The good guys behind Astral People have teamed up with Strawberry Fields to do what they do best, which is amassing some of the freshest electronic artists around to invigorate Sydney’s underground electronic scene and make us realise what we’ve been missing while dancing to bastardised remixes of Gotye. This time they’re bringing four of the most exciting acts around right now for Land of the Giants. The inaugural event will see Tycho (USA), Baths (USA), Prefuse 73 (USA) and Synkro (UK) go head to head at The Metro Theatre in November, prefacing the myriad of major summer music festivals with a boundary-pushing four-headed audio experience said to span continents, planets and timeframes. Swirly San Franciscian Tycho will have a full band in tow to assist with generating the dreamy transcendental vibes as his makes his Australian debut. Intricate L.A. producer Baths will also be testing the waters here after knocking our socks off with his first album Cerulan, which he released two years ago at the tender age of 21. Synchro and Prefuse 73 will be bringing, respectively, the obligatory yet atypical dubstep and the lush glitchy beats. Land of the Giants will take place at The Metro Theatre on Saturday, November 24. Tickets are less than $50 and are on sale now through The Metro website.
Every year, So Frenchy So Chic asks Sydneysiders and Melburnians a question: do you fancy prancing through a field laced with the charm of provincial France, but without needing to book a flight? If your answer is yes, which it should be, then you'll be pleased to know that that exact setup is just casual summer weekendery when the fest rolls in each January. The ever-popular French celebration will bring the can-can back to Melbourne's Werribee Park Mansion and, for the first time, to Sydney's Centennial Park — a new venue for 2024. The dates: Sunday, January 14 in Victoria and Saturday, January 20 in New South Wales. For newcomers, expect an entire afternoon of French-inspired niceties, including (but not limited to) gourmet picnic hampers, très bon crepes and steak frites sandwiches, and supremely good wine — all set to a blissed-out French soundtrack. So Frenchy So Chic hinges on an eclectic lineup of artists, both taking cues from the classic sonic stylings of France and showcasing top-notch French talent. On the 2024 bill: La Femme, Marlon Magnée and Sacha Got's psych-punk rock group; Kill The Pain, aka Australian singer and songwriter Phoebe Killdeer with French vocalist Mélanie Pain; Laure Briard, fresh from releasing album Ne pas trop rester bleue; and the Serge Gainsbourg- and Angus and Julia Stone-loving Malo'. As always, the wine and food will flow just as easily as the tunes, headlined by an abundance of bubbly courtesy of Champagne Lanson, one of France's oldest champagne houses and a So Frenchy So Chic favourite. Eateries such as Frederic's, Hotel Gitan, Loulou and Bouillon Entrecôte will be doing the culinary honours, going big on French favourites in the process. So, expect oysters, croque monsieurs, duck liver parfait, mussels, chocolate eclairs, macarons and cheese upon cheese. [caption id="attachment_917827" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Christophe Crenel[/caption] Of course, there'll be plenty of French beer, cocktails, and rosé, red and white wines, too, no matter what you choose to snack on throughout the day. For groups of ten, this year's festival also includes a $199-per-person option that gets you your own prime spot with low-seated wooden tables decorated with flowers, rugs and cushions to make things comfy, two bottles of champers, a shady umbrella, and two charcuterie hampers and two cheese hampers. If you've got kids, you'll be happy to know that the whole thing is very family-friendly, with children's tickets starting from $25 (and entry free for kids under 12). [caption id="attachment_917828" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Taylor Kezia, Smith Street Agency[/caption] SO FRENCHY SO CHIC 2024 AUSTRALIAN DATES: Sunday, January 14 — Werribee Park Mansion, Melbourne Saturday, January 20 — Centennial Park, Sydney SO FRENCHY SO CHIC 2024 AUSTRALIAN LINEUP: La Femme Kill The Pain Laure Briard Malo' So Frenchy So Chic hits Sydney and Melbourne in January 2024. For more information or to buy tickets, head to the event's website. Top images: Liz Sunshine and Tekni.
Most of us take for granted the fact that we can chill in our living room listening to great music and chatting to friends. Just over a year ago, Mahli Cooper was the same. But then she had an accident that left her with a traumatic brain injury. Some 15 months later, Mahli is out of hospital and is living at home with her family where she can continue to get the kind of care she needs. Of course, the road to recovery is long and comes at a great cost, and so Mahli’s friends have gotten together to raise money for the Cooper Family and for the organisation Youngcare in order to ensure that Mahli can continue to receive the best care possible. This is where you come in: this Wednesday November 18, Mahli’s friends are hosting Mahli’s Living Room, a concert at Newtown favourite, The Vanguard. The night promises a cosy atmosphere of intimate crooning from UK group Passenger, Aria winner Katie Noonan and the critically acclaimed Boy & Bear and emerging Sydney band Serenik. Join Mahli in her adopted living room for the night, listen to some great tunes and help raise funds and awareness for Youthcare and Mahli Cooper. To find out more visit Mahli's Living Room.
Everyone has different ideas of the perfect holiday - lying on a tropical beach until you're as brown as Giorgio Armani might be your thing, or maybe you dream of walking the El Camino Del Ray. But you would be hard-pressed to find someone that doesn't have a trip to Italy on their bucket list. Who could possibly not love a land of the best pizza and ice cream you will ever eat? Italy is not just about the food though, as the folks at Mr & Mrs Smith know. Their website offers reviews of the most unique and stylish hotels from all over the world, for those who are looking for an alternative to the bland monotony of Holiday Inns. They've now created a beautiful coffee-table-worthy travel guide of Italy, including, of course, 32 of the country's coolest boutique hotels from the grand, baroque kind to the sweet and rustic and hidden coastal retreats. Also included is an insider lowdown of what to do in each destination, including restaurant recommendations, what to pack and tips like which deli sells the best prosciutto or which vineyard to visit for the most romantic day. A perfect Christmas present for someone who's been talking about doing the Italy trip for far too long. To win one of five books by Mr & Mrs Smith, make sure you are subscribed to Concrete Playground then email hello@concreteplayground.com.au (for Australia) or auckland@concreteplayground.co.nz (for New Zealand) by Wednesday 7 December, 2011 at 5pm. Winners will be notified by email soon after.
Like Crazy is a romantic drama about the hopelessness and heartbreak of love, exploring the challenges a couple faces both by being together and being apart. The film is written and directed by Drake Doremus, and was the winner of the Grand Jury Prize for Best Picture at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival. Anna (Felicity Jones), a British college student, falls in love with her classmate Jacob (Anton Yelchin) and they embark on a passionate journey that soon becomes life-changing after Anna overstays her student visa to spend the summer with Jacob. When forced into a long distance relationship are placed in a situation that tests the love they have for each other. Like Crazy opens in cinemas March 1, and Concrete Playground has twenty double passes to giveaway. To win, just make sure you are subscribed to Concrete Playground then email your name and postal address through to hello@concreteplayground.com.au by Wednesday, February 29. https://youtube.com/watch?v=r-ZV-bwZmBw
No longer just the realms of Monica Trapaga residencies and kiddie-aimed pantomimes, Twilight at Taronga presented by ANZ — the after-hours live music series that boasts perhaps the best view of Sydney Harbour as well as lots of adorable animals — has proven they've got some real cred when it comes to hosting outdoor gigs in the past few years. Aussie rock band The Rubens are making their Twilight at Taronga debut this year, and they've already sold out their first show. As a result, they've announced a second show on February 2. They'll be supported by pop punk legend (newbie) Bec Sandridge. Picnic-bringing is encouraged, but there'll also be incredibly delicious hampers available onsite — we tasted them, they're extremely generous and genuinely great. There's a bar on-site, and general nosh available from the canteen. Either way, it's actually the one of the best dates in Sydney — lock those tickets down. All proceeds from Twilight at Taronga go back into the zoo's ongoing conservation work, including support of the first global community action tool, Wildlife Witness, which helps fight against illegal wildlife trade. PLUS, your ticket includes free entry to the zoo on the same day and return public transport. That's a big deal. View the full Twilight at Taronga line up here and get your tickets to The Rubens here.
H&M, the Ikea of fashion, have really been kicking goals lately. Not only have they proven themselves the ultimate champions of affordable Swedish threads, they've nearly approached world domination. The much-loved brand boasts over 3000 stores in more than 50 countries, and each store they open in Australia is met with a frenzy. We saw it at Melbourne's GPO earlier this year and we're about to see it at the Macquarie Centre next month, but that will be nothing compared to the craziness announced for next year. H&M have just announced they will open a Sydney flagship store at the Glasshouse on Pitt Street in mid-2015. The fashion goliath will stand at three storeys tall and cover 5000 square metres. We were just joking about the comparison to Ikea, but seriously, you're probably going to get lost in there. As expected with such an enormous space, the store will house not only the latest clothing collection but also homewares, sportswear and accessories. Stock will be replenished daily, and the shopping centre will increase its trading hours to cope with the undoubtedly huge crowds. For comparison, 1.7 million people have passed through the Melbourne flagship store since its opening in April. Of course, there must be a reason for all this hysteria. Not only are the clothes cheap and of decent quality, H&M's Australian manager Hans Andersson has practically announced the brand as saviour of Australian fashion. "Sydney ... has world-class restaurants, yet the shopping is not up to the same standard," he said. "It has to change; as retailers we have to do better." For those that are too impatient to wait until next year, Sydney's first H&M store is opening in North Ryde on October 16 and a pop-up store also just appeared in the CBD as part of Vogue Fashion's Night Out. It's all happening! Maybe kill some time by sharpening your nails and perfecting a snarl to intimidate other shoppers. Via The Sydney Morning Herald.
