Florentijn Hofman has transformed France's Loire River into a giant bathtub with his enormous rubber duck sculpture. The duck floats from city to city, nodding its cute yellow head at passersby. Before beginning its trek down the Loire, the duck has brought nostalgic smiles to the faces of witnesses worldwide; it may just be impossible not to smile at this strikingly out-of-place, yet adorable creation. Dutch artist Hofman is renowned for his tongue-in-cheek pieces, including a memorable party-hat-sporting frog perched on the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art in Kobe, Japan in 2011. The duck sculpture, constructed of rubber-coated PVC atop a pontoon with a generator, measures at 25 metres high, and 25 metres across. Here's to hoping on of our favourite childhood bath time companions will make a splash in Australasia soon.
Roam the aisles for the camouflage two-pieces and glitter phone cases you never knew you wanted. The fresh produce markets run Wednesday to Sunday so you can stock up on groceries for the week or buy fresh flowers for your office.
Festival FOMO is real, and festival sideshows are one solution: the gigs you go to when you're not going to the main gig. Can't make it to Adelaide for two music-filled October days at Harvest Rock II? Loving the South Australia-only fest's lineup? Four of the event's highlights have just announced dates along Australia's east coast. Chief among them are Sparks, which will draw upon a whopping 57 years of making ridiculously catchy and smartly funny tunes on their first tour of Australia since 2001. Thanks to 2021's double of Edgar Wright-directed documentary The Sparks Brothers and Cannes Film Festival opener Annette, brothers Ron and Russell Mael have been everywhere of late — and that's now about to include Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, busting out tracks like 'The Number One Song in Heaven', 'This Town Ain't Big Enough for the Both of Us' and latest single 'The Girl Is Crying in Her Latte'. In a glorious move, they've been beginning their recent sets with 'So May We Start' from Annette, too, which won them the Best Composer award at Cannes. Fresh from releasing her fourth studio album Spirituals in 2022, Santigold will extend her trip to Australia with sideshows in Sydney and Melbourne. 2023 marks 15 years since the genre-defying artist first demanded attention with her debut record Santogold, and sparked a career that's seen her influence and team up with plenty of others. Drake, Lil Wayne and Future have sampled the Philadelphia-born talent's tracks, while Beastie Boys, David Byrne, Karen O and Nick Zinner of Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Basement Jaxx, Jay Z, Mark Ronson, Pharrell and Lykke Li have enlisted her as a collaborator. Following their fifth stint at Coachella earlier in 2022, Chromeo will also hit Sydney and Melbourne, bringing Dave 1 and P-Thugg our way almost two decades since their 80s-influenced electro-funk sound started echoing from intial album She's in Control. The Lemon Twigs are also veering beyond Adelaide, with visits to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Brothers Brian and Michael D'Addario will draw upon their four-album span since 2016, as bookended by debut Do Hollywood and this year's Everything Harmony. All Harvest Rock sideshows will take place around the festival's dates, both before and afterwards, across Thursday, October 26–Thursday, November 2. And no, there won't be Jamiroquai and Beck gigs, with both playing their only Aussie sets at in Adelaide. To see either this October in Australia, only a Harvest Rock ticket will do. HARVEST ROCK II SIDESHOWS: SPARKS Thursday, October 26 — Palais Theatre, Melbourne Tuesday, October 31 — Sydney Opera House, Sydney Thursday, November 2 — Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane SANTIGOLD Friday, October 27 — Metro Theatre, Sydney Saturday, October 28 — Prince Bandroom, Melbourne CHROMEO Thursday, October 26 — Metro Theatre, Sydney Sunday, October 29 — 170 Russell, Melbourne THE LEMON TWIGS Thursday, October 26 — Corner Hotel, Melbourne Saturday, October 28 — Manning Bar, Sydney Tuesday, October 31 — The Outpost, Brisbane Harvest Rock 2023 will take at Rymill Park / Murlawirrapurka and King Rodney Park / Ityamai-itpina, Adelaide, on Saturday, October 28–Sunday, October 29, 2023. The festival's sideshows will tour Australia's east coast from Thursday, October 26–Thursday, November 2, with pre-sale tickets from 9am local time on Thursday, August 24 and general sales from 9am local time on Friday, August 25. Head to Concrete Playground Trips for a VIP Harvest Rock package for two, including tickets and accommodation.
If you're fond of staring at the heavens with your own two eyes to see a stunning sight, you'll want to spend Wednesday, September 18, 2024 looking up. A supermoon is upon us, with the best time to see it arriving just after sunset Down Under — so if you train your peepers upwards this evening, you'll be in for a glowing show. While super full moons aren't particularly rare — several usually happen each year, and one occurred just last month — there is a good reason to peer upwards this time around. If you're wondering why, we've run through the details below. [caption id="attachment_769713" align="alignnone" width="1920"] NASA/Joel Kowsky[/caption] What Is It? If you're more familiar with The Mighty Boosh's take on the moon than actual lunar terms, here's what you need to know. As we all learned back in November 2016, a supermoon is a new moon or full moon that occurs when the moon reaches the closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit, making it particularly bright. They're not all that uncommon — and because September 2024's supermoon is a full moon (and not a new moon), it's called a super full moon. It's also a harvest moon, too, which refers to the time of year in the northern hemisphere, because this is when the autumn harvest tends to begin in the other half of the world. Of course, that doesn't apply in the southern hemisphere, but the name still sticks. When Can I See It? As mentioned above, your best time to look at the harvest supermoon is from sunset on Wednesday, September 18, 2024. The moon always appears full for a few days, however, so if you already thought that the night sky looked a little brighter this week, that's why. To catch a glimpse, you'll want to peek outside when it gets dark to feast your eyes on a luminous lunar sight. Head over to timeanddate.com for the relevant moonrise and moonset times for your area. In Sydney, the moon rises at 6pm on Wednesday and sets at 6.19am on Thursday. Those times for Melbourne are 6.26pm Wednesday and 6.43am Thursday, while Brisbane's are 5.53pm Wednesday and at 6.13am Thursday. In Perth, it's 6.26pm Wednesday and 6.44am Thursday, while Adelaide's are 6.23pm Wednesday and 6.40am Thursday. Where Can I See It? You can take a gander from your backyard or balcony, but the standard advice regarding looking into the night sky always applies — so city-dwellers will want to get as far away from light pollution as possible to get the absolute best view. Also, if you've heard about the supermoon partial lunar eclipse, sadly that's not visible from Australia — but you can watch it online from 11am AEST Down Under. Via NASA / timeanddate.com. Top image: Andrew C.
Over the past decade, streaming has become a firm part of every film and TV fan's life — providing more viewing choices, more places to find movies and television shows, and more excuses to while away hours and hours (and then a few more hours) on the couch. But, it has also sparked a familiar dilemma. Too often, thanks to all of the options available, it's easy to spend more time deciding what to check out next than actually watching something. Netflix has just released its intended solution to this problem, via a new feature called 'play something'. First revealed earlier in 2021, and now available globally across the platform, it's basically a shuffle function — and will automatically pick something for you to watch, rather than letting you keep scrolling and scrolling (and scrolling) while you're trying to make a decision. Here's how it works: when Netflix subscribers hit the 'play something' option — and therefore tell the service that they don't want to browse right now — they're instantly met with something new to view. It'll be either a series or film, and it could be something brand new, something you're already watching, a title that's on your list, or a show or movie you hadn't gotten around to finishing yet. Obviously, Netflix will be drawing upon its algorithm — as aided by your past viewing choices — to take your selections out of your hands. And, while it isn't called "I'm feeling lucky", that's the approach Netflix is basically asking subscribers to go with in terms of finding something to watch next. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sY2djp46FeY If you don't like the first choice that the new function thrusts in front of your eyeballs, you can click 'play something else'. What happens then is self-explanatory. And, if you're keen to tun the 'play something' function on, you'll find it underneath your profile name, on the tenth row on Netflix's homepage and in the navigation menu on the left side of the screen. The company has been testing this type of functionality in various forms over the past few years — and the concept is hardly new, as users of music streaming services know. In France at the end of 2020, Netflix also trialled a linear channel, which just played films and shows one after the other in the way that broadcast television does; however, there's no news yet as to whether the latter will become a permanent function worldwide. The idea behind these new features — whether they've been implemented or they're just being trialled — is to keep people watching and encourage more folks to join up as subscribers, of course. More and more new streaming services pop up all the time, all vying for your eyeballs, or so it feels at least. That's also the reason that Netflix introduced its Top Ten lists in 2020, if you've been wondering why the platform started telling you that everyone was watching Tiger King, The Queen's Gambit and The Midnight Sky. Netflix's new 'play something' feature is active on the platform now. For more information about, head to the streaming service's website.
