Chat Thai is the worst kept secret amongst Thai people living in Sydney. With a focus on street food and dishes that are meant to be for Thai palates only, Chat Thai was meant to be a Thai person's Thai restaurant. But when you do the mainstay favourites so well, and at very, very reasonable prices, it's inevitable that the cat will get out of the bag. If you want to try something new, we recommend you sample the tom saap — a hot and sour soup with braised pork ribs. But for those who are less adventurous, the chilli fried rice, padt si-ew or ki mao are excellent. Chat Thai also has five varieties of som tum (green papaya salad), which embodies the balance between the salty, sweet, sour and spicy elements Thai cuisine is known for. For the uninitiated, start with the som tum thai and venture onto the pickled crab or fermented fish variants when feeling brave. Also, remember to specify your level of spiciness because the default is often too hot for most. You have been warned. To drink, it would be hard not have Thai milk tea with cha dam yem — a tea on the sweet end of the spectrum that's hard to resist. And do note that if you arrive during the dinner rush, expect to wait at least 45 minutes or longer for a table. Try and get in early and they might be able to offer you dishes still made from the lunch menu as well.
In Stay of the Week, we explore some of the world's best and most unique accommodations — giving you a little inspiration for your next trip. In this instalment, we take you to the Woodland Cabin, one of three luxe lodgings at Logan Brae Retreats in the Blue Mountains. With room for only two, any one of the cabins is an ideal getaway for when you need space, solitude and something a little fancy. WHAT'S SO SPECIAL? The magical quality of this escape starts well before check in. If you're heading here from Sydney, you'll start your journey by winding your way through Hazelbrook, Wentworth Falls and Blackheath (stopping off for deli provisions and vino, so there's no need to interrupt your imminent immersion in nature) before you're welcomed by expansive views across Megalong Valley. Once you pull into the gravel driveway and make your way up to the Woodland Cabin, you'll immediately be consumed by calm. Warmly hued festoon lights, wildlife wandering freely, a round plunge pool perched alongside your deck, a vista to rival most: everything is special here. THE SPACE Although there's only room for a pair at the Woodland Cabin, the lofty open-plan design, towering windows and pared-back earthy palette delivers a space that's anything but small. You'll arrive to an already-built fire in the hearth with logs aplenty stacked alongside — all you need to do is strike the match. There's a deep stone tub to soak in, which when married with that view makes for a deliciously spent afternoon. And in the bathroom? A wide double shower, stone-topped vanity and gold fixtures, a lineup of lush products from Apotheke, plus style-heavy towels and robes adding a transportive touch of luxe. Outside, deck chairs beckon you for a morning coffee, as does a breakfast bar and outdoor dining set. While the deep plunge pool ensures you can beat any country heat. FOOD AND DRINK As a delightful touch to start your trip, a basket of snacks, vino, chocolate and light breakfast supplies waits on the dining table for you. Then, in the kitchen, you've got all the essentials. An oven, gas stove and nice wide sink join all the usual suspects (fridge, microwave, toaster, pots and pans); and you've covered for both olive oil and salt and pepper. Caffeine a pre-requisite? You've got a dedicated coffee bench, you lucky thing. Espresso machine? Tick. Plunger? Tick. Percolator? Tick. You can even make your own drip coffee. There's freshly ground beans, milk — cow only, so BYOM(ilk) if you're an almond or oat drinker — plus a 12-strong selection of teas. If you don't want to cook, you can get catering from Lavender Hill Graze. There's breakfast boxes, barbecue and salad packs and grazing platters ideal for by the pool. You can even have a picnic basket (complete with bubbles and rug) delivered to your doorstep. THE LOCAL AREA The Blue Mountains is a classic choice for a Sydneysider's weekender. And it's with good reason. There are hikes up to world-class views and secluded waterholes, buzzy breweries and cosy restaurants — all surrounded by that fresh clean country air. Nearby your lodging are farmers markets (in Blackheath on the second Sunday of the month), Euro-inspired saunas and the option to explore the area atop a horse. And if you want to stay close, stroll to the staggering cactus plant or stick to the private Woodlands Walk for a top-notch spot to take in the sunset. Got a book? Head to the tree hammock and while away your time suspended among the trees. THE EXTRAS Beyond the fact that this spot is clearly a winner, the family-run stay boasts delightfully personal touches too. Take the props adorning the walls: hats fit for seasoned bushmen and a whip. You two holidaymakers can stage a shoot, ensuring you have more than happy memories when you leave. There's a set of vintage binoculars for spotting faraway critters and all the deets for you to organise an in-room spa treatment. You can even organise flowers on arrival, from the locally loved micro flower farm Floral by Nature. It's just about time you booked a stay, dear reader. Feeling inspired to book a truly unique getaway? Head to Concrete Playground Trips to explore a range of holidays curated by our editorial team. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips in destinations all over the world.
Located just outside the opal mining town of Lightning Ridge, these delightful baths are surrounded by remote bushland and are gloriously removed from all signs of civilisation — plus they're open 24 hours a day. You can soak in the hot waters at sunrise, sunset, or any other time your little heart desires. Night swims are particularly recommended as you can float in the 40-degree water while taking in the stunning expanse of the starry sky. A popular meeting place for Lightning Ridge residents, the baths are also a great place to get a feel for local life. Best of all? Entry is totally free. Top image: Destination NSW
What's huge, oval-shaped, usually confined to the realms of fiction, belongs to a creature that's played a key part in the biggest TV series of the past decade, and currently sitting in Melbourne this very instant? A dragon egg, of course. What can you mosey over to Federation Square to see for the next two days in all of its four-metre-tall glory? What's surrounded by dragon eyes and the flying, fire-breathing critters' silhouettes across buildings around the Victorian capital? That very egg — to the joy of wannabe Targaryens, naturally. Always felt like you belong in the Game of Thrones House with an affinity for scaly beasts? Keen to live out your George RR Martin fandom in any way you can? Need something to do before the Iron Throne visits Melbourne in September? Just so excited about GoT prequel House of the Dragon that you don't know how to cope until it starts airing on Monday, August 22?Here's your answer. If you live elsewhere in the country, though, you'll want to do one of two things: plan an impromptu trip this weekend, or get one of your mates to go along so you can live vicariously through their photos. Either way, the towering egg is only on display at Fed Square from 10am–7pm on Friday, August 19 and 8am–7pm on Saturday, August 20. And, as well as seeing it, taking snaps next to it and peering upwards to spy signs of dragons around Melbourne, you'll want to keep your ears pricked as well — there's a soundscape filled with the calls and noises of dragons echoing around the place, too. The reason for this ovoid pop-up? Promoting House of the Dragon, of course. The series is finally coming after years of speculation, development and announcements about various spinoffs are under consideration (including a Jon Snow-focused sequel) — and this egg is here to prove it. If you've somehow missed all the House of the Dragon news, the show is set 200 years before the events of GoT, and focuses on House Targaryen. Yes, that means that dragons are obviously part of the series — again, hence this giant egg. Also pivotal: a Succession-style battle over who should sit on the Iron Throne, because it wouldn't be a Game of Thrones prequel without it. Anyone in the vicinity of Fed Square can head over to see the egg for free, and get a taste of Australia's latest pop culture-themed installation — after a barber giving out The Gray Man-style goatees and moustaches also did the honours in Melbourne recently, and an Everything Everywhere All At Once-inspired multidimensional laundromat before that. Cinema Nova also decked itself out The French Dispatch-style last summer, while Sydney has seen the giant 'Red Light, Green Light' doll from Squid Game made an appearance by the harbour, and a Stranger Things rift open up on Bondi Beach. This isn't the dragon egg's first local stop, actually. It first arrived at Anglesea, on the beach, on Thursday, August 18 — which clearly would've made quite the sight. Then, it travelled along the Great Ocean Road to Melbourne, ready for two days of GoT devotees in Fed Square. Check out the full House of the Dragon trailer below: Find the House of the Dragon dragon egg at Federation Square, the corner of Swanston and Flinders streets, Melbourne, from 10am–7pm on Friday, August 19 and 8am–7pm on Saturday, August 20. House of the Dragon will start airing on Monday, August 22 Down Under via Foxtel and Binge. Images: Aaron Walker Photography.
