This article is part of our series on the diverse highlights of NZ's Canterbury region, from city to snow. To book your Lake Tekapo trip, visit the 100% Pure New Zealand website. If your mental picture of New Zealand is all lush greenery, snow-topped mountains, vast lakes and clear skies, then you'd most likely go nuts over Lake Tekapo. The place is the idealisation of pretty much everything associated with New Zealand by way of landscape: a small town surrounded by the Southern Alps and sitting on the bluest goddamn lake you've ever seen. The water in this lake is not to be understated — it's pure magic. It shimmers like it could clear your head, cure your ails and turn you into a mermaid all at the same time. Mermaids aside, Tekapo is must-see for travellers driving through the South Island (it's less than three hours from Christchurch and Queenstown), and it's an idyllic place to stay too. The lake's obvious potential for water sports and its proximity to the nearby Round Hill ski area makes it a popular destination all year round, but time your stay correctly (that is, outside of school holidays) and you'll find a small, quiet town with enough going on to keep it interesting. You could spend two days in Tekapo just gazing out over the lake, but this small township becomes an oasis in winter with plenty to eat, see, do and take in. Got two days in the area? Here's how you should spend it in Tekapo. DAY ONE Midday: Air Safaris flight Tekapo is halfway between Christchurch and Queenstown, so no matter where you're coming from on the South Island, you can make an early start and arrive before noon. If the weather's clear, the first thing you'll want to do is book yourself in for an Air Safaris flight. It's a little bit pricey, but if you can do it, it's amazing as all hell to see the landscape from the vantage point of a light plane. They'll fly you over Tekapo, through the Godley Valley and right over the top of the Southern Alps. Flights depart every hour and last for around 45 minutes. It is totally dependent on the weather, so it's best to book on the day when you know you'll be able to see more than a few feet in front of you. [caption id="attachment_227858" align="alignnone" width="1024"] andrewXu via Flickr[/caption] Afternoon: The Church of the Good Shepherd The best thing about the Mackenzie region is that it has so much salmon swimming through its canal system that it's super fresh pretty much wherever you get it. Grab some salmon sashimi to go from Kohan (unsurprisingly Tekapo's only Japanese restaurant) and head over the canal to the Church of the Good Shepherd. The church is tiny, and — with that backdrop — is highly Instagrammable. It's usually open for prayer and admiration during the day if you want to head inside (just eat your salmon beforehand). [caption id="attachment_227862" align="alignnone" width="1024"] andrewXu via Flickr[/caption] Evening: Stargazing at Mt John Light pollution is one of those things you don't notice until it's gone, and at Tekapo it's practically nonexistent. Due to its isolation and terrain the area has an unusually high number of clear days and, as part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, the town is restricted in how much light they emit. You know what that means? You can see the stars! They're unusually bright from wherever you are in Tekapo, but the best vantage point is up at the Mt John Observatory. Access to Mt John is restricted at night, so you'll have to book a tour with Earth & Sky to get up there. On a clear night they'll point out what's up there and you'll get to look through their telescopes and pretty much geek out on astronomy. If you're really lucky, there might even be some Aurora Australis action. But, let me emphasise: really, really lucky. Night: Dinner at Rakinui Tekapo is primarily a tourist town, so there are a heap of places to stay. If you're looking for something that's fairly new, comfortable and not a hostel (it is only two nights, after all), Peppers Bluewater Resort ticks all the boxes and has some rooms that face right over the lake. If you're staying here, head to their restaurant, Rakinui, for a late post-stargazing dinner. Their homemade bread is incredible and they also have a regional tasting platter if you're keen to sample tastes of the Mackenzie region. DAY TWO Morning: Walk up Mount John A chilly morning walk might not sound like your idea of a holiday, but it will be once you get up the top of Mt John. So grab your gloves, scarf and beanie (as well as a walking trail map that you'll be able to find at your accommodation) and head outside. You can either drive to the walking track, which starts at Tekapo Springs, or just walk (it'll just add on an extra half an hour or so). From here you head up on a pretty steep track through the larch trees, which flattens out soon enough to take you around Mt John and up to the summit. On a clear morning the views are amazing — the water looks even bluer from up there and you can see all the way over the surrounding lakes and the Mackenzie Basin. This is definitely a spot where you can take an extended breather, contemplate nature, meditate etc. When you're done, you can take the same route back down (around 2 hours all up) or via the lake shore track, which is almost twice as long. Midday: Brunch at Run 77 After every good walk comes a good breakfast, which is precisely why Tekapo has Run 77. Those assuming a place like Lake Tekapo wouldn't be home to a quality cup of coffee will be pleasantly surprised, because Run 77 rocks it. The cafe doubles as a deli and food store, and dishes out a mean brunch by anyone's standards. Choose from things like their homemade muesli, fresh banana bread served with walnut jam and grilled banana and their eggs Benedict with local Aoraki hot smoked salmon. Plus, they have a cabinet full of scones, slices and muffins for your sweet tooth. Afternoon: Tekapo Springs Now you've walked uphill and had a big brunch, it's time to take off all your clothes. This might sound crazy (and it sort of is when there's snow on the ground), but sliding into the hot pools at Tekapo Springs is exactly what you never knew your body needed — you've just got to get from the change rooms and into the water in your bikini first. Sounds difficult, but what's waiting for you is three outdoor pools filled with toasty warm natural spring water at 36-40 degrees. So, don't worry, you won't be freezing your whatever off for very long. You can top this off with a skate on their outdoor ice rink, but we're more inclined to suggest a go in the sauna and possibly even a massage at their day spa. Actually, we insist on that last one. Evening: Dinner at Tin Plate After you emerge from the day spa in a daze at sunset, you probably won't be able to find you way home. Conveniently, Tekapo Springs offer a free shuttle service back into town on request, and they'll drop you wherever you like. For dinner and a glass of wine by the fire, slink into Tin Plate Kitchen & Bar. The newest addition to Tekapo's main drag, Tin Plate has only been open since the start of this year's ski season, doing pizza, pasta and piada — an Italian pita bread served open with toppings like chorizo and prawn or artichoke, capsicum and blue cheese. Wine is available by the carafe, Three Boys Pilsner is on tap and your bed is only a short walk away. That's the beauty of Tekapo.
Batteries are pretty powerful things. And although the one in the back of your iPhone 5 can't seem to last the day without dying, there are batteries that power cars, batteries that take just 60 seconds to charge — and there are batteries that can power your entire home. On Friday, Tesla Energy announced the Tesla Powerwall: a battery that not only powers your home but one that stores power for when you need it. It's designed to hook up with your power source, which is either solar power, or the grid, where most people get their electricity from. And it's really smart, because depending on which power source you have, the Powerwall will either store the solar energy for later or charge itself from the grid in off-peak times. This not only saves you and your household some cash, but it's a step away from Australia's reliance on dirty coal and fossil fuels for power, and means that we can move towards cleaner energy like solar, wind and geothermal. And, at US$3,000 – $3,5000, it does it for a fraction of the price of similar batteries. Pretty cool, huh? Energy experts are excited about it too, and since the announcement, they've been quick to predict how this could affect the way we use and store energy in our homes and workplaces. THE POWERWALL COULD REDUCE THE NEED FOR DIRTY POWER According to Campbell Simpson of Gizmodo, the Powerwall isn't going to reduce your household’s grid energy usage to zero, but it will reduce the peaks in grid electricity reliance — therefore letting Powerwall users charge overnight instead of in the daytime when everyone else is using the network and increasing demand. "And because of that shifting of load, it will reduce the world’s need for peak power generation," he says. "Theoretically reducing the need for dirty power sources like fossil fuels." IT GIVES SOLAR POWER A CHANCE TO BE A SOLE PROVIDER OF ENERGY Stanford University's Vivek Wadhwa thinks the Powerwall is our chance to disconnect from the grid. Without the grid, we'll be able to raise the widespread usage of solar to the place where fossil fuels and nuclear power are at the moment. For Venture Beat, he writes: "Tesla is about to do to the power grid what cellphones did to the land line — free us from it. And it will dramatically accelerate the progress of clean energy." PRICES FOR BATTERY POWER COULD BE FORCED DOWN When crunching the numbers for Gizmodo, Dan Steingart found that the Tesla Powerwall can't compete with the price of electricity — at least not in the volume that a household would need to power it. But he believes that the release of the Powerwall can only make things cheaper. "Overall, if Tesla can deliver on what it claims here, it’s an important line in the sand for this market, and it can only force prices down," he says. "Until now, Sony and Panasonic have been selling similar systems for three times the price, with little market uptake." IT COULD ENCOURAGE POWER COMPANIES TO EMBRACE RENEWABLE ENERGY On the contrary, Forbes' Chris Helman is a little more cynical. He sees the Powerwall as an expensive "toy for rich green people", and doesn't think that the average homeowner should let the big power generation utilities take the risks and bear the costs when it comes to battery power. But he does hope that this could lead to big utility providers taking on this renewable energy, and investing money in perfecting the technology. "After all," he says, "any truly viable energy source is more economic when deployed on a large scale than on a small scale."
One of the most important donations in years for Australia's contemporary art scene, a millionaire Melbourne property developer has endowed Melbourne University with a $26 million gift of his epic private collection — and a place to exhibit them all. The Michael Buxton Centre of Contemporary Art (or the rather awkward sounding MBCOCA) is a brand new, purpose-built museum set to open in 2017 at the University of Melbourne's Southbank campus. An entrepreneurial developer with a keen interest in contemporary art, Buxton has collected more than 300 works in a variety of media over 30 years. "Our acquisition policy has… focused squarely on supporting living artists and working alongside them to foster and support their careers," he told ArtsHub. The collection provides valuable insight into the stylistic development of the 53 artists it includes; from the paintings of Howard Arkley and Mike Parr, to the photography of Tracey Moffatt and Bill Henson as well as the sculpture and installation work of Ricky Swallow and Patricia Piccinini, among others. By donating such a showstopper collection to an institution like the University of Melbourne, Buxton hopes to ensure its longevity. The new museum will serve as a major resource for students as well as the public in general. "We are educating future generations of students and serving as a resource for all Australians aspiring to understand or collect challenging contemporary art," he told The Australian. Plus, building the new museum opposite the National Gallery of Victoria and next to the Victorian College of the Arts will well and truly cement Southbank's reputation as the city's premier arts precinct. The Buxton family will remain involved, providing funds for the museum's construction and maintenance over the next 20 years. New works will also continue to be collected, ensuring the museum remains a dynamic, evolving collection of works by the biggest and brightest contemporary artists of today. See more of the collection on the Michael Buxton Collection website. Via ArtsHub and The Australian. Image credit: From the ABC, Stephen Bush, Shout on the hills of glory, 2008.
FBI special agents Dana Scully and Fox Mulder are returning to find that truth after 13 years off the air. The X-Files is officially returning to your screens, with creator Chris Carter, David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson locked in for the reunion fans have been waiting for. While it's not a full-blown season — just six episodes are planned — it's news to the ears of X-Philes worldwide. "I think of it as a 13-year commercial break,” Carter told TIME. "The good news is the world has only gotten that much stranger, a perfect time to tell these six stories." Here's hoping we don't pick up where we left off in 2008's cinematic casserole The X-Files: I Want to Believe. No cameos of Billy Connolly playing a convicted paedophile thanks. Let's hope Carter throws back to 1993, when The X-Files first kicked off years of killer dolls, literal substitute teachers from hell, creepy skateboard dudes and Texas Chainsaw-like creepo families. And aliens, o'course. According to TIME, the six episodes will indeed head back to the show's original format — we're talking one show, one mystery, all sexual tension. The X-Files is heading into production this winter, with no release date in sight yet. But we want to believe early 2016. Via TIME. Image: Diyah Perah, 20th Century Fox.
If you haven't heard of 28 Hongkong Street before now, don't feel too out of the loop. Sure, it's been voted Asia's best bar for three years running and knocks out some seriously amazing cocktails — but it also operates as one of those mysterious, super secretive, word-of-mouth-only venues, hidden away behind an unassuming 1960s shopfront. Plus, it's been hanging out all the way up in Singapore, 6000 kilometres and an eight-hour flight away. Until now. For three nights this month, 28HKS will be hitting our shores as part of Sydney Bar Week. The brief touchdown on Australian turf will see the Singaporean enigma visit Sydney and Melbourne to take over two of our own hidden cocktail bars and give lucky locals a whirlwind taste of all the cocktail magic. They're not cutting any corners, either. The Sydney pop-up — which will grace Darlinghurst's Henrietta Supper Club on Sunday, September 18 — will offer a bang-on recreation of the 28HKS concept. Expect those award-winning cocktails alongside a selection of the American-leaning share plates, all delivered by five of 28HKS's mixologists, floor staff and chefs. They're even bringing over the soundtrack to round-out the experience. It's not the first time Australia's had a fleeting taste of international cocktail greatness and, given the success of Attaboy's February stints at The Everleigh and Dead Ringer, and last year's Please Don't Tell pop-up at The Black Pearl, it's probably safe to say that this latest cocktail-wielding visitor won't be the last. There will be two 1.5 hour sittings on the night — one at 7pm and another at 9pm. At just $20 for a spot at the bar and a cocktail on arrival, these tickets won't hang around for long. Snap one up here for the Sydney pop-up.
Rarely in Sydney does a business pop-up that is truly unique. Welcome Merchant is one of them. Founded by Marjorie Tenchavez, Welcome Merchant was initially launched on Instagram to support and celebrate innovative Australian entrepreneurs — who happen to come from refugee, asylum-seeking and migrant backgrounds. The not-for-profit has since expanded its critical role in elevating the voices of refugee and asylum seekers in the community — and offers one-of-a-kind dining experiences in collaboration with refugee chefs. The next event is presented with Mums 4 Refugees to celebrate Mother's Day on Sunday, May 9. Dishes will be served by Welcome Merchant-affiliated businesses, Racha's Syrian Kitchen and Margarita's Cakes. Racha's Syrian Kitchen is run by Racha and Nidal, two chefs who bonded over their passion for their homeland's cuisine. Margarita's Cakes is headed up by Katherine Honig who hails from Venezuela, and offers detailed cakes, cake toppers and sweets. All proceeds will go to chefs and Mums 4 Refugees, who provide emergency housing and support to families from refugee and asylum-seeking backgrounds. Dulce Munoz from Mums 4 Refugees says, "There are so many fantastic business minds and entrepreneurs among our refugee community in Australia. To inspire prosperity and growth among all communities, it's important we welcome refugees and asylum seekers by supporting their businesses, learning about their cultures, and enabling fair work and pay."
