UPDATE, September 14, 2023: The Little Mermaid is available to stream via Disney+, Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. For anyone without a scaly tail, communing with the ocean can be a routine dip, a refreshing splash or a sail into choppy waters. In Disney's latest dance with merpeople and the humans that its main mythical sea creature yearns for (and desperately wants to learn more about), all three prove true. The next in the Mouse House's long line of live-action remakes — albeit with ample CGI helping to bring its sea-dwelling characters to life, but no hand-drawn animation — the new The Little Mermaid is often content to wade where its beloved 1989 predecessor went before. That's the Disney do-over standard. Sometimes, though, this new effort is its own delightful paddle; when 'Under the Sea' echoes against a literal sea of colour, movement, creatures and energy, it's a dazzling Golden Age Hollywood-esque spectacular. There's no escaping the movie's bloat when it's not merrily floating, however, due in no small part to inflating the storyline from the original's 83 minutes to a hefty 135 minutes. This day at the cinematic beach — glowing highs and waterlogged lows included — keeps the same basic narrative that viewers loved 34 years ago, as loosely inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's 19th-century fairy tale of the same name. A quote from that text opens the film as Alan Menken's revisited Oscar-winning score starts to swell, advising "but a mermaid has no tears, and therefore she suffers so much more". The curious and adventurous Princess Ariel (Halle Bailey, Grown-ish) cries through her siren's song instead, lamenting the strict no-humans rule enforced by her father King Triton (Javier Bardem, Lyle, Lyle Crocodile). And, in rebellious teen-style, she acts out by sneaking off to scour the ocean floor's shipwrecks with her fish best friend Flounder (voiced by Jacob Tremblay, Luca), even when Sebastian the crab (Daveed Diggs, Snowpiercer) is tracking her every move, and stashing trinkets from the world on land in a secret cave. When it's underwater, The Little Mermaid isn't served well by arriving so soon after Avatar: The Way of Water and its stunning beneath-the-waves imagery, or releasing just as Prehistoric Planet 2 is streaming its dive into ancient waters. In director Rob Marshall (Mary Poppins Returns) and cinematographer Dion Beebe's (Gemini Man) hands, plunging into the deep largely appears dark and murky. Indeed, if Bailey and Bardem's hair wasn't shimmering and flowing, it'd just look like a dimly lit set (mostly, it still does). The kaleidoscopic extravaganza that is 'Under the Sea' doesn't only stand out because that's precisely what its bright hues are doing, of course. It's a gloriously choreographed and performed piece amid a coral reef, set to Menken and late, great lyricist Howard Ashman's best (and also Oscar-winning) song, and it's an absolute showstopper. But, as made clear both before and after it drops its calypso-inspired beats, the number sets a standard that the film rarely cares to match elsewhere. When it comes to concern, Ariel has plenty. Her cup runneth over about the boats cruising above, with their sailors shooting fire into the sky, dogs and just humans doing human things — such having feet. As the story still goes, her wistful watching is fortuitous for Prince Eric (Jonah Hauer-King, The Flatshare). If the mermaid wasn't there to save him when he's knocked overboard, there'd be no romance. Cue a two-way obsession, plus tentacled sea witch Ursula (Melissa McCarthy, Nine Perfect Strangers) offering Ariel a bargain to follow her feelings and taste life out of water. She's given 72 hours in human form to experience true love's kiss, after which she'll be able to stay breathing air. If that went smoothly, and if Ariel's banished aunt wasn't cackling maniacally about taking over from her brother and stealing her niece's gifts, this wouldn't even be a 90-minute flick. Like an unruly sea as a storm blows in, there's turbulence at the heart of The Little Mermaid. While it's easy to see why David McGee's (A Man Called Otto) screenplay has been padded out, it makes for an overextended voyage. Bailey is perfectly cast, and not only when Ariel is singing her heart out. Wanting to spend more time with her is as instinctive as kicking your feet in water. She's an enchanting, luminous, plucky and rousing heroine. She makes the need to know something more than just the pool she's born into feel achingly real. An added sequence where Ariel roams around Eric's library, spying his sea treasures — his equivalent of her own trove — is charming, gives both Bailey and Logan Lerman lookalike Hauer-King standout moments, and is the kind of new material that slips in easily. But the same can't be said for all the feature's new songs (this time with Hamilton's Lin-Manuel Miranda penning lyrics) and even some of its closest recreations. Swooping somewhere new doesn't always pay off, and neither does treading water. Adored in animated form, Sebastian, Flounder and seabird Scuttle (Awkwafina, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings) couldn't demonstrate The Little Mermaid's crests and drops more heartily. Diggs' voice acting and singing is unsurprisingly scene-stealing, and Awkwafina is entertainingly lively — but their new tune 'The Scuttlebutt' is instantly forgettable (other than immediately being able to tell that Miranda wrote it). Photorealism doesn't suit their characters, either, bringing The Lion King's eerie uncanny animal valley to mind. That's especially the case for poor Flounder, whose name is more apt here than it's meant to be. Loving the talent but not the execution becomes a familiar sensation throughout this version of The Little Mermaid. So does remembering that Marshall wasn't just behind Chicago and Mary Poppins Returns, but also Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides and Into the Woods. Back as the 80s came to a close, the first The Little Mermaid was a lifeboat, buoying Disney's animation studio when its fortunes were sinking. In its wash, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin and The Lion King all followed, becoming House of Mouse classics. The new The Little Mermaid marks the last of that quartet to be remade — the tale as old as time, whole new world and circle of life otherwise reappearing in that order — and, towing the company line with these cartoon-to-flesh second efforts, it smacks of playing it safe. When Ariel's latest outing surrenders to the moment and the emotion, whether showing why it's better down where it's wetter with a joyous dash of vibrance, letting Bailey's divine voice convey a lifetime of longing to be part of a different world, or having its swooning lovers dance, discover and deepen their bond, it goes swimmingly. Often, though, it's just like Ursula: biding its time calculatingly and protractedly (that said, McCarthy is having a ball, more so than much of the movie).
Each weekend Sydney is filled with markets. It's a local favourite activity for a Saturday morning. But this weekend, a special one-off fruit and flee market is popping up in Darlinghurst filled with artisan goods from a group of local independent creatives, curated by everyone's favourite fruit-shaped candle-maker Nonna's Grocer. For the uninitiated Nonna's Grocer creates hyper-realistic candles shaped like fruit and vegetables ranging from humble oranges and lemons through to custard apples and heirloom tomatoes. The market will be going down at Abstract Thoughts Gallery, the new exhibition and creative space located next to Cafe Freda's. You can expect a wide variety of goods including Noona's famous candles, flowers, lube, jewellery, condiments and a wide range of homewares from brands and creatives such as Sophia Kaplan, Sake Sake, Condimental, Tabitha Hope and Cafe Freda's themselves, just to name a few. Popping up at the gallery space from 3–8pm on Saturday, May 21 and Sunday, May 22, you'll be able to browse your way through the market before heading next door to grab a cocktail, natural wine or something to eat. For all the information and brands taking part, head to the Nonna's Grocer Instagram account. [caption id="attachment_707077" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Condimental[/caption]
Haven't seen The Last Jedi yet? Been waiting until the Boxing Day rush dies down to see the last batch of 2017 flicks? If so, and you're a Melburnian headed to a Village Cinema, you might want to keep an eye on ticket prices. During the summer holidays, the cinema chain is trialling dynamic pricing at selected sites. In other words: if you go during peak times, you'll pay more for the privilege. As first reported on Reddit, after 5pm on Fridays and Saturdays, customers can expect to spend between 50 cents and $1 more to watch whichever feature takes their fancy, and to see candy bar costs rise by between 30 cents and $1 per item. Yes, it's the same concept that Uber users hate during busy periods, now showing at multiplexes including Crown, Fountain Gate, Doncaster, Jam Factory, Southland and Werribee. The idea of variable movie ticket prices isn't new — student discounts, cheap Tuesdays and the like — but charging more during peak cinema-going slots isn't going to be well-received given that Aussie ticket costs rose 31 percent in the decade to 2016. Interestingly enough, while Village Cinemas is ramping things up in popular periods, it's not decreasing them for slow sessions and times. It might be school holidays, but we're guessing that some titles on their schedule aren't selling out to weekday morning crowds, particularly if they're not aimed at kids. In 2017, an app called Choovie proposed the same concept, calling themselves "Uber for movies" and offering up bargains in quiet spots. It currently features deals at selected times in selected locations, all for less than the regular multiplex ticket prices. Going to the cinema hasn't died out as many have predicted over the years, and isn't likely to. The thrill of seeing a new film on a big screen in a darkened room with (hopefully) no distractions is something that your huge TV and Netflix just can't beat, and nor can piracy. Still, with Aussie attendance in decline, charging viewers more for seeing a flick at times when most people like to go to the movies is up there with the rumour that Apple would introduce a 'theatre mode' option for mid-movie texting — that is, it's a downright terrible idea. Via news.com.au
Everyone knows the rule: when you go to someone's house for dinner, you bring something (even when they insist you shouldn't). After all, they've just spent hours slaving away in the kitchen — or ordering takeaway and putting it on nice plates to pretend they cooked it. No need to panic purchase a lame box of choccies or spend hours staring dumbly at the bottle-o shelves to end up picking something based on how nice the label is. In partnership with BWS, we've got you covered for top-notch drops to take along. Whether it's refreshing summertime favourites, easy-drinking Aussie brews or lesser-known wine varieties, this crowd-pleasing list ensures success — and we'll even let you take all the credit. RASPBERRY BERLINER WEISSE — WAYWARD BREWING CO Camperdown's top-notch craft brewery Wayward turns out more than a few lovable quaffs, but you just can't go by its Raspberry Berliner Weisse. This raspberry sour is crisp and tart with a dry finish, and also happens to be a lovely shade of pink. And it's a true crowd-pleaser, whether you're a craft beer aficionado or the 'I don't drink beer' type. Plus, for the health-conscious, it's also the closest to a keto beer you'll get — it contains minimal sugar and is low carb and gluten-reduced. XPA — PHILTER Since launching back in 2017, Philter's flagship XPA has become a fan favourite across the Sydney beer scene. It even won Champion Pale Ale at the 2017 Craft Beer Awards just four months after launching. The unfiltered brew is naturally cloudy and easy to drink — it's designed to appeal to both craft beer lovers and those at the beginning of their beer journey. The brand nods to an old-school aesthetic — this XPA is packaged in retro blue and white cans, and is loved by those who want a well-brewed beer without the pretense. Philter is set to open its own brewery any day now, so keep an eye on this space. CÔTE DES ROSES ROSÉ — GÉRARD BERTRAND Showing up at your mate's house with a bottle of rosé is a no-brainer during the warm weather months. If you want to set your summertime favourite apart from the pack, go for Gerard Bertrand's Côte des Roses Rosé. It blends floral notes with summer fruits and is full-bodied yet balanced with a dry finish. And it's just oh-so-refreshing. This French wine also looks fancy in its pretty glass bottle with a rose-shaped bottom. Plus, it won't break the bank. PHENOMENAL FIANO — ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM If you want to impress your friends with your wine knowledge, bring along a lesser-known variety that they'll absolutely love. We suggest this fiano by Elephant in the Room. This South Australian winery is known for its full-bodied drops, and the fiano doesn't disappoint. The white wine expresses notes of citrus, apple and spice, with a crisp minerality that offers the perfect finish. It's undoubtedly a bold wine and is best shared with those who want something a little different. PINOT NOIR — RAMBLING ROSES As the nights start to cool, it's just about time to get back on those reds. A decent pinot noir is a good place to start — it's lighter, it isn't too heavy for autumn evenings. If you're looking for something that'll impress, but is accessible, Rambling Roses' version is the way to go. It presents as a typical pinot noir, but, for a discerning palate, is much more than that. Expect notes of red and black currants with juicy strawberries on the nose and an overall depth of flavour. That being said, it's also exceptionally sessionable and works well paired with dinner. On warmer nights, be sure to give it a quick chill to ensure it's thoroughly enjoyed. Update: Due to the current situation, we understand that throwing or attending parties may not be a possibility right now. But there's a silver lining — you can still order all of these drinks online to enjoy at home. Head to the BWS website to browse the full range.
First, it was a 1990 John Waters-directed film starring Johnny Depp in the titular role. Since 2007, it's been the second of the iconic director's movies to get the stage musical treatment — after Hairspray, of course. We're talking about Cry-Baby, which has already picked up four Sydney Theatre Awards, and is now heading to the Sydney Opera House. From Thursday, July 22–Sunday, August 15, songs such as 'I'm Infected' and 'Girl, Can I Kiss You With Tongue?' will echo throughout the famed venue, all thanks to Cry-Baby The Musical. Sure, you've seen plenty of takes on the teen rebel genre before — it's a cinema staple, after all, and has been since the 50s — but only Waters could've dreamed up this Baltimore-set tale. The musical follows Wade 'Cry-Baby' Walker, leader of the 'Drapes'. He falls for Allison, a 'Square' rich girl — and yes, if you're thinking about West Side Story or Grease, that's understandable. But, again, the key is Waters. His tongue-in-cheek film has been adapted by the same team that first brought Hairspray to the stage, too. For the Opera House shows, the folks behind the musical's aforementioned award-winning run at the Hayes Theatre Co are returning, too — including Hayes Theatre Co is director Alexander Berlage (American Psycho — The Musical), Christian Charisiou (The Wedding Singer) as Cry-Baby and Ashleigh Rubenach (Sound of Music, Muriel's Wedding) as Allison. Tickets go on sale at 9am on Tuesday, April 27 for Sydney Opera House Insiders, 9am on Wednesday, April 28 for What's On pre-sales and 9am, Friday, April 30 for the general public. Images: Hayes Theatre Co, Robert Catto.
