, no one would hear a maid's cries even if they shared the same room. Domestic worker Cleo (Yalitza Aparicio) attends to the everyday needs of her middle-class employers and their four loving but unruly children, treating them like family. But she's the first to rise in their well-appointed household in Mexico City's Colonia Roma neighbourhood, and the last to sleep. She's the person who both tucks the kids into their beds and scrapes dog excrement from the driveway each day. Cleo is part of the fabric of their lives, but the minutiae of her life is never part of theirs. That's a domestic servant's plight — indispensable but always an outsider — which Cuarón details with both a loving gaze and a clear-eyed stare. Inspired by his own upbringing in the early 1970s when the film is set, Roma is a tribute to women who often go unseen, as well as an acknowledgement of the realities of their existence. The contrasts keep coming, juxtaposing the privilege of Cleo's employers with her own modest reality, while recognising the comfort of Cleo's position compared to the puddles and shacks of village life. With the era's student protests also weaved into the movie, Roma similarly sees the chasm between widespread societal unrest and those clinging to their own patch of calm. Most of all, the movie sees Cleo. It spies the Mixtec housekeeper while doctor Antonio (Fernando Grediaga) complains to his wife Sofia (Marina de Tavira) about the state of the house, spotless except for the dog droppings that keep on coming. It observes when the kids call for Cleo's cuddles and snuggle up to her every chance they get. It spots the quick jokes she shares with her best friend Adela (Nancy Garcia), the family's cook, as well as the tiny apartment they share above their employer's sprawling home. And it watches on as she shares a date with Fermín (Jorge Antonio Guerrero), the cousin of Adela's boyfriend — then shares more, and then faces the aftermath. There's an episodic feel to Roma, which pieces together slices of Cleo's life more than it charts a clear dramatic arc — although the consequences of her tryst with Fermin provide a strong narrative thread. The increasing absence of Antonio, the impact upon Sofia and the ripples that flow through the house all provide another. Cuarón isn't simply paying attention to whatever takes his fancy, of course, but building a portrait: of the city at the time, of complicated lives, and of a woman that, to many eyes, would simply blend in. He's done so before in various fashions, championing the overlooked in Children of Men's dystopian future, in Y Tu Mamá También's coming-of-age road trip, and in his Harry Potter gig, The Prisoner of Azkaban. In focusing on a female medical engineer sent into space, he did the same with Gravity as well. For all of the highlights on Cuarón's resume, however, Roma sees the director enter another realm. Acting as his own cinematographer, he peers so attentively at his hometown, the era of his upbringing, and at Cleo, that he could be conjuring memories onto the screen. He's not, completely, but his visuals have that feel — and, in each crisp black-and-white frame, they have that look as well. In alternating between luxurious panoramic shots and intimate close-ups, and between slow pans and excited movement, he switches between the broad and the deep, mimicking the way that we think back about our lives. Both types of image overflow with detail, whether showing violence on the streets, wandering through a chaotic but merry party, venturing to the seaside for a holiday, or offering a window into Cleo's soul one tender glance at a time. Enter Aparicio, a first-time actor who is everywhere in Roma. She's firmly at the story's centre, in a role that recognises an important truth: Cleo, and Indigenous house staff like her, are rarely the centre of anyone's story, a fact that the untrained talent's naturalistic performance only underscores. Indeed, hers is a performance about quiet presence more than overt effort — or, more accurately, about the impact that someone has even when they're usually on the periphery. In the graceful way that Cleo soldiers on through her own crisis, as well as the family's and Mexico's circa 1971, it's a performance that makes you wish that she was always in the spotlight. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fp_i7cnOgbQ
If you're guilty of assuming the so-called 'rock star lifestyle' is one of grandeur, dolla dolla bills and Nyan Cat-emblazoned Purraris, or have ever accused a band of 'selling out' for working alongside a commercial brand, you might want to see this. The Truth About Money in Music is a brand new mini-doco featuring the likes of Remi, James from Violent Soho, Hey Geronimo, Millions, KLP, The Cairos and many other Australian artists who are doing tremendous work on minimal budgets. Brisbane-based film director, Dan Graetz, is at the helm of this operation. The idea came to life after Graetz pitched the idea to Jack Daniels, who were looking to support creative music projects. "I pitched this documentary around musicians, brands and honesty," says Graetz. "It was great they liked it and even better that they gave me the freedom to stay true to the concept. This is the result." https://youtube.com/watch?v=XR-RA-vpm8s Graetz knows the musician's financial struggle all too well, not only through working closely with artists on music videos but also through his own creative pursuits. "In creating music videos over the past four years, my team and I have made fireworks, gutted cars, cloned humans and more — usually on a shoestring — to help new talent stand out against cute kittens, dancing babies and big budgets," Graetz says. The film interestingly sees artists like Kate Miller-Heidke talk about her move from a major label and the restrictions that came from it, in comparison to working with brands who facilitate collaboration and creative possibilities. The overarching message seems to be that if a company wants to back you because they like what you're about as you are, then why the hell not let them give you a hand. Obviously, no one was born yesterday and a JD-shaped product is being plugged here, but it's hardly 'selling out' when the bigwigs don't want you to change a thing. This is just the first chapter for the Jack Daniels Future Legends project. Expect to see the likes of Bloc Party's Kele Okereke, Sable, Motorik, The Griswolds, and The Cairos feature in instalments further down the track. JD is encouraging trailblazers and creative to get in touch if they have a bold and independent music idea that needs support. Pitch your project in 300 words or less to jackdaniels.au@gmail.com. For now, watch The Truth About Money in Music right here and hold off on those rants: https://youtube.com/watch?v=MgZJFu3SHVs
If you're an architecture enthusiast or get your kicks from discovering new and interesting spaces, get ready. Sydney Open 2018 is almost upon us — the weekend-long architecture extravaganza kicks off on Saturday, November 3. More than 60 of the city's most mysterious locations, normally privy to a select few, will be open to the general public and ripe for exploration. Thanks to Sydney Living Museums, some of Sydney's most treasured and architecturally significant buildings will open their doors to the general public, and you can be one of the first to traverse this highly coveted terrain. This year, you can step inside The Beehive, an award-winning architecture studio celebrated for its incredible use of found materials; go behind the scenes at Wynyard Station to see the motor room, wooden escalators and stunning Interloop installation by Chris Fox; or peek inside the usually off-limits Sydney Masonic Centre to see the building's intriguing brutalist features firsthand. With the Sydney Open Pass, you can plan your own adventure and explore more than 40 buildings at your own pace. Stroll through the newly built Arup offices at Barrack Place, or visit one of the most technologically advanced buildings in Australia at One International Towers Sydney. If you'd prefer a more in-depth experience, book a Focus Tour. These expert-led guided tours will take you through historic harbourside sites, acclaimed private residences and other rarely seen secret spaces. Talks will be held across the weekend (free with the Sydney Open Pass), and architects will be on hand to discuss the history, design and function of select locations. Check out the full list of buildings on show, pick your favourites, book a pass and get ready to bask in the beauty of our stunning city. All Sydney Open Passes purchased by Sunday, October 14 have the chance to win a Golden Ticket to the Tank Stream Tour. Images: Grosvenor Place, Brett Boardman; Chief Secretary's Building, Brett Boardman; Grosvenor Place, Brett Boardman; Sydney Masonic Centre, James Horan; The Beehive, Rafaella Rosselli.
What Maisie Knew is an adaptation of the classic Henry James novella of the same name. Set in modern-day New York, it tells the story of Maisie (Onata Aprile), a seven-year old girl caught in the middle of a game of custody one-upmanship between her divorced parents, rock star Susanna (Julianne Moore) and art dealer Beale (Steve Coogan). Through Maisie's point of view, we see her parents resort to increasingly immature measures for full custody, as Maisie somehow manages to stay calm amongst all the chaos going on around her. Some more positive parental influence comes via Susanna and Beale's new partners, Lincoln (Alexander Skarsgard) and Margo (Joanna Vanderham). (In fact, the True Blood hottie and child star Onata have such a genuine bond it will hit your ovaries hard.) Brought to you by the producers of The Kids Are All Right, What Maisie Knew is touted as "an enchanting drama that explores the tangled complexity and often humorous aspects of contemporary relationships and family life." To celebrate the release of What Maisie Knew on August 22, Madman Entertainment and Papillionaire are giving one lucky reader the chance to get in touch with their inner seven-year-old, on The Sommer, a stylish, fully custom, Boston red, single-speed bicycle with basket, valued at $553, as well as a double in-season pass to see What Maisie Knew. Ten runners up will also receive double passes to the film. To be in the running, all you need to do is email hello@concreteplayground.com.au with your name and address.
Birds chirp, rainbows form and the sun shines a little brighter when the Sydney Dog Lovers Show comes around. And in 2022, it's returning for another year of pats, licks and parades on the weekend of Saturday, August 6–Sunday, August 7. Once again, it'll take place at the Sydney Showgrounds — and yes, the dedicated puppy cuddle zone is returning. The Sydney Dog Lovers Show will see thousands of dedicated pooch fans celebrating the noble four-legged monarch of human companionship. There'll be dozens of furry friends available for adoption from dozens rescue groups across NSW in the adoption zone, where you can learn up on what's actually involved with the process. Plus, DockDogs will be back, featuring a competitive long jump and high jump for talented dogs who want to flop into a pool of water. Dogs, amiright? But hold up — you came here to cuddle pooches. We're getting there. Punters can make their way to the Pat-a-Pooch zone to cuddle up to a wide range of Australia's most loveable and popular breeds from puppy to adult dogs — we're talking uppity dachshunds to fluffball samoyeds. This has undeniably been the main attraction of previous year's events, and gives kitten cafes a run for their money. There's plenty more happening over the two days of furry friended fun with appearances from celebrity vets Dr Chris Brown and Dr Katrina Warren. Not sure which type of pooch is perfect for you? Sign up to find your pawfect match, at sessions where you'll be paired with your ultimate dog breed. Already found your tail-waggin' soulmate? Get some expert tips on training, behaviour, first-aid and nutrition in seminars by some of Australia's big name vets.
It is no surprise that flamenco dancing has a bit of a following. The stomping feet and intense stares that epitomise the style are a great channel to release those daily frustrations. Of course, it is equally enjoyable if you're just up for a good time or wanting to relive the memories of your Spanish holiday. Diana Reyes, who studied flamenco in Madrid and danced her way across Europe, set up her Newtown studio in 1992. The studio provides flamenco classes for amateurs and aspiring professionals alike. The classes are offered on a term-by-term package basis, although private tuition and intensive two-day workshops are also regularly on offer.
An actual trip to Japan might not be on the cards this winter, but you'll find a pretty solid alternative in Ramen Alley, which is popping up at Tramsheds for a cosy culinary series next month. From July 3 to 20, local Japanese eatery Osaka Trading Co is taking over Tramsheds' Artisan Lane for a three-week celebration of Japan's classic noodle soup. From Wednesdays through Saturdays, the space itself will be transformed into a Tokyo-style laneway, dishing up ramen menu favourites alongside a weekly changing ramen special. Current hits from the Osaka Trading Co repertoire include a miso chashu roast pork number with wood ear mushroom and black garlic oil, and a roasted sesame version loaded with baby bok choi and spiced pork mince. The crew from Suntory is also joining in the fun, so you'll be able to match your soup feast with $10 whisky highballs all throughout the pop-up. And if you fancy diving in a little deeper, catch the Suntory whisky tasting on Thursday, July 4, or a Saturday evening highball and cocktail-making workshop on July 6 or 13. Tickets to the tastings are $64 and $70 for workshops, and booking are essential for both. You can book your regular ramen session in advance, too, by nabbing a $27 pre-purchase ticket, which includes a regular shoyu ramen and a classic Toki whisky highball. Extra food and drinks can be bought once you're there. Ramen Alley is open from Wednesday to Saturday from 5.30pm–9pm.