Since 1990, every child has wished for one thing: to get stranded home alone so they could relive the ultimate 90s Christmas movie. No one really wants to spend the festive season without their family — especially when their mum is Schitt's Creek legend Catherine O'Hara — but we've all wanted to follow in Macaulay Culkin's footsteps. Admit it, we've all yelled "keep the change, ya filthy animal!" in hope, too. Expect that line — and the entire seasonal cinematic treat that is Home Alone — to echo through the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall when 2024's festive season rolls around. Here's one way to relive the movie: watching it play in the hefty venue with a live soundtrack. As part of its just-announced season for next year, Sydney Symphony Orchestra is bringing the film back to the big screen in the best possible way, aka in concert, and welcoming the merriest time of the year in the most appropriate fashion. Home Alone made a star out of Culkin and, yes, made every 90s kid (and 00s and 10s kid as well) hope their family went on holidays without them. It truly is the best movie there is about an eight-year-old who outsmarts two burglars while living it up without his parents and siblings — and while it charts Kevin McCallister's antics, it also boasts a rousing Oscar-nominated score by iconic composer John Williams. That's what the SSO will bust out from Friday, December 6–Sunday, December 8, 2024 (and there's your essential end-of-year viewing taken care of next year). If your response to the above news is to hold your hands to your cheeks and exclaim, then you'll know that Home Alone isn't just any old Christmas flick. It's one of the highest-grossing Christmas films of all time. And, it's spawned sequels great (Home Alone 2: Lost in New York) and forgettable (all the other ones, including 2021's Home Sweet Home Alone). The adored picture is also one of three that SSO will play through as it graces the silver screen in 2024. The other two: the glorious classic that is Singin' in the Rain, plus the animated delights of How to Train Your Dragon. Gene Kelly and wet weather will get their turn across Friday, April 12–Saturday, April 13, while Hiccup is in the spotlight on Saturday, August 24 — both also at Sydney Opera House. The three events sit on a growing roster of movie-themed performances for the SSO, including concerts focused on Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, 100 years of Disney flicks, Black Panther, The Princess Bride and Hans Zimmer in 2023. Sydney Symphony Orchestra's Home Alone in Concert will take place from Friday, December 6–Sunday, December 8, 2024 at the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall. For more information about SSO's 2024 season, and tickets, head to the organisation's website.
The Nice Guys mightn't have scored a sequel, but The Fall Guy does nicely instead. Getting a hearty workout: Ryan Gosling's charm, comedic talent that just earned an Oscar-nominated showcase in Barbie and action skills as last seen in The Gray Man. He's back in stunts, too, as Drive first gifted the world so mesmerisingly. A loose remake of the 80s television series of the same name, The Fall Guy is a take-it-and-run-with-it kind of film, then. Not only does it grasp hold of what Gosling does best and sprint, but the same applies for co-lead Emily Blunt (Pain Hustlers) — and, of course, for director David Leitch (Bullet Train), who first took the journey from stunt performer to filmmaker with John Wick, has kept filling his resume with action fare since (see: Atomic Blonde, Deadpool 2, Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs and Shaw and Bullet Train) and now virtually comes full circle in helming a flick where his protagonist does the same gig that he once did. Gosling's Colt Seavers is also taking it and running with it — in a profession where it's his job to help bring whatever impossible physical endeavour is required to the screen, as well as on the gig that gets him to Sydney. The Fall Guy starts 18 months prior to his trip Down Under, however, but still with him doubling for Tom Ryder (Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Bullet Train), one of the world's biggest actors. Seavers has a career that he loves and steady work at it thanks to Ryder's fame. He's also happily romancing Jody Moreno (Blunt), a camera operator with dreams of doing more. Then a stunt goes wrong, leaving him badly injured, battered and bruised emotionally and psychologically, and inspiring him to quit the business. Only a call from Ryder-loving producer Gail Meyer (Hannah Waddingham, Ted Lasso) sparks his return to the industry — he makes a crust as a valet once he's fit and able in-between — and, even then, it's only really the fact that Moreno is helming Ryder's latest movie as her directorial debut that nudges him onto the plane. Upon his arrival in Australia, Seavers soon discovers that the situation isn't exactly what he's been told. Ryder is missing from the Metalstorm set, putting the future of the production at risk. Shady folks keep popping up whenever anyone — well, Seavers — goes looking for the absent star. And Moreno had zero advance idea that the man who ghosted her had been enlisted on the shoot, and is far from thrilled about it or the way that their relationship ended. Trying to win her back, getting emotional fortification from Taylor Swift tunes The Bear-style, attempting to track down Ryder, evading the unsavoury figures on this trail, bouncing around Sydney: sometimes while fending off sword-swinging foes, sometimes while wearing fluoro, sometimes while paired with an acting dog who'll chomp on command, that's all on Seavers' plate in Drew Pearce's (Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs and Shaw) zippy screenplay. There's an easy, breezy vibe to The Fall Guy, the kind that comes from knowing wholeheartedly that you're capitalising upon the strengths of your key players. Although Seavers dates back to the television iteration and there was a Jody on the small screen, too (Banks, not Moreno), the film's main pair were moulded around Gosling and Blunt — and it always shows. For him, it's a charisma-forward performance whether he's getting goofy, earnest or thrust into a fray. His Kenergy-fuelled comic timing is impeccable, as is his ability to sell Seavers' soul-searching stint after a career that requires him to be invincible reminds him that no one is. For her, joining a resume that also includes excellent action turns in Looper and Edge of Tomorrow, it's a portrayal built on pluck. When Gosling and Blunt are together, the film boasts as much crackling chemistry — often of the screwball type — as it does dynamic fights, explosions, shootouts and car chases (one of the latter famously on the Sydney Harbour Bridge). And there are fights, explosions, shootouts and car chases (and boat jumps, helicopter battles and vehicular cannon rolls). You don't make a movie about a stunt performer on a mystery-caper adventure while working on a mega-budget alien sci-fi war romance flick — a film that turns the Sydney Opera House into a backdrop while it's at it — without highlighting stunts, stunts and more stunts. You definitely don't hold back if this was once your life as well. The action doesn't disappoint, nor does the commitment to weaving how such action comes to fruition into The Fall Guy's action sequences, complete with underscoring the importance of practical effects in the broader feature and the picture within it. This is a winking-and-nodding movie to its primary genre, lovingly so, right down to references built into the film. With stunt coordinator Dan Tucker (Winston Duke, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever), Seavers swaps references to other films (The Last of the Mohicans and Rocky III, for instance). One of his prized possessions: a Miami Vice jacket. The words of 'Unknown Stuntman', the theme to TV's The Fall Guy which gets a new cover here, are clearly a guiding light for Leitch on this movie: "I might fall from a tall building, I might roll a brand-new car, 'cause I'm the unknown stuntman that made Redford such a star" is one memorable line. Accordingly, though the very basis of filmmaking's stunt performer-actor setup is that the former are meant to convince the audience that it's the latter risking their lives, revelling in everything that The Fall Guy throws Gosling's way as Seavers means relishing the work of his doubles Ben Jenkin (Transformers: Rise of the Beasts) and Justin Eaton (The Killer). The campaign for the stunts game to be given the credit it deserves — aka an Oscar category — couldn't earn a more persuasive push, then. Leitch's feature manages something that most flicks would kill for, because action deployed for the sake of it, then shot frantically and edited messily, gets repetitive; The Fall Guy is the lively, passionate and meticulously crafted antithesis of routine smashing and bashing. Back-and-forth rom-com bantering can similarly fall flat if the stars and the vibe aren't right. There's something about Sydney of late: in Anyone But You, Sydney Sweeney (Immaculate) and Glen Powell (Top Gun: Maverick) made it work in the Harbour City, as Gosling and Blunt do in the same place in The Fall Guy. So, while The Nice Guys mightn't have received a follow-up, it's easy to see The Fall Guy becoming a big-screen franchise, and welcomely. At the very least for its magnetic leads, it should set a new repeat double act in motion. Gosling teamed up with Emma Stone (Poor Things) three times on Crazy, Stupid, Love, Gangster Squad and La La Land, and makes an equally delightful duo with his current co-star. Just as there should be no underestimating stunt feats in general or in this flick, as Leitch stresses again and again, there should be no downplaying the ride that Gosling and Blunt take their characters on in this fun film, either — from doing the hard work while others win the glory to finally getting their time to shine.
A year after making history for being just the third woman ever to win the Best Director Oscar, as well as the first woman in to receive two nominations in that very category, Jane Campion is coming to the 2023 Sydney Film Festival to discuss that stunning achievement and her impressive four-decade career. The New Zealand filmmaker will have much to talk about, including the body of work that's also being showcased in the fest's retrospective called Jane Campion — Her Way. This year's SFF runs from Wednesday, June 7–Sunday, June 18, and it's devoting its spotlight retro programming to the director behind The Piano, The Portrait of a Lady, In the Cut, Bright Star and more — including, of course, the 12-time Academy Award-nominated revisionist western The Power of the Dog. All five films will screen, as will Campion's five-episode debut behind the lens Two Friends, which as made in 1986 for the ABC; the Cannes-premiering 1989 feature Sweetie; 1990's An Angel at My Table, which won the Grand Special Jury Prize at the Venice International Film Festival; and 1999's Holy Smoke, complete with an Aussie-accented Kate Winslet (Avatar: The Way of Water). [caption id="attachment_897271" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kirsty Griffin/Netflix[/caption] For the in-conversation part of Jane Campion — Her Way, Campion will chat with David Stratton on Saturday, June 10 following a showing of the new documentary Jane Campion, The Cinema Woman. The screening part of the lineup will play throughout the fest, and also include Campion-helmed shorts Peel, A Girl's Own Story, Passionless Moments, After Hours and The Water Diary. The lineup is a collaboration with Melbourne's Australian Centre for the Moving Image and Canberra's National Film and Sound Archive, and will also show in both venues. It'll hit ACMI from Thursday, June 15–Sunday, July 2 — coinciding with its current Goddess: Power, Glamour, Rebellion exhibition that celebrates women in film history — and then the NFSA from Thursday, July 20–Sunday, July 30. "For our 70th edition, we wanted to present a retrospective commensurate with the milestone, reflecting the audacious and boundary pushing filmmaking synonymous with our Festival and region — and there was no one more appropriate than Jane Campion. She is a groundbreaking filmmaker who has made a profound impact on cinema with her daring and unforgettable films," said Sydney Film Festival Director Nashen Moodley, announcing the program. "Campion has broken barriers for women in the industry, winning two Academy Awards and becoming the first woman to receive the Palme d'Or at Cannes. She has changed the landscape of cinema around the world, crafting films now etched in film history. It will be remarkable to see the full suite of her talents in one program, which take us to unexpected and exciting places with every frame and film," said Moodley. Campion and Jane Campion — Her Way join 2023's SFF lineup alongside 12 other previously announced films, with the full program announced on Wednesday, May 10. Sydney Film Festival 2023 runs from Wednesday, June 7–Sunday, June 18, including Jane Campion — Her Way, with the filmmaker's in-conversation session with David Stratton taking place on Saturday, June 10. The film screening series will then hit Melbourne's ACMI from Thursday, June 15–Sunday, July 2, followed by the NFSA in Canberra from Thursday, July 20–Sunday, July 30. Top image: Kirsty Griffin/Netflix.