If the idea of breathtaking coastal views, unique wildlife and outdoor adventures sounds good to you, it might be time to add Phillip Island to the top of your list. Considering the array of seaside adventures, scenic hikes and world-renowned wildlife encounters the island is home to, it's hard to believe it's less than a two-hour drive from the bright lights of Melbourne. Yet this outdoorsy wonderland is ready and waiting to help you reconnect with nature — especially now that the warmer months have arrived. Set aside a weekend — or tell the boss you're not feeling so great — to take a trip to Phillip Island with your best pals. Experiencing these awe-inspiring outdoor adventures will ensure you feel fully rejuvenated when you get home. Because we could all do with a system reboot after spending a long winter hiding indoors. Read on for a collection of unbeatable activities that you and your mates have to try out. GO KAYAKING AROUND CAPE WOOLAMI Make the most of Cape Woolamai's incredible coastal scenery by linking up with Pioneer Kayaking for an offshore adventure. Across a three-hour guided journey, you'll paddle beneath rugged cliffs to get an up-close glimpse of the sheer pink granite rock that hugs the coastline. Plus, you'll uncover mind-blowing caves hidden within the crag. This fascinating voyage also includes stops at some of Phillip Island's most secluded beaches. With shorter tours also available to destinations like Rhyll Inlet, Churchill Island and Cowes foreshore, there's no better introduction to the island's coastal delights. SET OUT SEAL SIGHTING Set two kilometres southwest of Phillip Island, the aptly named Seal Rocks is home to more than 25,000 fur seals, making it one of Australia's largest colonies. If you're keen to meet these playful creatures, the experts at Phillip Island Seal Cruise offer a two-hour journey to this veritable marine haven. Thanks to a complimentary morning or afternoon tea and a well-stocked bar on board, heading out for an adventure among the waves is a glorious idea. Although the breeding season from October to December is when the seals are most active, it's possible to get up close all year round. FEED YOUR NEED FOR SPEED Phillip Island isn't just about serene wildlife encounters. Add an adrenaline-pumping activity to your itinerary with a 30-minute Thundercat boat ride from Ocean Adventures. Led by Captain Risky (yes, really), you'll admire several impressive coastal spots while getting the inside word on some local secrets as you whip along the coastline. Phillip Island also features a selection of world-class scuba diving spots, accessible only by boat. The Guided Sea Scooter Tour is perfect for beginners, as you'll join up with a PADI-qualified instructor to master snorkelling basics. Plus, you'll learn how to handle the sea scooter like the best of them. HIT THE TRAILS FOR INCREDIBLE SCENERY AND PICTURESQUE VIEWS If you're worried about your sea legs, tackling one of Phillip Island's captivating hikes delivers an equally thrilling experience. The Cape Woolamai Circuit traverses from the island's southern tip to its highest point. Although the full distance combines three walks, ranging from four to seven kilometres, completing a single section is a stellar option. No need to push yourself too hard —you're on a holiday, after all. The Pyramid Rock Walk is another top out-and-back hike, stretching from the cliffs overlooking the Bass Strait to the sweeping views along Berrys Beach. For something shorter, The Nobbies Walk is takes you along the stunning southern coastline. Here, you'll navigate scenic boardwalks and even get the chance to spot a whale or two during winter. PEEP THE PENGUINS AT A PRIVATE BEACH Don't miss your chance to meet Phillip Island's most famous residents when attempting to reconnect with nature. With around 32,000 little penguins calling the shoreline home, there's a great selection of eco-friendly tours that ensure your experience with the famous Penguin Parade is one to remember. Perhaps the most extraordinary is the Ultimate Adventure Tour. Here, you head out to a remote beachfront (equipped with night vision scopes) to see what the penguins get up to after dark. Plus, you'll receive live commentary via a personal headset from the resident experts, ensuring you learn precisely what makes this event so exciting. TEST YOUR BALANCE ATOP THE SEA The beaches of Phillip Island are incredible, with their many surf breaks considered some of the best in Australia. The team at Island Surfboards offers group and private lessons, including boards and wetsuits, to level up your skills and help you catch the waves of your dreams. Stand-up paddle boarding is also perfect for those seeking a less intense beachfront activity. You can rent all the gear at Island's Cowes and Smiths Beach stores. However, the waters around Phillip Island can get pretty choppy, so remember to always surf and swim at a patrolled beach. CRUISE THE COASTLINE ON TWO WHEELS Spanning around ten kilometres from end to end, Phillip Island is easily explored on two wheels. Rather than bringing your own, hop on a Super Cruzer electric bike. Featuring ultra-powerful pedal assist and a seven-speed gear system, these zippy bikes make exploring the island's relatively flat countryside a breeze. With two pickup points available in Cowes, you can set off in any direction to see the sights. Whether you want to check out the Rhyll Inlet State Wildlife Reserve or even trek across the bridge to San Remo, these comfortable e-bikes have more than enough oomph to make your two-wheel adventure fly by. Keen to explore Phillip Island? For more information and to start planning your trip, visit the website.
As sunny days get longer and more frequent, our minds are turning to refreshing drinks, rooftop bars and watery vistas. Over the past few months, Sydney has scored quite a few new sky-facing spaces, including the foliage-heavy Manly Greenhouse, Erskineville's pink frilly umbrella-dotted Slims Rooftop and Erskineville's art deco Imperial Up. Now, Westfield Sydney is joining the shenanigans, with the announcement of not one, but two new rooftop venues. In 2019, inner-city workers and shoppers will be able to slip upstairs to feast on Middle Eastern and Cantonese fare, while soaking up panoramic views. The first of the two is Babylon, a Middle Eastern-inspired venue with a whopping 800 capacity. Among its spaces are a 200-seater restaurant, two expansive bars and a woodfired kitchen. The second is Duck & Rice, a 400-seater contemporary Cantonese restaurant specialising in dishes from regional China, with an atmosphere reminiscent of 1920s Shanghai. Both restaurants will have big outdoor dining spaces. Behind the multi-faceted design is Brisbane-based architect firm Hogg and Lamb. The Mantle Group Hospitality (MGH), has leased the rooftop and owns both Babylon and Duck & Rice. Having been busy in Brisbane for nearly 40 years, it moved into Sydney in May 2018 with the opening of The Squire's Landing at the Overseas Passenger Terminal in The Rocks. Babylon and Duck & Rice are both slated for completion in early 2019.
The family-owned Portuguese institution has made it seven full years around the sun — and to celebrate, Tuga Pastries is throwing a huge block party at both of its pastry-slinging outposts. On Sunday, May 26, you can hit up either the Clovelly or Alexandria locale for top-quality Portuguese pastries paired with hot-off-the-grill barbecue. Not only will the joint's coveted sweet treats, like its famous pastel de natas, coconut brioche and almond tart, be on offer, but you'll also be able to sink your teeth into limited-edition specials made specially for its birthday celebrations. As part of its Portuguese showcase, the crowd-pleasing venues will be dishing up traditional patas de veado (a sponge and custard dish shaped like a deer hoof), decadent russos (vanilla custard sandwiched between two thin layers of puff pastry), malasadas (a Portuguese take on donut balls and loukoumades), and duchesses (an eclair with a sweet egg custard and whipped cream filling). This one-day celebration is perfect for the family — there'll be a petting zoo, face-painting station for the kids (or grown-ups embracing their inner child) and DJs spinning live tunes. You're also welcome to bring your beloved pooch along to join the party.
Redfern's neighbourhood retro-style bar, Misfits, is appropriately kicking off Sydney's Mardi Gras Parade weekend with a big blowout. The Miss Misfits Mardi Gras Party, hosted by April Fools, is returning for its second year on Friday, February 28, from 7pm and going until the wee hours — so put on your dancing shoes, with drag performances, gay party anthems, and plenty of glitter. They're putting on an in-house glitter station so you can sparkle too, plus there'll be be three bedazzled cocktails to choose from to get your night started. There's the cheekily dubbed Purple Rain, the regal Kweens Cup and soulful Impersonating Beyoncé Is Not Your Destiny, Child — all fabulously dressed. There will also be food specials and giveaways, with prizes like free oysters and sparkling vino, cocktails, a bottle of bubbly and a $50 bar voucher. Should you win the grand prize, you'll nab a $500 dinner for you and nine of your nearest and dearest. Once Saturday rolls around, you'll need to recover before the parade starts. So, head back to the bar for its monthly Lunch Club at midday, which you can book here. Food will cost you $45 and your hair-of-the-dog option comes in the form of bottomless glitter prosecco — yep, that's a thing — for an additional $20, so you can get over your hangover and start the pre-game for the rest of the Mardi Gras shenanigans to come.
With Sydney set to reopen, it's time to start booking in catch-ups with friends — and what better way to start than with a bottomless brunch. If you're looking to clink a glass to the return of Sydney's hospitality scene, Harbourfront Seafood Restaurant is providing waterfront views with free-flowing seafood and champagne. There are two options for bottomless brunch. The main attraction is a 90-minute session with a flight of oysters and as much Moët as you want. This option will set you back $85 per person and is available from 11.30am–2.30pm on Saturdays and Sundays kicking off from Saturday, October 16. Option number two is two hours of bottomless sparkling wine, as well as whites, reds, rosé and beer, and a spectacular seafood platter. While you're sipping your way through the bottomless booze, sample kingfish and salmon crudo, baked scallops, grilled king prawns with XO butter, parmesan truffle fries and of course, Sydney rock oysters. The seafood spread is available for groups of four or more from 11.30am–2.30pm Thursday–Sunday starting from Thursday, October 14 and costs $110 per person. Harbourfront Seafood Restaurant offers an idyllic location for your first catch-up post-lockdown, located right on the harbour in Circular Quay with views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. Bookings for both bottomless deals are now open. Images: Steven Woodburn
Vivid Fire Kitchen has returned to The Goods Line for 23 nights of smoky, fire-fuelled feasting. Running until Saturday, June 14 as part of Vivid Sydney, the nightly event will welcome a stellar lineup of local and international pitmasters, barbecue experts and chefs, from Firedoor's Lennox Hastie and Viand's Annita Potter to US-based, Australian live-fire chef and TV host Jess Pryles and American chef and TV personality Nyesha Arrington. On the menu, you'll find fire-flecked fare from celebrated Sydney kitchens like Aalia and Bar Copains alongside food trucks slinging a veritable world of flavours, including Filipino skewers by Hoy Pinoy, South American-style barbecue by Burn City Smokers, and creative plant-based Indian bites by Pocket Rocketz. There's also a dedicated seafood barbecue stand showcasing the best of Australia's fruits of the sea — plus, Mapo Gelato and Korean donuts from Miss Sina sweetening the deal. There'll be heaps of masterclasses and demonstrations, too, including wine sessions led by Mike Bennie at a bar pouring drops exclusively from NSW. First Nations Nights will spotlight Indigenous chefs and traditional fire cooking, highlighting native ingredients and cultural connections to fire. The National Indigenous Culinary Institute and chef Mindy Woods — recent winner of the Champions of Change award as part of The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2025 — will also be appearing to share their knowledge. Entry is free — you'll have to pay for what you eat and drink, though — and with so many demos, masterclasses and chefs, no two nights are the same. And if you're still hungry, there's plenty more on the menu at this year's Vivid, from a plant-based 1950s-style American diner — complete with roller rink — to openair street eats on the steps of the Sydney Opera House.
They're small, they're slippery and they're absolutely sensational; alone or with a splash of Worcestershire sauce. Get ready to elevate your autumn afternoons at Felons Manly with the launch of Oyster Hour, kicking off in March. Settle in for stunning ocean views, glorious sunsets and freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters at just $3 a pop any afternoon from Monday to Friday between 3pm and 6pm. It's hard to think of a better way to shake off the working day. To complement these delicacies, Felons is offering a bespoke beverage menu featuring the exclusive Felons Japanese Rice Lager. Brewed especially for the Manly location, this crisp drop is the perfect pairing, adding an extra pop to every bite. So, whether you're looking for an afternoon escape or an early evening catch-up, Oyster Hour promises super-creamy oysters, tasty drinks and a laidback vibe. It could be tempting to make this your new ritual, but you'll have to hurry. $3 oyster hour at Felons is available for a limited time only and is expected to wrap up in early May.
When you crave the white picket fence suburban fantasy but only have a tiny balcony at your disposal, this is the barbecue for you. Forget the gas and go for true blue charcoal instead. The Napoleon Barbecue is compact, slick, efficient and perfectly engineered for all your future flame-grilled feeds. Invite the gang around, fire it up and it'll sear your steaks beautifully while a temperature gauge ensures the perfect brisket every time. With a cool-touch handle and easy-clean ash catcher, this is made for great grilling in a limited rental space (where you're still hoping to get the bond back).
Maru stuck in too-small cardboard boxes. Grumpy Cat being genuinely unable to help the shape of his own face. Lil Bub hangin' with Whoopi Goldberg. Sure, you could load all three of these superstars on your screen right now, but what if some know-your-freakin-audience genius decided they'd take things next level make an entire film festival of internet cat videos? Celebrating their love of cats and videos of cats doing stupid, stupid things, RSCPA NSW are hosting their second Cat Film Festival at Glebe's Bicentennial Park on Sunday, October 4. Even if you thought cat videos jumped the shark with Cats Make You Laugh Out Loud, you've got to admit this feel-good festival takes things to a whole other level. Here's how it went down last year: From short films to six-second Vine videos, the screening will visit all your favourite feline celebrities and raise funds for the RSPCA. But the night won't just be sitting and pointing every time Grumpy Cat hates on life or Colonel Meow looks like the demon from the end of Fantasia. You can visit the 'Cattoo Parlour', nom on some tasty food truck treats, adopt a pet in the 'Kitten Cuddle Cube' or throw back some milk in the Cat's Meow VIP Club (for a little extra kibble). Image: Dollar Photo Club.