Got a birthday coming up? Feeling like truly treating yourself on a Wednesday? Then get yourself a handcrafted cake courtesy of one of Sydney’s most decadent dessert chefs. After a successful run as the pâtissier at Hartsyard in Newtown, Andrew Bowden is setting out on his own with a bespoke online cake shop that already has us drooling. After teasing the move via his heavily frequented Instagram, Bowden has officially launched his new venture, known simply as Andy Bowdy Pastry. You can visit his website now, although he’s currently only taking orders for August and beyond. Do you like eating your cake and drinking a stubbie too? Www.andybowdypastry.com, where all your deep dark g-rated cake related fantasies can come true. Orders being taken for August and beyond. Malted milk cookie, pistachio cake, malted vanilla mousse, fresh strawberry, salted caramel, lemon jam and an avalanche of torched meringue. #andybowdypastry #bespokecakesbyandybowdy #cakes #cake #desserts #weddingcake #weddingcakes #wedding #cakespo A photo posted by Andrew Bowden (@andybowdy) on Jul 2, 2015 at 1:10am PDT Anyone familiar with Bowden’s tooth-rotting work over at Hartsyard can probably hazard a guess as to the kind of insanity he’s got planned for his new customers. Options listed on his website include a chocolate fudge cake with Milo mousse, Maltesers and torched meringue; a banana cake with peanut butter, salted caramel, passionfruit and caramelised popcorn; and a vanilla sponge with strawberry mousse, vanilla cream, salted caramel and lemon. He also offers custom flavours and of course, wedding cakes on request. On top of all that, you can look for Bowden at a number of events over the coming months, including dessert pop-ups at Artificer Specialty Coffee Bar in Surry Hills, and as one of a number of culinary guests at the Underbelly Arts Festival. He’s also part of the massive line-up at the Sweet Street Dessert Festival happening tonight at the Shangri-La Hotel — although unfortunately for most of us, it’s already well and truly sold-out. To order your own sugar coma-inducing Andy Bowdy cake, visit www.andybowdypastry.com Via The Unbearable Lightness of Being Hungry. Image: Andy Bowdy.
When Moonlight Cinema returns for its 2019–20 season, hitting Sydney's Centennial Park from Thursday, November 28 until Sunday, March 29, 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 on the bill, but they sure do twinkle brightly among a heap of other movie standouts. If you're wondering what else will tempt your inner cinephile, 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. Moonlight also showcases advanced screenings of upcoming films, so add the Nicole Kidman, Charlize Theron and Margot Robbie-starring Bombshell and Tom Hanks in A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood to your must-see pile. Going retro, the outdoor cinema will revisit last year's A Star Is Born and 90s perennial favourite 10 Things I Hate About You. Dirty Dancing is also on the bill, like every year — it wouldn't be a Moonlight without it. As always, Moonlight will also boast its usual food truck and licensed bar offering, and its reserved bean beds. You can also bring your dog and BYO food and booze. Moonlight Cinema has now dropped its March program, which'll take the openair cinema through until the end of its 2019–20 season on Sunday, March 29. Highlights include Oscar-winner Parasite, the creepy new version of The Invisible Man and a couple of chances to see Margot Robbie unleash mayhem in Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn). You can also enjoy a blast from the past with The Dark Knight and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. CORRECTION: FEBRUARY 18, 2020 — This article previously stated that you cannot BYO, but this is incorrect. You are welcome to BYO food and drinks (including alcohol) to all Moonlight Cinema Sydney sessions.
Sleeping under the stars on holiday is a romantic notion of old, taking us back to the days of our ancestors and bringing us closer to nature — that is, until nature finds its way into your campsite and rummages through all of your Tim Tams. Hotels and resorts around the world are finding creative ways to bring the open-air to you in style, allowing guests to embrace their surroundings in pure luxury. If you love glamping, you're going to go nuts for these five-starry retreats. [caption id="attachment_582573" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Atelier für Sonderaufgaben.[/caption] THE ONLY STAR IS YOU WHERE IN THE WORLD: Swiss Alps, Switzerland WHAT IT WILL COST: $310AUD per night Making headlines for the last couple of weeks, this brand new hotel in the Swiss Alps lets travellers experience a roofless, door-less and even wall-less night's stay — the luxury double bed is all that makes up this hotel 'room'. Be prepared to really immerse yourself in your surroundings, since the great outdoors will act as your bathroom and shower. This project comes as the antithesis to Null Stern Hotels' 2008 project, Zero Star Hotel, which was built in a nuclear bunker. THE LOISABA STARBEDS WHERE IN THE WORLD: Loisaba Conservancy, Kenya WHAT IT WILL COST: $300AUD per night Among Loisaba Conservancy's 56,000 acres of wildlife lies their Starbeds — handcrafted, four-poster beds which are wheeled onto raised wooden platforms. These are built into the rock face and offer unrestricted views of the African night sky, as well as the illusion of being suspended in mid-air. The communal area includes brass-fitted bathrooms, wooden decks and dining rooms, all overlooking the Kiboko Waterhole which is frequented by hippos and other wildlife. AMANGIRI WHERE IN THE WORLD: Canyon Point, Utah WHAT IT WILL COST: $3000AUD per night Open-air hotels don't get more glamorous, or pricier, than Amangiri. The 600-acres of protected desert is approximately two hours from the Grand Canyon. The resort is built into the rock-face for maximum exclusivity, with each suite offering indoor and outdoor sleeping arrangements. Travelling with friends? The four-bedroom mesa home includes a 15-metre private pool, fireplace, underfloor heating and personal bar, and will cost you a cool $12K per night. CABRIOLET ROOM WHERE IN THE WORLD: L'Albereta Resort, Italy WHAT IT WILL COST: $550 AUD per night If you're looking for romantic star gazing, nothing beats the Cabriolet room at L'Albereta, where a push of a button reveals a retractable roof and the gorgeous Italian night sky beyond. The plush canopy bed is only out-luxed by the marble-clad bathroom, which includes a hydro-massage tub. The views aren't limited to the stars, either — the balcony faces the resort's vineyards, as well as Lake Iseo. VIEW WITH A ROOM WHERE IN THE WORLD: Bangkok, Thailand WHAT IT WILL COST: $285 per night Bangkok Tree House is an eco-conscious, 12-room boutique located on the island of Bang Krachao, just outside the smog of Bangkok. The hotel takes us back to the basics, allowing visitors to sleep in a seven-metre-high, bamboo floored treehouse which is open to both the sky and surrounding mangroves. The showers are heated by the sun, and free homemade fruit ice cream is available 24/7. In this case, living out your childhood will also do some good — the hotel removes one kilogram of rubbish from the nearby Chao Phraya River with every booking made, having removed over 3000 kilograms of trash to date.
The team at Doughnut Time have been absolutely killing it. In the year since cutting the ribbon on their first permanent store in Brisbane, the hand-dipped artisan doughnut chain has become one of our favourite spots to indulge our overdeveloped sweet tooth. They've opened a dozen additional locations across Queensland, Sydney and Melbourne, and in the past week alone have launched both a vegan variety and collaborated on a glazed doughnut burger (no, really) with Brisbane burger joint Ze Pickle. But that's nothing compared to their latest announcement. Brace yourself. Doughnut Time now offer home delivery. If you're anything like us, you probably just fell out of your chair, spent the next few minutes twitching and drooling on the ground, before finally regaining enough motor function to type the words "want doughnut time now" into Google. Assuming that's the case, you'll now know that, at the time of this writing, the Doughnut Time online delivery page is currently down due to an excess in demand. Which, let's be honest, isn't really all that surprising. Sorry to get your hopes up. This has been a real roller coaster of doughnut-related emotion, hasn't it? Once they've replenished their stocks, Doughnut Time will offer delivery in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and The Gold Coast via Sherpa Couriers. For more information and to order a batch of your own, head to this link and just keep hitting refresh.
The inner west suburb of Dulwich Hill is home to an exciting tamaleria and Mexican deli — the first permanent eatery from Rosa Cienfuegos. You may recognise the name from her twice monthly — and super popular — La Casa Latina pop-up at the Marrickville Market and her regular pop-ups at Young Henrys and The Grifter Brewing Co. The popularity of her food soared so far that she even opened up Itacate & Mexican Deli in Redfern a few years later. Opening along Marrickville Road in late 2018, the original tamaleria offers a range of signature Mexico City and Oaxaca-style hot tamales — think chicken with mole sauce, pineapple pork in green sauce and the vegetarian rajas con queso (poblano chillies with cheese). Cienfuegos hails from Mexico City, so you can trust her when it comes to authenticity. "Tamales are a pre-Hispanic dish that is well preserved in Mexico and is one of the most common breakfast items, served on many street corners in Mexico," says Cienfuegos. "Every state has its own style and can go from being wrapped in a corn husk or in a banana leaf, from huge to small and from spicy to sweet." Street-style tacos are also offer at the deli counter — ranging from slow-cooked brisket and lamb barbacoa to marinated pulled pork and a vegan soy fish. Plus, rotating specials like chiles rellenos, empanadas, tuna croquettes and vegan ceviche will make the way onto the menu, along with sides like refried beans and verdolagas (Mexican greens). Besides the prepared food options, Cienfuegos also sells branded small goods, including her homemade salsas, sauces, specialty Mexican ingredients and DIY kits for at-home cooking. "There aren't many authentic Mexican options in Sydney, and even though you can buy the ingredients from different suppliers and shops, people are not sure how to use them or what they are for," says Cienfuegos. "I'll be at the shop to help and share recipes with the correct ingredients." The fit-out aims to fit in with the surrounding Dulwich Hill vibe. The simple interior focuses on wooden decor, with some Mexican flare coming from the hanging sarapes (brightly coloured rugs). Images: Trent van der Jagt.
Rock 'n' roll and burgers are the most likely of bedfellows, an age-old combination that runs Bondi's casual neighbourhood eatery — Bonditony's. Run by longtime Bondi local and music industry pro Tony Gosden, this Glenayr Avenue burger joint mixes rock and burgers better than Elvis Presley ever did (sorry Elvis). Godsen used to work in the Australian music industry, so has named every last one of Bonditony's burgers after bands he's managed, promoted or toured — Classic Cog, Trippin' Seahorse, Just a Jezabel, Johnny Collide. Using grass-fed, free-range produce, these burgs team with Bondi's ethically-sound food philosophy. All the beef, bacon, eggs and chicken are supplied by Bondi's own Field to Fork — you'll find them right beside Harris Farm and Da Orazio. Drinks-wise, you've got music lovers Young Henrys on tap (they also did the sicko street art design on the joint's exterior), handpicked wines, hectic thickshakes and cocktails — try the BT's Bloody Mary on for size. Wash it all down with '70s rock on the speakers and you've got yourself a solid Saturday night at Bonditony's. Images: Bonditonys/Handsome Devils Co. Appears in: Where to Find the Best Burgers in Sydney for 2023
If you're still mourning the extinction of Jurassic Lounge at the Australian Museum, time to stop your weeping; the brand new Tequila Sunsets is riding in on a white horse to rescue your summer nights. The Australian Museum will be bringing back the booze, the music and the general good times every Thursday night until the end of January for Tequila Sunsets - Aztecs After Dark. In keeping with the current Aztecs exhibition, which follows the blood-drenched rise and fall of the empire, the after-work crowd can enjoy the likes of Mexican food, Latin DJs and a "pinata installation" by Mexican visual artist Sergio Plata (who you may have seen at the museum decorating skulls earlier in the year). "The tremendous success of Jurassic Lounge has shown us that people enjoy coming to the museum to socialise after hours," says Tequila Sunsets program manager Sophie Masters. "Everyone is time poor ... Opening up the museum after hours gives everyone a chance to catch up with friends after work, enjoy a drink and explore the galleries and exhibitions at their leisure." Both the name and program suggest Tequila Sunsets is a more chilled take on the after-hours museum event. One absolutely mouthwatering highlight will come on December 11 when — in honour of the blessed fact that Aztecs introduced the world to chocolate — there will be a chocolate and beer tasting session, with beers provided by 4 Pines Brewing Company and acclaimed food scientist Galit Segev discussing the complex appreciation of both vital foodstuffs. Other talks in the program include discussions of ritual sacrifice in Aztec culture, Aztec astronomy and a feminist critique of the indigenous life before and after the empire's fall. Even after Tequila Sunsets wraps up, Masters says the Australian Museum is dedicated to the kind of community engagement that's enabled your nights of dancing next to dinosaurs. "At this stage [Tequila Sunsets] is being offered for a limited time only, as our Aztecs exhibition must close 1 February, but we may look at other after-hours programming in 2015 — so stay tuned for more." Tequila Sunsets is on every Thursday from December 4 until January 29, except for Boxing Day and New Year's Day. For more information and to book tickets, head to the Australian Museum website. Admission to the Aztecs exhibition will be two-for-one during Tequila Sunsets, so $12 if you go with a friend.
The end of the year is upon us, which means you've only got a few more weeks to get your art fix before 2018 rolls around. Stand out new exhibition will offer gallery-goers a look at the work of pioneering Australian female artists from the first part of last century, emerging photographers from the Australian Centre for Photography's student community and one Victoria-based artist who specalises in crochet. Plus, there's a couple of big summer blockbusters that launched in November you should try and see before 2018 is out. Below, we've put together a list of ten must-see exhibitions in Sydney this month.
Hey there, lovers of ballet and regular folks who like to feel gloriously inflexible — it's World Ballet Day, a whole day of dedicated to some of the most iconic ballet troupes in history, and it's being streamed live for you to enjoy. Sure, watching the fittest people on earth prance about in achtivewear with the elegance of swans while you're sitting on the couch inhaling Doritos may make you feel slightly inadequate. But where else will you be able to see behind the scenes footage and rehearsals of the Bolshoi Ballet, Australian Ballet, The Royal Ballet, the National Ballet of Canada and the San Francisco ballet streamed over 20 hours? Not every day, that's when. It's a rare treat, take full advantage. Go on. Log on and watch the beautiful people twirl. Image: Kate Longley.