The lineup for everyone's favourite New Year's Eve party has just landed, and it's a doozy. Way back in 1993, a tiny one-day concert was held in Lorne, a beautiful coastal town on Victoria's Great Ocean Road. Over 10,000 people showed up, far more than were expected, and a great Australian tradition was borne. In 2003 the festival (now known as Falls) celebrated hitting the big 1-0 by spreading its wings and setting up across the Bass Strait in Marion Bay; and now, to celebrate their 20th instalment, the Falls team are bringing the New Year party to Byron Bay for the first time. And they will be celebrating in style with the greatest house band in the world, The Roots, who haven't played in Australia since the Great Escape festival (RIP) in Sydney in 2007. They always bring the party, and we should thank Jimmy Fallon for lending them to us even if just for the weekend. The other headliners include festival favourites The Wombats, the always-interesting Grizzly Bear, 2013 Album of the Year contenders Vampire Weekend, R&B star Solange and The Violent Femmes. And there's an excellent contingent of local acts, too, including Hermitude, Pond, Chet Faker and Big Scary. Tickets will be allocated via a ballot, which is currently open via the Falls website. Registrations close on midday, August 26. Ballot-winners will be able to purchase up to four tickets from August 29, 9am. There will also be an allocation of tickets set aside for general sales starting on September 4, 9am. Prices will be released soon. Falls Festival first announce line-up: !! (Chk Chk Chk)AstaBig ScaryBombinoBonoboThe Cat EmpireChet FakerCrystal FightersCyril HahnFlight FacilitiesGosslingGrizzly BearHanni El KhatibHermitudeJames Vincent McmorrowLondon GrammarMGMTNeil FinnPondThe Preatures The RootsRüfüsSolangeTom Odell Vampire WeekendViolent FemmesWhite DenimThe Wombats Event dates: Lorne, Victoria (18-plus): December 28–January 1Marion Bay, TAS (all-ages): December 29-January 1Byron Bay, NSW (18-plus): December 31–Jan 3
Butter — Sydney's palace of fried chicken, sneakers, Champagne and ramen — is adding yet another layer to its already over-the-top offering: an eight-week run of limited edition chicken sandwiches. And even though Butter's chicken sandwich is a thing of legend in its own right, the kitchen has enlisted a gang of Sydney's best chefs to take the new additions to the next level. Every Monday from March 4, the eatery will add a new fried chicken sammie to its menu that's been created by a guest chef. And the lineup is pretty impressive. You've got Restaurant Hubert's Dan Pepperell doing his take on a spicy chicken diavolo, a chicken banh mi from Chin Chin chef Graeme Hunt and Kerby Craig bringing his Ume Burger style in for a Japanese-influenced nanban roll. If you head in during week five, you'll score Andy Bowdy's sweet take on the brief: a white bread sandwich with salted caramel ice cream, peanut butter and chicken skins. Yep, chicken skins. [caption id="attachment_709474" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kerby Craig's chicken nanban roll will be available for week three.[/caption] On top of that you've also got Butter's own Julian Cincotta bringing over a kebab-style sandwich from sister restaurant Thievery and Icebergs' Monty Koludrovic doing something special on the last week. Each sandwich will be available at both the Surry Hills and Parramatta stores for the week. As always, there are no reservations at Butter, so be prepared to wait. SANDWICH SERIES LINEUP March 4–10 — Graeme Hunt (Chin Chin) — chicken banh mi with special pineapple hot sauce March 11–17 — Julian Cincotta (Thievery) — chicken kebab with garlic sauce, chips and pickles March 18–24 — Kerby Craig (Ume Burger) — chicken 'nanban' roll with ponzu March 25–31 — Dan Pepperell (Alberto's Lounge, Restaurant Hubert): spicy fried chicken diavolo April 1–7 — Andy Bowdy (Saga) — a sweet sandwich with salted caramel ice cream, peanut butter and chicken skins April 8–14 — Nelly Robertson (Nel Restaurant) — Japanese curry fried chicken katsu April 15–21 — Gregory Llewellyn (Wishbone, ex Hartsyard) — country fried chicken sandwich with smokey hot sauce April 22–28 — Monty Koludrovic (Icebergs, The Dolphin) — TBC The Friends of Butter Sandwich Series will run for eight weeks from March 4 until April 28. The sandwiches will be available at both the Surry Hills and Parramatta stores.
If it's one of those weeks that feels like an eternity — and it's only Tuesday — it's time to step up your mid-week relaxation game with a session in a float tank. KOA Recovery in Waterloo offers 60-minute floats for $79. First time giving flotation a go? Expect to spend an hour bobbing, feeling weightless in an egg-like bath filled with warm water and Epsom salts. Designed to block out all external distractions, spending time in a float tank has been shown to alleviate aches, stress, anxiety and depression, and even stimulate creativity. Just what your Tuesday slump needs.
We love an old-school Sydney pub and the Friend in Hand Hotel, with its affordable fare and charmingly quirky decor — model planes and trains, old photographs, surfboards and other oddities plaster every single bit of wall space — is a great one. This stellar pub is also home to one of the city's longest-running comedy spots, the Mic in Hand. For just a tenner, you can chortle away all the week's stresses courtesy of the city's best up-and-coming comedy talent. If you're lucky, you might even catch one of the more famous comedy stars who drop in from time to time.
Good Food Month's Night Noodle Markets have officially kicked off. This year you'll find the expected — dumplings, bao and noodles — and the unexpected: phorritos (yes, that's a pho and burrito mashup), chichi (kimchi) fries and the famed raindrop cake, plus all of these tasty eats have been expertly paired with refreshing brews from Beer The Beautiful Truth. Dig into a sampling of House of Crabs' loaded fries with lobster gravy, devour one of Indu's smoked goat dosas or sit back with a Korean barbecue taco from Poklol. And if you have a sweet tooth, you'll want to leave room for the many desserts on offer: that raindrop cake as seen on Instagram from Harajuku Gyoza, Black Star Pastry's beloved cakes (they've unveiled their new mango cake here this year) and an unreal offering from Gelato Messina — they've made a 'katsu' ice cream sandwich. Yep. See all that's in store for you at the markets in the gallery, figure out which food stalls you'll hit first with our top ten dishes and plan to head out — preferably tonight — to make your way through all the culinary treats on offer. Hungry for more? Feed all your cravings at the Sydney Night Noodle Markets with these ten dishes and expert beer pairings presented by Beer The Beautiful Truth from October 5–22.
A huge celebration of food, music and culture is coming to Liverpool in the form of Eat Your Heart Out — a collaboration between local creatives and Liverpool City Council. The one-day festival, on Saturday, October 28, will feature a stellar lineup of musicians, artists, artisans and chefs to open the newly revamped Macquarie Mall. The team at FBi Radio has curated a music program of local artists who'll showcase their talent on Macquarie Mall's stage. Some of the emerging artists on the lineup are hip-hop crew Soul Benefits, indie-electronic trio Okenyo and Triple J's 2017 Unearthed winner Rebecca Hatch. To complement the energy on stage there'll be a sensory light installation presented by Soft Centre. Along with the festivities at Macquarie Mall just over the way in Bigge Park, there'll be a host of family-friendly activities: jumping castles, circus skills and a touch-to-play water park to occupy the oldies — um, we mean littlies. The event is free, but dancing your heart out to some of Sydney's best musicians and bouncing in jumping castles is thirsty (and hungry) work. So, we're giving away $50 food vouchers to be used at one of many food stalls and trucks. Some of the standouts include Miss Mabel's, serving up seasonal, organic and free-range produce, Sakura on Wheelz's traditional Japanese menu and fried chicken specialists Dirty Bird Foodtruck. The Donut Dealer will also stay true to its name and offer an array of extravagant, rotund doughy treats. The giveaway also includes a double pass to a Liverpool Taste Tour. The cultural (and edible) tour will run from 11am - 1pm on the day of Eat Your Heart Out. You'll be guided around Liverpool's best international restaurants, eating Balkan, Middle Eastern and Fijian delights — just to name a few. Activities at Bigge Park will kick off at noon and run until 6pm, and the live acts at Macquarie Mall will start at 3pm and go till late. [competition]639240[/competition]
With all this talk about breakfast, it can be easy to forget just how important lunch is. The sacred midday meal marks an important time of the day to rest your brain, revive your body and regain your slowly deteriorating sanity — so don't you dare waste it scoffing a sad sandwich in front of a screen. To help you best utilise your hour of power, we've teamed up with the MLC Centre to create a list of five eateries that promise you a better lunch break. Plus, if you spend $10 at any of these eateries, you'll also receive a 10 percent discount at any participating MLC service, perfect for when you also need to get your hair cut, fix your shoes or pick up some flowers (lunch is two hours right?). IKU WHOLEFOOD Ditch the sad salad you created from whatever semi-limp vegetables you had left in the fridge, and treat yourself to something fresh. Not just for wellness warriors, Iku serves tasty and nourishing lunch options, with not a boring choice in sight. There's loads of variety to choose from, including a hearty red lentil and fennel casserole, spicy Malaysian laksa and a warming tamarind tempeh curry. It's filling food, but it won't see you passed out in a food coma. If you're feeling particularly virtuous, get a side of the homemade zingy pickles, but maybe grab some mints for the rest of the afternoon. NUDEFISH POKE Skip your limp pre-made salad for a fresh and healthy poke bowl from food court favourite, Nudefish Poke. Similar to a deconstructed sushi roll, this popular Hawaiian salad is made from raw fish tossed with various fresh toppings and served over a bed of rice. What's great about Nudefish Poke is that it focuses on premium ingredients, not padding, with options like the sashimi-grade albacore tuna, grilled sesame eggplant and house-made beetroot and carrot pickles. Drizzle with miso tahini and there you have it, summer in a bowl whatever the season. Choose from the seven bowls on offer or you can build your own. SCHNITZ It may not be Wednesday night at the pub, but there's no reason why you can't get schnit-faced with your mates. If the whole team has hijacked your lunch break, you can't beat a round of crispy, fried schnitzels, served with cabbage coleslaw and Tasmanian russet potato chips drizzled in homemade kettle gravy. Unlike at the pub, you won't find any frozen or deep-fried schnitzels here. Here the schnitties are each fillet pummelled and crumbed fresh each morning then pan-fried to golden perfection on the spot. Those with errands to run can also grab a schnitzel wrap, roll or schnitz on a stick to go. BURGER PROJECT Neil Perry's burgers from the Burger Project will leave you feeling ready to tackle your 2pm without the meat sweats. What sets these babies apart are the beef patties made from 36-month aged grass-fed Cape Grim Tasmanian beef, which is minced and formed by hand, then seared on a hot grill to pink perfection. There are 11 different offerings to choose from, including a katsu burger, made from free-range Lilydale chicken, and a vego-friendly confit mushroom burger. And because its cheat day, you may as well load up with the chipotle chips and a Valrhona chocolate milkshake. Oh, and a strawberry Pavlova soft serve for the road. CHACHU'S INDIAN STREET FOOD While Indian food certainly raises the bar from your usual desk sandwich, not everyone wants to be dipping curries so close to a clean white business shirt. Enter the kathi roll, a Kolkatan street food perfect for a quick (and neat) lunch. The convenient takeaway snack can be made from tandoori chicken or crispy paneer, which is then layered with egg, green chutney and salad and safely swaddled in a charred paratha bread. Wash it down with one of Chachu's mango lassis or pick up a few takeaway jalebis for an afternoon pick-me-up. See all the MLC Centre lunch options here, where you'll receive an exclusive ten percent discount to spend on any participating MLC Centre service.