It seems everyone is tirelessly running around these days, but this cosy little Surry Hills store is slowing things down. It's a calm and quiet oasis filled with a tasteful selection of handmade homewares embodying Japanese and Scandinavian design ideals. Founded by creative Tara Bennett, Provider Store is built around the concept of 'slow living', a mentality that's represented in the shop's products made by likeminded international artisans, as well as those created by Bennett in the shop's rear studio. Each product is made ethically and sustainably, with a sophisticated range of plates, candles, pillows and magazines all telling a story about its creator, and providing insight into Bennett's worldly travels. A fourth-generation sewer, Bennett's background is in fashion having worked with some of Australia's leading retailers. The first iteration of Provider Store arrived on the scene in 2012, as a vintage clothing store founded by Bennett and three housemates. After the place underwent renovations, the store lay dormant for a few years, but has now reopened as a collection of quality wares — selling everything from diffusers and chopsticks to locally roasted coffee, Monocle Travel Guides, handpainted pillows and more. Before heading into the store, you can take a peek at what's available online. Provider Store's change of direction came in 2014 after Bennett's travels to Japan left her inspired by the culture's inherent respect for possessions. The clean streets and the utilitarian approach to many products can be at odds with Australian culture, which often preferences cheaply made goods over the practical or the pleasing. Provider's highly curated range of products slot comfortably in the compact retail space at the front of the shop. At the back, there's a workshop that's shared with fellow creative Troy O'Shea Handmade – here you'll find Bennett crafting many of the products sold in-store, or hosting candle making workshops with a glass of wine in hand. Find Provider Store at 381b Riley Street, Surry Hills.
Many of us find ourselves wanting to stay home a lot more during the winter months, but the rain and colder temps certainly don't stop our calendars from filling up with social events, do they? There's always a birthday, date night or long overdue catch up happening, so get out of those winter trackies and off the couch — it's time to eat something you haven't ordered from Deliveroo. And if you need even more reason to get off the couch, thanks to the Suncorp Platinum Credit Card*, you can earn points for every dollar you spend on everyday essentials like that birthday card you should probably get, that bouquet for their mum or the dinner you're about to plan. Read on and add these five cosy eateries with set menus to your list — bonus: each spot will cost you less than $100 a head.
As part of its push to get encourage tourism to regional NSW and bushfire-impacted areas, the NSW Government has launched five new culinary trails that will guide you through the picturesque Southern Tablelands. If you're looking for a food-filled trip out of the big smoke, these trails are designed to take the planning out of your travels while ensuring you hit the best spots this beloved NSW region has to offer. Located within three hours of Sydney, these food and wine trails are designed to be taken as a self-guided tour through your choice of five distinct areas within the Southern Tablelands. The five journeys have been labelled: Wine, Water, Wonder; Vibrant Villages & Passionate Producers; Wild Hume: Nature & History; Off the Beaten Track; and Recharge in the Great Outdoors, with each providing travellers with a wholly unique experience. [caption id="attachment_865326" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Contentious Character[/caption] So, let's break down a few of these trails. Number one is Wine, Water, Wonder which is based around Lake George. It includes trips to the adorable Some Cafe in the small town of Collector, a range of food and shopping spots, and a winery crawl through the idyllic vines of Lerida Estate, Lake George Winery, Contentious Character and Lark Hill Winery. The Vibrant Villages & Passionate Producers trail takes you to stops like Grabben Gullen's The Albion Hotel for locally caught seafood, a 300-year-old sock-making dynasty in Crookwell, Laggan Pantry for a six-course degustation and a range of century-plus-old pubs. And, trail three — Off the Beaten Path — explores the areas between the Southern Highlands' Queanbeyan and Braidwood. On this adventure, you'll explore the historic town of Captains Flat, take on our choice of scenic hikes and stumble upon charming pubs, cafes, delis and galleries. Head to the Visit NSW website for the full breakdown of each tourist trail and to begin planning your trip to the Southern Tablelands. [caption id="attachment_865325" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bungonia National Park[/caption] Plan a trip to the Southern Highlands through the NSW Government's tourist trails. Images: Destination NSW
The Darlinghurst end of Oxford Street is known for a few things, but most arguably this strip of Sydney is famous for all things queer. Fabulous drag queens tottering into Stonewall and the rainbow pedestrian behind Taylor Square. And, of course, Mardi Gras. Also in this colourful corner of Sydney, you'll find The Bookshop Darlinghurst: a specialty store dedicated to LGBTQI+ literature and film. You may well have passed this little shopfront before, with the rainbow flag or a saucy book cover catching your eye. It's been around for over 35 years and has played an integral role in Sydney's queer community and culture. The Bookshop is jam-packed, stocking everything from books to calendars, magazines and DVDs. Whether you're here for the Priscilla Queen of The Desert DVD, some erotica, a calendar or a good read — Call Me by Your Name, Holding the Man and Benjamin Law's recent Growing Up Queer in Australia, for example — this bookshop's got it all.
A night at the ballet is spectacularly unique — strong bodies moving with masterful technique, bejewelled costumes and magnificent orchestral compositions. The Australian Ballet exemplifies all of this theatre and artistry in the more traditional productions on its program, but it also showcases dance in a way that's wildly different to preconceived ideas of what ballet is and can be. This is particularly true for Instruments of Dance, the triple bill set to hit Sydney Opera House's Joan Sutherland Theatre from Thursday, November 10. To get a look inside this performance, we sat down with Drew Hedditch, a coryphée (a rank above the corps de ballet — pronounced co-ri-fay for anyone who needs it) at The Australian Ballet, before the work headed up to the Harbour City after its Australian debut in Melbourne. Hedditch is fronting up part one — Everywhere We Go — which will be the first time he's taken a leading role with the company. What did the dancer reveal? Reasons aplenty for this show being the one for you if you're green to the scene. [caption id="attachment_869097" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kate Longley[/caption] PART ONE OF THE TRIFECTA Excitingly, Instruments of Dance brings three resident choreographers — and their bespoke compositions — from the world's top ballet companies to Australian soil. There's Justin Peck from the New York City Ballet, The Royal Ballet's Wayne McGregor and The Australian Ballet's own Alice Topp. "It's not going to be like going to a full-length ballet, where you see the first act and know what you're in for for the next hour and a half," Hedditch assures. "There's definitely no tutus." Canberra-born Hedditch takes centrestage in part one of the eclectic performance, Everywhere We Go. The boundary-pushing piece was conceived by New York City Ballet's resident choreographer Justin Peck in collaboration with Sufjan Stevens, who delivers a score full of his trademark ethereal beauty and surprise. "Justin really has his own style," shares Hedditch. "A sharpness and understated movement of the arms, and then the fast pace of it all. I just keep reiterating to people that he choreographed the latest West Side Story [film] — having seen that, then doing this, I get it." The Australian Ballet is the first company to perform Everywhere We Go outside of the New York City Ballet. "The New York City Ballet has this amazing energy that comes through all of their works," explains Hedditch. "It's an energy and commitment that challenges no one else, it's almost a little bit unrefined at times." It's that Broadway energy that will define the piece. Rapid musical accompaniment from a live orchestra, nautical-striped costumes and the flurry of 25 dancers flowing on and off the stage. "It's really playful, no sets; just a projection on the back that changes like geometric shapes. It's just us and the audience — and that connection." [caption id="attachment_869099" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kate Longley[/caption] INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIONS "Sufjan [Stevens] is a complete genius," Hedditch exudes. "The music keeps us on our toes — we're counting five eights of seven into a four, it's ridiculously fast. You can tell that Justin and Sufjan worked hand in hand to make this ballet, and it feels really nice on the body." Everywhere We Go illustrates the creative power of collaboration. In this case, providing new opportunities for both dancers and audiences Down Under. "It allows us to push ourselves to the point where we are playing risky. There's also moments that are just really real and humane, where we can look at each other, crack a smile or play. In a story ballet, you can really live the story and become a part of it. But in this work, without a narrative, you just get to live." [caption id="attachment_869098" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kate Longley[/caption] ENDURANCE, COMMITMENT AND GETTING ON STAGE Just like anything, with challenge and commitment comes delicious fruit: "We're not going to be able to pull this off unless we dive into that commitment and bring the energy, too," Hedditch states. "To see the dancers that we know and look up to — who did these roles originally — to then perform it is so inspiring." As mentioned, these dancers are athletes at the top of their game. Months of rehearsals, pirouettes and pas de deux practised over and over, new ways of moving studied and then executed. "In the first movement, I don't really leave the stage," he continues. "I had tingling through my arms because they had literally just been going and going. It was day one! The tempo wasn't even at full speed yet. I'd never really felt that, and that's kind of exciting — like, where is this going to go from here? How far can we push this?" What's certain is that by the time Hedditch and the troupe hit the Sydney stage, audiences — both new and seasoned — will be about to witness a thrilling night of ballet that's fresh and focused. "As artists, everyone's willing to mix and collaborate. That's the beauty of it, that's how masterpieces are made." Instruments of Dance takes the stage at Sydney's Joan Sutherland Theatre from Thursday, November 10 till Saturday, November 26. Head to the website for more information and to grab your tickets. Top images: Jeff Busby
Whether you associate it with lunchtime eats or late nights at the Greenwood Hotel, Greenwood Plaza is set to raise the bar as the team behind Plate It Forward brings two new venues to North Sydney. The pair of exciting openings north of the bridge celebrate feel-good food that affects real social change. The retail precinct has already welcomed the arrival of Anything But Humble, the second pie shop from Shaun Christie-David and his crew. Plus, a second Kabul Social eatery is on its way to Greenwood Plaza as well, following the overwhelming success of the initial location in the CBD's MetCentre. You'll find a fusion of culinary inspiration at Anything But Humble, with the presence of bold Mexican flavours alongside subtle Sri Lankan cues and nods to Afghani cuisine — or Australian food at its multicultural best, as the team behind the forward-thinking eateries like South Eveleigh's Coyoacan Social and Enmore Road's Colombo Social defines it. The soon-to-open sophomore outpost for Kabul Social will bring the flavours of Afghanistan to the lower-north shore. Expect to find an array of menu items dedicated to Afghani-style eats, from the Kabuli burgers and fresh dumplings to build-your-own lunchboxes perfect for North Sydney office workers. The Greenwood Plaza eatery owes its restaurant concept and menu to a collaboration between the Plate It Forward crew and a group of female refugees, so the careful curation of its offerings pays homage to authentic Afghani food. At the forefront of its ethos, the Plate It Forward crew aims to serve up hearty food that is truly impactful. As a result, every dollar spent at any of the group's venues, including the two new outposts, is donated to a great cause. Anything But Humble passes on its earnings to providing training and employment opportunities to empower individuals with disabilities, while the second Kabul Social eatery will dedicate its practice to providing meals to disadvantaged communities. Every meal purchased will provide a two-meal donation to Afghan communities in need. And what better way to contribute to long-lasting social change than by sinking your teeth into a flavour-filled and impact-driven meal? The proof is — quite literally — in the pastry. For those seeking to track their contribution, the impact of your purchases is available in real-time — take a look at the digital display while ordering and you'll be able to see the number of donated meals you've provided. You'll find both Anything But Humble and Kabul Social's North Sydney outposts inside Greenwood Plaza. Anything But Humble is open now 10am–4pm Monday–Saturday, while Kabul Social is set to open in the coming weeks.
