TIVA combines Sydney's love of luxurious bars and live music into a romantic venue underneath The Charles Grand Brasserie & Bar. Head down Wednesday through Saturday, and you're sure to find a band or a solo artist filling the room with jazz, soul, R&B or folk music until late. Plus, accompanying this roster of live entertainment is a daily program of DJs spinning tunes Monday through Saturday. The venue is reminiscent of many classic lounge bars, boasting subtle lighting, velvet booths and mirrored tables. A palette of navy and black tones pulls the room together, complimented by polished steel and marble finishes, giving it a luxe atmosphere. Once you've found your table or booth, your attention will turn to what you'll pair the night's playlist with. If you've come for a few drinks, there's plenty to choose from. "Tiva is a place you want to settle in to enjoy the music. High-end spirits, elegant cocktails, champagne, and table service with some understated theatre are the ultimate support act to the incredible entertainment planned," says Head of Bars Jonothan Carr (About Time, The Rover, Grandma's Bar). The espresso martini ($24) is elevated by the use of a high-end French press, the single malt whiskey and cognac old fashioned ($24) is served tableside in a decanter, and the Regal Margarita ($24) is complete with smoked paprika and roasted pineapple. As for food, Tiva takes queues from its upstairs sibling, The Charles Grand, serving up a French-inspired array of eats. Highlights include hashbrowns with roasted chicken cream ($10), a wagyu cheeseburger ($30) and crumbed Moreton Bay bug sandwiches ($20) — as well as caviar service ($140), of course. Pulling together champagne, impressive cocktails and French bar snacks with top-notch live music, Tiva is coming to Sydney's most romantic venues list. Head to the bar's website to see the list of performances it has coming up. Appears in: Sydney's Best Underground Bars for 2023
If you want to catch a bus in Sydney, the Opal card has been the main way to pay for your trip for a while now. But that's about to change. After rolling out card payments on light rail and ferries back in March last year, and on trains in November, Transport for NSW has announced that contactless card payments — and devices that have the service enabled — will be rolled out across all Sydney buses this August. Yep, you can leave your Opal in your wallet/on your desk/down the side of the couch — with this new technology, you can just tap your card or phone (Visa, Mastercard and American Express are all accepted in credit or debit) right onto the regular Opal scanners. Doing this will charge you for an Adult Opal single trip ticket, and if you use the same card each time you travel, the daily, weekly and Sunday caps will automatically be applied to your fare. It's expected that all buses will be able to accept credit and debit cards by the end of September. In another win for commuters, other fare discounts will now be available on all credit card transport payments for the first time, too. Which means if you transfer between services, travel off-peak, usually qualify for the Weekly Travel Reward (where, after eight trips in a week, you get half-price fares) you'll get those discounts on your credit card across the train, light rail, ferry and bus network (when the latter is rolled out, of course). Moving away from dedicated transport cards — or adding other payment options — will make things easier for tourists and travellers (and people who, god forbid, leave their Opal at home), who shouldn't have to buy a new piece of plastic just to catch a bus or train (or pay extra for a paper ticket if they don't) when they're visiting. However, if we're moving towards a contactless future, ensuring the new system remains accessible for anyone that doesn't have a smartphone, smartwatch or bank card remains a concern. Contactless and credit card payments will be rolled out across Sydney buses from August, and it's expected all buses will accept it by the end of September. Top image: Stephen Rees via Flickr. Updated: August 29, 2019.
Tucked along the coast close to the Victorian-South Australian border, and just beyond the westernmost end of the Great Ocean Road, Nelson is a charming country town brimming with incredible outdoor adventures. With its tight-knit local community and hardy surrounding wilderness, this is one spot to put on your list if you're looking for top-notch hiking, surfing, fishing and more. Nelson might not be considered the end of the earth, but its veritable collection of stunning landscapes means you and your pals will struggle to find a place with better access to nature. Whether you get your kicks from underground walkways, remote inland hikes or riding rugged waves, we've teamed up with Wild Turkey to present a collection of experiences in this thriving border town where unforgettable memories are guaranteed. [caption id="attachment_841188" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] EXPLORE THE DRAMATIC PRINCESS MARGARET ROSE CAVE Situated along the banks of the Glenelg River, the Princess Margaret Rose Cave sees daring travellers descend into a subterranean cavern where calcite formations have ebbed and flowed over the last 700,000 years. Opened in 1940 as one of Australia's first show caves, the limestone lair is one of Nelson's standout destinations. Make the most of your time underground with a guided tour, during which you'll have 45 minutes to wander illuminated walkways flanked by crystalline stalagmites and stalactites that have expanded to over six metres in length. If you can't get enough of your surrounds, the Princess Margaret Rose Cave is located next to a picturesque campground, where you can find close encounters with native wildlife among a eucalypt forest. [caption id="attachment_841190" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] TACKLE THE GREAT SOUTH WEST WALK AND SPEND A NIGHT BENEATH THE STARS A staggering amount of rewarding hikes are located along the Great Ocean Road's 243 kilometres, but few are as impressive as the Great South West Walk. While the total distance of this epic journey through Victoria's western coast takes around 12 days to complete — the whole trail is longer than the Great Ocean Road itself — choosing a section or two to tackle is a far more realistic prospect for most. Across full-day hikes and laidback loops, the path meanders from the coastal edge inland through Cobboboonee National Park and side-by-side with the Glenelg River, meaning you'll see both lush forests and idyllic seaside villages. If you're looking to really connect with nature, pack a tent and set yourself up at one of the 14 well-maintained campsites along the way, which provide fitting amenities for an overnight stay. [caption id="attachment_843921" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Elliot Kramer[/caption] SEE WHERE THE RIVER MEETS THE OCEAN AT DISCOVERY BAY ESTUARY BEACH Exploring scenic beaches is one of the main reasons to cruise Victoria's western fringe. Discovery Bay Estuary Beach is a particularly beautiful highlight, as the meeting point of the Glenelg River and the rugged Southern Ocean. And whether you want to take it easy on the river side or test your mettle on the ocean side, the two kilometres of sandy shoreline means that the swimming and surfing potential is virtually endless. Fair warning: the beach isn't patrolled by lifesavers so be sure you know what you're doing before you set off. Situated about a five-minute drive from the centre of Nelson, this beach is also beloved for its fishing, with local anglers heading out by boat or seeing what they can catch in the shallows. Plus, the surrounding wetlands and sand dunes provide critical ecosystems for hundreds of rare waterbirds and plant species, ensuring you feel that enchanting connection with nature. [caption id="attachment_841194" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] SURF THE SOUTHERN OCEAN AT DISCOVERY BAY COASTAL PARK For even more surfing possibilities, heading further south to the Discovery Bay Coastal Park leaves you totally spoilt for choice. Spanning nearly 26,000 acres from Cape Nelson to the South Australian border, this spectacular national park welcomes you to soak up the diverse landscape from end to end. While you might feel the urge to dive in anywhere, several top-quality breaks present the best waves. Crumpet Beach and Blacknose Point are ideal for newbies, while Descartes is where more experienced surfers test their skills. Meanwhile, Discovery Bay Marine National Park offers outstanding underwater ecosystems, so be sure to pack your snorkelling gear. There's plenty happening inland, too, thanks to soaring coastal cliffs, impressive sand dunes and idyllic freshwater lakes and swamps. Feel free to take your time here — there are several vantage points within the park where you can catch one of the best sunsets in Victoria. [caption id="attachment_841197" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] HEAD TO CAPE BRIDGEWATER FOR OTHERWORLDLY ROCK FORMATIONS Set in an ancient volcanic crater, Cape Bridgewater's otherworldly landscape is perfect for road trippers seeking a unique adventure. Its jagged coastline is home to some of Victoria's highest clifftops, and the countryside beyond overflows with freshwater lakes that are excellent for fishing and water skiing. However, the coast remains the main attraction, with the Bridgewater Blowholes helping travellers get up close to rock formations forged in the basalt and scoria rock over millions of years. The cape is also well-known for its population of fur seals, with a dedicated viewing platform providing a glimpse of this year-round colony situated on the ocean edge. [caption id="attachment_843922" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Elliot Kramer[/caption] FISH AND PADDLE ALONG THE GLENELG RIVER Spanning 350 kilometres from Nelson's Discovery Bay to the lofty Southern Grampians, the Glenelg River boasts a thriving biosphere that makes for a captivating day on the water. With the waterway considered one of the state's top fishing destinations, you can cast a line for flathead, morwong and silver sweep throughout the year. If you decide to explore the inland reaches of the Glenelg River, Dartmoor is great for a pitstop. Here, Paestan Canoe Hire provides everything you need for a peaceful paddle beneath the shaded banks. For something a little different, tee off for a round at Dartmoor Golf Club or feast on classic pub grub at the Dartmoor Hotel Motel. Find out more about Wild Turkey's Discovery Series at the website. Top image: Visit Victoria
When December hits in Sydney, 'tis the season to be jolly. From Friday, December 2 onwards, 'tis the time to sip BrewDog's beers, too. That's when at the Scottish craft beer giant will open its long-awaited first-ever Sydney bar, a 910-seater space in the old locomotive workshop in South Eveleigh. Sydneysiders have been waiting for this to happen for some time, given that BrewDog launched its first Australian brewery and taproom in Brisbane in 2019, and just threw open the doors at its second Brissie venue as well. The South Eveleigh location was announced back in September, after the company previously advised that it was teaming up with hospitality group Australian Venue Co (AVC) to set up new beer bars around the country. Indeed, when Sydney's debut spot opens its doors, it'll be the brand's fourth nationwide, with a Melbourne site in the historic Pentridge Prison launching at the end of November. The Harbour City mightn't claim bragging rights for BrewDog's first, second or even third Aussie outposts, but there'll still be much to boast about in South Eveleigh. Settling into a precinct that already hosts Lucky Kwong and Re, the $3.2-million venue will literally be huge, for starters, spanning a large indoor dining space, a bar and a beer garden. It'll seat 720 beer aficionados inside and 190 outside, and pour 40 brews through its taps. Those beverages will cover the brand's own beers, of course, as well as 'BrewDog & Friends' guest beer tap takeovers and collaborations with local breweries. Don't feel like a brew? Cider, wine, spirits and cocktails will also be on offer, alongside a range of non-alcoholic options. All of the above will help wash down a food menu that'll feature burgers and pizzas, and do all-you-can-eat wings every Wednesday. BrewDog South Eveleigh is embracing vegetarian and vegan dishes in a sizeable way, too, dedicating half of its range to plant-based bites — including two-for-one vegan eats on Mondays. Given the location, the beer behemoth's first Sydney spot will pay respects to the site's history, with the architects at Studio Y designing the venue around the original workshop machinery collection. You'll be able to peer at it as you drink, in fact, truly turning your day, afternoon or evening sinking pints into a unique experience. Also inside, punters will find neon signs, plus fittingly industrial-style decor and lighting; think: polished concrete floors, as well as a concrete bar and kitchen countertop. Seating-wise, booths, low and high tables will fill the beer hall. BrewDog's Sydney welcome comes via that new partnership with AVC, aka the group behind spots such as Cargo, Kingsleys and The Winery. It sees the world's largest craft beer bar operator join forces with one of Australia's big pub operators, and will span multiple sites — but exactly where and when any venues beyond South Eveleigh and Pentridge will open hasn't yet been revealed. BrewDog currently operates over 100 beer bars worldwide and, if you need an extra incentive to head to South Eveleigh on its opening day, it'll be giving the first 200 customers through the door on that date — and that date only — the chance to win free beer for a year. BrewDog South Eveleigh will open in Bays 1 & 2, Locomotive Workshop, South Eveleigh, 2 Locomotive Street, South Eveleigh from Friday, December 2 — operating from 11am–10pm Sunday–Wednesday and 11am–12am Thursday–Saturday.