After a royally stacked first month in action, The Landsdowne is back with a massive live music push. Following an opening night supergroup appearance by The Jezabels lead singer Hayley Mary, the whole band is taking over the stage for a week-long party. They'll be playing seven shows over seven consecutive nights, from Monday, August 21 to Sunday, August 27. Hit every show and you'll probably hear most of the ARIA Award winners' back catalogue, plus a bunch of new tunes. The Jezabels launched their third album, Synthia, last year to positive reviews, including a five-star write-up from The Guardian. Each night, there'll be a different support act, including Didirri (solo), Sunscreen and Soma. "We had a few reasons for doing seven nights at the Lansdowne," said Mary. "We wanted to play a bunch of small, intimate shows to our Sydney fans where we could change up the set and play some songs we wouldn't normally have time for and the reopened Lansdowne represents such an awesome new era for Sydney that it seemed right it should be there. But mainly, we felt a sadistic kind of pleasure in making the staff listen to us over and over to the point of sheer disdain." The Jezabels will play every night at The Lansdowne from August 21–27. Tickets are $30+BF and you can get them via Oztix. Images: Chris Frape, Cybele Malinowski.
Turkey, pumpkin pie, cranberry sauce — there is nothing more quintessentially American than Thanksgiving. Earlier this year, Chicago-born brewery Goose Island. set up shop in Tasmania, delivering their premium craft concoctions to bars and pubs nationwide. So, to celebrate its first Turkey Day down under, it's holding an early Thanksgiving dinner at Sydney's National Art School. On Friday, November 10, you and a mate can enjoy a three-course meal paired with a selection of Goose Island brews. The night will include limited edition brews direct from Chicago, some festive tunes and plenty of food, so get those stretchy eating pants ready. Enter below to get your hands on a double pass. [competition]644286[/competition]
Ever wished your pup could jump on the train with you? Well, you're not alone. In news that is not really that shocking, a recent study shows that a whopping 95 percent of Sydney dog owners support a law change to allow pooches on public transport. Over 1250 dog parents were surveyed for the University of Sydney study — named Riding with dogs in cars: what can it teach us about transport practices and policy? — which clocked the number of dog-related car trips in Sydney alone at about 2.4 million each week. Researchers Jennifer Kent and Corinne Mulley found that number would drop drastically if dogs were allowed onto trains, buses, trams and ferries, resulting in fewer cars on the road and improved social connectivity. Currently, animals are only allowed on light rail, ferry and bus services if they're in a box or carrier, and assistance animals are the only ones permitted on Sydney Trains. But a Transport for NSW spokesman told The Sydney Morning Herald the authority was currently looking into policies of other cities where pets are allowed on public transport, which could mean we'll see changes to our own laws. Fingers crossed a train carriage full of dogs is soon a reality. In the meantime, check out our list of dog-friendly pubs and Sydney's best dog parks. Via The Sydney Morning Herald.
When your nine-to-five plays out like a well-oiled machine, it can sometimes feel like each week is a little same-same. But Sydney is brimming with a fine bounty of things to experience and explore each and every day. So aside from casual laziness and a little lack of inspiration, there's really nothing stopping you from squeezing some adventure and spontaneity into your schedule. We've teamed up with Mazda3 to help you celebrate the little things that bring a sense of adventure to life. Shake things up, as we give you seven different detours to take each week in Sydney. From Monday to Sunday, enrich your everyday with one completely achievable activity that inspires you to take the scenic route as you go about your daily routine. This week, get some solid roller excercise, sing karaoke until your lungs are sore and go for a relaxing stroll down to Blackwattle Bay. Plus, we've got your future detours sorted for the next few weeks here. All require no more effort than a tiny break from the norm — what's your excuse for not trying them all?
A weekend feels so much longer when you escape the concrete — even just for a day. Scientists say that time spent in nature works much the same way as dog years — an hour in the bush is worth seven in the city (or something like that). So it's really in the interest of your longevity to spend as much time in the sticks as possible. Sure it feels like a bit of a trek in itself to organise, but you'd be surprised how quickly you can get out of the hustle-and-bustle of the city. Get your fresh air fix by staying overnight in a sweet little cabin in Lane Cove, and then spending the next day exploring the stunning national park by foot, bike and rowboat.
It has been just five short months 4 Ounces introduced its blend of burgers, hip-hop and ethically-sourced produce to Alexandria, and they're not stopping there. This time it's Leichardt's turn, with the eatery bringing its mix of music and guilt-free food to Norton Street. From December 10, burg lovers can find the same ace concept in a brand new location, trading seven days a week from midday until late. That means mondo burgers made with premium produce and out-of-the-ordinary flavours, all named after hip-hop legends, now have a second home. Menu highlights include The Ol' Dirty, which is a glazed donut bun stuffed with two special blend patties, American cheese, Westmont pickle, maple bacon and house sauce; and The Cheezy Yeezy, which also doubles up the patties, while pairing them with liquid cheese, deep fried truffle mac and cheese, pickled green tomato and onion. For veggos, there's The ASAP: smoked tofu, deep-fried truffle mac and cheese, wild mushrooms, Westmont pickle, liquid cheese and house sauce on a milk bun. They've got burgers on bagels, southern fried chicken burgers and loaded fries, all piled high in that over-the-top, sloppy comfort food way. And, thanks to head chef Rory Donnelley (ex-Cafe del Mar) and his childhood friend Mitch Coleman, this comfort food even comes guilt free. "80% of the produce comes from within a 300 kilometre radius of Sydney," says Donnelley. The buns are from Marrickville's Bread and Butter Project; the organic, free-range chicken from Feather and Bone; and the beef from Hereford Red, Orange. The drinks menu similarly keeps it local — think wines from Phillip Shaw, beers from Philter and Grifter and spirits from Archie Rose and Poor Tom's. Other partners include Challenger Small Goods, Karma Cola, Westmont for pickles and Donut Papi. Find 4 Ounces at 166 Norton Street, Leichardt from midday on December 10. For further details, head to their website. By Jasmine Crittenden and Sarah Ward.
The Night Noodle Markets are nearly upon us and Gelato Messina is preparing to wow Sydneysiders once again with its newest creations. Perhaps it was the recent collaboration with Hoy Pinoy (another Night Noodle Market favourite) that did it, because this year's menu is full on Filipino. Messina's Filipino Jeepney food truck dishes will be available exclusively at the Sydney markets from October 4–21. Expect the Southeast Asian country's most popular desserts to get the good ol' Messina treatment, starting with the 'Allo 'Allo! — a take on the shaved-iced hallo hallo, which combines leche flan with caramel-flavoured shaved ice, syrup and sauce, all topped with toasted milk crumb and dulce de leche gelato. The truck is is also bringing back a favourite from the 2016 markets under the guise of a different name — Thrilla from Manila is a take on turron, which in this case is filo-pastry wrapped and deep-fried brown sugar and banana gelato, mixed with bits of banana bread and topped with custard and chocolate peanut butter crumb. If you're more into fruity desserts, The Jolli P (a nod to fast-food chain Jollibee) is a mango and peach jelly-filled concoction with whipped cream and graham cracker crumb toppings. Handheld dessert lovers are covered too with the Brazo de Messina, an ice cream sandwich of pandan gelato, baked meringue and condensed milk custard, all layered with a graham cracker crust. The Night Noodle Markets run from October 4–21 at Hyde Park as part of Good Food Month.