This year marks a massive milestone for Australia's Lavazza Italian Film Festival: 20 years. So, cinephiles can expect a whole lot more of the fest's beloved highlights when it takes over Sydney's Palace Norton Street, Palace Verona, Chauvel Cinemas and Palace Central from September 17 to October 16. There'll be plenty of parties — both on- and off-screen — as well. When you're not stepping into the glossy but murky world of professional footballers with opening night's The Champion, you'll be watching the world premiere of romantic drama Promised, which features a stacked Italian Australian cast. Or, come closing night, you'll be enjoying the sights and sounds of Ron Howard's Pavarotti, an intimate documentary about one of the country's biggest stars. Loved Paolo Sorrentino's acclaimed Silvio Berlusconi biopic Loro last year? This year, the new director's cut is on the bill. The festival also pays particular attention to new Italian cinema, specifically new Italian comedies, so viewers can immerse themselves in poignant tales of tragedy, slick courtroom dramas and cross-cultural rom-coms. Keep an eye out for ensemble piece If Only, which stars Alba Rohrwacher and Riccardo Scamarcio, and arrives in Australia fresh from premiering at the Locarno Film Festival; The Armadillo's Prophecy, based on a best-selling graphic novel, and exploring a young man's friendship with an imaginary armadillo; and the equally humorous and thoughtful Ordinary Happiness, which finds inspiration in the short stories of Francesco Piccolo. With 32 movies screening over the festival's month-long run, audiences can also dive into Italian art history courtesy of a couple of movies about Michelangelo Buonarroti and Leonardo da Vinci. The blasts from the past keep coming, thanks to a two-film Bernardo Bertolucci retrospective — including a restored version of his political thriller The Conformist, and the five-hour, Robert De Niro-starring drama 1900. The Lavazza Italian Film Festival 2019 will screen at Sydney's Palace Cinemas from September 17–October 16. For more information and to book tickets, visit the website.
One of the tastiest times of year is officially upon us thanks to an event that is dedicated to our favourite things — eating and drinking. Throughout May, loads of restaurants are serving up one-off menus, offering discounts on dishes and sharing culinary secrets for American Express delicious. Month Out. With so much on offer, it can be hard to decide where to go — that's where we come in. To help you find your ideal feast, we've scoured the program to bring you our top picks. From dumpling masterclasses to a progressive lunch at multiple venues, here are our picks for a delicious time this May.
Remember dancing, that thing we used to do before the pandemic spread across the globe and we all started spending more time at home? In good news, Sydneysiders can soon get out there and dance again — not just in their rooms, but in public with other people. That's back on the cards when the clock strikes 12.01am on Monday, March 29. So, that's when Kings Cross Hotel will open its doors and roll out the dance floor for deprived dance lovers to cut shapes until they physically can't cut shapes any more (or the wee hours of the morning, whichever comes first). Back on Wednesday, March 24, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced a whole slew of relaxed COVID restrictions, including relaxed mask rules, scrapping limits on at-home gatherings and permitting dancing on actual dance floors again. And Kings Cross Hotel isn't going to let a minute go to waste when the time for dancing arrives tonight. "Dance floors coming back is a significant moment for reviving the beating pulse of Sydney's nightlife and live music scene," said Elliot Solomon, CEO of Solotel Group, announcing the hotel's plans. "We can't wait a second longer and so we will turn the DJ decks on at Kings Cross Hotel the second we're allowed to at 12.01am so our guests, who we know have been so excited to get back onto a dance floor, can dance once again right away." "Importantly, the resurgence of live music and dancing also means many more jobs — both for performing artists, industry crew and in our venues," Solomon added. "It's been a long and challenging wait, but we are so ready to welcome people back to our venues that are thriving with live entertainment." So, if you've been starved for human contact and really miss the feeling (and the smell) of strangers' sweat, head on over to Kings Cross Hotel from 12.01am tonight. You've earned it. Kings Cross Hotel will have its dance floors running — and DJs spinning tunes — Friday–Sunday weekly afterwards. And, other Solotel venues such as The Golden Sheaf, The Marlborough Hotel, The Bank Hotel, The Clock Hotel, Barangaroo House and Goros will also be welcoming back fancy footwork from this week. The latest round of eased COVID-19 restrictions come into effect at 12.01am on Monday, March 29. For more information about the status of COVID-19 in NSW, head to the NSW Health website.
Costume is often key to our understanding of a character on stage or screen — what era they live in, their age, their social status, whether they're a dag. But perhaps nowhere is costume so integral, so essentially hooked into the story, as in the work of Sydney performance artist Justin Shoulder. Each of his works revolves around a 'fantastic creature', such as Hubub, the black balloon trail formed by fossil fuels wanting to become life, or Woultham, a shaggy, tissuey innocent desperate to re-create the love he knew before being discarded by a child. There's a whole mythology behind each creature. It's a perfect fusion of art and craft. Now Shoulder and his collaborators are presenting The River Eats, his most developed single work to date. It was a hit at last year's Next Wave festival in Melbourne, where theatre critic Alison Croggon called it "a beautiful exploration of the estrangements of desire". The River Eats' star is Pinky, an ADD-affected monster Skyping, performing and searching for his true, calm self, and the work is influenced by Taoist philosophy. Here, the costume is an evolving one, as Shoulder removes and adds elements that evoke the character's inner conflict. The River Eats is part of Performance Space's Show Off season of experimental works that have made a strong impression at their recent premieres. BINGO Unit is an interactive, multimedia police procedural that was a fellow Next Wave success, while I'm Your Man, set entirely in a boxing gym, was one of the unforgettable highlights of 2012 at Sydney's Belvoir. Photo by Jordan Graham. https://youtube.com/watch?v=yUWklMd05f4
While Messina's main jam is crafting supremely scoffable varieties of gelato, the brand's love of food extends far beyond the freezer. The cult gelateria often teams up with savoury-focused culinary heroes, throwing big ol' food parties. For the next Messina Eats at the brand's expansive new Marrickville HQ, the dessert specialists are joining forces with Melbourne's beloved Wonderbao for a Lunar New Year feast. Neither crew is a stranger to collaborations. Wonderbao popped up in Sydney in 2022 for a team-up with Fonda, and has previously linked up with Messina back in 2016. Now, it'll be bringing its famed fluffy bao back to Sydney for a two-day takeover of the Messina Marrickville carpark on Friday, February 9–Saturday, February 10. As for what's on offer, possibly most exciting is the return of Gelato Messina's fan-favourite mango pancakes. But, before you get to the dessert, you need something savoury in your belly. That's where Wonderbao's pillowy classic and gua bao come into play. Among the varieties of bao on offer, there will be traditional char siu pork, sweet and spicy fried chicken, crispy tofu, roast pork belly and shiitake mushroom. Plus, there will be DIY peking duck pancake platters, as well as sweet and sour potato gems. When it comes to the sweet treats, the mango pancakes will be joined by a golden custard bao with a hint of coconut. Plus, there will be peach bubble tea (which you can spike with a shot of alcohol for an extra $10) and a spicy mango margarita made with Messina mango sorbet.
From the heartfelt animation of Studio Ghibli to the sword-swinging excess of Takashi Miike, if there's one thing that Japanese cinema is known for, it's variety. And while neither feature on this year's Japanese Film Festival program, there's plenty more where they came from— including true tales of dentists who became pop stars, watercolour explorations of the impact of war and Tokyo murder mysteries. Screening at Event Cinemas George Street from November 16 to 26, JFF 2017 continues the annual festival's fondness for diversity as it showcases the latest and greatest movies that Japan has to offer.Take its opening and closing films: kicking things off is historical ninja flick Mumon: The Land of Stealth, while acclaimed drama Radianceheads from Cannes to the fest's last night. Other highlights include Japan's next Oscar submission, Her Love Boils Bathwater; a haunting modern take on an ancient ghost story in Snow Woman; and perhaps the movie with the best moniker in the lineup, Hamon: Yakuza Boogie. Throw in Sion Sono's lurid Antiporno, darkly comic coming-of-age tale Love and Other Cults, and alien takeover effort Before We Vanish — plus a separate lineup of Seijun Suzuki classics at the Art Gallery of New South Wales from October 1 to 25 — and the scene is set for a delightful dip into Japan's movie magic.
Now that 2021's cooler months are here, locations around Australia have been transforming into winter wonderlands, celebrating the chilly season in all of its frosty glory. Starting back in May and running through until September, The Winter Village has returned after its debut run in Melbourne two years back — and this time it's dropping by several other cities, including Parramatta. Modelled on your typically picturesque European winter market — and giving Aussies a taste of a winter experience that we don't really have otherwise — The Winter Village comes complete with an ice rink, an igloo village, daily snow showers, and a food and drink lineup. Think of it as your quaint wintery escape, just in urban surroundings. The Parramatta stopover was always mooted, but it now has a start date: Saturday, June 19. It'll take over Prince Alfred Square as part of a partnership with the City of Parramatta's Winterlight, and will stay in place until Sunday, September 12. Attendees will be able to dust off their skates and hit the ice, and hire a private igloo where you can wine and dine with up to eight people in cosy solace. Folks spending their time in The Winter Village's igloos will feast on grazing plates of chips, dips, mini pretzels, cured meats, fried chicken bites, mac 'n' cheese croquettes and more, drink their choice of wine or beer, and tuck into a chocolate ice cream sandwich for dessert. That's the $49 package, with the $69 option including espresso martini-flavoured chocolate fudge dipping sauce, berries, brownies, marshmallows, cookies and your choice of a Bloody Shiraz Gin spritz, espresso martini, wine or beer. Or, get festive over brunch instead — which includes a 45-minute skate session and a meal afterwards for $35. There'll also be pop-up bars and outdoor seating throughout the village, should you be keen on heading along without spending time in an igloo. The latest venture from hospitality group Australian Venue Co, the frozen oasis will be open daily and free to enter. That said, ice skating, igloo hire and a couple of winter warming beverages will come at a cost. The Winter Village will head to Parramatta's Prince Alfred Square from Saturday, June 19–Sunday, September 12. Head to the event's website to book igloos and skating sessions. Top images: Mazloum J.
