Relish an effervescent drop in the sun at the Sparkling Wahroonga Food and Wine Festival. Held on Sunday, March 2 in Wahroonga Park amid boundless shady trees on the Upper North Shore, this inviting community event unites dozens of NSW wineries, small-batch distillers, craft brewers, and artisan makers and producers for a feast set to engage every sense imaginable. On the agenda are 30 renowned wineries, with the likes of De Beaurepaire Wines, Hungerford Hill and Peterson House offering a tantalising selection of sparkling, red, white and rosé varieties. There's also the chance to indulge in creative spirits, as top-tier distillers like Remnant Whisky Co and Bondi Liquor Co showcase their wares to thirsty visitors. Alongside craft brewers Six String Brewing Company and Norths Collective, you'll have an incredible array of gourmet cuisine to explore. Get a tasty slice from Lucio Pizzeria, bold American-style meats from Smokey Sue's BBQ or Spanish-inspired grazing treats from Tapasman. To accompany this abundant feast, all-day entertainment will take over the park, with community bands gracing the rotunda stage with jazz, acoustic and contemporary tunes. If you'd like to get a head start on proceedings, a tasting package for $38.50 includes a wine tumbler and five tasting tickets. Get along with the family for epicurean cuisine and sunshine.
The team behind The Legend of Tarzan has done something very interesting with their film. Rather than simply giving us another version of the boy becomes man, man becomes hero, hero becomes legend tale, the film plays out much more like the final instalment of a trilogy, in which its hero's days of daring and valour are already all but behind him. Not unlike the bearded and beleaguered Bruce Wayne of Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight Rises, Tarzan (Alexander Skarsgård) is, at the start of this story, Tarzan no more. Seated opposite the British Prime Minister in his most fashionable three-piece, the iconic jungle man now lives a secluded life in his remote castle and goes by his rightful birth name and title: John Clayton, Viscount of Greystoke, Member of the House of Lords. That introduction alone gives The Legend of Tarzan a more complex and compelling platform from which to launch its story than many of its superhero contemporaries, whose protagonists consistently flounder and fall for lack of any clear-cut motivation other than generally being super. In this instance, it's the suspicion of slave trading in the Congo that compels Tarzan to resume his moniker and return to his beloved Africa, along with his wife Jane (Margot Robbie) and the real-life American Civil War hero turned politician and lawyer George Washington Williams (Samuel L Jackson). This undercurrent of slavery, along with allusions to ivory trading and ethnic cleansing, all serve to ground The Legend of Tarzan in something more than unadulterated comic book fun. The result is a superhero movie with a social conscience that continually flits in and out of getting the balance right. In the titular role, Skarsgård looks every bit the part. With his flowing blond locks and unreasonably buff physique, you could comfortably sell just about any cologne or luxury watch simply by placing its logo on top of him and gently whispering its name. For a role so ridiculous (and truly, a man raised by gorillas who commutes via jungle vine is about as ridiculous as it gets), Skarsgård does an extraordinary job of keeping the audience's disbelief at bay. His dialogue is sensibly sparse, opting instead to speak through impressively expressive eyes and CGI-heavy action that's not nearly as awful as the early trailers made out. Opposite him in the role of the villain, Christopher Waltz (Inglorious Bastards) again offers up his signature cocktail of eloquent menace paired with a spine-chilling grin. In truth it's a more nuanced and credible performance than his turn as Bond's arch-nemesis in last year's Spectre. Robbie, too, puts in a charming turn as Tarzan's wife Jane, yet despite every effort to establish her character's strength, courage and independence, she still ends up very much on the sidelines; an underutilized spectator to the action rather than an active participant. In all, critics have been quick to condemn The Legend of Tarzan for both its hobbled story and themes, asking what place such an antiquated tale has in the modern world. Well the answer is 'fun', which the film most definitely is. Yes, the action is scattershot and often feels hurried, which is why its strongest scenes are also its most subtle ones – be they fireside singalongs, candlelit dinners or silent interactions with the jungle's magnificent creatures. The Legend of Tarzan could very easily have ended up another Lone Ranger-style disaster. Instead, director David Yates has managed to orchestrate an old-school adventure with an unshrinking social conscience. It's far from perfect, but it's darned good fun. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aj7ty6sViiU
Take your Christmas shopping to the next level this December — that is, to level four of The Strand Arcade. That's where a large collection of artisan producers will be selling home products, ceramics, accessories and more. And it's all in the name of supporting independent, sustainable Australian art, fashion and design. Kicking off on Thursday, December 7, it'll all take place at Courtesy of the Artist's 200-square-metre multipurpose space at the top of the arcade. Look out for products from a long list of Australian makers including Alison Jackson Tableware, watches from Aãrk Collective, Isobel Sippel Studio, Gewürzhaus Herb and Spice Merchants, Lauren Webster, Loom Towels, Carrol Russell, Fink, Tracy Dickason, Pass A Ball, Avi Amesbury, Ainslie Walker and Pendolino Olive Oils. Keep in mind that there will also be beautiful gift boxes for your Christmas gifting, and you'll also be able to create your own expensive hamper from the broad choice of products available at the market. The Loft Christmas Market will run every day between December 7 and January 31, except between December 23 and January 4, when it will be closed for Christmas. It'll be open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 10am to 5.30pm, Thursday and Friday from 10am to 7pm, Saturday from 10am to 5pm and Sunday from 11am to 4pm.
The team responsible for revamping The Norfolk, The Flinders, The Carrington and The Oxford Tavern – who went on to sell all four pubs in 2016 – are back in the game. This time, James Wirth and Michael Delany have turned their hand to The Duke of Edinburgh, a much-loved pub next to Enmore Theatre, in Sydney's inner west. Now known as The Duke of Enmore, the pub will reopen on Tuesday, December 11. Rather than overhaul the entire interior, the team has gone for a light-handed reno. Among the new features are tartan carpet, stained glass lighting and, most importantly — with summer coming up — lots of windows. Meanwhile, original timber features have been given a refresh and brick surfaces have been exposed. In the kitchen, you'll find Toby Wilson (Bad Hombres, Ghostboy Cantina), who, in keeping with The Duke's culinary history, is serving up pub classics and snacks — but on another level. Choose from two steaks ("cheap" and "expensive"), porchetta rolls, bologna sandwiches and plates from LP's Quality Meats. There will be plenty of vegetarian and vegan dishes — Wilson's known for serving up top-notch vegan fare at Bad Hombres — too, including a whole roasted cauliflower. Meanwhile, Joel Amos (founder of natural wine retailer Drnks) is taking care of the beverages. His selection will cover a heap of funky, skin-contact and natural wines (look out for regular wine tastings), some of which will also be available in the attached bottle shop. The cocktail list will cover classics and new concoctions, such as The Golden Pear Spritz, a summery drink of golden pear, prosecco and soda, and the Robert Mitchum (the pub's house special), a mix of Jack Daniels, whole egg, orange juice and maple syrup. If you're around on weeknights, you'll be getting down to 70s hits, but the weekends will be dedicated to disco DJs, which will play through till the wee hours. The Duke of Enmore will open at 148 Enmore Road on Tuesday, December 11. Opening hours are Monday–Wednesday, 11am-12am; Thursday–Saturday, 11am-2am; and Sunday, 11am-10pm.
The flavours of Southeast Asia are heading to the beach. Chef Milan Strbac has launched the second site of his upscale eatery Sugarcane in Coogee. Occupying the Carr Street site previously held by Nissaki Greek Taverna, the new 100-seat restaurant and cocktail bar starts service tonight, Thursday, July 21 at the south end of Coogee's beachfront. The venue feels similar to its Surry Hills sister restaurant, but with a decidedly more seaside feel. Along with the open terrace that looks out on to the beach and a great roof-hanging greenery arrangement, the Coogee menu has a big focus on seafood with the addition of a raw section on the menu. Expect bites like scallop ceviche with lime and chilli, kingfish with toasted rice and a sashimi platter. Of course there will be all your favourites like pad Thai, Sumatran curry and some melt-in-your-mouth wagyu beef. So why Coogee? Well, Strbac is a local and he wanted to create a place the local community could come and dine any night of the week. "I want the restaurant to have a casual feel where you could walk in off the beach, have a few snacks and a drink, and feel comfortable in your beach gear," says Strbac. "Or the ideal venue for a casual date night." In addition to Strbac himself, the kitchen team at Sugarcane Coogee will include ex-Mr Wong chef Tristan Balian and sous chef Yoshi Fuchigami (ex-Catalina). Flynn McClellan, who used to be at Uncle Ming's, will be looking after the bar and creating cocktails, like their twist on a Vietnamese iced coffee and a piña colada. Not a half-bad roster, we think you'll agree. Sugarcane Coogee will be open for dinner Tuesday through Sunday at 56 Carr Street, Coogee. For more info, visit sugarcanerestaurant.com.au. By Tom Clift and Lauren Vadnjal.
Backhands, beats and artisan eats will converge on Rose Bay's Lyne Park Tennis Centre on Saturday, March 17. That's when social tennis event Social Serve returns to raise money for The Primary Club, an Aussie charity that helps people with disabilities to play sport. If your activewear hasn't had more of a workout than a stroll to the cafe at the end of your street, then here's your chance to put it to work. The good news is you'll only have to work as hard as you like. The sporty part of proceedings will take the form of friendly mixed doubles match from 3.30pm, with champs who kill it on the court heading into the finals. The whole thing will be capped off with a preso and rink from 7–9pm. Not so keen on joining the game? That's more than fine. Instead, relax on the sidelines, listen to local DJs, eat some snacks and drink some cocktails by Poor Toms.
Steel yourself for some seriously heavy drinking, Sydney. You're about to get your first new commercial distillery in more than 160 years. Set to open their doors on Wednesday, March 18, the Archie Rose Distilling Company will bottle and sell a selection of home-brewed sprits, while doubling as an eat-in bar. The distillery will operate out of a refurbished warehouse in Rosebery, just down the block from the likes of Da Mario, Black Star Pastry and Kitchen by Mike. While their food menu is yet to be released, their drink options will include gin, vodka and rye whisky — all of which will be made on site. According to Archie Rose's website, the last distillery serving Sydney closed in 1853, which sort of begs the question: why hasn't anyone thought to resurrect this clearly awesome practice sooner? Archie Rose co-owner Will Edwards told Good Food it has to do with stringent government legislation – presumably intended to keep unsavoury characters from cooking up moonshine in their bathtubs. Keep in mind that Australia has a long, proud history of illicit hoochery, dating all the way back to the first settlement. In 1796, NSW Governor John Hunter expressed concern over the increasing number of "illicit distilleries of spirituous liquors" that he feared would shortly "ruin the good health of the settlement." Booze was so rampant at one stage that we were actually using rum as a form of currency. Although in retrospect, that actually doesn't sound too bad. In any case, boutique breweries (legal ones) have enjoyed a resurgence in recent times, with operators in Tasmania leading the way. Four Pillars have been distilling gin in their Yarra Valley home for years. Combination distillery restaurants have also proven popular in the United States. Here's hoping Archie Rose enjoys similar good fortune. Find Archie Rose at 61 Mentmore Avenue, Rosebery. For access to the bar, enter via 85 Dunning Avenue (around the block). Distillery hours and tours are by appointment only, but the bar is open seven days a week, midday - 10pm. Via Good Food. Image: Nikki To.