James Turell, a Californian artist who has worked with light and perception as his media and subject matter since the 1960s, apparently studied perceptual psychology, mathematics, astronomy and geology at university before he moved into art history. He has recalled that during the lectures he was more enthralled by the illuminated dust particles in front the projectors than the images themselves, and when he finally saw real paintings by Rothko and other artists he deeply admired, he had felt disappointed that they lacked the luminosity they had as projected slides in the lecture halls. In 1966 Turrell rented out an old hotel in Santa Monica and turned it into his studio where he set about exploring light and the way it inhabits space. He started working with projected artificial light that was molded to give the illusion of mass and volume, and he made his first 'Structural Cuts' to the building's facade, abstracting external light from the city and the sun as pure geometric shapes. These led to Turrell's ongoing body of Skyspaces, where visitors look up at the wide blue yonder through a hole in the roof, and the enormous volume of the atmosphere appears to sit on the ceiling as a two dimensional image. The artist was evicted from the Mendota Hotel in 1974, losing not only his studio but a whole body of work. In the same year he received a Guggenheim grant for a new site-specific project that would develop many of the ideas initiated at the Mendota, but with a radically different scale and setting. According to Turrell legend, he spent the entire grant on airplane fuel and flew around the western United States on his own for seven months, looking for the perfect dormant volcano, finally settling on his 500,000-year-old Roden Crater. Part monumental land art, part naked eye observatory, the Rodan Crater has been an eagerly anticipated work in progress for over three decades, and still hasn't opened to the public. Meanwhile, however, a major new permanent Skyspace has just burst out of the earth at the National Gallery in Canberra, marking the first time Turrell has been commissioned in Australia. Set to open in spring, Within, without leads visitors to sit in a sparse domed room that forms a stage for diurnal celestial cycles, where we look at projected light in and of itself, rather than at what it illuminates.
UPDATE, June 3, 2022: Kajillionaire is available to stream via Netflix, Binge, Foxtel Now, Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. When Evan Rachel Wood played a troubled teen in 2003's Thirteen, the then 16-year-old received a Golden Globe nomination. For her work in Westworld since 2016, she has nabbed multiple Emmy nods. So when we say that the actor puts in her best performance yet in Kajillionaire — the type of portrayal that deserves several shiny trophies — that observation isn't made lightly. Playing a 26-year-old con artist called Old Dolio Dyne, Wood is anxious but yearning, closed-off yet vulnerable, and forceful as well as unsure all at once. Her character has spent her entire life being schooled in pulling off quick scams by her eccentric parents Robert (Richard Jenkins, The Shape of Water) and Theresa (Debra Winger, The Lovers), who she still lives with, and she's stuck navigating her own street-wise brand of arrested development. Old Dolio knows how to blend in, with her baggy clothes, curtain of long hair and low-toned voice. She also knows how to avoid security cameras in physical feats that wouldn't look out of place in a slapstick comedy, and how to charm kindly folks out of reward money. But she has never been allowed to truly be her own person — and, from the moment that Wood is seen on-screen, that mournful truth is immediately evident. Kajillionaire introduces Old Dolio, Robert and Theresa as they're falling back on one of their most reliable swindles: stealing packages from post office boxes. Old Dolio bobs and weaves like a ninja to avoid prying eyes, while her parents watch on from a safe distance, a formula that most of their other small-time rackets also rely upon. They're not trying to strike it rich and live ultra glamorous lives, although they do like entering competitions. As Robert lectures on one of his many musings about their chosen lifestyle, they don't want to be kajillionaires like everyone else in America seems to. Rather, they're merely endeavouring to maintain their offbeat existence — including keeping a low profile, staying off the grid and away from the government's prying eyes, and holing up in the basement level of an abandoned office building. In the aforementioned vacant structure the Dynes call home — which is still filled with cubicles, office furniture and stationery — big waves of pink suds seep down from above multiple times a day. That's an absurdist detail, even just to look at; however, it says more about the film's characters, the feature itself and the approach favoured by writer/director Miranda July than a simple description can convey. As the latter demonstrated with Me and You and Everyone We Know and The Future, she's fond of both surveying the routines of everyday life and using surreal and whimsical flourishes to lay bare the emotions lingering underneath. Vivid to watch but considered a chore in the movie, those soapy bubbles are a classic July touch. They also reflect the blend of eccentricity and repetition that marks this unconventional family's days, and share much in common with Old Dolio specifically. Never treated like a child or allowed to celebrate her birthday, and trained to split every score she makes with her parents since she was a kid, she has long been taken for granted — but, for those willing to actually take notice, she's far more than just the third part of a trio. Narrative-wise, Kajillionaire tracks this realisation within Old Dolio herself, as sparked by two developments. Firstly, to make a quick $20 to help cover overdue rent, she agrees to attend a parenting class for someone she meets on the street, and is struck by how far removed its teachings are from her own experiences. Secondly, on a return flight back to Los Angeles from New York as part of a travel insurance grift, her parents meet and befriend lively optometrist's assistant Melanie (Gina Rodriguez, Annihilation). So accustomed to playing the role dictated to her by Robert and Theresa, and never deviating from it, Old Dolio isn't prepared for the emotions stirred up by both changes to her status quo. But July's poignant and perceptive movie — a film that's a quirky heist flick, a playful but shrewd exploration of family bonds, and a sweet love story — is perfectly, mesmerisingly equipped to navigate her protagonist's efforts to reach beyond the only loved ones and the only type of life she has ever known. That Wood and July make a delightful actor-filmmaker combo really can't be stressed enough. Old Dolio finds herself searching for the kindness she didn't know she'd been missing, Kajillionaire's director regards everything about the character with affection and understanding, and the result is one of the most distinctive, empathetic and engaging movies of the year. The film doesn't gloss over any of its key figures' flaws or struggles, of which there are many, or the fact that little about these scammers can be wholly trusted even by each other. And yet, July knows that the best way to tell Old Dolio's tale — and Robert, Theresa and Melanie's too — is to jump on their wavelength. Ultimately, this is a movie shaped as much by its mood, tone and rhythms as its plot and themes, although it does an intuitive and insightful job of demonstrating how consumption-driven lives, 21st-century living in general, and the supposed be all and end all that is the American Dream can prove empty and limiting. To answer the question that's on everyone's minds from the moment that Old Dolio's name is uttered, yes, Kajillionaire offers an explanation. Yes, it's as idiosyncratic and revealing as the rest of the movie. It's rare for a film to feel so rich, so unique and so completely the sum of its parts, but July's third feature manages that feat in everything from its bright but never postcard-perfect lensing of LA and its off-kilter episodic antics to its tender appreciation of an individualistic young woman whose initials literally spell out ODD. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-fxRXzfi0U
After two years of scrolling online shopping sites from our couches, proper in-store retail sessions in brick-and-mortar spaces are sweeter than ever. If you're looking for an elevated retail experience with a difference this winter, head to Chatswood Chase's The Edit Collection pop-up, which is currently showcasing local lifestyle clothing brand ESSE Studios. ESSE's new Edition No.7 collection designed by award-winning designer Charlotte Hicks will be available in-store from July 26 - September 18, 2022. And if you're keen to elevate your wardrobe and shop more sustainably, Hicks is here to help. On Saturday, August 20 and Sunday, August 21, she'll be in-store for a limited time offering stylising sessions — free of charge. These sessions will give guests insights into how to maximise their wardrobe while minimising their impact on the planet. There will also be light refreshments so you can stay fed and watered while you shop. That's the VIP treatment baby. If you haven't checked out the Edit Collection retail space yet, it's the perfect time to do so. Dubbed "the store of the future" this concept store is more like a wild shopping experience — it has shoppable change room mirrors, gesture-controlled screens and a digital assistant to shoot and share selfies. A different Australian brand is featured every eight weeks, celebrating the amazing fashion and culture in this country. Get in to check it out and receive some styling tips from one of our most fashionable queens while you're there — a win, win. If you're keen to lock in a session with Hicks, bookings are essential so head to Eventbrite.