It's not every day you get to hang out with a Hollywood A-lister and step into a fully immersive experience that's as close to the Land of Oz as you'll ever likely encounter. Yet that's precisely what's going down just outside Los Angeles, as Airbnb celebrates the release of Wicked: For Good with the launch of Elphaba's Retreat. Made for Wicked fanatics, this one-of-a-kind experience and overnight stay is worth the international adventure alone. Taking place on Wednesday, December 3, superstar Cynthia Erivo — aka Elphaba in the films — is inviting 20 guests to discover Elphaba's Retreat through a three-hour experience. Stepping into a picture-perfect refuge, those selected will have the chance to hang out with the Grammy, Emmy, Tony-winning and three-time Academy Award nominee that goes far beyond a simple meet-and-greet. On the day, you'll sip tea by the fireside with Cynthia, while a sommelier serves a special blend steeped in forest flora. Then, guests undertake a guided exploration, revealing easter eggs and authentic artifacts from the movies before taking part in a multi-sensory sing-along that brings the Ozian Forest to life. Finally, there's still time for a creative workshop where you'll weave your own witch's broom from willow, moss, poppies and more. Yet this fantastical adventure gets even better for a lucky guest and their plus-one who experience Elphaba's Retreat through an overnight stay. With the witch heading out of town for the night on Saturday, December 6, this whimsical accom filled with whispers will serve as a peaceful after-dark hideaway. Throughout the night, guests can expect a quiet meal and an enchanting evening of non-stop stargazing. Ready to change for good? Guests can now request to book the experience with Cynthia Erivo on the Airbnb website for free, with submissions closing at 2am AEST on Thursday, November 14. At the same time, guests can request to book the overnight stay — you'll have until 2am AEST on Friday, November 21, to submit. Designed as the ultimate Wicked experience, there's no better way to get immersed in Elphaba's world. "Elphaba taught me that our differences are what makes us powerful," says Cynthia Erivo. "Her story transformed me, and I can't wait to share that journey with you." Submissions for the Airbnb Wicked: For Good experience close at 2am AEST on Thursday, November 14, while booking requests for the overnight stay remain open until 2am AEST on Friday, November 21. Head to the website for more information.
It takes a pretty special — and downright genius — place to transcend all ages, dress codes and occasions. But The Boathouse does just that. Whether you're hankering for a post-swim feed up at Palm Beach or taking your mum out for lunch in Balmoral, The Boathouse always fits the bill. The venue at Shelly Beach — the fourth on Sydney's north shore — the winning formula has made it to Manly. The sheltered, only accessible by foot traffic Shelly Beach location is the perfect spot for the cafe-restaurant. There are people half-dressed, hair still dripping seawater, sipping smoothies, and there are large groups, fully dressed (and nicely), popping a bottle of wine and settling in for a long Sunday lunch. There's also a kiosk for beachside takeaways. Predictably, it's packed, and the hectic order at the counter and finding a table system still stands. Boathouse owners Pip and Andrew Goldsmith sure know how to run a damn good venue, and unsurprisingly, they've done it again at Shelly Beach.
A cucumber is more or less responsible for Andrew Mowbray's obsession with the gourd. Wandering around his garden one fateful morning, he made a rather unusual discovery. Between his fence and a tree, a cucumber was growing, but as a result of being squashed on both sides, it looked more like a hard, green pancake - 'pressed flat with rounded edges and completely trapped'. Finding the form 'formally interesting' and 'architecturally amazing', he started thinking about how he might be able to re-create it in a manner that would not be threatened by decomposition. Research led him to the Lagenaria gourd, which won't come as a surprise to those acquainted with the robust plant. When people initially came up with the idea of cultivating plants, the Lagenaria gourd was one of the first with which they experimented. Once dried, it becomes as tough as wood, making for a trusty container, bottle, ladle or birdhouse. The West Africans were the first to transform it into an instrument, and the concept soon spread through Asia, the Americas, the Caribbean and the Pacific Islands. The gourd is one of the few plants that we grow for aesthetic and practical purposes, rather than to feed ourselves. Now, Mowbray is taking its functionality to new heights, by transforming the gourd into a building block. He grows each one in an acrylic container, which is cubic, with semi-circular depressions enabling the development of 'nubs or buttons'. A modular unit' can be created by locking several of them together. At the same time, he is exploring the sculptural potential of the gourd's form, through emulation with plaster, cement and other materials. [VIA Inhabitat]
Whalebridge sits in Circular Quay the shadow of the Sydney Harbour Bridge offering up French cuisine and specialising in seafood. The venue comes from The Sydney Collective, the team behind the Watsons Bay Hotel, The Farm in Byron Bay and The Imperial. It boasts a prestigious head chef, ultra-luxurious menu and unbeatable harbour views. Open in the former Circular Quay digs of longstanding seafood restaurant Sydney Cove Oyster Bar, the harbourfront venue is headed up by Executive Chef Will Elliot who has previously worked across London's St John, Melbourne's Cumulus Inc. and fellow Sydney CBD French bistro, the beloved Restaurant Hubert. "What's exciting about Whalebridge is the opportunity to prepare and plate a menu which is entirely new to Sydney," says Elliot. "These are produce-driven dishes rooted in traditional French technique and the articulation of those flavours." On the menu, you'll find house specialities that celebrate French cooking and fresh local seafood including duck confit ($38) and lobster thermidor (market price). An array of charcuterie and an expansive selection of caviar ($80-320) are on offer to start you off, as are mains like steak or mussel frites ($45-55). There's also an entire range of canned goods reminiscent of popular Sydney eatery Continental Deli. Enhance your meal with a selection of tinned tuna belly, scallops, or white asparagus and leek barigoule to your meal ($10-38). Accompanying the dishes will be a 150-strong wine list pulling from renowned regions in both France and Australia. "I love good produce treated simply, that's why I love French cooking. It has very humble origins, but it's been refined over so many years to bring out the best in something, without masking what made it good in the first place," Elliot continues. Most striking at Whalebridge is the view, with an uninterrupted view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge from the outdoor seating that's calling out to be enjoyed with a glass of French wine and a spread of oysters, scallops and kingfish.
Sacrilege is a life-size inflatable recreation of Stonehenge. That’s right. The enigmatic monument that’s perplexed historians for years has been "reimagined" as a bouncy castle that all and sundry can hop around on. Commissioned in 2012 by the Glasgow International Festival of Visual Art and the Mayor of London for the Cultural Olympiad, this work by Turner Prize-winning artist Jeremy Deller has proven to be a smash hit. Deller’s work frequently deals with British history and he is known for engaging the public in innovative and quirky ways. Both adults and children are allowed to engage with this fun installation that's 34 metres long and 5 metres tall. Take your shoes off and head to the Festival Village in Hyde Park any time from 9am to 9pm, Tuesday to Sunday. As the artist himself says, “You haven’t lived until you’ve bounced on Stonehenge.” Image courtesy of Mayor of London/ICON.
Wave your hand, see a massive roster of musicians behind the microphone across the Harbour City: that's the SXSW Sydney Music Festival setup. The live tunes part of the event lets you wander between more than 200 performances on 25 stages over seven days if you have a wristband, and the 2024 lineup just keeps expanding. After a successful Australian debut in 2023, SXSW Sydney is back for a second year from Monday, October 14–Sunday, October 20 — and the program announcements continue to drop. This time, the festival's music strand has added over 25 acts, plus a heap of speakers. When you're not dancing to China's Berlin Psycho Nurses, Indonesia's KATHMANDU and mindfreakk, YONLAPA from Thailand and Sydney's own 2touch making their live debut — and also the likes of Touch Sensitive, Heno., dogworld, GIMMY and Kurilpa Reach — you'll be hearing from Academy Award-winning composer AR Rahman as the man behind the Slumdog Millionaire score gets chatting. SXSW Sydney 2024 started revealing its lineup details back in May, and has kept growing it since. A further announcement arrived in June, then not one, not two, but three more in July — and also another, focusing on the free hub at Tumbalong Park, at the beginning of August. Accordingly, no one can say that they don't have anything to see when the fest makes its comeback this year, especially if the music bill gets your toes tapping. Other fresh additions span Arky Waters, Bakers Eddy, Big Sand, Charm of Finches, Dave Kent, Elizabeth M Drummond, Holiday Sidewinder, Hydra Fashion Week, Ivoris, Kinder Bloomen, Majak Door, Nao Yoshioka, overpass, Rub Of Rub, Tim Hicks, YAHYAH and Yawdoesitall among the folks taking to the stage. Joining the speakers: Priyanka Khimani, who was named one of the top music lawyers by Billboard; veteran bookers Marty Diamond and Larry Webman; A&R Island Records head Marihuzka Cornelius; and plenty more. In one of those aforementioned July drops, 2024's SXSW Sydney Music Festival also added 40-plus talents, such as the UK's Jorja Smith on the 'Be Honest' musician's Australian tour — and also Canada's Aysanabee, Thailand's PYRA, New Zealand's Brandn Shiraz and XUZZ, and the UK's Submerse. Aussies Brazen Barbie, Jamahl Yami, Kitschen Boy and Special Feelings scored a spot as well. And prior to that, the 2024 program already confirmed human rights lawyer Jennifer Robinson, author Johann Hari, Australian race car driver Molly Taylor, pianist Chad Lawson, Westworld's Luke Hemsworth hosting a session about the Tasmanian tiger, Aussie astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg, TikTok marketing head Sofia Hernandez, Heartbreak High star Ayesha Madon, cricketer David Warner, Mortal Kombat director Simon McQuoid and documentary Slice of Life: The American Dream. In Former Pizza Huts, about the new uses of former Pizza Hut buildings across America — and that's barely scratching the surface of the lineup specifics announced so far. SXSW Sydney 2024 will run from Monday, October 14–Sunday, October 20 at various Sydney venues. Head to the SXSW Sydney website for further details. Images: Peter McMillan, Jordan Kirk, Jess Gleeson and Ian Laidlaw.