Striking a balance between fun and serious dining can be difficult. Some restaurants lean one way, offering affordable meals, karaoke and 'Ring for Tequila' buttons. Others nail the full-blown fine dining experience. But Barangaroo's new Korean barbecue and steakhouse joint SOOT manages to provide a mix of both, pairing vibrant communal dining and shots of soju with top-notch cuts of wagyu. Each table at SOOT is fitted with smokeless and odourless DIY charcoal grills ready to sizzle some high marble-grade beef for you and your friends. Hero dishes include the MBS9+ chuck eye roll steak, short rib cooked using a 50-year-old family recipe, on-the-bone rib-eye steak which can be ordered by the gram and marinated Kurobuta pork ribs. Pickled and fermented items also feature heavily on the menu, with SOOT making its own kimchi, sesame bean sprouts, pickled onions, jalapeños, okra, asparagus or radishes in-house. Rounding out the extensive list of eats is Korean fried chicken or cauliflower, seafood pancakes, a raw bar featuring rock oysters and sashimi, minced wagyu bibimbap, tofu clam soup and truffle mashed potatoes. SOOT lands next to NOLA Smokehouse and The Butcher's Block on Barangaroo Avenue from the hospitality group Kolture, led by David Bae (Tokki, Kogi), whose father introduced Australia to Korean barbecue in 1992. "I know Korean barbecue like the back of my hand and learnt from the masters. I want to take the experience up a notch for Sydneysiders," says Bae. "We want to take the time to educate and guide our guests on how to have the ultimate experience, showing them aspects of our cultural heritage, and Korean barbecue and drinking etiquette." While the food menu features cuts of meat and truffle-infused veggies that could rival Sydney's new wave of omakase experiences, the drinks list is a joyous celebration of Korean spirits and sake. Cocktails range from miso sours and soju spritzes through to grapefruit highballs and Hennessy, lemon, jasmine and minted honey tea, but the extensive range of sake, soju and Korean ju are the real highlights. Ask the staff for recommendations and expand your soju palette with a variety of flavours, strengths and rarities. If you want to sample your way through the best of SOOT's menu and leave the decisions up to the chefs, turn your attention to The Butcher's Table set menu. This $109 journey through the various sections of the restaurant's offerings features a banchan set, wagyu tartare, seafood pancake, shallot salad, assorted veggies, gyeranjjim, the dessert of the day and four carefully selected cuts of meat: the 240-gram SOOT steak, the 120-gram deckle steak, the ox tongue and the family-recipe short rib. SOOT is located at Shop T1.05, 100 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo — open 5.30pm–late Tuesday–Saturday.
Any plans for Bali escapes, treks across Mexico or food-filled Japanese getaways have been put on ice for 2020, but that doesn't mean you can't indulge in a bit of escapism. And, no, we're not just talking about daydreaming and spending hours scrolling through Pinterest. Australian Venue Co is helping to ease the wanderlust a touch by transforming more than 20 of its pubs and restaurants into some of the world's most popular holiday destinations for summer. So, you'll be able to sip frozen margaritas surrounded by cacti, eat dumplings under cherry blossom trees and wear flower crowns (if that's your thing) on Coachella-inspired rooftops. Called Summer Staycations, the transformations will be taking place from November to February at the likes of the The Provincial Hotel and The Smith in Melbourne, Manly Wine and Bungalow 8 in Sydney, and Kingsleys and Riverland in Brisbane. Of course, the visual makeovers — which will include giant teepees, citrus trees and flowers aplenty — will be paired with appropriate food and drink menus. On the Amalfi Coast, you'll find bottomless pizza and sorbet spritzes; in Mexico, there are unlimited tacos and many margaritas; and in Bali, you'll find brunch and many frozen cocktails. For a taster of what to expect, look to The Rook. The Sydney rooftop has been filled with cherry blossoms and bottomless dumplings since March — but, come November, it'll become an Italian summer haven. More information about the staycations is set to drop on Monday, October 19, with pop-ups set to go live on Friday, November 2 in all states but Victoria. Melbourne's will kick off — restrictions allowing — in December. [caption id="attachment_785121" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jasper Avenue[/caption] SUMMER STAYCATION LINEUP Amalfi Coast Prince Alfred, Vic Provincial, Vic The Rook, NSW Kingsleys, Qld Payneham Tavern, SA Spring in Tokyo The Smith, Vic The Duke, Vic Manly Wine, NSW Fridays, Qld Sweetwater Rooftop, WA Mexico Fiesta College Lawn, Vic Perseverance, Vic Riverland, Qld Cleveland Sands, Qld Waterloo Station, SA Coachella, Palm Springs Fargo and Co, Vic Cargo Bar, NSW The Aviary, WA Hope Inn, SA Beach Club, Bali Bungalow 8, NSW The Globe, WA For more information about Australian Venue Co Summer Staycations, head to the website. Top image: The Rook by Jasper Avenue
It's time for another menu change at CBD cocktail haunt PS40 — and this one will transport you to ten of the world's best festivals. The PS40 Festivus cocktail menu, as it's been named, will launch for a limited time this Saturday, June 29, and we reckon that's your weekend drink plans sorted. There are ten new cocktails all up, each named for one of the team's favourite festivals. And, as usual for PS40, they sound next-level. We're particularly eager to try the Day of the Dead, a creamy mezcal concoction with mole, Chartreuse, maraschino and a whole egg. As well as the drink named for Tasmania's winter solstice fest Dark Mofo — this one is a carbonated mulled wine with cardamom, mountain pepperberry and sandalwood. Others on the list include Nevada Desert's Burning Man (gin and Seedlip Garden with smoked pea), Germany's Oktoberfest (white rum and raspberry bier mixed with cured strawberry, lime and egg white) and Japan's Cherry Blossom Festival (rum, vermouth, beetroot and orange bitters). [caption id="attachment_728682" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Wes Nel[/caption] Alternatively, you can grab your American friends and take a seat at the Thanksgiving dinner table by sipping on this rye whiskey cocktail that's been combined with sweet potato, sage and egg white. If you're a food-lover, the Into the Wild might be your go-to — it's inspired by a food festival run by Argentinian chef Francis Mallmann and Krug Champagne and combines macadamia-washed vodka and verjus with salt-baked pineapple and basil. In true festive fashion, the venue has also been dolled up with pops of colour and heaps of new lightly themed posters — including the cocktail menu, which will now be printed on A0 sized paper and become a feature of the bar design going forward. While there are no exact dates for how long these newbies will be available, the cocktail menu at PS40 changes every two-to-four months and these won't make a comeback, so grab 'em while you can. Find PS40 at Skittle Lane, Sydney. The PS40 Festivus cocktail menu launches on Saturday, June 29. Images: Wes Nel
Fast food doesn't seem all that speedy when you're sat in your car, queued nine vehicles deep and trying to get through a drive-through that's at a standstill. For folks who want their finger lickin' good fried chicken as soon as possible, with minimal waiting and hassle, KFC is set to trial a new solution — its first drive-through-only store. Moving away from the usual one-lane drive-through model — that is, a drive-through that's attached to a restaurant where you can also dine inside — the chain is launching a five-lane drive-through-only concept in Newcastle. The first spot of its kind in the world, it'll feature separate areas for online and app purchases, as well as regular drive-through transactions. Customers will be able to order in advance, then whiz through and pick up their food, or choose on the spot and and then collect their chicken. If it's successful, expect more drive-through-only sites to pop up. As reported by The Sydney Morning Herald, the pilot store is currently under construction on Lambton Road in Broadmeadow, with a November opening slated. The idea reflects the growth on online ordering, and endeavours to respond to the rise of home delivery services such as Deliveroo and UberEats. It also admits to a blatant fact — that, for many folks, eating in at a suburban KFC doesn't often cross their minds. For Broadmeadow customers who choose to order by app, they'll receive a code with their transaction, which they'll then enter on a touchscreen when they drive up. Whichever way Newcastle residents decide to ask for their fried chook, they'll still need to wait for it to be cooked — but the whole concept is designed to speed up the time between asking for a two-piece feed and snatching those drumsticks through the drive-through window. Of course, if you need something to listen to in your car while you wait, KFC has that covered as well. Last year, it launched KFChill, a wellness website that lets you unwind to the sound of chicken frying, gravy simmering or bacon sizzling away in a pan. Yes, it'll make you hungry. Via The Sydney Morning Herald / news.com.au
You might not be able to jet off on an Italian holiday any time soon. But a luxurious aperitivo session starring top Aussie produce, a few local culinary heroes and stunning ocean vistas — well, that's yours for the taking. This summer, a lineup of guest chefs, bartenders and other industry legends will descend upon the Icebergs Terrace for brand-new event series, An Australian Aperitivo. Each will feature a new menu of seasonal sips, along with snacks cooked over wood and coals — all heroing the best local flavours and some leading Aussie talent, across two ticketed sessions (2–4pm and 5–7pm). The fun kicks off on Sunday, February 21, when Anthony Puharich (Victor Churchill, Vic's Meat), Morgan McGlone (chef-owner of Belles Hot Chicken) and Andrew Guard (Andrew Guard Wine Imports) head up the first of these oceanside affairs. Then, on Sunday, February 28, it's Momofuku Seiōbo's Paul Carmichael, restaurateur Anton Forte (Alberto's Lounge, Restaurant Hubert, Shady Pines Saloon, The Baxter Inn) and Mike Bennie (P&V Wine & Liquor Merchants) along for the ride. Secure your spot by grabbing a $50 ticket online, the cost of which will then come off your final bill on the day.