If you think Sydney Contemporary — a biennial international art fair held at Carriageworks — is only for art lovers with Chanel suits and investors with hedge funds, think again. Sure, 75 respected galleries from all over the world will be exhibiting (and selling) some of the best contemporary art money can buy, but you will also find an entire program of more affordable (and just as impressive) art on offer. It's made even more accessible by the presence of Art Money, an art loans program for works priced between $750 and $20,000. And if you want to leave commerce out of it entirely, look to addendum program Sydney Art Week, which is scattering art happenings throughout Carriageworks and its surrounding suburbs. Here are seven things you can do at Sydney Contemporary as well as browse the artwork. EAT YOUR WAY THROUGH LOCAL PALETTE What do Young Henrys, Mary’s, Bloodwood, Food Rascal, 212 Blu and Gelato Messina all have in common? They are all delicious highlights from Sydney’s home-grown food and beverage scene? Well yes, but here’s another fun fact. These local favourites are all coming together to create Local Palette, a pop-up bar and restaurant in the Elston Room at Carriageworks for the duration of Sydney Contemporary. And while you’re at it, why not try some art that you can actually eat? As part of the broader Sydney Art Week program, Art and Dine brings Sydney establishments like The Apollo, Longrain, Cho Cho San and Riley St Garage into the mix with special offers. Wash them down with an artist-designed cocktail — 2014 Archibald winning artist Fiona Lowry has paired with a mixologist to create Pink Frost, a sumptuous cocktail being served at Sydney Contemporary’s favourite bars and restaurants across the city. LISTEN TO THE SOUND OF PLANTS GROWING The grand cavernous spaces at Carriageworks inspire and demand so much more than art in its traditional two-dimensional form. That’s why Sydney Contemporary also includes 18 immersive, interactive and site-specific installation art works by Australian and international artists for you to discover as part of their Installation Contemporary program. From the monumental to the elusive, Sydney Contemporary will basically be an art playground for adults. You won’t be able to miss towering large-scale works by Callum Morton and Gregor Kregar, but also be sure not to miss the almost invisible work by Mylyn Nguyen – a painstakingly rendered troop of insects that quietly inhabits a spot below the ground. Conversation with Plants will get you interacting. Created collaboratively by ceramic artist Simon Reece, music producer Darren Seltmann and artist Vicky Browne, the work invites participants to stand under a huge suspended pod as ceramics and electronics surround you to capture and amplify sounds made by nature, giving you a sensory experience that transforms perceptions of self and space. BAR CRAWL THROUGH REDFERN The official Opening Night on Thursday, September 10, transforms the fair into an immersive, all-encompassing night of art, music and food. It's the place to catch Alaska Orchestra's 'cuckoo clock' performance, listen to the smooth sounds of Sarsha Simone and have Jake Meadows serenade you with his harp, while performance artists take you on an eye-opening journey through the fair. Tickets are $50, include a complimentary drink and can be booked in advance or bought at the door. If you can’t make it to the Sydney Contemporary opening night celebration on Thursday, September 10, never fear. A whole program of events and parties will continue during Sydney Contemporary, spilling out into iconic Redfern locales The Dock, The Bearded Tit, Arcadia and 107 Projects after the official fair closes its doors each evening. This is your after-hours art party mecca. Don’t miss Trailblazers. Curated by Emma Price and Connie Anthes, it's a performance art trail that starts at Sydney Contemporary from 8.30pm on Thursday, September 10, and continues along a string of local sites, featuring artists Latai Taumoepeau, Alex Chapman and Penelope Benton, Erica Englert and Bhenji Ra. And if you like your rooftop parties with a healthy dose of zzzzs, then don’t miss Sleep. In partnership with 107 Projects, artist, musician and general legend Megan Alice Clune has curated a selection of performances about sleeping. The night will feature Pendant (formerly Nakagin), video works by Eugene Choi, Adam Guzowski (Golden Blonde, Alaska Orchestra) performing an improvised piece around a binaural drone and DJ Megan Alice Clune. GET CONTEMPLATIVE WITH ADRIANO ZUMBO For the critically curious among you, get inspired with a series of free (with entry) talks. You can join actor and philanthropist Rachel Griffiths as she discusses whether or not gender matters in contemporary art alongside Artspace director Alexie Glass-Kantor, artist Liam Benson, artist and curator Emma Price and MONA curator Jarrod Rawlins. Adriano Zumbo is also in the mix, talking about creative processes with architect Sam Marshall, broadcaster James Valentine, artist Michael Zavros and actor Claudia Karvan. If you’re interested in the intersections between fashion and art, then get along to The Fashion Forum, presented by Vogue deputy editor Sophie Tedmanson and featuring Romance Was Born designers Luke Sales and Anna Plunkett, as well as writer and curator Alison Kubler. Even though the talks are free, bookings are essential given limited spaces. TAKE IN SOME BITE-SIZED CINEMA Contemporary art meets film with two exciting short film screenings included in the price of your entry ticket. Acclaimed Australian artist Tracey Moffatt will premiere her new short film and comedic montage, The Art, and created with experimental filmmaker and music video producer Gary Hillberg. Sydney Contemporary also presents The Nightingale and the Rose, Del Kathryn Barton's take on the Oscar Wilde short story. It will be followed by a conversation between the film's co-director Brendan Fletcher and composer Sarah Blasko. TRAWL THE MARKET STALLS AT URBAN NIGHTS On the first Friday of every month, Redfern comes (even more) to life with the Redfern Night Market at Redfern Community Centre. In collaboration with Sydney Contemporary and Sydney Art week, a special one-off edition of the markets called Urban Nights will take place on Friday, September 11. This is your chance to check out some local culture and craft in an evening of art, performance and food. VOTE TO SEND YOUR FAVOURITE ARTIST TO POSSIBLY THE BEST RESIDENCY EVER Here's your chance to help send one artist to a place that is sure to stoke their creative fires. Sydney Contemporary has launched an artists in residency competition in partnership with Glenfiddich whiskey. That’s right, one lucky artist will get to live and work for three months at the Glenfiddich distillery in Dufftown, Scotland. The even better news? You could also win a trip for two to the Glenfiddich distillery. And unlike the poor talented souls who have slaved away to make brilliant art, which will be assessed by a panel of formidable judges, all you have to do to go in the draw is head to the Glenfiddich pop-up bar at Carriageworks and vote on your favourite artwork. Sydney Contemporary is on from September 10–13 at Carriageworks. For the full program and to book tickets, see the event website.
Winner of Concrete Playground's Best New Product of 2015. Gym classes in Sydney — what a gamble. You'll fork over your hard-earned cash for a big chain membership, only to be sorely disappointed with their 'yoga' offering. Or even worse, you'll learn the subtle art that is making every excuse to miss class week after week, because burpies and Bondi Junction's aggressive Body Attack ladies. But imagine if you could handpick your own gym program from Sydney's best, most novelty and most fun classes, without committing to one gym? Bodypass is a new Australian all-encompassing gym pass launched in Sydney that lets you attend unlimited gym classes at Sydney's best studios — from Shannon Dooley's Retrosweat to Mermaid Swim Academy at Bondi Icebergs to classes at Madonna's Hard Candy — with one $99-per-month membership. Similar to the City of Sydney's 360 gym pass and US program Classpass, you can book yourself into thousands of indoor and outdoor activities like hip hop dance, spin, yoga, pilates, strength training, martial arts, Barre, HIIT, stand-up paddle boarding and more at some of Australia's best fitness studios — all with one card, and no long-term commitment (you can cancel anytime without charge). Exercise scientist Georgia van Tiel and yoga teacher and health food cook Carla McMillan created the program with a need to break the whole 'gym culture' stigma associated with fitness and take exercise back to being an accessible, dare we say it, fun part of life. "When some people think of fitness and exercise, they immediately conjure a vision of the ‘dread-mill’ or hitting the gym which can be perceived as boring, repetitive and simply, not very fun,” says Van Tiel. Focusing on Sydney's fitness studios to start with, Van Tiel and McMillan took it upon themselves to personally try and test every studio currently included in the handpicked program — Sydney's Bodypass partners include Hard Candy, Retrosweat '80s Aerobics, Mermaid Swim Academy at Bondi Icebergs, F45 training, XtendBarre, Peak Altitude Training, P.E. Dept. Potts Point, Jazzercise, Physicore, Sky-Lab, RollerFit, Bonza Bike Tours, Centred Meditation, Dance Central, House of Yoga Redfern, One Wave, Power Living and plenty of Sydney's park-based fitness classes (to name a few). You can only visit the same studio up to three times per monthly cycle, but otherwise, go nuts. Bodypass is available in Sydney currently and will shortly broaden its network to Melbourne, with a national program planned. For more info, visit www.bodypass.com.
We're accustomed to the idea that every slice of pizza worth its weight in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles requires decent lashings of mozzarella. Which is why the news that famed Newtown pizzeria Gigi is going vegan might come as a shock to Sydney pizza fans. According to owner Marco Matino, the tradition of the Neapolitan woodfired pizza “is an art form which will always be relevant no matter how times change”. With that in mind, they’ve decided to kick their double smoked ham and stringy mozzarella to the curb in favour of a new plant-based menu that is both sustainable and ethical, with fresh, locally grown produce and key ingredients imported from Italy. The menu has been totally reinvented. Aside from the dairy-free blue cheese that adorns the Funghi e Radicchio ($22), the entire menu is completely cheese free. We’ll give you a moment to digest that. "Marinara pizzas [with just tomato, garlic and oil] were the first served in Naples for over forty years before the Margherita was introduced,” says Marco. Though that may be the case, we can safely say that, ever since some genius put some cheese on one of those saucy bases, we’ve never looked back. The pizza pros at Gigi have maintained the integrity of their quality woodfired dough with its slightly crispy, slightly chewy bite, but for a cheese pizza devotee like me, unfortunately, the creations feel like they're missing some vital ingredients. I’m sure we’ve all had those times when, a little too keen to become one with a hot slice, we have in our first bite inadvertently pulled off all the cheese and then been left with a bland, saucy base. Welcome to the new Marinara Tradizionale pizza ($17) — a chewy base laden with tomato puree, a few basil leaves and nothing else. However, some of the more innovative combos do manage to take your mind off cheese. The Cavolo ($22), for instance, is a beguiling combination of cauliflower puree, artichokes, pinenuts, capers, currants, garlic, parsley and extra virgin olive oil. The Ripieno Zucca e Spinaci ($24) sports pumpkin cream, sauteed pumpkin, spinach, swiss brown mushrooms, onion, roasted cherry tomatoes, thyme, rosemary and extra virgin olive oil, while classic numbers like the Patate ($24) — with thinly sliced potato seasoned with garlic and rosemary — work really well, especially with the additional of black truffle pate. It’s going to be interesting to see whether this new, invigorated menu draws the same hungry masses that once considered Gigi their pizza mecca, or whether they’ll seek out new pizzerias where they can have their cheese and eat it too. But the owners can be optimistic, given the popularity of Newtown eateries like Sadhana and Lentil as Anything, that a whole new crowd will seek out the taste of a more ethical and sustainable Gigi.
Andy Warhol and Ai Weiwei: both superstar artists, both groundbreaking Damn The Man-ers, both crazy cat ladies (really). And now, in one of the best team-ups we've seen in ages, they're both the focus of the National Gallery of Victoria's next epic summer exhibition, Andy Warhol | Ai Weiwei. This is going to be quite the retrospective. Two of the most significant artists of the 20th and 21st centuries, Warhol and Weiwei have left their mark on global modernity, whether flipping the bird to American art or dropping a Han vase on Chinese tradition. The NGV will present over 200 of Warhol's most celebrated works — including the Campbell’s Soup Cans, Three Marilyns, Mao, Elvis, Flowers, Electric Chairs, Skulls and Myths series and sculptures like Brillo Boxes , Heinz Tomato Ketchup Boxes and Silver Clouds. If you've got a spare eight hours, kick back and watch Warhol's wildly influential films Empire, Blow job and Screen Tests and pore over early commercial drawings and '50s advertising illustrations. There's even going to be over 500 Polaroids documenting Warhol’s friends, colleagues, and artistic and social milieux. Now, Weiwei. The famously controversial Chinese artist has had his fair share of Warhol influence, having lived in the US from 1981 to 1993 — and taken a photographic self-portrait in front of Warhol's multiple self-portrait. The first book he bought in NYC? The Philosophy of Andy Warhol (From A to B & Back Again). “I believe this is a very interesting and important exhibition and an honour for me to have the opportunity to be exhibited alongside Andy Warhol," said Weiwei. "This is a great privilege for me as an artist.” For the NGV exhibition, Weiwei will premiere new major commissions, including an installation from the Forever Bicycles series and a monumental addition to Chandelier. Of course, glimpses of Weiwei's colossal catalogue will also be on display — from his early 1970s drawings to 1980s readymades, and provocative painting, photography, film and social media of the last four decades. If you're wondering why we called two of the greatest artists in history 'crazy cat ladies', it's because it's true. According to the NGV, Warhol apparently lived with a herd of Siamese cats in the '50s, all of whom, except for one, were named Sam. He photographed and ink blotted them often. Weiwei's studio is home to over 30 cats, who have free reign and constantly pop up in the artist's social media. There's going to be a special part of the exhibition dedicated to this shared feline love, a bit of trivia we won't get over for quite a while. Andy Warhol | Ai Weiwei comes to the National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne from December 11 to April 24, in collaboration with The Andy Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh. For info and tickets, head to the NGV website.
In August of last year, something amazing happened in Tasmania. Tasmania is like that distant cousin you never paid much attention to, but then, when you hit your mid-twenties, you take a second and realise that, hey, they're actually pretty cool. Yep, that's Tassie. While you might not have appreciated your 1999 family holiday to Hobart, now they've got that whole rugged landscape, quality art and bar scene thing going on and, all of a sudden, everyone's totally into it. And to blow your mind that little bit more, the island state did something really, really awesome. They passed in-principle support for marriage equality in the Parliament of Tasmania and, in turn, skyrocketed itself up the ladder of people everywhere to become Australia's coolest state. Both houses passed theoretical support for same-sex marriage (the Lower House passed the motion seventeen months ago) with a vote of 8-5 — which is big deal as Tasmania has traditionally had a pretty conservative government. Tasmania's display of support further erodes the notion that the (super exxy) plebiscite was never a good idea (may the marriage equality plebiscite rest in peace and never, ever rise again as a zombie). Each state has a varied history on support of same-sex marriage, but let's just remember that in March of this year, an Essential Media poll found that 64 percent of respondents agreed that same-sex couples should be allowed to marry. Ultimately, it's up to the Federal Parliament to make the call — not the states. The Coalition have proposed a potential plebiscite on the issue, which would have cost Aussie taxpayers anywhere between $158 million and half a billion, was smacked down in the Senate. However, if all states show their support for same-sex marriage, it could have a lot of influence on what happens at a Federal level. Tassie's shown their support, but where's the mainland at on the issue? In partnership with SKYY Vodka, which showed its support for marriage equality throughout March by donating $1.00 from every product purchased in Australia to just.equal, we take a look at where everyone's sitting at the moment. [caption id="attachment_584233" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Parliament of NSW[/caption] NSW In June of 2015, the NSW Parliament passed a conscience vote (unanimously, mind you), calling on the Federal Government to pass the Marriage Equality Bill 2015, showing their support of the issue. In 2013, they nearly passed a bill to legalise same-sex marriage but it fell through at 21 votes no to 19 votes yes. Close, but no cigar. And in 2014 they finally abolished the gay panic defence (pretty late to the game though). The state is generally moving in the right direction and seems to support same-sex marriage, but hasn't been able to coax the Federal Government to do the same. VICTORIA Victoria has just has passed the Relationships Amendments Act 2016 (which came into effect on October 1 2016) that allows immediate recognition of domestic partnerships, de facto relationships and international same-sex marriages and acknowledges civil unions on death certifications (hooray, now you can be yourself in the afterlife too!). While Victoria's government has been generally more liberal than other states, they haven't made huge headway on the marriage equality issue — but they've made a lot of noise about it. According to Australian Marriage Equality, 73 percent of the Victorian House of Reps support gay marriage and 50 percent of the Senate too. Since September 1 2016, Victoria has allowed same sex adoption as well, thanks to the Adoption Amendment Act 2015, a bill that was several years in the making. The Victorian Government introduced a bill in February of 2016 that aimed to crack down on 'gay conversion' therapist. Why on earth, in this state, gay conversion therapists are rampant enough to require a crack down, we'll never know. But from February 1 2017, a new commission has been set up to execute permanent bans on health providers peddling 'gay conversion'. QUEENSLAND In Queensland same-sex activity was considered illegal until 1990, which is disturbingly recent. Further to that, Queensland laws don't allow convictions to be expunged, meaning there are people alive today with a criminal record for being gay (come the heck on, Queensland). But the state has traditionally been incredibly politically conservative, and that's reflected in their stance on gay marriage. One little win of note, however, is the recent abolition of the gay panic defence on March 21 2017. About goddamn time. It only took a petition with 289,000 signatures and the support of Stephen Fry. So, heads up to the terrible people of the world – an 'unwanted sexual advance' from someone of the same sex as you is no longer grounds for self-defence murder. ACT Canberra is the dark horse in the running competition for Australia's best state. The capital briefly passed a marriage equality bill in December of 2013, but it was quickly returned to the earth by the High Court, who deemed it inconsistent with the Federal Marriage Act and hence unconstitutional (boo hiss boo). Since then, they've been pretty quiet on the gay marriage front. WESTERN AUSTRALIA In September of 2015, Western Australia (like NSW) passed a conscience vote calling for the Federal Government to pass the Marriage Amendment Bill 2015, which would grant full marriage rights to same-sex partners. The Feds didn't pass it, but snaps for Western Australia. The recent Labor victory in Western Australia s also a positive sign for the progression of LGTBQI rights. As the incoming party ran on a platform that promised to fully fund the Safe School program, expunge criminal records of consensual homosexual acts, and potentially legislating for civil unions. Let's hope they make good on their promises. NORTHERN TERRITORY Although the NT came to the party on legalising homosexuality pretty early, unfortunately they're pretty backwards when it comes to recognising same-sex marriage. Unlike all other Australian states, the NT government doesn't offer relationship registration or domestic partnerships to same-sex folk, but classifies them as 'de facto unions'. This grants them some of the same financial benefits as married couples but is not equal in any sense of the word. No snaps for the NT. Particularly since in November of 2016 they banned same-sex couples from adopting, while the rest of Australia legalised it. Absolute baloney, NT. SOUTH AUSTRALIA For a southern state with such a banging music scene, South Australia is pretty backwards on gay marriage and gay rights in general. They've shut down several attempts in parliament to consider same-sex civil unions and, despite support from some members of parliament, they still don't even recognise overseas same-sex marriages. And SA is the only to retain the gay panic defence within common-law. Very sad. However, they've made some strides recently. The Relationship Register bill was passed, meaning gay couples can register their relationship all official like (although, let's note that ABS don't count these registered relationships as marriages when totting up the number, boooo). And the bill also allows same-sex couples access to altruistic surrogacy and IVF treatment for the gals. And they've amended their adoption laws to allow adoption for same-sex couples, which went into effect on February 17 of this year. Better. Still not good. But definitely better. So some states are doing well to put pressure on the Federal Government to change same-sex marriage laws, but it's in no way unanimous yet. Ultimately, it's up to the Federal Government to decide if they introduce a marriage equality bill into the House of Reps like every other piece of legislation. If you want to make some noise on the issue, you can go visit just.equal to find out how to best take action. Show some SKYY Vodka support for marriage equality by taking a selfie and tagging it with #CheerstoEquality and #AusPol. Top image: Azhar J via Flickr.