On a chilly winter's day, it can be mighty tempting to just spend it wrapped up in blankets on the couch. But we've done enough of that recently. Instead, spend that free time exploring friendly pubs with crackling fireplaces, cosy cafes with comforting winter dishes, dramatic sunsets and brisk walks. When the time's right, wrap yourself in your warmest winter coat, crank up the car's heater and escape to the country. If you've only a day to spare, fret not. These ten pretty, winter-embracing towns are only a hop, skip and jump away. For hot mineral springs, top-notch restaurants and cool climate wines, head inland to the Southern Highlands or the Blue Mountains. Or, for whale watching and sparkling ocean vistas — without the hassle of summer crowds — make tracks to the coast. From pristine beaches and bountiful wine regions to alpine hideaways and bustling country towns, Australia has a wealth of places to explore at any time of year. We've partnered with Tourism Australia to help you plan your road trips, weekend detours and summer getaways so that when you're ready to hit the road you can Holiday Here This Year. While regional holidays within NSW will be allowed from June 1, some of the places mentioned below may still be closed due to COVID-19 restrictions. Please check websites before making any plans. [caption id="attachment_679241" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] BERRIMA, SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS Dotted with sandstone buildings and, some say, haunted by ghosts, this historical village lies a short drive from Sydney in the Southern Highlands. Start with a coffee and baked goodie at Gumnut Patisserie, before heading to Eschalot for hatted fare made with local produce from the onsite kitchen garden. Alternatively, you'll find hearty pub classics and two fireplaces at the Surveyor General Inn. Opened in 1834, it's the oldest continuously licensed pub in Australia. Also worth exploring are the Berrima River Walk (look out for platypuses), Harper's Mansion and Berrima's many independent shops. How far? A two-hour drive from Sydney [caption id="attachment_693681" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Peppers Cragieburn via Destination NSW[/caption] BOWRAL, SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS Another Southern Highlands settlement that isn't shy of winter is Bowral: a 13,000-person town on the Mittagong River that's surrounded by rolling farmland and wineries. On arriving, refuel with a coffee at Rush or Flour Water Salt, before strolling around town checking out Dirty Janes' epic collection of antiques and vintage clothing, as well as Browns Bookshop and the Bowral Art Gallery. Come lunchtime, settle in for a feast at The Mill. For an afternoon wine or coffee beside a roaring fireplace, check out Briars, Peppers Craigieburn or Bendooley (home to Berkelouw Books and a massive second-hand book collection). How far? A two-hour drive from Sydney MOUNT VICTORIA, BLUE MOUNTAINS Of the many indulgences that make winter worth enduring, a long soak in hot mineral springs is one of the best. You can do exactly that at the Japanese Bath House in South Bowenfels, a two-hour drive west of Sydney. Once you're completely relaxed, make tracks to Mount Victoria, which is about 15 minutes away. Here, you can catch a film at a 1930s cinema, while slurping up homemade soup (and homemade choc tops), before swinging by Mount Victoria Manor for a craft beer by the fire. This heritage-listed mansion was built in 1876 by John Fairfax, founder of the Sydney Morning Herald. If you're keen to hang around and catch a wintry sunset, drive to Sunset Rock Lookout, which you'll find at the end of Beaufort Avenue. How far? A two-hour drive from Sydney [caption id="attachment_679213" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Carrington[/caption] KATOOMBA, BLUE MOUNTAINS To experience a Blue Mountains winter without travelling as far as Mount Victoria, stop at Katoomba, which is 90 minutes' drive west of Sydney. Make your first destination Yellow Deli, where you can rest among handcrafted wooden furniture and an open fire. Just be aware that the cafe is run by a cult. If you'd prefer to avoid, grab a butterscotch latte and miso pumpkin toastie from Frankly My Dear. Next up, stretch those stiff legs with a bracing walk along the Prince Henry Cliff Walk, which journeys along cliff tops taking in incredible views for seven kilometres, before reaching Leura. The best spot in town for lunch is Leura Garage — its warming winter menu includes 12-hour braised lamb shoulder with pomegranate glaze, confit garlic and rosemary. Catch the train back to Katoomba for a fireside wine in The Carrington's grand 19th-century bar. How far? An hour-and-a-half drive from Sydney [caption id="attachment_664841" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Potager Mount Tomah[/caption] BILPIN, BLUE MOUNTAINS Located along the Bells Line of Road, which runs to the Blue Mountains from Sydney's northwest, this idyllic village is famous for its apple-growing powers. They're not the only fruit that flourishes here, however, and if you're keen to get all 'country' you can pick your own fruit at Bilpin Fruit Bowl. Alternatively, find out how local apples taste when transformed into cider at Hillbilly, then grab a burger for lunch from Maggie Lou's Bite. Another cosy spot, ten minutes' drive away in Kurrajong, is Lochiel House, which serves up Asian-influenced creations. Before returning to the big smoke, be sure to take a wintry stroll around Blue Mountains Botanic Garden and grab an apple-charged treat from The Potager Mount Tomah. How far? A two-hour drive from Sydney [caption id="attachment_679302" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mulla Villa[/caption] WOLLOMBI, HUNTER VALLEY This cute village, found two hours' drive north of Sydney, is the gateway to both the Hunter Valley and World Heritage-listed Yengo National Park. Begin your adventure with a comforting brekkie at Mulla Villa in the form of french toast with cinnamon sugar, whipped cream and berry coulis — then take a wander around Wollombi's historical buildings or get your bearings at Finchley Lookout, with 360-degree views over Yengo's rugged wilderness. Meanwhile, at the Wollombi Tavern, you'll find friendly folks and a fireplace. Just seven kilometres down the road is Laguna, where the Great Northern Trading Post serves up generous fare packed with local produce and hosts live gigs to spoken word performances and artisanal markets. How far? A two-hour drive from Sydney [caption id="attachment_769222" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] MORPETH, HUNTER VALLEY In the Hunter Valley's northeast corner is Morpeth, a picturesque 1500-person village on the banks of the Hunter River that's filled with 19th-century buildings. One of the tastiest, winter-friendly brekkies in town is at Common Grounds, where offerings include house-made spicy beans with black sesame crusted avocado. After that, take a relaxing walk along the river bank or check out Campbell's Store, home to 15 independent shops dedicated to various arts and crafts. Among the town's other warming experiences are the Australian Alpaca Barn and Mortels Sheepskin Factory, where you can learn all about the making of ugg boots. Finish up with a fireside brew at The Commercial or venture into the Hunter Valley for wine tasting galore. How far? A two-and-a-half-hour drive from Sydney [caption id="attachment_678638" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Settlers Arms Inn[/caption] ST ALBANS, HAWKESBURY Half the fun of day-tripping to St Albans is getting there. So don't rush. For the most part, you'll be travelling along the Old Northern Road, which leaves Sydney at Dural before making its way through rolling farmland and national parks. Next comes the cable ferry crossing at Wisemans Ferry, followed by the twists and turns of pretty Macdonald River. The main attraction at St Albans is the Settlers Arms Inn, a Georgian coaching inn — and pub — built by convicts and backdropped by mountains. While away the afternoon eating and drinking beside the open fireplace before gearing up for the drive home — or stay the night. How far? A two-and-a-half-hour drive from Sydney [caption id="attachment_679290" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] KIAMA, SOUTH COAST When cooler weather rolls around, beach-going folks swap swimming, surfing and sunbathing for the wonder of whale watching. From late-May to July and September to November, Australia's east coast hosts a continual spectacle of breaching, blowing humpbacks. For a day trip that involves splendid views of these magnificent creatures drive to Kiama, a 90-minute trek south of Sydney. The best vantage points are Blowhole Point, Bombo Headland and Marsden Headland. Should you work up an appetite, visit Flour Water Salt for coffee and freshly baked goods, Penny Whistlers for cafe fare with a coastal view or The Hungry Monkey for burgers. How far? An hour-and-a-half drive from Sydney PORT STEPHENS, NORTH COAST Another top-notch location for whale watching is Port Stephens, on the mid-north coast. You'll have to get up early for this one, though, as it's a 2.5-hour drive from Sydney. Warm up with a steep, 45-minute walk to the summit of Tomaree Head, where you'll be rewarded with sweeping views — and maybe spot a few whales. To see them close up, book an eco-tour with Imagine Cruises, whose trusty craft Envision holds just 22 people. Re-energise with a feast at one of Port Stephen's many cracking eateries, be it Little Beach Boathouse for premium seafood overlooking Nelson Bay, The Point Restaurant for Asian-inspired bites, or The Little Nel Cafe for its outstanding terrace that's perfect for soaking up winter sunshine. How far? A two-and-a-half-hour drive from Sydney Whether you're planning to travel for a couple of nights or a couple of weeks, Holiday Here This Year and you'll be supporting Australian businesses while you explore the best of our country's diverse landscapes and attractions. Top image: Leura Garage, Katoomba
Now is the time to start planning your big adventures for 2020. After all, you have early bird flight specials to nab, spare hours to spend browsing and plenty of time to give your boss leave notice — before everyone else does. To save you time, we've scoured the globe to find the best destinations of 2020. There's something for every adventurer on this list — whether you're looking to visit the most sustainable destination in the world or keen to try out a brand new, multi-country hiking trail. KOCHI, INDIA Kochi's claim to fame is its massive, beautiful estuary — perched on India's southwest coast on the Arabian Sea. Traders, fishers, sailors and merchants have been travelling here for more than 600 years. And, more recently, it's become a mecca for artists. Spend your holiday wandering among 16th-century Portuguese architecture, bohemian cafes and thousand-year-old mosques, including the oldest one in India. In 2020, the Kochi-Muziris Biennale will fill the city with art, including the likes of site-specific installations in heritage buildings, live performance in disused spaces and exhibitions in traditional galleries. For an extra local experience, consider booking a homestay. ARMENIA Keen hiker? Make Armenia your 2020 destination. The new Transcaucasian Trail, which travels through some of the most remote countryside in Armenia and Georgia, gives you 3000 kilometres to conquer. One of the best sections is the 80-kilometre walk through Dilijan National Park, a five-day adventure among tenth-century monasteries, magical villages and enchanting forests. There's also Lake Sevan, which, at 1900 metres above sea level, is one of the largest freshwater high-altitude lakes in the world. You can camp in the wild or book into local guesthouses. If you're looking for some company, book a spot on a guided group treks, run by the creators of the Transcaucasian Trail. ETHIOPIA In 2018, tourism in Ethiopia went through the roof, increasing by 48.6 percent in just 12 months. If you have your heart set on visiting, it could be a good idea to go soon — before it gets even busier. You'll most likely begin your journey in Addis Ababa, the capital, where you'll meet Lucy, a 3.2 million-year-old skeleton of a human ancestor, in the National Museum. Other sights to add to your itinerary include the castles of Gondar, the World Heritage-listed ruins of ancient Aksum, the medieval stone churches of Lalibela and the Menz-Guassa Conservation Area, a community-managed wilderness that's home to Ethiopian wolves, geladas (baboons) and bearded vultures. TOKYO, JAPAN If Tokyo is on your bucket list, this could be the year to tick it off. The city's gearing up to host the 2020 Summer Olympics and Paralympics — from July 24–August 9 and August 25–September 9, respectively — so it's be even more dazzling than usual. Get started with the newest developments, including Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa, where the underwater world meets immersive digital art; Shibuya Scramble Square, a 230-metre tower with views all the way to Mount Fuji; and the Kengo Kuma-designed Meiji Jingu Museum, where history blends with nature. You'll need to relax in between sights, so be sure to take five in an ashiyu (footbath) cafe, dine in a Buddhist temple and sample some quality drops in Tokyo's many wineries. Travelling on a budget? Check out our shoestring guide to Tokyo over here. GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN For followers of 16-year-old climate change activist Greta Thunberg, Gothenburg should be on the bucket list. Located on Sweden's west coast, half way between Oslo, Norway, and Copenhagen, Denmark, it's the most sustainable destination in the world, according to the Global Destination Sustainability Index. Among its eco-friendly delights are a public sauna made out of 12,000 recycled bottles, a theme park powered entirely by wind, ethical cafes galore, 274 square metres of green space per resident and a 1200-room hotel with more than 150,000 bees living on its rooftop. GALWAY, IRELAND Galway is always one big music festival — 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. And, this year, things will go next level, as the city embraces its status as a 2020 European Capital of Culture. The action will begin on Saturday, February 8, with an epic opening party in Galway Square, which will unleash a four-part year-long programme, inspired by the seasons. Prepare for touring theatre, lively concerts in the city's surrounding villages, audio installations, poetry readings on beaches, floating light shows and loads more. Check out the full programme over here. PAPUA NEW GUINEA If you're not into crowds, Papua New Guinea might the place to go. Its tourism density is just 2.75 percent, according to Intrepid Travel's 2019 Tourism Density Index. This means that, for every 100 residents, just three tourists visit per year. And yet PNG is just four hours' flight from Sydney. Begin with a deep dive into culture and history at the National Museum and Art Gallery in Port Moresby, before checking out the white-sanded beaches of Yuo Island, the cassowaries and endangered Matschie's tree kangaroos in Lae's Rainforest Habitat and the brightly coloured haus tambarans of Maprik. Getting around Papua New Guinea isn't always easy or safe, so be sure to plan before you go. NEW YORK STATE New York City is worth a visit anytime. But there's a compelling new reason to explore the rest of New York State: The Empire State Trail. Due to be finished by the end of 2020, this mammoth achievement is a 750-mile (1200-kilometre) path that travels from Manhattan to Lake Champlain on the Canadian border, as well as from Buffalo, the second biggest city in New York State, to Albany. You'll be able to walk or cycle every section — and link to several famous trails and areas along the way, like the Appalachian Trail, Catskill Park and the Great Lakes Seaway Trail. AMAZON RAINFOREST During the past decade, a whopping 62,000 square kilometres of the Amazon Rainforest has been deforested — mainly due to beef farming, logging and palm oil production. That's equal to 8.4 million soccer fields. The good news is that, according to the World Wildlife Fund, one way to help the Amazon is ecotourism, which provides income to local communities, while sustaining the environment. Consider a stay on the floating Amazon Eco Lodge, a trip with a responsible operator like Gondwana Ecotours or supporting the work of the Amazon Conservation Association. RWANDA Rwanda's Akagera National Park is a environmental success story. Nearly destroyed by war and hunters, it's now a thriving wilderness, where lions, warthogs, impala, hipos and zebra roam — thanks to a decade-long conservation program. It's reason enough to visit Rwanda in 2020, but, while you're there, you should also check out the mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park and the pretty beaches of Lake Kivu. For a spot of city life, head to Huye, where you'll find the rich collections of the Ethnographic Museum, the National University of Rwanda and, most importantly on steaming hot days, Inzozi Nziza ice cream shop, run by an all-female collective.