"It's a city vibe, full of grounded and hard-working people, full of diversity and incredibly artsy. The buzz you get in this part of Sydney is the closest buzz we get in the streets of Mexico. Opening up a street-food concept could only make sense in this environment." That's what Maiz Owner Juan Carlos Negrete told Concrete Playground when the restaurant opened in 2021. After two years in its historic Newtown digs, the beloved venue has moved one street over, looking to broaden the ambitions that the team laid the foundation for on King Street. Under a neon-pink sign, you'll find the sparkling new outpost for beloved Inner West Mexican diner. Taking over the former home of Hartsyard terrace on Enmore Road, the Sydney favourite has brought a sprinkling of fine-dining and a heap more fun to the sophomore edition of the restaurant. With pristine white walls and a sizeable bar, the atmosphere is a little different at the new outpost — designed with the help of GURU Projects, who have worked on other local stunner after Longshore, Londres 126, Maydanoz, Shaffa and Ezra. But, the same city-best Mexican food is still here in spades, with an affordable set menu, playful drinks list, and enticing brunch (including the return of a former Maiz favourite) all adding a little something to the offerings. The dinner menu features some returning faves and some new additions. There's a greater focus on share plates this time around, meaning you can drop in for a drink from the expanded beverage menu and a snack before heading to a show at Enmore Theatre. Maiz has even teamed up with Yulli's to celebrate the opening with a special corn cerveza, available on tap. Kick off your night with slow-cooked beef tongue, a cheesy quesadilla frita, hibiscus flower al pastor, and totopos paired with guacamole and topped with grilled onions, charred jalapeños, chilli oil and optional crispy tripe crackling. Confit duck with your choice of mole and beef cheek barbacoa lead the mains, alongside a adobo-, Oaxaca cheese- and pineapple salsa-topped octopus tostada. Or, you can opt for the very reasonable $65 set menu, which will run you through a welcome shot of mezcal, flavour-packed sweet corn soup, totopos, market fish ceviche tostadas, your choice of main and a seasonal Mexican ice block for dessert. On Tuesdays, the regular menu is done away with, with a Tostada Tuesday menu taking its place. Each tostada will set you back $7–9, with five flavours on offer: pollo tinga, barbacoa, carnitas, ceviche and Jamaica al pastor. And, Mexican brunch is back and better than ever. Beloved during the first lockdown, Maiz's tortas have returned to the Saturday menu. The hefty Mexican sandwiches are packed onto a fresh bolillo roll, with fermented cabbage, chilli mayo and charred salsa, plus your choice of beef brisket barbacoa, veggie chorizo or marinated grilled skirt. [caption id="attachment_817101" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Maiz by Debbie Gallulo[/caption] Also on the brunch menu: a few faves from dinner and central Mexican brekkie treats like the tlacoyo divorciado — corn flatbread with black beans, eggs, salsa, cream, onion, queso fresco and chilli oil. And, if you want to make it boozy, there's a bottomless set menu available for $89 per person, which includes 90 minutes of free-flowing wine, beer and margaritas, plus a spritz on arrival and a brunch spread. It's the Maiz that you know and love — the one that landed on our best restaurants in Sydney list — in a space that has room for more creativity from Negrete and the team. "As a chef and as a creative, I'm definitely one to shake up things a little bit and play with new things," says Negrete. "We're really looking forward to staying here for five-plus years." Maiz is now located at 33 Enmore Road, Newtown. Head to the restaurant's website for more information and to make a booking. Images: Debbie Gallulo
For even the hardest to please family member of friend, a piece of individualised contemporary jewellery is the key to a perfect Christmas present. Don't believe me? Just take a stroll through the Studio 20/17 Jewellery Showcase and see how many Christmas possibles can be found glistening amounts the rows of stalls. New to the annual market? A great first-timers incentive is that this year's Christmas showcase features the work of gallery directors Melanie Ihnen and Bridget Kennedy as well as that of resident artists Victoria Cleland, Jennifer Fahey and Clare Hooper who were invited to share a workspace in the gallery this year. All pieces are handmade by these emerging jewellery artisans, and are fairly good bang for your buck. You can find the jewellery market at 6B/2 Danks Street, Waterloo. Open Tuesdays to Saturdays, 11am to 6pm. Image: Jennifer Fahey.
A good night's sleep is one of life's pure joys — and what better way is there to enhance your year than with a new set of bed sheets or a new mattress. Melbourne-designed Eva Mattress is here to help up your comfort level with its Easter sale. It's doing $50 off sheets and more than $100 off mattresses — and that's just the start. Up until 10am on Tuesday, April 6, the local Aussie retailer is offering big discounts so you can ensure you're nice and cosy each night before winter rolls around. Expect $125 off its Eva mattress, $50 off the Eva pillow, $50 off Eva hemp linen and $50 off timber bed frames. The brand's award-winning mattress-in-a-box has been engineered as a hybrid, which means it combines the comfort of memory foam with the support of pocket springs. The memory foam pillow uses activated charcoal to keep you cool and dry throughout the night. The timber bed frame, winner of a 2020 Good Design Award, has been certified by the Forrest Stewardship Council, meaning it's made from sustainably sourced timber. If you do spring for the mattress, sheets, pillow or bed frame, they come with a 120-night free trial, so you can be sure they'll help you get a good night sleep before you commit. Also, all mattress orders come with a 12-year warranty, ensuring you'll be sleeping pretty for years to come. Browse the store and pick up a discount. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
R.M.s are arguably Australia's most iconic shoe. From a modest start in the Adelaide outback servicing the stockmen and women of the heartland, 85 years later, a diverse range of people still wear the boots — from farmers in the outback, to corporate businessmen, to the style set at fashion week. Australian designer Dion Lee has used R.M.s regularly in campaign shoots and runway shows, and last week the brand released a second run of its limited edition gold boots. Of course, at $545 a pair, they're not exactly cheap — unless you can snag a pair at a discount. This weekend might be your chance to do just that the annual R.M. Williams Warehouse Sale rolls into Paddington Town Hall. Boots will be at least 25 percent cheaper, and clothing and accessories will be marked at half price. The sale will be open 8am–6pm on Friday, 9am–5pm on Saturday and 10am–5pm on Sunday. Expect a line.
These days, a simple flash of your smartphone can let you pay for stuff without tapping your debit card, see a gig without a hard-copy ticket and even split dinner bills without carrying around a heap of cash. For NSW residents, it can now also double as your driver licence. After a successful trials in Dubbo and the eastern suburbs, the digital version of licences have now been made available to the whole state, which means any NSW driver can now access a digital version of their licence via the Service NSW app on their smartphone. The digital licences will be accepted as proof of identity at police roadside checks; proof of age to get into bars, pubs and nightclubs; and can be used at petrol stations, supermarkets, convenience stores and tobacco retailers. There are a couple of rules, though: you can't access your digital licence when driving (even when stationary) unless asked to do so by a police officer, and your digital licence may be refused if your screen is cracked or dim. You don't have to hand over your smartphone to the person checking your licence, either, and the licences work even when you have no data coverage. https://www.facebook.com/ServiceNSW/photos/a.584446361616956/1634718353256413/?type=3&theater Service NSW has also suggested that you continue to carry your plastic card "while venues get used to seeing and accepting the digital driver licence as identification" and when travelling interstate and overseas. Plans for to make the switch to digital were first announced back in 2016, but South Australia has since beaten NSW to the punch, introducing digital licences in 2017. To activate your digital driver licence, you'll need to download the Service NSW app, login using your MyServiceNSW Account details and follow the prompts. You can also use the app to check your rego details, view fines and check on your demerit points, as well as download digital versions of your boat driver licence, RSA/RCG competency card and Working with Children check clearance. To download the Service NSW app, head to the Google Play or App Store. To read more about NSW Digital Driver Licence, head to the Service NSW website.
This year the CBD isn’t the only place where you can indulge in seasonal shenanigans. On December 13 and 14, twelve of the city’s villages will get their Christmas spirit on, with free drinks, free food, roving performers, in-store events, seriously discounted gifts and visits from Santa. More than 200 retail outlets are getting on the sleigh. If you’re in Surry Hills, Redfern or Newtown, you’d best prepare yourself for free beverages, sweet treats and some epic bargains. Those who venture into fun wallpaper shop Wall Candy or unique collective space O’Connell St Merchants will be treated to complimentary sparkling wine, while Special Lights will be handing out Christmas goodie bags to the first ten visitors each day. If that’s not refreshment enough, try two-for-one fish and chips at the Crown Street Fish Shop, free coffee and $4.99 French cider tastings at A Touch of France, and Flour and Stone goodies at Yoshi Jones’ Storio. In addition, loads of stores are selling stock at reduced prices and/or handing out presents with a minimum spend. Old-fashioned bicycle restorers Stallion Bikes will reward every $100 with a gift, quirky curators Starnam are taking 30 percent off everything, Artsite Gallery is running a prize draw, Cream on King and Cream on Crown will give you a free pair of new sunnies for every $50 you spend on upcycled and vintage clothing, and Stacks of Wax is inviting you to make your own candle. There’s also a villages-wide Instagram comp going on, which might see you jetting off to some long dreamt-of destination. Simply take a shot of your favourite shop window and tag it #sydxmas #bestwindow, for a chance to win a $2,000 QANTAS travel voucher. The business responsible for the most-tagged window will score $5,000 worth of adventures with Red Balloon. Both prizes are courtesy of American Express. And these are just the tip of the iceberg. Find out more about the City of Sydney’s Christmas in the Villages at their website.
If you live on the fringes of Sydney it can sometimes feel like all the fun stuff is just out of reach — programmed for a weeknight after the last train home has left the station. That sense of isolation can mean that young music fans can miss out on seeing their favourite acts live on stage, even the ones that grew up around the corner who've gone on to bigger (not better) crowds in the big smoke. Here to bridge that gap is record label founder Johann Ponniah (pictured above), who set up I OH YOU. He grew up in Campbelltown and decided to create a music festival at Campbelltown Athletics Centre (a running track that locals would know from their school athletics carnivals) to bring some of those local acts back to a big stage in the Macarthur region. Local boys The Rubens, who grew up down the road in Menangle, are headlining the festival alongside Melbourne rapper Illy. There'll be two stages with genres that span hip hop to dance-punk. From 1–10pm you can hear from Alex the Astronaut, Mallrat, Trophy Eyes, WAAX, GRAACE, Clypso, Lex Deluxe and DJ sets from DZ Deathrays and Northeast Party House. The event is open to ages 15+, and as it's the first of its kind there's the hope that it'll attract more and more big-named artists in years to come. The Rubens image: Ali Lander-Shindler.