Something delightful has been happening in cinemas in some parts of the country. After numerous periods spent empty during the pandemic, with projectors silent, theatres bare and the smell of popcorn fading, picture palaces in many Australian regions are back in business — including both big chains and smaller independent sites in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. During COVID-19 lockdowns, no one was short on things to watch, of course. In fact, you probably feel like you've streamed every movie ever made, including new releases, Studio Ghibli's animated fare and Nicolas Cage-starring flicks. But, even if you've spent all your time of late glued to your small screen, we're betting you just can't wait to sit in a darkened room and soak up the splendour of the bigger version. Thankfully, plenty of new films are hitting cinemas so that you can do just that — and we've rounded up, watched and reviewed everything on offer this week. DECISION TO LEAVE When it's claimed that Decision to Leave's Detective Hae-joon (Park Hae-il, Heaven: To the Land of Happiness) needs "murder and violence in order to be happy", it's easy to wonder if that statement similarly applies to Park Chan-wook, this stunning South Korean thriller's filmmaker. The director of Oldboy, Thirst, Stoker and The Handmaiden doesn't, surely. Still, his exceptional body of on-screen work glows when either fills its frames — which, in a career that also spans Joint Security Area, Sympathy for Mr Vengeance, Lady Vengeance and English-language TV miniseries The Little Drummer Girl, among other titles, is often. To be more accurate, perhaps Park needs to survey the grey areas that loiter around death and brutality, and surround love, lust, loss, and all matters of the brain, body and heart that bind humans together, to find cinematic fulfilment. Certainly, audiences should be glad if/that he does. In Decision to Leave, exploring such obsessions, and the entire notions of longing and obsession, brings a staggering, sinuously layered and seductively gorgeous movie to fruition — a film to obsess over if ever there was one. In this year's deserved Cannes Film Festival Best Director-winner, reserved insomniac Hae-joon is fixated from the outset, too: with his police job in Busan, where he works Monday–Friday before returning to Ipo on weekends to his wife (Lee Jung-hyun, Peninsula). That all-consuming focus sees his weekday walls plastered with grim photos from cases, and haunts the time he's meant to be spending — and having sex — with said spouse. Nonetheless, the latest dead body thrust his way isn't supposed to amplify his obsession. A businessman and experienced climber is found at the base of a mountain, and to most other cops the answer would be simple. It is to his offsider Soo-wan (Go Kyung-Pyo, Private Lives), but Hae-joon's interest is piqued when the deceased's enigmatic Chinese widow, the cool, calm but also bruised and scratched Seo-rae (Tang Wei, The Whistleblower), is brought in for questioning amid apologising for her imperfect Korean-language skills. In the precinct interrogation room, the detective and his potential suspect share a sushi dinner — and, in the lingering looks gazed each other's way even at this early stage, this may as well be a twisted first date. Hae-joon then surveils Seo-rae, including at her work caring for the elderly, which also provides her alibi. He keeps watching her at home, where her evenings involve television and ice cream. In stirring scenes of bravura and beauty, he envisages himself with her in the process, longing for the illusion he's building in his sleep-deprived mind. As for Seo-rae, she keeps stoking their chemistry, especially when she's somehow being both direct and evasive with her responses to his queries. She knows how small gestures leave an imprint, and she also knows when she and Hae-joon are both desperately hooked on each other. Every intelligently written (by Park and frequent co-scribe Chung Seo-kyung), evocatively shot (by cinematographer Kim Ji-Yong, Ashfall) moment in Decision to Leave is crucial; the film is made so meticulously, with a precision its protagonist would instantly admire, that cutting out even a second is unthinkable. Equally, every scene speaks volumes about this spellbinding movie — but here's three that help convey its simmering potency. In one, Hae-joon ascends up the victim's last cliff by rope, tied to Soo-wan, Busan looming in the background. In another, detailed blue-green wallpaper filled with mountains surrounds Seo-rae. And in yet another, she reaches into Hae-joon's pocket to grab his lip balm, then applies it to his mouth. Perspective is everything in this feature, Park stresses. Minutiae is everything, too. Intimacy is more than everything, actually, in a picture that's also grippingly, electrifying sensual. Read our full review. BARBARIAN "Safe as houses" isn't a term that applies much in horror. It isn't difficult to glean why. Even if scary movies routinely followed folks worrying about their investments — one meaning of the phrase — it's always going to be tricky for the sentiment to stick when such flicks love plaguing homes, lodges and other dwellings with bumps, jumps and bone-chilling terror. Barbarian, however, could break out the expression and mean it, in a way. At its centre sits a spruced-up Detroit cottage listed on Airbnb and earning its owner a trusty income. In the film's setup, the house in question is actually doing double duty, with two guests booked for clashing stays over the same dates. It's hardly a spoiler to say that their time in the spot, the nicest-looking residence in a rundown neighbourhood, leaves them feeling anything but safe. Late on a gloomy, rainy, horror-movie-101 kind of night — an eerie and tense evening from the moment that writer/director Zach Cregger's first feature as a solo director begins — Tess Marshall (Georgina Campbell, Suspicion) arrives at Barbarian's pivotal Michigan property. She's in town for a job interview, but discovers the lockbox empty, keys nowhere to be found. Also, the home already has an occupant in Keith Toshko (Bill Skarsgård, Eternals), who made his reservation via a different website. With a medical convention filling the city's hotels, sharing the cottage seems the only option, even if Tess is understandably cautious about cohabitating with a man she's literally just met. Ambiguity is part of Barbarian from the get-go, spanning whether Keith can be trusted, what's behind their double booking and, when things start moving overnight, what's going on in the abode. That's only the start of Barbarian's hellish story. Canny casting plays a considerable part in Barbarian's early unease; if you rocked up to a place that's meant to be yours alone for the evening only for Pennywise from the recent big-screen version of IT and its sequel lurking within — sans red balloon, luckily — you'd be creeped out. Skarsgård's involvement isn't the only reason that the movie's first act drips with dread and uncertainty, but it's a devastatingly clever use of him as a horror-film talent, and the Swedish star leans into the slippery and shifty possibilities. Still, after taking a photo of his ID and being wary of drinking beverages he's made, Tess warms to Keith over wine and conversation. He's having a loud nightmare on the couch, too, when her bedroom door opens mysteriously. When she gets stuck in the locked basement the next day, he's out at meetings. Then he returns, and they'll wish that a reservation mixup really was the worst of their troubles. Clearly made with affection for old-school horror, especially films by genre great Wes Craven, Barbarian feels like a well-crafted take on a familiar premise while it's laying its groundwork. Foolish is the viewer who thinks that they know where the movie is heading from there, though — or who ignores the instant bubblings of potential to zig and zag, plus the lingering inkling that something beyond the easily expected might stalk its frames. Indeed, watching Barbarian recalls watching scary flicks from four and five decades back for the first time, a rite of passage for every horror-loving teen no matter the generation, and being gripped by their surprises. Cregger bundles in twists, but he also establishes a vibe where almost anything can shift and change. Two cases in point: when Justin Long (Giri/Haji) shows up as a smug and obnoxious Hollywood player with #MeToo problems, and when the 80s isn't just an influence in scenes lensed in a tighter aspect ratio. Read our full review. BLACK ADAM "I kneel before no one," says Teth-Adam, aka Black Adam, aka the DC Comics character that dates back to 1945, and that Dwayne Johnson (Red Notice) has long wanted to play. That proclamation is made early in the film that bears the burly, flying, impervious-to-everything figure's name, echoing as a statement of might as well as mood: he doesn't need to bow down to anyone or anything, and if he did he wouldn't anyway. Yet the DC Extended Universe flick that Black Adam is in — the 11th in a saga that's rarely great — kneels frequently to almost everything. It bends the knee to the dispiritingly by-the-numbers template that keeps lurking behind this comic book-inspired series' most forgettable entries, and the whole franchise's efforts to emulate the rival (and more successful) Marvel Cinematic Universe, for starters. It also shows deference to the lack of spark and personality that makes the lesser DC-based features so routine at best, too. Even worse, Black Adam kneels to the idea that slipping Johnson into a sprawling superhero franchise means robbing the wrestler-turned-actor himself of any on-screen personality. Glowering and gloomy is a personality, for sure, but it's not what's made The Rock such a box office drawcard — and, rather than branching out, breaking the mould or suiting the character, he just appears to be pouting and coasting. He looks the physical part, of course, as he needs to playing a slave-turned-champion who now can't be killed or hurt. It's hard not to wish that the Fast and Furious franchise's humour seeped into his performance, however, or even the goofy corniness of Jungle Cruise, Johnson's last collaboration with filmmaker Jaume Collet-Serra. The latter has template-esque action flicks Unknown, Non-Stop, Run All Night and The Commuter on his resume before that, and helms his current star here like he'd rather still directing Liam Neeson. That said, Black Adam, the character, has much to scowl about — and scowl he does. Black Adam, the film, has much backstory to lay out, with exposition slathered on thick during the opening ten minutes. As a mere human in 2600 BCE in the fictional Middle Eastern country of Kahndaq, its namesake was among an entire populace caught under a cruel ruler hungry for power, and for a powerful supernatural crown fashioned out a mineral called 'eternium' that said subjects were forced to mine. Now, 5000 years later, Black Adam is a just-awakened mortal-turned-god who isn't too thrilled about the modern world, or being in it. Bridging the gap: the fact that back in the day, one boy was anointed with magic by ancient wizards to defend Kahndaq's people (the word "shazam!" gets uttered, because Black Adam dwells in the same part of the DCEU as 2019's Shazam! and its upcoming sequel), but misusing those skills ended in entombment until modern-day resistance fighters interfere. The above really is just the preamble. Black Adam is freed by widowed professor Adrianna (Sarah Shahi, Sex/Life), who is trying to fight the Intergang, the mercenaries who've been Kahndaq's new oppressors for decades — and, yes, Black Adam gets caught up in that battle. But being out and about, instead of interred in a cave, gets the attention of the Justice Society. The DCEU already has the Justice League and the Suicide Squad, but it apparently still needs another super-powered crew. Indeed, Suicide Squad and The Suicide Squad's Amanda Waller (Viola Davis, The First Lady) even shows up to help put this new gang together. That's how Hawkman (Aldis Hodge, One Night in Miami), Doctor Fate (Pierce Brosnan, The Misfits), Cyclone (Quintessa Swindell, Voyagers) and Atom Smasher (Noah Centineo, the To All the Boys movies) don their caped-crusader getup and try to stop Black Adam, or convince him to stop himself. Read our full review. THE GOOD NURSE It isn't called CULLEN — Monster: The Charles Cullen Story. It doesn't chart the murders of a serial killer who's already a household name. And, it doesn't unfurl over multiple episodes. Still, Netflix-distributed true-crime film The Good Nurse covers homicides, and the person behind them, that are every bit as grim and horrendous as the events dramatised in DAHMER — Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story. Such based-on-reality tales that face such evil are always nightmare fodder, but this Eddie Redmayne (Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore)- and Jessica Chastain (The Forgiven)-starring one, as brought to the screen by Danish filmmaker Tobias Lindholm (A War, A Hijacking), taps into a particularly terrifying realm. The culprit clearly isn't the good nurse of the movie's moniker, but he is a nurse, working in intensive care units no less — and for anyone who has needed to put their trust in the health system or may in the future (aka all of us), his acts are gut-wrenchingly chilling. Hospitals are meant to be places that heal, even in America's cash-driven setup where free medical care for all isn't considered a basic right and a societal must. Hospitals are meant to care for the unwell and injured, as are the doctors, nurses and other staff who race through their halls. There is one such person in The Good Nurse, Amy Loughren, who Chastain plays based on a real person. In 2003, in New Jersey, she's weathering her own struggles: she's a single mother to two young girls, she suffers from cardiomyopathy to the point of needing a heart transplant, and she can't tell her job about her health condition because she needs to remain employed for four more months to qualify for insurance to treat it. Then enters Cullen (Redmayne), the newcomer on Loughren's night shifts, a veteran of nine past hospitals, an instant friend who offers to help her cope with her potentially lethal ailment and also the reason that their patients start dying suddenly. There's no spoiler alert needed about The Good Nurse's grisly deeds or the person responsible. Cullen's name hasn't been changed in Krysty Wilson-Cairns' (Last Night in Soho, 1917) script, which adapts Charles Graeber's 2013 non-fiction book The Good Nurse: A True Story of Medicine, Madness, and Murder, and Loughren's similarly remains the same. The Good Nurse also opens with the quietly disquieting Cullen retreating as someone in a different hospital years earlier goes into convulsions — standing back motionless, he tries to appear anxious but instead looks like a creepy blank canvas. Accordingly, that he's the cause of much of the movie's horrors is a given from the outset, but that's only one of Lindholm and Wilson-Cairns' angles. As aided by centring Loughren's plight, The Good Nurse is also a film about institutional failings and coverups with very real consequences. Indeed, as set to an eerie score by Biosphere (Burma Storybook), there's a procedural feel to Lindholm's first feature in America; that he helmed episodes of Mindhunter beforehand doesn't come as a surprise. There are cops, too, in the form of detectives Baldwin (Nnamdi Asomugha, Sylvie's Love) and Braun (Noah Emmerich, Dark Winds), who are brought in seven weeks after a patient's passing just after Cullen arrives. But nurse-turned-administrator Linda Garran (Fear the Walking Dead), who summons the police, is hardly forthcoming — about the almost-two-month delay or with information overall. It isn't in the hospital's interests to be upfront, which is why and how Cullen has kept moving from healthcare facility to healthcare facility, and notching up a body count at each by spiking IV bags with fatal doses of insulin and other medications. No hospital wants to be seen to be at fault, and won't warn fellow institutions, either. Read our full review. If you're wondering what else is currently screening in Australian cinemas — or has been lately — check out our rundown of new films released in Australia on July 7, July 14, July 21 and July 28; August 4, August 11, August 18 and August 25; September 1, September 8, September 15, September 22 and September 29; and October 6 and October 13. You can also read our full reviews of a heap of recent movies, such as Thor: Love and Thunder, Compartment No. 6, Sundown, The Gray Man, The Phantom of the Open, The Black Phone, Where the Crawdads Sing, Official Competition, The Forgiven, Full Time, Murder Party, Bullet Train, Nope, The Princess, 6 Festivals, Good Luck to You, Leo Grande, Crimes of the Future, Bosch & Rockit, Fire of Love, Beast, Blaze, Hit the Road, Three Thousand Years of Longing, Orphan: First Kill, The Quiet Girl, Flux Gourmet, Bodies Bodies Bodies, Moonage Daydream, Ticket to Paradise, Clean, You Won't Be Alone, See How They Run, Smile, On the Count of Three, The Humans, Don't Worry Darling, Amsterdam, The Stranger, Halloween Ends, The Night of the 12th, Muru and Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon.
Found on the Hawkesbury River, New South Wales' only pearl farm is considered one of the Central Coast's best kept secrets. Not only can you drop in for a visit to the Shellar Door in Mooney Mooney, but you can also join a tour with a pearl farmer to learn all about the precious glistening beauties. Running from Thursdays to Tuesdays, each tour includes a cruise on the river and a better understanding of the akoya pearl's unique properties — including its rare natural colourings. Tours start from $85 per adult and last two hours. Images: Jacs Powell.