When 2020 comes to a close, it'll end exactly the way Sydneysiders expect: with the sky lighting up at midnight. The end-of-year festivities will be a little different — there'll be no fireworks at 9pm, and there'll be less hubbub around Circular Quay than usual — but you'll still be able to farewell a 12-month period we'd all rather forget by watching fireworks in all their bright and dazzling glory. That's one part of the equation covered. You know what you're going to be doing when midnight hits, but choosing where to catch an eyeful is another matter indeed. After the chaos of 2020, staying at home for another night and checking out the fireworks on TV doesn't really cut it — so we've teamed up with Bar 83 at Sydney Tower, Sydney's newest and highest bar, to highlight six stellar options. From hopping on a boat to hitting up amusement park rides, this list of choices will let you experience the luminous action from a different perspective. Of course, heading to Bar 83 — which sits 83 levels above the CBD in Sydney Tower (hence the name) and just underwent a $12 million refurbishment — is definitely one of them. SURROUND YOURSELF WITH WILDLIFE AT TARONGA ZOO Looking for a guaranteed way to have a memorable New Year's Eve? Watching the fireworks next to giraffes, tigers and more than 4000 other animals certainly fits the bill. That's what's on offer at Taronga Zoo's NYE festivities — and, thanks to the location, this laidback party comes with spectacular views. It's a picnic-style event, which means that you can bring your own food and snack on whatever takes your fancy. If you'd prefer, you can also purchase bites to eat, as well as alcohol on-site as it is not a BYO booze affair. The cost ranges from $200–600, so this isn't a cheap way to say goodbye to 2020, but you sure won't forget it in a hurry. [caption id="attachment_788794" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Birchgrove Park, Flickr; Creative Commons[/caption] KEEP IT CASUAL IN A HARBOURSIDE PARK First, the great news: if you're not one for big shindigs, getting dressed to the nines or throwing down a wad of cash for a single night's shenanigans, checking out the fireworks in a harbourside park is an excellent option. Now, the obvious news: even in this time of social distancing, you're likely to find plenty of other folks with the same idea in your chosen location. Still, you can take your pick of more than a few spots — including Darling Point's McKell Park, Nielsen Park in Vaucluse and Birchgrove Park, which is an inner west favourite. CRUISE ALONG ON GLASS ISLAND Missing travel in 2020? Crossing your fingers that you can head somewhere exciting in 2021? If so, then you'll probably want to start the new year as you intend to go on: on a voyage. And, yes, cruising around Sydney Harbour still counts. Glass Island first hit the water earlier this year and the three-level boat is known for its parties. So, of course it's getting into the NYE spirit. You'll spend the night sitting on a glass-encased vessel, sipping drinks for three hours, snacking from gourmet food stations and hanging out with your mates. Tickets cost $565.95 each, but you need to buy them in tables of two–ten, so gather the gang. PARTY UP HIGH AT BAR 83 AT SYDNEY TOWER A new year is a time for looking onwards and upwards — so why not kick it off 83 levels above the Sydney CBD? At the newly refurbished Bar 83, you'll get a different view of the city and the midnight fireworks. It is Sydney's highest bar, after all. Also on offer: eye-catching decor with a retro feel, 260-degree views thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows, canapes all night, four hours of drinks from 9pm–1am, champagne at midnight and a DJ spinning killer tunes. It's a seated cocktail party with $500-per-person tickets, so expect stellar table service, next-level specialty cocktails and a hankering to head back on another date to check out sister venues Infinity and SkyFeast. [caption id="attachment_794631" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Four Seasons Hotel Sydney, Ken Seet[/caption] HAVE AN EPIC STAYCATION You don't need to be in another city or country to enjoy a luxe hotel stay. In fact, booking a staycation has plenty of advantages over travelling further afield. You don't have to hop on a plane or drive for hours, for instance. Plus, there's no worrying about borders, which is a very 2020 problem. And, when it's NYE, you can find yourself a place with one hell of a view overlooking the harbour and fireworks — such as the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney. You'll be treating yo'self, of course, but if there's ever a night to relax in a swanky spot, pop on a fluffy hotel robe, have a few drinks and soak in the sights, this is it. Obviously, Sydney isn't lacking when it comes to other hotels with a view, too. CHANNEL YOUR INNER KIDULT AT LUNA PARK In 2021, Luna Park is getting a hefty makeover, which will shut down the park for around six months and add nine new rides. That's a mighty good reason to consider a NYE trip to the historic spot before it goes on hiatus — if seeing out the year with unlimited rides while watching the fireworks isn't enough, that is. For $149, you can hop on the Hair Raiser, drive the dodgems, slip down the slides and circle around the ferris wheel as much as you like and even enjoy a stint on the carousel if that's more your style. Your ticket also includes live entertainment, which'll help keep you occupied from 7pm. It's a family-friendly affair, so prepare to have company. To book your NYE table at Bar 83 at Sydney Tower, head to the venue's website. Please stay up to date with the latest NSW Government health advice regarding COVID-19. Top image: Robert Walsh
Vivid Ideas festival director Jess Scully is a winner of the FBi SMAC Award for best person in Sydney (okay, officially it's 2012 'SMAC of the Year'), so we knew there was no one better to ask to contribute their thoughts for our column on the city's best places, spaces and hidden treasures. The festival she founded (as Creative Sydney in 2009) has risen to meet the demand from Sydney's growing cultural sector — or, looked at another way, is part of what's prodded that sector into being. "In the past five years I think we've seen an explosion in cultural events, particularly talks events," she says. "The growth in pop-culture has also been major, loads more temporary art spaces and events. I've also noticed a huge growth in start-up and tech culture, and more interesting co-working spaces like Fishburners, Your Desk and HUB Sydney." Sydney's busy lifestyle does have something like a downside. "It has assured that I have stayed single and able to work all the time. Ha! Srsly though, there's a great energy and enthusiasm for new events, places and ideas in Sydney that is truly inspiring. I travel a lot and I have to say today Sydney really does stack up against other global capitals." This year Vivid Ideas is colossal; looking at its program is not unlike looking up at the sky and trying to comprehend where it ends (our ten top picks, of Vivid, not space, can help with that). Though its smorgasbord of zeitgeist-defining conversations is broad, there's a common strand of seeing "how we can work together to create a more inspiring, sustainable and inclusive future." Jess found time in her hectic last days of Vivid 2013 organising (today it's apparently included radio training and giving a presentation to hotel concierges) to share her five favourite spots in this city that inspires us. 1. Jack Mundey Place, The Rocks This is a beautiful cobblestoned lane that you could easily miss in The Rocks — I spend a LOT of time down this end of town working on Vivid Ideas, and in the past on SOYA and other projects. It is home to my favourite cafe in The Rocks (shout out to Fine Foods!) aaaaand it is named after a union activist who, along with lots of other amazing activists in the 1970s, actually saved so many of the buildings and suburbs that give Sydney character — from The Rocks to Potts Point to Erskineville to Woolloomooloo. 2. Carriageworks/Eveleigh Markets A great arts venue (with free wi-fi! I spend a LOT of time working in their lobby on weekends because I'm super cool like that) that is home to my favourite Saturday markets. I love seeing Carriageworks transformed by exhibitions like Song Dong's Waste Not or last year's Rage exhibition. It's great to have flexible spaces like this and the amazing Pier 2/3 which can remain big, empty boxes to be filled by creative imaginations. 3. Redleaf harbour beach/Woollahra Library I love this little harbour beach in the summertime — I do love a Euro-style concrete-lined beach, like Clovelly — and the stunning Woollahra Library perches over the top of it, providing an awesome place to work on my work-from-the-cloud wanderings. I save this place for when I need a dose of serenity in my roaming work days. 4. Fish Markets, Pyrmont Seafood! I need to take at least partial responsibility for the decimation of fish stocks cos I eat a hell of a lot of the stuff. I love riding down to the fish markets for yum cha or a slab of sashimi or sometimes even just a frozen chocolate banana. It's the ugliest, grittiest bit of the harbour and I love it. 5. White Rabbit Gallery I love the ambition and generosity of this place. It's so amazing that this is an act of philanthropy, and it brings a bit of class to cute li'l Chippendale. I love popping in and just drifting through here whenever I can — it's brilliant to be able to get an insight into Chinese contemporary culture through this connector. I like to imagine it is the shiny cousin of little kids' plans to dig a hole through the earth to China.
If you can remember a time before Jetstar took to Australia's skies, you clearly have a long memory, with the discount airline marking its 17th year in 2021. Today, Tuesday, May 25, actually marks the carrier's birthday, so it's celebrating in a way that could boost your next holiday. You'll just need to head to either Flinders Street station in Melbourne or Central station in Sydney before 9pm. At both sites, Jetstar has taken over the digital screens, so you'll spot images of blue skies and a plane everywhere you look. While you're peering at the promotional setup, you're asked to try to 'catch the plane'. That just means scanning a QR code on the screen with your phone, then hopefully winning a flight voucher for your efforts. The airline is giving out $10,000 worth of vouchers across the two sites, with values ranging from $50 to $500. Up to 70 are up for grabs — and, given how busy both stations usually are, there'll be plenty of fellow wannabe travellers trying to nab them. If you're not quite sure how you'd use said vouchers, Jetstar currently flies 57 routes between 20 destinations within Australia — which should give you plenty of local holiday options while overseas travel, other than to New Zealand, is still off the cards for the foreseeable future. Jetstar's birthday giveaway is taking place today, Tuesday, May 25, until 9pm at Flinders Street station in Melbourne — or Central station in Sydney.
While we are still unable to travel to our favourite overseas destinations, venues around Australia are bringing the destinations a little closer to home. A Melbourne pop-up has promised to take you to New York, London and Paris, and Bondi Beach Public Bar is following suit, transporting you to Bali by transforming into the famed Motel Mexicola. From midday on Saturday, November 14 and again on Saturday, December 5, Bondi Beach Public Bar's regular menu, interior and playlist will be replaced by those of Motel Mexicola's, so expect tacos, tequila and colourful tiles aplenty. You can get a taste of the music here, too. The pop-up is offering two-hour sessions of Mexican eats and free-flowing margaritas, which is destined to kick you into summer mode. Slow-cooked lamb and roasted barramundi tacos will be on offer together with guacamole, pico de gallo and corn on the cob with smoked chilli mayo. To drink, there'll be lots of classic margaritas, but if you want to spice things up a touch, chilli and frozen margs will also be available alongside micheladas and sangrita. The taco and margarita feasts are available for $85 per person with sessions available at midday or 2.30pm. To make a booking, head over to the Bondi Beach Public Bar website. The pop-up was only set to take place on one day in November, but later announced a second day in December due to its popularity.