It's a rare treat to see classical favourites performed by world-class musicians in a beautiful setting. And it's even rarer for that experience to be completely free, but that's exactly what's provided by Sydney Symphony Under the Stars. Each year the renowned orchestra brings its rapturous performances to Parramatta Park, with the park's rolling green hills acting as a backdrop to a free program that ranges from enduring pieces of the 18th century to famous film scores of the modern era. The symphony was originally supposed to pop up earlier this year as part of Sydney Festival, but was postponed to Saturday, March 26 due to COVID-19. Pack a picnic basket and your favourite rug before heading down early to nab a comfy spot in front of the huge stage located at Parramatta Park's The Crescent. You'll then be treated to a world-renowned performance from the Sydney Symphony Orchestra conducted by Benjamin Northly. Beethoven's epic Symphony No. 5 will act as the grand finale to the night, accompanied by a thunderous firework display lighting the night's sky. The event is family-friendly and spots are first-come-first-serve with no online registrations required this year. You can head to the Sydney Festival website for all the details. Top images: Jamie Williams
Barrack Place is Sydney CBD's new food and caffeine-filled laneway hangout. Taking inspiration from the laneways of Melbourne and New York, the space has an industrial fit-out with a touch of art — there's a brick façade, black steel details and cobblestone streets, plus installations by Adelaide artist Amy Joy Watson. Inside, you'll find three spots serving top-notch brews: Batch Espresso, Mo'st and St Dreux. The latter is a pastel pink coffee oasis and the second outpost of St Dreux, a roastery located in Sydney's southwest. It's serving up its own blends of beans as milky coffees, filter and nitro cold brew — a sparkling, nitrogen-charged coffee with the foamy head of a beer. Perfect for Sydney's balmy summer mornings (and afternoons). Food is light, limited to pastries — sweet and savoury — and baked goods. If you're looking for something heartier, we suggest heading next door to the aforementioned Mo'st — it's slinging rou jia mo: a Chinese-style burger originating from the Shaanxi Province that's said to be the world's oldest sandwich.
It's been five years since Taylor Square's rainbow crossing was removed in the middle of the night, without a word of warning. But now, just a week out from the 41st Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, it has been permanently reinstated — and it's as triumphant and vibrant as ever. The colourful crossing popped up on the corner of Bourke and Campbell streets yesterday, and has been officially launched by Lord Mayor Clover Moore and MP Alex Greenwich and Mardi Gras CEO Terese Casu this morning, Friday, February 8. With the support of the City of Sydney, NSW Roads and the RMS, the crossing features the colours of the gay pride flag, and curves with the road — meaning it takes the shape of an actual rainbow. When it was first announced back in June last year, Lord Mayor Clover Moore has applauded the move, calling it "a powerful acknowledgement of the importance of our LGBTQI community and history". https://www.instagram.com/p/BtmTKu8FWI9/ The original rainbow crossing was installed in February 2013, but was removed two months later by the NSW Roads Minister amidst safety concerns. Residents have since spent years petitioning for it to be reinstated — this Change.org petition got over 16,000 signatures — so this is undoubtedly welcome news to the LGBTIQ+ community and commuters that pass through Taylor Square each day. To celebrate, the City of Sydney will host a pop-up from 11am–1pm tomorrow, where you can get free rainbow icy poles, get a photo printed and even a free bike tune-up. The new installation, which has also included a local street upgrade for pedestrians and improvements to the Bourke Street bike path, will be in place for six months, before a safety review is undertaken by the RMS. If it ticks all the boxes, this rainbow icon will be sticking around permanently. It will join Melbourne's rainbow road, which was installed in St Kilda last year.
This Thursday marks the opening of 'Central', the new retail hub at Central Park. To celebrate its first week the area will be abuzz with live entertainment, special events and giveaways. Architecture fans, now’s your chance to explore the new sustainably designed space (and have a squiz at that dizzying vertical garden). The brains behind the ‘living mall’ seem to have thought of everything — from eateries to shops to art spaces. Level 3 features a gallery to showcase local and international artists, a workshop area for visual artists and even a rehearsal space for performers. There’s free Wi-Fi and plenty of outdoor and indoor spaces to set up camp. Pretty cool. Tips for freebie hunters: Glue is giving 20 percent off storewide, and on Thursday from 11am-9pm Guzman y Gomez are serving free burritos. Between 4pm-8pm Thursday to Sunday you can check out live music, dance, contortionists, Harajuku girls (why not) and the FBi chill out lounge on Level 2.
Iconic filmmakers dropping huge films: thanks Martin Scorsese's Killers of the Flower Moon, Michael Mann's Ferrari and Ridley Scott's Napoleon, that's the current cinema story. The latter picture also sees the director reteam with Joaquin Phoenix, step into history and make an epic. And yes, the last time they did that turned out well for the pair. Back in 2000, exploring a brutal (and fictionalised) slice of the past brought both Scott and Phoenix both Oscar nominations. Repeating the feat 23 years after Gladiator, they might be hoping for the same outcome — or better. In Napoleon, Phoenix (Beau Is Afraid) is on a campaign to rule France as the movie's namesake, and Scott (House of Gucci) also returns to a period he dived into in his debut feature The Duellists back in 1977. [caption id="attachment_922708" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Aidan Monaghan[/caption] The focus this time is clearly all there in the title, charting Napoleon Bonaparte's rise to French Emperor, then fall from the post. No, ABBA's 'Waterloo' doesn't feature in either the film's first sneak peek or in the just-dropped trailer. Present instead is a whole lot of wars being waged in a quest to first fight for and then to hold onto power, as well an examination of Napoleon's relationship with Joséphine de Beauharnais (Vanessa Kirby, Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One). The hat, the determination, the military and political scheming, battle scene after battle scene: they all get a look in the Napoleon trailers, too, in a movie that's being touted by distributor Sony as boasting "some of the most dynamic practical battle sequences ever filmed". Also accounted for: lines of dialogue, as scripted by All the Money in the World's David Scarpa, establishing Napoleon's arrogance. "I'm the first to admit when I make a mistake. I simply never do," Phoenix notes in the initial glimpse. When Napoleon hits cinemas Down Under in November, Phoenix and Kirby will be joined on-screen by everyone from Tahar Rahim (The Serpent) as Paul Barras and Ben Miles (Hijack) as Caulaincourt to Ludivine Sagnier (Lupin) as Theresa Cabarrus — plus Catherine Walker (House of Gucci) as Marie-Antoinette, whose fate is seen in the two trailers. After a silver-screen date, the movie is also headed to Apple TV+, just like Killers of the Flower Moon. Check out the latest trailer for Napoleon below: Napoleon releases in cinemas Down Under on November 23, 2023. Images: courtesy of Sony Pictures/Apple Original Films.
No doubt you've heard about western Sydney's multibillion-dollar development Parramatta Square, which is transforming the CBD into a thriving retail and dining hub. While there's some way before the project is completed, you can now dine at several new restaurants and takeaway spots, including new outposts from already popular burger and salad bowl chains to newbies from restaurateurs Maurice Terzini and Ibby Moubadder. In partnership with Parramatta Square, we've picked out seven dishes you should order when you're there — whether you're booking in for a feast or in need of a fast feed. [caption id="attachment_788544" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nikki To[/caption] CLAM FREGOLA AT CICCIA BELLA One of the most exciting additions to Parramatta Square is Maurice Terzini's second Ciccia Bella. Chef Nic Wong (The Apollo and Cho Cho San) oversees the menu at both the Bondi and western Sydney restaurants, which takes inspiration from southern Italian cooking. We suggest starting with a serve of the woodfired house bread and LP's Quality Meats mortadella, before opting for the Sardinian fregola with prawns, calamari and clams ($28). Make sure you leave room for a slice of the banoffee pie ($15), too. CHARCOAL WAGYU BEEF SKEWER AT LILYMU We could just as easily picked the tom yum prawn dumplings or the egg-topped mi goreng with black garlic at Lilymu, but our favourite dish at the new half-indoor, half-outdoor diner from Ibby Moubadder (Nour and Henrietta) has to be the charcoal wagyu beef tongue ($11). It's beautifully soft, has a delicate texture and works surprisingly well with one of Lilymu's spicy margaritas. And, as the menu here is designed to share, you can easily order all three dishes between two and still have room for a slice of tres leches cake to finish. [caption id="attachment_790073" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nikki To[/caption] A BENTO BOX AT SUSHI YUZEN This is the first Sydney outlet from head chef Hiroshi Shimizu, who has two Melbourne-based Sushi Yuzens and nearly four decades of experience under his belt. Sushi Yuzen does exactly what you'd expect: fresh, precisely prepared nigiri, plus bento boxes with options including chilli chicken and teriyaki salmon, all served with house-made sauces. As Parramatta Square is smack-bang in the middle of its financial district, with a university on its doorstep, there are plenty of places to sit and enjoy a quick feed al fresco. Sushi Yuzen makes a speedy lunch even easier with its online ordering system, too, so you can place your order at your desk and pop down when it's ready to takeaway. [caption id="attachment_790077" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nikki To[/caption] BEEF DIP SUB AT HARVEY'S HOT SANDWICHES Fluffy white bread, grilled beef fillet, horseradish mayo and grilled onions, with provolone cheese and gravy dipping — the beef dip sub ($16) is our top pick at newbie Harvey's Hot Sandwiches. The American-style diner makes its sambos thick, meaty and saucy, and any one of the subs, including the philly cheesesteak, buttermilk fried chicken, mortadella, slow roasted brisket and pastrami sandwiches are day makers. And, as it's open daily, you'll have every reason to sample them all. [caption id="attachment_788514" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nikki To[/caption] CRISPY CHICKEN CAESAR AT BETTY'S BURGERS Brisbane-born burger shack Betty's has been serving up handheld feasts in Sydney since it first opened up in Darling Harbour in 2017. There are now ten locations across the city, including a new diner at Parramatta Square. You'll find Betty's Burgers in the walkway from Parramatta train station, and you can grab a burger to eat in or take away to the ample outdoor dining areas nearby. Our pick is the new crispy chicken caesar ($15): panko-crumbed chicken topped with a parmesan wafer, bacon, egg, fresh lettuce and dijonnaise sauce. Add one of Betty's famed frozen custard thick shakes and you'll be fuelled for the rest of the day. [caption id="attachment_790074" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nikki To[/caption] ANY TWO SCOOPS AT RIVARENO GELATO Whether you're craving sweet mango and strawberry, tart Sicilian lemon, dairy-free pistachio sorbet or piña colada granita, you know the intense flavours at Rivareno Gelato are thanks to the gelateria's commitment to making its icy treats in-house, every day. Owner Kieran Tosolini opened his third outlet of the Italian-style gelato shop in Parramatta Square knowing he'd be bringing scoops of joy to new and returning customers throughout the year. As all 26 flavours are seasonal, made using only natural ingredients, our tip is to seek out the specials board and start working your way from top to bottom. [caption id="attachment_788651" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nikki To[/caption] PUMP-IT-UP AT FISHBOWL You know the format by now. Select your base (rice, noodles or cabbage — or a combination of two), then select your toppings, from salmon and tuna sashimi to free range chicken, tofu and braised brisket. The beauty of Fishbowl, whether you're in Bondi, Chatswood or Parramatta, is that each Japanese-style salad bowl is freshly prepared using the same quality, minimal intervention ingredients you've come to expect from the fresh fast-food chain. When ordering at the Parramatta Square's outpost, we suggest ordering the roasted pumpkin as your protein, or the Pump-It-Up bowl. It comes with tofu, cabbage, beetroot, radish, chilli and coriander, lemon oil and almonds ($14.90). It's earthy, textural, and best enjoyed while sitting in the sunshine. Find out more about Parramatta Square's new dining options, here. Top image: Lilymu