Following the success of last year's stints at Bar Brosé and The Gretz, Adam Wolfers and Marc Dempsey are back with the next instalment of their pop-up restaurant Ételek. Wolfers, who is known for his work at establishments such as Monopole and Yellow, and Dempsey, a sommelier and front-of-house powerhouse who is currently manager at Cornersmith Marrickville, will come together to showcase a blend of Hungarian, Middle Eastern, and North African cuisines. The duo will takeover the site of the now-closed Antipodean restaurant in Potts Point from July 25 to October 13. Drawing on inspiration from his own Eastern European heritage – Ételek means 'food' in Hungarian — Wolfers will bring back pop-up signatures like his meat-free parsnip schnitzel and lángos (Hungarian fried bread) and will introduce newbies like nokedli (Hungarian dumplings) with sea urchin and walnut. Wolfers also plans on returning to his Yellow roots by featuring vegetable-focused dishes that showcase "ingredients through contemporary interpretations of the dishes [he] was raised on". While Wolfers masters the food, Dempsey will provide a fitting drinks menu. The wine list is set to focus on small "producers with heart" that work with ethical practices. "There will be wine for all palates and budgets,' Dempsey assures. While the three-month pop-up won't last nearly as long as we'd like, Wolfers hopes to create the feeling of a permanent fixture with "a regularly changing menu allowing for multiple visits". Keep an eye out for one-off New York-style Sunday brunch sessions, which will feature house-made lox and bagels. Ételek will pop-up at 5–9 Roslyn Street, Potts Point from July 25 to October 13.
Before the pandemic, when a new-release movie started playing in cinemas, audiences couldn't watch it on streaming, video on demand, DVD or blu-ray for a few months. But with the past few years forcing film industry to make quite a few changes — widespread movie theatre closures will do that, and so will plenty of people staying home because they aren't well — that's no longer always the case. Maybe you haven't had time to make it to your local cinema lately. Perhaps you've been under the weather. Given the hefty amount of titles now releasing each week, maybe you simply missed something. Film distributors have been fast-tracking some of their new releases from cinemas to streaming recently — movies that might still be playing in theatres in some parts of the country, too. In preparation for your next couch session, here are nine that you can watch right now at home. Longlegs Faces carve deep impressions in Longlegs, in both their presence and their absence. As Agent Lee Harker, Maika Monroe (God Is a Bullet) does so with a clenched jaw, permanently on-edge eyes and mere bursts of words, aka the guise of a woman who'll never stop being vigilant in every moment but doesn't always know exactly why. As the movie's namesake, as announced in the opening credits, Nicolas Cage (Dream Scenario) has audiences straining to catch whatever glimpse they can whenever they can — and when a full look comes, it's scorching and haunting in tandem in the stare alone. Blair Underwood (Origin) gives Harker's boss Carter a weary gaze, but with fully rounded life experience beyond his FBI gig evident behind it. Alicia Witt (Switch Up) plays Ruth Harker, mother to Lee, as distance and struggle personified. As she relays a tale as survivor Carrie Anne Camera, Kiernan Shipka (Twisters) demonstrates how disconnected a grim reality can be from a dream. For his fourth feature following 2015's The Blackcoat's Daughter, 2016's I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House and 2020's Gretel & Hansel — the first of which also starred Shipka — writer/director Osgood Perkins has clearly assembled an excellent cast for his unease-dripping, get-under-your-skin, torment-your-nightmares serial-killer thriller. Another face leaves an imprint beyond his actors, however. Bill Clinton's portrait assists with setting the scene as it adorns bureau offices, with the majority of the movie taking place in the 90s. Think the FBI and three decades back, and there's no lack of pop-culture touchstones. The Silence of the Lambs is one. Monroe's portrayal as a newly minted operative tracking a murderer is every bit as layered, complex and unforgettable — and awards-worthy — as Jodie Foster's (True Detective: Night Country) Oscar-winning performance was. Longlegs streams via Prime Video. Read our full review, and our interview with Maika Monroe and Osgood Perkins. MaXXXine As played as an unrelenting force by Mia Goth (Infinity Pool), even when slasher killers have other plans, Maxine Minx was always going to go big and never go home. To wrap up the horror trilogy with the ambitious actor at its centre (when Goth hasn't also been playing Pearl, its other protagonist, as both an elderly and a younger woman), MaXXXine shoots for the stars as well, including in shifting to new surroundings. Gone is the New Zealand-standing-in-for-Texas production base of X and its prequel Pearl. Absent is the claustrophobic feel of mainly making one spot the franchise's location, whether it was taking place in the 70s in its first entry or in the 1910s in its second. This Los Angeles-set leap to 1985 sparkles with the same scorching drive and determination as its titular figure — and Minx, Goth, writer/director Ti West (Them) and MaXXXine alike won't accept a life, or a swansong instalment in one of the best sagas in the genre in the 2020s, that they do not deserve. From its debut with 2022's X, which turned a porn shoot in a remote farmhouse into a bloody stalking ground, West's big-screen series has always understood that sex and violence so often intersect in the arena that it's paying tribute to: moving pictures. X, Pearl and now MaXXXine also see how censors and the pearl-clutching equate one with the other. Equally, these pictures glean how a woman with a libidinous appetite — or simply the craving to succeed and the unwillingness to settle — can be deemed a larger threat to morality than a murderer. They also spy what a battle it too frequently is for women to chart their own path free of society's expectations, no matter their aspirations. West not only continues splattering these ideas through the Elizabeth Debicki (The Crown)- and Kevin Bacon (Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F)-co-starring MaXXXine, but layering them, plus stacking his latest unpackings of them with X and Pearl. The true target in his current sights, however: what it just might cost to make it in a realm as ruthless and ravenous as stardom. MaXXXine streams via YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review, and our interview with Elizabeth Debicki and Kevin Bacon. The Bikeriders Can a dream ever exist for more than a fleeting moment? That isn't just a question for oneirology, the field of psychology focused on studying the involuntary visions of our slumbers, but also applies whenever tales of motorcycle clubs rev across the screen. Stories of hitting the open road on two wheels, finding camaraderie and community in a group of likeminded outsiders, and perhaps discovering a purpose along the way are stories of chasing dreams — of freedom, of belonging, of mattering, of meaning in a world seemingly so devoid of it if you don't fit in the traditional sense. So it was in TV series Sons of Anarchy and in Australian film 1%, two titles set within the roar and rush of biker gangs in recent years. So it was in The Wild One, 1953's Marlon Brando-starring classic that immortalised the query "what are you rebelling against?" and the reply "whaddaya got?". Now, so it equally proves in The Bikeriders, about a 60s and 70s leather- and denim-wearing, motorbike-riding crew formed after infatuation got motors runnin' when founder Johnny (Tom Hardy, Venom: Let There Be Carnage) saw The Wild One on TV. A family man, Johnny has a dream for the Vandals MC out of America's midwest — and so does Benny (Austin Butler, Dune: Part Two), the closest thing that the club has to a spirit animal. The latter is introduced alone at a bar wearing his colours, refusing to take them off even when violence springs at the hands of unwelcoming patrons. He won't be tamed, the sixth feature from writer/director Jeff Nichols after Shotgun Stories, Take Shelter, Mud, Midnight Special and Loving establishes early. He won't be anyone but his smouldering, swaggering, rebel-without-a-cause self, either. Courtesy of the Vandals, he not only has the space to stand firm, but the assurance. He's a lone wolf-type, but knows that he has the devoted backing of the pack anyway. Johnny has fashioned the gang as a tribe and a place to call home for those who can't locate it elsewhere, and is open about how his fellow bikers need Benny — and how he does as well — to look up to. The Bikeriders streams via YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review, and our interview with Austin Butler. Twisters A cinema plays a key part in Twisters. Frankenstein flickers across its screen, but mother nature proves not only more of a monster, but also an audience member worse than folks who can't manage to spend two hours in a darkened room without their phones. There's a knowing air to featuring a picture palace in this disaster-flick sequel from Minari director Lee Isaac Chung and The Boys in the Boat screenwriter Mark L Smith, reminding viewers how deeply this genre and this format are linked. Almost three decades ago, as co-penned by Michael Crichton fresh off Jurassic Park's mammoth success, 1996's Twister packed movie theatres worldwide to the tune of nearly half-a-billion dollars, doing so with a spectacle. No matter if its sequel reaches the same heights at the box office globally, it too delivers better-on-the-big-screen sights, chief among them Chung and cinematographer Dan Mindel's (Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker) naturalistic imagery. For those unaware going in that the filmmaker behind six-time Oscar contender Minari — a helmer who received a Best Director Academy Award nomination for his gorgeous and heartfelt work, in fact — is also steering Twisters, it isn't hard to guess from its look, including in its opening moments alone. The movie begins with storm chasers doing what they enthusiastically do. It also kicks off with a horror turn of events thanks to a tornado that exceeds their expectations, and with the crew's survivors afterwards struggling with trauma that'll later drive them forward. In these scenes and beyond, this isn't a picture of visual gloss and sheen, as witnessed right down to its lighting. Twisters remains polished, of course. It also can't tell its tale without CGI. But a choice as pivotal as valuing a genuine aesthetic tone over a gleaming one has a massive impact. Twisters streams via YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review, and our interview with Daisy Edgar-Jones, Glen Powell, Anthony Ramos and Lee Isaac Chung. Inside Out 2 They're basic: joy, sadness, fear, disgust and anger, that is, the five emotions that swirled inside human heads in Pixar's 2015 hit Inside Out. In nine-years-later follow-up Inside Out 2, that quintet of