Despite the public holiday, Sydney's got plenty of cafes, bars and restaurants that are opening their doors to help make your first day of the year a great one. Perhaps you had an especially celebratory New Year's Eve and a swift recovery is at the top of your to-do list. Or, maybe you're just keen to start off 2022 how you wish to continue it — with good mates, a solid soundtrack, and some top-notch eats and drinks. Either way, outsourcing your January 1 festivities — and the associated cleanup — is always a good idea. Here are all the Sydney spots open and serving up the goods on New Year's Day. CAFES [caption id="attachment_659265" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Artificer, by L. Almeida[/caption] The Mayflower, Darlinghurst: 7am–3.30pm Ona, Marrickville: 9am–2pm (takeaway only) Artificer Specialty Coffee Bar & Roastery, Surry Hills: 8am–12pm (outdoor service only) RESTAURANTS [caption id="attachment_702835" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Alberto Lounge, by Kitti Gould[/caption] Nour, Surry Hills: 5.30–10pm Alberto Lounge, Sydney: from 12pm Cirrus Dining, Barangaroo: from 12pm for lunch and dinner Sinaloa, Double Bay: 12–10pm Yulli's, Surry Hills: from 5pm Pilu at Freshwater, Freshwater: from 6pm Sokyo, Pyrmont: from 7am for breakfast, lunch and dinner BARS [caption id="attachment_714411" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Untied, by Daniele Massacci[/caption] Bondi Beach Public Bar, Bondi: 10.30am–late Archie Rose Distillery, Rosebery: 12–10pm Continental Deli, Newtown: 12pm–late Untied, Barangaroo: from 12pm (Brunch with Soul, featuring entertainment and bottomless sips — book one of two sessions here) The Baxter Inn, CBD: 4pm–3am Bucketty's Brewing Co, Brookvale: 12–10pm (blues jam session at 3pm) Wharf Bar, Manly: 3pm–12am (day party with tunes by Winston Surfshirt and others — grab tickets here) Tap Rooms, The Rocks: 12pm–late Beer Deluxe, Darling Harbour: 12pm–late (New Year's Brunch with bottomless pizza — book here) The Winery, Surry Hills: 12pm–late PUBS [caption id="attachment_731751" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Public House Petersham[/caption] Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel, Watsons Bay: (day party with bottomless drinks and DJ tunes from Touch Sensitive, Yolanda Be Cool and more — book here) Hotel Rose Bay, Rose Bay: 12–10pm The Duke of Enmore, Enmore: 11am–late Public House Petersham, Petersham: 12pm–late (day party with DJ sets, cocktails and tinny buckets — book here) Woolwich Pier Hotel, Woolwich: 11am–late Hotel Ravesis, Bondi: normal hours Barangaroo House, Barangaroo: 12pm–12am The Royal Hotel, Paddington: 11am–12am (day party with bottomless brunch sessions also running) Top Image: Barangaroo House
Sydney's iconic harbourside funfair, Luna Park, is usually a place of light, bright family thrills. But between October 25–31, a darker side shall be revealed. Luna Park's annual Halloscream festival returns to send a shiver down your spine with a program of spooky spectacles and white-knuckle entertainment. Fans of the Netflix megahit Squid Game can step through the screen and brave the life-or-death trails of the show for themselves by taking part in a round of the infamous Green Light Red Light game. This exclusive sneak peek of Squid Game: The Experience, which is bringing a whole host of mortal challenges to Luna Park's Big Top from mid-December, is exclusive to Halloscream guests. Neon Nightmare brings a new immersive light and sound attraction to Luna Park's popular rave cave, Sonic Neon. Instead of pumping beats, it'll be your heart thumping in your chest as this horrifying show sends your adrenaline through the roof. One of Halloscream's most popular attractions, the Forgotten Funhouse, invites visitors to navigate its twists and turns while braving encounters with those most terrifying of creatures, killer clowns. All ticket holders to Halloscream nights also get unlimited access to all rides across Luna Park but for those who really want to up the ante, VIP tickets are also available offering access to an exclusive lounge featuring spooky drinks, roaming performers and grid-worthy photo opportunities.
When it comes to this cheap way to get a bite brought to your door across Friday, August 25–Sunday, August 27, Larry Emdur and Ian 'Turps' Turpie spring to mind: the price is indeed right. Across the three days, DoorDash is bringing back its $1 Weekend. Not that you'll be paying with actual gold coins, but that's all you'll need denomination-wise for a heap of dishes. Running across the country, this weekend special has enlisted Fishbowl, Lord of the Fries, Betty's Burgers and San Churro — and Soul Origin, Pizza Hut, Red Rooster and Oporto, too. Prefer Chargrill Charlie's instead? That's also on the list, as is Rashays, Mary's and NeNe Chicken. Each state has more than 2000 offers available across the three days, including New South Wales. Of course, as there always is, there are caveats. The big one: the deal is available from 2–5pm AEST each day, so you'll either want a late lunch or early dinner. Another crucial point: there's a unique promo code for each day displayed on the DoorDash app for each store, which you need to use at checkout. And, you will 100-percent need to order via that app. Also, you can only get one $1 menu item per order — and one $1 special per day, too. Unsurprisingly, only some menu items are available for $1. And, some places will only let you get one $1 special across the whole weekend. Delivery and service fees are still applicable, and an order fee will be added if your subtotal is less than $15. Still, in this economy, a bargain is a bargain. Top image: Kitti Gould.
Lisa Mitchell is everywhere at the moment - on TV, on radio, playing in video stores... I even spotted her getting a take away coffee from my local cafe over the weekend... (can you say oversaturation?!)Oh Mercy are a Melbourne duo who are supporting Miss Mitchell on her upcoming National album launch tour. They are also much more deserving of your attention than the miniature songstress. Their pop songs are simple, catchy and heartfelt, and display real promise. People are already tagging them as "Australia's answer to The Shins" and the "new Augie March" and while I usually hate those comparisons, in this case they're quite accurate. Considered, mature indie pop for young people too often served Idol starlets for breakfast - they've definitely got my tick of approval!
UPDATE: JANUARY 22, 2019 — Due to a disagreement with the Moulin Rouge in Paris, Beyond Cinema has cancelled its Moulin Rouge-themed immersive theatre night. Those who have already bought tickets should have received an email notifying them of this, and are entitled to either a full refund or a credit for the company's next Sydney event. Beyond Cinema — the good folks who brought an extravagant Great Gatsby party to a mansion in northern Sydney, the Mad Hatter's tea party to the Botanic Gardens and recreated Titanic on Sydney Harbour — are at it again. Now, Moulin Rouge is getting the immersive theatre treatment in March 2019. This time around, guests will be carried away to a cabaret club in 1899 Paris (in actual fact, an event space in Bankstown). At Harold Zidler's world-famous house of risque entertainment, fancy dress will once again be a must. If you're keen to book similar tickets right now, another Beyond Cinema is already set to transport you to 19th century France with an immersive singalong screening of Les Miserables this December.
After a huge revamp, Manly Wharf Bar is back in action and is a top tier spot among the long list of Sydney's waterfront drinking establishments. Better yet, this summer the bar has partnered with top seltzer brand White Claw for a weekly series of live gigs throughout January so you can have tunes served up with your view. Every Sunday, you can extend those weekend vibes with some of the hottest emerging music acts in the country. Yep, Sunday sessions and live music are well and truly back and we're here for it. And you'll be sipping refreshing White Claws to top it off. Best of all? These gigs are completely free to attend. Kicking off on Sunday, January 9, the series will see electronic musician Mickey Kojak playing his signature synth-heavy, melodic jams. The following weekend (January 16) you'll enjoy disco-inspired dance-pop with the glossy vocals of Triple J Unearthed artist Chase Zera. Then, impeccably dressed electro-pop duo Barley Passable will be performing on January 23, before the series wraps up on January 30 with celebrated Sydney producer Poolclvb. [caption id="attachment_837908" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Chase Zera[/caption] For more information on White Claw Weekend at Manly Wharf Bar, head to the White Claw website.
Across the first two months of winter — from Tuesday, June 1–Sunday, August 1, to be exact — El Camino Cantina will be pouring soft drink-inspired margaritas across all of its Sydney venues. Looking for something to pair with your creaming soda- or Mountain Dew-flavoured marg? We're guessing that salt and vinegar chicken wings will definitely do the trick. Over the same period, the Tex-Mex chain is also hosting a chicken wing festival called King of the Wing. Ten new flavours and rubs will grace the menu, including everything from chicken salt and mango habanero to teriyaki and nacho cheese. Most days, you'll nab a basket of wings in your chosen flavour, served with blue cheese mayonnaise, for $18. Wednesdays have something extra in store, however. That's ten-cent wing day, with a different King of the Wing flavour on offer each week — if you and your budget-conscious pals need an excuse to head along more than once.
Fancy a good glass of wine after a day at the beach? Coogee locals Tom Hardwick and Michelle Morales certainly do, and their new venue lets you do just that. Taking cues from the bustling wine bars of Europe, Coogee Wine Room hopes to be the new post-beach go-to for the eastern suburbs. It's opening along Coogee Bay Road today — Tuesday, September 17 — just one block up from the ocean. As to be expected, the team is taking its wine game very seriously. The 400-strong list has been created by Hardwick and Venue Manager Brooke Adey, whose resume includes time spent at Bea, Chiswick and Yellow. On the 30-page list are a whopping 28 drops by the glass, along with limited vintages and hard-to-find drops. Over 50 different varieties are represented here, too. In the kitchen, Head Chef Sandro Di Marino (A Tavola) is plating up a succinct, Mediterranean-style menu. For smaller dishes, expect smoked hummus with flatbread, Spanish anchovies and pork cheek sliders to be served alongside the requisite cheese and charcuterie. Larger plates include ricotta ravioli, chargrilled octopus with lentils and lamb rump with spring greens. [caption id="attachment_742095" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Steven Woodburn[/caption] Local design studio Tom Mark Henry is behind the fit-out, which spans two storeys and — as goes the trend — maintains an industrial vibe. Expect exposed brick walls, concrete floors and a black steel staircase, along with warm timber tones, wraparound banquettes and marble finishes. Downstairs, you'll find the causal front bar — perfect for post-beach wines — while the slightly larger upstairs dining room is primed for long lunches. While it doesn't seem like swimming weather just yet, it won't be long till you'll be traipsing up from the beach for a post-swim rosé or three here. In the meantime, you can escape the rain by heading indoors for plenty of cheese and warming meats. Coogee Wine Room is now open at 222 Coogee Bay Road, Coogee. It's open from Monday–Wednesday 3pm–11pm and Thursday–Sunday midday–11pm. Images: Steven Woodburn
Each weekend Sydney is filled with markets. It's a local favourite activity for a Saturday morning. But this weekend, a special one-off fruit and flee market is popping up in Darlinghurst filled with artisan goods from a group of local independent creatives, curated by everyone's favourite fruit-shaped candle-maker Nonna's Grocer. For the uninitiated Nonna's Grocer creates hyper-realistic candles shaped like fruit and vegetables ranging from humble oranges and lemons through to custard apples and heirloom tomatoes. The market will be going down at Abstract Thoughts Gallery, the new exhibition and creative space located next to Cafe Freda's. You can expect a wide variety of goods including Noona's famous candles, flowers, lube, jewellery, condiments and a wide range of homewares from brands and creatives such as Sophia Kaplan, Sake Sake, Condimental, Tabitha Hope and Cafe Freda's themselves, just to name a few. Popping up at the gallery space from 3–8pm on Saturday, May 21 and Sunday, May 22, you'll be able to browse your way through the market before heading next door to grab a cocktail, natural wine or something to eat. For all the information and brands taking part, head to the Nonna's Grocer Instagram account. [caption id="attachment_707077" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Condimental[/caption]