UPDATE, September 7, 2020: Emma is available to stream via Google Play, YouTube Movies and iTunes. Happiest when she's playing matchmaker, experienced at meddling in the affairs of others and accustomed to a comfortable level of standing in her village, Emma Woodhouse withholds judgement on no one. Since first popping up on the page 205 years ago, Jane Austen's heroine has always been a picture of youthful hubris. Case in point: the 20-year-old member of the upper class wouldn't dream of letting a friend marry a mere farmer. She eventually learns the error of her well-meaning arrogance, of course. That's the journey that Austen's Emma charts, following the titular character's evolution from unthinking snobbishness to genuine compassion. But if the fictional Miss Woodhouse was somehow asked to survey the latest film to tell her story, we're certain that her opinionated tendencies would still shine through. Renowned for eschewing the average and ordinary in the hope of a more romantic option, she'd at least arch an eyebrow at this dutifully faithful, perfectly palatable yet hardly spectacular adaptation. Emma may be stylised on its marketing materials as 'Emma.', as though it's putting a full stop on all big-screen iterations of Austen's novel; however it's unlikely to become the definitive book-to-film version of this tale. That title continues to belong to Clueless, a movie that modernised the details, played fast and loose with certain specifics, and turned Austen's comedy of manners into an even savvier delight than it already was. Devotees of the original text might consider that statement blasphemous, but Emma's musings on love, life, social status and human nature thrived under a bolder spotlight. Indeed, Clueless outshone the more traditional Gwyneth Paltrow-starring adaptation of Austen's novel that came out just a year afterwards, and did so easily. The difference a quarter-century ago, and now as well: Clueless engages with and re-interrogates the narrative and its insights, rather than just reverently recreating it. They all tell the same general story, though. For those who haven't committed the broad strokes to memory alongside Alicia Silverstone's 90s outfits, Austen's tale revolves around Emma (played in this 2020 iteration by Anya Taylor-Joy) and her current matchmaking mission. Her friend Harriet Smith (Mia Goth) receives a marriage proposal from local tenant farmer Robert Martin (Connor Swindells), with whom she's clearly besotted, but Emma is convinced that her pal can, should and must do better. So, she nudges Harriet towards seemingly kindly vicar Philip Elton (Josh O'Connor). As well as earning the disapproval of her neighbour George Knightley (Johnny Flynn), who she treats like a brother, Emma's interference causes significant ripples throughout the village. It doesn't help that the rich, handsome and vain Frank Churchhill (Callum Turner) has just returned to town, and the quietly accomplished Jane Fairfax (Amber Anderson), too — with the former considered a potential match for Emma herself, and the latter the target of her palpable jealousy. Well-heeled chaos ensues — as much chaos that can ensue within stately and sprawling country manors, while compliant, silent servants are always on hand, and amidst polite conversation constantly tinted with gossip (although as Downton Abbey keeps demonstrating, that's plenty). Emma circa 2020 does everything it's supposed to, including using its sumptuous production and costume design to paint a vivid picture of Regency-era England, but it adds little of its own personality. Austen's prose, here shaped into a screenplay by The Luminaries' author Eleanor Catton, still sparkles with wit. Making her feature filmmaking debut, photographer and music video director Autumn de Wilde retains the novel's playful mood, and pairs it with a sweeping sense of visual symmetry that'd do Wes Anderson proud. And yet, this adaptation feels mostly indistinguishable from the many other unchallenging film and TV versions of literary classics that've reached screens over the years. In fact, the end result is fine, but in the passable rather than excellent sense of the word. It can be a strange sensation, watching a movie that hits plenty of marks and still feels just standard, but that's this iteration of Emma. The film's various parts boast a variety of charms, and yet they never manage to leave much of an imprint. The main outlier: The Witch, Split and Glass' Taylor-Joy. There's little in the way of purposeful contemporary parallels in this take on Austen's tale but, in Taylor-Joy's hands, Emma herself seems like she could easily be passing judgement on her peers and their love lives via Instagram. As the overly chatty, far less wealthy Miss Bates, Miranda Hart (Call the Midwife) also stands out, especially when her character becomes the target of Emma's withering comments. But it might be Bill Nighy, playing Mr Woodhouse, that encapsulates the movie best. He's as reliable as ever, trots out all his usual moves, and inspires more than a few laughs and smiles — but you always know exactly what you're in for. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llt7-EQP6dg
You don't become a first-generation winemaker without a passion for all things vino, which Simall's Simon Hall clearly possesses. Since 2013, he's been crafting locally made drops on the New South Wales South Coast. And, since early 2020, the company has been doing tastings and takeaway sales from its urban cellar door, The Wine Hub, in Wollongong. While Simall's range spans a number of labels, Take a Gander tops the list. It also has both a community focus and a community following. A regular feature at nearby markets and festivals, Take a Gander specialises in easy-drinking tipples, as you'd expect given the region — which is great news for lovers of shiraz cabernet, sauvignon blanc, rosé and pinot grigio. Located on Victoria Street, The Wine Hub also serves up wine by the glass, platters heavy on local produce and wine cocktails — because who says spirits drinkers get to have all the fun?
If one of your new year's resolutions is to kick your disposable cup habit (to say nothing of your caffeine addiction), then Westfield Sydney would like to help. For five mornings from Monday, January 15, the CBD shopping centre is giving away 800 free reusable cups made by Melbourne-based design company Frank Green, as well as free coffee from Fratelli Fresh and Guylianto go inside them. The bonanza will last all week and, to take advantage of it, all you have to do is pledge, via a social media post, to stick with your permanent vessel and give up buying disposables. Due to the regular cups' waterproof plastic film, they can't be recycled in the standard recycling system and, at the moment, Australians toss out around one billion of them a year. Earlier this month, the UK's caffeine habit hit international headlines when a bunch of Liberal Democrat MPs called for a 25p levy on all one-use cups, with a goal to eradicate them by 2023. Local initiatives, like this cafe's choice to ban them and this trial to recycle them in a purpose-built plant, are working towards a similar goal. The Frank Green 'SmartCup' is an Aussie-designed and Aussie-made creation. If you haven't used one before, they're spill-proof, workable with just one hand and made of BPA-free non-toxic materials and comes in a range of colour combos. Plus, it's fitted with some whizzbang tech, which lets you pay for your coffee, find your favourite cafe and pre-order. They usually RRP at around $30–35. The giveaway will take place each morning between 7.30–10.30am on Monday, January 15 till Friday, January 19 inside Westfield Sydney, corner Pitt and Market streets, Sydney. For more info, visit the Westfield website.
Adelaide songsmith Jesse Davidson has been called prodigious and a wunderkind — and those Jeff Buckley comparisons just won't shake. This June and July, Davidson's taking his minimalist acoustics and dreamy vocals on tour, his first solo effort. The tour is set to draw a considerable loyal following who'll want seriously in-grill "I saw Jesse Davidson before anyone" bragging rights. Since being a runner-up in triple j's 2012 Unearthed High competition, the 18 year old has been signed for a Warner development deal, toured with Mac DeMarco and Ball Park Music, co-headlined with Eves, been signed to booking agency Select Music, finished school and released his debut EP Ocean — making you feel really great about having a good few years on him and feeling terribly unaccomplished in comparison. Davidson will play tunes from the Ocean EP, including 'Flaws' and the buoyant 'Big Bois Gotta Eat'. If you can brave the frosty winter nights, his deep baritone — mature beyond his years — is sure to warm you up. https://youtube.com/watch?v=hR4b_JAg7KI
Firstdraft being all multi-chambered and exposed-concretey as it is, the art that goes on display there gets interesting inflections from the decor. Sometimes it's hard to predict how an artist's work will go in a particular space even when you've seen the art and the gallery before, but it nearly always bears consideration, and at the very least makes you look that much harder. This time around there's vomit-pink imperial-style decadent portraiture, collaboratively inspired but individually made sculptures-cum-machines-cum-found-objects, digital images mimicking the physics of apparent chance shaping the impact of nature on objects, and an evolving sound-field derived from and created in homage to space travel and Stanley Kubrick. Look at them on their own, look at them in the space, look at them compared to one another, look at all four shows and how Firstdraft holds them and how they make it look. (There won't be a quiz.) Image: Une Collection de Parties Décadents, Penelope Benton 2011
Getting your art fix can be difficult in the hustle and bustle of daily life — and so, when the opportunity arises to soak in some creativity at a convenient time, you've got to jump at the chance. Southwest Sydney residents and art lovers from across the city: mark Saturday, January 20 in your diaries. That's when Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre is hosting Exhibitions After Dark as part of Sydney Festival 2024. The beloved Western Sydney cultural space will be opening from 6pm until late for a midweek dose of after-hours art. Check out Eddie Abd, Katy B Plummer and Leanne Tobin's new exhibitions, all of which are part of the Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre's summer program. Rounding out the night's entertainment will be a series of performances and workshops based around the trio of exhibitions and the creative minds behind them. There's also a yet-to-be-announced food and drink lineup that will keep the art lovers in attendance well fed. Entry is free and no registration is required.