Romance. Kidnapping. A farm girl called Buttercup. A scheming prince. A swashbuckling saviour. A giant. When William Goldman threw them all together, The Princess Bride was the end result — first in his 1973 novel, and then in the 1987 film that the late, great writer also penned. For three and a half decades, viewers have watched Fred Savage (The Afterparty) hear the world's best bedtime story, Robin Wright (Land) and Cary Elwes (Black Christmas) frolic in fields, and Andre the Giant tower over everyone around, with The Princess Bride one of those beloved 80s flicks that never gets old. That said, if you've ever found yourself enjoying all of the above and dreaming that its soundtrack could fill the room around you while being played live by an orchestra, then you're about to be in luck. Despite what outlaw boss Vizzini (Wallace Shawn, The Good Fight) might exclaim, The Princess Bride in Concert definitely isn't inconceivable. Instead, Sydney Symphony Orchestra and Sydney Opera House are channelling another famous The Princess Bride line: as you wish. This delightful movie-and-music combo will hit the famed venue's Concert Hall on Friday, March 24–Saturday, March 25, playing three shows across the two dates (at 7pm on both days, and 2pm on the Saturday as well). General ticket sales start at 10am on Monday, November 14 — and if you need a refresher on all things The Princess Bride, the comedy-romance-adventure flick follows farmhand Westley (Elwes) on a rescue mission to save his true love Princess Buttercup (Wright) — and also features Mandy Patinkin (Wonder), Billy Crystal (Here Today) and Christopher Guest (Mascots). SSO will perform the entire score live, as written by Dire Straits' Mark Knopfler and adapted for a full orchestra by Mark Graham, with Nicholas Buc as by guest conductor.
When the newly engaged Lauren (Miranda Tapsell, The Surfer) and Ned (Gwilym Lee, SAS Rogue Heroes) made a whirlwind visit to Darwin in 2019 film Top End Wedding, it was to get married. Six years later, the two key characters from the hit rom-com are heading back to the Northern Territory capital. Meet Top End Bub, which is extending the world of the flick by picking up again with its central couple — this time with an added child, and by unfurling the next chapter in the pair's tale via a streaming series. Tapsell not only starred in Top End Wedding but co-wrote the script. With Top End Bub, she's in both roles again — and also co-created and executive produced the series with fellow returnee Joshua Tyler (100% Wolf: Legend of the Moonstone). Their new story: sending Lauren and Ned to the NT again, away from their settled life in Adelaide, to become the guardians of their orphaned niece Taya (debutant Gladys-May Kelly). First confirmed in 2024, Top End Bub is set to span eight episodes — and you'll be watching it soon. The series hits Prime Video from Friday, September 12, 2025. Ursula Yovich (Troppo), Huw Higginson (Ladies in Black), Shari Sebbens (The Moogai), Elaine Crombie (Invisible Boys), Rob Collins (Austin) and Tracy Mann (Home and Away) are also making the leap from Top End Wedding to its new spinoff, while Brooke Satchwell (Triple Oh!), Guy Simon (The Secrets She Keeps) and Clarence Ryan (Territory) are among its fresh additions. "Words can't describe how excited I am to bring Lauren, Ned and the Top End back to your screens. We all love a happy ending, but what happens after happily ever after? We can't wait for you to find out!" said Tapsell back when Top End Bub was initially announced. "It's been fun to dive back into the world of Top End Wedding, a world that means so much to us and to our audience. A romantic setting full of funny characters who face heartbreaking challenges in heartwarming ways. I am thrilled to be collaborating with such an incredible team," added Tyler. There's no sneak peek at Top End Bub yet, but you can watch the trailer for Top End Wedding below: Top End Bub will stream via Prime Video from Friday, September 12, 2025. Images: John Platt / Prime Video.
Mosman has welcomed Amalfi Coast-inspired gem St Siandra to The Spit's waterfront, bringing with it a touch of coastal luxury and permanent vacation vibes. Tasteful golden-hued interiors, terracotta tiling and white marble bar give way to stunning beachfront views and a tantalising menu that promises a journey through the Mediterranean — all without the airfare. Come in via the sun-soaked wharf entrance and take a seat on the woven loveseats — sourced from Italy — and take in the thoughtful interiors designed by Sally Taylor, who has previously curated venues including Felix and Queen Chow. Up the winding stairs is the dedicated event space Bluebird Room & Deck, awash in calming blue hues and natural light. It can host up to 70 guests and has its own private bar and stunning views of the waters below. Continuing the Euro-summer vibes, the menu features fresh seafood, vibrant seasonal produce and classic Mediterranean flavours with a sprinkling of Middle Eastern spices. The spot is slinging brunch most days with dishes like stracciatella toast with caramelised onion, pistachio and chilli oil, and fried chicken and waffles with sage dukkah and date caramel syrup. Heading over for the lunchtime or dinner menu, instead? Tuna crudo and the Spring Bay mussels are crowd favourites as are the classic tray of Sydney rock oysters with champagne mignonette. For a meat-focused main, opt for the Angus MB4 short rib skewer or the lamb shoulder accompanied by broccoli gremolata, pomegranate and za'atar. Sail your way through cocktails, each with nautical themes or named after local luxury yachts or a bottle of bubbly. Dessert runs to the likes of spiced persimmon pavlova, Sicilian citrus tart with toasted meringue and strawberry; and the classic ricotta fritters with cinnamon sugar and banana caramel. St Siandra was conceived by the hospitality duo, Mitchell Davis and Gavin Gray, the team behind Great Eats. Collaborating with the visionary Head Chef Sam McCallum, formerly of Nomad, and Adam George, the ensemble is a seasoned all-star cast ready to bring maritime allure to Mosman. Images: Steve Woodburn
Last year, the two distinct festivals Mould and Pinot Palooza teamed up for the first time, showcasing — as you can probably guess — the best of Australian cheese and wine. Well, the combined experience was such a hit, this crowd-pleasing duo is running it back once more, bringing together a massive celebration of fromage and fermentation. Presented by Revel, Mould x Pinot Palooza is touching down in five capital cities, including Adelaide for the first time and Sydney after an 18-month hiatus. Meanwhile, the 2026 program will also run four sessions over three days, adding Sundays to the lineup at every leg of the tour. That gives you even more opportunity to explore over 100 Australian cheeses and wines ready to be paired and savoured. On the cheese front, expect the full spectrum of flavours, from funky blues to creamy bries and plenty of stinky samples, accompanied by a huge selection of pinot. So far, the confirmed names for 2026 include festival favourites Milawa Cheese and the bold flavours of Rub-a-Dub, alongside low-intervention innovators Ohkela Wine and sustainable Victorian standouts Mulline Vintners. Beyond the cheese and wine, bars spread throughout each venue will pour top-notch beers, spirits and cocktails, while a host of food producers will be on-site offering ready-to-eat bites, pantry staples and grazing essentials. "Cheese and pinot naturally belong together, and this format gives people the freedom to explore both at their own pace, talk directly with producers, and enjoy the experience without it feeling over-programmed or precious," says Head of Revel, Jess Audus. Mould x Pinot Palooza 2026 Dates: Brisbane: Friday, May 22–Sunday, May 24 at John Reid Pavilion, RNA Showgrounds Sydney: Friday, June 12–Sunday, June 14 at The Hordern Pavilion, Moore Park Melbourne: Friday, July 3–Sunday, July 5 at Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre Perth: Friday, August 7–Sunday, August 9 at Silver Jubilee Pavilion, Claremont Showgrounds Adelaide: Friday, August 28–Sunday, August 30 at The Queens Theatre
Spoil yourself. Go on. Sure you might've been able to fly to Melbourne and back (twice) — but dining at Tetsuya's is an occasion that is slightly more palpable. This is high-flying dining, with very few institutions left like it in Sydney. And yes it may have slipped off the list of the world's top 50 and lost its third chef's hat in 2011; despite all this, there's something to be said about a restaurant that was at the forefront of Australian dining for so long and still has an extensive waitlist. It's a luxurious experience — nay, a luxurious journey. And plus, who said only the rich kids can have the all the fun? Situated smack-bang in the middle of the CBD, the refurbished, Heritage-listed site feels like you literally have left the country for dinner. The entire mansion (yes, it's huge) maintains a traditional Japanese theme — right from the front gates and valet parking, through to the polite and gentle escorting to your table. Eclectic artworks and ceramic pieces adorn the low-lit dining areas, all three of which overlook an immaculate Zen-like garden. The atmosphere is professionally formal yet ceremoniously quiet and tranquil. Tables are impeccably set with shining cutlery and crisp white tablecloths; napkins are immediately — and elegantly — thrown onto your lap. The staff is exceptionally efficient; they don't waste any time here. And they can't afford to waste time — we did warn of a culinary journey. The ten-course degustation menu clocks in at almost five hours, so get comfy. The cuisine is simple and unique and based on the Japanese philosophy of using natural seasonal flavours, with elements of French hinting through. The comprehensive (and weighty) list has over 3000 wines: you may as well go all out and get the matching wines (and extra $97) as it completes the experience. Moreover, the sommelier has done all the hard work for you and ensured that each of your dishes is precisely complimented. To get the ball rolling and whet the appetite, the complimentary truffle butter and bread is an uncomplicated yet decadent start. Fellow diners are already dropping their jaws, ramekins are almost licked clean, and a mere crumb is left. Thankfully, the first dish of the night arrives in due time before you've filled up on glorious carb/fat combo (who would've thought?). And it's a strong start: a warm savoury custard is rich and salty with bursts of flavour in every spoonful. It's paired with a Tamanohikari sake, which — not surprisingly— makes for the perfect accompaniment. Following on from this, Salad of the Sea is nice, and the marinated scampi is a confusing texture combination. Perhaps it's the frozen egg yolk? Suffice to say, truffle butter is winning thus far. The signature dish at Tetsuya's comes out at plate number four — about an hour and a half into being seated. The waiter will outline the complexities of the dish, but a word of advice: choose to ignore the details should you squirm at 'unpasteurised roe'. Matched with a Riesling, the confit of Petuna ocean trout lives up to all its expectations, delivering a full-bodied texture that isn't overly fatty. It doesn't end there, though. Two meat dishes take another 45 minutes of your time before the three desserts: because, everyone needs three desserts right? If we may be so bold, the real orgasmic taste explosion is Tetsuya's chocolate cake. Yes, it's insanely original, but it brings the five-hour voyage to an insane conclusion. While each dish was exquisitely executed and distinctively different, the truffle butter — shamefully? — has to be the hardest act to follow. Or do subsequent dishes just fail to offer that 'wow factor'? If it weren't for the entire Tetsuya's experience — from the service to the setting (to the truffle butter) — would this degustation alone be worth it? There's definitely an argument that the the roller-coaster of dishes is just too much to handle, when all we really want now is simplicity. Nonetheless, Tetsuya's is a Sydney must-do experience. It's certainly not a cheap affair, but the focus really is about a love of food crafted by chefs who are ferociously dedicated. Branch out from the burgers and enjoy one of Australia's most well regarded restaurants.