In Sydney, 'going out for a drink' can always be something more. And, given our city is a cultural mecca with a thriving art, music and foodie scene, it's never been easier to elevate your night out. Whether you're looking to make date night extra special or want to add a dash of class to your evening catchup, there's always something new and exciting to see in Sydney. To help you out, we've partnered with Tanqueray to bring you five out-of-the-box experiences you can do in Sydney to get your culture fix — Tanqueray and tonic in hand. CATCH SOME ART AFTER HOURS Wander through rare works by art history icons (thinks Picasso and Monet), then top it all off with a tom collins. Grab your friends or your special someone, and see the latest exhibitions at the Art Gallery of New South Wales' Art After Hours. This spring, catch Australia's French impressionist John Russell (showing until Sunday, November 11) or rare works by the greats like Monet, Picasso, Cézanne, Matisse and more at the Masters of Modern Art from the Hermitage (starting Saturday, October 13). Weekly Art After Hours events kick off every Wednesday from 6pm, and feature a mixture of celebrity talks, guided art tours and live music. After your hump day cultural boost, head to Bennelong for evening drinks and nibbles off the Cured and Cultured menu. To be extra sophisticated, try the wagyu tartare with fermented chilli miso and creme fraiche while sipping a Tanqueray tom collins. UNLEASH YOUR INNER ARTIST Let those creative juices flow while you sip G&Ts at a painting session. Enjoy a fun, semi-ridiculous, night of painting at Cork & Chroma. The concept is simple: have a drink, produce a masterpiece. Okay, so maybe your output won't be quite the calibre of those greats coming to AGNSW, but a enjoyable night out is guaranteed. Literally, zero art experience is required to partake — an artist will take you and the class step-by-step through the evening's tableau of choice, helping you create your finest still life in no time. Also, it's BYO. We recommend ditching the boring vino for a ready-made Tanqueray and tonic. No fuss; just add ice. SEE A PLAY AT THE BELVOIR Catch the latest show, then enjoy a post-theatre tipple. Watch Henrik Ibsen's masterpiece An Enemy of the People or August Strindberg's The Dance of Death at The Belvoir St Theatre this season, then have a post-show tipple at The Dolphin Hotel down the road. Alternatively, for the more frugal folk, check out one of the talks or plays at The Kings Cross Theatre — it's cheaper than Belvoir but still hosts quality performances. Afterwards, splurge with the money you saved and discuss the show over a swish martini at The Roosevelt. SHUCK AN OYSTER OR TWO Savour some oysters then head to the OpenAir cinema and enjoy a cocktail. Winston Churchill once said that the only way to make a martini is with ice-cold gin. You can test his theory — without having to worry about which geopolitical strategy to roll out in Europe this spring — by treating yourself to Tanqueray gin martinis and $1 oysters on Wednesdays at The Morrison. Afterwards, catch a film at the St.George OpenAir cinema for a classic Sydney night out overlooking the Harbour from the Royal Botanic Gardens. Keep your eyes peeled for the full 2019 program, available from Monday, December 3. Previous titles included Call Me By Your Name and I, Tonya so you can expect another blockbuster lineup for this year. ORGANISE A GOURMET PICNIC Stinky cheese, Tanqueray gin and panoramic views by the water's edge. Gather around a picnic at Blackwattle Bay to enjoy sweeping views of the Anzac Bridge and harbour. Elevate your spread from humble hummus and bread territory by going past the IGA and opting for some more decadent treats. We suggest a stinky, gooey cheese selection from The Stinking Bishops or some Japanese-style treats like matcha lamington and yuzu cheesecake from neighbouring Azuki. Just don't forget to grab a bottle of Tanqueray and some mixers. Then, all you have to do is kick back and enjoy your Sunday arvo filled with good food, great company and that stunning Inner West sunset. Celebrate the return of warmer, sunnier days with a Tanqueray tipple in hand at home or around your city.
Last weekend Bondi scored its newest wining and dining gem, with the opening of all-day eatery The Pacific Club Bondi Beach. Making its home within Campbell Parade's Pacific Building, the chic bistro and beach club boasts quite the pedigree too, with the owners pulling together a pretty exceptional team of hospitality guns to help bring it to life. Harvest Newrybar's Bret Cameron is heading up the kitchen, an expansive wine programme comes courtesy of award-winning sommelier Chris Morrison, and 2016 Australian Bartender of the Year Michael Chiem (PS40) is lending his talents to the cocktail list. The space itself is the work of Michael McCann, from Dreamtime Australia Design (Mr Wong, The Argyle), sporting a vibrant fitout that makes the very most of its beachside real estate. A customised woodfire grill and a raw bar are the heroes of the kitchen, with a local seafood-heavy menu also paying homage to that idyllic waterfront location. Expect a host of top native ingredients, from the wattleseed butter atop woodfired crumpets with your morning coffee to the kangaroo loin with toasted rice, quandong and pumpkin juice you'll spy later in the day. The house riff on smashed avo comes on charcoal and black quinoa toast, and is served with macadamia and finger lime. With its indoor-outdoor flow, it's the sort of spot where breakfast and lunch slip easily through to dinner, though the drinks offering is a drawcard in itself. Get excited for lazy summer afternoons on the deck, teaming ocean views with top-notch wines from all corners of the globe. Also a surefire hit is the lineup of signature cocktails, designed to capture the spirit of Bondi while complementing Cameron's crafty, modern Australian eats — including The Nut Cracker, with macadamia oil-washed gin and vermouth, and Here We Go Round with eye, basil and bush tonic. Find The Pacific Club Bondi Beach at 182 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach, open daily from 7am-11pm. Images: Caroline McCredie
When all seven chapters of S-Town were released in one mighty swoop on March 28 this year, podcasting entered a new realm. Ten million episodes were downloaded in four days, obliterating records. And now, series creator Brian Reed is coming to Australia to talk about how he did it. At two different evenings, titled 'Mysteries, Mazes and the Making of S-Town' at Melbourne's Wheeler Centre and We Need To Talk About S-Town at Sydney Opera House, he'll be chatting about telling stories, combining reporting with literariness, leaving things unsaid and, of course, John B. McLemore, the podcast's eccentric, obsessive, unforgettable protagonist. Along the way, you're likely to hear him touching on all the big themes that found their way into S-Town: greed, poverty, mental health issues and prejudice. And, if you've been plagued by questions of journalistic ethics, this would be the time to dig them out. Tickets are already selling fast to the Melbourne show, and tickets for Sydney go on sale Monday, May 29. So, you'd better be quick. BRIAN REED'S AUSTRALIAN DATES: Wednesday, July 26 — 'Mysteries, Mazes and the Making of S-Town' at Melbourne's Wheeler Centre. Tickets here. Saturday, July 29 — 'Brian Reed: We Need to Talk About S-Town' at Sydney Opera House. Tickets here. Image: Andrea Morales.
In sad news, Bourke Street Bakery is moving out of Potts Point. However, the space won't stay dormant for long, as the folks behind Redfern's Moon Park, which closed in September 2016, will be moving in from July. And their new venture, Paper Bird, will be bringing you all-day eats, from, not only Korea, but Japan and China, too. So, if you've been missing that fried chicken with soy and maple syrup sauce, you'll soon be scoffing it again. Also making a comeback will be rice cakes with peanuts and gochujang (a savoury, sweet and spicy chilli paste). Among new arrivals, you'll find rice, clams and nori served in a stoneware bowl and Xi'an cumin lamb sausage rolls with cumin and black vinegar — a slight heart pang for Bourke Street Bakery fans. Paper Bird will open from 7am till midnight, which means breakfast will be served. "The breakfast dishes will be familiar, but with an Asian twist," says Ned Brooks, who co-owns the eatery with head chefs Ben Sears and Eun Hee An. "Singapore barbecue bacon, smashed avo and eggs on toast with dried fish, toasted muesli and persimmon ... It's often about swapping one European ingredient with an Asian one." On the drinks menu, you'll find about 100 wines, with 20 or so available by the glass. Brooks, who'll be running the bar, says, "Around 50 percent are Australian and 50 percent international, from France, Italy, Spain and America." There's also a high-end sake list, a bunch of craft beers and cocktails. Single Origin will be taking care of the coffee. Going against Sydney's current obsession with guttings and renovations, the team won't be tearing the site apart. "The fitout is already lovely," Brooks says. "It was made by craftsmen and we don't want to touch it too much. We don't want to see a beautiful bar top and dark wooden banquettes get ripped out and turned into landfill ... Sydney is an expensive city, but people still want to go out to drink and eat. One way to reduce prices is to spend less money on renovations." So, the space won't be getting much more than a lick of paint, some sound attenuation and some lighting, designed in collaboration with Phillip Arnold. There'll be indoor seating for about 60, including 10 spots at the bar, plus 15 places outside. Paper Bird will open in July 2017 at 46A Macleay Street (enter via Crick Avenue). Opening hours will be Monday to Saturday 7am–midnight, Sunday 8am–3pm. Image: Nikki To.