The Black Lung Theatre and Whaling Firm have endeared themselves to us with bonkers performances of the likes of And They Called Him Mr Glamour. To save their brand of surreal self-analysis from going around in circles, in 2008 they stepped out of their familiar inner-Melbourne world — and into Timor Leste. Working with East Timorese creatives Galaxy and Liurai Fo'er, they've emerged with Doku Rai (You, dead man, I don't believe you), the first international theatre production to be created in East Timor. (Specifically, extraordinarily, in an abandoned colonial hotel on a remote island off Dili. In the distance, Balibo was being filmed.) Going off reviews of its first Darwin Festival and Melbourne performances in 2012, the show breaks the mould of how we think about cross-cultural theatre. It opens with a set from garage rock band Galaxy, stars of Timor Leste, for starters. The story then follows a man who is struck with a killing curse (doku) but continues to rise from the grave. On top of that is a layer of playfulness, meta, multimedia, and more pop musical interludes. Australia hasn't always been kind to the tiny nation that is one of our closest neighbours, so that the kooks at Black Lung can go there and have a mind-meld with locals is an exciting thing. Directed by Thomas M Wright, the production will hit the festival circuit hard in Australia in 2013, then it's on to Europe.
Raunchy, dazzling and sharpy satirical, Siren Theatre Co's H.M.S. Pinafore is a romp of a remake that received rave reviews when it premiered at the Hayes Theatre in 2019. Now, as part of Sydney Festival, you can see director Kate Gaul's hilarious caper at Riverside Theatres over ten sequined shows that come with a content warning. H.M.S. Pinafore is one of Gilbert and Sullivan's operettas, which features star-crossed lovers, tongue twisters and mistaken identity — plus all the classic tunes 'I'm Called Little Buttercup' and 'He is an Englishman'.
High Street Music has been in business for a decade. Not only does the store stock some impressive musical gear, including Gibson Guitars, but the shop also hosts music lessons to help you express your inner rockstar. Looking for a unique gift? How about one of its colourful and compact ukuleles — perfect for that mate who seems to have everything, even if it ends up being largely decorative. Drop in and see the ultra friendly team, as the service is some of the best we have ever received. It's a mainstay local business that we hope sticks around for many more years to come. Image: Katrina James.
Flailing limbs, diving bodies and general mayhem: these are just a few things you can expect to witness at the forthcoming Royal Headache show at the Imperial Hotel in Sydney. With a reputation for wild live shows at any venue, large or small, the Sydney four-piece is playing a one-off gig to launch their new 7" EP for their undying local fans. Mosh-pit insanity ensues. These past 12 months have seen Royal Headache garner a huge following, a bit of hate, but mostly praise. Touring with the likes of The Black Keys, The Black Lips and others, they’ve come a long way for a self-managed band who like to do things "on their own terms". Forming in 2008, the R.I.P. Society outfit released a self-titled album in 2012, a treasure trove of lo-fi punk gems, which received high praise from local and international media. Royal Headache now leads the pack of garage-punk outfits in this new phase of indie rock. Straight Arrows, Daylight Robbery (CHICAGO), Model Citizen and Warm Feelings will also be performing on the evening.
There are many activities you can do in a two-hour time slot. You could watch all six episodes of the ABC's satirical beauty blog Sarah's Channel, cook 60 packets of 2 Minute Noodles or listen to Pink Floyd's 'Shine On You Crazy Diamond' 4.6 times. But we think the tastiest way to pass 120 minutes is to spend it eating endless plates of tacos. And that's exactly what you can do each Sunday in January, when El Camino Cantina dishes out two hours of unlimited tacos for just $19 a pop. Rock up to any of its four Sydney venues — in Manly, Miranda, Entertainment Quarter and The Rocks — between 3pm and 6pm, and you'll be able to dig into a bottomless feast of everyone's favourite Mexican dish. To redeem the offer, you will need to purchase a drink of sorts. Watermelon margs will be $7.50 — but you can get a glass of sangria, a Dos Equis or, really, anything else on the extensive drinks menus. [caption id="attachment_745997" align="alignnone" width="1920"] El Camino Cantina EQ[/caption] If you're getting a crew together, you might want to book in advance. You can lock down a table here.
With a theme this year of "compulsory" fun, how could the Verge Arts Festival not be full of good times? (Otherwise that’s just false advertising now, isn’t it.) For 10 days the University of Sydney gets all arty on us, served up alongside some theatre, a dash of music and a sprinkling of comedy. If you’re a Sydney Uni student it’ll be hard to avoid, but for the rest of us, you’ll just need to make your way up to those sandstone buildings. There will even be artworks under your feet as you traverse Eastern Avenue on your way to class (or to the event), with the Colour My Campus pavement art project — just make sure you join in and leave a few doodlings. Most happenings will be in the Verge Festival Dome, a circus-syle tent (also on Eastern Avenue). When there isn’t something going on here, you can chill out on a couch and play video games, while pretending to study. Or you could just head to Manning Bar to see what’s on. Events in the program include the Musical Music of Disney, with the Sydney Youth Orchestra playing songs from Disney films to film footage, Harry Potter trivia, a comedy dance extravaganza, theatresports at the Cellar Theatre and even a seance — if you’re that way inclined. Just make sure you don’t miss the opening night party, where you’re encouraged to dress up all scary like and dance the monster mash.
For one magnificent day, the Sydney Opera House is declaring itself an open book. No longer will its green rooms, secret nooks or stages be the exclusive domain of musicians, famous speakers and tech crew. Get down to Bennelong Point anytime between 9am and 3pm on October 18 for the Opera House Open Day, and you'll be able to wander around the entire beautiful building at your self-guided leisure. What's more, your visit won't only involve empty spaces. To keep you on your toes, the organisers have lined up a stack of surprises, unexpected performances and displays. Explore Opera Australia's set for Anything Goes in Joan Sutherland Theatre, check out an Australian Ballet exhibition in the rehearsal room and watch projections created by Bangarra Dance Theatre in the foyer. There'll also be opportunities to learn about the House's history — from the 1957 competition won by Danish architect Jorn Utzon that determined the building's extraordinary design to its opening in 1973 — and about plans for the future. Thousands of attendees are expected. Save yourself a spot by registering online in advance.
Towards the end of 2012, a bunch of Fairfax photographers decided it was time to do something about one of the Sydney CBD’s most unappealing stretches. Without seeking official permission, the aesthetic vigilantes added more than 40 photos to a wall on Elizabeth Street (near the corner off Goulburn Street) and waited to see what would happen. As it turned out, the Lord Mayor was a supporter and the 'Elizabeth Street Gallery' has remained a fixture. Two years on, the photos have been tagged and dirtied to a point of near-obscurity. So last Thursday, the team — comprised of Nicholas Walker, Andrew Quilty and Dean Sewell — replaced them with a brand new series. This time, however, they received a $30,000 City of Sydney grant to make it happen. "Each of the 42 new photos has been covered in a graffiti-proof laminate," Walker told the Sydney Morning Herald. "It will just wash right off." The funding also allowed scope for a submission and curating process. Photographers were asked to submit "long-form photo essays with the realm of documentary and street photography ... In accordance with the photographic principles espoused by its founders, work will be created from real life, without direction or manipulation before or after the taking of any photograph beyond the digital equivalent of traditional darkroom techniques." The six winners were Tom Williams, Daniel Hartley-Allen, Brodie Standen, Lyndal Irons, Josh Robenstone and Marco Bok. "Sydney has plenty of spaces and buildings which could be improved with the intervention of artists," Clover Moore told the SMH. "There is something exciting about coming across art in unexpected locations, like the wall of a car park or a quiet laneway." Photo by Rita Bila.
A long time ago, in this very galaxy, brass instruments sounded, a text crawl started and the first Star Wars film burst onto the screen. Thanks to director George Lucas and composer John Williams, it's one of the most iconic movie openings in history — and, in all of its force-wielding, Death Star-destroying, orchestra-scored glory, the sci-fi classic is making a kriffing special return. With Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens getting the concert treatment in Melbourne in December, every jedi, wookiee, droid and even sith around the rest of the country has been crossing their fingers and toes for a similar blend of Star Wars movies and music. In Sydney, those hopes and dreams are being answered with two screenings of Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope at the ICC Sydney Theatre. The film will roll, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra will perform Williams' Oscar-winning compositions, and you'll burst with a Millennium Falcon's worth of happiness. Whether you're a huge Star Wars buff eager to ride a wave of excitement past Star Wars: Episode VIII — The Last Jedi's December release, just have a casual interest, or have no idea what the term R2-D2 means, mark February 16 and 17, 2018 in your diary and prepare to experience history — it's the first time that a live performance has accompanied A New Hope in Sydney. Australian conductor Nicholas Buc will once again lead the charge, as the city's finest provide the soundtrack to Luke Skywalker meeting Obi-Wan Kenobi, Princess Leia sending a message for help, Han Solo oozing his usual attitude and Darth Vader just being a power-hungry jerk. The series will also tour to Perth, Adelaide and Wellington, with different conductors stepping in in Western Australia and New Zealand. Star Wars: Episode VI — A New Hope will screen at the ICC Sydney Theatre on February 16 and 17, 2018. Grab tickets here.
Each year we anticipate the arrival of December 25. Because of the day off, the promise of an afternoon spent dozing in a hammock — and the arrival of Messina's annual Christmas cake. And while the gelato chain last year went for a festive response to Sydney's lockout laws in the form of Santa trying to fit down a chimney, it's decided to take on a quintessential Australian dessert for 2017: the trifle. Enter The Christmas Coma. This epic ice cream creation will feature layer upon layer of everything that is good about Christmas — but instead of being soggy and slightly regrettable, this one will have you licking the glass bowl. So what's in it? The trifle will be layered with — here we go — vanilla custard gelato, whipped cream, peach jellies, raspberry marsala jelly, raspberry meringue, sherry-soaked jam rolls and bloody peach sorbet. Plus, it'll be garnished with white chocolate and cherry truffles and come with Messina brandy custard and chocolate-coated nuts to douse all over the mess. The trifle, which serves 18–20 (or less if you really commit), costs $120 and can be ordered for pickup between December 22 and Christmas Eve. In Sydney you can pick one up from Rosebery, Darlinghurst, Bondi, Miranda, Penrith, Tramsheds and Parramatta. If you're in Melbourne, you can get one from the Fitzroy or Windsor outposts — and the South Brisbane store will be making them too. Hopefully nan won't take it personally. The Christmas Coma is available to order at gelatomessina.com from 9am on Tuesday, December 5.