Haven't seen The Last Jedi yet? Been waiting until the Boxing Day rush dies down to see the last batch of 2017 flicks? If so, and you're a Melburnian headed to a Village Cinema, you might want to keep an eye on ticket prices. During the summer holidays, the cinema chain is trialling dynamic pricing at selected sites. In other words: if you go during peak times, you'll pay more for the privilege. As first reported on Reddit, after 5pm on Fridays and Saturdays, customers can expect to spend between 50 cents and $1 more to watch whichever feature takes their fancy, and to see candy bar costs rise by between 30 cents and $1 per item. Yes, it's the same concept that Uber users hate during busy periods, now showing at multiplexes including Crown, Fountain Gate, Doncaster, Jam Factory, Southland and Werribee. The idea of variable movie ticket prices isn't new — student discounts, cheap Tuesdays and the like — but charging more during peak cinema-going slots isn't going to be well-received given that Aussie ticket costs rose 31 percent in the decade to 2016. Interestingly enough, while Village Cinemas is ramping things up in popular periods, it's not decreasing them for slow sessions and times. It might be school holidays, but we're guessing that some titles on their schedule aren't selling out to weekday morning crowds, particularly if they're not aimed at kids. In 2017, an app called Choovie proposed the same concept, calling themselves "Uber for movies" and offering up bargains in quiet spots. It currently features deals at selected times in selected locations, all for less than the regular multiplex ticket prices. Going to the cinema hasn't died out as many have predicted over the years, and isn't likely to. The thrill of seeing a new film on a big screen in a darkened room with (hopefully) no distractions is something that your huge TV and Netflix just can't beat, and nor can piracy. Still, with Aussie attendance in decline, charging viewers more for seeing a flick at times when most people like to go to the movies is up there with the rumour that Apple would introduce a 'theatre mode' option for mid-movie texting — that is, it's a downright terrible idea. Via news.com.au
Everyone knows the rule: when you go to someone's house for dinner, you bring something (even when they insist you shouldn't). After all, they've just spent hours slaving away in the kitchen — or ordering takeaway and putting it on nice plates to pretend they cooked it. No need to panic purchase a lame box of choccies or spend hours staring dumbly at the bottle-o shelves to end up picking something based on how nice the label is. In partnership with BWS, we've got you covered for top-notch drops to take along. Whether it's refreshing summertime favourites, easy-drinking Aussie brews or lesser-known wine varieties, this crowd-pleasing list ensures success — and we'll even let you take all the credit. RASPBERRY BERLINER WEISSE — WAYWARD BREWING CO Camperdown's top-notch craft brewery Wayward turns out more than a few lovable quaffs, but you just can't go by its Raspberry Berliner Weisse. This raspberry sour is crisp and tart with a dry finish, and also happens to be a lovely shade of pink. And it's a true crowd-pleaser, whether you're a craft beer aficionado or the 'I don't drink beer' type. Plus, for the health-conscious, it's also the closest to a keto beer you'll get — it contains minimal sugar and is low carb and gluten-reduced. XPA — PHILTER Since launching back in 2017, Philter's flagship XPA has become a fan favourite across the Sydney beer scene. It even won Champion Pale Ale at the 2017 Craft Beer Awards just four months after launching. The unfiltered brew is naturally cloudy and easy to drink — it's designed to appeal to both craft beer lovers and those at the beginning of their beer journey. The brand nods to an old-school aesthetic — this XPA is packaged in retro blue and white cans, and is loved by those who want a well-brewed beer without the pretense. Philter is set to open its own brewery any day now, so keep an eye on this space. CÔTE DES ROSES ROSÉ — GÉRARD BERTRAND Showing up at your mate's house with a bottle of rosé is a no-brainer during the warm weather months. If you want to set your summertime favourite apart from the pack, go for Gerard Bertrand's Côte des Roses Rosé. It blends floral notes with summer fruits and is full-bodied yet balanced with a dry finish. And it's just oh-so-refreshing. This French wine also looks fancy in its pretty glass bottle with a rose-shaped bottom. Plus, it won't break the bank. PHENOMENAL FIANO — ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM If you want to impress your friends with your wine knowledge, bring along a lesser-known variety that they'll absolutely love. We suggest this fiano by Elephant in the Room. This South Australian winery is known for its full-bodied drops, and the fiano doesn't disappoint. The white wine expresses notes of citrus, apple and spice, with a crisp minerality that offers the perfect finish. It's undoubtedly a bold wine and is best shared with those who want something a little different. PINOT NOIR — RAMBLING ROSES As the nights start to cool, it's just about time to get back on those reds. A decent pinot noir is a good place to start — it's lighter, it isn't too heavy for autumn evenings. If you're looking for something that'll impress, but is accessible, Rambling Roses' version is the way to go. It presents as a typical pinot noir, but, for a discerning palate, is much more than that. Expect notes of red and black currants with juicy strawberries on the nose and an overall depth of flavour. That being said, it's also exceptionally sessionable and works well paired with dinner. On warmer nights, be sure to give it a quick chill to ensure it's thoroughly enjoyed. Update: Due to the current situation, we understand that throwing or attending parties may not be a possibility right now. But there's a silver lining — you can still order all of these drinks online to enjoy at home. Head to the BWS website to browse the full range.
As sunny days get longer and more frequent, our minds are turning to refreshing drinks, rooftop bars and watery vistas. Over the past few months, Sydney has scored quite a few new sky-facing spaces, including the foliage-heavy Manly Greenhouse, Erskineville's pink frilly umbrella-dotted Slims Rooftop and Erskineville's art deco Imperial Up. Now, Westfield Sydney is joining the shenanigans, with the announcement of not one, but two new rooftop venues. In 2019, inner-city workers and shoppers will be able to slip upstairs to feast on Middle Eastern and Cantonese fare, while soaking up panoramic views. The first of the two is Babylon, a Middle Eastern-inspired venue with a whopping 800 capacity. Among its spaces are a 200-seater restaurant, two expansive bars and a woodfired kitchen. The second is Duck & Rice, a 400-seater contemporary Cantonese restaurant specialising in dishes from regional China, with an atmosphere reminiscent of 1920s Shanghai. Both restaurants will have big outdoor dining spaces. Behind the multi-faceted design is Brisbane-based architect firm Hogg and Lamb. The Mantle Group Hospitality (MGH), has leased the rooftop and owns both Babylon and Duck & Rice. Having been busy in Brisbane for nearly 40 years, it moved into Sydney in May 2018 with the opening of The Squire's Landing at the Overseas Passenger Terminal in The Rocks. Babylon and Duck & Rice are both slated for completion in early 2019.
The family-owned Portuguese institution has made it seven full years around the sun — and to celebrate, Tuga Pastries is throwing a huge block party at both of its pastry-slinging outposts. On Sunday, May 26, you can hit up either the Clovelly or Alexandria locale for top-quality Portuguese pastries paired with hot-off-the-grill barbecue. Not only will the joint's coveted sweet treats, like its famous pastel de natas, coconut brioche and almond tart, be on offer, but you'll also be able to sink your teeth into limited-edition specials made specially for its birthday celebrations. As part of its Portuguese showcase, the crowd-pleasing venues will be dishing up traditional patas de veado (a sponge and custard dish shaped like a deer hoof), decadent russos (vanilla custard sandwiched between two thin layers of puff pastry), malasadas (a Portuguese take on donut balls and loukoumades), and duchesses (an eclair with a sweet egg custard and whipped cream filling). This one-day celebration is perfect for the family — there'll be a petting zoo, face-painting station for the kids (or grown-ups embracing their inner child) and DJs spinning live tunes. You're also welcome to bring your beloved pooch along to join the party.
With Sydney set to reopen, it's time to start booking in catch-ups with friends — and what better way to start than with a bottomless brunch. If you're looking to clink a glass to the return of Sydney's hospitality scene, Harbourfront Seafood Restaurant is providing waterfront views with free-flowing seafood and champagne. There are two options for bottomless brunch. The main attraction is a 90-minute session with a flight of oysters and as much Moët as you want. This option will set you back $85 per person and is available from 11.30am–2.30pm on Saturdays and Sundays kicking off from Saturday, October 16. Option number two is two hours of bottomless sparkling wine, as well as whites, reds, rosé and beer, and a spectacular seafood platter. While you're sipping your way through the bottomless booze, sample kingfish and salmon crudo, baked scallops, grilled king prawns with XO butter, parmesan truffle fries and of course, Sydney rock oysters. The seafood spread is available for groups of four or more from 11.30am–2.30pm Thursday–Sunday starting from Thursday, October 14 and costs $110 per person. Harbourfront Seafood Restaurant offers an idyllic location for your first catch-up post-lockdown, located right on the harbour in Circular Quay with views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. Bookings for both bottomless deals are now open. Images: Steven Woodburn
When you crave the white picket fence suburban fantasy but only have a tiny balcony at your disposal, this is the barbecue for you. Forget the gas and go for true blue charcoal instead. The Napoleon Barbecue is compact, slick, efficient and perfectly engineered for all your future flame-grilled feeds. Invite the gang around, fire it up and it'll sear your steaks beautifully while a temperature gauge ensures the perfect brisket every time. With a cool-touch handle and easy-clean ash catcher, this is made for great grilling in a limited rental space (where you're still hoping to get the bond back).
Maru stuck in too-small cardboard boxes. Grumpy Cat being genuinely unable to help the shape of his own face. Lil Bub hangin' with Whoopi Goldberg. Sure, you could load all three of these superstars on your screen right now, but what if some know-your-freakin-audience genius decided they'd take things next level make an entire film festival of internet cat videos? Celebrating their love of cats and videos of cats doing stupid, stupid things, RSCPA NSW are hosting their second Cat Film Festival at Glebe's Bicentennial Park on Sunday, October 4. Even if you thought cat videos jumped the shark with Cats Make You Laugh Out Loud, you've got to admit this feel-good festival takes things to a whole other level. Here's how it went down last year: From short films to six-second Vine videos, the screening will visit all your favourite feline celebrities and raise funds for the RSPCA. But the night won't just be sitting and pointing every time Grumpy Cat hates on life or Colonel Meow looks like the demon from the end of Fantasia. You can visit the 'Cattoo Parlour', nom on some tasty food truck treats, adopt a pet in the 'Kitten Cuddle Cube' or throw back some milk in the Cat's Meow VIP Club (for a little extra kibble). Image: Dollar Photo Club.
This year marks a massive milestone for Australia's Lavazza Italian Film Festival: 20 years. So, cinephiles can expect a whole lot more of the fest's beloved highlights when it takes over Sydney's Palace Norton Street, Palace Verona, Chauvel Cinemas and Palace Central from September 17 to October 16. There'll be plenty of parties — both on- and off-screen — as well. When you're not stepping into the glossy but murky world of professional footballers with opening night's The Champion, you'll be watching the world premiere of romantic drama Promised, which features a stacked Italian Australian cast. Or, come closing night, you'll be enjoying the sights and sounds of Ron Howard's Pavarotti, an intimate documentary about one of the country's biggest stars. Loved Paolo Sorrentino's acclaimed Silvio Berlusconi biopic Loro last year? This year, the new director's cut is on the bill. The festival also pays particular attention to new Italian cinema, specifically new Italian comedies, so viewers can immerse themselves in poignant tales of tragedy, slick courtroom dramas and cross-cultural rom-coms. Keep an eye out for ensemble piece If Only, which stars Alba Rohrwacher and Riccardo Scamarcio, and arrives in Australia fresh from premiering at the Locarno Film Festival; The Armadillo's Prophecy, based on a best-selling graphic novel, and exploring a young man's friendship with an imaginary armadillo; and the equally humorous and thoughtful Ordinary Happiness, which finds inspiration in the short stories of Francesco Piccolo. With 32 movies screening over the festival's month-long run, audiences can also dive into Italian art history courtesy of a couple of movies about Michelangelo Buonarroti and Leonardo da Vinci. The blasts from the past keep coming, thanks to a two-film Bernardo Bertolucci retrospective — including a restored version of his political thriller The Conformist, and the five-hour, Robert De Niro-starring drama 1900. The Lavazza Italian Film Festival 2019 will screen at Sydney's Palace Cinemas from September 17–October 16. For more information and to book tickets, visit the website.