Print is dead! Long live print! Depending on your viewpoint, Recycled Library: Altered Books is either a commemoration of the book, or a celebration of its durable refusal to be superseded by iPads and smartphones. As paper mills give way to hard drives and server farms, the end of books may or may not be upon us. But, either way, the pixel's challenge to the page makes a foreboding backdrop to this museum-like collection of second-hand books modified by artists. In this show the printed page replaces the canvas. Some of the seventeen artists sculpt the contours of tiered paper into tiny map-like mountains, others hammer pages together. All see the book as an aesthetic object valued for its look and feel, as much as its written content. The result is a concrete dialogue between the worlds of art and literature, and a timely exploration of the relevance of the written word. Patrick Pound creates something out of almost nothing with Ex Libris (1998), a large-scale wall collage of mostly blank first and last leaves of books. Archie Moore does the unthinkable and carves into the book — the bible itself — to hide a miniature, folded arc within the tome, in Maltheism (2007). Both works carry a common motif from the show: a sense of creation and renewal of the original books, rather than destruction. Liz Jeneid's Book for a Journey (2002) is concerned with multiculturalism. The artist has the following quote, attributed to Sarah Blandon, inscribed on her pages: "…a dialogic encounter of two cultures does not necessarily result in merging or mixing. Each retains its own unity and open totality, but they are mutually enriched." The same can be said for this show's combination of literary texts and contemporary art. The visual weight of hardback spines and written letterforms seems to imbue these works with automatic significance, and so the pieces appear to become more than the sum of their parts. Of course, what this show is really missing is the addictive smell that usually consumes me in libraries. But arty, nerdy bibliophiles will enjoy this historical collection of work nonetheless. For hardcore art and literature geeks, there are free volunteer-led tours of Recycled Library on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11.30am. Or children of the 90s can make a day of it on Thursday June 14 and catch a free screening of The Neverending Story 3 at noon as well (yessss!). Image: Schach #1 (circle) / Schach #2 (triangle) / Schach #3 (square) by Alex Selenitsch (2006)
After years of farmers markets and pop-up stores — from a six-seater cafe in Matraville to a kitchen in Marrickville and a Darlinghurst store and its recently closed cafe in Circular Quay's huge Gateway Sydney dining precinct — Sydney bagel-slinger Brooklyn Boy Bagels has launched a new venture that's telling of our current times: a drive-thru. When COVID-19 restrictions first came into place, Brooklyn Boy Bagels announced, "Forget toilet paper - we're going to give you something you really need for the apocalypse. Stay tuned". Since then, it's been offering home-delivery to a bunch of Sydney suburbs and has had some pop-ups at Double Bay's White Rabbit cafe. Now, it's converted the parking lot of its existing wholesale bakery on Marrickville's Carrington Road so you can pick up freshly baked (and boiled) goods without leaving your car. The drive-thru sold out of everything on its first day. And, with the self-proclaimed (and widely agreed upon) title as Sydney's "real-deal NYC bagels", it's easy to see why. The new venture obviously focuses on the bakers' signature boiled boys, with plain, rainbow, onion, blueberry, sesame, gluten free and pumpkin versions available, as well as its famed everything bagel. Of course, you'll need some schmear, which Brooklyn Boy Bagels is selling by the bucketful. The 285-millilitre tubs of cream cheese include plain, jalapeño, lox with capers, garlic and chive flavours and a vegan almond 'cream cheese' one. Nutella, raspberry jam and peanut butter are also available, as are toppings such as lox and pastrami. https://www.instagram.com/p/B-3zgseDnFZ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link While you'll definitely want the bagels, you'll also find sourdough, challah, loaves of rye, chocolate chip and sea salt cookies and a NY pushcart-style pretzel on the menu, plus takeaway coffee from local specialty coffee roasters The Little Marrionette. There are also bagel box sets available to pre-order, should you want to to stock up. There's The Survival Kit ($42.95), with eight bagels, cream cheese, Nutella and jam; a vegan box for $49.95; and the mega The Self-Isolation Nosh Fest, which includes 20 bagels and five tubs of its various cream cheeses and will set you back $104.95. Brooklyn Boy Bagels Drive-Thru is located at 19 Carrington Road, Marrickville and is open from 7am–12pm Tuesday–Thursday and 7am–1pm Friday–Sunday.
Last weekend Bondi scored its newest wining and dining gem, with the opening of all-day eatery The Pacific Club Bondi Beach. Making its home within Campbell Parade's Pacific Building, the chic bistro and beach club boasts quite the pedigree too, with the owners pulling together a pretty exceptional team of hospitality guns to help bring it to life. Harvest Newrybar's Bret Cameron is heading up the kitchen, an expansive wine programme comes courtesy of award-winning sommelier Chris Morrison, and 2016 Australian Bartender of the Year Michael Chiem (PS40) is lending his talents to the cocktail list. The space itself is the work of Michael McCann, from Dreamtime Australia Design (Mr Wong, The Argyle), sporting a vibrant fitout that makes the very most of its beachside real estate. A customised woodfire grill and a raw bar are the heroes of the kitchen, with a local seafood-heavy menu also paying homage to that idyllic waterfront location. Expect a host of top native ingredients, from the wattleseed butter atop woodfired crumpets with your morning coffee to the kangaroo loin with toasted rice, quandong and pumpkin juice you'll spy later in the day. The house riff on smashed avo comes on charcoal and black quinoa toast, and is served with macadamia and finger lime. With its indoor-outdoor flow, it's the sort of spot where breakfast and lunch slip easily through to dinner, though the drinks offering is a drawcard in itself. Get excited for lazy summer afternoons on the deck, teaming ocean views with top-notch wines from all corners of the globe. Also a surefire hit is the lineup of signature cocktails, designed to capture the spirit of Bondi while complementing Cameron's crafty, modern Australian eats — including The Nut Cracker, with macadamia oil-washed gin and vermouth, and Here We Go Round with eye, basil and bush tonic. Find The Pacific Club Bondi Beach at 182 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach, open daily from 7am-11pm. Images: Caroline McCredie
Spring is here, and with it is longer days and sunny afternoons primed for soaking up some rays with a refreshing beverage in hand. If this sounds up your alley, the latest iteration of Opera Bar's rosé festival Rosé All Day is returning for ten days in September. Throughout the festival, the harbourside bar with an incredible view of the bridge will be thinking and drinking pink. Expect frosé, spritzes, pét-nat, cocktails, and rosé both still and sparkling, with varieties from Big Dreams, Petite Amour, Tar & Roses and Chandon. There will even be boozy rosé soft serve covered in freeze-dried raspberries, plus a Bro-groni — a negroni made from gin, rosé vermouth, Aperol and Whispering Angel rosé. Accompanying all of the pink drinks will be a pink food menu featuring oysters with a rosé mignonette, beetroot hummus with rosemary flatbread and salmon rillet on brioche. And, you can expect daily live music and a shimmer squad on weekends. Tickets to the rosé festival cost $40, and include entry plus three pink drinks for you to claim at any point. After that, you'll have to purchase your drinks as you go.
Whether you're done with staring at your own four walls, or slogging away at your nine-to-five just to make a living, we all (Dolly Parton included) deserve a break every now and again. We get it, and this year we've spent more time than usual confined to our city homes. The cure? Hit the road and go on a well-deserved trip to the countryside. If you're after rolling green hills as far as the eye can see, bushwalks amid wildflowers, sipping wine among the vines in spring, or settling in for long lunches at old-school pubs and sitting by crackling bonfires in winter, then head for the rural NSW pocket of Orange. Just a four-hour drive from Sydney, the old mining town has transformed into a major destination for foodies and vino lovers. There's local produce-focused restaurants in reclaimed police stations, rule-breaking winemakers, specialty coffee roasters and cosy tea rooms serving up lemon meringue pie. Plus, its surrounding scapes, neighbouring historic townships, B&Bs in former shearing sheds and friendly hospitality make it a world away from the big smoke. To help get you planning your next group getaway or romantic trip, we've teamed up with the folks at Orange360 to round up the very best of the region — from the must-visit vineyards to the lesser-known gems. EAT No trip to Orange is complete without eating your way around the local cafes, bakeries, pubs and restaurants. The wine region is widely considered a foodie haven, so you're spoilt for choice here. First up, make tracks to Bills Beans in east Orange to get your caffeine fix. Housed in a former butcher shop, the buzzing cafe is owned by young guns Ricky Carver and Carlie Beer. It roasts its own beans — single origins and blends — right here in Orange, so you can expect a seriously good cup of joe. Then, make your way to Racine Bakery for some freshly baked treats. Here, you'll find everything from top-notch cakes and pastries to organic sourdough, sandwiches, sausage rolls and its famed pies. Just be sure to get there early if you want to pick up its super-popular flaky croissants. If you're keen to explore the neighbouring towns for your next epicurean adventure, head to the historic town of Millthorpe and go to the The Old Mill Cafe. The old-school tea room is about 15 minutes from Orange and is as quaint as it gets. Pick up some of its mighty fine lemon meringue pies, or sit down for a breakfast or lunchtime feed — just be sure to book ahead. Then, for a long, leisurely lunch or dinner head back to Orange and make tracks to The Union Bank. Built in 1857, the heritage-listed building once functioned as a stables for police horses and later as an art school. Now, it houses a cocktail bar, airy courtyard and The Schoolhouse Restaurant. The latter, helmed by former Rockpool chef Dom Aboud, champions seasonal local produce (vino included) in classic dishes like beef tartare, pappardelle with braised greens and sirloin steaks. DRINK If you haven't quite cottoned on yet, the Orange region is known for its mighty fine wine — and plenty of it. Home to more than 60 wineries and over 40 cellar doors, the region is known for its cool-climate drops, high altitude and unique terroir thanks to dormant volcano Mount Canobolas. One winemaker worth visiting is Young Gun of Wine 2020 winner Tom Ward at Swinging Bridge Wines. Situated on the lofty slopes that surround town, the family-owned winery produces excellent pinot noir, cool-climate chardonnay and riesling, sparkling blanc de blanc, a dry and textural rosé and a fun, minimal-intervention amber wine. For more wine, head to the award-winning Colmar Estate, run by Bill and Jane Shrapnel, where you can ogle its stunning vineyard (and its resident friendly roos) right from the cellar door. Then, hit up Tamburlaine Organic Wines' newly opened Millthorpe Cellar Door. As Tamburlaine is one of Australia's biggest organic vino producers, with vineyards across the Orange and Hunter Valley regions, you'll be sampling a wide range of minimal-sulphur, vegan-friendly and, not to mention, very tasty grape juice. Need a break from the nectar of the gods? Head to Orange's very own distillery, Parrot Distilling Co., for hand-crafted gin made from locally sourced botanicals. Or, for an all-in-one booze stop, drop into Ferment, located in the heart of Orange. It's essentially 19 cellar doors in one and showcases vinos, cider and artisanal spirits from all over the region — making it the perfect place to stock up on supplies before heading home. DO Although Orange is an up-and-coming foodie capital, there is much more to this rural NSW spot than its wine and dining delights. The region is also home to rolling hills, pastoral landscapes and national parks, plus quirky shops, galleries, markets and festivals. To get a lay of the land, literally, hop in a hot air balloon and cruise above the clouds. Local company Balloon Joy Flights offers sunrise and sunset tours over the historic town of Canowindra. You can either round up your mates or book a romantic flight for two with champagne. But, if you want to get your heart pumping, then hike up Mount Canobolas for 360-degree panoramas, or explore nearby Nangar National Park for its wooded hills, dramatic cliffs, wildflowers and waterfalls. Bushwalking is a popular activity in the park, as is birdwatching, picnicking and mountain biking. For the less intrepid, you can check out Orange's many boutique shops and galleries, including adorable design store Tomolly, The Corner Store Gallery and super-colourful clothing and homewares boutique Jumbled. There's also the monthly Orange Farmers Market, where you can pick up some of the very best the area has to offer. Artisanal breads, meats, seasonal fruit and veg, honey, oils, cheese, award-winning booze — it's all there. Best of all, you'll be supporting all the local growers, farmers and makers directly. If you can, it's also worth planning your trip for when one of Orange's annual festivals is taking place. In spring, you can hit up its celebration of all things vino or, in autumn, eat your way around the region at F.O.O.D Week. Come winter, there's the not-to-be-missed Orange Winter Fire Festival, which sees the town bursting with great food, drink and cultural events, all with a wintry atmosphere. STAY As far as quaint and cosy accommodation goes, Orange has it in spades. Planning a long weekend escape with your partner in crime? While there are many places to choose from, you can't get much better than sleeping among the vines. Not only can you try multiple vinos, but you'll also wake up to beautiful views — and feel a world away from your city abode. The eco-friendly, open-plan Borrodell Cider Suites at Borrodell Estate each have a king-sized bed, floor-to-ceiling windows, a luxe spa bath, kitchen, and heated concrete floors and fireplace if you're there in the winter months. If you'd prefer to be closer to shops and cafes, the Speckled Nest Studio in Millthorpe is cute, too. For groups, book in for a true country stay at Black Sheep Inn, just nine kilometres west of Orange on Heifer Station Lane. Originally a 1900s shearing shed, the Inn has most of its original features such as a huge wool press and sheep chutes, with the addition of a wrought iron fireplace. It has five snug suites, with the entire building catering for up to 14 guests (and you can book the whole thing). In town, White Place Home on Byng is just a short stroll from buzzing eateries, fine dining restaurants, bars and stores and can accomodate up to eight people. The elegant brick cottage has four decent-sized rooms, a wood fireplace, ornate ceilings and polished timber floors, with furnishings done by the folks at nearby homewares and lifestyle store The White Place. Whether you're planning a springtime escape or a wintry weekend away, the Orange region has fine wine, good food and spectacular surrounds that make for a great city break — at any time of year. Start planning your trip here. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
There are no maybes about the Melbourne International Film Festival's major high-profile guest for 2018 — but, as fans of the Bluth and Fünke families will know, there is one Maeby. Best known for playing Arrested Development's resident teenage film industry executive, ignored daughter, slacker banana stand employee and alluring cousin, Alia Shawkat is headed to Australia as part of this year's fest, where she'll chat about her career and her life in general. Taking place on Saturday, August 18 as part of the 18-day film event, MIFF Talks: Alia Shawkat in Conversation will see the actor talk for an hour with writer and presenter Lorin Clarke — it will be her only Australian appearance. Considering she's officially attending the fest in support of her new film Blaze, a biopic about country and western songwriter Blaze Foley which Ethan Hawke directed, we're guessing there won't be any dancing like a chicken. Thanks to TV series Search Party and Transparent — plus movies such as Green Room, 20th Century Women, Nasty Baby, Night Moves and Whip It — Shawkat's resume spans much, much further than television's worst real estate family, and that's just on the screen. She's also a jazz singer, pianist, painter and illustrator, and recently starred in, co-wrote and executive produced the film Duck Butter. Plus, if Broad City has you wondering about Shawkat's doppelganger-like connection with Ilana Glazer, we have to point out that the latter was just in Melbourne this month too. MIFF Talks: Alia Shawkat in Conversation joins MIFF's growing 2018 program, which also includes an all-night Nicolas Cage marathon and a screening of Drive with an all-new live score. The fest has also announced its first 32 titles for this year, including Blaze, with the full program set to be revealed on July 10. MIFF Talks: Alia Shawkat in Conversation will take place at the Comedy Theatre, 240 Exhibition Street, Melbourne at 1.30pm on Saturday, August 18. Tickets cost $25, and are available online now.