Visitors to NSW's Royal National Park may be treated to a rare spotting of an iconic Australian animal soon, with ten platypuses set to be reintroduced into the area for the first time in nearly 50 years. Platypuses haven't been spotted in the Royal National Park since the 1970s, when the park's resident duck-billed mammals were seemingly wiped out by a devastating chemical spill. But a collaborative effort by UNSW researchers, WWF Australia, Taronga Zoo, and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will see the adorable creatures return to the park from late next year. Dr Gilad Bino, the projects leader from UNSW's Centre for Ecosystem Science, says the initial group of ten platypuses will hopefully be the start of a growing population in the area. "We'll monitor how they settle in, with the hopes their population will start to grow and reestablish in the area and allow people a place to come and appreciate this unique animal," he said. [caption id="attachment_824577" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Platypus Conservation Initiative[/caption] The platypuses will be released in the second half of 2022 and will be a mixture of males and females. All platypuses will be fitted with acoustic tags so researchers can track their progress and breeding activity. Before these ten brave mammals are reintroduced into their new habitats, researchers will survey the park to confirm there are no platypuses left, and to find an ideal environment for the mammals. A recent study by UNSW found that the areas where platypuses live in Australia has shrunk by 22 percent in the last three decades. "Platypuses are resilient animals, but it's vital that we develop the capability to actively manage populations and do a better job at protecting their freshwater homes," Centre for Ecosystem Science Professor Richard Kingsford said. "We want future generations to see platypuses in the rivers of the Royal and Heathcote National Parks and all the way down the east coast of Australia." You can follow the work of UNSW's Centre for Ecosystem Science on the university's website.
While Pyrmont's beloved Sydney Fish Markets are set to move to its new-look multimillion-dollar site by the end of 2024, the NSW Government has just unveiled plans for the future of Blackwattle Bay and the current Sydney Fish Market site in its absence. The new plans for the bay are currently on exhibition to the public. The plan includes 12 buildings with the potential to hold 2800 residents as well as commercial, retail and community spaces. Libraries, childcare facilities, community centres and a public domain building for cultural use adjacent to the Sydney Fish Market are all outlined as part of the project. The transformation will also see the waterfront precinct feature a new foreshore promenade running between Glebe Island Bridge and the new fish market, which will form part of a plan to make the fish market site more accessible. Other aspects of the proposal include a new ferry stop, public wharves and an underground car park with 417 spaces. [caption id="attachment_819574" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Artist interpretation of the new Blackwattle Bay[/caption] "Building the new Sydney Fish Market at the head of Blackwattle Bay is an incredible opportunity to transform an under-utilised area into a vibrant, accessible and attractive waterfront precinct," Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said when more detailed plans for the fish market were revealed last year. The new-look Blackwattle Bay precinct will potentially form part of a larger foreshore project that will also see White Bay's heritage buildings and surrounding area restored and transformed into a residential and commercial precinct. Included in the proposed plan for White Bay, which is currently under consideration, is the restoration of the Glebe Island Bridge and the preservation of the Glebe Island Silos. Other elements of the planned development include affordable housing, increased employment opportunities, the maintenance of the area's maritime industry, a harbour foreshore walk and a waterfront park. [caption id="attachment_804466" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Render of White Bay[/caption] On Facebook, Sydney Lorde Mayor Clover Moore called the plan for Blackwattle Bay "shocking", claiming the project was designed with "maximum developer profits" in mind and warning the residential buildings would "re-cast the whole area as shadow land" including the new Sydney Fish Market's solar panel roof. If you want to have your say about the plan you can find out more and make a submission via the NSW Government's Planning Portal up until Sunday, August 8. The new Sydney Fish Market is slated for completion in 2024. Images courtesy of the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.
Hyrule is heading to the big screen, and Link and Princess Zelda along with it. After almost four decades of mashing buttons to save the magical land, fans of The Legend of Zelda will be able to see the game franchise make the leap to cinemas. Coming off a huge year for film adaptations of its titles thanks to box-office smash that is The Super Mario Bros Movie, Nintendo has announced that it's turning its beloved Ganondorf-battling action-adventure series into a feature. The Legend of Zelda will have something else in common with Nintendo's favourite plumbers: it's getting the live-action silver-screen treatment first. While animation worked well for Mario's latest date with picture palaces in 2023, Link, Zelda and the like will be flesh and blood. Just imagine how Hyrule's stunning landscapes will look. The Legend of Zelda's move into movies will boast Shigeru Miyamoto, Representative Director and Fellow of Nintendo, as one of its producers — alongside Avi Arad, whose resume includes all the Spider-Man flicks (live-action and animated), some X-Men films, early Marvel titles like Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk, and also Ghost in the Shell and Uncharted. While it's too early for any news on stars, The Maze Runner filmmaker Wes Ball will be directing. And the film will indeed hit cinemas, with Sony distributing — and co-financing the movie with Nintendo. No details about the feature's storyline have been unveiled so far, either. Accordingly, if you're wondering which game or games it might follow — and if your favourite, be it the OG 1986 The Legend of Zelda, 1991 masterpiece A Link to the Past, 1998's Ocarina of Time or 2013's A Link Between Worlds, for instance, might get a nod — there's no answers as yet. "By producing visual contents of Nintendo IP by itself, Nintendo is creating new opportunities to have people from around the world to access the world of entertainment which Nintendo has built, through different means apart from its dedicated game consoles," said the company in a statement announcing the film version of The Legend of Zelda. "By getting deeply involved in the movie production with the aim to put smiles on everyone's faces through entertainment, Nintendo will continue its efforts to produce unique entertainment and deliver it to as many people as possible." Given that The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom hit Nintendo Switch back in May, 2023 is clearly a big Zelda year, even if the film obviously won't release before 2024 hits. Exactly when it will start showing in cinemas is also among the details that haven't yet been revealed. The live-action The Legend of Zelda movie doesn't yet have a release date — we'll update you when one is announced. Images: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
A new annual event is joining Sydney's regular celebrations of flavour and culinary talent, this time shining a well-deserved spotlight on Australian native ingredients and First Nations flavours — thanks to the inaugural First Nations Food Festival in Carriageworks this September. Taking place on the weekend of Saturday, September 27 and Sunday, September 28, the festival is a showcase of Australia's leading indigenous chefs, businesses and creatives. The lineup, curated by organiser Indigiearth, will highlight bushfood and First Nations culture through food, education and performances. Talents from throughout the world of hospitality and beyond are set to take part, too. There'll be cooking demonstrations from Ben Shewry (Attica), Kylie Kwong and native grains expert, Kerrie Saunders and speaking sessions from Raylene Brown (Kungkas Can Cook), Ronni Kahn (OzHarvest), Pat Torres (Mayi Harvests), Jenny Khan (The Unexpected Guest), and Aunty Beryl, founder of Yaama Barrgay. Visitors will be able to enjoy any of the above sessions, or visit the Indigiearth pop-up cafe, browse market stalls from eighteen participating Indigenous-owned and operated native ingredient producers, and take part in bushfood masterclasses. Speaking ahead of the festival, Indigiearth CEO, Founder and Executive Chef Sharon Winsor said "This festival is more than a showcase, it's a celebration of Country, culture and connection through food…We're sharing the stories of the people who grow, harvest, cook and protect these ancient ingredients with the broader community. It's about honouring our past while creating a stronger future for native foods and First Nations voices." The inaugural Australian Native Food Festival will take place on September 27–28, general admission is free, registration required. To register or for more information, visit the website. Images: supplied
We all joke about pulling a 'don't you know who I am' card on a joint, but when Big Time rockers pull it on a tiny, tiny Seattle cafe there's some dramatic head-shaking to attend to. After finishing a gig this weekend in Seattle, Rage Against the Machine's guitarist Tom Morello attempted to skip the queue at Seattle's 5 Point Cafe — to no avail. According to Grub Street, 5 Point was at capacity when the Rage legend waltzed up to the front of the line and demanded entrance, after the cafe team "who's told bigger rock stars than him no," gave him the ol' hell no. Like any self-respecting, hospitality-burned celeb, Morello decided to get on his 4am Twitter soapbox. Having long supported worker's rights and wage raises, Morello thought now was the perfect, out-of-context time to drop this rant: Five Point restaurant in Seattle is the WORST. Super rude & anti-worker. Shittiest doorman in the Northwest. Prick. Spread the word. — Tom Morello (@tmorello) September 27, 2014 After his early-morning "so, ner" went rampaging online for a spell, restaurant owner David Meinert didn't let the guitarist have the last say, taking to Facebook with a response to the "tweet from our pal": "For the record Tom Morello — The 5 Point is totally pro-worker. We try to pay more than any other small restaurant, and on top of the higher pay, we offer health insurance, paid sick days, paid time off, retirement and profit share. Sorry if you had an issue with our staff, but typically our staff is awesome, and when they are not, it's usually a reflection of the customer. Act like a prick = get treated like a prick. "I have to say, your attacking a small business without knowing anything about it, or addressing your problem with them directly before you go on a public rant, pretty much sucks. Just lost a ton of respect for you, and I've been a fan for years, both of your work in Rage and your work for workers rights since. "PS — rock stars don't get special treatment at The 5 Point. We couldn't give less of a shit. Sorry. "And PSS — I'm the owner of the 5 Point and have worked to raise the minimum wage in Seattle and support the same nationally, worked to get paid sick days law in Seattle, and am supporting a City sponsored retirement plan for employees of small businesses. I hope you do the same for your employees on the road..." "PSSS — turns out he and his crew didn't get let in as the place was at capacity and there was a line. No one was being let in. According to our doorman who I totally trust, Tom and his crew were all totally rude. Quote from the door guys "I knew who he was, we had no room, his whole party was being rude. He wanted a special room in the back. Clearly had no ideas what it is like inside. I've told bigger rock stars than him no." Since his kneejerk reaction, Morello had time to come up with some kind of 'forgiveness' — with conditions. Willing to forgive the Seattle Evil (Egg) Empire 5 Points Cafe doorman powertrip if good guy owner D Meinert fully embraces #15Now min wage — Tom Morello (@tmorello) September 29, 2014 Meinert has somewhat relented and offered this on Facebook an hour ago: "Hey all, about this Tom Morello thing... I think Tom was in the wrong, and his tweet was offensive and pissed us off, BUT, Tom stands up for workers and uses his fame for some very good causes, almost always for those most in need. Yes he's very rich, yes he was on a big corporate record label. But every other interaction I've had with him has been cool. I would far rather people be enraged about the issues Tom is trying to bring up than wish Tom ill. So if you want to get pissed, be pissed that companies like iHop or Darden are spending millions to fight raising the minimum wage, and are supporting politicians who want to oppress women, minorities and workers, in order to get higher corporate profits. If everyone spent as much time posting about these issues as they have about Tom, we'd all be better off." Pancake Gate update: Luv&respect the workers.Glad to sit down w/owner next time in Sea, happy about his commitment to pay raise for workers — Tom Morello (@tmorello) September 30, 2014 So Morello's put his manners back in and Meinert's smoothed things over. And we can absolutely get behind Morello's famously Damn The Man activism, any day of the week. Perhaps next time ranting about workers' rights and equality is best done when you're not rock-starring your way past a queue? Via Grub Street and Stereogum.