Stay tuned. More info on its way.
When The Chaser's production company, Giant Dwarf, secured the event space previously known as Cleveland Street Theatre, it wasn't sure it would last past the two-year lease. Well, that lease came and went, and while the performance space has since moved a little ways down the road, it's now considered one of the most popular in the city. Giant Dwarf focuses on those funny-shaped hybrids of comedy, storytelling and performance that have become popular on the Sydney scene: events like Story Club, Queerstories and erotic fan fiction found permanent homes here after a previously nomadic existence. There are political debates, think-pieces and album launches. Professionals, comedians and emerging talent use the venue to trial fresh material before festival circuits kick off. But the space doesn't begin and end at live performances. The venue is available for hire as a rehearsal space, green screen studio and events. Improv Theatre Sydney runs its improvisation and performance workshops out of Giant Dwarf as well, indicating an ongoing commitment from the venue to foster creative talent.
There's a new gin in town and it's pink. And when we say pink, we mean really pink — like, Grease girl gang pink. This delightful concoction will be in glasses for spring and its creators are the master distillers at Bass and Flinders, which you'll find on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria. Dubbed Cerise, the gin gets its pinkness from a blend of cherries and raspberries, which is layered with hibiscus and orange blossom aromas. These ingredients are sourced from farms at nearby Red Hill. All bottles are made in small batches, to keep the gin's high quality and delicate flavour profile. Apparently it will have a slight sweetness, similar to Turkish delight. As with all Bass and Flinders gins, the spirit is based on grapes. "Using grape spirit for gin provides another dimension to the gin's botanicals and adds to the viscosity, texture and flavour — this, combined with seasonal produce, produces extraordinary spirits," says head distiller Wayne Klintworth. The gin will go on sale on September 12. It'll be available for a limited time, only at the cellar door and via the distillery's website. Bass and Flinders have been making unusual gins and other spirits, including vodka, limoncello, grappa and a five-year-aged brandy called Ochre, since 2009.
PappaRich has always had a clear manifesto — to bring a taste of Malaysian culture and cuisine to the people of Australia. Given the menu contains everything you could ever want from a KL cafe, it's fair to say mission accomplished. Laksa, nasi goreng, roti canai, chicken rice, sambal and kaya toast are all here, meaning no matter your familiarity with the food of Malaysia, there'll be something you'll want to sink your teeth into. PappaRich have got you covered, no dramas.
As emotional punch-ups go, Mike Bartlett’s Cock (directed by Shane Bosher) is brutal. There’s plenty of sharp wit and awkward charm, but this is a love triangle in which everybody’s hearts get properly stomped on and it’s impossible to tell whether it’s the lovers or the competing parties who are visiting the most damage upon each other. When John (Michael Whalley), a young gay man, rather skittishly informs his long-term boyfriend, M (Matt Minto), that he’d like to put their relationship on hold, it is with no small surprise that he almost immediately finds himself neck deep in an affair with W (Matilda Ridgway), a divorced woman with the faintest notion that John might be ‘the one’. With a jilted M circling and a smitten W dreamily planning his future, John, desperate not to have to choose between them, decides not to decide. He leads both of them as far up the garden path as he can before M and W decide to force the issue. At the exceedingly awkward dinner party that ensues, John is forced to make a hard and fast decision not only about his partner but about his sexual identity. Like all prizefights, Cock is performed in the round in a stark white room with functional lighting and no props. That said, the actors have no trouble filling the space. Whalley’s nervous and naive energy makes his John endearing and sympathetic, even as he begins to employ some fairly detestable measures against those he claims to love. Minto’s M is brusque and sarcastic; he belittles and mocks John mercilessly, so familiar with his partner that he bothers to conceal few of his numerous flaws. Ridgway produces an excellent performance as W; her warm, focussed calm is a natural counterweight to John’s scatterbrained back-pedalling. Once the gauntlet has been thrown, though, she also shows herself more than capable of going blow for blow with Brian Meegan, who despite being hauled in at the last second as a replacement, emanates a quiet power as M’s father. His measured intractability is of great value at the dinner party, where everyone else is busy losing their heads. Bartlett’s work has no easy answers to offer about love or identity; one might argue that the end finds John just as conflicted as he was at the beginning. While Cock explores the difficulty of the fight to find love, it is also under no illusion that, once attained, the act of love itself can be just as big a slugfest. Bosher’s stripped-back production works particularly well in a space where the audience can see the sweat. This is an intense night of theatre, but well worth it, particularly if you can bag ringside seats.
The original Sel et Poivre are coming for Good Vibrations! They have been pulled from the hip hop attic, dusted off and polished up, as have Naughty By Nature. Not exactly sure how they will 'kick it' now they are pushing 50, but there is no denying their place in the hip hop hall of fame, as they made consistently good music, with massive massive hits that I will rattle off but I'm sure you know- What A Man, Let's Talk About Sex, Push It, Shoop, None Of Your Business. They won grammies, pushed the envelope for social issues and were just generally staunch until they broke up in the late 90's. They have since embarked on reality TV shows, some solo releases, and Pepa even wrote an autobiography Let's Talk About Pep, continuing the line of such great puns (see Salt Of The Earth - Salt's solo album, Very Necessary, their 4th album). They are putting on a ladies night sideshow at The Metro with all female supports Killa Queenz and Hoops. https://youtube.com/watch?v=UKaVBVikysw
Since the original Danks Street store opened in 2004, Fratelli Fresh's family of high-quality providores have become a benchmark for those keen to spend more on their weekly groceries. While some Sydneysiders' will tell you about the delicious meals served in the attached Cafe Sopra, locals frequently return for what's stocked on the shelves. The newest Fratelli Fresh instalment opened in Alexandria last year and, as always, its restaurant/supermarket combo just works. Stop by for imported Italian smallgoods, seasonal produce and the cheese selection emitting wafts of pungent goodness from the walk-in cool room.
Water views, Italian eats, half-price drinks: that's a recipe for a stellar summer, and it's exactly what's on the menu at Montage Piazza. The Lilyfield venue is running a weekday happy hour this summer so you now have an extra reason to say cheers at this waterside gem. Offering half-priced cocktails, the season-long promotion runs from 5.30–6.30pm Monday–Friday, starting on Wednesday, November 24 till Thursday, February 24. Yes, that's all the excuse you need to spend your summer by the bay — although sipping those drinks under the eatery's breezy marquee and twinkling fairy lights was already a big drawcard. You can pair your cocktails with a slice from Montage Piazza's pizza oven, too, as cooked up by top-notch chefs. The food menu also spans pasta, salads, burgers, starters such as mushroom and truffle arancini, and Nutella doughnuts and pizzas for dessert. All that's left is to gather the gang and make a summery afternoon date in Iron Cove Bay. And, conveniently, Montage Piazza boasts plenty of parking. For more information and to book your afternoon by the bay, visit the website.
Turning in for the night? That shouldn't stop you from getting turned up. Presented at W Sydney in partnership with Belvedere, this lavish hotel in Darling Harbour is hosting a month-long martini celebration for guests staying in its premium suites. Available from Monday, June 1–Monday, June 30, guests booked in the hotel's Fantastic Suite, Marvelous Suite, five Wow Suites and the Extreme Wow Suite will receive the Turn Up Service — a handcrafted martini experience presented right in the comfort of your suite. Transforming your room into a private martini bar, this turndown service goes far beyond fluffed pillows and a sweet treat on the side table. For this special event, a W Sydney bartender will arrive with a cocktail tray in tow, ready to shake the perfect mini martini using Belvedere vodka. Tailored to your tastes — dry or wet, dirty or clean, shaken or stirred — this complimentary service comes with moreish snacks, like martini-infused sour cream, gourmet crisps and stuffed Manzanilla olives. Beyond this indulgent service, guests are also invited to visit the BTWN Bar — W Sydney's in-house restaurant — to sip three limited-edition martini cocktails centred on Belvedere Organic Vodka. Paired with inventive snacks, the options include the oyster martini with an Appellation oyster; the saltbush martini with a saltbush and lamb shoulder scrumpet and pickles; and the salt and vinegar martini with a fish and chips-inspired coating, cod roe and potato chip. Plus, if you happen to check in on World Martini Day — that's Saturday, June 21 — you'll receive a free mini martini at the bar. So, make your luxury stay even more luxe with this special collaboration throughout June. The Turn Up Service runs from Monday, June 1–Monday, June 30 at W Sydney, 31 Wheat Road, Sydney. Head to the website for more information.