Long before movie fans had ever even heard of social distancing — before we all failed to notice the term when it was uttered in Contagion, too — drive-in cinemas had perfected the concept. So, it should come as zero surprise that these outdoor picture palaces are popping up with frequency in 2020. This spring and summer in Sydney, there are several of them, plus some actual outdoor cinemas, too. From director's chairs in an inner city laneway to a dog-friendly drive-in on the north shore, there are plenty of positions to catch the best new releases and cult favourites under the stars. Pack a snack basket, some Aerogard and get your butt on a picnic rug or in the back of a pick-up truck for an evening. It's a perfect date idea or a great way to spend an evening with mates.
Living in the big smoke has more perks than just an abundance of all-night convenience stores. But what makes a liveable, smart city? This year, the fifth international Media Architecture Biennale wants to focus on just how cities like Sydney will evolve in years to come, focused on the theme 'Digital Placemaking'. Hosted at The Concourse in Chatswood, MAB16 is a four-day lineup of conferences, workshops and even an award ceremony, presenting the best future ideas in architecture, media and design. Exploring everything from the role of urban screens to local media interventions in cities, global industry leaders will open your eyes to potential of what's to come in these bustling metropolitan spaces. This is one of our top picks for Vivid Ideas events. Read the whole list and reboot your brain.
Board rooms are so done. Stockholm-based artist duo Bigert and Bergström have built a modal, stainless golden steel, reflective, egg-shaped sauna with a heart-shaped wood burning stove, named the 'Solar Egg'. Why? Commissioned by Swedish economic and real estate association Riksbyggen, the egg is a "social sculpture" according to the artists, providing a communal space for the residents of Kiruna to discuss their town's problems. Kiruna is the northernmost town in Sweden with a population of just under 20,000. In 2003, they realised that due to adjacent iron ore mining activity (activity which provides thousands of jobs for locals), the ground beneath the town was becoming unstable. The solution? Move the whole town three kilometres away. The relocation has been underway ever since and will continue to trudge along, piece by piece, for many more decades supported by the government and the mining company responsible. So, the residents of Kiruna have a lot to talk about while enjoying a sauna together. And, like the town itself, the golden egg can be disassembled and relocated. As far as interactive art installations go, it's both acutely beautiful and functional, with stainless golden mirror sheeting reflecting the fragmented, changing scenery of the surround mountains and tundra. Inside, the sauna's interior is made of pine wood panelling and decks, and aspen benches, with an iron and stone stove in the centre. Temperature varies between 75 and 85 degrees Celsius in the egg. Images: Riksbyggen and Futurniture.
2015 has afforded the publication of some uncommonly lovely books. In fact, some of the most interesting and inventive novels to be published in recent memory were published in the last twelve months. Here's a selection of ten of the best, to be read deeply and ardently in the longer light of hot summer days and nights. THE ARGONAUTS BY MAGGIE NELSON Everything Maggie Nelson writes is strange and smart and beautiful. She writes poetry that doesn't read like poetry and intellectual investigations on the murder of her aunt, and entire books meditating on the colour 'blue'. The Argonauts is probably the best thing she has produced. It's a bendy-backed genre-defying memoir about Nelson's experience of mothering and of getting married. Although it's much more than that. The story tying the book together is that of Nelson and meeting and falling in love with her partner, Harry Dodge. They meet, marry, and then Nelson begins having IVF treatments while Harry, a trans man, begins the transition process. This book is difficult to categorise, and difficult to even explain. It's a journey into ambiguity and dependence — and a beautiful one at that. BETWEEN THE WORLD AND ME BY TA-NEHISI COATES This was the most important book to be published in the last year. It appeared at a crucial moment, with Black Lives Matter, the murders of countless unarmed black men, and the racial tensions simmering across America and across the globe. Addressed as a letter to his teenage son, Between The World And Me takes a step back and situates the difficulties of the present within the calamities of the patterns of the past. It's a blend of memoir, history, journalism and political theory that has, at its heart, a very complicated message which never once tries to simplify the complexities of the black body in the tradition of America. BEAUTY IS A WOUND BY EKA KURNIAWAN Kurniawan comes at Indonesia's bleak and bloody history from the edges. Creating the kinds of fantastical worlds that owe a debt to Gabriel Garcia Marquez and William Faulkner, Kurniawan takes you through Dutch colonialism, the Japanese occupation of World War Two and the bloody Suharto coup in the 1960s, the resonances of which Indonesia is still grappling with. Beauty is a Wound deals with all of this from the perspective of Dewi Ayu, a prostitute who rises from the grave after being dead 21 years and returns home to Beauty, her astonishingly ugly daughter. STORY OF THE LOST CHILD BY ELENA FERRANTE If you have not read the Neapolitan novels, you're missing out. There are four books in the series, with it being completed with the publication of the Story of the Lost Child in September of this year. You should read all four in order, but I urge you not to look at that as a chore — these books are incredible, and you will be grateful to have read them. Starting in 1950s Italy, they trace the lives of two women, friends since childhood. They touch on politics, Italian nationalism, female friendship, and the destructiveness of desire and jealousy — the chaos which underlies all things. It is rare to encounter literature that is both compulsively readable and highly intelligent, but the Neapolitan books resonate. They stick to you. Please read them. GOLD FAME CITRUS BY CLAIRE VAYE WATKINS Set in a just-around-the-corner dystopia, the California of Gold Fame Citrus is what's been left behind after the drought has wrecked its terrible damage. After most of the state has been evacuated, a few people still remain, dodging the law and frolicking in the abandoned playgrounds of the wealthy. Ray and Luz, the book's central characters, end up saddled with a child amidst all of this, a child they maybe kidnapped or maybe rescued. They set out into the desert, encountering religious fanatics, apocalyptic prophets, the terrible things that survive when everything good has dissolved. Watkins writing is knife-sharp and beautiful, and with recent reports that California’s Central Valley is literally sinking due to lack of groundwater, this novel feels horrifyingly prophetic. GENOA BY PAUL METCALF If your great-grandfather had written Moby Dick and you had also decided to become a writer, you would probably need to reckon with that legacy as well. In Genoa, Metcalf uses a dazzling collage schematic to write, and creates a clubfooted, non-practicing doctor to serve as his doppelganger. In doing so, Genoa reckons with the legacy of Herman Melville, Christopher Columbus, and the very idea of America — all from the confines of one man's attic. And while technically Genoa was not published in 2015, but it was nearly entirely unavailable before this year until it was re-issued by Coffee House Press, so I feel justified in listing it. GRIEF IS THE THING WITH FEATHERS BY MAX PORTER Short and lovely, this novel is told from three perspectives: two boys who've just lost their mother, their grief-stricken father trying to deal with his loss by focusing on his study of the poet Ted Hughes, and a crow, who flies out of Hughes' poetry and into their lives to compel everybody to get on with things. The book at times reads like poetry, a complex blend of images and ideas, and is almost like a children’s story in its invitation to inhabit a world. THE FOLDED CLOCK BY HEIDI JULAVITS This book is two years of Heidi Julavits' life. A diary, yes, but a diary in an old-fashioned sense. If your idea of a diary is like mine — your 14-year-old self, circling back around in a narcissistic loop devoid of any wit, humour or personality — this isn’t it. First of all, Julavits does away with chronology. The events of the years are all spliced up, connecting more by theme and tone than time. Second of all, this is a diary more involved with the world than the agonising peregrinations of a person's mind. The Folded Clock does the best version of 'writing about yourself'; the book uses Julavits, her life and what she sees to open you up to the world and draw your attention to small details — the meditative, and the unexamined. STORY OF MY TEETH BY VALERIA LUISELLI On the surface, this is a novel about a man in Mexico City who auctions off his old teeth, claiming that they originated from other, more famous, mouths. Then he uses the profits to buy a set of teeth supposedly owned by Marilyn Monroe and has them implanted in his own mouth. Hijinks ensue. But beneath the surface, the story is also spliced up with photographs, philosophical quotations, a chronology and an explanation of how the book came to be. Luiselli originally began writing the work for employees of Jumex, a Mexican juice company. The novel was written for the factory's workers, who read and discussed the story with Luiselli, who in turn incorporated their discussions into her work. So you get the idea. This book is playful and inventive and interesting without ever getting pretentious or insufferable. BOOK OF NUMBERS BY JOSHUA COHEN A struggling writer named Joshua Cohen is employed by Tetration, the largest tech company in the world, to ghostwrite the autobiography of its founder, a vastly wealthy man known as Principal. Tetration is a mash-up of Google and Apple, heading down an increasingly ominous path that pre-figures Snowden and the dangers of so much information concentrated in the hands of a few all-seeing, all-powerful companies. The novel is fragmented and inventive and aggressive, and invites the very structures of the Internet into the making of the work. But it remains a novel, wedded to the idea of the inherent worth of books as objects. In fact, the opening line is: "If you’re reading this on a screen, fuck off." Buy the hard copy. Top image: Dollar Photo Club.
A team of truly conscientious Italian cleaners will be toning down their enthusiasm this week, after accidentally cleaning up an entire art installation at the Museion, Museum for Modern and Contemporary Art in Bolanzo, Italy. Thinking the museum had really gone overboard with their opening night party, the cleaners painstakingly put Milanese artists Goldschmied & Chiari's installation Where Are We Going to Dance Tonight? in the bin; a wildly colourful work that consists of 300 empty champagne bottles, a disco ball, confetti, streamers and cigarette butts. The artists found a guide to the clubs of the Italian peninsula written in 1988 written by the then foreign minister Gianni de Michelis, sharing the name of the artwork Where Are We Going to Dance Tonight? According to artnet, the work is inspired by the hedonistic, consumerist period of '80s Italy and the "socialist politicians and their neverending parties". *whipcrack* IN THE BIN! The best part of this terribly awkward and tragic art tale? Because these cleaners were particularly meticulous in their job, they sorted the different elements of the work into their appropriate recycling receptacles, particularly the glass and paper elements. This means the museum will probably be able to rescue and reinstall the work. The museum's Facebook page says the work will be reinstalled as soon as possible. Eep. Via artnet. Images: Museion Bozen-Bolzano/Facebook, @MarleneP_/Twitter. UPDATE OCTOBER 29, 2015: Goldschmied & Chiari's installation has been restored and reopened in the Museion Bozen-Bolzano. "We greatly regret what happened to the artists' work: it was the result of a misunderstanding with the staff of the cleaning company," the museum said in a statement on its website. Party's back on! Happy friday?? #GoldschmiedChiari #doveandiamoaballarequestasera#2015 #Museion#alberodellacuccagna#Bolzano A video posted by Goldschmied & Chiari (@goldschmied_chiari) on Oct 23, 2015 at 10:15am PDT
Traditionally, art has valued the visual over the tactile and hard materials over soft ones. This exhibition, to be held at Gallery Lane Cove, is giving such conventions the old heave-ho. Curated by Felicity Martin and Paula do Prado, The Charged Object explores artworks whose tangible qualities are just as important as their visual elements. As you wander among pieces made of soft materials and textures just begging to be felt, consider the role of touch — or desire to touch — in the spectator's experience. Artists on show include Margarita Sampson, Michelle Cawthorn, Yarrenyty Arltere, Brett Alexander, Paulo do Prado, Anne Graham, Nicole Monks and John Brooks. Drop by on opening night — Wednesday, March 9 — for an official launch at 6pm and a panel discussion at 7pm.
The dynamic duo behind the lava-powered barbecue and 'anatomical whisky tastings' have something new and wonderfully creepy up their sleeve. Masters of blending gastronomy and performance art, Sam Bompas and Harry Parr have unveiled their latest project: the pop-up PharmaCafe in Dubai, a cafe which serves bespoke 'cocktails' based on your DNA. Entering Bompas and Parr's futuristic pop-up cafe, set up at the 2015 Museum of Future Government Services exhibition, visitors have their hand scanned for DNA. Then, lab coat-wearing 'bartenders' pair your genetic make-up with just the right medicinally beneficial ingredients; from rosemary and turmeric to chamomile and violet. According to LSN, violet can be used as an antiseptic, and turmeric gives your BDNF hormone a little boost — it's all down to optimising benefits according to your DNA. Whatever you're want for is whacked in a glass and served as a restorative health mocktail — something much more beneficial to your person than those Long Island Iced Teas you've been healthily guzzling. The PharmaCafe is just one of the creepily mindblowing projects happening at the 2015 Museum of Future Government Services show, a project by the Prime Minister’s Office of the UAE and directed by Tellart. The exhibition explores the future possibilities of travel, healthcare, education and urban services — featuring real and totally weird prototype services like smart mirrors that assess your appearance. Including the PharmaCafe, the first-of-its-kind exhibition features projects by over 80 designers, technologists and futurists from nearly 20 countries, like Specular, SOFTlab, Future Cities Catapult, Idee und Klang and Octo. Via LSN.