Remember dancing, that thing we used to do before the pandemic spread across the globe and we all started spending more time at home? In good news, Sydneysiders can soon get out there and dance again — not just in their rooms, but in public with other people. That's back on the cards when the clock strikes 12.01am on Monday, March 29. So, that's when Kings Cross Hotel will open its doors and roll out the dance floor for deprived dance lovers to cut shapes until they physically can't cut shapes any more (or the wee hours of the morning, whichever comes first). Back on Wednesday, March 24, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced a whole slew of relaxed COVID restrictions, including relaxed mask rules, scrapping limits on at-home gatherings and permitting dancing on actual dance floors again. And Kings Cross Hotel isn't going to let a minute go to waste when the time for dancing arrives tonight. "Dance floors coming back is a significant moment for reviving the beating pulse of Sydney's nightlife and live music scene," said Elliot Solomon, CEO of Solotel Group, announcing the hotel's plans. "We can't wait a second longer and so we will turn the DJ decks on at Kings Cross Hotel the second we're allowed to at 12.01am so our guests, who we know have been so excited to get back onto a dance floor, can dance once again right away." "Importantly, the resurgence of live music and dancing also means many more jobs — both for performing artists, industry crew and in our venues," Solomon added. "It's been a long and challenging wait, but we are so ready to welcome people back to our venues that are thriving with live entertainment." So, if you've been starved for human contact and really miss the feeling (and the smell) of strangers' sweat, head on over to Kings Cross Hotel from 12.01am tonight. You've earned it. Kings Cross Hotel will have its dance floors running — and DJs spinning tunes — Friday–Sunday weekly afterwards. And, other Solotel venues such as The Golden Sheaf, The Marlborough Hotel, The Bank Hotel, The Clock Hotel, Barangaroo House and Goros will also be welcoming back fancy footwork from this week. The latest round of eased COVID-19 restrictions come into effect at 12.01am on Monday, March 29. For more information about the status of COVID-19 in NSW, head to the NSW Health website.
While Messina's main jam is crafting supremely scoffable varieties of gelato, the brand's love of food extends far beyond the freezer. The cult gelateria often teams up with savoury-focused culinary heroes, throwing big ol' food parties. For the next Messina Eats at the brand's expansive new Marrickville HQ, the dessert specialists are joining forces with Melbourne's beloved Wonderbao for a Lunar New Year feast. Neither crew is a stranger to collaborations. Wonderbao popped up in Sydney in 2022 for a team-up with Fonda, and has previously linked up with Messina back in 2016. Now, it'll be bringing its famed fluffy bao back to Sydney for a two-day takeover of the Messina Marrickville carpark on Friday, February 9–Saturday, February 10. As for what's on offer, possibly most exciting is the return of Gelato Messina's fan-favourite mango pancakes. But, before you get to the dessert, you need something savoury in your belly. That's where Wonderbao's pillowy classic and gua bao come into play. Among the varieties of bao on offer, there will be traditional char siu pork, sweet and spicy fried chicken, crispy tofu, roast pork belly and shiitake mushroom. Plus, there will be DIY peking duck pancake platters, as well as sweet and sour potato gems. When it comes to the sweet treats, the mango pancakes will be joined by a golden custard bao with a hint of coconut. Plus, there will be peach bubble tea (which you can spike with a shot of alcohol for an extra $10) and a spicy mango margarita made with Messina mango sorbet.
From the heartfelt animation of Studio Ghibli to the sword-swinging excess of Takashi Miike, if there's one thing that Japanese cinema is known for, it's variety. And while neither feature on this year's Japanese Film Festival program, there's plenty more where they came from— including true tales of dentists who became pop stars, watercolour explorations of the impact of war and Tokyo murder mysteries. Screening at Event Cinemas George Street from November 16 to 26, JFF 2017 continues the annual festival's fondness for diversity as it showcases the latest and greatest movies that Japan has to offer.Take its opening and closing films: kicking things off is historical ninja flick Mumon: The Land of Stealth, while acclaimed drama Radianceheads from Cannes to the fest's last night. Other highlights include Japan's next Oscar submission, Her Love Boils Bathwater; a haunting modern take on an ancient ghost story in Snow Woman; and perhaps the movie with the best moniker in the lineup, Hamon: Yakuza Boogie. Throw in Sion Sono's lurid Antiporno, darkly comic coming-of-age tale Love and Other Cults, and alien takeover effort Before We Vanish — plus a separate lineup of Seijun Suzuki classics at the Art Gallery of New South Wales from October 1 to 25 — and the scene is set for a delightful dip into Japan's movie magic.
Now that 2021's cooler months are here, locations around Australia have been transforming into winter wonderlands, celebrating the chilly season in all of its frosty glory. Starting back in May and running through until September, The Winter Village has returned after its debut run in Melbourne two years back — and this time it's dropping by several other cities, including Parramatta. Modelled on your typically picturesque European winter market — and giving Aussies a taste of a winter experience that we don't really have otherwise — The Winter Village comes complete with an ice rink, an igloo village, daily snow showers, and a food and drink lineup. Think of it as your quaint wintery escape, just in urban surroundings. The Parramatta stopover was always mooted, but it now has a start date: Saturday, June 19. It'll take over Prince Alfred Square as part of a partnership with the City of Parramatta's Winterlight, and will stay in place until Sunday, September 12. Attendees will be able to dust off their skates and hit the ice, and hire a private igloo where you can wine and dine with up to eight people in cosy solace. Folks spending their time in The Winter Village's igloos will feast on grazing plates of chips, dips, mini pretzels, cured meats, fried chicken bites, mac 'n' cheese croquettes and more, drink their choice of wine or beer, and tuck into a chocolate ice cream sandwich for dessert. That's the $49 package, with the $69 option including espresso martini-flavoured chocolate fudge dipping sauce, berries, brownies, marshmallows, cookies and your choice of a Bloody Shiraz Gin spritz, espresso martini, wine or beer. Or, get festive over brunch instead — which includes a 45-minute skate session and a meal afterwards for $35. There'll also be pop-up bars and outdoor seating throughout the village, should you be keen on heading along without spending time in an igloo. The latest venture from hospitality group Australian Venue Co, the frozen oasis will be open daily and free to enter. That said, ice skating, igloo hire and a couple of winter warming beverages will come at a cost. The Winter Village will head to Parramatta's Prince Alfred Square from Saturday, June 19–Sunday, September 12. Head to the event's website to book igloos and skating sessions. Top images: Mazloum J.
Print is dead! Long live print! Depending on your viewpoint, Recycled Library: Altered Books is either a commemoration of the book, or a celebration of its durable refusal to be superseded by iPads and smartphones. As paper mills give way to hard drives and server farms, the end of books may or may not be upon us. But, either way, the pixel's challenge to the page makes a foreboding backdrop to this museum-like collection of second-hand books modified by artists. In this show the printed page replaces the canvas. Some of the seventeen artists sculpt the contours of tiered paper into tiny map-like mountains, others hammer pages together. All see the book as an aesthetic object valued for its look and feel, as much as its written content. The result is a concrete dialogue between the worlds of art and literature, and a timely exploration of the relevance of the written word. Patrick Pound creates something out of almost nothing with Ex Libris (1998), a large-scale wall collage of mostly blank first and last leaves of books. Archie Moore does the unthinkable and carves into the book — the bible itself — to hide a miniature, folded arc within the tome, in Maltheism (2007). Both works carry a common motif from the show: a sense of creation and renewal of the original books, rather than destruction. Liz Jeneid's Book for a Journey (2002) is concerned with multiculturalism. The artist has the following quote, attributed to Sarah Blandon, inscribed on her pages: "…a dialogic encounter of two cultures does not necessarily result in merging or mixing. Each retains its own unity and open totality, but they are mutually enriched." The same can be said for this show's combination of literary texts and contemporary art. The visual weight of hardback spines and written letterforms seems to imbue these works with automatic significance, and so the pieces appear to become more than the sum of their parts. Of course, what this show is really missing is the addictive smell that usually consumes me in libraries. But arty, nerdy bibliophiles will enjoy this historical collection of work nonetheless. For hardcore art and literature geeks, there are free volunteer-led tours of Recycled Library on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11.30am. Or children of the 90s can make a day of it on Thursday June 14 and catch a free screening of The Neverending Story 3 at noon as well (yessss!). Image: Schach #1 (circle) / Schach #2 (triangle) / Schach #3 (square) by Alex Selenitsch (2006)
After years of farmers markets and pop-up stores — from a six-seater cafe in Matraville to a kitchen in Marrickville and a Darlinghurst store and its recently closed cafe in Circular Quay's huge Gateway Sydney dining precinct — Sydney bagel-slinger Brooklyn Boy Bagels has launched a new venture that's telling of our current times: a drive-thru. When COVID-19 restrictions first came into place, Brooklyn Boy Bagels announced, "Forget toilet paper - we're going to give you something you really need for the apocalypse. Stay tuned". Since then, it's been offering home-delivery to a bunch of Sydney suburbs and has had some pop-ups at Double Bay's White Rabbit cafe. Now, it's converted the parking lot of its existing wholesale bakery on Marrickville's Carrington Road so you can pick up freshly baked (and boiled) goods without leaving your car. The drive-thru sold out of everything on its first day. And, with the self-proclaimed (and widely agreed upon) title as Sydney's "real-deal NYC bagels", it's easy to see why. The new venture obviously focuses on the bakers' signature boiled boys, with plain, rainbow, onion, blueberry, sesame, gluten free and pumpkin versions available, as well as its famed everything bagel. Of course, you'll need some schmear, which Brooklyn Boy Bagels is selling by the bucketful. The 285-millilitre tubs of cream cheese include plain, jalapeño, lox with capers, garlic and chive flavours and a vegan almond 'cream cheese' one. Nutella, raspberry jam and peanut butter are also available, as are toppings such as lox and pastrami. https://www.instagram.com/p/B-3zgseDnFZ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link While you'll definitely want the bagels, you'll also find sourdough, challah, loaves of rye, chocolate chip and sea salt cookies and a NY pushcart-style pretzel on the menu, plus takeaway coffee from local specialty coffee roasters The Little Marrionette. There are also bagel box sets available to pre-order, should you want to to stock up. There's The Survival Kit ($42.95), with eight bagels, cream cheese, Nutella and jam; a vegan box for $49.95; and the mega The Self-Isolation Nosh Fest, which includes 20 bagels and five tubs of its various cream cheeses and will set you back $104.95. Brooklyn Boy Bagels Drive-Thru is located at 19 Carrington Road, Marrickville and is open from 7am–12pm Tuesday–Thursday and 7am–1pm Friday–Sunday.