Whether you're a day tripper, a holidaymaker or a local, there's no denying that Sydney is an incredibly photo-friendly city. Truly, the sheer breadth of stunning vistas is bordering on ridiculous. From sun-kissed beaches to world-famous landmarks and remarkable architecture, there really is something for everyone. We've teamed up with Samsung to pick out the best spots in Australia's largest city to take Insta-worthy pics that will be the envy of all your followers. Handily, we've also split them up into daytime and night time selections, as the camera on the Samsung Galaxy S22 Series is equipped with an incredible Nightography feature that means you get pin-sharp pictures and videos, even in low light. [caption id="attachment_702755" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Manly Beach by Paros Huckstepp[/caption] DAY Wendy's Secret Garden For three decades, Lavender Bay resident and artist Wendy Whiteley has dedicated her life to the design and upkeep of a patch of land just beyond her home, turning it from abandoned train yard into a stunning living artwork which now has official public park status. Deliberately unsignposted and full of sculptures and artefacts, Wendy's Secret Garden feels like an oasis right on the harbour, with countless beautiful nooks and crannies in which to get that perfect shot. Curl Curl Ocean Walk Any walk along the Northern Beaches coastline is beyond picturesque, but for the best views, you can't beat the one-kilometre boardwalk between Curl Curl and Freshwater. Along this oceanside stretch, you get to walk atop the cliff edge as the waves crash below. Travelling north from Freshwater also affords you the opportunity to see the underrated Curl Curl Beach arcing out before you and the incredible, endless ocean to your right. On a sunny day, there's nothing like it. Shelley Beach Manly Beach is one of Sydney's most famous, and rightly so, but it's difficult to photograph a beach when you're actually on it. A short coast-side walk from Manly brings you to the gorgeous Shelley Beach. There's all manner of vantage points where you can to capture this slice of paradise, but it's also a perfect spot from which you can see Manly, Freshwater, Curl Curl and Dee Why beaches, and, on a really clear day, beyond Long Reef headland to Collaroy and Narrabeen. Opera Bar There's no way to go to Opera Bar and not feel impossibly bougie. There can't be many places on earth with a more iconic view, and a waterside table makes for a perfect pano. In just a few seconds, you can capture the Harbour Bridge, the Opera House and Luna Park, not to mention ferries and boats zipping in and out of Circular Quay. Any non-Aussie friends on your timelines will be amazed that so many famous landmarks are viewable from just one spot. The Strand Arcade To step into The Strand Arcade is to step back in time. First opened in 1892 and originally one of five Victorian arcades in Sydney but now the only one that survives, The Strand has undergone several restorations over the years that have enabled it to retain as many of its historic features as possible, from its neoclassical columns to its famous tessellated tiled floor. Bonus fun fact: part of the music video for David Bowie's 'Let's Dance' was shot on the ground floor. Central Park Chippendale urban renewal project Central Park Sydney contains all the features that make cityscapes great. There's artwork that responds to changes in wind speed and there are two separate parks: Balfour Street Park and Chippendale Green. What dominates the landscape, however, is One Central Park — an award-winning residential and commercial tower that's known for its vertical hanging gardens which features a mixture of plants, flowers and vines that stretches over 50 metres from top to bottom. Royal Botanic Gardens Every corner of the Royal Botanic Gardens is a killer pic just waiting to happen. Whether it's the unparalleled collection of plant life, the myriad views over the city, or even a shot of the futuristic-looking Calyx, there's something to take your breath away at every turn. And, because it's bursting with flora, no two visits are ever the same, meaning your pictures will always be unique based on the season and what's in bloom right now. Bar 83 Why is it called Bar 83? Quite simply, because it's on the 83rd floor of Sydney Tower, meaning there are few places in the city from where you can see more. Until relatively recently, this floor was a private events space, but it's now open to the public as a cocktail bar inspired by the era in which the tower was built: the 1970s. So, not only do you get views for days while you sip away in Sydney's highest bar, the retro-chic of the décor is also worth making an appearance in your photo. [caption id="attachment_706664" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cole Bennetts[/caption] NIGHT Luna Park Is there anything that evokes childlike wonder quite like a trip to the fair? And by approaching Luna Park on the water, you get to experience the excitement building as you inch ever closer. By night, Luna Park is an explosion of light, with the gigantic mouth through which visitors enter being visible from practically anywhere in the harbour, signalling fun for miles around. Chinatown Sydney's Chinatown is a bustling hive of activity at any time of day, but it truly comes alive when the sun goes down. It really does feel like wandering the streets of a charming Chinese city as brightly lit stalls and restaurants vie for your attention, all punctuated by the rows of lanterns that criss-cross the laneways. For an extra treat, head down on Friday night, when a weekly market adds even more activity to the mix. MCA Watching the lights from the ferries dance across the water at Circular Quay is photo-worthy in itself, but the nearby Museum of Contemporary Art really pulls its weight alongside some of the more famous landmarks in the vicinity. It's an imposing, impressive building on its own, but it's become known for its light shows which see the façade of the building become a riot of kaleidoscopic colour. You won't be able to resist pulling out your phone for a snap. Wynyard Station/George Street The bustling heart of the CBD is replete with bars, pubs and restaurants – there's always something going on. On top of that, you have Wynyard station and the light rail running along George Street. The end effect is the very best of the light-strewn, busy global city that Sydney truly is. It's a sight that, after the last few years we've all endured, makes you extremely grateful to live somewhere that's so vibrant and teeming with life. Coca-Cola Billboard It might seem a little odd to be leading you to a billboard for an American company, but the Coca-Cola logo is arguably the most famous in the world. But you can, famously, find an oversized version at the entrance to Kings Cross. Such a monument to capitalism is an incongruous sight in a country so famous for its beaches and bushland but here, lit up and surrounded by cars, buildings and lights, it somehow makes perfect sense. Observatory Hill Observatory Hill might feel a little way away from where all the real action is, but your slightly higher vantage point affords you the opportunity to gaze upon the southern hemisphere's most famous skyline and harbour. Up here, you'll find the view that travellers picture when they think of Sydney and, on a clear night, it's a complete no-brainer as to why. Sydneysiders might have seen this view a million times, yet it's impossible to ever tire of it. Make nights epic with Samsung Galaxy S22. For more info, head to the website. Top image: Benjamin Sow (Unsplash)
If you've ever queued for Mr. Wong, things are about to get a little busier at Merivale's two-hat Cantonese restaurant. Usually celebrated as a late night haunt, Mr. Wong is set to launch yum cha brunch this Saturday, October 4, prompting squeals of delight from regular Wong-goers. Made for early weekend brunchtime, Mr. Wong's yum cha will be available every Saturday and Sunday between 10.30am – 12pm — set amongst the colonial, bamboo-focused furnishings of the '30s Shanghai-inspired eatery. Feast on Eric Koh’s top notch dim sum selection, featuring tobiko, scallop and prawn shumai; abalone, snow crab and white rice bamboo rolls; and poached pork, prawn and black truffle dumplings. The launch of Mr. Wong yum cha marks a new adventure for the award-winning restaurant, hatted in the 2014 and 2015 Good Food Guide Awards alongside the likes of Porteno and Ester. We're expecting pretty high demand for something as novelty as this, so book ahead for your yum cha escapade. Find Mr. Wong at 3 Bridge Lane Sydney. Yum cha runs between 10.30am and noon. Contact details and more info here.
It has been four weeks since the Greater Sydney area went into lockdown, and COVID-19 case numbers still keep rising. Today, Friday, July 23, New South Wales reported 136 new locally acquired cases in its daily figures. Accordingly, although an end date of Friday, July 30 was floated when the stay-at-home conditions were last extended, that isn't looking particularly realistic. But, if you're wondering what the next few months might have in store once the lockdown can end, you'll soon have a much better picture. New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian has advised that the state government will be releasing a broader roadmap next week — so, sometime in the week beginning on Monday, July 26 — that'll detail what August, September and October will look like. At her daily press conference, alongside announcing that residents of the Cumberland and Blacktown Local Government Areas are now only allowed to leave their LGAs for essential work, the Premier said that "there is no doubt that the numbers are not going in the direction we were hoping they would at this stage." She also advised that "it is fairly apparent that we will not be close to that next Friday." While there's no word yet on when lockdown will end, the Premier also said that "the New South Wales Government, based on the advice of [NSW Chief Health Officer] Dr Chant, will be working hard over the weekend and early next week to provide a roadmap for the people of New South Wales." She continued: "our challenge is to live as freely and as safely as possible until we get enough vaccines in arms. That means that we need to live as freely and as safely as possible during August, September and October. According to the federal vaccination rollout, by the end of October we will be at the stage for much more the population be vaccinated, and we will be able to live much more freely beyond that point — but we have to provide a roadmap to our citizens as to how best we can live freely, and also as openly as possible." https://twitter.com/NSWHealth/status/1418376212662030341 If you're wondering what that might mean, some level of restrictions will obviously remain in place once lockdown does end. Sydneysiders are used to that, given that rules around everything from venue limits and dancing to at-home gatherings and masks changed multiple times between the 2020 and 2021 lockdowns. This time, though, there'll be a roadmap of exactly what'll stay in place until more NSW residents have access to vaccinations. The Premier also said that "the New South Wales government will be refocusing our efforts to a much more targeted strategy of focusing on Local Government Areas that are impacted, because we want to contain the spread". However, whether this will change during the current lockdown, or if it'll come into effect once locally acquired cases and the number of new cases who've been in the community begins to subside, is yet to be revealed. "Where there are opportunities for us to open up, to ease restrictions, to let the economy undertake its necessary work, we will do that — but we will have a clean review next week on what August, September, and October look like for citizens around the state," the Premier said. "A strategy remains to keep the virus out of the regions and allow the regions to continue doing what they are doing, but our strategy also involves having a much more targeted and localised approach, as well as looking at other parts of greater metropolitan Sydney, and what adjustments need to be made there." For more information about the status of COVID-19 in NSW, head to the NSW Health website.
They say everything in moderation but not this month. How can you keep things in check when Sydney's throwing a cheese festival, a chocolate festival and not one, but two festivals dedicated to Italian cuisine? You can't. So lean in and get amongst it. Have your cake (and your camembert and cannoli) and eat it, too.
Good times are coming Down Under in October, and disco-soul hit 'Good Times', too. As well as locking in spots at 2023's Harvest Rock in Adelaide and the Melbourne International Jazz Festival, Nile Rodgers & Chic are doing their own headline tour. Ah, Sydney, get ready to freak out on Monday, October 23 and Wednesday, October 25 at the Enmore Theatre. Not only 'Good Times' but also 'Le Freak' is certain to get a whirl when the one and only Rodgers takes to the stage with the group that he co-founded more than five decades ago. Also on their recent setlists: Chic tracks 'Everybody Dance', 'Dance, Dance, Dance (Yowsah, Yowsah, Yowsah)' and 'I Want Your Love'. [caption id="attachment_916215" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Alex Marshall via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] Mention Chic and Rodgers instantly springs to mind; however, as a guitarist, the latter is in a league of his own. You'll also know his work on Daft Punk's Random Access Memories, including single 'Get Lucky'. And as a writer and producer, he's had a hand in everything from David Bowie's Let's Dance album to Madonna's 'Like a Virgin'. Accordingly, Nile Rodgers & Chic gigs are known to bust out tracks from across Rodgers' career beyond Chic. Cue 'Get Lucky' and its earworm of a guitar riff, both 'Let's Dance' and the always-delightful 'Modern Love' by Bowie, and also a Madonna double of 'Like a Virgin' and 'Material Girl'. Because Rodgers and late, great fellow Chic member Bernard Edwards were involved in writing, composing and/or producing them, Diana Ross' 'I'm Coming Out' and 'Upside Down' also get a spin, plus Sister Sledge's 'He's the Greatest Dancer' and 'We Are Family'.
It wasn't that long ago that sleeping somewhere other than your own home meant two things: camping in a flimsy tent, or cosying up in a hotel. Thanks to glamping, the lines between the two are blurring — and the list of places you can stay is expanding in tandem. The latest? A helicopter. First things first: no, the aircraft won't take flight while you're sleeping in it. I'm sure we can all agree that's actually for the best. Instead, the decommissioned Royal Navy ZA127 Sea King has been converted into luxury accommodation on Mains Farm in Thornhill, Stirling in Scotland, ready to sleep five. While Helicopter Glamping's vessel looks exactly as you'd expect on the outside, the inside features sleeping areas, a kitchenette and a lounge in what used to be the cockpit. You'll also find a sun dome, glazed patio doors that lead out onto a deck, and a bathroom where the sonar station used to be. And, if you can stay there without exclaiming "get to the chopper" over and over, well done. Via Travel + Leisure. Image: Helicopter Glamping.