La Disfida is an institution. It even makes the pizza scholars of Sydney weak at the knees at the sheer mention of the street name. Pizzas with minimal toppings are swept in and out of the fiery oven in swift succession, and the place is routinely humming. And they’re all humming for one thing only: pizza. To get straight to the point, La Disfida do an outstanding rendition of the Margherita ($22): the smattering of tomato, mozzarella and basil lay the perfect foundations for a charming classic. Yet it’s the Tartufa ($26) that keeps them coming back. It's not the most beckoning of titles for a pizza, but honestly, when they've put wild mushrooms, prosciutto, mozzarella and truffle on a round of dough that’s been woodfired to perfection, are you really going to call the name police? And just quietly, should you decide to whet the appetite with some starters, the polenta chips with gorgonzola sauce ($17) are gob-smackingly delicious.
Three Blue Ducks long ago found itself a third nest to call home. Adding to its eateries in Bronte (that is now sadly closed) and Byron Bay, the team opened within the heritage-listed Koskela warehouse in Rosebery back in 2016, formerly known to locals as the beloved Kitchen by Mike. Since then, it has become a Sydney institution and a mainstay of the Sydney culinary scene. If you've not been before, then prepare to be blown away by the grandeur of the venue. There's a front deck, two dining spaces and a courtyard, and they're all fitted out with an industrial chic design you can't help but love — even though it's all been done before. With its exposed bricks, beams and ceiling insulation, garage roller doors and concrete floors, it feels like you're walking into a very fancy garden shed. This is all well and good — but much like your ordinary backyard shed, it's quite cold and draughty in the evening, which, while it's still chilly at night, takes away from the relaxed vibe it's going for. Aesthetically, yellow tints dancing beneath huge woven basket light shades help warm the enormous space — but if you're one to feel the cold, we recommend you request to sit next to one of the few gas heaters they've got fired up. [caption id="attachment_834387" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Three Blue Ducks, Rosebery[/caption] The heating situation might not be quite worked out (Kitchen by Mike never figured it out either), but the dinner menu is a different story. You're in good hands with chefs and co-owners Darren Robertson, Mark LaBrooy and MasterChef 2012 winner and judge Andy Allen looking after things in the kitchen. There's a real focus on seasonal produce and sustainability, while its smoke and fire theme — fuelled by its woodfired oven, charcoal pits and Argentinian grill out in the garden — is represented throughout each course. But even if you're not in the mood for rich, smoky flavours, there are plenty of other dishes that'll impress. Keep it light and simple with some fresh-as-they-come oysters with ginger and shallots and perhaps yellowfin tuna with tostada, lime, cucumber and pickled ginger. Of the small share plates, the Schezuan pepper and salt squid with roast chilli and lime is a must-order. Wash it down with a schooner of Young Henry's Newtowner pale ale or a Welder Dog's 'Farmhouse' ginger beer if you're after something sweeter. If you're really hungry, we recommend tucking into a few extra starters because a potential 45-minute wait between entree and main course is a long time to ponder on your hunger pangs. Luckily, top tunes play in the background, which makes the wait for your slow-cooked lamb shoulder with pickled red cabbage and charred herb salsa an enjoyable one. A side of crispy potatoes with confit butter and rosemary salt completes the meal in style. Finish with one of the cocktails, like a spicy margarita, and there you have a mighty fine dining experience. Images: Monica Buscarino. Appears in: Where to Find the Best Breakfast in Sydney
Interpersonal relationships are all about compromise. I'll cook, you clean. I'll be designated driver this weekend, you can do it next weekend. Still, quite possibly the biggest source of compromise – or conflict – is choosing where to go for dinner. Fortunately for residents of and visitors to south Sydney, this is all about to change. The culprit? Highfield Caringbah, the Sutherland Shire's first "vertical pub", offering up a bevy of themes and dining options under one roof. With their newest offering, the Feros Group have quite literally built on the success of Ugly Pizza and Huxley's Sports Bar. Both existing venues remain on the ground floor at the MacKay street site, with new venues The Public House and The Botanical opening up top. No-fuss joint Ugly pumps out its New York-style pizzas for dine in or takeaway. Huxley's, meanwhile, serves as a shrine to the USA, offering up diner staples – burgers, hot dogs, mac'n'cheese – to an overlapping soundtrack of American sports playing on dozens of TVs. On the middle floor, The Public House sticks to standard Aussie pub traditions: a TAB, domestic and craft beers on tap, and a menu featuring good old schnitties and steaks. And if you're looking to add a touch of elegance to the evening, rooftop hangout The Botanical offers a dedicated cocktail bar, a living green wall and food prepared on a Japanese-style Robata grill — not to mention spectacular views of the city skyline. Find Highfield Caringbah at 22-24 MacKay Street, Caringbah. For more information, visit their website.
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
It's official, Glebe Markets have been saved with a new interim manager stepping in to stop its closure, after longtime custodians David and Naomi McCumstie decided to step away earlier this month. Following citywide sadness at the news and a petition to save the longstanding community market, Organic Food Markets has now stepped up to the plate. The market will take a week off on Saturday, March 4 for schoolyard maintenance at Glebe Public School before it officially recommences under its new manager on Saturday, March 11. Organic Food Markets has confirmed it will continue to run Glebe Markets weekly, making minimal changes to the system that's made the Sydney institution so popular. Known for its variety of second-hand clothes stores as well as food trucks, live music and local artisans, the market has been run out of the Glebe Public School by the McCumsties for more than 30 years. As well as a beloved weekend activity for many Sydneysiders, it also plays an integral role for its regular stallholders, local Glebe businesses and the public school, which relies on money from the markets. Glebe will join Organic Food Markets' current family of events that includes weekly markets across Sydney and Newcastle including Marrickville, Kings Cross, North Narrabeen, Hornsby and the Central Park Farmers' Market. "Organic Food Markets have had a long and cordial relationship with David and respect the McCumstie's decision to retire after almost three decades," the statement from the organisation reads. Glebe Markets' regular traders, as well as anyone looking to organise a stall at upcoming editions of the markets, need to head over to the Organic Food Markets website and register as soon as possible. [caption id="attachment_707153" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Flickr.[/caption] Organic Food Markets has been appointed interim manager of the Glebe Markets. The weekly market will be closed on Saturday, March 4, before it returns to regular programming from Saturday, March 11.
Since long before holidaying in our own backyards and socialising outdoors as much as possible became the status quo, Sydney has been a mighty fine city to see via foot. You can mosey around in general, or you can put one foot in front of the other near the water — and now you can also stroll the entire 11 kilometres that makes up the Barangaroo foreshore walk, too. Being able to wander along this part of the harbour isn't new, but it has just received a pivotal upgrade thanks to the opening of a just-added 300-metre walkway. Launched this week, on Monday, April 12, it's the very last piece of the walk. So, you can now meander from Woolloomooloo to the Anzac Bridge without stopping. You'll also be stepping along a spot that was once completely inaccessible to Sydneysiders. The new curved path hugs the harbour, spans 15 metres in width and turns the new section into a tree-lined boulevard, with landscape architect Peter Walker — who also worked on Barangaroo Reserve — behind the design. Completing the lengthy walk, the new stretch of path follows last year's new amphitheatre-style boardwalk at Waterman's Cove — which extended the Wulugul Walk that runs along The Streets of Barangaroo's 13 eateries. Come late 2022, the Waterman's Cove part of Barangaroo foreshore will also welcome a pavilion made from recycled Sydney oyster shells, which'll make quite an eye-catching addition to your future strolls, jogs and bike rides. The full Barangaroo foreshore walk is now open, stretching from Woolloomooloo to the Anzac Bridge. For more information about the area, head to the Barangaroo website.
If you love cheese, Formaggi Ocello won't leave you disappointed. It has a whopping selection of more than 200 cheeses, from well-loved French classics to lesser-known imports, as well as an impressive stock of cured meats, cheese equipment, truffle products, condiments and other deli delights. Fellow gourmands are invited to join monthly in-store cheese and wine nights, where owners Sogna and Carmelo Ocello pull out six farmhouse cheeses with matching wines. If you'd rather just pop in for a wine, you can do that, too — aperitivo hour runs daily from 4pm and you get a free cheese tasting plate when you buy a glass of wine. Images: Caitlin Morahan.
Fashion fanatics, listen up: an internationally acclaimed Gucci exhibition has arrived in Australia for the first time, coming to the Powerhouse Museum Ultimo for a two-month run. Gucci Garden Archetypes has unveiled a series of maximalist campaigns created by the recently stepped-down Gucci Creative Director Alessandro Michele, all of which can be discovered at the Powerhouse until Sunday, January 15. First opened in Florence last year, the exhibition celebrates Gucci's 100-year anniversary and has previously enthralled visitors during pop-ups in Shanghai, Taipei, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Seoul. "I thought it was interesting to accompany people in these almost eight years of adventure, inviting them to cross the imaginary, the narrative, the unexpected, the glitter. So I created a playground of emotions that are the same as in the campaigns, because they are the most explicit journey into my imagery," says Michele. The immersive multi-sensory exhibition includes a network of themed spaces, such as a scented flower room; a graffitied corridor reminiscent of the Pre-Fall 20218 Gucci campaign; a floor-to-ceiling display of cuckoo clocks, ceramics and Marmont handbags; a mirrored labyrinth; and a recreation of an LA subway carriage like that used in Michele's first campaign, Fall Winter 2015. "Alessandro Michele never fails to push us forward into diverse, contemporary visual worlds that we have yet to imagine. Powerhouse is thrilled to partner with Gucci to present the exclusive Australian premiere of Gucci Garden Archetypes," says Powerhouse Museum Chief Executive Lisa Havilah. Tickets are free but should be booked through the Powerhouse website. Images: Tyrone Branigan
Gaia Retreat, located among the lush greenery of Bundjalung country, is a picturesque haven worlds away from the bustle of city life. The boutique accommodation offers a highly flexible retreat experience, so you can enjoy the gorgeous facilities as you please — whether that's complete sloth-like relaxation or a health and wellness kick. It's worth a visit to simply soak up the beautiful scenery, but there is plenty more to enjoy here, from day spa treatments and lounging by the pool to practicing yoga and getting a naturopathic consultation. Plus, don't forget about the award-winning food on offer. Throughout your stay, you'll indulge in delicious organic wine and food, with all produce grown on-site or sourced from local producers within the Northern Rivers region.