When it comes to creating and nurturing a family, all you need is love. That's the main message Gayby Baby pushes, as encompassing the perspective of those too often told that affection, commitment and forging a life together aren't enough for their unions to be legally recognised. Yes, we're talking about same-sex couples and their children — i.e. those at the centre of many a political and newspaper debate about sexual orientation and lifestyle preferences. Maya Newell's observational documentary, as inspired by her own upbringing by two lesbian mothers, gently works to refute perceptions about societal structures other than the stereotypical, so-called nuclear unit of a mum, dad and two kids that the suburbs are supposedly founded upon. In a broader sense, that's what the first-time feature filmmaker achieves in her follow-up to TV doco Growing Up Gayby, showing episodic slices of domestic and school life. However, honing in on the details, Newell also crafts a moving look at the experience of adolescence as told from the rarely seen vantage of the young hearts and minds at the centre of it all. Accordingly, an engaging group of 10- to 12-year-olds monopolise the movie, each united in their age range and stage of maturity, as well as in belonging to families with same-sex parents. Of course, they're brimming with diversity in other ways, namely their hopes, dreams, circumstances and personalities. Gus loves wrestling, much to one of his mothers' dismay, while Ebony is endeavouring to gain acceptance into a prestigious performing arts school. Matt is overcome with difficulties reconciling the teachings of his church with his home life, and Graham is learning to read as he relocates from Sydney to Fiji with his fathers. The tales their experiences touch upon could tie into many a kid in many a home across Australia, and that's Gayby Baby's strongest element. Gus, Ebony, Matt and Graham aren't different because their parents are gay, though they're needlessly forced to worry that they are. Interweaving political content — including Matt and his mothers meeting then Prime Minister Julia Gillard — helps emphasise the point, albeit with subtlety. The film doesn't focus on shouting an agenda, but rather lets the reality that these families face on a daily basis do the talking. So skips along a sensitive documentary made with the intimacy and authenticity its topic deserves. That the project was largely crowdfunded demonstrates the desire for on-screen explorations of the subject. That it bubbles over with earnest affection rather than overt statements shows how heartfelt and personal the end product feels. And while there's little that's revolutionary about the filmmaking at play in Gayby Baby, comprised of footage that flits between fly-on-the-wall and chats to camera as it is, the overall result proves as effectively constructed as its content. Students can access discount tickets to Gayby Baby at the Dendy Newtown.
Did you know you can dive with whale sharks, trek through ancient temples and hike an active volcano, all while being pampered in some of the most luxurious boutique hotels in the world? Asia is home to some breathtaking wonders, from the turquoise waters of the Maldives to the wildlife in Sri Lanka and the natural hot springs of Japan, but it's also home to some incredible hotels. A true holiday is the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. To get the best of both worlds on your next holiday, we've partnered with Mr & Mrs Smith to suggest five adventure and accommodation pairings. PICNIC ON A PRIVATE ISLAND IN THE MALDIVES, STAY AT COMO MAALIFUSHI The Maldives are best known for their pristine white-sand beaches and turquoise waters. Enough reason to visit the island is Como Maalifushi. This hotel is the only man-made structure on the island it resides in, and it's made up of luxurious, stilted villas that are set on a boardwalk surrounded by crystal clear waters and a visible coral reef beneath. The Maldives islands make up the world's lowest-lying country, reaching just a few metres above sea level, which makes it an ideal spot for snorkelling and scuba diving. You can take a dip right into the sea from your villa, but for a truly special dive experience, ask the hotel to organise a private scuba trip where you'll have the chance to see whale sharks and other exotic sub-aquatic life. Once you're ready to dry off, there's no better way to finish off the afternoon than a sailboat ride to a nearby private island, where a gourmet picnic will be prepared for you. VISIT THE ANGKOR WAT TEMPLES IN CAMBODIA, STAY AT PHUM BAITANG Angkor Wat is hands down the number one reason to visit Siem Reap, and Phum Baitang is ideally located close to the UNESCO heritage site, but is far excluded from the bustling town itself. Hidden away in the countryside among rice paddy fields, the private homes of Phum Baitang are constructed as traditional Khmer wooden houses. The stilted log cabin-like structures each come with private plunge pool and the hotel offers spa and yoga pavilion for further relaxation. Head to Angkor Wat in style with the hotel's exclusive sunrise temple tours, where you can beat the tourist rush to the popular Bakheng Hill. Once you've finished a morning of hiking, move back out to the countryside where you can have a relaxing swim in a pool overlooking the rolling hills and rice paddies. GO ON SAFARI IN SRI LANKA, STAY AT THE CHENA HUTS The 14 domed pavilions of the Chena Huts are set on seven acres of lush jungle, which affords each villa the utmost privacy and is a true nature getaway. The floor-to-ceiling glass walls open onto a private plunge pool and offer views of the blue lagoon on one side and a private beach on the other. The property is within the protected Yala National Park, so it's an ideal location for nature lovers. The park is a haven for biodiversity and the perfect spot for immersing yourself in the surroundings. Guests can watch giant turtles nesting on the beach and baby turtles hatching there, as well as storks and ibises wading through the lagoon. If you're keen to see more, take a guided safari tour where you can see some of nature's most majestic creatures, including leopards and elephants. VISIT ISE-SHIMA NATIONAL PARK IN JAPAN, STAY AT AMANEMU Wade in healing hot springs and the natural onsen inside Japan's Ise-Shima National Park, then return to your room at Amanemu. The stunning, minimalist hotel has rooms that were built with traditional techniques using natural materials, each with a private soaking tub and hot-spring taps. The hotel overlooks the scenic Ago Bay, where the majority of Mikimoto's pearls are planted and harvested by the Ama—female pearl divers whose ancient tradition dates back 2000 years. The 'Sea Women' impressively dive without tanks and Ise-Shima is one of the very few places in the world where the Ama can be observed. Visitors can enter the popular Ama hut, Satoumian, meet and talk with the Ama and prepare their own freshly caught seafood over a fireplace. HIKE UP MOUNT RINJANI IN INDONESIA, STAY AT THE LOMBOK LODGE The very exclusive Lombok Lodge only has nine suites available at a time. It's breezy and modern, with poolside suites offering ocean views. The boutique resort is set in a secluded coast of Lombok island, acting as a seaside oasis from every day life. The biggest attraction on the island is Mount Rinjani—an active volcano that is the second highest in all of Indonesia. Most visitors trek the mountain to swim in the natural hot spring and crater lake, which is impossibly blue and said to have ancient healing properties. The lake is located approximately 2000 metres above sea level and estimated to be about 200 metres deep. For those only making the trek to the lake, one overnight is required, but if you're a serious hiker and keen to make it all the way to the summit, at least three nights on the mountain should be expected. Make sure to plan your dates around the local weather, though, as the climb is generally closed at certain points of the year. If you decide to take a trip this Easter long weekend, visit Mr and Mrs Smith to book your accommodation. Images: Mr and Mrs Smith.
Liquid & Larder, the team behind Bistecca, The Rover and The Gidley, has brought another beefy brasserie to Sydney's CBD in the form of Alfie's. On Bligh Street among the hustle and bustle, Alfie's is a one-of-a-kind restaurant, aiming to provide an approachable, more affordable take on the steakhouse with a simplified menu and more casual atmosphere. There's just one cut of meat on offer, the 220-gram Riverine sirloin. But by god do they treat the cut with careful reverence. The steak is $38 and is promised to hit your table within 15 minutes of ordering, if you need it to. It's a concept that works perfectly for a weekday power lunch or for a group catch-up on a Friday night before kicking on elsewhere. Accompanying the steak is a range of sides which can be ordered in half or full portions. The roast carrots are a must, but there's also roast mushrooms, cucumber salad, butter lettuce and very good chips. Alfie's sommelier is charming, happy to help you find the perfect wine to pair with your sirloin, but the standout at Alfie's is the martini. Possibly Sydney's coldest, the classic cocktail is served at negative-ten degrees and keeping it to just one is a true measure of will power. There's also a walk-in-only bar out the front with its own British-inspired bar snack menu. Here, you'll find thyme scones, cornish pasties and hot chips with curry sauce. Head in between 4pm and 6pm, Monday–Saturday and you'll discover the daily happy hour: $16 martinis, $14 Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz Gin spritzes, $3 butchers Grifter beers, $10 wines and $17 chip and roast beef sandwiches — the perfect after work interlude or pre-drink stop before your reservation.
The process of getting takeout is about to become even easier, thanks to a brand new online service that lets you order using emojis. New York-based startup company Fooji works in partnership with local restaurants on a weekly rotating menu, and lets hungry customers place their order via twitter. Yes friends, the future has arrived...and it's really, really lazy. The way the service works almost literally couldn't be simpler, which is probably a big part of the appeal. When you sign up for an account, you list your address and billing information. Then, whenever you're feeling peckish, you just head on over to the Fooji homepage for that week's menu, which corresponds different dishes to different emojis – emojis you then tweet to @gofooji. Typical options include pizza, chicken wings, noodles, curries, sandwiches, pasta and sushi. Or if you're feeling adventurous, just tweet a knife and fork and the Fooji team will order for you. The service costs users a flat US$15 per meal, which includes delivery and tip. They're currently only operating in NYC and San Francisco, although their website mentions the possibility of expanding further down the line. There's also no way to customise your order or stray from the menu – tweeting a burger emoji plus an ice-cream emoji won't get you a dessert burger, no matter how delicious that may sound. It's also a bit rough for people with dietary requirements or food allergies, although don't forget you can still just pick up the phone and call the restaurant yourself. Fooji are currently pursuing a patent for their idea, although they may get some competition from Dominos, who actually rolled out a similar service back in May. That being said, Fooji probably has the edge in that the end result doesn't involve you having to actually consume a Dominos pizza. Yeah, that's definitely a plus. Via PSFK.
Every last trilby-wearing tween celebrity, President’s daughter and your smug, smug US-based friends will be rubbing their paws together after this morning’s Coachella festival lineup. Running over three weekends from April 10 - 19, the Californian festival has delivered their usual jaw-dropper of a lineup. Big gun headliners AC/DC, Jack White and Drake mark the top of the weekend bills, with a bonafide metric fucktonne of squealworthy buds filling out the rest — Interpol, Belle and Sebastian, Florence and the Machine, alt-J, St. Vincent, Ratatat, Jenny Lewis, FKA Twigs, Drive Like Jehu and Ol’Davey Guett-Guett to name a few. Homegrown legends are heading on over and representing with gusto, with Tame Impala, Chet Faker, Angus and Julia Stone, Vance Joy, What So Not and Alison Wonderland on the bill. Anyway, let’s be honest, you haven’t truly read any of those words — you’ll be wanting this:
Got brunch plans? Cancel them. Whatever they were, we just found a better option. House of Crabs in Redfern is relaunching its monthly Yum Cha brunch series, and the first sitting is happening today. Happening once a month between now and October, the Yum Cha series will bring an Asian twist to the crab shack's usual Louisiana-style menu, delighting diners with dishes such as steamed bao cheeseburgers, char siu octopus tacos, and pulled pork and prawn spring rolls. They've even got Chinese malted mantou served with caramel ice-cream for dessert. As for drinks, you can choose between a number of cocktails, including a Long Breakfast Martini made with gin, apricot brandy, lemon, mint and marmalade, and the Wasabi Mary, a Bloody Mary made with wasabi and soy sauce. The first iteration of House of Crabs' Yum Cha kicks off in...oh, about an hour. According to their Facebook there are still walk-in spots available though, so throw on your bib and scurry on down. Further dates are still being kept under wrap, although we'd suggest you keep any further long weekends in the next few months free. House of Crabs is located above The Norfolk at Level 1, 305 Cleveland Street, Surry Hills. For more information about their Yum Cha sessions keep your eyes on their Facebook and Instagram.
Sydney lost a long-time legend of the Kings Cross nightclub scene when Hugos closed its doors back in 2015. But now, as locals band together to revitalise the area's nightlife, the space will this week be reborn as Flamingo Lounge, courtesy of the team behind Double Bay's now-closed Casablanca Bar and Restaurant. And yes, Sneaky Sundays are back. Flashing a brand new Miami-inspired fit-out along with a 3am license and late-night pizza offering, the venue was initially intended to be a pop-up. But the team — who closed Casablanca earlier this month — has decided to go full steam ahead and make it permanent. "We knew we'd have to close Casablanca [due to commercial development] and this was the best venue to buy because of its position and history in Kings Cross," managing partner Poata Okeroa told Concrete Playground back in June. "The space is a progression from Casablanca for us." The new digs — which open for the first time on Friday, September 22 — are decidedly different from Hugos, going for a 1980s vibe that combines Miami glamour with art. Think pink neon lights, a retractable DJ stage, plush lounges and mixed-media wall collages. "The artwork and ceiling details will pay homage to the art walls of downtown Miami," explained designer Josh Clapp. "The lighting will also have a bit of Las Vegas and Caribbean flare, but we're moving away from that 'New York speakeasy' vibe you see everywhere." The space has been designed to be much moodier and darker than Hugos, with deep shades of burgundy acting as the main colour scheme. The entire venue has also been expertly soundproofed to make the internal sound quality top-notch — plus it has the added benefit of keeping the peace with neighbours. As a small homage to the venue's past, the leather from the existing lounges of Hugos will be repurposed as ceiling and wall panels. While the main club is meant to focus on the DJ booth, the adjoining terrace bar offers a more sophisticated cocktail lounge with table service and secluded booth. In all, the Flamingo Lounge will house four bars, and host three distinct nightly offerings. Flamingo Fridays will be lead by former Backroom and House of Luis Tans owner Raul Gonzales, and feature house music inspired by 1980s classic Miami disco glamour. Flamingo Saturdays will take their cues from Casablanca, with a bottle service-driven offering accompanied by hip hop and R&B. Finally, Sneaky Sundays — complete with Connie Mitchell and Black Angus — will make a triumphant return to Bayswater Road on the last night of the week, from 8pm till late. This will launch on October 1, which is on the Labour Day weekend. "We are extremely excited to be the ones pioneering the area post lockouts," said co-owner Sid Pierucci on the eve of Flamingo Lounge's launch. "Potts Point has always been a hotspot — arguably the epicentre — of Sydney's nightlife. Since the lockouts back in February 2014 the area's overall demographic has significantly altered the character of the area which is now needy of an upper class late night venue. We ultimately hope to add vibrancy to a city that currently needs it." Flamingo Lounge will soon be joined by Chula, a new Mexican restaurant from the Barrio Chino team, that will open next door before the end of the year. Flamingo Lounge opens at 33 Bayswater Road, Sydney tomorrow, September 22. It will be open Fridays and Saturdays from 8pm till late, and Sundays from October 1. For more information, visit their Facebook page. Words: Marissa Ciampi and Tom Clift. Images: Letícia Almeida.