Last weekend Bondi scored its newest wining and dining gem, with the opening of all-day eatery The Pacific Club Bondi Beach. Making its home within Campbell Parade's Pacific Building, the chic bistro and beach club boasts quite the pedigree too, with the owners pulling together a pretty exceptional team of hospitality guns to help bring it to life. Harvest Newrybar's Bret Cameron is heading up the kitchen, an expansive wine programme comes courtesy of award-winning sommelier Chris Morrison, and 2016 Australian Bartender of the Year Michael Chiem (PS40) is lending his talents to the cocktail list. The space itself is the work of Michael McCann, from Dreamtime Australia Design (Mr Wong, The Argyle), sporting a vibrant fitout that makes the very most of its beachside real estate. A customised woodfire grill and a raw bar are the heroes of the kitchen, with a local seafood-heavy menu also paying homage to that idyllic waterfront location. Expect a host of top native ingredients, from the wattleseed butter atop woodfired crumpets with your morning coffee to the kangaroo loin with toasted rice, quandong and pumpkin juice you'll spy later in the day. The house riff on smashed avo comes on charcoal and black quinoa toast, and is served with macadamia and finger lime. With its indoor-outdoor flow, it's the sort of spot where breakfast and lunch slip easily through to dinner, though the drinks offering is a drawcard in itself. Get excited for lazy summer afternoons on the deck, teaming ocean views with top-notch wines from all corners of the globe. Also a surefire hit is the lineup of signature cocktails, designed to capture the spirit of Bondi while complementing Cameron's crafty, modern Australian eats — including The Nut Cracker, with macadamia oil-washed gin and vermouth, and Here We Go Round with eye, basil and bush tonic. Find The Pacific Club Bondi Beach at 182 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach, open daily from 7am-11pm. Images: Caroline McCredie
Spring is here, and with it is longer days and sunny afternoons primed for soaking up some rays with a refreshing beverage in hand. If this sounds up your alley, the latest iteration of Opera Bar's rosé festival Rosé All Day is returning for ten days in September. Throughout the festival, the harbourside bar with an incredible view of the bridge will be thinking and drinking pink. Expect frosé, spritzes, pét-nat, cocktails, and rosé both still and sparkling, with varieties from Big Dreams, Petite Amour, Tar & Roses and Chandon. There will even be boozy rosé soft serve covered in freeze-dried raspberries, plus a Bro-groni — a negroni made from gin, rosé vermouth, Aperol and Whispering Angel rosé. Accompanying all of the pink drinks will be a pink food menu featuring oysters with a rosé mignonette, beetroot hummus with rosemary flatbread and salmon rillet on brioche. And, you can expect daily live music and a shimmer squad on weekends. Tickets to the rosé festival cost $40, and include entry plus three pink drinks for you to claim at any point. After that, you'll have to purchase your drinks as you go.
Whether you're done with staring at your own four walls, or slogging away at your nine-to-five just to make a living, we all (Dolly Parton included) deserve a break every now and again. We get it, and this year we've spent more time than usual confined to our city homes. The cure? Hit the road and go on a well-deserved trip to the countryside. If you're after rolling green hills as far as the eye can see, bushwalks amid wildflowers, sipping wine among the vines in spring, or settling in for long lunches at old-school pubs and sitting by crackling bonfires in winter, then head for the rural NSW pocket of Orange. Just a four-hour drive from Sydney, the old mining town has transformed into a major destination for foodies and vino lovers. There's local produce-focused restaurants in reclaimed police stations, rule-breaking winemakers, specialty coffee roasters and cosy tea rooms serving up lemon meringue pie. Plus, its surrounding scapes, neighbouring historic townships, B&Bs in former shearing sheds and friendly hospitality make it a world away from the big smoke. To help get you planning your next group getaway or romantic trip, we've teamed up with the folks at Orange360 to round up the very best of the region — from the must-visit vineyards to the lesser-known gems. EAT No trip to Orange is complete without eating your way around the local cafes, bakeries, pubs and restaurants. The wine region is widely considered a foodie haven, so you're spoilt for choice here. First up, make tracks to Bills Beans in east Orange to get your caffeine fix. Housed in a former butcher shop, the buzzing cafe is owned by young guns Ricky Carver and Carlie Beer. It roasts its own beans — single origins and blends — right here in Orange, so you can expect a seriously good cup of joe. Then, make your way to Racine Bakery for some freshly baked treats. Here, you'll find everything from top-notch cakes and pastries to organic sourdough, sandwiches, sausage rolls and its famed pies. Just be sure to get there early if you want to pick up its super-popular flaky croissants. If you're keen to explore the neighbouring towns for your next epicurean adventure, head to the historic town of Millthorpe and go to the The Old Mill Cafe. The old-school tea room is about 15 minutes from Orange and is as quaint as it gets. Pick up some of its mighty fine lemon meringue pies, or sit down for a breakfast or lunchtime feed — just be sure to book ahead. Then, for a long, leisurely lunch or dinner head back to Orange and make tracks to The Union Bank. Built in 1857, the heritage-listed building once functioned as a stables for police horses and later as an art school. Now, it houses a cocktail bar, airy courtyard and The Schoolhouse Restaurant. The latter, helmed by former Rockpool chef Dom Aboud, champions seasonal local produce (vino included) in classic dishes like beef tartare, pappardelle with braised greens and sirloin steaks. DRINK If you haven't quite cottoned on yet, the Orange region is known for its mighty fine wine — and plenty of it. Home to more than 60 wineries and over 40 cellar doors, the region is known for its cool-climate drops, high altitude and unique terroir thanks to dormant volcano Mount Canobolas. One winemaker worth visiting is Young Gun of Wine 2020 winner Tom Ward at Swinging Bridge Wines. Situated on the lofty slopes that surround town, the family-owned winery produces excellent pinot noir, cool-climate chardonnay and riesling, sparkling blanc de blanc, a dry and textural rosé and a fun, minimal-intervention amber wine. For more wine, head to the award-winning Colmar Estate, run by Bill and Jane Shrapnel, where you can ogle its stunning vineyard (and its resident friendly roos) right from the cellar door. Then, hit up Tamburlaine Organic Wines' newly opened Millthorpe Cellar Door. As Tamburlaine is one of Australia's biggest organic vino producers, with vineyards across the Orange and Hunter Valley regions, you'll be sampling a wide range of minimal-sulphur, vegan-friendly and, not to mention, very tasty grape juice. Need a break from the nectar of the gods? Head to Orange's very own distillery, Parrot Distilling Co., for hand-crafted gin made from locally sourced botanicals. Or, for an all-in-one booze stop, drop into Ferment, located in the heart of Orange. It's essentially 19 cellar doors in one and showcases vinos, cider and artisanal spirits from all over the region — making it the perfect place to stock up on supplies before heading home. DO Although Orange is an up-and-coming foodie capital, there is much more to this rural NSW spot than its wine and dining delights. The region is also home to rolling hills, pastoral landscapes and national parks, plus quirky shops, galleries, markets and festivals. To get a lay of the land, literally, hop in a hot air balloon and cruise above the clouds. Local company Balloon Joy Flights offers sunrise and sunset tours over the historic town of Canowindra. You can either round up your mates or book a romantic flight for two with champagne. But, if you want to get your heart pumping, then hike up Mount Canobolas for 360-degree panoramas, or explore nearby Nangar National Park for its wooded hills, dramatic cliffs, wildflowers and waterfalls. Bushwalking is a popular activity in the park, as is birdwatching, picnicking and mountain biking. For the less intrepid, you can check out Orange's many boutique shops and galleries, including adorable design store Tomolly, The Corner Store Gallery and super-colourful clothing and homewares boutique Jumbled. There's also the monthly Orange Farmers Market, where you can pick up some of the very best the area has to offer. Artisanal breads, meats, seasonal fruit and veg, honey, oils, cheese, award-winning booze — it's all there. Best of all, you'll be supporting all the local growers, farmers and makers directly. If you can, it's also worth planning your trip for when one of Orange's annual festivals is taking place. In spring, you can hit up its celebration of all things vino or, in autumn, eat your way around the region at F.O.O.D Week. Come winter, there's the not-to-be-missed Orange Winter Fire Festival, which sees the town bursting with great food, drink and cultural events, all with a wintry atmosphere. STAY As far as quaint and cosy accommodation goes, Orange has it in spades. Planning a long weekend escape with your partner in crime? While there are many places to choose from, you can't get much better than sleeping among the vines. Not only can you try multiple vinos, but you'll also wake up to beautiful views — and feel a world away from your city abode. The eco-friendly, open-plan Borrodell Cider Suites at Borrodell Estate each have a king-sized bed, floor-to-ceiling windows, a luxe spa bath, kitchen, and heated concrete floors and fireplace if you're there in the winter months. If you'd prefer to be closer to shops and cafes, the Speckled Nest Studio in Millthorpe is cute, too. For groups, book in for a true country stay at Black Sheep Inn, just nine kilometres west of Orange on Heifer Station Lane. Originally a 1900s shearing shed, the Inn has most of its original features such as a huge wool press and sheep chutes, with the addition of a wrought iron fireplace. It has five snug suites, with the entire building catering for up to 14 guests (and you can book the whole thing). In town, White Place Home on Byng is just a short stroll from buzzing eateries, fine dining restaurants, bars and stores and can accomodate up to eight people. The elegant brick cottage has four decent-sized rooms, a wood fireplace, ornate ceilings and polished timber floors, with furnishings done by the folks at nearby homewares and lifestyle store The White Place. Whether you're planning a springtime escape or a wintry weekend away, the Orange region has fine wine, good food and spectacular surrounds that make for a great city break — at any time of year. Start planning your trip here. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
There are no maybes about the Melbourne International Film Festival's major high-profile guest for 2018 — but, as fans of the Bluth and Fünke families will know, there is one Maeby. Best known for playing Arrested Development's resident teenage film industry executive, ignored daughter, slacker banana stand employee and alluring cousin, Alia Shawkat is headed to Australia as part of this year's fest, where she'll chat about her career and her life in general. Taking place on Saturday, August 18 as part of the 18-day film event, MIFF Talks: Alia Shawkat in Conversation will see the actor talk for an hour with writer and presenter Lorin Clarke — it will be her only Australian appearance. Considering she's officially attending the fest in support of her new film Blaze, a biopic about country and western songwriter Blaze Foley which Ethan Hawke directed, we're guessing there won't be any dancing like a chicken. Thanks to TV series Search Party and Transparent — plus movies such as Green Room, 20th Century Women, Nasty Baby, Night Moves and Whip It — Shawkat's resume spans much, much further than television's worst real estate family, and that's just on the screen. She's also a jazz singer, pianist, painter and illustrator, and recently starred in, co-wrote and executive produced the film Duck Butter. Plus, if Broad City has you wondering about Shawkat's doppelganger-like connection with Ilana Glazer, we have to point out that the latter was just in Melbourne this month too. MIFF Talks: Alia Shawkat in Conversation joins MIFF's growing 2018 program, which also includes an all-night Nicolas Cage marathon and a screening of Drive with an all-new live score. The fest has also announced its first 32 titles for this year, including Blaze, with the full program set to be revealed on July 10. MIFF Talks: Alia Shawkat in Conversation will take place at the Comedy Theatre, 240 Exhibition Street, Melbourne at 1.30pm on Saturday, August 18. Tickets cost $25, and are available online now.