Finding a beach Down Under isn't hard. According to Tourism Australia, this nation girt by sea has 11,761 such coastal spots. But each year, only one is named the best beach in the country by beach expert Brad Farmer AM. When you stop being envious about his dream job, you can use his selection as travel inspiration for this year's sun-, sand- and surf-fuelled getaways. Your 2024 destination: Squeaky Beach. The Wilsons Promontory spot in Victoria has taken top place on Farmer's annual top ten for the year ahead, after South Australia's Stokes Bay, which is located on Kangaroo Island, earned the honours for 2023. Past winners include Misery Beach in Western Australia in 2022, Cabarita Beach in New South Wales in 2020, Nudey Beach on Fitzroy island in Far North Queensland in 2018 and Cossies Beach in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, in the Indian Ocean, in 2017. [caption id="attachment_939139" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mark Watson[/caption] Squeaky Beach emerging victorious as Australia's Best Beach for 2024 is the first time that a Victorian beach has placed number one on the ranking. Farmer, who is one of Tourism Australia Friends of Australia, called the location 220 kilometres out of Melbourne — which is a three-hour drive — an "acoustic squeaky-clean delight of compressed quartz and silica sand underfoot" and "one finely tuned favourite to its many fans". "The crashing waves and clear waters of Squeaky Beach stretch for some 700 metres, gracefully enclosed by impressively coloured granite boulders at either end. It's also one of the region's most photographed beaches for good reason. It's simply beautiful," Farmer continued. He also gave Victoria's Bells Beach an honourable mention after his first-place pick — which would make the OG 1991 Point Break proud. [caption id="attachment_939141" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kramer Photography[/caption] Officially in second spot on 2024's list is The Farm in Shellharbour in New South Wales, followed by Tasmania's Cockle Creek, which is Australia's southernmost beach, in third. Spreading the love around the mainland and beyond, Farmer's fourth placing went to Madfish Bay in Western Australia, his fifth to Pulu Blan Madar Island in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands and sixth to Cylinder Beach on Queensland's North Stradbroke Island. Lord Howe Island's Lagoon Beach came in seventh, South Australia's Long Beach in Robe sits at eighth and Queensland's Cow Bay in Far North placed ninth. Tenth takes the rankings to the Northern Territory, to Casuarina Beach in Darwin. [caption id="attachment_939131" align="alignnone" width="1920"] @jmax[/caption] "The list of 'best beaches' attracts headlines both here in Australia and in key international tourism markets around the world. That's why I take the chance to uncover some of those destinations that might not be well-known but are home to some of Australia's and, in my opinion, the world's best beaches," explained Farmer. "The year's list includes at least one beach from each state, the Northern Territory and even an Australian external territory, which is well off the coast of Australia, but the search for best beaches extends far and wide and one island on the far-flung archipelago caught my eye." [caption id="attachment_939136" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Colby James[/caption] "Of course all of the 'best Australian beaches' for 2024 are worthy of the recognition and so are the many thousands of others in Australia and off our coast, making it a tough, sometimes controversial job to come up with a list of just ten but it has been an honour to do just that once again," Farmer said. You know what to do from here: start making holiday plans that involve your togs. Given the spread of spots across the top ten in the 2024 Australia's best beach list, Aussie in every state and territory except the Australian Capital Territory can hit up one of the year's picks without travelling interstate. For motivation to travel further afield, though, you can't get much better. [caption id="attachment_939137" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jaxon Roberts[/caption] The Top Ten Best Australian Beaches for 2024: 1. Squeaky Beach, Wilsons Promontory, Victoria 2. The Farm, Shellharbour, New South Wales 3. Cockle Creek, South East, Tasmania 4. Madfish Bay, Great Southern, Western Australia 5. Pulu Blan Madar Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands 6. Cylinder Beach, North Stradbroke Island, Queensland 7. Lagoon Beach, Lord Howe Island, New South Wales 8. Long Beach, Robe, South Australia 9. Cow Bay, Far North, Queensland 10. Casuarina Beach, Darwin, Northern Territory [caption id="attachment_939133" align="alignnone" width="1920"] @in focus studios[/caption] [caption id="attachment_939134" align="alignnone" width="1920"] @_markfitz[/caption] [caption id="attachment_939135" align="alignnone" width="1920"] @visualjon[/caption] For more of Brad Farmer's beach tips, head to his Best Australian Beaches website. Top images: travelsoftnt, @lillypollard and P Fleming. 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.
Following the welcomed success of Bondi's vegan gnocchi spot Peppe's, owners Joe Pagliaro and Grace Watson made the decision to close down their plant-based fine diner Paperbark and use the space to spread the gnocchi love. While it wasn't an easy decision, Peppe's Osteria gives the team the opportunity to go a little bigger, with a larger laidback dining space welcoming more customers to enjoy fresh pasta and salads and minimal-intervention wine. You'll be eating and drinking these surrounded by white curtains and lots of plants, while sitting on emerald couches and grey banquettes, and wiping the rich tomato sauce from the corners of your mouth with ruby napkins. [caption id="attachment_763606" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Trent van der Jagt[/caption] Keeping with a similar format of a small selection of antipasti, a handful of pasta dishes, a few salads and two sweet options, the food here is prepared by the head chef of Bondi's Peppe's, Joel Benetts. Bennetts trained under renowned chef Grant King at Pier Rose Bay, and later helped King open the two-hatted Gastro Park, and his resumé boasts stints at Three Blue Ducks and Japanese boutique hotel AIR Myoko, where he served vegan degustations to the masses. As with the Bondi original, the pasta at Waterloo is all made in-house daily, and the sauces change regularly. Recent varieties include pesto with green pea, pomodoro and the gnocchi al funghi. Keep an eye out for the return of the gnocchi bianchi, which is sauced in cauliflower purée and three-hour porcini stock reduction, then topped with oyster mushrooms, crisped sage and toasted pangrattato-style breadcrumbs made with Iggy's bread. There's also the very popular lasagne. [caption id="attachment_763602" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Trent van der Jagt[/caption] Salads and sides are simple but punchy, and currently include a fennel, rocket and rockmelon number, a fresh mix of cos lettuce, cucumber and herbs, and a serving of broccolini with salsa verde. The house tiramisu is, thankfully, a permanent fixture on the menu, and will be joined by regular dessert specials like the coconut and vanilla panna cotta with torched fig, orange and Campari syrup. On the drinks side, the wine list focuses on local and sustainable drops, as well as Italian labels courtesy of Fun Wines — an Aussie wine importer run by Giorgio de Maria (of the now-closed 121BC and Vini). You can get a bottle of SA rosé for a very reasonable $60, go big (literally) with a 1.5 litre bottle of Yetti & the Kokonut or enjoy a zero-sulphur montepulciano from Abruzzo. It all goes well with gnocchi. Find Peppe's Osteria at 8/18 Danks Street, Waterloo. It's open from 6–10pm daily. Images: Trent van der Jagt
If your long-tortured eyebrows are in need of some loving attention, head to Honeytusk Eyebrow Studio's flagship shop in Rozelle. Whether you're sporting a couple of untamed caterpillars or a pair of 90s-style pencil lines, you can figure out your eyebrow future in consultation with these pros. A standard sculpt can be achieved through tweezing, waxing or threading, with colouring and brow lamination (which involves brushing and setting the brows for a more defined look) also on offer. You can give your lashes some love here, too, with colouring and extensions available as well as a lash lift that shapes and curls your natural eyelashes.
Running from October 16 through January 31, 2021, the annual Tarnanthi program brings together the best of contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art from around the country and showcases it across multiple Adelaide venues — with the largest exhibition taking centre stage at the Art Gallery of South Australia. The guiding theme for this year's edition is Open Hands, which pays tribute to the role of senior artists who share cultural knowledge with the younger generations; it also calls attention to the unseen cultural work of women in Indigenous communities. Including works from 87 artists, the exhibition features mother-daughter collaborations, grand installations, talks and tours — all of which aim to fully immerse visitors in the rich culture of Australia. Online art sales and other AGSA activations are on the docket, too. [caption id="attachment_792442" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Saul Steed[/caption] Images: Tarnanthi: Open Hands installation by Saul Steed
If you ever made it along to one of Donny Benet's dinner-and-show affairs back in 2013, you'll know that the man has an eye for extraordinary talent. Wanting to immortalise the creative collaborations that emerged from those nights, he invited his favourite guests to the legendary Donnyland Studios to write and record an album. Dubbed Weekend at Donny's, it's an epic, multi-dimensional LP featuring some of Sydney's hottest songwriters and performers: Jack Ladder, Kirin J Callinan, SPOD, Geoffrey O'Connor, Isabella Manfredi (The Preatures) and Elana Stone. According to Donny, the album was put together over the course of a year. "Amongst international touring, recording, television appearances and small business openings... love, despair, hope, risk, chivalry, incarceration, marital aids, admiration, love triangles, European fashion and libraries are played out." This Friday and Saturday night, Weekend at Donny's will be launched with a huge show at Brighton Up Bar. The Donny Benet Show Band will lead the evening, with guest slots from Jack Ladder, SPOD, Geoffrey O'Connor and Elana Stone. https://youtube.com/watch?v=6WFOWcqwgH4
A coastal-chic wine bar located in Avalon, Bar Elvina is the place to go for a glass of vino and some freshly shucked oysters after a day at the beach. Opening in early 2021, the bar is the brainchild of two hospo legends, Andy Emerson (Acme) and chef Jesse McTavish (North Bondi Fish). It's safe to say that these two know what they're doing. Here, high heels and chinos are eschewed for Birkenstocks and shorts, but the laidback dress code doesn't translate to the food and drinks on offer. On the wine list, you'll only find drops that the owners love and are also inspired by the ocean, either by their terroir, varietal or style. The concise cocktail list is worth a look at, too, with a strong focus on native Aussie ingredients. Food-wise, think snacks like raw yellowfin tuna tostadas ($8 each); oysters served either natural or with an apple cider mignonette ($5 each); and salt and pepper Hawkesbury River school prawns served with sumac mayo ($16). For small and large plates, expect dishes such as seawater-brined broccoli with almond hummus, fermented chilli, almonds ($20); 0ctopus with green tomato and jalapeño ($24); whole snapper with miso lemon butter sauce and warrigal greens ($55); and hangar steak ($49). Still hungry? Order the roasted apple, liquorice and gingerbread bombe ($18) for dessert. If you've got a birthday or special celebration coming up, Bar Elvina can be hired to host your private event, too. Images: Steven Woodburn
Now that winter has arrived, booking a trip to your nearest après-ski scene might seem like the move. Yet if the surf is more your style, the crew at Maple Social Club has an event for you. Taking place across 2–5.30pm on Saturday, June 7, their latest creative and low-pressure community get-together is headed to RAFI URBNSURF. Popping up for one session only, Après-Surf is a golden-hour gathering of snacks, spritzes and socialising at Sydney's man-made surf precinct. At its perch overlooking Sydney Olympic Park, the much-loved restaurant's terrace is prime position for a sunny afternoon with drinks and share plates to match. At an event that's being presented in collaboration with RAFI, you can expect an extended happy hour and cuisine that'll make it easy to make new connections with people from across town. Best of all, Maple Social Club has organised transport for the day, meaning that you can stress less about figuring out the logistics. Just arrive at Central Station at 1.50pm, then board a private bus bound for the URBNSURF precinct. After soaking up the food, drinks and views of surfers carving up the waves, the same bus will whisk you back to Central Station by 5.30pm, leaving plenty of time to make the most of Saturday night. RSVP is essential.