feelings isn't enough to cope with being a teenager, which is where anxiety, envy, ennui and embarrassment come in. The newcomers arrive with the onset of puberty, literally overnight. They have no time for simple happiness; they've levelled up some of the emotions adjacent to sorrow, fright, dismay and fury, too. Although its now 13-year-old protagonist Riley Andersen (Kensington Tallman, Summer Camp) isn't actively choosing how to manage her feelings because her feelings themselves are doing that for her, Inside Out was always an all-ages ode to mindfulness, as is its sequel — and discovering how to accept and acknowledge apprehension, unease and nerves is here, like in life, a complicated balancing act. In the Inside Out world, feelings are characters, led in Riley's noggin by the radiant Joy — who, with Amy Poehler (Moxie) shining with Leslie Knope-esque positivity in the voice-acting part, is one of Pixar's best-ever cast figures. In an ideal inner world, they all get along. But workplace comedy-style, getting viewers thinking about Parks and Recreation again, that's never the case. Joy, Sadness (Phyllis Smith, Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar), Fear (Tony Hale, Quiz Lady), Disgust (Liza Lapira, The Equalizer) and Anger (Lewis Black, The Last Laugh) have their routine down pat when Inside Out 2 kicks off. They can handle everything from high-stakes hockey games, complete with a stint in the sin bin, through to learning that Riley's best friends Grace (Grace Lu, Fight Krewe) and Bree (debutant Sumayyah Nuriddin-Green) will be going to a different high school. Then their status quo is upended by the Inside Out equivalent of new colleagues storming in. Inside Out 2 streams via YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review. A Quiet Place: Day One There seems little that could be utopian about an alien invasion film where people are picked off by hulking, spider-limbed, lightning-fast, armour-clad creatures who punish every sound with almost-instant death, but prequel A Quiet Place: Day One makes the opening status quo of horror franchise-starter A Quiet Place look positively idyllic. If you're forced to try to survive an extra-terrestrial attack, where better to be than at your well-appointed farmland home with your family, as the John Krasinski (IF)-helmed and -starring 2018 feature depicted? Most folks, including the third movie in the saga's protagonist Samira (Lupita Nyong'o, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever), a terminal cancer patient with just a service cat called Frodo left as kin, can only dream of being that lucky — not that there's much time for fantasising about a better way to be conquered by otherworldly monsters when what looks like meteors start crashing down to earth. Samira is in hospice care as the A Quiet Place big-screen series, which also spans 2021 release A Quiet Place Part II, steps back to the moment that its apocalyptic scenario begins in New York. She hugs her black-and-white feline companion like letting go would untether her from life even before existence as the planet knows it changes forever — when she's sharing surly poems among other patients, being convinced to attend a group excursion to see a marionette show and, when the promise of pizza on the way home is nixed, telling kindly nurse Reuben (Alex Wolff, Oppenheimer) that he's not actually her friend. Written and directed by Pig filmmaker Michael Sarnoski, A Quiet Place: Day One explores the ground-zero experience for someone who feels so alone in this world and connected only to her devoted pet, and also answers a question: how do those on more than two feet react when the worst that humans can imagine occurs? A Quiet Place: Day One streams via YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review. In a Violent Nature Again and again, fans of slasher films have seen the one about the unhinged murderer butchering teen victims. They've seen more than one, in fact. It's a horror convention: take a bunch of young adults, then dispense with them person by person as a killer works through childhood trauma. Penning and helming his first feature — his short Z Is for Zygote was included in The ABCs of Death 2, and he did special effects work on Psycho Goreman, too — writer/director Chris Nash knows the basics of his chosen genre as much as any other diehard viewer. He's just as aware of the great, and greatly influential, flicks gone by such as Halloween and Friday the 13th. He's well-versed in their tropes in storytelling and in form alike. Making his full-length debut with a picture called In a Violent Nature, he's also clued up on what happens when someone sinister gets a-stalking in scenic surroundings. Plot-wise, Nash isn't trying to break the mould with his account of Johnny (Ry Barrett, Massacre at Femur Creek) and the folks who are unlucky enough to fall across his path. But the filmmaker asks a question: what if a rampaging slaughterer's terrors came not with a score heralding their every menacing move (even when those tunes can become iconic, as John Carpenter's Halloween music has), but with the ordinary silence of everyday life in nature punctuated only by noises just as commonplace, and then by the sounds of a killer at their insidious worst? In its imagery, In a Violent Nature adds another query: what if the audience wasn't biding its time with those likely to perish, tension dripping from not knowing when and where the murderer would strike, but was stuck at the side of the force causing such gruesome mayhem as the inevitable approaches? There's seldom any escape from a slasher; however, Nash finds a new way to take that idea literally. In a Violent Nature streams via YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review. The Promised Land The transfixing terrain of Mads Mikkelsen's face has been cast against formidably frosty and inhospitable climes before, weathering mirroring weathering. Sporting a piercing and determined glint in his eye, the Danish acting great has previously surveyed the Scandinavian landscape, too, seeing possibility where others spot peril. It was true in Arctic, in Valhalla Rising and now in The Promised Land: there's no stare as mesmerisingly resolute as his. When Ludvig Kahlen, Mikkelsen's latest character, insists that he can do what no one else has done — to begin with: settling the heath on the heather-covered Jutland moorland and building a colony for the king, a feat considered virtually impossible in the mid-18th century — doubting him isn't a possibility for anyone in the movie's audience. The BAFTA-nominated Another Round star has danced in historical drama territory for his countryman director Nikolaj Arcel in the past as well, with the pair reteaming after 2012's Oscar-nominated A Royal Affair. A different king sits on the throne in this film, Frederick V instead of Christian VII; however, the regal shadow remains inescapable. This time, Mikkelsen and Arcel tell not of a doctor influencing a monarch and a country, but of a soldier aligning his quest for a better future with a sovereign's wish, and learning what it means to chase a dream only to realise that you need something less tangible. Kahlen's attempt to farm land considered barren is equally a battle against entitlement and arrogance thanks to his clash with Frederik de Schinkel (Simon Bennebjerg, Borgen), a cruel local magistrate who contends that the king's land is his own — and feels far enough away from Copenhagen for there not to be any consequences for his claim. The Promised Land streams via YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review. The Taste of Things Cooking is an act of precision. It's also one of feeling. On the movie that nabbed him the Best Director award at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, Trần Anh Hùng (Éternité, Norwegian Wood) helms with the same care, spirit and emotion that his characters display in the kitchen. The Taste of Things' audience has a front-row seat to both, as this 1885-set French picture begins with dishes upon dishes being whipped up and the feature's gaze, via cinematographer Jonathan Ricquebourg (Final Cut), lenses their creation intimately and sumptuously. The film's extraordinary opening 30 minutes-plus, as the camera is trained on the stove and counter with slight detours around the room to collect or wash ingredients, is meticulously crafted and at the same time instinctual. Think: the sensations of observing the finest of fine-dining chefs and being a child watching your grandmother make culinary magic, as nearly every kid has, all rolled into one appetising introductory sequence. In the home of gourmand Dodin Bouffant (Benoît Magimel, The King of Algiers), and in its heart, his personal chef Eugénie (Juliette Binoche, The New Look) is so skilled and fastidious that she'd do small-screen hit The Bear proud; she's clearly a conjurer of the culinary arts, too. Hùng and Ricquebourg — the latter a well-deserving Lumiere Award-winner for his efforts here — are methodical with the choreography of setting the scene, while equally deeply immersed in the flow of the kitchen's tasks. As soundtracked by chirping birds, if this was The Taste of Things for 135 minutes and not just half an hour-ish, it'd remain a mesmerising movie. (A word of warning: eat before viewing, lest hunger pangs not just simmer but boil over.) Adapting 1924 novel The Passionate Epicure: La Vie et la Passion de Dodin-Bouffant, Gourmet by epicure Marcel Rouff as he scripts and directs, Hùng does more than fashion among the most-handsomely staged and shot imagery of a meal coming to life, but his approach to this entrée establishes the flavour. The Taste of Things streams via YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review. Looking for more viewing options? Take a look at our monthly streaming recommendations across new straight-to-digital films and TV shows — and fast-tracked highlights from January, February, March, April, May, June and July 2024 (and also January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December 2023, too). We keep a running list of must-stream TV from across 2024 as well, complete with full reviews. And, we've also rounded up 2024's 15 best films, 15 best new TV shows, 15 best returning TV shows and 15 best straight-to-streaming movies from the first half of the year. Also, here's 2023's 15 best films, 15 best straight-to-streaming movies, 15 top flicks hardly anyone saw, 30 other films to catch up with, 15 best new TV series of 2023, another 15 excellent new TV shows that you might've missed and 15 best returning shows as well.
If you want or need anything even vaguely connected to tea, there's a pretty strong chance this place will have it. From tea leaves and tea cups to strainers and vintage-style tea storage tins, it's all here. After starting as a small shop in Paddington in Sydney's east over 20 years ago, The Tea Centre brand has grown to have 12 stores across Australia's eastern states, however staff here have remained attentive, knowledgeable and super friendly. All tea is ethically sourced and, once you've found the blend you like, their online store is a dream to use to buy more from the comfort of home.