It just got a whole lot harder for New South Wales drivers to get away with using their mobile phone while driving — and it's thanks to a world-first move by the NSW Government, which has adopted speed camera-style technology to detect the illegal behaviour. After trialling the high-definition cameras during October — and spying more than 11,000 drivers using their phones, according to the ABC — the government has just switched them on again for another three-month pilot. If proven foolproof, the technology will be implemented on a permanent basis. As first reported earlier this year, the legislation giving the tech the go-ahead was passed in NSW parliament back in May last year. And while the technology didn't actually exist at the time, the government put the call-out to companies who were interested in providing the technology. Three outfits took part in the first trial, with Australian company Acusensus selected for the January test run. Acusensus' cameras, which use artificial intelligence, have been placed on the M4 at Prospect and Anzac Parade, Moore Park. They can operate in all conditions — day and night, and regardless of the weather — to detect folks using their phones while they're behind the wheel. It's hoped that using the cameras will have a huge positive impact on the number of road fatalities, much like when breath testing was introduced back in 1982 and slashed fatal accidents by almost 50 percent. While most drivers will probably see this as a cash grab, fines won't be issued during the January trial. If the cameras come into effect permanently afterwards, fully licensed drivers will be looking at a $330 fine and five demerit points if caught (it increased from four to five last September); however, NSW Minister for Roads Melinda Pavey told The Sydney Morning Herald that money raised from the camera fines will go back into a Community Road Safety Fund.
She's back. Sydney summer in all her glory has returned, and this year there's a thirst to soak up every drop of daylight and make the most of the long, languid days with that special someone. With the help of Captain Cook Cruises, we've put together the perfect summer date night itinerary so you can take advantage of the extra sunshine hours and stretch out the fun for as long as possible. [caption id="attachment_787118" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lindy Lee, 'Listening to the Moon' (2018), installation view, 'Lindy Lee: Moon in a Dew Drop', Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Sydney, 2020. Image courtesy the artist and the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia. Photo: Anna Kucera[/caption] 2PM — GO SEE LINDY LEE'S EXHIBITION AT THE MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART We think every date should start with a thought-starter; something to talk about as you continue on with your day. Lindy Lee: Moon in a Dew Drop is the MCA's blockbuster exhibition right now, which has the largest collection of works ever shown by the Australian Chinese artist and showcases the breadth of her long and brilliant career. The show is a meditation on what it means to belong and draws on the philosophies of Daoism and Buddhism — the name of the exhibition is a nod to the writings of the Zen philosopher Dogen. The striking stainless steel sculpture at the bottom of the MCA steps on the Circular Quay forecourt is a fitting taste of what's to come once you step inside. 3.30PM — VISIT HARBOUR BAR & RESTAURANT FOR PRE-DINNER DRINKS From the MCA, mosey on over to Circular Quay where you can board Captain Cook Cruises' new hop-on, hop-off Harbour Bar & Restaurant. There's live music and plenty of top-notch cocktails to choose from — the most difficult thing to decide on is which direction to cast your eye. Unlike most bars, the view here changes as the boat moves around the harbour, so you can tick off the hit list of attractions together as you go: Opera House? Check. Harbour Bridge? Check. Luna Park? Check, check, check. [caption id="attachment_793003" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] 7PM — DINE AT SMOKE, BARANGAROO HOUSE You can choose to dine aboard the Harbour Bar & Restaurant, however if you choose to disembark with your beau at Darling Harbour, head to Smoke at Barangaroo House for dinner in the clouds. Smoke sits atop the spaceship-shaped, three-tiered building. The wrap-around balcony offers panoramic views of the harbour, with the city sitting pretty as a backdrop. The menu is designed to share so it's a good thing you've got company. Think smoky chicken skewers with lemon and a kick of cayenne or puffed beef crackers with spiced tomato salt. Better yet, get the cheese plate for two to fill up on fromage with the one you love. [caption id="attachment_714472" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kimberley Low[/caption] 8.30PM — HEAD TO CANTINA OK! FOR A SPICY MARGARITA After you tear yourself away from the view at Smoke, make your way up the hill to Cantina OK! for a cocktail that will put a fire in your belly. This diminutive laneway mezcal bar in the CBD more than makes up for its size with the skill of its cocktail makers. Put yourselves in the very capable hands of the bartenders, who'll delight you both with their latest concoction. Or, if you're feeling traditional (which, here, is no bad thing), stick to a margarita made the OK way with half tequila and half mezcal. They're so good you'll want to stay for one more last one. Whether you're keen for a cocktail cruise or dinner date, you can find out more about the Harbour Bar and Restaurant, here. Top image: Captain Cook Cruises
Sydney Good Food Month presented by Citi is back and ready to once again make it near impossible to leave your winter habits behind. We say lean into it. Sydney's annual month-long feasting fiesta kicks off on Thursday, October 4 with its most expansive program yet — and you don't want to miss out on any of it. Some of it will look familiar — alongside the ever-popular Night Noodle Markets, last year's vibrant Palm Springs-inspired pop-up restaurant in Hyde Park will also make its return. And, in honour of the festival's 20th birthday, the festival hub is dialling up the nostalgia. This year, the festival will celebrate the famed restaurants, influential chefs and up-and-coming innovators that have shaped Australia's food scene through a series of throwback-themed events. Here are just a few of the food experiences you should book immediately. DATE NIGHT WITH UME BURGER AND COW & THE MOON The old dinner-and-a-movie date: it's a classic for a reason. Whether this is a first attempt or you've been with your person for many trips around the sun, Friday, October 5 is your opportunity to kick things real old-school. Hyde Park Palms' Date Night event has all the ingredients for casual yet romantic night out. On a platonic mate date? Even better. You can collectively swoon over Heath Ledger in the chosen film for the night: 90s cult classic 10 Things I Hate About You. As you're watching, you'll get to chow down on a burger from Japanese-inspired joint Ume Burger and sip on wine from South Australian winery Brand's Laira, before Enmore's Cow & the Moon provides its renowned gelato for dessert. Date Night with Ume Burger and Cow & the Moon will be held on Friday, October 5. $65 per person. 90s LONG LUNCH WITH VICTOR LIONG AND ANDY BOWDY Do you fondly think back to the time when Clueless, grungy flannel and Nintendo 64 were the height of popular culture? If you're ever filled with 90s nostalgia (we swear it feels like only yesterday), this Long Lunch event is sure to tick all of your retro-loving boxes. Chefs Victor Liong (Lee Ho Fook) and Andy Bowdy (Saga, ex-Hartsyard) will be at the helm, serving up a host of quintessential 90s flavours. While the exact menu is yet to be revealed, we know Bowdy is partial to a number of desserts from the era — think apple turnovers, finger buns and vanilla slice — so you can expect some recognisable flavours from your childhood, but with the added bonus of pairing them with grown-up drinks: Baileys, Brand's Laira wine and James Squire beer. Don that double denim and get ready to chat 90210 trivia. 90s Long Lunch with Victor Lion and Andy Bowdy will be held on Sunday, October 7. $99 per person. NOUGHTIES LONG LUNCH WITH MITCH ORR AND KATE REID If you feel like the 90s weren't that long ago (we swear they weren't), it's a rude shock to the system when you realise it's almost been two decades since the start of millennium. To soothe your disbelief, head to the Noughties Long Lunch, where two renowned chefs will be paying tribute to the era that shaped their careers in food. First up, Acme's Mitch Orr. His incorporation of flavours from his childhood into dishes is well-documented, namely the baloney sandwich and use of Jatz on Acme's menu. Orr will be joined by pastry queen Kate Reid from Lune Croissanterie, the internationally celebrated Fitzroy patisserie that dishes up the world's best croissants in both traditional and retro flavours — including pecan pie. Brand's Laira wine and James Squire beer will also be flowing throughout the meal. This is selling out quick, so you better shake it like a polaroid picture and get booking. Noughties Long Lunch with Mitch Orr and Kate Reid will be held on Sunday, October 14. $99 per person.
Winter's rolling in, but if you're not ready to let the warm days slip away just yet, a summery whisky cocktail could be your answer. Normally, the belly-warming properties of whisky call for a cosier setting. See: dimly lit bars, roaring fires, snuggle sessions. But this season, that's all changing. Ardbeg, makers of one of the world's smokiest whiskies, is getting ready to release a summer carnival-inspired drop, Ardbeg Drum. This special blend has been created by taking the traditional Ardbeg drop from ex-bourbon casks and then resting it in rum casks, adding a uniquely Carribean note to the already complex favourite. This limited-edition drop will be released in stores on Saturday, June 1, coinciding with the brand's annual party, known as Ardbeg Day. Yep, it seems that Ardbeg — and whisky fans — have a lot to celebrate. So, in the lead-up to this big day, Ardbeg has teamed up with a bunch of Sydney bars to keep the warm weather vibes going. Across the entire month of May, the bars will be slinging the salty, smoky tones of Ardbeg 10 Years Old in a selection of cocktails. From the zingy hit of tropical fruits to the richness of mole sauce, here are seven ways bars will infuse the spirit of Caribbean summer into their menus.
We can't think of a more fitting way to ring in silly season than by sipping champagne with your friends in front of the glorious Sydney Harbour. And thanks to our friends at Moët & Chandon, you could win a double pass to a sparkling drinking destination that's popping up at Bennelong Lawn. On Thursday, December 2, you and a pal could be immersed in the shimmering world of Moët & Chandon inside a custom designed 500-square-metre sculpture for Effervescence Sydney. Set against the lush backdrop of the Royal Botanic Gardens, this exclusive evening inside a glittering installation will take you far beyond your typical harbourside drinks. The prize includes a Moët Mini on arrival followed by live DJ sets, roving canapés including a bump of caviar and Moët & Chandon champagne throughout the evening to help you toast to a summer of togetherness. Plus, there'll be a glittering custom-built chandelier, a bubbling champagne tower and unparalleled views of Sydney Harbour — all for free. To nab this exclusive double pass valued at $200, tell us in 25 words or less what you'll be raising your glass to this summer and why. Moët & Chandon's Effervescence Sydney will take place from Wednesday, December 1–Sunday, December 4. To enter the competition, fill out your details below. [competition]833301[/competition]
Backhands, beats and artisan eats will converge on Rose Bay's Lyne Park Tennis Centre on Saturday, March 16. That's when social tennis event Social Serve returns to raise money for The Primary Club, an Aussie charity that helps people with disabilities to play sport. If your activewear hasn't had more of a workout than a stroll to the cafe at the end of your street, then here's your chance to put it to work. The good news is you'll only have to work as hard as you like. The sporty part of proceedings will take the form of friendly mixed doubles match from 4.30pm, with champs who kill it on the court heading into the finals. The whole thing will be capped off with a preso and drink from 7.30–9.30pm. Not so keen on joining the game? That's more than fine. Instead, relax on the sidelines, listen to local DJs, eat some snacks and drink some cocktails by Poor Toms. Spectator tix are just $19 and include a cocktail.
The world's most famous scientist and the alleged inventor of gravity, Stephen Hawking will deliver his first ever Australian lecture at the Sydney Opera House in April. Addressing audiences from the University of Cambridge via video conference, the internationally renowned cosmologist and theoretical physicist will discuss both his life and the big questions of science. Whether he has any theories about the new season of The X-Files still remains to be seen. Hawking's contributions to modern and popular science are unparalleled. His research into black holes and the Big Bang Theory helped deepen our understanding of the universe, while his book A Brief History of Time has sold more than ten million copies. He's also kind of a boss, as seen most recently in his interview with John Oliver on Last Week Tonight. The physicist’s life was recently immortalised in the film The Theory of Everything, for which lead actor Eddie Redmayne won an Academy Award. Of course, the most noteworthy thing about that movie for most people was the revelation that, despite the accent of his computerised voice, Hawking is actually British. The Sydney lecture is part of the Ideas at the House series, the Opera House’s ongoing program of talks, panels and presentations. The 73-year-old Hawking will be introduced by his journalist daughter Lucy and fellow theoretical physicist Paul Davies.
It's not too early to think about your next season's swimwear, we promise — summer is in sight (or spring at the very least). Boho label Tigerlily Swimwear is offering something very relevant to your interests: a big old four-day warehouse sale to get you some much-welcome bikini bargains. The Aussie brand is almost 20 years old and still creating timeless prints and unique swimwear, so getting your mitts on some of the goods for up to 70 percent off doesn't seem like the worst idea. This is the brand's biggest ever warehouse sale with prices starting from $30. Past-season Tigerlily collections will be on offer for you and your sun-craving bodies — and it isn't just swimwear. Dresses, shorts, kaftans and other clothing will also be reduced to help you begin your summer haul. The Tigerlily warehouse sale will take place at Paddington Town Hall from August 23–26, running from 8am–7pm on Thursday and 8am–5pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Strolls around the city have been much brighter in recent weeks, all thanks to the addition of some unexpected blooms. The CBD's grey, concrete streets have had a makeover as a part of the City of Sydney's twice-yearly Living Colour floral display project, taking over Martin Place, Castlereagh Street, Alfred Street, Queens Square, Cathedral Square, Springfield Gardens, Taylor Square, Sydney Town Hall and QVB, Green Square, Union Square, the forecourt outside St Mary's cathedral and more. But as the thousands of plants have been blooming since September, these flowers need a new home. Want some more snapdragons and geraniums in your life? On Sunday, November 12 from 8am, Sydney Park will be the spot to snag some cut-price botanical beauties. For just a gold coin donation, you'll be able to take home everything from petunias to curly parsley. Plus, all funds go towards the RSPCA.