Since 2008, 4 Pines Brewing Company have carefully cemented themselves as one of Australia's premier brewing companies. The team behind the craft beer brand has never hidden their support and loyalty to Sydney's north, and in particular, the Manly and northern beaches areas — the home of their original microbrewery. So, it should come as no surprise then that 4 Pines earlier this month opened their third venue, 4 Pines Manly Underground. Taking over the old Out of Africa space, the eatery is a little different from their brewpub upstairs, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a menu put together by 4 Pines executive chef Rob de Paulo. He's stepped away from the classic pub meals offered upstairs in the BrewPub, instead focusing on seasonal ingredients and fresh produce. Open from 7am till 10pm each day, the venue is food-oriented with beers coming from upstairs (naturally), with booth seating and a log cabin-like feel. Pallets from their Brookvale have been used extensively in the design. But that's not all. 4 Pines have also announced the roll out of two other completely different and varied new venues within the next 12 months, all north of the Harbour Bridge. "The time has come for 4 Pines to launch some hospitality spaces," says 4 Pines publican Ged Dore. "We looked at some places over on the west coast of America, and these brands had venues along three different beaches. When we got back to Australia we looked at potential spaces in Sydney, the inner west, then in Melbourne but we just kept coming back to the northern beaches." Next up, Newport is set to become the home of barrel-aged beer, with the opening of the 4 Pines Newport Barrelhouse. The idea of barrel-aged beer is something 4 Pines has been fine tuning for the past few years, and are ready to showcase with the opening of this specialty venue in the early summer. The venue, located in the heart of Newport on Barrenjoey Road, is being touted as the first of its kind in the state, if not Australia. Finally, for those who enjoy a beer with breakfast, a 4 Pines beer and bread concept will open in the Glen Street Theatre in Belrose in 2017. Perfect for a for a drink and dinner pre- or post-theatre, 4 Pines Belrose will offer beer and freshly baked bread, including the stout bread which has been baked in the Manly BrewPub since 2010. Even though 4 Pines also have a brewery in Brookvale which uses an old truck as a bar, Dore isn't convinced they've covered all bases in the Northern Beaches area just yet though. "The [Manly] cinema has been closed for over two years, so we'd love to own the cinema so we could do 4 Pines movies. We'd love to be able to do a 4 Pines showcase arthouse cinema — you're allowed to dream aren't you?" says Dore. 4 Pines Manly Underground is located at 43-45 E Esplanade, Manly and is open daily from 7am till 10pm. For more info, visit 4pines.com.au.
Two years since opening in Surry Hills, Bar Suze has announced it will be taking part in a well-worn hospitality tradition: pivoting. The small Foveaux Street bar that has been specialising in natural wines and Swedish snacks will shift its focus at the start of July and reopen as B.S. Pasta Palace. To celebrate the venue's time as Bar Suze and mark its evolution, the team is throwing a midsommar party on Sunday, July 2. This walk-in-only celebration will feature plenty of natural wine, signature Bar Suze Nordic snacks and DJs setting the soundtrack. It'll be your last chance to get your hands on some of the beloved Swedish eats from the OG Bar Suze menu before things switch up to more Italian-inspired carby delights. Following the party, the venue will go into a four-day hibernation before emerging as B.S. Pasta Palace on Friday, July 7. Plus, make sure to keep your eye out for the Bar Suze team's next venture, with owners Greg Bampton and Phil Stenvall also opening a new venue in Potts Point. Named Caravin, this 30-ish-seat French wine bar will arrive in the former Dumpling & Beer site next to Piccolo Bar on Ward Street sometime in spring. [caption id="attachment_907152" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bar Suze, Nikki To[/caption] Images: Nikki To.
The once pretty rowdy Maroubra Bay Hotel is now the more sedate and super-friendly Bay Hotel and Diner. It's a chilled-out, family-lovin' space, with a corner for 'nippers' and a wide-reaching menu, starring seriously big burgers and a 'schnitzel haus'. The emphasis is on big flavours and generous portions. Skip by on Sundays for the weekly roast. For healthy serving of highly Instagrammable views with your pub grub, this joint boasts serious a panoramic vista of the beautiful, utterly-untamed-by-the-city Maroubra Beach.
When Sydney's beaches began to close down due to COVID-19, it started with Bondi, with hordes of people continuing to flock to the popular spot despite the implementation of strict social-distancing requirements. Now, the city is beginning to shut down access to its coastal walks as well, with the iconic Bondi to Bronte route now out of bounds in the interest of public safety. Announcing the decision in a statement, Waverley Council advised that it made the call to close the Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk for the expected reason — because large groups continued to visit the area. "Unfortunately, closing the coastal walk was the only way the council could help ensure that public health orders could be maintained along the walk," said Mayor of Waverley Paula Masselos. "Council is trying to balance the needs of our community, but we need our residents and visitors to adhere to social distancing in our public spaces." [caption id="attachment_719993" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] jipe7 via Flickr[/caption] From today, Waverley Council is blocking all points of access to the coastal walk until further notice. Anyone who tries to mosey along the seaside trail will also find additional signage in place, as well as barricades. Those who attempt to access the walk could also literally pay a price, with Council Rangers having the power to fine people who trespass in closed and signposted areas. And, as they have been for weeks now, the area's beaches remain closed as well. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website. Top image: Dietmar Rabich via Wikimedia Commons.
Kūrumac, the Japanese translation of Kirribilli sister cafe Cool Mac, has arrived in Marrickville serving up Japanese comfort food for breakfast and lunch. Business partners Eugene Leung and Dika Prianata have decorated their new inner west cafe with a colourful mural from local artist collective Ar-chive, which celebrates both old and new Japan by combining a traditional food stall with a vending machine selling gyoza, bonsai and sneakers. This melding of old and new is a carried throughout the rest of Kūrumac, too. "It's a modern space, but the food is home-cooking," explains Leung. Cooking the food is Cool Mac Chef Junichi Okamatsu, who's serving up twists on some of his favourite childhood dishes, such as the udon bowl, which was inspired by a dish from his home in Yatsushiro. The noodles sit in a hot tasty broth topped with wagyu beef and sesame, and are served with a side of crispy fried shrimp. It's not what you'd normally find on an inner west cafe's breakfast menu, but that's exactly what Kūrumac is all about. As Leung says, the team wants to make food that Japanese locals "would get served for breakfast by their parents". The spicy cod roe piped onto classic thick-cut Japanese white bread, topped with cheese and grilled, is another winner from the menu. For lunch, from 11am, you can grab something a little greener, such as the seared salmon, avocado and yuzu kosho — a spicy and citrusy condiment — salad. During Sydney's long hot days, the cafe has you sorted with loads of cooling Japanese drinks, including iced mugicha (a barley tea); green tea or hojicha (a roasted Japanese tea) milkshakes made with gelato from Newtown's MaPo; and Ume Burger's house-made sodas. Images: Kimberley Low
In 2019, Taco Bell returned to NSW following failed attempts in 1981 (when it was to taken to court by Sydney store Taco Bell's Casa) and 1997. And, where the US Tex-Mex chain is concerned, it seems that the third time is indeed the charm. It opened two more stores in 2020, and now it's slated to add another this year — from Tuesday, May 4 in Green Square. Yes, Sydney is finally getting its second Taco Bell, so Blacktown will no longer be the closest place to get your fix (with the company's other spots located at Newcastle, Albion Park and Ballina). The new eatery will be part of the Infinity by Crown Group retail precinct and sit above Green Square train station. So, you can pick up a Cheesy Chipotle Burrito or Crunchy Taco before you hop on or off public transport — or on your way to or from the new aquatic centre or still-recent library. If the chain's past menus are anything to go by, you can assume that quesadillas, burritos, Crunchwraps, nachos, power bowls and, of course, tacos (including the Gordita Crunch with both a crunchy and soft tortilla) will all be the lineup. It'll be doing dine-in, takeaway and delivery, with the latter particularly great news if you live in the area. Patrons can also expect a dedicated entrance just for picking up deliveries, a self-serve music kiosk and a street-art inspired interior by graffiti artist Simon Murray. And, to celebrate the opening, it'll be doing merchandise giveaways on launch day. Taco Bell still has plenty more stores in the works, too, with the chain saying it'll open a minimum of 40 locations across NSW and the ACT in the next three years — we'll let you know when other spots are announced. Find Taco Bell at Infinity by Crown Group, Green Square, 301–303 Botany Road, Zetland from Tuesday, May 4 — open daily from 10am–10pm.
Beloved Woolloomooloo cafe John Montagu is celebrating ten whole years on Cathedral Street with a series of discounts and parties. Between Monday, November 13–Monday, November 27, the friendly neighbourhood coffee spot is serving up a heap of deals to welcome in anyone who's visited over the past decade. You can catch the full schedule over at the cafe's Instagram, but two dates you want to mark in your diary are Thursday, November 23 and Sunday, November 26. On November 23, you can score your daily coffee for just $2. With the cost of living as high as ever, a gold coin for your morning caffeine hit is a mighty fine deal — especially as John Montagu uses Gabriel Coffee and serves up killer cappuccinos, long blacks and batch brews. If you're an oat or almond milk drinker, you'll just have to add 50 cents for the alternate milk. Come the following Sunday, the cafe is hosting an afternoon party. There will be food from the team's Wolli Creek diner Yan Restaurant — and the party is BYO, so feel free to bring a bottle of your favourite wine. On Saturday, November 25, John Montagu is giving away a $100 voucher and a tenth birthday merch pack to one lucky customer. And, to round out the festivities on Monday, November 27, everyone can come in and pair their morning cup of joe with a slice of birthday cake.
Barangaroo might be known best for its dining scene, but that's not where its offering ends. Positioned on the corner of Shipwright Walk is the latest outpost of fashion and homewares provider Collector Store. The store delivers the same thoughtful design locals have come to love from its original location in Surry Hills. Expect well-made apparel from brands like American Vintage alongside textiles, ceramics and homewares from Tom Dixon and Norman Copenhagen. Forget you're in the big smoke and spend your lunch break exploring this haven of aesthetically pleasing goods.