The launch of Sydney's light rail might be delayed, but despair not: you can climb aboard the Chandon S Tram instead. The pop-up bar will be rolling into North Sydney, ready to help you celebrate spring and the arrival of blooming flowers, baby lambs and balmy evenings. Your ticket to the beautifully restored vintage carriage comes in the form of a glass of Chandon S, purchased from The Greens bar for $15. Made with local grapes in the Yarra Valley, this warm weather-friendly aperitif is a rather delightful concoction of sparkling wine and handcrafted orange bitters. At The Greens, it'll be served in ideal form: on ice, with a twist of orange. Claim a window seat and you'll be instantly transported to some Parisian past life — but with views over Sydney Harbour. Once you've lingered over your Chandon S, the tram-dedicated wine list and food menu will be ready for your perusal. The pop-up bar plans on hanging around until mid-November, giving you ample time to enjoy both sundowners (Thursdays–Sundays from 4pm) and a weekend morning session (Saturdays and Sundays between 9–11.30am) — complete with a brekkie board for two with Chandon S mimosas for $55. You can also grab a bunch of mates and undertake a hijack. The Chandon S Tram Takeover package includes Chandon cocktails, share platters, lawn bowls and your very own private bar (price available upon request). It takes two years to make a single bottle of Chandon — thank goodness we don't need to wait that long between drinks (or for spring). For more information on the Chandon S pop-up visit The Greens website.
Looking to give Valentine's Day a miss this year? Perhaps Galentine's Day is more your style. Get down to The Bob Hawke Beer and Leisure Centre's in-house Chinese restaurant, Lucky Prawn, to celebrate friendship with a special banquet just for the girls on February 13. [caption id="attachment_988435" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nikki To[/caption] Kicking off with crunchy prawn crackers, heart-shaped prawn toast and vegetable dumplings, this set menu ($49) soon moves to the main event; steamed fish with ginger and shallots, served with rice and steamed greens. Before the feast is over, Hong Kong-style French toast provides a suitably sweet finale for this celebration of kindred spirits. Popularised by the relentlessly optimistic Leslie Knope in the TV show Parks and Recreation, Galentine's Day has taken on a life of its own in recent years. So, follow Knope's advice and get around "ladies celebrating ladies." Top image: Jessie Ann Harris.
Fancy a beer and singing along to some of the biggest hits from the past few decades? In one of Sydney's most iconic venues, no less? Well, there's no better way to get back into the live theatre scene than with The Choir of Man: the ultimate heartwarming show that's swinging into Sydney Opera House this February. Returning after two sell-out seasons Down Under — and in its first touring performance in over a year — The Choir of Man sees nine mates catch up at their local watering hole, dubbed The Jungle, with the stage transforming into a convivial pub setting each evening. So, throw whatever ideas you have about a night at the theatre aside and grab yourself a pint, because this show will have you chair-dancing along to classic rock, joining in with pint percussion, foot stomping and watching high-energy dance routines. Still need convincing? Here's the inside scoop on the hit show's anticipated return to Sydney. [caption id="attachment_798887" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Prudence Upton[/caption] THE RUNDOWN The show first took off at Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2017 after 20 years of development by the producers Andrew Kay and Nic Doodson. Yep, two whole decades. "I wanted to create a show that was a reflection of my experiences, not only of singing, but also of community and friendship," says Doodson. Since then The Choir of Man's unique and wildly entertaining act has spawned shows across Europe, the United States and Australia. For the House's gig this time round, The Studio's getting decked out with faded wooden decor, colourful lights and a working beer tap. A place where "people can come together and laugh together or cry together. It's a place of sitting together and supporting each other." [caption id="attachment_798889" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Prudence Upton[/caption] THE REVIEWS After taking to the Sydney stage twice, The Choir of Man has received much praise. In Daily described the production as "a celebration of the local places where people come together to belong" while Arts Review said it was "fresh, fun and fantastic". But it wasn't just the critics who were raving, with two sell-out Sydney seasons proving theatregoers were fans, too. "Having people singing along, having a smile on their face [and] a drink in their hands is the best thing we can ask for," says Doodson. "We want people to be reminded of going down to the pub with mates and having a good time." [caption id="attachment_798891" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Prudence Upton[/caption] THE SHOW While the set may look like your typical Brit-style pub sporting soggy carpets and tired furniture, don't judge the show by its decor. The nine performers are sure to dazzle and amaze as they sing, stomp and play instruments in this 80-minute romp of cabaret. If you've seen The Choir of Man before, the actors usually share and encourage audience members to drink with them on stage. However, due to COVID-19 limitations, this won't be the case. Instead, you can bet the boys will recreate that community spirit amongst the audience without any unsafe interaction. "It's a show all about community," says Doodson. "We have never had to come together as much as we have now and never been more deprived of community than we have in the last year." THE BLOKES These nine men are just your average Joes, really, all playing exaggerated versions of themselves. Denis Grindel is the narrator, like that mate of yours always spinning longwinded yarns at the bar. Tom Brandon is the blokey bloke with a 'hard man' exterior and Alistair Higgins is the muso. Then, you've got James Hudson who's always down for a laugh, while Matthew Campbell is the bore — you know, the one who always plays it safe. Plus, Peter Lawrence who they call 'The Beast'; the one who's always on the dance floor; Mark Irwin, the Cockney Casanova; and Mark Loveday as the barman. The cast represents different races, sexualities and personalities that come together and remind us of the importance of being there for one another, through the good and the bad. "We set up to create a show about nine people who like signing and [instead] ended up with a bunch of friends who created a show and took on board their experiences and the things that were important to them," says Doodson. [caption id="attachment_798890" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Prudence Upton[/caption] THE TUNES This fun story of camaraderie is backed by a banger-filled songbook packed with too many crowd-pleasing rock classics, power ballads, pop songs and Broadway hits to count. The inspiration? "Each song has to tell a story — and we have a good reflection of international music and genres," says Doodson. Expect everything from Guns 'n' Roses and Queen to Red Hot Chili Peppers, Adele and Avicii. So, no matter what your taste in tunes is, there's sure to be something that'll have you grooving in your seat — or belting out the chorus. And if you're hoping there might be an Australian twist on the usual setlist, keep an ear out as there may be an appearance of a much-loved Aussie classic or two. 'The Choir of Man' is showing at Sydney Opera House from February 18–April 4, with tickets priced from $59–105. For performance times — and to book tickets — head to the Sydney Opera House website. Top image: Prudence Upton
During lockdown, Tacos Muchachos transformed a Surry Hills cafe into a pop-up Mexican restaurant, serving up exciting Mexican street food dishes to anyone within five-kilometres of the shop. It proved a hit with locals — people flocked to their quesabirria tacos, takeaway margaritas and al pastor nights. Following lockdown, the cafe took back custodianship of the Surry Hills space, so Tacos Muchachos went looking for a new home. Now, they've settled on the ground level of Chippendale's new Mexican-inspired boutique accommodation, Hotel Hacienda. While the setup may be unconventional — the check-in area flows straight into the dining room and the team is cooking from the former hostel's breakfast kitchen — owner Daniel Hanssen is determined to bring the electric atmosphere of the Surry Hills pop-up to their new home. Hanssen has big plans for the venue, with the hotel's rooftop being earmarked as an openair dining space. Despite the new look, the most important thing from the pop-up has already been transferred over to Chippendale — the food. Hanssen, who quit his corporate job and trained at Bush to open his own restaurant, is joined by a seasoned head chef who brings experience spanning fast food joints through to Michelin-star restaurants across his home country in Mexico, as well as Spain, Brazil and Sydney. The menu has stayed consistent with the pop-up: nachos, consommé, street-style burritos and quesabirria tacos. These tacos are what will keep you coming back. The rich and cheesy showstopper are a must-try. And, Sydneysiders are sure to be excited by the unique flat and crispy burrito packed filled with refried beans, sautéed onions, jalapenos, cheese and your choice of fillings. An exciting rotation of weekly specials are continually popping up, with tortas and al pastor to be added to the menu soon. The Tacos Muchachos crew sourced their al pastor machine from Mexico and marinate their pork shoulder in achiote, pineapple juices and citrus. They hope to introduce more Sydneysiders to the beloved street food dish with Hanssen describing it as the perfect marriage of Australia's love for both Mexican food and kebab shops. "We love kebabs and we love Mexican food and yet nobody's kinda doing it right," he says. As for the drinks, a classic margarita or agua fresca spiked with tequila are currently on offer as well as a selection of beers and Jarrito sodas. Head in between 5–6pm and you'll be treated to a happy hour special on drinks, with more cocktails soon to be offered. Tacos Muchachos is located at 179 Cleveland Street, Redfern. It's currently open 5.30pm until late Thursday–Saturday.