A new microbrewery is set to open in Redfern this week, thanks to WA beer brand Gage Roads Brewing Co. After snapping up the Redern digs last March, the Perth brewery is finally set to open its very first taproom — and we're lucky enough to have it right here in Sydney. The Atomic Beer Project (a sub-brand of Gage Road) will open its doors on Thursday, September 24. Punters can expect much more than just a brewpub, too — a Thai-inspired restaurant and an all-day co-working space are also on the docket. At the bar, you'll find Atomic Beer Project signatures — such as the pale ale, XPA and IPA — alongside seasonal and experimental releases, which already include a red ale and porter. Beer styles that haven't been brewed previously under the Gage Roads banner will also be up for grabs. The bar will also offer wine and spirits by local producers including Brix Distillers, Poor Toms and Archie Rose. [caption id="attachment_783990" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Steven Woodburn[/caption] While the bar slings the booze, the kitchen will serve up Southeast Asian share plates by Head Chef Jordan McLeod (Longrain Tokyo). The seasonal menu features small bites like porter-braised beef cheek stuffed in croissants, grilled tiger prawn skewers with green curry butter and kingfish sashimi with shoyu dressing. Larger plates include chargrilled riverine sirloin with chimichurri, pork and squid nuoc cham salad, barbecued Bannockburn chicken with soy mirin glaze and yellow curry with roasted cauliflower, eggplant and snake beans. [caption id="attachment_783979" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Steven Woodburn[/caption] The brand invested a whopping $3 million into the 578-square-metre space, working with Promena Projects (Bopp & Tone, Brix Distillers, Tayim) and interior design studio YSG (Edition Coffee Roasters, The Collectionist). The industrial fit-out features polished concrete, rusted beams and stainless steel elements — including the brewhouse tanks, which will be on full display. Meanwhile, heaps of colour will be found in the furnishings, including the neon green bar, bright red tables and forest green tiled walls. On the upper level is an open dining room that doubles as a co-working space with views to the brewhouse below. It boasts office amenities like unlimited wifi and bookable tables with USBs and power sockets — plus coffees from 7am daily, an all-day menu and beer on tap, of course. Having launched way back in 2004, Gage Roads has expanded to become one of Australia's largest independently owned breweries. In 2018, it rebranded nationally as Good Drinks and acquired Western Australian brewery Matso's — makers of the state's favourite alcoholic ginger beer — with more brands expected to join Good Drinks in the future. Find Atomic Beer Project taproom from Thursday, September 24 at 158 Regent Street, Redfern. It'll be open from 7am–late daily.
Pill testing is finally coming to music festivals in New South Wales, with Yours and Owls set to host the state's first trial. At the Wollongong fest's 2025 event, which is taking across Saturday, March 1–Sunday, March 2, patrons will be able to have their substances analysed courtesy of the drug-testing facility at the onsite medical tent. Australia will notch up a first, too — because never before has a government agency run a pill-testing service at a festival, as is happening at Yours and Owls. If you drop in to get your substances analysed, they'll be checked for purity, potency and adulterants. Anyone using the service will remain anonymous, but will be asked to speak with a qualified counsellor as part of the process. [caption id="attachment_906427" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ian Laidlaw[/caption] "We enthusiastically welcome this move by the NSW Government. Pill testing is something we have been fighting for, for some time now," said Yours and Owls Co-Founder Ben Tillman. "While Yours and Owls maintains a zero-tolerance policy to illegal drugs, we are realists and see the abstinence-only approach as unhelpful. Pill testing is not a panacea. However, it is a proven harm minimisation strategy that has been successfully implemented in many countries overseas for the past twenty or so years." "Ultimately, we ask individuals to take responsibility for themselves and their decision-making to ensure they have a great time safely. We also encourage anyone who finds themselves or their mates in trouble to seek medical assistance immediately; there will be no judgment, you won't get into trouble, patrons need to remember their safety and that of their mates is the most-important thing." [caption id="attachment_906426" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ruby Bowland[/caption] "Let me be clear, no level of illicit drug use is safe and pill testing services do not provide a guarantee of safety," added NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park. "There will always be risks involved when consuming these substances. However, this trial has been designed to provide people with the necessary information to make more informed decisions about drug use, with the goal of reducing drug-related harm and saving lives. Illicit drug use remains illegal in NSW. These services will not be made available to suppliers and police will continue to target them." [caption id="attachment_965220" align="alignnone" width="1917"] Ian Laidlaw[/caption] Yours and Owls' 2025 fest sees the beloved event mark a milestone. Yes, tenth birthdays are a big deal, especially when you're an Australian music festival that's been navigating a pandemic and the resulting difficult time for the industry for half of your run, and also grappling with the impact of La Niña. Yours and Owls has been on quite the rollercoaster ride across the past decade, clearly, so of course it's celebrating its big birthday with a massive lineup. Fontaines DC, Denzel Curry, The Kooks, Goo Goo Dolls and Brad Cox lead the roster of talent taking to the stage, as joined by Courteeners, Hockey Dad, The Jungle Giants, Peach PRC, The Veronicas, Elderbrook, Honey Dijon, JPEGMafia and Salute — and plenty more. This year's event is making Flagstaff Hill, a former military fort on the Wollongong foreshore, its home — marking yet another first. [caption id="attachment_906428" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jess Gleeson[/caption] Yours and Owls Lineup 2025 Fontaines DC Denzel Curry The Kooks Goo Goo Dolls Brad Cox Courteeners Elderbrook Hockey Dad Honey Dijon JPEGMafia The Jungle Giants Peach PRC Salute The Veronicas Allday Babe Rainbow Coterie Cyril Dice The Dreggs Frankie Stew & Harvey Gunn Grentperez Isabel Larosa Magdalena Bay May A Mark Blair Pond Richy Mitch & The Coal Miners Sam Tompkins San Cisco Shame Slowly Slowly Sycco Armlock Autumn Sunset Battlesnake Bean Magazine Becca Hatch Bodyjar The Belair Lip Bombs Cheeky Leash C.O.F.F.I.N Crocodylus Giraffehead Keli Holiday Kitschen Boy Kobie Dee Lemonise Le Shiv L.O.W Miss Kaninna Nick Ward Ra Ra Viper Satin Cali Sevilles Sugar Free Total Tommy Y.O.G.A Mark Blair Odymel Tom Trago Mincy Dameeela Lo'99 Sasha Milani Crescendoll Sekta Jun Wan Unknown Associates Jjoska Subtropic Cove Sound System Four on the Floor sezz77 Jade Bates kowojay Liza [caption id="attachment_976058" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Theo Cottle[/caption] Yours and Owls returns to Wollongong on Saturday, March 1–Sunday, March 2, 2025. For more information, and tickets, head to the festival website.
In Sydney, 'going out for a drink' can always be something more. And, given our city is a cultural mecca with a thriving art, music and foodie scene, it's never been easier to elevate your night out. Whether you're looking to make date night extra special or want to add a dash of class to your evening catchup, there's always something new and exciting to see in Sydney. To help you out, we've partnered with Tanqueray to bring you five out-of-the-box experiences you can do in Sydney to get your culture fix — Tanqueray and tonic in hand. CATCH SOME ART AFTER HOURS Wander through rare works by art history icons (thinks Picasso and Monet), then top it all off with a tom collins. Grab your friends or your special someone, and see the latest exhibitions at the Art Gallery of New South Wales' Art After Hours. This spring, catch Australia's French impressionist John Russell (showing until Sunday, November 11) or rare works by the greats like Monet, Picasso, Cézanne, Matisse and more at the Masters of Modern Art from the Hermitage (starting Saturday, October 13). Weekly Art After Hours events kick off every Wednesday from 6pm, and feature a mixture of celebrity talks, guided art tours and live music. After your hump day cultural boost, head to Bennelong for evening drinks and nibbles off the Cured and Cultured menu. To be extra sophisticated, try the wagyu tartare with fermented chilli miso and creme fraiche while sipping a Tanqueray tom collins. UNLEASH YOUR INNER ARTIST Let those creative juices flow while you sip G&Ts at a painting session. Enjoy a fun, semi-ridiculous, night of painting at Cork & Chroma. The concept is simple: have a drink, produce a masterpiece. Okay, so maybe your output won't be quite the calibre of those greats coming to AGNSW, but a enjoyable night out is guaranteed. Literally, zero art experience is required to partake — an artist will take you and the class step-by-step through the evening's tableau of choice, helping you create your finest still life in no time. Also, it's BYO. We recommend ditching the boring vino for a ready-made Tanqueray and tonic. No fuss; just add ice. SEE A PLAY AT THE BELVOIR Catch the latest show, then enjoy a post-theatre tipple. Watch Henrik Ibsen's masterpiece An Enemy of the People or August Strindberg's The Dance of Death at The Belvoir St Theatre this season, then have a post-show tipple at The Dolphin Hotel down the road. Alternatively, for the more frugal folk, check out one of the talks or plays at The Kings Cross Theatre — it's cheaper than Belvoir but still hosts quality performances. Afterwards, splurge with the money you saved and discuss the show over a swish martini at The Roosevelt. SHUCK AN OYSTER OR TWO Savour some oysters then head to the OpenAir cinema and enjoy a cocktail. Winston Churchill once said that the only way to make a martini is with ice-cold gin. You can test his theory — without having to worry about which geopolitical strategy to roll out in Europe this spring — by treating yourself to Tanqueray gin martinis and $1 oysters on Wednesdays at The Morrison. Afterwards, catch a film at the St.George OpenAir cinema for a classic Sydney night out overlooking the Harbour from the Royal Botanic Gardens. Keep your eyes peeled for the full 2019 program, available from Monday, December 3. Previous titles included Call Me By Your Name and I, Tonya so you can expect another blockbuster lineup for this year. ORGANISE A GOURMET PICNIC Stinky cheese, Tanqueray gin and panoramic views by the water's edge. Gather around a picnic at Blackwattle Bay to enjoy sweeping views of the Anzac Bridge and harbour. Elevate your spread from humble hummus and bread territory by going past the IGA and opting for some more decadent treats. We suggest a stinky, gooey cheese selection from The Stinking Bishops or some Japanese-style treats like matcha lamington and yuzu cheesecake from neighbouring Azuki. Just don't forget to grab a bottle of Tanqueray and some mixers. Then, all you have to do is kick back and enjoy your Sunday arvo filled with good food, great company and that stunning Inner West sunset. Celebrate the return of warmer, sunnier days with a Tanqueray tipple in hand at home or around your city.
Now in its third year, the MCA Social at Sydney's Museum of Contemporary Art promises another extravagant night in the name of creativity and philanthropy. With the theme 'Art Eclectic', and the encouragement to go all-out in the fashion stakes, the evening offers the opportunity to make the most of that outrageous Gaga-esque outfit you've been waiting to wear. But what's more, this annual fundraiser offers both budding and established art supporters a chance to actively support the country's best emerging artists. All proceeds will fund the museum's Primavera exhibition, an internationally recognised platform for the promotion of these promising young Australians each year. There'll be an auction and a raffle on the night, with prizes including a 12-month rental from ArtBank worth over $5000. Not only will the work of one of this year's artists, Marian Tubbs, be showcased on the night but you'll also have the chance to mingle with past Primavera creatives between sampling inventive Heston Blumenthal-style canapes and cocktails at the open bar. Expect live DJs, performances and custom-designed projections from La Petite Mort to light up the dance floor. Plus, you'll find a makeup artist in the lift (yes, the lift), on hand to add final flourishes to your look on your way up to the party.
Paddington favourite Tequila Mockingbird brought its South American and Mexican flare to the CBD last month when it opened the doors to its pop-up restaurant, Tequila on York. As of next week, the pop-up will be replaced by a more permanent Mexican spot called Esteban. The multi-level venue will be split into three distinct offerings: an upstairs restaurant, a downstairs mezcal bar and a laneway dining space. In the kitchen, Executive Group Chef John Frid is plating up Mexican share plates created using traditional cooking techniques, but with sustainably sourced Aussie produce. Corn tortillas are made in-house daily, while the custom-built parilla grill and vertical charcoal rotisserie have been installed to turn out the likes of tacos al pastor, woodfired octopus and ironbark-grilled chicken mole. Other specialties served in the upstairs restaurant include kingfish ceviche with watermelon sorbet, chile verde and fried plantain; wattleseed-rubbed duck breast with yellow chilli peppers; and a massive one-kilogram rib eye, paired with a salsa flight or porcini butter. [caption id="attachment_786885" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Steven Woodburn[/caption] Meanwhile, in the the basement bar and alfresco dining area, it's all about the street food — with tacos, ceviche and tortas on offer from lunch straight through until 12.30am (five days a week). Alongside the tacqueria-style menu is an emphasis on mezcal and tequila, with a roving trolley pouring drops for patrons throughout the night. To combine a bit of both, punters can opt for Esteban's signature margarita flight, which will feature three mini cocktails paired with three tacos — those include the wagyu beef tartare on blue corn tortillas, the prawn cocktail with Patron salsa and the Tasmanian salmon ceviche. Charcoal-roasted adobo pork, beef barbacoa and spicy chicken tinga are also up for grabs. [caption id="attachment_786882" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Steven Woodburn[/caption] Designed by Sydney architects Humphrey & Edwards (Barangaroo House), the space takes inspiration from the underground basement bars of Mexico City, as well as 1930s art deco buildings. The heritage aspects of the building have also been preserved, including its exposed sandstone walls, high archways and existing timber beams. Upstairs, expect the intimate 45-seater to boast an open kitchen with counter seating, as well as a floor-to-ceiling mural created by Sydney artist Nanami Cowdroy. Other artworks include hand-painted and beaded bottles, which have been crafted in Oaxaca. In the basement, you'll find leather booths and banquettes, plus a granite bar top and custom-built timber cabinets to hold all of that distilled agave. The bar claims to be home to the largest collection of mezcal and tequila in Australia. On the way in, take a closer look at the 400-kilogram front door, which was created from acid-aged steel by Byron Bay artist Daniel Heapy. Find Esteban at 1 Temperance Lane, Sydney from Tuesday, October 27. The downstairs taqueria will be open from 11.30am–1am Tuesday–Saturday and the upstairs restaurant will be open from 12–2.30pm Wednesday–Friday and 5–10pm Tuesday–Saturday.