Come summertime, we coffee lovers still need our daily cup o' joe. Yet the thought of your ritualistic long black or soy latte at 11am can sometimes be too hot to handle on a steamy summer's day. And dunking bucketloads of ice in it isn't going to do the trick, oh no. Times have changed and the coffee world is — as we know — getting fancier and fancier. Move beyond the outdated whipped cream and syrupy concoctions, and follow our lead to a cool caffeinated brew. THE CLASSIC ICED COFFEE Okay, disregard what we just said about the antiquity of this classic beverage, we still love it. The traditional components of this drink are an espresso shot, milk and a scoop of ice cream to sweeten it up. Some places may embellish it with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa on top, though why take the focus off what lies beneath? If you've got a real sweet tooth, ask for some sugar syrup in it or turn it into an iced mocha: lashings of chocolate syrup swirled down the sides of the glass. Alternatively, if you're not a fan of the sweet, ask for an iced latte: literally a shot of espresso with cold milk and ice. Many places offer this classic concoction, but our favourite is The Wedge in Glebe ($5.50): you can always rely on these guys for a decent brew, cold or hot. Three Williams also offer a memorable one — espresso with or without sweet milk, plus coffee ice cubes to keep the flavour balance right while you're slow slipping. For a kickass Vietnamese iced coffee? Head for Great Aunty Three or Cafe 86. For a tasty Thai version head to Boon Cafe for the iced coffee with caramelised milk. THE AFFOGATO Literally translated from the Italian word for 'drowned', an affogato is cold ice-cream 'drowned' in hot, strong, espresso coffee. It's most commonly served after dinner as a post-meal treat; however, cafes are bucking this trend and it's on the menu all day long. And who are we kidding? Of course, we won't say no to ice cream after brunch. Heck, is 6.30am too early? Not if you head to Single Origin. These folks have teamed up with Cow & the Moon gelataria in Enmore for an affogato project that could see a hazelnut gelato drowned in their house blend Sugar Plum espresso ($6.50). For something more insane, The Lab in the CBD do theirs with soft serve, or for one of the very best affogatos in Sydney do a double coffee combo at Ciccione and Sons. And if that's not a great start to the day, head to Gowings Bar & Grill later on in the evening for the ultimate buzz of choice. Their dark chocolate affogato is extravagantly wicked: espresso, jersey milk gelato, chocolate pearls, organic prunes, a shot of Patron XO tequila, then delicately garnished with a grated mocha log. It's a melting, creamy, caffeine-rich dessert worth every $16 of its boozy wonderment. [caption id="attachment_558149" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Image: Paramount Coffee Project.[/caption] THE COLD DRIP Ever seen a scientific-looking apparatus sitting on the back bar counter at a cafe and wondered whether your barista is doubling up as a chemist between lattes? Well, not quite. However, the 'ice-drip brewer' — as it is better known as — is another way for a barista to flaunt the theatrics of coffee brewing. The device infuses coffee in cold water for a period of 6-12 hours, and at glacial pace, it drips down to the bottom vessel. This method of removing heat from the process means the natural state of the coffee is preserved, hence locking in flavour. The result is a naturally sweeter taste due to its lower acidity — and a different caffeine hit. In fact, a different taste altogether. Unless you're hiding one of these contraptions in your cupboard at home, our favourite places for a cold drip dose are Something for Jess in Chippendale, Paramount Coffee Project, Campos Alexandria, Artificer, Mecca, Sample Coffee, Reuben Hills (with their house blend), Brewtown Newtown (also house blend) and Fine Food Store Coffee Bar on Oxford Street has a whole selection to choose from. Luxe Bakery in Newtown were doing a cold brew using coconut water last year, super refreshing. And Brewristas in Glebe have a bunch of cold coffee options (all served up in recycled beer bottles). THE COFFEE FRAPPE (STAY WITH US) By definition, a frappe is a Greek foam-covered iced coffee drink made from instant coffee. These days, there seem to be many variations, mostly sans coffee (for example, with fruit). We like the original version best, however: espresso with ice, milk and a touch of sugar syrup — all blended into a smooth oblivion. Our favourite is at Four Ate Five. This $6 treat will knock your socks off. A thick-walled glass holds the icy drink and will take some time to get through — but hey, if it's hot outside and you're inside sipping away with a chiller to cool the core, why rush? For something more devilish, visit Reuben Hills. The espresso & white chocolate thickshake (it's thick) is an $8.50 beverage that is chilled to kill. THE POUROVER ON ICE This Japanese method is perhaps more approachable, should you endeavour to make this at home. It's brewed like any other pour-over, only half of the hot water is replaced with ice cubes, which the coffee drips directly onto. The melting cubes not only dilute the concentrate but lock in the delicate flavours and ultimately cool the coffee enough for instant drinking. The pay-off is a fragrant, refreshing drink with subtle, floral flavours. Or, if you head to Paramount Coffee Project and have the Konga brew pour-over on ice ($5), it's like "being hit on the head with a fruit basket". THE BREW ON TAP As if we didn't need an excuse to come here anyway; Coffee Alchemy never lets us down with their fantastic brews. The Sparkler is no exception: a cold drip coffee with carbonated water injected. Oh, and did we mention the brew is actually on tap? That's right, it's not beer being poured out of the nozzle: it's Alchemy's cold, fizzy, caffeinated beverage. Mecca Alexandria do an awesome nitro cold brew poured from the tap, and Reuben Hills have just started doing their own carbonated coffee. For draught coffee on tap, head to Pablo and Rusty's or Bennet St Dairy for their supply of Harbourside. [caption id="attachment_545497" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Image: Minor Figures.[/caption] THE ON-THE-GO KIND We like Salvage Specialty Coffee's idea of bottling up their cold brew ($5). Similarly to the cold-drip idea, the grounds are steeped in cold water for 6-8 hours, and then bottled into small brown bottles, ready to sip on as you board the train. Alternatively, if you notice people leaning on a posing bar, chortling as they knock one back, they've taken note of the cheeky serving suggestions on the back label. There's also Melbourne company Minor Figures, whose cold brew poppers are available around the country, and also Melbourne-founded cold brew bottlers First Press Coffee. [caption id="attachment_555485" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Image: Assembly.[/caption] THE SPIKED VERSIONS Lest we forget the incredible espresso martini: the ultimate finale to our cold coffee adventures. One theory about its origin suggests it was created by a cocktail guru for a lady who requested a drink that would 'wake me up, then (insert-blasphemous-word here) me up'. And indeed it has all the requested ingredients for such a demand: vodka, Kahlua, a double shot of espresso, sugar syrup and a garnishing of coffee beans — it's a stimulating beverage to say the least. Moreover, this form of catalyst requires a suitable bartender who not only knows how to shake (or stir?) the martini, but also is an expert in the bean. The best place to find such a great combo is at Top Hat in Clovelly, and now that they're trading later on some nights, let them impress you with one of their espresso martinis ($18) or cold-drip Negroni ($17). Barrio Cellar, Red Lily, The Botanist, Peg Leg and Assembly's new restaurant in the CBD all do a mean spiked coffee cocktail. Images: Dollar Photo Club unless specified.
Staying at home, binge-watching House of Cards and polishing off a few chocolate bunnies solo is one way of spending the Easter long weekend. But when you're trudging back to work on Tuesday, don't you want to feel like you used the time a little more actively? That instead of lounging on the couch you explored sea caves? Instead of going on a YouTube bender you went paddleboarding in crystal-clear water? That you could have finished Fallout 4 but instead you saw the sun set over stunning snowy mountains? Use those glorious four days wisely, you don't get this time off every week. Look, you don't even have to plan anything. These five Instagram-happy globetrotters have put together the perfect itinerary for five different four-day holidays you could taken over the Easter break. Pick your favourite and get going. FIND WATERFALLS, MIDDLE EARTH AND CHEESE FACTORIES IN AUCKLAND by Nicola Easterby @polkadotpassport. Spend a few jam-packed days exploring Auckland and its surrounding countryside, beaches and bubbling restaurant, cafe and bar scene — and make time for an adventure to the stunning Kitekite Falls. Start your trip by enjoying a cup of New Zealand's world-class coffee at Auckland's Fort Lane and a treat from the cafe's European-inspired patisserie cabinet. Head up Mount Eden, the city's highest natural point. Then get ready for a drastic change of pace from the metropolitan buzz as you head out to West Auckland, with rolling green countryside and the boutique wineries of Kumeu, then up to North Auckland with endless stretches of beaches and picturesque regional parks to explore. Make sure you find the Puhoi Cheese Factory. Then head south of Auckland for two hours and you'll end up at the town of Matamata, home to the one and only Lord of the Rings Hobbiton movie set. For the full four-day itinerary. head over here. RIDE SCOOTERS AND LEARN TO COOK IN BALI by Laurie Young @theruecollective. Bali is one of those enchanting places that will transport you from ordinary life into a world of spiritual culture, vibrant colours, and beautiful people. Whether you're looking for a calming escape, a new adventure or simply a few blissful days in paradise, Bali has you covered. Watch the Nusa Dua sunrise and spend the afternoon lounging on the beach drinking from fresh coconuts and enjoying a massage in your own beach chair. Hire a scooter and drive to Uluwatu Temple. Climb down into ocean caves and let the waves lap at your feet. Eat dinner at Jimbaran's traditional seafood restaurants lined up along the beach. Find infinity rooftop pools in Seminyak, learn to cook a traditional Indonesian or Pan Asian dish and spend the afternoon on the beach watching the surfers. For the full four-day itinerary. head over here. EXPLORE TEMPLES AND SEA CAVES IN PHUKET by Helen Chix @helenchikx. For those who have never been to Phuket and need an itinerary packed with the essentials to get a taste of what this city has to offer, then read on. Be warned though – you may find yourselves booking your return (or perhaps one way?) flights and I take no responsibility for this – or maybe just a little. First-timers should opt for a day tour to check out Phi Phi Island or just arrange transport to be ferried to and from. Visit Monkey Beach, swim at Maya Bay (made famous by the movie The Beach), and explore Phi Phi Island. If you're after a day of pampering, then check out the Darin Massage Spa. Explore the Monkey Cave Temple (Wat Suwannakuha), kayak through the mangroves and sea caves at Talu Island, and visit the Muslim fishing village erected on stilts on Koh Panyee. Head over to Krabi for beachfront restaurants and bars with a view fit to enjoy a sunset dinner. Snorkel just off the beach at Chicken Island – but beware of stepping on sea urchins. For the full four-day itinerary. head over here. FIND A FOODIE'S PARADISE IN QUEENSTOWN by Chrizelle Lategan @chrizellelategan. Roam around the little streets of Queenstown over the Easter break — and we mean walking. Visit cute little coffee shops, invest in homemade woollen products, pig out on pork ribs and nibble on delicious seasonal canapés in front of the fire in the beautiful Bordeau Wine Lounge. And that's just the start of your trip. Take a 20-minute scenic drive to gold mining town Arrowtown and visit The Chop Shop, have modern French cuisine in Wanaka, and take the gondola up to Skyline Restaurant. Visit Milford Sound to experience one of the most breathtaking places in the world, wait in line at Ferburger for a feed you won't forget (choose the Codfather if you know what's good for you), and take a stroll alongside the Lake Wakatipu pier. For the full four-day itinerary. head over here. FIND SMALL SURF TOWNS ON THE GOLD COAST by Brigette Dyer @BlkWhiteBlog. Start big with wine and theme parks in and around Broadbeach and then take (short) road trip just over the New South Wales border to the one and only Halcyon House located in Cabarita Beach, a small town with a renowned surf break. Once a run-down 1960s' motel, Halcyon House has been beautifully renovated into a European-inspired boutique hotel. Only a short drive from the Gold Coast you have Queensland's capital city, Brisbane (Concrete Playground can help you here). Then, make your way down to Tallebudgera Creek. Find a comfortable spot under the trees, hire a stand-up paddleboard, or join the locals in jumping off the bridge into the crystal clear water below. Only a two-minute drive from Tallebudgera you have Burleigh Heads, where you can visit the Heads' very first rooftop bar — and order the Deep Fried Nutella Ice Cream Sandwich. For the full four-day itinerary. head over here. Haven't clicked with one of these adventures? Check out more #4PricelessDays itineraries on MasterCard's website.
Debauched banquets from Bompas and Parr, immersive art sleepovers at Cradle Mountain and all the demon purging and ceremonial death dances you could want in a festival. Now in its third year, Dark Mofo continues to evolve to be darker, weirder and wilder than before. Aligned with the winter solstice and running June 12-22, MONA's annual June festival celebrates the Neolithic tradition over ten hedonistic days of eclectic and unpredictable art, performance, music and happenings around Hobart, concluding with the annual nude solstice swim at dawn after the longest night in Australia. Last year's festival attracted more than 130,000 Mofos over ten days, with about a third coming from interstate. Ever the supporter of bizarre extravaganzas, Hendrick’s Gin, an official partner of MONA, will bring its weird and wonderful flavour to Dark Mofo this year with the installation of its legendary Parlour of Curiosities in Dark Park. Here, festivalgoers will discover a treasury of tipples, daring and intimate performances, as well as an eccentric revelry of otherworldly wonders and delightfully dark surprises (we're not giving much away). Picture an abandoned circus situated in the depths of a forbidden forest, full of dark and mysterious wonders. Then find yourself a crispy beverage and lose yourself, off you go. Thanks to Hendrick's Gin, we are giving one CP subscriber the chance to attend Dark Mofo with a friend as VIP guests of Hendrick's. The prize includes: 2x tickets to Dark Mofo 2x return flights (departing Saturday, June 20, and returning Sunday, June 21) 1 night's accommodation at the 4 star Best Western in Hobart. To be in the running, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter (if you haven't already), then email us with your name and phone number. Sydney: win.sydney@concreteplayground.com.au Melbourne: win.melbourne@concreteplayground.com.au Brisbane: win.brisbane@concreteplayground.com.au The giveaway will be drawn at 10am on June 19, 2015, and the winner will be notified by phone.
For three animal-friendly weeks, The Midnight Special, Newtown's Americana-inspired bar, is handing its culinary reins to Alfie's Kitchen, experts in creative vegan fare. It's the third kitchen takeover in recent months for TMS, following a barbecue pop-up with Enmore's Bovine and Swine and a retro throwback with Petersham's Daisy's Milkbar. Get stuck into Smashing Pumpkin ($10), which are sesame crackers filled with smashed pumpkin dip and served with miso caramel sauce, as well as vegan tacos, vegan burgers and sticky eggplant skewers. For snacks, it's crackles galore. Just $5 will buy you puffed tapioca crackles with house-made pickles or eggplant relish. If you're up for a feast, drop by on a Sunday for Alfie's Midnight Special Banquet. You'll be tucking into a bunch of fried delights, including sweet-and-sour bread, eggplant-and-chilli and garlic dumplings. Meanwhile, The Midnight Special's drinks team has come up with some vegan cocktails to match, including Little Red Corvette (lemon myrtle infused gin, raspberry compote, spiced agave) and Figeroni Fig (ginger-infused rye whiskey, Campari, Amaro Averna, orange twist). Alfie's Midnight Special is happening from 5.30pm till late, Wednesday to Sunday, June 9 to 30.
After five days of furious face-melting solos, indulgently excessive jam sessions and an unprecedented quota of covers, Bluesfest raised a plastic cup to a well-attended, well-enjoyed and well-rained on festival for 2015. Returning to the Tyagarah Tea Farm over the Easter long weekend, Bluesfest once again solidified its well-worn spot in the Australian festival game as one of the tightest productions on the calendar. It goes without saying, this isn't festival director Peter Noble's first time at the rodeo. Everything just works. After three major headliners pulled out early in the game (The Black Keys, Lenny Kravitz and Ben Howard), expectations for this year's Byron Bay blues and roots festival were a little all over the shop. But at the end of the day, most muddy Bluesfesters probably forgot they were playing in the first place; memories erased by the sheer rhythmic speed of Rodrigo y Gabriela, the old-soul might and power of Alabama Shakes' Brittany Howard, and the somewhat random but nonetheless straight-up high-fiveworthy inclusion of Jurassic 5. Honestly, it probably took every Bluefest-attending journo every inch of self control not to use the phrase "rain didn't dampen spirits" in any post-festival write-up for this year's event. Boy, did we want to. Bluesfest 2015 welcomed its usual onslaught of autumn rain, creating bonafide mud swamps in the middle of the festival by Sunday. But this didn't stop the punters; Beth Hart enthusiasts braving the rain for one of the best Led Zeppelin covers ever burled, and Xavier Rudd's heaving tent of fans happily squidging through marshes of sludge for the set. If anything, the rain made legendary Spanish-style supergroup The Gipsy Kings' huge singalong rendition of 'Bamboleo' even more magic. Blending older legendary artists with new hotshots seemed to underpin the entire Bluesfest program this year — undeniably evident in the wide-ranging audience demographic too. Unsung soul hero Charles Bradley energetically howled and sexy-danced through his soulful set despite being 66 years old, while 31-year-old bright young hypecard Gary Clark Jr proved his reputation as one of the globe's best guitar players. If Bluesfest continues along this old/new programming balance, they're in for immeasurable years of new and returning ticket buyers. Bluesfest ain't goin' nowhere. And one last thing. After relentless discussion and noob shaming, we counted no less than six inappropriate headdresses at Bluesfest. Yeah next time, maybe not guys. Images: Andy Fraser. Words: Shannon Connellan.