New restaurants and takeaway joints open every week in Sydney — so much so that it's hard to keep up, let alone determine which ones to visit. But you know what gets our attention? Free stuff. That's why we're pleased to tell you that, to celebrate last week's opening of their new Surry Hills store, Zeus Street Greek will be giving out free souvas to anyone who visits the new location this Friday, June 2. All you have to do is walk into the Foveaux Street store between noon and 3pm on Friday and you'll score yourself a free pita. These are ZSG's version of a souvlaki, which you can get filled with chicken, pork, lamb, falafel, haloumi or soft shell crab. Plus, for each pita given away on the day, ZSG will donate $2 to Weave Community & Youth Services, a charity that supports disadvantaged children, young people and families. Just in case you weren't sure if ZSG was a chain yet — the Surry Hills outpost is their 14th store to open in Australia. They currently have ten stores Sydney and a couple across Canberra, Newcastle, Brisbane and Perth, with another four to open imminently. Zeus Street Greek Surry Hills is now open at 2/69-81 Foveaux Street, Surry Hills. To celebrate the opening, they will will be giving away free pitas on Friday, June 2 from 12–3pm. For more info visit zeusstreetgreek.com.au.
UPDATE: APRIL 27, 2018 — After four months of trading, Ginkgo will be closing the doors to its Victoria Street pop-up. But if you've already become attached to its Harbin dumplings, don't fret — the team plans to reopen at a different location soon. It was never going to be around forever, and you still have a few days to get there — last service will be on Sunday, April 29. We'll let you know when a new location is confirmed. Bar Brosé might have sadly left the building, but at least its replacement looks set to deliver plenty of culinary cleverness of its own. Calling the Darlinghurst space home for the next 12 months is Chinese-inspired pop-up Ginkgo Bar & Dining, from the minds behind Ultimo restaurant Chulin. As with their original venture, owners Carly and Tim Jin are celebrating the authentic flavours of Harbin in northeast China. They're offering handmade dumplings, artisan cocktails and late-night eats that'll put your usual 1am kebab to shame. From the kitchen, a collection of over 16 different dumpling varieties nods to Harbin's broad multicultural influences. Expect creations like prawn and cheese triangles, dim sum stuffed with sea urchin and baby spinach, and Gingko's own interpretation of the sausage puff. Other authentic treats might include the slow-cooked smoked pork knuckle and the house signature: Chinese wine sausage. Also impressive is the considered drinks lineup, featuring a suggested wine match for each dish and a range of clever cocktails drawing inspiration from Chinese history and culture. The Tiki Tiki Wei Wei — with its blend of banana skin-infused Bulleit, osmanthus and bitters — is a fittingly innovative nod to one of China's most celebrated contemporary artists. Best of all, it's open late, slinging tasty treats until 3am on Fridays and Saturdays, and 1am each Sunday. Ginkgo Bar & Dining is now open daily for dinner and Saturday and Sunday for lunch at 231A Victoria Street, Darlinghurst. For more info, check the Facebook page.
It's almost that time of year when Sydney Festival takes over this town and spoils us with fascinating, thought-provoking and straight-up stunning art and culture from all over the world (and plenty from right here at home). As always there are some amazing international musicians, and we've picked out ten of the best to help you decide what gets included in those precious festival multi-packs. From underwater music and concept concerts about nuclear war to protest punk operas and politically charged cabaret, there won't be a dull moment. But of course, this is just a snapshot of the massive lineup, so go check out the full program at the Sydney Festival website.
In excellent news for carnivores across Sydney, it just got a whole lot easier to sink your teeth into a top-quality steak from Vic's Meat Market. The restaurant has extended its opening hours, and now dishes up dinner from Thursday through to Saturday. Located at the Sydney Fish Market, the butcher shop and adjacent smokehouse has long been a favourite for local meat lovers, allowing diners to pick out their own steak from the display, and then have it expertly grilled and delivered straight to their table. Vic's is also a go-to for loads of Sydney's top restaurants, so you know your tastebuds are in excellent hands. From start to finish, the menu here is a celebration of simplicity and excellent meat, with classic smokehouse dishes sitting alongside top-notch steak cuts. Tuck into barbecue staples like a smoked wagyu cheeseburger, or opt for a hearty scotch fillet teamed with hand-cut fries and seasonal salads. The custom-built smoker can handle about 200 kilograms of meat — it's responsible for favourites like the low 'n' slow pulled pork and a dreamy Texas-style brisket. New menu additions include the likes of mac 'n' cheese chips and a signature Vic's snack pack loaded with your choice of brisket or pork. Vic's Meat Market is located at the Sydney Fish Market, 50-60 Bank Street, Pyrmont. It's open until 9pm Thursday to Saturday. Visit its website for more information.
As the weather continues to cool down, our appetites naturally move toward comfort food that'll keep us warm from the inside out. Autumn menus are all about seasonality and flavours that prepare you for the blustery days ahead. This means restaurants are starting to turn out dishes using earthier produce and specific cooking methods that put the taste of autumn on a plate. Neighbouring restaurants Balla and BLACK Bar and Grill have done just that by curating their seasonal menus specifically for autumn. We've chatted with executive chefs Gabriele Taddeucci from Balla and Dany Karam from BLACK Bar and Grill on which ingredients make a menu distinctly autumnal and what's inspiring them in the kitchen this season. IT'S ALL ABOUT SEASONAL PRODUCE At the core of any good seasonal menu is the produce, giving a dish the distinct flavour of the time of year. In autumn, that means sourcing what's available for harvest — think wild mushrooms, pumpkin and apples, ingredients which both chefs are apt to use during the season. "Autumn and its fabulous fall harvest provides us with a variety of sensational fruit and vegetables whose nutrients will sustain us through the colder months ahead," says Taddeucci. "The cooler temperatures bring a whole slew of seasonal goodies to cook with, from apples and pears to healthy greens such as cavolo nero or silverbeet, as well as root vegetables and wild mushrooms." Karam is also a big fan of wild mushrooms and feels seasonality is at the heart of any good autumnal recipe. "Our philosophy is to use the best seasonal produce and to treat it simply," says Karam. "Some of my other favourite autumn ingredients include cauliflower, horseradish, fig, kohlrabi, walnuts and finger lime." For Taddeucci, pumpkin is a specific standout as well. "One of my favourite things about autumn is pumpkin — this ingredient holds beautiful memories for me; you can create so many fantastic dishes with it. But the star of the season, in my opinion, is definitely the truffle." SOURCE FROM LOCAL SUPPLIERS The key to seasonal fruit and veg is to keep it fresh, and the best way to do so is to source from local suppliers. This is essential to the menus at both Balla and BLACK. "As chefs, all we can do is work closely with our trusted local suppliers whose passion and dedication to growing and rearing high-quality produce gives us the opportunity to work with the best seasonal ingredients," says Taddeucci. For Taddeucci, the terms seasonal and fresh are codependent. "Seasonal most definitely means fresh," he says. "Sticking to these rules always reinforces the credibility of our menu and, of course, allows passion and quality to shine through." COOK WITH FIRE AND BRIMSTONE Part of what makes autumn dishes so comforting is the way that they're cooked. This often means using woodfire and charcoal cooking techniques to add a bit of heat to a dish, warming you up and enhancing the autumnal flavours of the produce. "In autumn, we use two different types of wood — cherry wood for smoking and ironbark for high heat — as well as charcoal for our rotisserie," says Karam. "At Balla, we tend to use traditional Italian cooking methods such as poaching, deep frying or grilling on firewood," says Taddeucci. Whichever the method, the warmth of the food is sure to keep you going when you step out into the cold. DRAW INSPIRATION FROM THE PAST The autumn menus at Balla and BLACK may change each season, but they draw on deep inspiration from the chefs' pasts. "There is something really special about my memories during the autumn in Italy," says Taddeucci. "The air, the colours and the produce are just magic. Autumn is the time to harvest food and celebrate that harvest. I remember the time spent on my grandpa's farm, where all the family would gather together, spending the days harvesting grapes and olives. I will always bring those memories with me, and I will always try to give this sense of family to the food that I make." Karam similarly draws on his upbringing to inspire his seasonal cooking. "I grew up in a family that ate organic and seasonal food, and food still plays a big part in our lives." CREATE STANDOUT DISHES So how does all of this translate into the dishes at each restaurant? We asked the chefs to tell us about a few standout dishes that they're most excited to share with guests. "I would say our roasted pumpkin ravioli, which is served with burnt butter, parmesan and sage," says Taddeucci. "This is without a doubt a warm pasta dish that is perfect for this season." "At BLACK, our standout dishes include a fig and rocket salad, served with house-made duck ham and burrata, then topped with candied walnuts and a white balsamic dressing," says Karam. "My other favourite at the moment is the crab remoulade with apple, kohlrabi and avocado, dressed with finger lime mayonnaise, mint and puffed wild rice."
Taking over one of Sydney's central parks for the final hours of 2017, the city's newest New Year's Eve event comes from the folks behind Hot Dub Wine Machine and Alison Wonderland's Warehouse Project. A collaboration between Sydney events agency Falcona and decade-hopping DJ Hot Dub Time Machine, NYE in the Park is set to make its debut this December 31, taking over the lush expanse of Victoria Park for an evening of eating, fireworks, Champagne and dancing you'll actually want to remember. Helmed by a posse of party experts, NYE in the Park is ticking all the right boxes. First, the lineup features a cornucopia of aural treats to launch you properly into 2018. Performing across two stages, expect a tightly curated mix of local and international names including Belgian-based dance icons 2MANYDJS, powerful pop artist Vera Blue, disco kings Total Giovanni, and a collaborative effort from Jurassic 5's Chali 2na and Brit breakbeat pioneer Krafty Kuts. Of course, Hot Tub Time Machine will be serving up one of his signature party sets, sending crowds dancing through the decades on a two-hour journey from the '60s to today. As we draw closer to the end of the year, the lineup continues to expand. Now it includes Canadian electro-dance master Tiga. His timeless favourites 'You Gotta Want Me' and 'Sunglasses at Night' will transport you back to the early 2000s — luckily, without the braces and acne. Taking over Victoria Park with stages and d-floors, the event will also feature a healthy assortment of bars and a solid selection of food vendors. What's more, with presale tickets starting at just $59, this is one of those rare NYE options that won't bleed your bank account dry. Because who wants to start a new year with insufficient funds? The inaugural NYE in the Park takes place from 3pm-1am, on Sunday, December 31, at Victoria Park, Camperdown. Jump over to the website to check out the debut lineup and to register for $59 presale tickets.