If you're on the hunt for a spot to watch the big game among other fans with the commentary coming through loud and clear, Sydney's got some top spots (see: our list of the best pubs and bars to watch sport). But the new pint-sized Inner West bar The Magpie has just thrown its hat in the ring, pairing viewings of The Matildas, The Eels, The Swans and the UFC with a retro fit-out and a crowd-pleasing roster of beers. Sporting a name that acts as both a piece of the Australiana tinge that permeates through the bar and a nod to the Western Suburbs Magpies rugby league team, The Magpie comes to Enmore from the team behind Earl's Juke Joint and Jacoby Tiki Bar. It's opened right next to The Trocadero Room, the intimate new 150-person live music venue that arrived late last year from the same team. Together, the two venues have taken over the space formerly occupied by HiWay Enmore, bolstering the bustling road's sizeable roster of small bars. The Magpie is designed to be a "local's local" — a place where you to drop in for a quick catch-up over a beer or a reliable spot that you know will be playing your favourite footy team's clash with their cross-town rivals. When there's no sport to be shown, you'll find a roster of classic films playing on the mounted televisions. The team has curated a slate of flicks that will transport you back to the days of walking through the aisles at your local Video Ezy (RIP). On tap, you'll find a few of your favourite Inner West breweries pouring, including a special Magpie Old brew that Grifter has whipped up, plus Guinness for good measure. Part sports bar, part small bar with a pub-like feel, The Magpie has opened its doors just in time for both the NRL and AFL seasons, as well as the upcoming Paris Olympics, set to kick off in July. Next door, The Trocadero Room offers a new stage where bands can cut their teeth and artistic communities can come together — plus a fun throwback drinks list featuring cosmos, Midori illusions and spicy margs. Since opening in November, it's already hosted Sydney favourites like Straight Arrows, exciting new up-and-comers like DoloRRes, and every kind of gig imaginable, from comedy nights and evenings dedicated to reggae, to scuzzy punk lineups and all sorts of dance parties. Both The Trocadero Room and The Magpie are located at 156 Enmore Road, Enmore. Head over to Instagram to find this week's gigs and which matches you can catch.
Pastry fans of Sydney, it's time to get excited — because Lune Croissanterie looks set to launch its first-ever Sydney shopfront sometime in 2023. It's been a big decade for the brand, after starting a tiny store in the Melbourne suburb of Elwood in 2012. Since then, Lune has grown into a converted warehouse space in Fitzroy (with perpetual lines out the front), opened a second store in the CBD, then launched in Brisbane in 2021. And, amid all that, it was even dubbed "the finest you will find anywhere in the world" by The New York Times. If this sounds familiar, that's because Founder Kate Reid — who co-owns Lune with her brother Cameron and restaurateur Nathan Toleman (Dessous, Hazel, Common Ground Project) — confirmed that the Lune crew was looking for a space to expand their empire to in Sydney back in early 2020. And yes, that venue is set to be home to a permanent store. The Reid siblings also posted a cryptic photo on Instagram, showing what could quite possibly be the future home of Lune Sydney. Obviously, a lot has happened in the world since February 2020; however, Lune is now advertising for a Front of House Manager for its upcoming Sydney spot. The job ad notes that the shop will open in 2023, and that the candidate will hone their skills at either a Melbourne store or the Brisbane outpost until then. (Side note: if this sounds like your dream job and you fit the prerequisites, go forth, apply and get ready to live a croissant-filled life.) Why is this such a huge deal? If you're asking that, you clearly haven't tried a Lune pastry. An ex-Formula 1 aerodynamicist, Reid brings scientific precision to her craft, including the climate-controlled glass cube that Lune croissants are made and baked in, and the time-consuming process used to perfect each flaky pastry. Lune's first-ever New South Wales store will become the chain's Sydney flagship — obviously with a menu of Lune Croissanterie favourites. If it's like the brand's other locations, coffee will be on offer as well, and Sydneysiders can look forward to a range of specials that'll rotate monthly. Our mouths and stomachs are ready for twice-baked croissant aux amandes (stuffed with almond frangipane and generously topped with flaked almonds) and the Ferrero cruffin: a muffin-croissant hybrid filled with hazelnut and chocolate custard, dipped in chocolate ganache and sprinkled with roasted hazelnuts. Oh, and Lune's perfectly flaky traditional croissant, of course. Lune Croissanterie's flagship Sydney store looks set to open its doors sometime in 2023. We'll let you know when an exact date and location is announced. Images: Marcie Raw.
When New Farm Cinemas, The Elizabeth Picture Theatre, Red Hill Cinemas, Dendy Coorparoo, Reading Newmarket and Reading Jindalee all opened their doors in Brisbane within a few of years, it was a movie buff's dream. If you love heading to the flicks, you can never have too many places to get your big-screen fix. Those sites, and the River City's other places to catch a film, are about to get company, however — and an Australian-premiere experience. Whether Angelika Film Centre will host any Australian premieres is yet to be revealed, but opening in Brisbane in mid-2023 marks the first Aussie site — and the first outside of the US — for the brand. If you're not familiar with the name, it started in Soho in New York City in September 1989, and has grown to nine American locations since. Next stop for its projectors: the Sunshine State's film-loving capital. Reading Cinemas Group is behind the fresh addition to Brisbane's cinema scene, which has been in the works since 2017, but now sports the Angelika ties. It will make its home across two storeys at Woolloongabba's South/City/SQ. Filmgoers can look forward to an eight-screen, 400-seat cinema complex, which will span 2500 square metres. For those pre-movie drinks — or post-picture chats — Angelika Film Centre will also feature an elevated alfresco bar area, as inspired by the chain's OG Big Apple site, with views over the precinct. Film-wise, the venue will screen arthouse, independent and international films, plus releases from major Hollywood studios — but more specialised movies rather than big guaranteed blockbusters. Think: newly minted Oscar-winner Everything Everywhere All At Once if the cinema had been open in 2022, for instance. Snacks-wise, as well as cocktails from the bar, the Angelika will serve up popcorn and boast a lolly station. Fancy something a bit more substantial during your movie? There'll also be a luxe in-theatre service that'll include light food and drink options brought to you as whatever you're watching plays. "We are very excited to launch our first International Angelika Film Centre location in the heart of the amazing South/City/SQ precinct," said Mark Douglas, Managing Director of the Reading Cinemas Group for Australia and New Zealand. "The Angelika at South/City/SQ will deliver a diverse slate of films, in a world-class cinema environment. With plush recliner seats in every screen, the very latest in digital projection and sound, along with our fantastic Highline Terrace Bar and Soho Lounge auditoriums, Woolloongabba is set to be the place to see a movie in Brisbane." South/City/SQ — or South City Square, if you prefer — just keeps expanding, filling over 12,000 square metres of retail, lifestyle, wellness and hospitality space (which sits alongside 5000 square metres of green space, too). Already, the precinct includes Italian bar and eatery Sasso, Chinese Peruvian joint Casa Chow, Palm Springs-inspired gin-pouring garden bar Purple Palm, and European-influenced wine bar and wine shop South City Wine. And, it's set to welcome two-level brewpub The Wright House , which also features a with a Mad Men-inspired chophouse, in September. [caption id="attachment_893537" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Markus Ravik[/caption] Angelika Film Centre will open at South/City/SQ, 148 Logan Road, Woolloongabba, sometime in mid-2023 — we'll update you with an exact launch date when one is announced.
Market City's newly minted 1909 Dining Precinct has a fiery side: an upscale Korean BBQ offering named Kogi. Joining a fast-growing contingent of eateries in the modern third-floor food court — one that already houses the noodle house from Mr Meng of If You Are The One and Japan's famed Yayoi — the 80-seat restaurant is plating up a contemporary Korean nosh punctuated by top quality local produce. Seoul-trained chef Hang Jun Chung has designed a menu of raw, fresh and marinated proteins and vegetables, headlined by 15 primo cuts of pork and wagyu beef. This one's a hands-on food experience, with diners invited to cook directly over charcoal — right there at the table. Expect to find yourself salivating over the likes of marinated beef spare ribs (galbi) while it cooks on the grill alongside authentic side dishes. The $75 pork platter for three is good value, as is the $10 lunch box. Bibimbap and fried chicken find their way onto the menu, too. With General Manager David Bae's father credited with opening Australia's first Korean barbecue restaurant in 1992, it's safe to say Kogi's got sturdy roots in the cuisine.
What do you get when you cross gin with Illawarra Steelers great Michael Bolt? Juniper. The moniker is of course a nod to the berry that makes the spirit what it is. Tucked away on Keira Street, Juniper is not Bolt's first foray into hospitality — he's got a small swag of venues under his old footy shorts. Australian labels are celebrated here, including local heroes South Coast Distillery. Purists can choose from a generous selection of gins, with staff more than happy to talk through the merits of a particular label. Gin also plays a starring role in the signature cocktails, like the Manly Margarita, made with Manly Spirits gin, chilli salt and jalapeño. There are bar snacks available. Or, if you've worked up an appetite, the bar is happy for you to order in from a selection of local restaurants. Images: Jasmine Low
There are many activities you can do in a two-hour time slot. You could watch all six episodes of the ABC's satirical beauty blog Sarah's Channel, cook 60 packets of 2 Minute Noodles or listen to Pink Floyd's 'Shine On You Crazy Diamond' 4.6 times. But we think the tastiest way to pass 120 minutes is to spend it eating endless plates of tacos. And that's exactly what you can do each Sunday in January, when El Camino Cantina dishes out two hours of unlimited tacos for just $19 a pop. Rock up to any of its four Sydney venues — in Manly, Miranda, Entertainment Quarter and The Rocks — between 3pm and 6pm, and you'll be able to dig into a bottomless feast of everyone's favourite Mexican dish. To redeem the offer, you will need to purchase a drink of sorts. Watermelon margs will be $7.50 — but you can get a glass of sangria, a Dos Equis or, really, anything else on the extensive drinks menus. [caption id="attachment_745997" align="alignnone" width="1920"] El Camino Cantina EQ[/caption] If you're getting a crew together, you might want to book in advance. You can lock down a table here.