If you've been dreaming of adding some A.P.C. threads to your wardrobe, but haven't quite had the budget to stretch, then you're in luck. The French designer label's will this week fill a shopfront in Paddington with some pretty incredible bargains in a one-off surplus sale. From Thursday, March 1 to Sunday, March 4, you'll be able to get your mitts on covetable, cut-price pieces from both the SS16 and SS17 men's and women's collections. Highlights include designs from two big-name collaborations — A.P.C. x Outdoor Voices and A.P.C. x Jean Touitou — all sporting the brand's signature clean lines and luxuriously minimalist silhouettes. A.P.C.'s surplus concept is usually only available in Paris, New York and Tokyo, so consider this a rare opportunity to bag a discount. The sale will run from 1–7pm on Thursday, 9am–5pm on Friday and Saturday and 10am–4pm on Sunday.
Common wisdom tells us that, if you really want to innovate, you need to think outside the box. But it turns out thinking inside the box can sometimes be just as effective. Case in point: Freight Farms, a shipping container farm company aiming to revolutionise urban agriculture. It's the brainchild of owners Jon Friedman and Brad McNamara, and the result of some out-of-the-figurative-box, inside-the-literal-box thinking. As the name suggests, the American company specialises in sustainable farm systems built inside portable shipping containers. The so-called Leafy Green Machines (LGMs) are outfitted with LED lighting that replicates sunlight, a drip irrigation system that uses just ten gallons of water a day, and sensors that balance temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide levels. Crops such as lettuce and kale are grown in vertical towers to avoid wasted space and ensure the maximum possible yield. "Freight Farms is just a much more efficient use of land," Friedman told The Huffington Post. "You're talking about growing vertically in a very condensed footprint." Apparently, the farms can yield the equivalent of two acres of conventional farmland. "The cost to get a farm right now is right around $80,000" says McNamara. "But the operating cost is going to be under $20,000 a year. We have farmers who are clearing revenue anywhere from $60,000 a year growing certain crop, all the way to $90,000 and above." And according to the pair, the farms don't require a great deal of expertise or in-depth training to run. "We focused a lot on creating a platform that people can use with only motivation — not requiring advanced degrees or advanced schooling or long training." Anyone up for growing their own kale? Freight Farms Allow You To Grow Food AnywhereThis portable vegetable garden's growing inside a 320-square-foot shipping container that can yield as much as two acres of farmland. Posted by The Huffington Post on Friday, January 8, 2016 Via The Huffington Post.
History was made. For once, the vibe was casual and relaxed rather than tense and overdone. And it seems that even the Academy itself was surprised by the very last winner of the night. Yes, the Oscars have now been and gone for 2021, albeit a couple of months later than usual — one of the many changes implemented in response to the pandemic. First, the exceptional news: after nominating two female directors for the first time ever — yes, the first time in the awards' 93-year history — the Academy also gave one of these talented ladies the nod. Only The Hurt Locker's Kathryn Bigelow has ever won the coveted field before, so Chloé Zhao's win for Nomadland is the hugest kind of deal there is when it comes to finally recognising that women helm movies, too. Zhao is also the first woman of colour to ever win the Best Director prize. Also phenomenal: the wins that went Daniel Kaluuya and Yuh-Jung Youn's ways, for their supporting roles in Judas and the Black Messiah and Minari respectively. Their individual speeches were something special as well. When you're thanking your parents for having sex and therefore bringing you into this world, and trying to cosy up to Brad Pitt, you're going to grab attention. But, in a year filled with worthy winners and just-as-deserving nominees, the thing that everyone will be talking about for the next 12 months is the Best Actor field. It seems that the folks behind the Oscars thought that Chadwick Boseman would win posthumously for Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, with the category moved to the last slot of the evening — breaking with tradition. But, then Anthony Hopkins emerged victorious for The Father, wasn't in attendance or available via video, and the show came to a close without a big speech. Perhaps that kind of chaos is apt, given that nothing about the past year has been normal — in cinema, or in life in general. It's also worth remembering that this year's Oscars ceremony was partly brought to the world by Steven Soderbergh, with the prolific filmmaker producing the awards broadcast. Yes, that means that the man who made the most prophetic movie of the past decade, aka Contagion, had a hand in the making Hollywood's night of nights happen in the pandemic era. Now that the longest Oscars season in memory is done and dusted for the year, more fun awaits. Whether you're watching them for the first time or the tenth, a list of stellar winning films is there to be seen by your movie-loving eyeballs. Some you can stream at home right now. Others, you'll need to head to the biggest screen near you. Either way, we've rounded up ten of 2021's Academy Award-winning must-sees. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSFpK34lfv0 NOMADLAND Frances McDormand is a gift of an actor. Point a camera her way, and a performance so rich that it feels not just believable but tangible floats across the screen. That's the case in Nomadland, which has earned McDormand her third shiny Oscars statuette just three years after she nabbed her second for Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. Here, leading a cast that also includes real people experiencing the existence that's fictionalised within the narrative, she plays the widowed, van-dwelling Fern — a woman who takes to the road, and to the nomad life, after the small middle-America spot she spent her married life in turns into a ghost town when the local mine is shuttered due to the global financial crisis. Following her travels over the course of more than a year, this humanist drama serves up an observational portrait of those that society happily overlooks. It's both deeply intimate and almost disarmingly empathetic in the process, as every movie made by Chloé Zhao is. This is only the writer/director's third, slotting in after 2015's Songs My Brothers Taught Me and 2017's The Rider but before 2021's Marvel flick Eternals, but it's a feature of contemplative and authentic insights into the concepts of home, identity and community. Meticulously crafted, shot and performed, it's also Zhao's best work yet, and the best film of 2020 as well. Won: Best Picture, Best Director (Chloé Zhao), Best Actress in a Leading Role (Frances McDormand). Where to watch it: In cinemas, still — and it'll be available to stream via Star on Disney+ from Friday, April 30. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0ox9ExOA1M&feature=youtu.be THE FATHER Forgetting, fixating, flailing, fraying: that's Florian Zeller's The Father, as brought to the screen in a stunning fashion from Le Père, the filmmaker's own play. Anthony's (Anthony Hopkins, Westworld) life is unravelling, with his daughter Anne (Olivia Colman, The Crown) springing the sudden news that she's about to move to Paris, and now insistent that he needs a new carer to replace the last home helper he's just scared off. He also can't find his watch, and time seems to jump suddenly. On some days, he has just trundled out of bed to greet the morning when Anne advises that dinner, not breakfast, is being served. When he brings up her French relocation again, she frostily and dismissively denies any knowledge. Sometimes another man (Mark Gatiss, Dracula) stalks around Anthony's London apartment, calling himself Anne's husband. Sometimes the flat isn't his own at all and, on occasion, both Anne (Olivia Williams, Victoria and Abdul) and her partner (Rufus Sewell, Judy) look completely different. Intermittently, Anthony either charms or spits cruel words at Laura (Imogen Poots, Black Christmas), the latest aide hired to oversee his days. So goes this largely housebound film, which is also a chaotic film. Despite its visual polish, and that mess, confusion and upheaval is entirely by design. All the shifting and changing — big and small details alike, and faces and places, too — speak to the reason Anne keeps telling Anthony they need another set of hands around the house. And, diving into it all is simply heartbreaking. Won: Best Actor (Anthony Hopkins), Best Adapted Screenplay (Christopher Hampton and Florian Zeller). Where to watch it: In cinemas. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbE96sCJEjo MINARI Although they can frequently seem straightforward, films about the American dream aren't simply about chasing success. The circumstances and details change, but they're often movies about finding a place to call home as well. Such a quest isn't always as literal as it sounds, of course. While houses can signify achievement, feeling like you truly belong somewhere — and that you're comfortable enough to set your sights on lofty goals and ambitions that require considerable risks and sacrifices — transcends even the flashiest or cosiest combination of bricks and mortar. Partly drawn from writer/director Lee Isaac Chung's (Abigail Harm) own childhood, Minari understands this. It knows that seeking a space to make one's own is crucial, and that it motivates many big moves to and within the US. So, following a Korean American couple (Steven Yeun, Burning and Yeri Han, My Unfamiliar Family) who relocate to rural Arkansas in the 80s with hopes of securing a brighter future for their children (first-timer Noel Cho and fellow newcomer Alan S Kim), this delicately observed and deeply felt feature doesn't separate the Yi family's attempts to set up a farm from their efforts to feel like they're exactly where they should be. Complete with a film-stealing performance from Youn Yuh-jung (Sense8) as Monica's mother, the result is a precise, vivid, moving, and beautifully performed and observed film told with honest and tender emotion — so much so that it was always bound to be equally universal and unique. Won: Best Actress in Supporting Role (Yuh-Jung Youn). Where to watch it: In cinemas. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ivHf4ODMi4 JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH The last time that Daniel Kaluuya and LaKeith Stanfield appeared in the same film, Get Out was the end result. Their shared scene in Jordan Peele's Oscar-winning horror movie isn't easily forgotten (if you've seen the feature, it will have instantly popped into your head while you're reading this), and neither is Judas and the Black Messiah, their next exceptional collaboration. With Kaluuya starring as the Black Panther Party's Illinois Chairman Fred Hampton and Stanfield playing William O'Neal, the man who infiltrated his inner circle as an informant for the FBI, the pair is still tackling race relations. Here, though, the duo does so in a ferocious historical drama set in the late 60s. The fact that O'Neal betrays Hampton isn't a spoiler; it's a matter of fact, and the lens through which writer/director Shaka King (Newlyweeds) and his co-scribes Kenneth Lucas, Keith Lucas (actors on Lady Dynamite) and Will Berson (Scrubs) view the last period of Hampton's life. The magnetic Kaluuya has already won a Best Supporting Actor Golden Globe for his performance, and now he has an Oscar as well — and if he wants to keep acting opposite his fellow Academy Award nominee Stanfield in movies this invigorating, ardent, resonant and essential, audiences won't complain. Won: Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Daniel Kaluuya), Best Original Song ('Fight For You' by HER, Dernst Emile II and Tiara Thomas). Where to watch it: In cinemas. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ord7gP151vk MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM Chadwick Boseman didn't end up winning an Oscar for his last screen role, but the late, great actor really should've. Boseman is just that phenomenal in Ma Rainey's Black Bottom. He has earned that term before in Get on Up, Black Panther and Da 5 Bloods, but his performance in this stage-to-screen production is such a powerhouse effort that it's like watching a cascading waterfall drown out almost everything around it. He plays trumpeter Levee Green, who is part of the eponymous Ma Rainey's (Viola Davis, Widows) band. On a 1920s day, the always-nattering, big-dreaming musician joins Ma — who isn't just a fictional character, and was known as the Mother of Blues — and the rest of his colleagues for a recording session. Temperatures and tempers rise in tandem in the Chicago studio, with Levee and Ma rarely seeing eye to eye on any topic. Davis is in thundering, hot-blooded form, while Colman Domingo (If Beale Street Could Talk) and Glynn Turman (Fargo) also leave a firm impression. It's impossible take your eyes off of the slinkily magnetic Boseman though, as would prove the case even if he was still alive to see the film's release. Adapting the play of the same name by August Wilson (Fences), director George C Wolfe (The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks) lets Boseman farewell the screen with one helluva bang. Won: Best Makeup and Hairstyling (Sergio Lopez-Rivera, Mia Neal and Jamika Wilson), Best Costume Design (Ann Roth). Where to watch it: On Netflix. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gs--6c7Hn_A SOUL Released early in 2020, Onward definitely wasn't Pixar's best film — but Soul, its straight-to-streaming latest movie that capped off the past year, instantly contends for the title. The beloved animation studio has always excelled when it takes big leaps. Especially now, a quarter-century into its filmmaking tenure, its features prove particularly enchanting when they're filled with surprises (viewers have become accustomed to seeing toys, fish, rats and robots have feelings, after all). On paper, Soul initially seems similar to Inside Out, but switching in souls for emotions. It swaps in voice work by Tina Fey for Amy Poehler, too, and both movies are helmed by director Peter Docter, so there's more than one reason for the comparison. But to the delight of viewers of all ages, Soul is a smart, tender and contemplative piece of stunning filmmaking all on its own terms. It's Pixar at its most existential, and with a strikingly percussive score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross to further help it stand out. At its centre sits aspiring jazz musician-turned-music teacher Joe (Jamie Foxx, Just Mercy). Just as he's about to get his big break, he falls down a manhole, his soul leaves his body, and he's desperate to get back to chase his dreams. Alas, that's not how things work, and he's saddled with mentoring apathetic and cynical soul 22 (the always hilarious Fey) in his quest to reclaim his life. Won: Best Animated Feature, Best Original Score (Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross and Jon Batiste). Where to watch it: On Disney+. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vdaJcoKk0s PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN Promising Young Woman would've made an excellent episode or season of Veronica Mars. That's meant as the highest compliment to both the bubblegum-hued take on the rape-revenge genre and the cult-status private detective series. Writer/director Emerald Fennell clearly isn't blind to the parallels between the two, even casting Veronica Mars stars Max Greenfield (New Girl) and Chris Lowell (GLOW) in her feature debut. Don't go thinking the Killing Eve season two showrunner and The Crown actor is simply following in other footsteps, though. At every moment, the brilliant and blistering Promising Young Woman vibrates with too much anger, energy and insight to merely be a copycat of something else. It's a film made with the savviest of choices, and provocative and downright fearless ones as well, in everything from its soundtrack to its weaponised pastel, peppy and popping Instagram-friendly imagery. You don't include Italian quartet Archimia's orchestral version of Britney Spears' 'Toxic', Paris Hilton's 'Stars Are Blind' and an abundance of vibrant surface sheen in a movie about a woman waging war on the culture of sexual assault without trying to make a statement — and Fennell succeeds again and again. She has also made the smart decision to cast Carey Mulligan (The Dig), and to draw upon the acclaimed actor's near-peerless ability to express complex internalised turmoil. Mulligan's fierce lead performance scorches, sears and resounds with such burning truth, and so does the feature she's in as a result. Won: Best Original Screenplay (Emerald Fennell). Where to watch it: It's available to rent or buy via Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Amazon Video. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFOrGkAvjAE SOUND OF METAL When feature filmmaking debutant Darius Marder begins Sound of Metal just as its title intimates, he does so with the banging and clashing of drummer Ruben Stone (Riz Ahmed, Venom) as his arms flail above his chosen instrument. He's playing a gig with his girlfriend and bandmate Lou (Olivia Cooke, Ready Player One), and he's caught up in the rattling and clattering as her guttural voice and thrashing guitar offers the pitch-perfect accompaniment. But for viewers listening along, it doesn't quite echo the way it should. For the bleached-blonde, tattooed, shirtless and sweaty Ruben, that's the case, too. Sound of Metal's expert and exacting sound design mimics his experience, as his hearing fades rapidly and traumatically over the course of a few short days — a scenario that no one wants, let alone a musician with more that a few magazine covers to his band's name, who motors between shows in the cosy Airstream he lives in with his other half and is about to embark upon a new tour. That's not all the film is about, though. Ruben's ability to listen to the world around him begins to dip out quickly and early, leaving him struggling; however, it's how he grapples with the abrupt change, and with being forced to sit with his own company without a constant onslaught of aural interruptions distracting him from his thoughts, that the movie is most interested in. Won: Best Sound (Nicolas Becker, Jaime Baksht, Michelle Couttolenc, Carlos Cortés and Phillip Bladh), Best Film Editing (Mikkel EG Nielsen). Where to watch it: In cinemas and on Amazon Prime Video. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5R46NgopPw&feature=emb_logo ANOTHER ROUND Even the most joyous days and nights spent sipping your favourite drink can have their memory tainted by a hangover. Imbibe too much, and there's a kicker just waiting to pulsate through your brain and punish your body when all that alcohol inevitably starts to wear off. For much of Another Round, four Copenhagen school teachers try to avoid this feeling. The film they're in doesn't, though. Writer/director Thomas Vinterberg (Kursk)) and his co-scribe Tobias Lindholm (A War) lay bare the ups and downs of knocking back boozy beverages, and it also serves up a finale that's a sight to behold. Without sashaying into spoiler territory, the feature's last moments are a thing of sublime beauty. Some movies end in a WTF, "what were they thinking?" kind of way, but this Oscar-shortlisted Danish film comes to a conclusion with a big and bold showstopper that's also a piece of bittersweet perfection. The picture's highest-profile star, Mads Mikkelsen (Arctic), is involved. His pre-acting background as an acrobat and dancer comes in handy, too. Unsurprisingly, the substances that flow freely throughout the feature remain prominent. And, so does the canny and candid awareness that life's highs and lows just keep spilling, plus the just-as-shrewd understanding that the line between self-sabotage and self-release is as thin as a slice of lemon garnishing a cocktail. Won: Best International Feature. Where to watch it: In cinemas. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSfX-nrg-lI MANK In 2010's The Social Network, David Fincher surveyed the story of an outsider and upstart who would become a business magnate, wield significant influence and have an immense impact upon the world. The applauded and astute film tells the tale of Mark Zuckerberg and of Facebook's development — but it's also the perfect precursor to Fincher's latest movie, Mank. This time around, the filmmaker focuses on a man who once spun a similar narrative. A drama critic turned screenwriter, Herman J Mankiewicz scored the gig of his lifetime when he was hired to pen Orson Welles' first feature, and he drew upon someone from his own life to do so. Citizen Kane is famous for many things, but its central character of Charles Foster Kane is also famously partially based on US media mogul William Randolph Hearst, who Mankiewicz knew personally. Accordingly, Mank sees Fincher step behind the scenes of an iconic movie that his own work has already paralleled — to ponder how fact influences fiction, how stories that blaze across screens silver and small respond to the world around them, and how one man's best-known achievement speaks volumes about both in a plethora of ways. Mank is a slice-of-life biopic about Mankiewicz's (Gary Oldman, Crisis) time writing Citizen Kane's screenplay, as well as his career around it. It's catnip for the iconic feature's multitudes of fans, in fact. But it also peers at a bigger picture, because that's classic Fincher. Won: Best Cinematography (Erik Messerschmidt), Best Production Design (Donald Graham Burt and Jan Pascale). Where to watch it: In cinemas and on Netflix. Read our full review. Top image: Nomadland. Image courtesy of Searchlight Pictures. © 2020, 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved
Sydneysiders who enjoy doing battle with the mezcal worm will be pleased to know the next time you do the whole one tequila, two tequila, three tequila floor routine, they can soak it up with some genuine Mexican cuisine at Newtown's new Mexican-themed and heavily Day of the Dead-decorated joint Calaveras Mexican Cantina and Tequila Bar. Calaveras is a hopeful mix of local and Mexican culture. The seasonal menu is focused on local produce and the interior boasts mural art by Newtonian artists, keeping the venue firmly present in its King Street location. But it's the relaxed, fun atmosphere Calaveras is gunning for that's more in keeping with the Mexican way of enjoying food and drink. Head chef Karen Darinka Fernandez has put together a sublime-sounding menu, which is where real Mexican authenticity comes into play. Think fat stacks of stuffed tacos, quesadillas brimming with salsa, mozzarella, pineapple and marinated pulled pork, chorizo and flour tortillas up the wazoo and all washed down with a Newtown Martini (which uses Young Henrys Noble Cut gin to keep things local). This isn’t the kind of place where you can get fries with that and we couldn’t be happier. The venture is fronted by Gerardo Macip and takes the place of Onyx bar, Macip’s former establishment, and between him and manager Adam Boys, they’re hoping to bring some genuine Mexican flavour to Newtown. Before Onyx, Macip was the proud owner of beloved Mexican restaurant Agave, which flourished on Crown Street, Surry Hills for five years — it's testament to Macip that the place that didn't last very long after he left the helm. Calaveras is also planning a doozy of a Day of the Dead celebration in early November so keep your eyes peeled for announcements. Find Calaveras Mexican Cantina and Tequila Bar at Level 1, 324 King Street, Newtown. For bookings, call 0451 541 712.
21st Century Fox have taken their sweet time with this one. After 26 years of The Simpsons, the supreme rights owners of the show are teaming up with an a brewery to create an actual, officially-licensed Duff Beer. This news comes as particularly bittersweet to Ausralians, who enjoyed blissful years of novelty drinking with Woolworths' unofficial version of Duff — until it was tragically banned in 2014 for being too appealing to children. We're not the only ones to tried to live the dream, Colombia, Mexico and Germany are just two other starry-eyed Simpsons-loving countries who also created bootlegged Duff. According to the Wall Street Journal, it was this heaving market of fake Duffs and their inevitable lawsuits which pushed Fox to start brewing their own. Basically, if Fox had an official Duff on the market, they'd have a stronger legal foot to stand on and there'd be less of this: But don't get your hopes up too quickly. Outside Universal Orlando's Springfield theme park, the official Duff Beer will only be available in Chile for now (where Fox has been fighting a huge rise of unauthorised versions of the beer). But apparently a worldwide release is being considered, so you could be smashin' Duffs in the near future. Now, let's finally address the elephant in the room — what's Duff going to taste like? Let's be honest, Duff isn't exactly celebrated for being a top quality brew; it's the VB of Springfield. So Fox has been working with British brewmaster Paul Farnsworth to create a recipe to make fans and beer drinkers happy. “It’s a premium lager,” he told WSJ. “It’s got a very good balance of flavor and refreshment to it. It’s fairly deep golden in color. It’s got a hint of fruit to it. It’s got a caramel aromatic to it.” Caramel? We're not sure Moe would stock anything with "a caramel aromatic" but we'll go with for now. Via WSJ.
What would you do if you were a little less freaked out by consequences? Would you talk to more new people, fear a bit less, dance a little more like FKA Twigs, quit your desk job and start that no-guarantees creative career you've always had in the back of your mind? Some sparkling young Australians are already flinging their inhibitions into a ziplock bag and seizing this little ol' life with both hands. Concrete Playground has teamed up with the Jameson crew to give you a sneak peek into the lives of bold characters who took a big chance on themselves. They've gone out on a limb and rewritten their path, encapsulating 'Sine Metu', the Jameson family motto which translates to 'without fear' — getting outside your comfort zone and trying something new. After all, we only get one shot at this. Take notes. Who doesn't want to watch movies all day, and get paid for the privilege? That's not all Kate Jinx does as the director of programming at Sydney's Golden Age Cinema and Bar; however finding challenging features you wouldn't see elsewhere and championing under-appreciated classics really is how she has made a living since the boutique theatrette opened in September 2013. It's what Kate herself calls "a ridiculous job", and given that she previously studied graphic design then lectured in the field, worked for record labels as well as triple j and FBi Radio, it almost didn't happen. Of course, you don't give up the great gig of designing album covers, start chatting about movies on the radio, and then score the dream position of programming an indie cinema without channelling a little Sine Metu. LISTEN TO YOUR INNER CHILD, EVEN IF SHE'S SKIPPING SCHOOL "What do you want to be when you grow up?" is a question all kids are asked, but when Kate was a child, it was a fondness for skipping school that provided her with the best answer. Whenever she could, she would miss class to indulge in her cinema obsession — aka watch Bill Collins' midday film on TV. "I was always coming down with something so that I could stay home and watch a movie," she says. Kate didn't quite take heed of her younger self straight away, though — and, let's face it, who really thinks they're going to be able to make watching movies their actual job? Instead, she leapt into graphic design, worked for triple- j and forged the kind of career others might be envious of, until she recognised that something was missing. MAKE YOUR OWN OPPORTUNITIES — AND ANSWER THE PHONE WHEN IT RINGS Kate realised that graphic design was work for her, and that her out-of-hours film pursuits were her real passion. hosting a movie-focused show on Sydney's FBi Radio — initially called Too Much, and then Picture Show — was filling up all of her free moments, while her designer peers were spending "all their time reading about it [graphic design] and researching, and going to conferences, and talking to other designers about what they were doing and the best new typeface. "Every hour I wasn't being a designer at triple j, I was putting into this radio show that I wasn't being paid for. And who knew if there was anyone apart from my dad listening to it? But I just found myself always doing those other things, and eventually I decided to transition into doing that full time." Changing course from the career you went to university for — particularly when you've been enjoying more than a small amount of success in your chosen field — is a big, bold, bad-ass move. Not only did Kate put her nose to the grindstone and turn her FBi Radio experience into a regular gig — something that would see her interviewing everyone from Miranda July to Steven Soderbergh — but she paved the way for more opportunities to come — everything from film criticism, to DJing to working on her PhD on archival cinema. Indeed, it was Kate's pursuit of film not just as a hobby but as a full-time profession, that lead her to Golden Age. "It was through doing that radio show that I got into film curation," Kate recalls. "I just got a phone call out of the blue one day asking if I wanted to curate a cinema that was about to open. And you know, I thought it was a prank call at first. It's not every day that you get a call like that." REMEMBER, IT'S CALLED DIY CULTURE FOR A REASON Kate's determination to chase her dreams was less of a choice and more a culmination of a life spent challenging the norm and going after whatever she set her mind upon.. In fact, that's just how she has handles everything. If she wants to make something happen, it's under way. Anyone that has glimpsed over her Golden Age programming choices over the years — including showing Aussie punk flick Dogs in Space on the venue's opening weekend, and hosting Sydney's only screenings of Iranian feminist vampire western A Girl Who Walks Home Alone At Night — can see how that attitude influences her professionally. "I was so inspired by DIY culture," says Kate. "I wanted to be a writer, so I made zines. And then I wanted to be involved in music, so I put on a night and DJ-ed and learnt to DJ. It was just that sort of idea of just going after what you want. And trying really hard not to feel like an imposter or feel too scared to voice your opinion if it's a bit different." With an approach like that, it's little wonder that Kate has scored not just her fantasy job, but everyone else's (if you're not jealous of how she spends her days, then we think you're fibbing). That's what a DIY ethos and a willingness to stray away from the safe path can achieve, as Kate has demonstrated in everything from selling her own zines in record stores, to putting on film-based performances, to screening Ukrainian sign-language drama The Tribe, a movie that Golden Age's audiences both loved and were left speechless by. She may have had "about four careers" by now, as she freely acknowledges, but they've all lead her to doing what she loves. In fact, the only fear she has about her decisions to date is of "one day not having a job that I love this much." [embed]https://vimeo.com/161925203[/embed] Want to experience a little bit of 'Sine Metu' yourself? Thanks to Jameson and The Rewriters, one extremely fortunate Concrete Playground reader (and their even more fortunate mate) will get the chance to 'fear less' and go on a big ol' adventure to Ireland. In addition to two return flights departing from your choice of Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane, this epic giveaway comes with five night's accommodation and $500 spending money you can use to paint the Emerald Isle red. ENTER HERE. For more about how 'Sine Metu' influenced John Jameson's journey visit Jameson's website.
Songwriting legend Paul Kelly's Making Gravy tour is becoming a bit of an Aussie Christmas tradition. Back for a second year in Sydney, the outdoor concert is kind of the perfect opener to the festive season — time to start thinking about getting the tinsel and ugly jumpers out of storage. As in 2018, you can expect to hear a stack of songs from Kelly's four-decade long career. Listen out for all the hits, from 'Dumb Things', from the album Live, May 1992, to 'Love Never Runs On Time' from Wanted Man (1994). Of course, the Christmas classic 'How To Make Gravy', first released in 1996 on an eponymous EP, is on the menu, too. The tour will coincide with the release of Kelly's new greatest hits album Songs From The South (1985–2019), his collaborative avian-inspired album 13 Ways To Look At Birds and a book of poetry he's curated, called Love Is Strong As Death. Kelly won't be hitting the road alone, either — he's inviting a bunch of special guests. He'll be joined by ARIA Award-winning rocker Courtney Barnett, Aussie Eurovison finalist Kate Miller-Heidke, NZ singer Marlon Williams and Gamilaraay songstress Thelma Plum. Image: Cybele Malinowski.
Art has prevailed in the battle to fill a Melbourne rooftop with naked people. Spencer Tunick has staged his latest mass nude photography work on the top of a car park in Melbourne's inner southeast. Seventeen years after assembling 4500 naked volunteers for a snap near Federation Square as part of the 2001 Fringe Festival and eight years after he photographed around 5000 nude people in front of the Sydney Opera House during the 2010 Mardi Gras, the polarising artist amassed another contingent of naked (and pretty brave — it was less than ten degrees in Melbourne this morning) folk for a new work titled Return of the Nude. The shoot saw a few hundred Melburnians grace the rooftop covered in nothing by sheer red sheets — from a distance, the participants looked like a little like hooded handmaids. Footage from the shoots shows the subject standing underneath the sheet and lying naked on top of it. This is what it looked like: A post shared by Will Pristel (@wpristel) on Jul 8, 2018 at 3:43pm PDT A post shared by C A R L (@car.carrr) on Jul 8, 2018 at 7:05pm PDT A post shared by Chapel Street (@chapelprecinct) on Jul 8, 2018 at 8:10pm PDT A separate shoot over the weekend saw people painted blue, yellow, orange, red, green, pink and purple. Tunick's newest work has had quite the tumultuous journey — first the New York artist was given permission to hold a mass nude photoshoot on top of the Prahran Woolworths car park as part of Chapel Street Precinct's Provocaré Festival of the Arts. But then the store said that it wouldn't like to participate. The supermarket then reversed its decision a week later after a petition spearheaded by the Chapel Street Precinct Association (CSPA), the festival's host organisation, gained some momentum in the community. The official photographs of the shoot is yet to surface, but are expected to be be released by Tunick soon. Images: Munich by Spencer Tunick; Melbourne by Provocaré Festival.