UPDATE: AUGUST 6, 2020 — Since publication, NSW Health has sent out a public health alert with an expanded list of Sydney and Newcastle venues, including Penrith Plaza, Master Hot Pot in Canley Vale and Bankstown's BBQ City Buffet. If you visited these venues during the specified times, NSW Health is advising those who visited these venues at the same times to monitor for symptoms and to self-isolate and get tested if they develop even a sniffle. NSW Health has advised that any Sydneysiders who visited a number of eateries and shops in the inner city and inner west should monitor their health and immediately get tested if they present any symptoms, with the state's latest COVID-19 case linked to seven locations. The government body sent out an update on Thursday, August 6, detailing the places linked to one of the state's 12 newly confirmed cases. The new case is a man in his 20s who visited a range of shops and eateries between Friday, July 31 and Sunday, August 2. In Glebe, those who visited Jambo Jambo African restaurant between 7–8.30pm on July 31 are being told to isolate for a full 14 days and get tested, regardless of symptoms. The confirmed case also visited Redfern's The Eveleigh Hotel from 8.30–10pm on July 31; Enmore's Warren View Hotel from 4–4.20pm, Mary's in Macquarie Place from 6.45–7.15pm, Cubby's Kitchen in the CBD from 7.35–9.30pm and Burrow Bar from 9.35–11.15pm, all on August 1; and Woolworths at Marrickville Metro from 7–7.20pm on August 2. NSW Health is advising those who visited these venues at the same times to monitor for symptoms and to self-isolate and get tested if they develop even a sniffle. Another newly confirmed case in Newcastle also visited a range of venues — including Bennett Hotel, Greenroof Bar and Restaurant, Sushi Revolution and Wests New Lambton — between July 31–August 2 and NSW Health is urging anyone who attended the venues at specified times to isolate for a full 14 days and get tested, regardless of symptoms. You can check out the full list over here. https://www.facebook.com/NewSouthWalesHealth/posts/1363338630532141?__tn__=K-R The announcement comes as NSW records 12 new cases in the 24 hours leading up to 8pm on Wednesday, August 5, with ten linked to known cases and two under investigation. The venues join a growing list of restaurants, pubs, churches, supermarkets and gyms across NSW that have been linked to positive COVID-19 cases, with 107 cases now connected to a cluster at Thai Rock Wetherill Park, 58 to Casula's Crossroads Hotel, 50 to funerals in Bankstown and surrounds and 32 to Potts Point's Thai Rock and The Apollo. NSW Health is continuing to update its list of venues associated with positive cases, and its advice on whether you should self-isolate immediately or monitor for symptoms. With cases confirmed across a number of suburbs, NSW Health is asking anyone who lives in or has visited the following areas in the past 14 days to get tested if they have any symptoms: Bankstown, Cambelltown, Cumberland, Fairfield, Liverpool, Parramatta, Potts Point, Carnes Hill shops, Prestons, Bonnyrigg, Wetherill Park, Mt Pritchard, Cabramatta and Perisher. As has been the advice for months now, those with symptoms — coughs, fever, sore or scratchy throat, shortness of breath or loss of smell or taste — are encouraged to get tested and self-isolate while awaiting results. You can find out closest testing clinic over here. For more information about the status of COVID-19 in NSW, head to the NSW Health website.
Three Sydney restaurants are helping you organise your next date night or group catch-up on a budget with a special winter deal. Sydney Restaurant Group's Ripples, The Fenwick and Lago Cucina are all offering 50 percent off their regular three-course set menus until the end of August. At Chowder Bay's Ripples, diners will be treated to a waterfront feast every Friday to Sunday for an incredibly reasonable $59 per person throughout the period. Take your pick from entrées like salt and pepper calamari salad or steak a l'Americaine and mains like spiced pork belly or ravioli verdi — plus a spread of sides and a lemon meringue or affogato to finish things off. $59 a head will also nab you three courses over at The Fenwick in East Balmain. This high-value set menu is available Sunday–Thursday evenings at the waterfront Inner West spot overlooking the Harbour Bridge and again includes your choice of entrée, main and dessert, plus fries and salad. Some of the menu items are four-cheese eggplant and baccala rillette, porcini mushroom gnocchi and market fish with heirloom baby carrot. Rounding out the trio of deals is the $49 set menu at the Central Coast's Lago Cucina. This deal is on offer Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays until the end of winter, with menu items including wagyu meatballs, zucchini flowers with three-cheese and chilli honey filling, slow-cooked beef ragu rigatoni, and a sticky date and amaretto pudding to round out the meal.
Odd Culture Group's beloved theatre pub The Old Fitz is a pint-sized gem of a classic Sydney boozer, but because of its petite proportions, its al fresco dining and drinking areas are essential to its daily operations. However, despite these outdoor spaces being so important to the venue's success — and during a period when hospitality businesses across the city are struggling to cope with soaring overheads and reduced patronage — the City of Sydney has slashed The Old Fitz's outdoor licence, meaning it can now only cater to outdoor customers until 8pm. This will greatly reduce the maximum number of customers during The Old Fitz's dinner service. It also means the pub's pool room, where its outdoor furniture is usually stored overnight, will be inaccessible to punters from 8pm. In an Instagram post, Odd Culture Group CEO James Thorpe explained the sudden and unexpected circumstances behind the reduction to The Old Fitz's licence. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Old Fitzroy (@theoldfitz) "Our licence to operate in our beautiful al fresco dining area has been reduced to 8pm, despite our long-standing approval of nearly 20 years to operate until 10pm along Dowling Street. This was done without any consultation with us, in response to the complaint of a neighbouring premises. We only learnt of the existence of this complaint on Friday, and the venue has received no compliance correspondence from the council in over three years. We are saddened that the council have chosen not to work with us, or indeed even offer us procedural fairness, instead choosing to silently wind back our hours," the statement reads. Thorpe went on to reveal that in his attempts to resolve the matter, council officials indicated that the licence reduction may have been pushed through in error. "I have had several conversations with people at the council since Friday, many of whom have indicated that this decision was made in error. However, as it has managed to slip through to a determination, our only recourse is to put in an application and wait. Our last renewal took just over five weeks from submission to approval," he explained. In an attempt to put pressure on the City of Sydney to swiftly resolve the dispute, The Old Fitz has created a petition, so the venue's many loyal customers can amplify calls to have the outdoor dining licence restored. At the time of publication of this article, more than 830 signatures had been added. One prominent figure also adding their voice to this cause is Sydney Mayor Clover Moore, who took to her official Instagram account to call for a speedy resolution. "When this outcome came to my attention I asked staff to expedite a review and work productively with the Old Fitz to resolve the matter. I'm advised there were some compliance issues, hence the Council officers' initial recommendation. But I'm sure it's not beyond us all to work this out," Moore's statement reads. It goes on: "In the wake of the Covid pandemic, we wanted to do everything we could to help businesses get back on their feet while bringing communities together and that's why we waived all fees and fast-tracked road conversion applications, helping more than 700 businesses operate out in our public spaces. The Old Fitz is one location where we have even extended the footpath into the road space to make for a larger and more pleasant space." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Clover Moore AO (@clovermoore) Dozens of hospitality businesses across Greater Sydney — including Bentley Group's multiaward-winning fine diner Cirrus, iconic Paddington pub The Unicorn Hotel and Maybe Sammy Group's CBD cafe Sammy Junior — have been forced to close in recent months. Climbing produce costs, a reduction in customers due to cost-living pressures and increases to certain overheads such as insurance premiums have been cited as the primary drivers behind the unusually high rash of closures.
Whether you've spent many afternoons lazing in the sun at your local park or you're just getting into picnics thanks to the NSW Government's recent outdoor recreation rules, no doubt you've got a swag of picnics planned this spring. And, as any seasoned picnicker knows, what you pack in your basket can make or break your al fresco afternoon. It's a fine balance between savoury snacks and sweet treats, and you want to be able to graze for hours — so bringing the right amount is crucial. Plus, if you're planning to bring booze, then you have even more decisions on your proverbial plate. We've teamed up with Rosie Spritz to bring you some perfect snack and spritz pairings for all your upcoming park hangs with mates. Why a spritz? Well, the fizzy Italo-style wine-based aperitivo has become synonymous with sunny days and laidback catch-ups, making it the ideal springtime picnic tipple. And because we take our picnic game seriously, we've divvied up our dreamy picnic feast into antipasto platters, more substantial snacks like sangas and salads, and delightful desserts — all matched with Rosie sips, of course. Whip up — or pick up — some of these tasty treats, grab a four-pack of Rosies and head to a park or beach within your LGA or five-kilometre bubble, pals, because picnic season is upon us. [caption id="attachment_826143" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brooke Zotti[/caption] THE STARTER-PACK SPREAD WITH BUBBLY PROSECCO ROSÉ Any picnic worth going to will have a cheese platter. And, after so many months at home, you're going to want to do better than slices of Bega. You'll want a hard, a soft and a stinky — think smoked and aged cheddars, gooey camemberts and a fragrant roquefort. Luckily, Sydney has a heap of top-notch cheese shops where you can grab your stash, including Penny's Cheese Shop, The Stinking Bishops, Paesenella Food Emporium, Fourth Village Providore and Galluzzo's Fruiterers. Of course, you'll want to add some cured meats to that cheese board, for which we recommend LP Quality Meats' saucisson sec or a mixed charcuterie plate from Continental Deli's Newtown or CBD locations. If you want to emulate chic Italian vibes, then add some prosciutto-wrapped rockmelon to your basket. The creaminess of the cheese and salty hit from the charcuterie will complement the vibrant and crisp Rosie Prosecco Rosé you'll be sipping, too. Not only is it classy to kick things off with bubbles, but the tipple's notes of fresh pear, melon and wild strawberry are the perfect match for these rich snacks. If you're someone who goes all out on antipasto, then you'll also want to throw in some dips like taramasalata, baba ganoush, hummus...you get the idea. Of course, carbs are a must — even if just as a vessel for you cheese and array of dips — so be sure to throw in some crackers and bread. To get in your quota of veg, add some olives, marinated artichokes and stuffed baby peppers and you, my friend, have one helluva spread. And this is just the first course of your food- and bev-matched en plain air feast. [caption id="attachment_826147" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brooke Zotti[/caption] SANDWICHES AND SALADS FOR WHEN IT'S ROSÉ SPRITZ HOUR Picture this: you're an hour or so into your picnic and you've grazed on all the Mediterranean snacks and dairy delights you can handle, plus had a spritz or two. Maybe you've even played a spot of Finska. Whatever the scenario is, you'll want to up the ante with some heftier eats if you plan on kicking it for a few more hours. The humble sandwich is a tried-and-tested winner at a picnic. Finger sambos are a go-to, particularly if you keep things old-school with fillings such as chicken, curried egg and cucumber — you know, the ones your nan would approve. Another nostalgic sanga — and one that will pair perfectly with a Rosie Rosé Spritz — is the lavish lobster roll. After all, rosé and seafood is a heavenly combo — and nothing screams 'occasion' more than lobster. Although you could pick up a crustacean from a local fishmonger and make your own, save yourself the hassle and pre-order one from Bart Jr instead. Due to Sydney's current health orders, the Redfern bar is currently offering a bunch of picnic-appropriate bites, including these WA Rock Lobster- and NSW Clarence River king prawn-stuffed rolls, from its takeaway spin-off Bart Mart. If you're interested in keeping things light, salads are a good shout. You will have to remember to pack bowls and cutlery, but, if you're willing, a Sicilian-style fennel and blood orange salad is a vibrant change from your standard iceberg lettuce chucked in a bowl. Or, you could make a bean-filled salad, like this zingy number made with cannellini beans, green beans and a hit of lemon and parsley. And, If you're seeking more carbs, a good ol' fashioned pasta salad never goes astray. [caption id="attachment_826145" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brooke Zotti[/caption] NO PICNIC IS COMPLETE WITHOUT CAKE (AND AN ELDERFLOWER SPRITZ) It's spring, so a floral spritz is in order. Rosie's brand-new elderflower-flavoured spritz is the ideal drink to round out your extravagant picnic. The Rosie Elderflower Spritz is fragrant and has aromas of elderflower, vanilla, passionfruit and blackcurrant, so it's the perfect sidekick to a decadent cake. Citrus cakes are practically made for picnics — they're not too rich for a hot day, but they still satisfy those cake cravings. Flour and Stone's lemon drizzle cake is famous for a reason, so if you're willing to drop $75-plus on dessert, order one stat. Otherwise, Bourke St Bakery does a tasty flourless lemon number (from $25), topped with edible flowers. Or, you can bake one from scratch. Sticking with the spring theme, frangipane tarts also make for a delicious daytime dessert, and Baked By Keiran makes some great riffs on the French classic that you can pick up daily from its Dulwich Hill, Bondi, Peakhurst and Elizabeth Bay stores. Not a cake or tart fan? Perhaps more niche and nostalgic treats are more your vibe and you should pick up a few of Sydney's best finger buns. Naturally, you'll want a palate cleanser before you pack up your rug and head home, so it's time to tuck into the fruit platter. Complementing the elderflower spritz, fruits like watermelon, passionfruit and mangoes are crowd pleasers — and they're all in season. Rosie Spritz is an ideal springtime sip and is available at BWS, Dan Murphy's and First Choice Liquor stores across Sydney. For more picnic inspiration, check out our guides to idyllic picnic spots where you can BYO booze in Sydney's inner west, inner city, lower north shore, eastern suburbs and northern beaches. Top image: Brooke Zotti Remember to Drinkwise.