We all love hanging out with our best friends, especially over a few drinks, but Bar Planet is taking things to the next level with the launch of BFFs: a new hyperlocal cocktail menu inspired by the Inner West and its standout producers. Crafted in collaboration with three of its favourite neighbours – A.P. Bakery, Goldstreet Dairy and Rooftop Bees – the crew has combined their skill behind the cocktail bar with top-notch bread, cheese and honey to shape something new. The first of these cocktails is the Buzzcut, made in collaboration with Rooftop Bees. Using hot honey sourced from four rescued bee colonies that now call Carriageworks home, this headline ingredient has been fermented with chilli for a week. Then, it's combined with Hendricks gin, gentian and lime to produce a sweet heat with a slight earthy bitterness. Next up is the Velo, a cognac sour with toasty notes conceived alongside the bread savants at A.P. Bakery. Pairing buttered cognac with Pineau fortified wine, lemon and egg whites, the special ingredient is the bakery's baguette syrup. Sure, it sounds a bit mad, but according to Bar Planet, this foamy creation "tastes like Paris by way of Enmore," so consider us more than a little intrigued. Rounding out this trio is the Scarlett, a creamy spritz featuring sour whey from Goldstreet Dairy. Expect rhubarb-infused pinot grigio and Bar Planet's one-of-a-kind infinite spirit – the world's first martini master stock – paired with the cheesemaking byproduct to add a silky texture and zingy flavour. While it almost goes without saying, the BFFs menu will undoubtedly add something different to your next cocktail night. "We are cementing our place in the beating heart of the Inner West," says Jeremy Blackmore, Creative Director at MUCHO Group. "We're working with some of our absolute favourite producers to make some of our best drinks yet. These are the kinds of drinks that you won't be able to get at any other bar on earth." Different as they may be, this tribute to the Inner West certainly falls within Bar Planet's usual wheelhouse of weird and wonderful cocktails. You can try them alongside the venue's signature lineup, which includes the Bengal, a fruity tropical highball, or the Sunbeam, a zesty, sour-leaning aperitif. Then, if you know your way around a martini, you're invited to build your own from a suite of ingredients. As the venue says, the drinks are designed as "almost memories," where each feels familiar but offers just enough surprise. The BFFs menu is available now at Bar Planet, 16 Enmore Road, Newtown. Head to the website for more information. Images: Dexter Kim / Nikki To
Here's your latest excuse to stop dreaming about a holiday and start booking: a flight sale by new Australian low-cost airline Bonza. Soaring through the local skies since January, the carrier is already all about cheap fares, but now it's doing 20-percent off all of its routes and destinations for a five-day start-of-spring frenzy. New to Bonza? The local outfit was initially announced in 2021, then secured regulatory approval this year, launching its first flights shortly afterwards. It boasts two bases so far: the Sunshine Coast, where it's been soaring out of since January; and Melbourne's Tullamarine Airport, which joined the list in March. From November, the Gold Coast will become its third home. [caption id="attachment_916931" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tennis Australia/ Fiona Hamilton[/caption] This fresh face in the Aussie aviation scene isn't just about more-affordable tickets all year round, but also opening up routes to more of the country's regional destinations. On its list so far: 18 destinations and 34 routes. They're all getting the 20-percent-off treatment — and you've got from 10am on Thursday, September 7 up to 11.59pm on Monday, September 11 to book. As for where you can travel, Bonza's coverage includes the Whitsunday Coast, Cairns, Rockhampton, Mackay, Townsville, Bundaberg, Gladstone and Toowoomba — and also Port Macquarie, Newcastle, Albury and Mildura. Prices start at $39.20. The caveats: you'll need to want to travel this year, specifically from Tuesday, October 10–Wednesday, December 6. Also, you'll need to use the promo code LETSGO when you book. And, that discount is only applicable to the actual fare. So, any costs for bags, seats and payment fees aren't getting cheaper. With the code, if you don't use it at the time of booking, you'll miss out — you can't go back and apply it later. To book during the Bonza sale, you'll need to download the airline's app or hit a registered local travel agent. App-only online reservations are one of the carrier's points of difference. Another: an all-Australian in-flight menu, spanning both food and craft beer. Bonza's flight sale runs from 10am on Thursday, September 7–11.59pm on Monday, September 11. For more information, and to buy fares — using the using the promo code LETSGO — head to the airline's website to download its app for Android and iOS. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
Trivia nights usually mean teaming up with your mates, enjoying a few beverages and trying to convert your respective stores of knowledge into glory. At this particular trivia night, you can do all that — just virtually, from your own (possibly orange) couch. And, you can do so while celebrating 90s TV series Friends, which is in the spotlight at this online battle of pop culture tidbits. If you think you know everything there is to know about the show that caused viewers to agonise over whether Ross and Rachel would get together, wish that Joey and Chandler lived next door, and get their hair cut like Jennifer Aniston, here's your chance to prove it. Play along from 7.30pm AEST on Friday, April 24, with a live host overseeing the live-streamed Friends Virtual Quiz — and tickets costing $10, There'll be prizes, and if you want to break out those 90s and early 00s fashions while joining the fun from home, absolutely no one will stop you. No one told you that watching endless television reruns could turn out this way — or binging on episodes on Stan, either, if you you want to boost your knowledge with a marathon in the lead up to the quiz. Images: Friends via Stan.
If you're planning a trip down to the Far South Coast, make your first stop Green Cape lookout, where you'll find a lighthouse surrounded by wilderness, perched on Disaster Bay's rocky northern peninsula. Forget mobile coverage. Step into the 19th century in the former keeper's cottages — which have been turned into cosy accommodation, with classic wooden furniture, claw foot baths, open fires and shady verandahs. Between May and December, you may even spot whales from the lookout point. But if you don't spot one, there's plenty of other wildlife to look out for, including fur seals, dolphins, albatrosses, gannets and sea eagles. Image: Dee Kramer Photography
Travel is at the top of nearly everyone's 'to-do' list, and we all know one of the best parts of travelling is food. Discovering new cuisines and flavours in another pocket of the world is among life's greatest pleasures and yet life itself can get in the way — not to mention the stresses of navigating the airport and seeing the credit card bill upon your return. Shangri-La, Sydney has the perfect solution that will take your taste buds to a world of spice and satisfaction without hopping on a flight. For eleven days this August, guest chefs from Shangri-La Hotel, Surabaya will be taking over the kitchen at Cafe Mix to serve up sensational Southeast Asian cuisine for a dining experience dubbed A Taste of Indonesia. For $65 on weekdays or $85 on weekends, you can indulge in a plethora of dishes, like a hearty beef rendang with hints of coconut and ayam goreng kalasan (a popular Indonesian fried chicken meal). Be sure to leave room for dessert: klepon (sweet rice balls with grated sugar), dadar gulung (pandan pancakes with sweet coconut filling) and other treats from chef Anna Polyviou. You can book a table for A Taste of Indonesia for lunch (12–2.30pm) or dinner (6–9.30pm) between August 16–26.
New year, new set of holiday plans? If that's how you celebrate December flipping over to January every 12 months, then you're probably already scoping out where to head when 2023 becomes 2024. Here's some inspiration: Hamilton Island, Bali, Fiji and Tokyo, aka places that Virgin is slinging cheap fares to in its latest sale. This new batch of discounted flights spans more than 500,000 fares for both domestic and international legs. Prices start low, at $45, which once again gets you from Sydney to Byron Bay — the normal cheapest fare in any flight sale — and vice versa. From there, the domestic side of the sale covers everywhere from the Sunshine Coast and Hobart to Canberra and Broome. Fancy a trip to the Gold Coast, Cairns, Launceston, Alice Springs or Darwin instead? They're also on the list. This excuse to book a getaway runs until midnight AEST on Monday, October 23 — unless sold out earlier, with fares to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide also covered. That means paying $59 one-way from Melbourne to Launceston, $69 from Sydney to the Sunshine Coast and $109 from Brisbane to Hamilton Island. Also among the local fares: Sydney to Hobart from $85, Melbourne to the Gold Coast from $109, Sydney to Adelaide from $125, Brisbane to Melbourne from $129 and Perth to Broome from $189. Internationally, you'll need to go via Cairns if you're keen to head to Tokyo, starting at $699 return. Among the other global return options: Bali (from $449 from Adelaide or the Gold Coast, $559 from Brisbane, and $629 from Melbourne or Sydney), Fiji ($509 from Brisbane, $529 from Sydney and $579 from Melbourne), Vanuatu ($569 from Brisbane) and Samoa ($579 from Brisbane). And, Queenstown is also on the agenda, with both one-way and return legs. One-way from Sydney starts at $259 and return from $445, Melbourne at $265 and $425, and Brisbane $295 and $515. If you're wondering when you'll need to travel, the fares cover select periods between Tuesday, January 16–Thursday, August 29, 2024, with all dates varying per route. Inclusions also differ depending on your ticket and, as usual when it comes to flight sales, you'll need to get in quick if you're keen to spend some, part or all of next year anywhere but home. Virgin's latest sale runs until midnight AEST on Monday, October 23 — unless sold out earlier. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
Online retailer of beautiful things to put on your body My Chameleon is having a warehouse sale. They stock a list of leading and emerging designers that will make the timeless-chic-loving part of your little heart sing, and with up to 70 percent off clothing, shoes and accessories, your bank account may too. Score. There's something highly satisfying about warehouse sales (despite the queues and the hell that is the communal change room). It's most likely to do with that feeling you get, emerging triumphant from the swathes of silk and similarly delicate and expensive garmentry, previously exorbitantly priced sweater in hand, and handing over a mere fraction of that exorbitant price. You feel so clever. Consumerism has such sweet joys. Don't be the fool who misses out. The sale is open from noon - 7pm on Thursday, 10am - 6pm on Friday, and 10am - 4pm on Saturday. Brands featured include Apiece Apart, Cacharel, Christopher Esber, Camilla Skovgaard, Dieppa Restrepo, Dion Lee and MM6 Maison Martin Margiela.
Hell hath no fury like a Netflix user with a dodgy internet connection trying to watch the end of Stranger Things. Presumably Netflix has felt the wrath of this fury, and has today introduced a new feature that will allow Netflix subscribers to download selected TV shows and movies to their mobile devices to watch offline. Just like Spotify's download button, Netflix's new feature will let users download shows to their mobile device through their iOS or Android app. It won't cost anything extra — you just need to update your Netflix app. The new feature will certainly help make long-haul flights and train trips a little less painful, and be super useful for people who live in countries where mobile internet is limited or expensive. If you already use the Netflix mobile app, it'll probably save you some dollars too as you can subtly download entire seasons on your work's Wi-Fi. However not every show will be able to be downloaded straight away — to start, it'll just be Orange is The New Black, Narcos and The Crown.