It just got a whole lot harder for New South Wales drivers to get away with using their mobile phone while driving — and it's thanks to a world-first move by the NSW Government, which has adopted speed camera-style technology to detect the illegal behaviour. After trialling the high-definition cameras during October — and spying more than 11,000 drivers using their phones, according to the ABC — the government has just switched them on again for another three-month pilot. If proven foolproof, the technology will be implemented on a permanent basis. As first reported earlier this year, the legislation giving the tech the go-ahead was passed in NSW parliament back in May last year. And while the technology didn't actually exist at the time, the government put the call-out to companies who were interested in providing the technology. Three outfits took part in the first trial, with Australian company Acusensus selected for the January test run. Acusensus' cameras, which use artificial intelligence, have been placed on the M4 at Prospect and Anzac Parade, Moore Park. They can operate in all conditions — day and night, and regardless of the weather — to detect folks using their phones while they're behind the wheel. It's hoped that using the cameras will have a huge positive impact on the number of road fatalities, much like when breath testing was introduced back in 1982 and slashed fatal accidents by almost 50 percent. While most drivers will probably see this as a cash grab, fines won't be issued during the January trial. If the cameras come into effect permanently afterwards, fully licensed drivers will be looking at a $330 fine and five demerit points if caught (it increased from four to five last September); however, NSW Minister for Roads Melinda Pavey told The Sydney Morning Herald that money raised from the camera fines will go back into a Community Road Safety Fund.
Sydney Good Food Month presented by Citi is back and ready to once again make it near impossible to leave your winter habits behind. We say lean into it. Sydney's annual month-long feasting fiesta kicks off on Thursday, October 4 with its most expansive program yet — and you don't want to miss out on any of it. Some of it will look familiar — alongside the ever-popular Night Noodle Markets, last year's vibrant Palm Springs-inspired pop-up restaurant in Hyde Park will also make its return. And, in honour of the festival's 20th birthday, the festival hub is dialling up the nostalgia. This year, the festival will celebrate the famed restaurants, influential chefs and up-and-coming innovators that have shaped Australia's food scene through a series of throwback-themed events. Here are just a few of the food experiences you should book immediately. DATE NIGHT WITH UME BURGER AND COW & THE MOON The old dinner-and-a-movie date: it's a classic for a reason. Whether this is a first attempt or you've been with your person for many trips around the sun, Friday, October 5 is your opportunity to kick things real old-school. Hyde Park Palms' Date Night event has all the ingredients for casual yet romantic night out. On a platonic mate date? Even better. You can collectively swoon over Heath Ledger in the chosen film for the night: 90s cult classic 10 Things I Hate About You. As you're watching, you'll get to chow down on a burger from Japanese-inspired joint Ume Burger and sip on wine from South Australian winery Brand's Laira, before Enmore's Cow & the Moon provides its renowned gelato for dessert. Date Night with Ume Burger and Cow & the Moon will be held on Friday, October 5. $65 per person. 90s LONG LUNCH WITH VICTOR LIONG AND ANDY BOWDY Do you fondly think back to the time when Clueless, grungy flannel and Nintendo 64 were the height of popular culture? If you're ever filled with 90s nostalgia (we swear it feels like only yesterday), this Long Lunch event is sure to tick all of your retro-loving boxes. Chefs Victor Liong (Lee Ho Fook) and Andy Bowdy (Saga, ex-Hartsyard) will be at the helm, serving up a host of quintessential 90s flavours. While the exact menu is yet to be revealed, we know Bowdy is partial to a number of desserts from the era — think apple turnovers, finger buns and vanilla slice — so you can expect some recognisable flavours from your childhood, but with the added bonus of pairing them with grown-up drinks: Baileys, Brand's Laira wine and James Squire beer. Don that double denim and get ready to chat 90210 trivia. 90s Long Lunch with Victor Lion and Andy Bowdy will be held on Sunday, October 7. $99 per person. NOUGHTIES LONG LUNCH WITH MITCH ORR AND KATE REID If you feel like the 90s weren't that long ago (we swear they weren't), it's a rude shock to the system when you realise it's almost been two decades since the start of millennium. To soothe your disbelief, head to the Noughties Long Lunch, where two renowned chefs will be paying tribute to the era that shaped their careers in food. First up, Acme's Mitch Orr. His incorporation of flavours from his childhood into dishes is well-documented, namely the baloney sandwich and use of Jatz on Acme's menu. Orr will be joined by pastry queen Kate Reid from Lune Croissanterie, the internationally celebrated Fitzroy patisserie that dishes up the world's best croissants in both traditional and retro flavours — including pecan pie. Brand's Laira wine and James Squire beer will also be flowing throughout the meal. This is selling out quick, so you better shake it like a polaroid picture and get booking. Noughties Long Lunch with Mitch Orr and Kate Reid will be held on Sunday, October 14. $99 per person.
We can't think of a more fitting way to ring in silly season than by sipping champagne with your friends in front of the glorious Sydney Harbour. And thanks to our friends at Moët & Chandon, you could win a double pass to a sparkling drinking destination that's popping up at Bennelong Lawn. On Thursday, December 2, you and a pal could be immersed in the shimmering world of Moët & Chandon inside a custom designed 500-square-metre sculpture for Effervescence Sydney. Set against the lush backdrop of the Royal Botanic Gardens, this exclusive evening inside a glittering installation will take you far beyond your typical harbourside drinks. The prize includes a Moët Mini on arrival followed by live DJ sets, roving canapés including a bump of caviar and Moët & Chandon champagne throughout the evening to help you toast to a summer of togetherness. Plus, there'll be a glittering custom-built chandelier, a bubbling champagne tower and unparalleled views of Sydney Harbour — all for free. To nab this exclusive double pass valued at $200, tell us in 25 words or less what you'll be raising your glass to this summer and why. Moët & Chandon's Effervescence Sydney will take place from Wednesday, December 1–Sunday, December 4. To enter the competition, fill out your details below. [competition]833301[/competition]
The world's most famous scientist and the alleged inventor of gravity, Stephen Hawking will deliver his first ever Australian lecture at the Sydney Opera House in April. Addressing audiences from the University of Cambridge via video conference, the internationally renowned cosmologist and theoretical physicist will discuss both his life and the big questions of science. Whether he has any theories about the new season of The X-Files still remains to be seen. Hawking's contributions to modern and popular science are unparalleled. His research into black holes and the Big Bang Theory helped deepen our understanding of the universe, while his book A Brief History of Time has sold more than ten million copies. He's also kind of a boss, as seen most recently in his interview with John Oliver on Last Week Tonight. The physicist’s life was recently immortalised in the film The Theory of Everything, for which lead actor Eddie Redmayne won an Academy Award. Of course, the most noteworthy thing about that movie for most people was the revelation that, despite the accent of his computerised voice, Hawking is actually British. The Sydney lecture is part of the Ideas at the House series, the Opera House’s ongoing program of talks, panels and presentations. The 73-year-old Hawking will be introduced by his journalist daughter Lucy and fellow theoretical physicist Paul Davies.
It's not too early to think about your next season's swimwear, we promise — summer is in sight (or spring at the very least). Boho label Tigerlily Swimwear is offering something very relevant to your interests: a big old four-day warehouse sale to get you some much-welcome bikini bargains. The Aussie brand is almost 20 years old and still creating timeless prints and unique swimwear, so getting your mitts on some of the goods for up to 70 percent off doesn't seem like the worst idea. This is the brand's biggest ever warehouse sale with prices starting from $30. Past-season Tigerlily collections will be on offer for you and your sun-craving bodies — and it isn't just swimwear. Dresses, shorts, kaftans and other clothing will also be reduced to help you begin your summer haul. The Tigerlily warehouse sale will take place at Paddington Town Hall from August 23–26, running from 8am–7pm on Thursday and 8am–5pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Strolls around the city have been much brighter in recent weeks, all thanks to the addition of some unexpected blooms. The CBD's grey, concrete streets have had a makeover as a part of the City of Sydney's twice-yearly Living Colour floral display project, taking over Martin Place, Castlereagh Street, Alfred Street, Queens Square, Cathedral Square, Springfield Gardens, Taylor Square, Sydney Town Hall and QVB, Green Square, Union Square, the forecourt outside St Mary's cathedral and more. But as the thousands of plants have been blooming since September, these flowers need a new home. Want some more snapdragons and geraniums in your life? On Sunday, November 12 from 8am, Sydney Park will be the spot to snag some cut-price botanical beauties. For just a gold coin donation, you'll be able to take home everything from petunias to curly parsley. Plus, all funds go towards the RSPCA.
A new microbrewery is set to open in Redfern this week, thanks to WA beer brand Gage Roads Brewing Co. After snapping up the Redern digs last March, the Perth brewery is finally set to open its very first taproom — and we're lucky enough to have it right here in Sydney. The Atomic Beer Project (a sub-brand of Gage Road) will open its doors on Thursday, September 24. Punters can expect much more than just a brewpub, too — a Thai-inspired restaurant and an all-day co-working space are also on the docket. At the bar, you'll find Atomic Beer Project signatures — such as the pale ale, XPA and IPA — alongside seasonal and experimental releases, which already include a red ale and porter. Beer styles that haven't been brewed previously under the Gage Roads banner will also be up for grabs. The bar will also offer wine and spirits by local producers including Brix Distillers, Poor Toms and Archie Rose. [caption id="attachment_783990" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Steven Woodburn[/caption] While the bar slings the booze, the kitchen will serve up Southeast Asian share plates by Head Chef Jordan McLeod (Longrain Tokyo). The seasonal menu features small bites like porter-braised beef cheek stuffed in croissants, grilled tiger prawn skewers with green curry butter and kingfish sashimi with shoyu dressing. Larger plates include chargrilled riverine sirloin with chimichurri, pork and squid nuoc cham salad, barbecued Bannockburn chicken with soy mirin glaze and yellow curry with roasted cauliflower, eggplant and snake beans. [caption id="attachment_783979" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Steven Woodburn[/caption] The brand invested a whopping $3 million into the 578-square-metre space, working with Promena Projects (Bopp & Tone, Brix Distillers, Tayim) and interior design studio YSG (Edition Coffee Roasters, The Collectionist). The industrial fit-out features polished concrete, rusted beams and stainless steel elements — including the brewhouse tanks, which will be on full display. Meanwhile, heaps of colour will be found in the furnishings, including the neon green bar, bright red tables and forest green tiled walls. On the upper level is an open dining room that doubles as a co-working space with views to the brewhouse below. It boasts office amenities like unlimited wifi and bookable tables with USBs and power sockets — plus coffees from 7am daily, an all-day menu and beer on tap, of course. Having launched way back in 2004, Gage Roads has expanded to become one of Australia's largest independently owned breweries. In 2018, it rebranded nationally as Good Drinks and acquired Western Australian brewery Matso's — makers of the state's favourite alcoholic ginger beer — with more brands expected to join Good Drinks in the future. Find Atomic Beer Project taproom from Thursday, September 24 at 158 Regent Street, Redfern. It'll be open from 7am–late daily.