As lockout laws push weekend revellers further outside the CBD, Newtown's King Street has long offered an alternative to areas like Kings Cross. Drinks are served until the pub shuts and the music is… well, the music is still pretty strictly policed. But the times, they are a-changing, according to Bourke St boss and new owner of the Botany View Hotel, Paddy Coughlan, and we should be looking to the south. South King Street, that is. The Sydney Park end of Newtown's main drag hosts a slew of pubs that have carried the 'Keep Newtown Weird' flag for years, keeping the music loud and frequent, and punters happy with a good brew, great company, and especially live music. "I think that south end of King Street represents all that used to be good about Newtown in general, and a big part of that was live music," says Coughlan. "We need to support and foster music venues." Under his ownership, the Botany View Hotel will host live music every Friday and Saturday night, representing the up and comers in the local music scene. Reviving the old vibe, for Coughlan, means maintaining the authentic edge of a pub's pub. "I like to think people come to our pubs for the authenticity of what we're doing", he said, "not because we've overthought every piece of furniture." The Botany View will also aim to rehash the grub at the pub, looking to nail down a menu that the everyday punter can get behind with good quality produce and reasonably priced food. Though, with two of his other venues, the Lord Gladstone and the Lady Hampshire, serving their fair share of tacos and burgers, Coughlan hints to expect something a bit more "considered". The revival of King Street's south end is already underway, with Coughlan pointing out stalwarts like the Union Hotel and the Sydney Park Hotel, as well as the Botany View Hotel, as part of "our own little community" — although we'll be sad to see the final days of Newtown Social Club. With pubs like these continuing to support live music, good feeds, and cheap beers, Coughlan is confident the "that old Newtown vibe" is on its way back. "The already strong sense of community will get stronger," he says, which is something we can all raise our lighters to. Find the Botany View Hotel at 597 King Street, Newtown. Final renovation dates TBC.
We get it. Everyone loves an espresso 'tini. Melbourne's got a bar that even does them on tap — and Sydney has a whole venue dedicated to that God-sent concoction of chilled coffee and vodka. After Melbourne nabbed the country's very first espresso martini festival last year, Sydney's getting in on the action with its own dedicated event in The Rocks this May. Sleep, who needs it? The festival, to be held in the Overseas Passenger Terminal on May 26 and 27, is being gifted to our espresso-loving, cocktail-filled city by the caffeinated folks at Mr Black, a NSW-based cold-pressed (and damn fine) coffee liqueur. In short, they know how to capitalise on our weaknesses and we're not even mad about it. The affair will involve some of Australia's best coffee suppliers, cafes and bars, and will come together to create a beautiful array of alcoholic caffeinated beverages. As with any festival of this kind, there will be plenty of optional food and drink from Mary's, Loving Earth Chocolate, Young Henrys and Byron Bay Cookie Co. The festival will run during the first weekend of Vivid Sydney, so you can pair your Darling Harbour light-chasing with a 'tini or two. Tickets will set you back $30 (plus booking fee) a pop, with the first 200 tickets sold including a complimentary espresso martini. Can't argue with that. The Mr Black Festival of the Espresso Martini will take place on May 26 and 27 at the Overseas Passenger Terminal in The Rocks. Tickets on sale Wednesday, April 12 at 12pm from espressomartinifest.com. Image: Alana Dimou.
Sick of staring into a mud-coloured cup of caffeine every day? Prefer your cuppa in a crisp, cool shade — the same as the jeans you're wearing, perhaps? Brightening up brews isn't a new trend, but Sydney's next pop-up is opting for a dash of denim with their coffee offering. From 5pm to 8pm on April 13, 20 and 27, and 12pm to 3pm on April 29, Topshop's Market Street store is playing host to a blue algae latte menu — and yes, each baby blue-coloured cuppa will be whipped up by a barista wearing denim. Of course it will. They'll be available for free, but there's a catch. If you want to sip on a blue brew, you'll have to purchase denim in-store during April. For those bulking up their wardrobe, two beverages will be on the menu: a hot blue algae latte sprinkled with blue algae powder, plus an iced blue algae latte topped with baby-blue fairy floss. Move over ice cream with fairy floss, coffee with fairy floss is now a thing. If they sound like the kind of coffees you'll be frantically snapping as well as eagerly drinking, that's part of the plan. Unsurprisingly, Topshop is pushing the aesthetic angle pretty hard, hoping that you'll be clogging your Instagram feed with pics. Don't worry — as well as looking great, blue algae lattes are also known for their health benefits, boasting beta-carotene, antioxidants, calcium and iron in huge levels. More than carrots, blueberries, spinach and cow's milk, in fact. Find the blue algae latter pop-up at Topshop's Market Street store from 5pm to 8pm on April 13, 20 and 27, and 12pm to 3pm on April 29. For more information, head to their Facebook page.
This month, Three Blue Ducks is expanding on its passion for sustainability, kicking off a welcome initiative that's a win for both the planet and for your wallet. On the last Friday of each month, the group's Bronte outpost is shouting free coffee to anyone who brings in their own reusable cup. This will start tomorrow — Friday, May 25 — and the deal's on offer all day too, from 6.30am until 3pm. If you haven't yet jumped onto the reusable cups train, this is the perfect opportunity. During each of these free coffee Fridays, Three Blue Ducks will be selling its own KeepCups at a discounted rate of $15 a pop, instead of the usual $25. Score yourself a free cuppa and reduce your plastic footprint? There is seriously no losing there. Free Cup Fridays will take place on the last Friday of every month between 6.30am and 3pm at Three Blue Ducks Bronte at 143 Macpherson Street, Bronte. Image: Nikki To.
Just in time for end-of-year drinks, Bondi Beach has brand new pub. And the folks behind it are no strangers — at the helm is Maurice Terzini, king of Icebergs and Surry Hills' Dolphin Hotel, in this latest venture after just launching his own gin. But, unlike his other projects, the Bondi Beach Public Bar (BBPB) doesn't have a dedicated dining room. Instead, the venue is going for a casual, old-school feel, inspired by Aussie pub culture of the 70s and 80s, when rock reigned supreme and the likes of AC/DC and Midnight Oil dominated the charts. As a soundtrack, expect a steady stream of rowdy tunes, reeling from rock and roll to surf rock to proto-punk. The drinks list, taken care of by wine director James Hird, has its origins in the same decades — albeit with some modern polishing. Forget anything remotely post-mixed and keep a look out for Terzini signatures, including the negroni spritz and the No. 8. New creations will include the Harvey Wallbanger and the White Russian, with the latter landing in your hand in a can. As you might've guessed, there's be an Italian bent to the food offerings, with dashes of Australiana. Leading the feast is a flat, crispy Romanesque pizza and a double patty 'squish' burger that's been flattened for ease of eating. Bella's fried chicken — which is an homage to Belles Hot Chicken chef Morgan McGlone — also features, as do gelato and waffle bowls created by Jaclyn Koludrovic, who is responsible for Icebergs' desserts. According to Terzini, the design brief, as implemented by designer George Livissianis, went like this: "I told him to think [American fashion designer] Rick Owens goes to Palm Springs via Bondi". Get ready a raw, punk-influenced interior, featuring loads of concrete. BPPB is now open seven days a week, at 203/180 Campbell Parade, Bondi. For more info visit bbpb.com.au. Images: Kitti Smallbone.
The dockless share bike phenomenon might have brought about some, ahem, issues, but one company is swapping the drama for something a little more positive. Just a few weeks after its Australian launch (so far, only in Sydney and Adelaide), Beijing-born service Ofo is embracing the spirit of Christmas, teaming up with local food rescue organisation OzHarvest to help feed folks in need across the festive season. For each Ofo ride taken in Sydney or Adelaide between December 18-23, the company has pledged to donate 50 cents to OzHarvest. That equates to one nourishing meal for a needy Australian every time someone hops on an Ofo bike. What's more, Ofo's also offering users free rides throughout December, so being charitable needn't cost you a cent. Each week, OzHarvest collects over 100 tonnes of excess food from commercial outlets across the country, to be delivered directly to local charities to feed Aussies in need.
Sydney's light rail project has come with more than its fair share of problems, not least of all the legal stoush between the NSW Government and the project's subcontractor Acciona, which has blown out the completion date. And now, it seems we could also be waiting months longer than anticipated for more of the barriers surrounding the construction sites to be removed. While initial plans suggested the Sydney Light Rail would be up and running by 2019, the ALTRAC consortium behind the project yesterday confirmed that some barriers will be sticking around well into the new year. ALTRAC Chief Executive Officer Glenn Bentley put a positive spin on this latest progress report, saying local businesses and residents would soon notice civil construction works nearing completion. But while he revealed some barriers around the northern CBD, Surry Hills and Moore Park would be removed by November, he also explained those in Randwick, Kensington and Kingsford — which affect businesses on Anzac Parade — could be staying put until early next year. Some have already been removed on George Street and the Central end of Devonshire Street. Bentley said that "where possible, zones may be opened sooner than these dates", though Sydneysiders would have to deal with localised barriers until cabling and paving work in each area is completed. ALTRAC said project delays were being managed as fast as possible, confirming track has been laid in 29 of the 31 light rail zones. Testing on a stretch of the new 12.7-kilometre route from Circular Quay to Randwick and Kingsford began in February, with the initial aim to have trams running on it 2019. If barriers are to stay up until early next year, that looks very unlikely to happen. Here's hoping that, if trams aren't running, the removal of the construction will at least allow us to navigate and enjoy the city without being blocked at every turn. Image: Sydney Light Rail.