Opera Australia is going back to where it all began for their annual outdoor opera extravaganza. What was first seen as a bold, expensive experiment in 2013, Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour has now become an international tourist icon, drawing crowds from all over the world to experience the grandeur of opera in the grandest of locations. Georges Bizet's famous opera Carmen is the perfect fit for such a lavish spectacle — love, treachery, civil war and two of the best-known of all opera arias, portrayed with a realism and intensity that remains affecting and bracing nearly 150 years after it was written. On-stage a world-class cast of singers, dancers and physical performers (plus a nine-metre-high Hollywood-style sign spelling CARMEN) will bring to life the torrid world of Franco-era Spain, accompanied by a full chorus and orchestra (and, at times, fireworks). The offstage offerings only add to the spectacle, with five dining areas, including a tapas bar, a paella bar, a Spanish cantina and The Platinum Club, where you can book in for a sit-down three-course meal. They'll host some 3000 audience members, who will come from far and wide to see a highlight of Sydney's cultural calendar in its sixth year each night. Image: Prudence Upton.
Smash Palace looks at Chinese contemporary artist’s reactions to the shocks of “new China.” All of the shiny newness of Communist China is presented as having smashed the customs, culture, habits and ideas of old China, replacing it with anxiety, greed, corruption and ever taller skyscrapers. As per usual, White Rabbit Gallery has presented a slick exhibition in a range of media to which it is impossible to not have an emotional reaction. The overall impression of Smash Palace is a tactile one. There’s Zhou Jie’s CBD (2011) a fragile porcelain city covered in bizarre tentacles and bumps sitting on a bed of rice. It is just asking to be touched and smashed into tiny pieces. Looking over this work from the far wall is Madeln (Xu Zhen’s) Under Heaven 20121018 (2012) which has been made from incredibly thick dollops of oil paint, squeezed from an icing bag. The paint has been applied so thickly that it will take years for it to dry. When viewed up close, the viewer has an almost irresistable urge to touch the icing-sugar-like dollops, or even lick them from the surface of the canvas. Cheng Dapeng’s Wonderful City (2011-12) compares urbanisation to “speeding". "It’s dangerous for everyone, drivers and pedestrians” (Dapeng), yet it is also the vehicle from which he earns his living. It draws the viewer in to gaze and want to touch the resin 3D prints of animals, plants and human city mutants. Even Zhang Tingqun’s line works are inspired by cracked china bowls, hinting at the fragility of life in contemporary China. This fragility is a theme that unites many of the works in the exhibition, and is picked up again and again to varying degrees. Jin Shi recreates the tiny cupboard-like living space of a city dweller. This work has a caustrophic effect, leaving the viewer with a strange desire to walk into the filthy, minuscule room, purely to see if it is possible for them to fit inside it. The comic book like animations of Adventures in Mount Yu 1. (2010) and Adventures in Mount Yu 5 (2011) are described by the artist Tu Pei-Shih as “colourful but fake plastic sweets, pretty to look at, but if you eat them they make you sick.” The viewer almost wants to grab these assemblages on screen to rearrange them into a happier story. One that would be far more suited to the bird sounds and astroturf underfoot in the viewing room. Unfortunately the rape and murder of children — as well as the land —cannot simply be rearranged so that it does not exist. Smash Palace is an exhibition that cannot leave the viewer untouched. The full force of a country that is beginning to show its cracks is presented by White Rabbit Gallery in a carefully curated show. The physical effect of the exhibition alone will leave you wanting to reach out and gently touch — or, perhaps, smash — the works on show. White Rabbit opens Thursday-Sunday 10am-6pm. Image: Cheng Dapeng, Wonderful City (2011).
If you can't make it to New Orleans for this year's Bourbon Street Mardi Gras, take a ferry to Cockatoo Island instead. On March 8 and 9, the Island Bar will transform into the famous French Quarter to host a mini-version of 'The Greatest Free Show on Earth'. Jester-hatted street performers, vivacious blues singers and jazzy marching bands will take over the bar for two days. New Orleans-style fare, including soft shell crab Po' boys, gumbo, spicy Cajun chicken wings and banana crepes with vanilla cream cheese and pecans will be on the menu. There'll even be cocktail-making classes, where you can learn to mix a mint julep like a master. Not sure what to wear? The good news is that you'll have some help. Arriving guests will be greeted with the Mardi Gras-style masks and bright beads that are part of the New Orleans tradition. The festival will run from 12:30 till late each day. To get there, catch a ferry from Circular Quay or book a water taxi.
It's that time of year again. Temperatures are rising and we're planning our summer getaways, but when you don't want to follow the crowds to the beach — and the idea of lounging around isn't your kind of holiday — perhaps it's time to rethink mountain adventures. Once the snow melts away, New South Wales' Snowy Mountains transform into an adventurer's haven. There are peaks for conquering, trails for cycling, rivers for kayaking, long plains for horse riding and swimming holes for cooling off after all that adrenaline-boosting action. Plus, you'll be surrounded by incredible views, fields of wildflowers and incredible wildlife. In partnership with Destination NSW, here are five reasons to make your great escape to the Snowy Mountains in the summer months. Please stay up to date with the latest NSW Government health advice regarding COVID-19. [caption id="attachment_742018" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Thredbo[/caption] GO MOUNTAIN BIKING Whether you're a newbie or veteran on two wheels, there are tracks and trails to suit your skills in the Snowies. A good place to start is Thredbo Mountain Bike Park, where there are 50 kilometres to explore — from skill parks to cross country routes. For a longer adventure, cycle to Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa along the Thredbo Valley Track — the 35-kilometre trail follows Thredbo River, taking in a few suspension bridges and plenty of pretty scenery. Note that it's closed until December 19 for track maintenance. Perisher's easier-going trails, which come with epic views, are also worth a spin. And, if you're looking for some local company, book a guided mountain biking tour. [caption id="attachment_745605" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Snowy Mountains[/caption] TREK INTO THE WILD Explore the legend that Banjo Paterson made famous on a pony of your own. At Thredbo Valley Horse Riding, you can choose from a range of trail rides, be it a one-hour taster, a 1.5-hour saunter or a two-hour adventure. All of them pass through magical, sub-alpine wilderness, and begin with a 15-minute lesson, so you learn the basics before jumping into the saddle. Ride at a level that suits you, whether you prefer a slow walk or a fast-paced gallop. Ready for something more epic? Plunge into a multi-day saga, with either Cochran Horse Treks or Reynella Rides. [caption id="attachment_742071" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Snowy Mountains[/caption] TAKE A HIKE You could spend months hiking in the Snowy Mountains without running out of terrain. The Mount Kosciuszko Summit Walk is the best-known trail in the area, but there are loads of other routes to try. If you're into waterfalls, take a stroll along the Waterfall Walking Track, which passes through six kilometres of wildflowers, forests and granite boulders. For panoramic views, go for Dead Horse Gap Walking Track, a five-kilometre hike that passes beneath the Ramshead Range, 600 metres above Thredbo Valley. Or, to combine a walk with a swim, add Illawong Walk to your itinerary. It's an easy, five-kilometre return trail that follows Thredbo River from Guthega Village. [caption id="attachment_745602" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] SWIM IN SCENIC POOLS AND ALPINE LAKES The water isn't exactly tropical in the Snowy Mountains, but it's definitely an adventure. At Thredbo, you'll find a couple of swimming holes that are popular with locals, including Merritts Pond and Friday Flat Pond. Another super-peaceful spot is Lake Jindabyne, where there are various bays suitable for dipping, one of the prettiest being Rushes Bay. Then there's Thredbo River, home to a bunch of swimming holes. But, if you really can't hack the chill, make tracks to Yarrangobilly Caves Pool, a thermal, spring-fed pool, right near Yarrangobilly Caves, which is 27 degrees all year round. [caption id="attachment_742081" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Thredbo[/caption] SCALE THE SNOWY MOUNTAINS Need to clear your head? There are stacks of places in the Snowies where you can climb your way to greater heights — whether you're a novice who's never left the ground before or a hard-corer who's summited Mount Everest. K7 Adventures offers a variety of tours, from half-day escapades in Charlotte Pass suitable for beginners to full-day experiences at Blue Lake designed for advanced climbers. Another popular operator is Snowy Mountains Climbing School, which runs trips among Thredbo's granite tours for climbers of all skill levels, including newbies. Once you've scaled great heights it's time to put your trust in the ropes and abseil back down again. To find more things to do in the Snowy Mountains or to start planning your trip, go to Visit NSW. Top image: Tourism Snowy Mountains
Sydney Film Festival is swapping indie films for an Indy film for one big night to close out its 2023 event. Heading to the Harbour City straight from premiering at the Cannes Film Festival, and featuring Harrison Ford back in the hat, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny will officially wrap up the New South Wales capital's annual cinema tribute when this year's festival wraps up on Sunday, June 18. SFF is no stranger to big Hollywood flicks, of course — Pixar's Elemental is one such title already in the 2023 lineup — but it's going the action blockbuster route with its closing-night slot. The latest and fifth Indiana Jones entry will enjoy its Australian premiere at the fest, ahead of opening in Aussie cinemas on Wednesday, June 28. "Indiana Jones has held a special place in the hearts of audiences around the world for over 40 years," said Sydney Film Festival Director Nashen Moodley, announcing the fest's closer for 2023 two weeks after the event's full program was unveiled. "We are thrilled to close on such a high note and offer Australian audiences the first chance to experience this incredible sequel to a cinematic classic." Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny arrives 42 years after Raiders of the Lost Ark made archaeologist Indiana Jones one of the most famous big-screen characters there is, 39 years since Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom gave it a sequel, 34 years after Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade initially seemed to wrap things up and 15 years since Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull got things going again. As well as bringing back its legendary star fresh from proving a cantankerous delight in streaming comedy Shrinking, in what's been dubbed his final appearance as Indy, the new film also makes a few fresh stellar casting moves. Getting Fleabag favourite Phoebe Waller-Bridge onboard is clearly one of them. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny heads back to the 60s, and uses the Space Race between the US and the Soviet Union as a backdrop. Story-wise, the also supremely well-cast Mads Mikkelsen (Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore) leads a group of Nazis trying to use the movie's titular trinket to change the past and claim power — a gadget that Helena (Waller-Bridge), Indy's goddaughter, has her own plans for in the name of capitalism. The archaeologist's latest outing brings in a few changes to the series, with Steven Spielberg (The Fabelmans) out of the director's chair for the first time ever, handing over the reins to Logan and Ford v Ferrari's James Mangold. And, George Lucas doesn't have a part in the script, either, with Mangold co-scripting with Ford v Ferrari's Jez Butterworth and John-Henry Butterworth. That said, the famous John Williams-composed theme will soundtrack the action again — and echo through Sydney's State Theatre. Check out the full trailer for Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny below: Sydney Film Festival 2023 runs from Wednesday, June 7–Sunday, June 18 at various Sydney cinemas — head to the festival website for further information and tickets. After closing the Sydney Film Festival, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny releases in cinemas Down Under on Wednesday, June 28, 2023. Images: © 2022 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.