French chef Claude Bosi and Aussie chef Brent Savage come from opposite sides of the world. Bosi has headed up a string of two-Michelin-starred restaurants across the UK, including Bibendum in Michelin's former headquarters in Chelsea. Meanwhile, Savage, with sommelier Nick Hildebrandt, founded Sydney's Bentley Group — home to Eleven Barrack, Monopole, Bentley Restaurant + Bar, King Clarence and Brasserie 1930. However, the two have a lot in common. Both are big on experimenting with big new flavours, while honouring tradition and pursuing technical excellence. As part of the Vivid Chef Series, their decades of experience will be colliding at Eleven Barrack for just two evenings, on Tuesday, June 10 and Wednesday, June 11. Between them, they've come up with a six-course feast where French tradition blends with Aussie creativity. You'll get a rare opportunity to try Bosi's famous Camembert soufflé with black winter truffle. On top of that, Savage will be presenting duck liver choux au craquelin, as well as wagyu consommé and soft-poached quail egg tart. The experience will cost you $185 at lunch and $285 at dinner. Opt for matching at wines at $90 or premium drops for $180.
Primarily an orchard, Glenbernie produces a number of apple and fruit products including juices, jams, apple cider vinegar and ciders (under the label Darkes Cider), which can be purchased from the on-site store, Apple Shack. It also runs tours of the grounds year-round and fruit picking experiences over the warmer months. Visit over November and December to fill your basket with stone fruits, and if you're there between January and April, you'll be able to pick apples straight from the tree — either way, your car snack game will be instantly improved. Bookings are essential and can be made here. Image: Destination NSW
Burger fiends of Sydney scored a new go-to joint back in 2021, when US-born brand Five Guys opened its first Australian store in Penrith. But if you're keen on giving the chain's combination of meat and buns a try in the inner city, get ready to add a trip to George Street to your menu — with Five Guys launching its first Sydney CBD outpost, and second Aussie spot overall, on Monday, June 6. Back in March, the brand revealed that it'd be opening at 383 George Street sometime midyear, if this news sounds familiar. Now, however, it has set the exact launch date. Setting up shop within Spiden House, the new store will span just under 323 square metres, seat 85 burger lovers, and blend the building's heritage-listed features with Five Guys' red-and-white colour scheme. And, it'll be slinging burgs, fries, hotdogs, sandwiches and shakes — aka Five Guys' usual range — obviously. If you're wondering why the brand has built up such a following, the fact that its made-to-order burgers skew in the classic direction is one good reason. These burgs come with two hand-formed patties on toasted buns, with your choice of free toppings (including pickles, grilled mushrooms and jalapeños). Five Guys also does bacon cheeseburgers that add two strips of bacon and two slices of Kraft American cheese as well. Prefer hotdogs, sandwiches (in veggie, cheese or BLT varieties), hand-cut fries (with or without Cajun spices) and vanilla milkshakes? They're all on the menu as well. Don't go thinking that the latter are boring, though — you can add bacon, bananas, peanut butter, salted caramel and even Oreo pieces to your design-your-own beverage. As anyone with allergies should note, though, Five Guys only cooks its fries in peanut oil. The popular chain already has more than 1600 stores to its name across America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia since starting back in 1986 in the Washington, DC area — and has amassed quite the reputation in the process. Even given the number of big-name US burger chains with hefty followings, such as Shake Shack and In-N-Out, it stands out. More local Five Guys stores are in the works, too, in both Sydney and Melbourne before 2022 is out. Seagrass Boutique Hospitality Group, aka the folks behind The Meat & Wine Co, Hunter & Barrel, 6 Head, Ribs & Burgers, Italian Street Kitchen and Butcher and the Farmer, hold the master franchise for Five Guys in Australia and New Zealand — and while it hasn't revealed where more burgs will be coming everyone's ways just yet, setting up plenty of locations has always been the company's plan. When news that Five Guys was launching stores Down Under first hit in 2020, at least 20 spots were earmarked for Australia alone. Find Five Guys' new Sydney store at 383 George Street, Sydney, from Monday, June 6 — open from 11am–10pm daily.
Ben & Jerry's Openair Cinema is back for another year. Inflating their giant screen overlooking Bondi Beach from Thursday, January 19, the organisers have once again put together a program that mixes the best Oscar contenders, special event screenings and retro classics. Setting up on Dolphin Lawn overlooking Bondi Beach, Ben & Jerry's Openair Cinema shows new releases and cult classics including Hollywood blockbusters Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Assassin's Creed, Allied, A United Kingdom and Passengers, Golden Globe winner La La Land, and old favourites Clueless, Dirty Dancing and Anchorman. The team are keeping their tried and true formula intact — live music and free ice cream on Sunday nights. There'll also be a fully-licensed bar and gourmet food stands. You can also hire deckchairs, beanbags and blankets, or go all in for a VIP Star Lounge ticket with lounger, a blanket, seat-side service and a glass of wine. For the full program or to buy tickets, head to the website. Check out CP's roundup of Sydney's best openair cinemas over here.
Name a better pairing than soft-centred cookies and ice cream — we'll bet you can't. Luckily enough, Darling Square's latest dessert-centred arrival, Kuki, is serving up just that. Residing in a primetime location, the hole-in-the-wall shopfront joins the ranks of viral dessert brands like Butter Boy and neighbouring local favourites Marrickville Pork Roll, Haidilao Hotpot and Kurtosh. Behind this delightful new venture is a dynamic duo of non-related Duongs, Chris Duong and Dylan Duong. Back in 2017, the pair launched their very own food truck slinging an array of donuts and deep-fried ice cream from a hidden corner of Roselands before opening a flagship store in Strathfield in 2023. Now the Duongs have turned their attention to dessert in a new deliciously rotund form: cookies, which when paired with a swirl of soft serve offers up a primo sweet treat. Think: a textural adventure and melt-in-the-mouth goodness all in one bite. Take your pick from a range of six cookies, spanning from the classic brown butter choc chip to a chewy taro mochi, with mango, vanilla and Earl Grey among its five soft serve flavours. If you're in need of a sweet pick-me-up, there are also scoops of tiramisu on offer, as well as a recently launched secret menu item — a Japanese cheesecake soft serve — available. What more could you need? You'll find Kuki at 9/18 Steam Mill Lane in Darling Square, Haymarket, open from 12pm to 10pm from Tuesday to Sunday.
When it comes to art exhibitions, second chances aren't common. A big-name showcase may display at several places around the world, but it doesn't often hit the same venue twice. French Impressionism is about to become an exception, then, when it returns to the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne in 2025 after initially gracing the institution's walls in 2021. When it was first announced for that debut Australian run, French Impressionism was set to be a blockbuster exhibition — and with 100-plus works featuring, including by Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Edgar Degas, Mary Cassatt and more, it's easy to understand why. But 2021 wasn't an ordinary year, like 2020 before it. Accordingly, when this showcase of masterpieces on loan from Boston's renowned Museum of Fine Arts opened Down Under, it was forced to close shortly afterwards due to the pandemic. [caption id="attachment_977038" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Camille Pissarro, French (born in the Danish West Indies), 1830–1903, Spring pasture, 1889, oil on canvas, 60 x 73.7 cm, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Deposited by the Trustees of the White Fund, Lawrence, Massachusetts, Photography © Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. All Rights Reserved.[/caption] Cue another season in this part of the world four years later, thankfully, with French Impressionism returning to NGV International from Friday, June 6–Sunday, October 5, 2025. This is one of the largest collections of the eponymous art movement to ever make its way to Australia, complete with works that've never been seen here before. The exhibition's Australian comeback is the result of "long dialogue and negotiation with the MFA Boston", Dr Ted Gott, NGV's Senior Curator of International Art, tells Concrete Playground. "I think both parties, the NGV and the MFA, realised what a tragedy it was that this fantastic show closed after just a few weeks in 2021 due to COVID." [caption id="attachment_977037" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Pierre-Auguste Renoir, French, 1841–1919, Woman with a parasol and small child on a sunlit hillside, c. 1874–76, oil on canvas, 47.0 x 56.2 cm, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Bequest of John T. Spaulding Photography © Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. All Rights Reserved.[/caption] "It's just extraordinary that it was sort of stuck here in aspic for months with the doors locked, because COVID also froze all the flights, so it couldn't go back automatically. So we had this bizarre situation where the whole exhibition was sealed up inside the NGV, and not even staff were allowed in to have a look at it," Gott continues. "Those who saw it in those first few weeks were amazed, and word of mouth got out very quickly that it was an extraordinary show, so we had really good numbers for those first few weeks." [caption id="attachment_977035" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Claude Monet, French, 1840–1926, Grand Canal, Venice, 1908, oil on canvas, 73.7 x 92.4 cm, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Bequest of Alexander Cochrane Photography © Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. All Rights Reserved.[/caption] Again part of the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces exhibition series, French Impressionism isn't short on gems, especially given the array of artists with pieces on display, which also includes Camille Pissarro and Berthe Morisot. But one certain must-see is the presentation of 16 Monet pieces in one gallery, all in a curved display to close out the showcase — and focusing of his scenes of nature in Argenteuil, the Normandy coast and the Mediterranean coast, as well as his Giverny garden. In total, there's 19 Monet works in French Impressionism from the Museum of Fine Arts' collection (Water Lilies among them), and that still leaves the US gallery almost as many to display in Boston. Another section digs into early works by Monet and his predecessors, such as Eugène Boudin — and Renoir and Pissarro's careers also get the in-depth treatment. As the exhibition charts French impressionism's path across the late-19th century, visitors will enjoy three never-before-seen-in-Australia pieces, with Victorine Meurent's Self-portrait one of them. Ten-plus Degas works, as well as two pieces that were part of the very first exhibition of French Impressionism that took place in 1874, also feature. [caption id="attachment_977042" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Claude Monet, French, 1840–1926, Water lilies, 1905, oil on canvas, 89.5 x 100.3 cm, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Gift of Edward Jackson Holmes Photography © Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. All Rights Reserved.[/caption] "People just feel excited and uplifted when they look at a glorious impressionist painting, and I think that's why they haven't lost their perennial fascination and value," notes Gott. If you made it along to the showcase's first trip Down Under, you will notice changes, with the exhibition design reimagined for its latest presentation. "I'm sure that those who saw it in 2021 will come back again, and we want them to have a completely different experience. Also, we just didn't want to do the same thing. That's too easy," says Gott. "So we've completely reimagined the design of the show, and also the catalogue has been redesigned. So it'll be completely fresh, and the design is going to be absolutely sumptuous — and that will also make people feel warm and fuzzy inside." [caption id="attachment_977040" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Vincent van Gogh, Dutch (worked in France), 1853–90, Houses at Auvers, 1890, oil on canvas, 75.6 x 61.9 cm, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Bequest of John T. Spaulding Photography © Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. All Rights Reserved.[/caption] French Impressionism will display at NGV International, St Kilda Road, Melbourne, from Friday, June 6–Sunday, October 5, 2025. Head to the NGV website for more details and tickets. Top image: excerpt of Claude Monet, French, 1840–1926, Grand Canal, Venice, 1908, oil on canvas, 73.7 x 92.4 cm, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Bequest of Alexander Cochrane Photography © Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. All Rights Reserved.