It may be news to some Sydneysiders that Adelaide is home to one of the best (if not the best) craft beer festivals in the country. In fact, the Beer and BBQ Festival is just behind the Great Australiasian Beer Spectapular as the largest beerfest in Australia and, dare we say, rivals it as our national favourite. So it's with pleasure that we report that the festival is coming to Sydney for its first interstate event this year. It'll take over Moore Park's Entertainment Quarter for three days from Friday, June 29 through to Sunday, July 1 — and it's got one helluva lineup in store. The outdoor event will see over 60 brewers descend on the EQ's showring and market canopy areas. Headlining the list is Scottish heavy hitter BrewDog, which, after announcing it will open a brewery in Brisbane, will team up with Aussie locals for some exclusive collab brews that will be available at the fest. Representing the Australian brew scene will be Sydney locals Batch Brewing, Canberra favourite Capital Brewing, Melbourne's Hop Nation, Brisbane's Green Beacon and Adelaide's own Mismatch Brewing, to name a few. Enmore's new P&V Wine and Liquor will also host a stall, and brew masterclasses will be held throughout the weekend. The barbecue component will be impressively curated by Duncan Welgemoed, the renowned executive chef at Adelaide's award-winning restaurant Africola. He's already roped in locals like Belles Hot Chicken, Bovine and Swine and Mary's, plus one-off food stalls from The Lansdowne and The Unicorn, along with vegan fare from Melbourne's Smith & Daughters. If that wasn't enough, the music lineup is strong too. The Preatures, Holy Holy, Jen Cloher and Bob Evans are all representing, plus Canada's Matty Matheson (from Viceland's It's Suppertime) and up-and-coming local artists and DJ sets. Live tattooing, a barber shop, locals market, a vinyl record shop and a hot dog eating contest are also on the docket. Yes, it will be one massive weekend and, yes, you should nab tickets straight away. Speaking of — tickets go on sale on Tuesday April 24, with the option to purchase per session ($30–45) or grab a weekend pass to all four ($80). It might be chilly as it's held outdoors in winter, but this really sets the vibe apart from other beer festivals. And there'll be heaps of bonfires (and beer) to keep you warm. The Sydney Beer and BBQ Festival will take place on at Moore Park's Entertainment Quarter on Friday, June 29 through Sunday, July 1.
Paul Thomas Anderson's latest film The Master opens with an exquisite shot of swirling white and indigo — the surging, seething wake of an enormous ship at sea. It is a striking visual and one of two leitmotifs periodically revisited by the director throughout his 138-minute study of a Scientology-styled movement and its charismatic leader, Lancaster Dodd (Philip Seymour Hoffman). Thematically, the image of the swirling wash neatly reflects the social and political tumult of post-war America in the '40s, as well as offering an elegant précis of Anderson's central character, Freddie Quell (Joaquin Phoenix), an unsettled veteran and alcoholic outcast rendered psychologically 'lost at sea' following his discharge from the navy. Yet for audiences, too, the visual speak emblematically to The Master's principal shortcoming. It is a truly stunning film, but one that ultimately proves a whirling and directionless clutter of themes from which little substance can be extracted. To its strengths, though, The Master is first and foremost a character study of its two leading men, and the performances by Phoenix and Hoffman are almost unreasonably good. Both actors offer phenomenal characterisations layered with extraordinary complexity and penetration, making their constantly shared screen time an unceasing dilemma over whom to watch. Thankfully, Anderson spares us this conflict, often enough courtesy of some extreme individual close-ups, using Hoffman's ruddy complexion and Phoenix's contorted snarl as baseline emotional canvases from which both men launch their subtle yet fervent transformations. Prior to its release, rumours of The Master's allusions to Scientology via Dodd's quasi-spiritual movement 'The Cause' earned it enormous press, both good and bad, and certainly the equivalence between the two is strong. Dodd's 'processing' of individuals borrows heavily from the teachings and practices of Scientology's founder, L. Ron Hubbard, and provides perhaps the film's most compelling scene; however, Anderson never explores this or any other theme to its complete end. After a near flawless opening act, The Master begins to stumble incoherently from one beat to the next as if searching for some greater meaning in precisely the same way its characters do. It is a delight to watch and the performances are utterly enthralling; however, Anderson's distinction as a director is sadly not matched by his story. Ponderous and indulgent, the eventual impression is one of incompleteness and abstraction — just a swirling, seething wake of brilliant white and indigo.
The northern beaches aren't famous for their burgeoning art scene. Not yet, anyway. Enter Fifty-One: it's a monthly event founded with the purpose of uniting creatives on the northern beaches and developing the art scene. Promising pizza, beer, music, local art, and plenty of people with whom you can hold an interesting discussion, there are huge things that can be expected of Fifty-One. This month's Fifty-One is going with a Hillbilly Barn Dance theme. Hosted by the Pony Room with cocktails in jam jars, live-painted skateboards and hillbilly rock on a five string banjo, the setting is perfect for a showcase of the work of local underground artists such as Jonathan Olson, Matt Dampney, Nick Bazarow, and Liz Keene. So, come check out the creative side of the Insular Peninsula.
They helped bands like the Rolling Stones become famous, but no one can remember their names. Funny, insightful and deeply moving, 20 Feet From Stardom is a film about the backing vocalists behind some of the biggest bands in the music industry. Fortune Avenue have 3 double passes to give away. Enter now to win.
In bars, theatres and festivals around Sydney, one woman has been educating Sydneysiders in a new version of an old sound. Lanie Lane bills herself as a lovechild of Muddy Waters and Doris Day. Singing solo on stage with her big blues guitar Betty, Lane pulls chanteuses from the fifties, and further, together into the present, focusing them live into a sound both antique and contemporary. Watching her live, her distant frame doesn't prepare you for the sheer vocal force about to unleash itself on your ears. Some singers borrow their sound from jazz or blues, or other earthy music from earlier times. Lanie Lane really just is that music. Lane will perform three nights at the Shady Pines Saloon — a new sly-grog inspired, western-styled bar at the edge of Surry Hills. Small but powerful, Lane has supported Eliza Doolittle, was the voice of Sydney Festival's Trocadero and is soon to support Justin Townes Earle in a national tour. While it's not too dangerous yet not to know her sound, Lanie Lane gets around. Check her out before she's famous.
Since 2015, Damian Griffith's particular brand of doughnut has been taking over Australian cities, pervading potential pastry-loving locations around Sydney — there are currently seven in total. Now, it's a casual eight, because Doughnut Time has opened its doors in Surry Hills. This takes DT's total to 24 locations across Australia, which is quite the feat in under three years. To mark the new digs at 330 Crown Street, Griffith has enlisted the help of Martina Martian, a Sydney based designer and artist, who has created the limited 'Share The Love' four-pack of cartoon-coloured doughy rings, currently available only in the new store. The chain has maintained a commitment to using quality, local produce in all of their venues, and this is something that's bound to go down well in their new shop. "To be located within Surry Hills is something that we've been wanting to achieve for some time," says Griffith, and with that dream ticked off, it's only a matter of time until DT picks a new location target. Find Doughnut Time at 330 Crown Street, Surry Hills. Open Monday to Sunday, 10am-10pm.
Sydney can be a little bit manic this time of year. The shops become mini mosh-pits. Your calendar is filled with more shindigs than the previous ten months combined. So, on occasion, you might find yourself glancing at the door plotting a hasty retreat. Situated just 90 minutes from Sydney, Bowral can be that retreat — an antidote to the metro hustle and bustle for a day or weekend. And if you find yourself hiding out there on a Sunday, stop by Biota Dining for a feast before you head back to the bedlam. Throughout the summer months, Biota is making the most of its newly-landscaped 'parklands' with a Sunday barbecue series. With Biota's longstanding two-hatted status, expect this to be a few notches above the classic backyard barbie. For $58 per head, you can tuck into quality Southern Highlands produce prepared on a local stone BBQ in the outdoor sanctuary. No Aussie BBQ is complete without a beer or two, so for an additional $15 you can sample some wild ales courtesy of Wildflower. If the journey back to Sydney sounds slightly daunting in your post-feast state, remember that Biota also offers accomodation. The Biota Dining BBQ series runs every Sunday through summer from November 12, 2017. Bookings are essential.
A mere 12 months after reopening and wildly impressing us with its fancypants makeover, the over 100-year-old Hotel Palisade is on the market. Boasting some prime real estate in The Rocks, the historic building reopened to a whole lot of buzz late last year, unveiling eight premium hotel rooms, a swanky new ground floor Public House Bar, and rooftop bar, Henry Deane, with its gorgeous interiors and sweeping harbour views. Now, according to The Shout, the plush property's up for sale through JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group, and expected to fetch at least a cool $30 million, with international expressions of interest open until November 30. Word is, Hotel Palisade has been attracting plenty of offshore interest, with the owners already having received a bunch of unsolicited offers for the unique piece of property. Via The Shout.
Bondi has no shortage of surf schools. The challenge is figuring out which ones are any good. Let's Go Surfing is the only licensed surf school on the beach, with more than 20 years experience behind them. Co-owner Brenda Miley has been surfing for as long as she can stand, and has assembled a killer team of local, national and international surf instructors to take you out on the water. They offers classes for beginners as well as private lessons for those looking to take their surfing to the next level. A two-hour group course costs $99, with prices scaling up from there. If you're really committed, their six-week early morning course costs $279, and should offer you experience in a variety of different conditions. They also have their own shop where you can purchase your own board, wetsuit and surfing accessories. Image: Dollar Photo Club.