Cooking and entertaining at home has hit peak popularity during the pandemic, and many Sydney venues have been forced to adapt. But the clever folks behind CBD pasta bar Ragazzi — namely Matthew Swieboda, Nathanial Hatwell (Love, Tilly Devine, Dear Sainte Éloise) and Scott McComas-Williams — are taking this shift in stride. Following the success of Ragazzi's lockdown pasta kits, the team has launched Fabbrica Pasta Shop in the CBD. The retail space sells fresh pasta by the gram, sauces and smallgoods to help Sydneysiders create the perfect Italian feast at home. Through a big glass window, you can watch the staff making pasta of all shapes and sizes, including rigatoni, egg farfalle, semolina pici (thick hand-rolled spaghetti) and gluten free varieties. Add on a sauce or two and you'll be able to whip up Ragazzi fan-favourites at home — such as spaghetti cacio e pepe and duck ragu over rye casarecce (short twisted pasta) — along with your own creations. Other Italian items are also for sale, including a range of imported cheeses, house-cured meats, sausages, olive oil and flours. Plus tinned tomatoes, Cantabrian anchovies and fresh produce like biodynamic eggs and organic garlic. Alongside the pasta, breads are made in-house and paired with compound butter. To complete your meal at home, bottles of mostly minimal-intervention Italian drops are on offer — big bottles, too. If your home bar is missing a jeroboam (five litres) of orange wine from Campania or a giant bottle of Campari, Fabbrica is the place to visit. [caption id="attachment_786984" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nikki To[/caption] There is also a dine-in aspect to the space, with four outdoor high tables designed for snacking while you wait for your takeaway order. For this purpose, there is a daily sandwich (prosciutto and Holy Goat La Luna cheese, perhaps) and baked pasta option (maybe beef cheek and cavalo nero lasagne), plus arancini ($4 each), chicken liver parfait ($8), charcuterie and cheese, plus wines by the glass, coffee and a couple of classic Italian cocktails. The space will also host regular pasta making, wine tasting and baking classes. You'll also start seeing Fabbrica products in other delis, butchers, grocers and markets around Australia, with Cameron Birt (Fino Foods) running the wholesale arm of the business. And the entire venue will be available for private bookings if you really want to treat your nearest and dearest.
UPDATE, October 17, 2022: Ticket pre-sales for Beauty and the Beast: The Musical's Australian-premiere season at Sydney's Capitol Theatre will start at 9am AEDT on Monday, October 31, for folks who sign up to the production's waitlist by 12pm AEDT on Thursday, October 27. General ticket sales will start at 9am AEDT on Thursday, November 3. When June 2023 arrives at Sydney's Capitol Theatre, expect three words to echo with enthusiasm: "be our guest". The Harbour City venue will be home to quite the coup, courtesy of the Australian premiere season of Disney's Beauty and the Beast musical, which is heading Down Under as a newly reimagined and redesigned production. Exact dates haven't yet been announced, but the huge show will bring a tale as old as time to Australia to liven up winter — and marks the latest in a growing line of Disney hits to come our way. Frozen the Musical has done the rounds over the past few years, while the musical version of Mary Poppins has also started floating around the nation. This new Beauty and the Beast first made its way to the stage in the UK in 2021, and reworks the original show that premiered in the US in the 90s — adapting Disney's hit 1991 animated movie musical, of course. Fans can expect the same Oscar-winning and Tony-nominated score courtesy of composer Alan Menken and lyricist Tim Rice, including all the beloved tunes such as 'Be Our Guest' and 'Beauty and the Beast'. It also comes with new dance arrangements by David Chase, and with original choreographer Matt West revisiting his work. When the British return was announced, Menken said that "Beauty and the Beast is a testament to the genius of my late friend and collaborator Howard Ashman, but the show's richness comes from the combination of Howard's style and that of the brilliant Tim Rice, with whom I expanded the score to give voice to the Beast." "It's clear that audiences the world over want to return to the world of Beauty, which continues to amaze and humble those of us who created it." Who'll star in the local version and whether it'll tour to other Aussie cities hasn't yet been revealed either — but if you're now planning a trip to Sydney's Capitol Theatre next June, whether or not you live in the city, that's understandable. So is crossing your fingers for Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide seasons afterwards. Another completely relatable reaction: rewatching the OG animated movie, including via a new sing-along version that'll drop via Disney+ on Friday, August 19, and/or revisiting the 2017 live-action movie, which is also getting the at-home karaoke treatment. Disney's Beauty and the Beast musical will enjoy its Australian premiere at Sydney's Capitol Theatre in June 2023. We'll update you with exact dates when they're announced. For more information, or to sign up for the ticket waitlist — with pre-sales from 9am AEDT on Monday, October 31 and general sales from 9am AEDT on Thursday, November 3 — head to the musical's website. Images: Johan Persson.
UK singer-songwriter Olivia Dean will make her ARIA Awards debut in Sydney this November, performing live just one day before a special headline show. ARIA confirmed the news today, announcing that Dean will take the stage at the Hordern Pavilion on Wednesday, November 19. The London-born artist will stick around for a one-off Sydney gig the following evening, before returning in 2026 for a full arena tour. "I love Australia and I'm so excited to perform at the 2025 ARIA Awards," Dean said in a statement. "This will be my first time at the awards ceremony, it's going to be lots of fun!" The announcement follows the release of Dean's sophomore album The Art of Loving, which dropped last week and is already climbing the ARIA charts. Its third single, 'Man I Need,' is sitting at #2 on the Singles chart and is tipped to go Platinum within a fortnight. This year's ARIA Awards are shaping up to be a big one, with Ninajirachi, Dom Dolla and RÜFÜS DU SOL among the top nominees. The ceremony will stream live on Paramount+ and air on Channel 10. Check out the full list of ARIA Award nominees. Images: Getty
The recent opening of the Elvis Presley exhibition at the Bendigo Art Gallery shows that interest in The King is as fervent as ever, meaning it's an ideal time to put on your blue suede shoes and head to the 29th Parkes Elvis Festival. Usually held in the second week of January to honour the King's birthday, this year the event will bring a whole lot of rhythm and blues to April instead. The theme is Elvis's 1968 film Speedway (which also starred Nancy Sinatra), and there's far more than just music on offer at the multi-day event. The entire town of Parkes will go into Elvis overdrive with vintage markets, live music, exhibitions, film screenings, trivia competitions and performances by reigning Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Champion, Taylor Rodriguez from the USA. Check out the lineup to plan your visit. Images: Destination NSW
For those that enjoy a slow start to their Saturday morning, take a journey to Sydney's south and have a wander around the Ramsgate Foodies & Farmers Market. Set in Ramsgate Public School, the markets are a hub for organic groceries, gourmet eats and one-of-a-kind gifts. Wind your way around the stalls and you'll stumble upon handmade jewellery, pre-loved records and books, fresh flowers, plus a healthy selection of fresh produce from farmers across NSW. This pooch-friendly market is best enjoyed on an empty stomach — look out for empanadas, gluten-free sweet treats, gooey raclette, vegan soul food and pho. The markets are open from 8am every Saturday — we'd suggest arriving before 11 am to beat the crowds, and make a beeline to your favourite food stall.
Indeed, it's pretty hard to fault the notoriously popular Bondi Beach Burrito. Suitably loud and colourful, the restaurant knows its market (bare-footed Bondi beach dwellers, backpackers and party-goers) and caters to it well with low-fuss, pay-as-you-go Mexican fare that rarely pushes the $15 mark. The menu is extensive and features plenty of hits, but also some misses. You certainly won't be disappointed with the Green Chilli Roasted Pig Quesadilla ($12.95): super tasty and with just the right amount of spice, it goes down well with a Coopers Green long neck or a dark Mexicali lager. The Nachos – in particular the vego option ($13.95) - also gets a large tick for its smoky flavour, crispy chips and killer guacamole. The salads ($13.95) on the other hand are a let down. While the cabbage is fresh and crunchy, everything, including the meat, is shredded up into thin slithers and tastes downright bland. The up side is that you can snack on the flour tortilla bowl! The burritos are forces to be reckoned with and will leave you stuffed to the brim. There's a huge range to choose from, too. And while I struggle to get my head around why people love them stuffed with rice, if you're a fan then you should go all out and try the Mucho Burrito ($13.95) with pulled seasoned beef, spicy pork, chipotle chicken, black beans, mexican rice and chilli con carne. Arguably the cuisine won't blow your mind, but it's cheap, flavoursome and the dishes make for good stomach-liners before a night out. Lastly there's something to be said for a place that maintains a consistently great vibe the whole week through. We walk in on a Wednesday night and the space is packed, with trays of tequila shots flying about, and 90s hip hop and reggae booming. Bring on Summer! Images: Alex Relic [nggallery id=97]
Sydney's west has scored some love in the form of a sleek new bar in Belmore's local precinct that's setting a new precedent of luxe dining within the locale. Bartega is the latest addition to the Canterbury Leagues Club, kicking off a slate of new dining spots off the back of the club's multimillion dollar revamp. The artisanal cocktail bar brings a taste of luxury to south-west Sydney, offering up elegant dining while maintaining the warmth of a neighbourhood gem. Hosting intimate seating for 60, the venue boasts interiors designed by award-winning studio Altis Architecture and features locally-sourced vintage pieces including the attractive marble bar. There's also a cosy balcony for al fresco dining that overlooks the precinct's leafy gardens. Bartega offers up a one-of-a-kind cocktail experience, with renowned mixologist Tony Rudolph (ex-Bennelong, ex-Woodcut) crafting the drinks menu. A drinks program that maintains "a playful yet refined approach to both classics and bespoke concoctions" is the crux of Tony's mixology ethos. Cast your eyes over the selection on offer and you'll spot inventive mixes like the Jin Cha — Roku gin combined with matcha, Chartreuse Green, yuzu and honey — and a solid lineup of wine, beer and spirits, including sips from award-winning distillery Kalki Moon, whose spiced rum features in the bar's Flamin' Galah cocktail. As you'd hope, there's also a specialty cocktail honouring the beloved local footy team with a shoutout to Bulldogs mascot Brutus the bulldog (it's called the Brutus Blue). For bites, you can select from elevated snacks like steak tartare crostini, oven baked brie and charcuterie boards and cheese platters, as well as sticky pork belly bao buns and crispy cauliflower popcorn. The Belmore newcomer hopes to reinvigorate nightlife within Canterbury-Bankstown, bringing a great night out a little closer to home. Plus, the venue is the first of many aiming to redefine previous perceptions of the area when it comes to quality dining spots. For starters, Bartega has taken up residence alongside a local favourite — and one of Sydney's top yum cha spots — The Dynasty. "Bartega is more than just another cocktail bar," says CEO Greg Pickering. "South-West Sydney has a lot to offer as a destination, and we're hoping to showcase this, as well as offer a luxurious and accessible atmosphere for locals.".