When Moonlight Cinema returns for its 2019–20 season, the annual feast of outdoor movies will give film fans exactly what we all want. Sure, we're all keen to roll out our picnic blankets, sit under the stars and stare up at the big screen — but, given that this openair cinema launches at the end of each and every year, we also want Christmas movies. In the week leading up to the big festive day, Moonlight will screen Last Christmas, Die Hard, Home Alone, Love Actually and Elf. Yep, all the basics are covered. They're not the only highlights from the just-dropped November, December and January program, but they sure do twinkle brightly among a heap of other movie standouts. If you're wondering what else will tempt your inner cinephile from November 28 in Sydney and Melbourne, November 30 in Perth and December 14 in Brisbane, it's a lengthy list. With recently or newly released movies a big part of Moonlight's lineup, expect to watch Rocketman, Hustlers, Joker, Ford v Ferrari, Knives Out, Cats, Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker and Charlie's Angels — and, in some cities, to see Brad Pitt twice thanks to Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and Ad Astra. Moonlight also showcases advanced screenings of upcoming films, so add the Nicole Kidman, Charlize Theron and Margot Robbie-starring Bombshell and Tom Hanks in It's A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood to your must-see pile. Going retro, the outdoor cinema will mark 20 years since Bring It On first waved its pom poms, step back into The Matrix in some cities, and revisit last year's A Star Is Born — as well as Bohemian Rhapsody in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. Dirty Dancing is also on the bill, like every year — it wouldn't be a Moonlight without it. The February and March lineup will be announced on January 15, so there are even more movies to come. As always, Moonlight will also boast its usual food truck and licensed bar offering, and its reserved bean beds. You can also BYO booze everywhere except Brisbane — and bring your dog everywhere but Perth. MOONLIGHT CINEMA 2019 DATES Sydney: Nov 28–Mar 29 (Centennial Park) Melbourne: Nov 28–Mar 29 (Central Lawn at Royal Botanic Gardens) Perth: Nov 30–Mar 29 (Kings Park and Botanic Garden) Adelaide: Dec 13–Feb 16 (Botanic Park) Brisbane: Dec 14–March 29 (Roma Street Parkland) The Moonlight Cinema kicks off on November 28. For more information and bookings, visit the website. Top image: Moonlight Cinema Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.
As it is with porn films, the attraction of musicals is rarely 'plot'; instead, it's the music that appeals most (another thing that is, very rarely, a high point in porn). In the musical world there are the dramas (Les Mis), the comedies (Avenue Q, Book of Mormon), the rock operas (Jesus Christ Superstar), the classics (West Side Story, Oklahoma) and whatever the hell Urinetown is. More recently, though, we've seen another type of musical: 'the jukebox', in which the vast majority of songs (if not all) are taken from pre-existing catalogues (i.e. Mamma Mia). In a genre already light on the plot, these 'jukeboxers' tend to be the worst offenders because whichever 'story' is presented is usually just a threadbare device to get you from one toe-tapper to the next. Jersey Boys is something of an exception to that rule, because while it does contain a catalogue of amazing old songs, its plot is based on the true story of 1960s all-boy band Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. It's a familiar enough tale: a fledgling group struggles to establish itself in the notoriously fickle music industry, when suddenly - just as all hope seems lost - the perfect combination of singer, songwriter and song ('Sherry') come together to launch the group into stardom. With success comes fame, and with fame, its many pitfalls: affairs, debts and artistic differences, to name but a few. Jersey Boys is based on the enormously successful Broadway show of the same name, and all but one of its leading men come straight from the stage version (the exception being Vincent Piazza of Boardwalk Empire). It was originally slated to be directed by Jon Favreau (Iron Man), but in the end the role fell to Clint Eastwood, though to watch to film, you'd scarcely know it. The shots are largely static, the colours heavily desaturated and the drama almost non-existent. Somehow, the genuinely interesting story feels decidedly the opposite thanks to the lacklustre direction, and were it not for the songs, there'd be little reason to watch. Thankfully, the cavalcade of hits in Jersey Boys transforms what would otherwise be a subpar film into one that's a pleasant enough trip down musical memory lane. https://youtube.com/watch?v=DbURfiUWVtg
Framed by the elegance of the Australian bush, Urban Tadka in Terrey Hills exudes earthly paradise the moment you enter the doors. The expansive dining room, with teak finishes and wooden floorboards, calls to mind a traditional Indian restaurant tucked away in a tranquil, resort-style setting. Urban Tadka has received numerous accolades, including two Savour Australia Best Indian Restaurant in Australia titles as well as The Good Food Guide's Reader's Choice award for Best Restaurant. You need only skim the menu to understand why. Artfully arranged in eight different categories, it kicks off with 'Unusual Sides' and 'Small Plates', featuring delights such as pickled onions with garlic chillies and macho lahosari — a fried fish dish from Lahore served with a unique mix of herbs and spices. Mains are divided between 'Land', 'Ocean' and 'Earth'. Highlights include gosht khurmani korma, a 15th-century recipe of grass-fed lamb, cashew sauce and dried apricots, and the range of seafood – mussels, lobster, prawn and barramundi – all cooked in traditional styles with a modern twist. Vegetarians can indulge in a mix of cottage cheese, aubergine and potato dishes. Indian cooking is so vegetarian and vegan friendly, and Urban Tadka offers stacks of delicious options. The drink list is also long with house cocktails including a sharabi lassi made with Baileys, Malibu and a house mango lassi. There's also a strong focus on mocktails including a boondi masala chaas, a salted drink similar to a lassi but more watery. The wine list features many Australian classics as well as French rosé and Italian prosecco. With a timeless ambience and a menu centered around the spices that define Indian food, Urban Tadka is ideal for intimate dates as well as vibrant functions. For larger tables, a banquet menu is also available.
Endeavour Cycles in Gymea has been operating for 20 years, providing services from bike-fitting to bike servicing to southern Sydneysiders. With bike brands including Cervélo, Pinarello, Specialized, Focus and ByK, it's a good place to come when you want to learn the difference between a $1000 road bike and a $9000 trail bike. The shop also sells cycling equipment, like indoor smart bike trainers, car bike racks, and essential accessories like lights, helmets and locks. The store is also just a few train stops away from the Royal National Park, if you're planning to get your new wheels onto some trails ASAP.
Summer in Sydney is always welcome, this year more so than ever. Back are the long days, the beach escapes and the long-awaited gatherings with friends. With so much to enjoy, you may not always have time to plan ahead but, with help from our friends at Jacob's Creek, we've put together the definitive list of restaurants and bars to head to for last-minute catch-ups. Think of it as the plan for when you don't have a plan. [caption id="attachment_671515" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Leticia Almeida[/caption] THE WINERY, SURRY HILLS Gather your posse for a get-together at The Winery, the always buzzing bar in Surry Hills. The verdant outdoor garden space is the perfect place to be on a summer's afternoon, with the light filtering through the trees making your beautiful people even more so and the days seem endless. All the catching up and people watching is tough work, so you'll soon need to venture to the bar (or send an obliging pal for you). Light and fresh, Jacob's Creek Le Petit Rosé is the ideal accompaniment for such a gathering. [caption id="attachment_717351" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Karina Lee[/caption] COOGEE BAY HOTEL, COOGEE Like gin and tonic, Sydney summers and beach days are made to be together. After a day in the surf at Coogee Beach, head over the road to Coogee Bay Hotel for an impromptu session with your pals and the taste of salt still on your lips. In keeping with its beachside location, the atmosphere is languid here; the most important decision you'll need to make is what drink to start with. One that's done, settle into the garden for the best view of the beach as the sun goes down. [caption id="attachment_688657" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Enzo Amato[/caption] SEAN'S PANAROMA, NORTH BONDI Chances are you and your friends will find yourselves at Sydney's most iconic beach this summer. Why not take advantage of the location and head to Sean's Panaroma? While many other restaurants have come and gone, Sean's has remained steadfast, welcoming diners through its doors since 1993. There's a clear recipe for success here: chef Sean Moran's passion for produce teamed with an unpretentious neighbourhood charm. The roast chicken is the stuff of legend. Adding to the appeal, Sean's is also BYO so bring along a chilled bottle (or two) of Jacob's Creek Better by Half Pinot Gris to share with the table. [caption id="attachment_780365" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kitti Gould[/caption] SLIMS ROOFTOP, DARLINGHURST Where do you head with your mates when you want a drink with a view but don't have a plan? Slims Rooftop, with its mix of enviable city views and greenery is the perfect choice. The bar sits atop Darlinghurst's Hyde Park House and it makes the most of its aerial location with an eye over Hyde Park and the high rises beyond. Gather under one of the bright umbrellas splashed across the verandah and order a round as you drink in the westerly sun. SOCAL, NEUTRAL BAY An unexpected touch of California in the lower north shore, SoCal is an ideal spot to drop into for a last-minute summer soiree. With its beachside vibes, marked by a coastal colour palette, lush greenery and washed timber, this rooftop bar is not the kind of place you expect to find in suburban Neutral Bay. Like the venue, the food is relaxed. It's also designed to be shared — think tacos, quesadillas and slow-barbecued meats, made in the on-site smokehouse. Find yourself there for weekday happy hour and you'll be seriously tempted by the frozen slushy cocktails ($12). BERT'S, NEWPORT If you and your crew are in the mood for some off-the-cuff fanciness, then Bert's is the place to be. It takes minimal planning to have a great time here because most of the details have already been taken care of. Set inside Merivale's Newport behemoth, the brasserie is all class, with its panoramic windows, sun-drenched central bar and impeccable detailing all working together to create a palatial hotel feel. It would be almost criminal not to order from the oyster bar to start, with a glass of bubbles to match. After that, let the unhurried atmosphere wash over you as you settle in for the afternoon. THREE BLUE DUCKS, ROSEBERY You'll smell it before you see it: the spit roast cooking in the garden of Three Blue Ducks' Rosebery outpost. It's all the excuse you need to get some friends together and join the crowds for a long lunch. Beyond the barbecue, vegetables are celebrated in all their glory. Roasted until charred, piled into vibrant salads or whipped into dips, they're the perfect accompaniment or main event. Among all the eating, your group is sure to work up a thirst. SCOTCH AND CO, BARANGAROO It's a familiar scenario: you get together with friends for a catch-up and realise you're all so hungry you could eat a doorframe. Scotch and Co is on hand to help. This classy steakhouse, located at the bottom of the International Towers in Barangaroo, has extensive views over the harbour. Seafood makes a strong play on the menu, including fresh rock lobster, which will pair excellently with Jacob's Creek Double Barrel Chardonnay. But don't skip the steak. While some of the wagyu prices may make your eyes water, the result is mouth-watering enough to help you forget. Reconnect with your friends and family this summer with a bottle of Jacob's Creek. Discover the Jacob's Creek range and purchase a bottle today from all good liquor retailers. Top image: The Winery by Letícia Almeida Please drink responsibly.