An Irish whiskey expert and a cheese guru walk into a bar. What happens next? You're about to find out. For one evening only, Aussie cheese expert Claudia Bowman will team up with whiskey aficionado Rachael Hand (who is also a bartender at Mjolner Melbourne) for a unique tasting session in Redfern den Vasco. It'll feature an array of top-shelf drops from Bushmills, Ireland's oldest licensed distillery, matched with premium blues, cheddars and goudas from all over the Emerald Isle. Upon arrival, you'll warm up with a Bushmills Whiskey Smash cocktail and canapés, before settling in for your extended tasting. The drinks list ranges from the intense yet smooth Bushmills Black Bush Irish Whiskey to the mighty Bushmills Single Malt Whiskey 21-year-old. The secret to its spicy, fruit depths is 19 years spent in Oloroso Sherry and Bourbon-seasoned casks, followed by two in Madeira casks. Meanwhile, among the Irish dairy delights you can expect to sample are Cashel Blue and Crozier Blue, both from Tipperary; Knockanore, a cheddar from County Waterford; and Durrus, a semi-soft, washed rind cheese from County Cork. Whiskey and cheese may not be the most traditional of pairings (like, say, wine and cheese) but, like many things, with knowledge — and lots of samples — comes appreciation. "Just like wine, whiskey flavours have layers and can be complemented and highlighted with certain foods," said Hand. "This is bound to be a pairing that brings the best of both the Bushmills Irish Whiskey expressions and the chosen cheeses, heroing both products." The Bushmills Irish Whiskey and Cheese Pairing will commence at 6.30pm on Wednesday, November 28. Tickets cost $75 per person and can be purchased here.
The beach and soft serve ice cream are a match made in summer heaven. The only way to improve on this combo is, of course, if the ice cream is free. Sydney beachgoers and soft serve lovers are in luck this weekend, with a Mardi Gras-themed Mr Whippy van handing out free ice cream at two prominent eastern suburbs beaches. If you're heading to North Bondi or Coogee on Saturday, February 27, keep you eye out for the van which will be making an appearance at the North Bondi Surf Lifesaving Club and the new Coogee Beach rainbow walkway. The van will be handing out two colourful flavours of soft serve ice cream, Rainbow Rise, your classic vanilla with rainbow sprinkles, and Love Out loud, a vanilla soft serve in a red velvet waffle cone with strawberry sauce and tutti frutti popcorn pieces. Beloved Australian drag queen Courtney Act will be joining the van at the North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club to unveil her remix of the Mr Whippy ice cream van jingle — you know, the one that would play as the ice cream truck came around your neighbourhood as a kid. Act has remixed the jingle with the help of drag queen DJ duo Jawbreaker. The van is courtesy of W Hotels, one of the partners of this year's Mardi Gras festivities. Anyone that grabs a free ice cream will also be able to enter a competition for the chance to win a two-night staycation at any W Hotel around the country.
Sydney's Hollywood Quarter is the super lush set of streets between Central, Darlinghurst and Surry Hills that are home to some of our faves: Pellegrino 2000, Alberto's Lounge, NOMAD and Poly (to simply name a few). The micro-precinct is ramping up the good times while Vivid Sydney rolls into town — and Ace Hotel Sydney is set to host a stellar lineup of art-powered events. From Friday, May 26 till Saturday, June 17, a whole range of installations, culinary pop-ups and live music performances curated by Arts-Matter will be taking over all levels of the Wentworth Avenue digs. First up, let's chat lobby parties. Here's where you can hang out and soak in the power of music into the wee hours. On Wednesday, May 31, Derrick Gee is making the music community minded with All Together Now, an event that spotlights a Spotify playlist that can be curated by attendees. On Wednesday, June 7, Music in Exile is joining forces with Kerfew to deliver beats from members of the Australian South Asian diaspora, the venue's ground-floor space setting the stage for talents from our music industry with a unique lens of culture and language. And on Wednesday, June 14, Kids in the Cut (with the support of Yuth2Yuth) are DJing. Throughout June, record label Finer Things is bringing the vibes and taking up residence in the lobby space on Fridays. On the visual side of things, a whole bunch of artistic talents are adding to the Hollywood Quarter's pull. A neon flourish is added via Rel Pham's vivid technicolour works which will be projected onto the walls in Foy Lane at the rear of the hotel. The works of other artists will grace the walls here too. There's Wendy Yu (pictured at top; work pictured above), Mia Forrest, Phil James and many more. On Saturday, June 17, Justin Ridler's multifaceted works, which fuse photography and technology, will make for a brilliant finisher to the series. [caption id="attachment_843879" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nikki To[/caption] The Ace Hotel Sydney's sleek rooftop spot Kiln, helmed by Mitch Orr (pictured above), is getting in on the Vivid action too. Joining forces with Jeremy Fox — of LA faves Birdie G's and Rustic Canyon — the Kiln team will hero stunning-yet-simple plates at a series of five-course share-style dinners. Bookings are absolutely essential, so if you want one of the $150-a-head spots, you better be quick. And, on Saturday, June 17, a hip hop party is getting Sydney grooving into Sunday. The lineup of DJs is yet to be announced, but you'd be silly to miss a late-night dance fest in this special setting — so keep an eye on the website. Hollywood Quarter's Ace Hotel Sydney will be hosting a range of exclusive events during Vivid 2023. For more information and to plan your trip, head to the website.
Spaghetti and spritzes are a time-honoured Venetian combo that can bring a bit of summer into even the most dreary day. But would the pairing have the same effect if both the pasta and cocktail are radioactive blue? Restaurateur Mark Filippelli and his best mate Vince Pizzinga are prepared to serve up just that. This April, they're opening Mark + Vinny's Spaghetti and Spritz Bar along Surry Hills' Waterloo Street, offering Sydneysiders sustainable, ethical and vegan fare, some of which looks like it came from another planet. These colourful creations aren't much of a surprise from Filippelli, who also co-owns Melbourne's Matcha Mylkbar. The cafe's entirely vegan menu made headlines with its blue algae, beetroot and charcoal lattes, and even won our People's Choice Award for Best New Cafe of 2016. Filippelli was meant to expand to Sydney in early 2017, but the cafe never arrived. Instead, he's embarking on an entirely new brand for his first Sydney venture — whilst hanging on to the neon food and trademarked vegan 'egg' that Matcha Mylkbar is known for. There'll be some classic pasta dishes on the menu, including cacio e pepe and spaghetti with short rib ragu, but the eyebrow-raising draws are their more out-there concoctions. Think neon blue spirulina tagliatelle and bright pink beetroot spaghetti, or the charcoal carbonara with vegan egg yolk and cured mushrooms. The vegan eggs are made completely of plant-based products and contain the same protein and amino acid benefits as a real egg — plus they look an awful lot like one, even oozing when poached. Zucchini linguini with chickpea ragu, baby artichokes and avocado velute, and a nut-milk burrata entree also make the menu. The drinks includes a whopping 50 spritzes, with a neon blue spirulina cocktail to match the pasta, of course. Unlike Matcha Mylkbar, the Mark + Vinny's menu will not be completely vegan, though any meat used will be strictly local, sustainable and ethically raised. The family-style menu focuses, of course, on the spaghetti, with fresh pasta made either in-house or by award-winning, Sydney-based pasta maker Joe Cassaniti (Peppes Pasta). The duo have smartly recruited head chef Adrian Jankuloski in the kitchen. He's spent considerable time under the tutelage of Maurice Terzini, first at Icebergs and then at the renowned chef's two other venues — acting as sous chef at North Bondi Italian and most recently as senior sous chef for The Dolphin Hotel under Monty Koludrovic. "[Sydney is] a new exciting market to spread our underlying message to — that a less meat-heavy diet is crucial for the sustainability of our planet's resources and the longevity of our health," says Filippelli. "We are wanting to push the boundaries of food innovation, whilst highlighting the traditional and original Italian recipes, literally passed on from our Nonnas. We think Sydney, and in particular Surry Hills, is the perfect platform to showcase the Mark and Vinny dream." The radioactive-looking food hype may have worked for Filippelli in the past, but we must admit we're a tad skeptical with the way some of these pastas look. The venture's success certainly remains to be seen — or, rather, tasted. Mark + Vinny's will open in April at 52 Waterloo Street, Surry Hills. Keep an eye on their Instagram for updates.
After opening several colourful Mexican cantinas around the city last year, Rockpool Dining Group continues to expand its Sydney footprint — this time, with a European and American-inspired joint that specialises in wings. Opening in Circular Quay's Gateway Centre on Sunday, January 26, Winghaüs by Bavarian has room for 145 people across a range of high-tops table, benches, bar stools and leather booths. It's the second Bavarian offshoot of its type to open in the country, with the inaugural Brisbane outpost launching last September. Chicken is the main culinary attraction — buffalo wings specifically — although you'll also be able to tuck into fried wings dusted in either chipotle or habanero powder, or opt for boneless chicken tenders. They're all be available in servings of ten, 15, 20, 50 or 100 pieces, with eight hot sauces on offer — ranging from mild Texas barbecue to super-hot habanero — and five dips. For folks hankering for other US diner-style bites, chicken burgers, sides such as onion rings, potato gems and deep-fried pickles, plus New York-style cheesecake are all be available. And if you like your desserts both sweet and warm, a selection of deep-fried chocolate bars are likely to prove a highlight, with hot, gooey Mars, Snickers and Picnics all on offer. While the menu skews American, European influences come through in the drinks and decor. Like The Bavarian, Winghaüs features a stein chandelier made from 500 one-litre glasses, and serves German brews such as Löwenbräu, Paulaner, Franziskaner, Spaten and Hofbräu. US tipples like Budweiser, Stella Artois and Goose Island also feature, plus Aussie beers like Pines and Pirate Life. And, cocktail-wise, the bar's taps pump out margaritas, old fashioneds, spritzes, negronis sand espresso martinis. The best time to head in is undoubtedly after work — the 5–7pm weekday happy hour includes 50-cent wings, $6 pints, $11 steins and $7.50 espresso martinis and negronis. Sydneysiders can also expect plenty to keep them entertained at the diner-style spot, whether you're settling in at the long bar or getting cosy in a leather booth beneath neon signs. Given that sports memorabilia line the walls, it should come as no surprise that big-screen TVs also play up to 20 live sports attempts at a time. Find Winghaüs by Bavarian on level one of Gateway Sydney, Alfred Street, Circular Quay. It's open every day of the week from 11.30am until late. Updated: February 7, 2020.
Erskineville's freshly renovated Imperial Hotel is now home to Priscillas, a "drag and dine" restaurant where you'll find everything from plant-based food to late-night drag shows. Now, Priscillas is hosting the cheeky and raunchy Rood Food festival until October 10. A month-long festival of dirty dishes, cocktails and kinky drag, its magnum opus is the hilarious show Bone Appetite & Oral Outhouse. A three-act drag extravaganza performed by Sydney queens Krystal Kleer and Coco Jumbo, the show comes with a side of phallic fare, crude cocktails and an interactive game, titled the 'glory hole game'. Including a three-course set menu (featuring a total of ten dishes) and a glass of bubbly on arrival, tickets are a very appropriate $69. Some of the dishes you should expect include Bachelor Balls (herbed zucchini balls with spiced yoghurt), The Gay Time Gag Ball (salted caramel ice cream with almond nuts) and Panna Knockers ('perky' vanilla panna cottas). If you'd like to sip on more than just one glass of bubbles, you can choose from cocktails such as The Nut Buster ($17) and the The Blushing Blowy ($17). Brace yourselves. You can also taste the tantalising drinks and food, without going all out on the set menu and show. The Rood Food a la carte menu and cocktails are available every night throughout the festival. The Rood Food festival will run until October 10, with Bone Appetite & Oral Outhouse happening every Monday and Wednesday night from 6.30pm.
With the Greater Sydney area now in lockdown until Friday, July 9, home cooking and takeaway is back on the menu. Fancy the latter more than the former? Spent too much time baking during last year's similar stint at home? Eager to order in for any reason possible? If you fall into any of the above categories, and you're keen to both support local eateries and keep an eye on your bank balance, Deliveroo is ditching its delivery fees for orders from most restaurants for this week. The delivery service's deal was announced last Friday, June 25, before lockdown was expanded in terms of the areas affected and the duration of the stay-at-home period — so you'l be able to get your meals brought to your door without paying delivery fees until 11.59pm on Friday, July 2. That covers food from thousands of eateries, including the likes of Mary's, Chargrill Charlie's and Gelato Messina. The aim: to encourage Greater Sydney residents to help local restaurants during this stay-at-home period and, because that's the world we live in, to help stop panic buying at supermarkets as well. To ensure that all of the eateries involved aren't missing out on revenue or left out of pocket, Deliveroo is footing the bill for the discounted amount, too. If you're suddenly hungry, you'll need to place an order via the Deliveroo app. There are a few caveats, unsurprisingly, with the free delivery deal not extending to bottle shops, KFC or to places listed in the app as 'delivered by restaurant'. You'll also need to spend at least $10 at most eateries, $12 at McDonald's, Subway and Baskin-Robbins, and $15 if you're purchasing from Red Rooster. Deliveroo is doing free delivery across the Greater Sydney region until 11.59pm on Friday, July 2. To make an order, head to the Deliveroo app. Top image: Chargrill Charlie's.