Vanfest will be back at Forbes Showgrounds on the May for a cracking weekend of music, food and glamping. Expect to see the chart-topping Golden Features, electro-pop pioneers Pnau, UK singer, songwriter Example and New Zealand duo Broods — and that's just to name a few. This two-day extravaganza is the ultimate way to escape the city, soak up that fresh country air and enjoy some good local music. Grab your mates and get the road trip playlist ready — it's a five-hour drive. But what awaits you is well worth the journey. Expect a weekend jam-packed with entertainment, market stalls, great food, pop-up beach bars and more. Wow Tents is kitting out the campground with a centralised common area for you to kick back and relax with your mates. You can opt to BYO tent, or book a pre-pitched tents — basic two-man tents start at $50, and glamping goes up to $380. Vanfest 2019 will be a cashless event, so all food and drinks will be paid for using tap-and-go wristbands which can be topped up at any of the event's top-up tents.
It's October and you know what that means: it's time to get spooky. One of the first Sydney venues to get into the Halloween spirit is Kickstarter-funded Darling Square IIKO Mazesoba. IIKO Mazesoba specialises in its namesake Japanese-style 'brothless' ramen dishes that are tossed in savoury sauces instead of soup. The noodle specialist has designed a Halloween-themed menu featuring some of its fan-favourite dishes alongside some new creations done up to look a little more frightening. The centrepiece of the menu is soft shell crab mazesoba, naturally blackened with activated coconut charcoal powder to give it that Halloween feel. Also on the menu, you'll find pumpkin croquettes and black sesame tiramisu for dessert, providing a strong black and orange colour palette throughout. You can order these festive dishes alongside all of the classic IIKO Mazesoba selections like karaage fried chicken, potato salad and gyoza from Friday, October 15 through until Sunday, November 7.
Kudos Gallery has been playing host to some of Sydney's most exciting up and coming artists for more than 20 years. First established in 1998, the UNSW gallery has nurtured the learning and careers of artists known for producing provocative and compelling works of art. Kudos has also provided artistic opportunities for students in a number of artistic fields, covering curating, art history, art theory and design, among many other disciplines. In other words, it serves up a great opportunity to observe and support the work of an upcoming generation of Australian artists in multiple ways, all in the heart of one of Sydney's creative suburbs. Visits to Kudos are mostly free, although you will need to book via its website.
Ultimo studio Design By Them is truly committed to showcasing Australian designers. The shop has been around since 2007 and was founded by industrial designers Sarah Gibson and Nicholas Karlovasitis. The duo are committed to selling bespoke products that are built to last. You'll find all original furniture here, along with lighting, homewares and accessories. Each design is created by a local designer, then produced in-house at the Wattle Street location. The curated collection doesn't just offer pieces for the home, either — Design By Them also caters to restaurants, hotels, universities, libraries and even airports, and has produced works for mega-brands like Facebook, Google, the Sydney Opera House and Louis Vuitton. Images: Pete Daly
At street level, it's just another office foyer. But gaze skyward, and you'll see some stunning architecture. The podium and tower, joined by an upside down pinhead, were constructed thirty years apart. The brutalist building is split into two sections: the Sydney Masonic Centre held within the lower half and the 35-floor Civic Tower above. Inside the clandestine Masonic Centre, you'll find the Museum of Freemasonry. Within the museum, you'll learn about the enigmatic history and heritage of the Freemasons. Plus, from Monday to Friday, you can tour the museum at 11am and 2pm and peek some areas not accessible otherwise.
The annual Parramatta Lanes festival returns for its eighth year this month, bringing the finest eats to the streets of the west. The Paramatta palooza will include 14 themed laneways, more than 50 food stalls and six pop-up bars. The food lineup will feature many Sydney favourites and lots of sweet and savoury treats. It's far too extensive to list in its entirety here, but highlights include Frencheese's oozy raclette and crowd favourite Koi Dessert Bar, which will be set up at St John's Cathedral. Plus, one of the best laksa makers in town Temasek is popping up in the Roxy Car Park. Butter will dish out its famed fried chicken from the rooftop of the Eat Street Car Park, which will also be home to three epic events: a giant Pac-Man maze, Bingo Loco (that's bingo, but reinvented as a party, with conga lines, dance offs and comedians) and a 90s club. When it comes time for a drink, choose between a six different bars, including Monkey's Corner. Beyond eating and drinking (and trying to elude those multi-coloured ghosts), festival-goers can enjoy live music, dance workshops and performances, art installations with a focus on sustainability and roving theatrical performances. Parramatta Lanes runs from Tuesday–Thursday 5–10pm and Friday 5–10.30pm. Images: George Gittany UPDATE: OCTOBER 10, 2019 — Duo Duo Ice Cream will no longer be at this year's Parramatta Lanes. The above article has been updated to reflect this.
Dumplings and beer: two things that make us glad to be alive. Brews and piping hot dumplings go together so well, in fact, that Potts Point has an entire restaurant and bar named after the combo. Dumplings and Beer has been doing a roaring trade since opening in late 2014, to the point that even now you may find yourself struggling to get a table without a wait. It's little wonder then that the owners have opened a second store. The second iteration of Dumplings and Beer can be found at 83 Stanley Street in Darlinghurst. Open from noon until 10pm Tuesday through Sunday, the menu at D&B 2.0 is the same as in Potts Point. That means steamed and pan fried dumplings and gluten free gow cee, plus a number of other bites including eggplant and tofu wraps, and crackling pork belly sliders. Of course dumplings are only half of the equation. The drinks list at Dumplings and Beer includes brews from Asia, Europe and right here at home, along with a small selection of Chinese teas.
When it comes to two-wheeling, Victoria's picturesque High Country offers incredible diversity. And with autumn's mild weather and gold-tinted scenery, there's no better time to do it. Whether you're an easy-going peddler who likes to take things slow and rest often for wine tastings, or a hardcore cyclist unwilling to stop for anybody or anything and gearing up to conquer the Tour de France, there's a trail for you. At one end, Milawa Gourmet Ride and the Rutherglen Pedal to Produce Ride give you 10–12.5 kilometres of gentle, bucolic riding, dotted with wineries and farm gates. At the other, the Great Victorian Rail Trail, at 134 kilometres, is the longest continuous rail trail in Australia. MILAWA GOURMET RIDE Length: 10 kilometres return Difficulty: Easy An adventure that's ideal for leisurely two-wheelers who like to graze as they go is the Milawa Gourmet Ride. Get started at the famous Brown Brothers Cellar Door, not only to sample a drop or two, but also to borrow a bike — for free. Your ultimate destination, Sam Miranda Winery, is five blissfully flat kilometres away, but there's an abundance of tasting and snacking to do before then. Indulge in handmade goodness at Milawa Cheese, get your condiment fix at Milawa Mustards and swing by Blue Ox Berries farm gate for a punnet of just-picked fruit. If you're up for a longer ride, extend it by adding a section of the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail. PEDAL TO PRODUCE RUTHERGLEN Length: 12.5 kilometres Difficulty: Easy Cycling through the High Country – or perhaps any country – doesn't get any easier or more decadent than this. The 12.5-kilometre Pedal to Produce Rutherglen trail carries you through wineries, olive groves, gold-rush architecture and idyllic picnic spots. Start at Rutherglen Wine Experience, where you can grab a free map and, if necessary, hire a bike. Stops along the way include Anderson, where ex-Seppelt winemaker Howard Anderson and his daughter Christobelle make a great sparkling shiraz; Wicked Virgin Olives, where you can sample oils and tapenade; and pretty Lake King. BEECHWORTH TOWN RIDE Length: 11–17 kilometres Difficulty: Easy Beechworth packs a lot of punch for a town of just 3000 or so people. Built mostly during the 1850s, when the gold rush was at its height, it's home to some of the best-preserved 19th-century architecture in Australia. There are pubs, wine bars, cafes and restaurants galore, including two-hatted Provenance and craft brewery Bridge Road. So whatever your budget, you can count on being amply rewarded for your pedalling efforts. If you're keen to stay outdoors, fill your basket with local cheeses, olives, breads, wines, craft beers and baked treats, and go picnicking in parks crowded with glorious elms and oaks. Cycling takes place on a mix of rail trail and roads, across ever-so-slightly undulating terrain. BUCKLAND VALLEY Length: 45 kilometres return Difficulty: A few harder bits This stunning, 45-kilometre, there-and-back road ride begins among Bright's colourful autumn scenes. It's recommended for cyclists of intermediate ability, but to make it suitable for beginners, get started at Porepunkah. From there, the traffic drops away quickly, so even though you're on the road, you'll often feel like you're in the middle of nowhere. This sensation is intensified by the jaw-dropping scenery: think apple orchards, nut groves, alpaca farms and vineyards (Ringer Reef Winery makes a great stop on the way), backdropped by rugged Mount Buffalo. It's possible to stay the night in Buckland Valley, either by pitching a tent by the Buckland River or sinking into some luxury at the Buckland Studio Retreat. HIGH COUNTRY RAIL TRAIL Length: 64 kilometres return Difficulty: Intermediate Victoria's many rail trails give you hundreds of kilometres of car-free cycle paths. This one, which stretches for 35 kilometres from Wodonga to Old Tallangatta (with sections around Koetong and Corryong), spends half its time on the shores of shimmering Lake Hume. To add some history to your ride, visit Bonegilla Migrant Experience, a camp where more than 300,000 migrants lived between 1949 and 1971. There are plenty of waterfront picnic spots along the way, and in Tallangatta don't miss the scenic views at the Lookout or Tallangatta Old Lookout. MURRAY TO MOUNTAINS RAIL TRAIL Length: 100 kilometres Difficulty: Intermediate with easy sections Starting in Wangaratta and winding its way to Bright, this spectacular trail is a 100-kilometre escapade through lush farmland, unspoiled bushland and epic mountain ranges. In between, it passes through several of Victoria's prettiest and most interesting towns, including Beechworth (on an old branch-line route), Bright and Myrtleford. Wineries, breweries, farm gates, cafes and restaurants abound. If you have the time and inclination, then conquer the entire distance in one go. Alternatively, choose a section that appeals to you. For example, the 16 kilometres between Bright and Everton are all downhill, making them popular with coasters and locals. GREAT VICTORIAN RAIL TRAIL Length: 134 kilometres Difficulty: Hard to do in a day; otherwise easy. This mighty trail, at 134 kilometres, is the longest continuous rail trail in the whole country, but it's easy to do just a small section. It kicks off in Tallarook, just an hour's drive from Melbourne, but once you're on two wheels, it feels like you're a million miles away from the big smoke. Your final destination is Mansfield, but you'll visit loads of settlements before then, including the gold mining town of Yea and Bonnie Doon, of The Castle fame, on the shores of Lake Eildon. Swing by Howes Creek Farm to eat an ethically created pork pie beneath a 130-year-old oak tree, Killingworth Hill Whisky Bar for a quick side-trip to Scotland and Sedona Estate to sample excellent cool-climate wines. For a short, highlights-filled ride, do the 44-kilometre stretch from Kerrisdale to Molesworth, through the Goulburn Valley. Autumn scenery and produce won't last — plan your full itinerary in the High Country or explore more of regional Victoria at the Wander Victoria website.