Before 'indie' meant more than 'independently signed', Neutral Milk Hotel fit the term by all accounts. Reaching cult status only after their 1999 breakup, the American outfit have since inspired Tumblr posts the world over with angst-soaked lyrics such as "How strange it is to be anything at all." As part of their reunion tour, Neutral Milk Hotel were set to headline the dust-biting Harvest Festival, but made sure to remember their generation-spanning fans here in Aus. Yep, for their first Aussie shows ever, the full lineup from everyone's favourite record — 1998's In the Aeroplane Over the Sea — will be brought to The Enmore Theatre on November 14. The once-in-a-lifetime shows will see NMH joined by M. Ward and Superchunk. So c'mon fanboys and girls, grab the last of the tickets that went on sale Friday October 11; they mightn't last much longer.
Much has happened on Sydney's Cockatoo Island/Wareamah, which has housed a prison, ship-building facilities, a reform school and a wartime boat repair port in its time. In recent years, the patch of land in the middle of Sydney Harbour has also hosted a film festival and haunted history tours — and now Haus of Horror is combining elements of both for its next immersive cinema screenings. The movie-loving outfit has been popping up around the Harbour City for over a year, screening The Exorcist and the OG Scream in a haunted prison with sessions at Parramatta Gaol, taking Beetlejuice to Camperdown Cemetery in Newtown and more. Next comes two evenings of A Nightmare on Elm Street on Cockatoo Island on Friday, February 16 and Saturday, February 17, with attendees catching a themed ferry over, then exploring the site. When sunset hits, Freddy Krueger will start stalking. If you believe the stories about Cockatoo Island's ghosts, you'll be in a particularly eerie place for this date with the horror-movie villain created by the late, great Wes Craven. You'll also be watching the film in its 40th-anniversary year. And, as is Haus of Horror's custom, pressing play on the film in a notable — and notably disquieting — spot is only the start of it. These folks take the immersive part of the setup extremely seriously. Whether or not you choose to don a striped jumper for the occasion, your ticket includes the chartered ferry to over and back, departing from Barangaroo; moseying around not only the island but the unsettling installations that the Haus of Horror crew sets up around the Turbine Hall and Bolt Wharf; listening to a live DJ as part of the pre-show entertainment; and special guests roaming around, and also a photobooth to immortalise your memories. A bar will be serving drinks, and there'll be snacks on offer — but you'll be paying for those separately. "Haus of Horror is honoured to reimagine this historic space. We're more than just a movie with a view; we're an immersive experience where you can step inside the film and find adventure at every turn," explains Haus of Horror's Felicity Heath. "Haus of Horror collaborates with historic gaols, graveyards and locations to bring excitement-filled immersive events. We're proud to be Australia's number-one immersive cinema." Haus of Horror's two-day 'A Nightmare on Elm Street' event on Cockatoo Island takes place on Friday, February 16 and Saturday, February 17. Head to the Haus of Horror website for tickets and further details.
Burger battles, immersive cocktail parties and European-style laneway feasts are just a few of the delicious events March Into Merivale has brought us over the past decade. And the restaurant group-wide shindig is back for 2017. But, this time, it'll be squeezing what was a month's worth of eating, drinking and experimenting into one glorious night. Taking over the whole ivy complex and its surrounding laneways on Wednesday, March 22, the festival will transform Ash Street into an Asian street food market. Expect to see legendary chef Dan Hong hovering over sizzling platters and smoking barbecues. Wandering around, you'll discover stalls selling tasty morsels with origins all over Asia, from pillowy bao and dim sum to sushi and oysters with jalapeño and ginger nuoc cham. Palings will be spending the night dishing out all things weird and wonderful. Chefs Patrick Friesen and Christopher Hogarth — who are on the pans at the newly opened Queen Chow — have joined forces to create the menu. A whole lamb on the spit will be centrepiece, ambushed by quesadillas, fish tacos, nachos supreme tostadas and the pair's famous Papi Chulo burgers (which won last year's aforementioned burger battle). When you're full up on savouriness, move onto The Den for high tea, loaded with pastries, sweets, desserts, Champagne and cocktails. Meanwhile, the ivy ballroom will be turned into a European garden. Sitting among greenery, you'll be treated to dishes from John Wilson, Merivale's dedicated events chef. And get poolside for whole pork bellies cooked over the fire by chef Jordan Toft along with patatas bravas cones and warm creme Catalan. "Since its inception nearly a decade ago, March into Merivale has offered Sydney a spectacular feast of culinary events and food experiences, evolving each year with our expanding portfolio," said Justin Hemmes, CEO of Merivale. "This year, fresh from the biggest period of growth in Merivale's history, we want to deliver one exceptional experience that celebrates the group's diversity and quality of offering, as well as the talent and creativity leading Merivale into our exciting future." Tickets for March into Merivale 2017 are just $60, and include all food as well as three drink tokens. They're on sale now — we reckon you'd best be speedy to snap one up.
When summer arrives in Australia, everywhere becomes a cinema — or so it can seem. After spending winter watching movies indoors, including when festival season is in full swing, film lovers get their pick of outdoor spots to catch a flick. No one should go throwing stones at random but, if you did, it wouldn't be hard to hit an outside picture palace in Sydney and Melbourne when the weather warms up. One such movie-adoring mainstay is Sunset Cinema, which has locked in its return for the summer of 2024–25 (and for the end of spring and beginning of autumn in some locations). This time around, it'll set up its big screen in six places. Bondi Beach is the first — but seasons in Canberra, North Sydney, Wollongong and Abbotsford in Melbourne will also start before the year is out. Then, come January, it's St Kilda's turn. For Sydneysiders keen to watch a film with a beachy backdrop, you'll be heading to Dolphin Court at Bondi Pavilion again between Thursday, November 14–Saturday, December 21. The six-week season is fittingly opening with The Pool, the new documentary about Bondi Icebergs, before screening a mix of new, recent and classic titles Tuesday–Sunday weekly. On the list: Smile 2, Deadpool & Wolverine, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Gladiator II, Saturday Night and Wicked among 2024 releases; the retro likes of The Princess Diaries, Lords of Dogtown, the OG Freaky Friday, Finding Nemo, 500 Days of Summer, Dirty Dancing and Shrek; and Christmas viewing via Elf, The Holiday, Love Actually and Home Alone. Canberra's run stretches across Thursday, November 21–Saturday, February 22 at Australian National Botanic Gardens, with The Wild Robot, Memoir of a Snail, Paddington in Peru, Moana 2, Better Man and Kraven the Hunter on its lineup, plus festive fare and plenty of the same flicks as Bondi. There's no lineup out yet for Sunset Cinema's return to North Sydney Oval from Thursday, December 5–Saturday, March 15 — or for its Wollongong Botanic Garden stop across Thursday, December 12–Saturday, March 22. Also, there's no program or set location for Abbotsford's Thursday, December 5–Saturday, January 4 season or St Kilda's Thursday, January 9–Saturday, March 8 counterpart. Accordingly, watch this space. Whatever gets the projectors whirring at each site around the country, BYO picnics are encouraged, but the event is fully licensed, so alcohol can only be purchased onsite. Didn't pack enough snacks? There's hot food options, plus plenty of the requisite movie treats like chips, chocolates, lollies and popcorn. Sunset Cinema 2024–25 Dates Bondi Beach, NSW: Thursday, November 14–Saturday, December 21, 2024 at Dolphin Court Canberra, ACT: Thursday, November 21, 2024–Saturday, February 22, 2025 at Australian National Botanic Gardens North Sydney, NSW: Thursday, December 5, 2024–Saturday, March 15, 2025 at North Sydney Oval Wollongong, NSW: Thursday, December 12, 2024–Saturday, March 22, 2025 at Wollongong Botanic Garden Abbotsford, VIC: Thursday, December 5, 2024–Saturday, January 4, 2025, venue TBC St Kilda, VIC: Thursday, January 9–Saturday, March 8, 2025, venue TBC Sunset Cinema's 2024–25 season runs at various venues in New South Wales, Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory from November–March. Head to the Sunset Cinema website for further details.
Baz Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby was, as we all knew it would be, better as a trailer than a movie. It's hard to forget the first time I saw that beautifully designed gold art deco logo in the first ad, the dark beat of Jay-Z and Kanye's 'No Church in the Wild' and the shimmying of African-American flappers drinking champagne in a convertible. Gatsby's mansion looks every bit like the epic party hub described in the book, and though the film fails on the level of emotional depth and pace, visually it's spectacular. As becomes clear in this before-and-after video, by Gatsby's VFX supervisor Chris Godfrey, that mansion, in fact, never existed: green screen computer-generated effects make up even more of the set than you might expect. Let Lana Del Rey's irresistibly transfixing 'Young and Beautiful' take you through the digital construction of Gatsby's opulent world.
First, Lune perfected croissants, so much so that the Australian bakery chain is renowned for its flaky pastries all round the world. Then came giving cruffins, aka croissant-muffin hybrids, a spin. For Easter, the obvious next step followed: hot cross cruffins, for when you want a hot cross bun, but you're also hankering for a croissant and a muffin — and you don't want to have to choose. Lune's hot cross cruffins have been popping up annually for years, but 2025's batch is different. This time, they're made using the acclaimed bakery's signature croissant dough. You can also pick between two varieties this year, too: the OG and chocolate. Can't decide which one, after being unable to select between hot cross buns, croissants and muffins to start with? You can get mixed packs featuring both. The hot cross cruffins hit Lune's shelves at all stores on Monday, April 7 — so at Armadale, Fitzroy and the CBD in Melbourne; South Brisbane and Burnett Lane in Brisbane; and Rosebery and Martin Place in Sydney. You've only got until Easter Monday to enjoy them, however. Lune is open every day across the Easter long weekend from 8am, and will either close at each store's regular time or earlier if everything is sold out prior. Single hot cross cruffins cost $10.50 each — or, you can also order pre-order those aforementioned six packs for $63, but you can only do so until Friday, April 18, and only for collection at Fitzroy, Armadale, South Brisbane and Rosebery. If you're a fruit hot cross bun fan all the way, Lune's hot cross cruffins feature dried fruit, candied peel, mixed spice and brown butter mousseline. For chocolate lovers, you're getting hot cross cruffins made with cocoa choc-chip croissant pastry and chocolate mousseline. Each features a cross on top, of course, but only the chocolate version boasts a cocoa cross. Also worth noting: that Lune has just launched an ongoing loyalty program for pastry fiends. Lune's Easter specials are available until Monday, April 21. Head to the brand's website — or to its stores at Armadale, Fitzroy and the CBD in Melbourne; South Brisbane and Burnett Lane in Brisbane; and Rosebery and Martin Place in Sydney — for more details. Images: Peter Dillon.