The team behind Surry Hills Mediterranean eatery Nomad is opening its second Sydney venue, with Beau on its way to Surry Hills next year. The new wine bar and deli will open just down the road from the original Nomad, hidden away on Reservoir Street, at the bottom of Foster Street. Beau will operate as both a takeaway deli, open for breakfast and lunch, and a wine bar with a reserved but flavoursome menu and an expansive drinks list. At the deli, Nomad's Mediterranean menu has been reimagined as a classic array of charcuterie and takeaway eats. Here you'll find dips, pickles and marinated vegetables primarily produced in-house, but the hero is the manoush, a traditional Levantine flatbread topped with Nomad's homemade za'atar, spiced Margra lamb shoulder or green chilli zhoug. The 50-seat wine bar and restaurant, open for both lunch and dinner, will offer a constantly changing selection of wines accompanied by a bar snack version of the Nomad menu. Expect meats and cheeses, plus a cold seafood bar showcasing fresh Australian produce pulled from the sea. While the focus of the drinks menu at Beau will be on local wines, interesting drops from across the globe will also be on hand and a rotating selection of experimental and independent wines will be available on-tap. [caption id="attachment_829999" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The team[/caption] The bar will sit alongside a private laneway and will be set around a long central bar with banquet seating around its perimeter. Those looking for a unique spot for a private event will also be able to book out Beau's rooftop event space. "The Nomad Group mission is to consistently create experiences that bring together great food, local produce, great wine and service," says co-owner Rebecca Yazbek. "Beau and Beau Deli is about serving the local community with everything they've asked for and loved over the last few years." Beau is the second new venue the hospitality group has announced this year, with Nomad set to expand into Melbourne. Nomad Melbourne is preparing to open next week. The restaurant is opening from Monday, November 15 in the former CBD digs of longstanding institution Ezard. [caption id="attachment_829997" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nomad Melbourne[/caption] Beau will be located at 52 Reservoir Street, Surry Hills and will open early 2022. Top image: Nomad Sydney, Nikki To
Icon alert: in a year that's already bringing everyone from Kraftwerk, Devo and Paul McCartney to Sparks, Ms Lauryn Hill and Christina Aguilera Australia's way, Chaka Khan is also heading Down Under. The American singer and ten-time Grammy-winner will headline the 2023 Melbourne International Jazz Festival, putting on a one-night-only Aussie-exclusive show at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. And joining her onstage? Nile Rodgers & Chic while they're in the country for Harvest Rock. That evening of tunes will be all about icons teaming up with icons, clearly. Khan — aka the Queen of Funk — will celebrate five decades in the music industry with talents that've been around just as long. Among the Chicago-born singer's hits: 'I'm Every Woman', which was later covered by Whitney Houston; the Prince-penned 'I Feel for You'; and 'Ain't Nobody' with her funk band Rufus. Rodgers and Chic will bust out 'Le Freak' and 'Good Times', and also revel in their own hefty history. And, there's also the former's prowess as a guitarist to relish — which has seen him pop up on Daft Punk's Random Access Memories, including single 'Get Lucky'. As a writer and producer, too, he's had a hand in everything from David Bowie's Let's Dance album to Madonna's 'Like a Virgin'. Khan, Rodgers and Chic will be supported by Kaiit and Horns of Leroy at their six-hour opening-weekend show, which will help launch MIFJ's 26th festival. Running from Friday, October 20–Sunday, October 29 at venues around Melbourne, the rest of the fest's lineup spans more than 100 events, with 11 world premieres and ten Australian-exclusive performances on that list. Lisa Simone, daughter of Nina Simone, will take to Hamer Hall's stage to sing her mother's songs, while the Hot 8 Brass Band will host and lead the Second Line Street Party, a New Orleans jazz parade along the Yarra, Southbank and into Fed Square. The fest's international contingent is bringing Cécile McLorin Salvant, Makaya McCraven, GoGo Penguin and SFJAZZCollective to Melbourne as well, alongside trumpeters Marquis Hill and Ingrid Jensen. Also on offer: Raw Denshi, with the Australian Art Orchestra teaming up with Japanese hip hop's Kojoe and Hikaru Tanaka — and a collaboration featuring William Barton's didgeridoo sounds and Nduduzo Makhathini's jazz stylings. Or, jazz fans can hit up Federation Square to see Bumpy Thndo and Rita Satch play for free, then get their toes tapping to Afrobeat at Beasts of No Nation, where 87-year-old Ghanaian guitarist Ebo Taylor will make his Australian debut. Throw in Australian names such as Elixir and Paul Grabowsky AO, Chapel Off Chapel hosting five days of jazz, JazzLab in Brunswick welcoming late-night jams, and outdoor dining and tunes at Grazeland, and this hefty program keeps throwing up more and more reasons to attend. The 2023 Melbourne International Jazz Festival runs from Friday, October 20–Sunday, October 29 at venues around Melbourne. Head to the festival's website for further details, and for tickets from 8am on Tuesday, August 29.
At Cyclery Northside, in Chatswood, you can browse a wide range of cycles including gravel and adventure bikes, road bikes, mountain bikes, e-bikes, urban bikes, and bikes for kids, as well as ex-demo models. Carrying a range of brands including Tarmac, Roubaix, Sirrus, Levo and Kenevo, the specialist cycling shop also stocks a range of thermal tights and wool socks for winter riders alongside other riding accessories. Keep an eye out for events, as the store runs guided test rides of special bikes, such as the new Levo SL lightweight e-bike. The store also offers one-day hires of its specialist ranges from $100. Images: Leigh Griffiths
Chic activewear is an essential part of the Bondi dress code, so it's no wonder locals tend to congregate around places like Nimble. Found on the tranquil Hall Street, this is an activewear store known for its community spirit and eco-conscious clothing. Pick up a pair of recycled-plastic leggings and join one of the store's organised beach cleanups, or take part in the run club or a community yoga class in the minimalist, wood-panelled shop space. Plus, if you're in search of a bargain, it tends to offer sales alongside all its events.
Sydney welcomes a new farm fresh market to its inner west with the launch of Summer Hill's Flour Mill Markets. Taking over the forecourt of the historic Mungo Scott building, part of the almost-complete Flour Mill of Summer Hill residential and food precinct, the markets will run every second Sunday from September 15. Food, flowers and other high-quality produce will, of course, be front-and-centre at the new biweekly market. Expect stalls from Brickfields Bakery, Hugo's Coffee Cartel, Pastries de Paris, The Grate Cheese Co and Hartley Harvest. There'll be lots of small goods and non-edible items — such as ceramics and decorative flowers — from a host of local vendors, too. With a focus on sustainability and environmentalism, the market will be a plastic-free zone, with biodegradable packaging provided and discounts for those who bring their own keep cup. The 100-year-old Mungo Scott building, once a functioning flour mill, has been renovated as part of the Flour Mill of Summer Hill precinct and will host more food and restaurant pop-ups, art shows and workshops in the near future. We'll let you know when they're announced. Flour Hill Markets runs from 9am–1pm
Finding a spot that appeals to everyone can be tough. Sometimes you're hankering for a pét-nat, but your evening's partner in crime would scoff at the lack of prosecco on the Love, Tilly Devine list. Well, if you're looking to be a little adventurous but you're hanging out with someone who, when asked "do you want an orange wine?", would respond with "I prefer a drop from Mudgee", look no further than Now and Then, Clarence Street's new bar that's serving up new-age drinks and tried-and-true throwbacks in equal proportions. The underground CBD bar comes from Natalie Ng, the mind behind another intimate inner-city fave Door Knock, alongside co-owner Locky Peach. Ng calls her new venue "predominantly a cocktail bar without the wank", basing the offerings around a simple crowd-pleasing concept. The drinks menu at Now and Then is split into two distinct sections. You guessed it: the 'Now' and the 'Then'. On the modern side of the menu you'll find funkier wines — whether that be a skin contact or a chilled red — as well as more boundary-pushing cocktails, craft beers and Mango White Claws for all of the seltzer fans. Over on the more traditional section, you'll discover seasonal sherry cobblers, caipiroskas, Coopers Sparkling Red Ale and a selection of more traditional vinos including sav blanc, pinot noir, rosé and Perrier-Jouët Brut by the glass. "Some people love a buttery chardonnay or a big Barossa Valley shiraz, and some love natural, minimal sulphur/preservatives or orange wines. Here, the choice is broken down easily for you," says Peach. Adding to the experience at Now and Then is a short and snappy list of bar snacks. The lobster and prawn vol-au-vent, the panko-crumbed ham hock croquette and the Moroccan lamb cigars will all hit the spot for anyone looking to treat themselves to a satisfying bite while enjoying the drinks. Ng is even offering personally curated snack and cocktail pairings — ideal for afternoon catch-ups and Friday drinks. Kick off your night with the Manhattan United made with bread- and butter-washed whiskey, sweet vermouth and walnut, partnered with the hot ham hock croquette, served with mustard aioli, all for $30. Rounding out the offerings here is the Now and Then commitment to bringing some fun back to its corner of Clarence Street. Each Friday and Saturday you'll find live music and DJ sets from 9pm–2am. To stay up to date with the venue's nightlife, just follow the bar on Instagram. Now and Then is located at 222 Clarence Street, Sydney. For more information and to make a booking or browse the menu, head to the venue's website.
Those who are familiar with Japanese tachinomi (standing bars) will be thrilled to know that Crows Nest's Tachinomi YP is the real deal. These tiny bars, loaded with toys and trinkets are commonplace in many Japanese cities and famed for offering simple, delicious food within a small space that transforms into a raucous party as the night goes on. By day YP keeps things focussed and simple, serving hearty bowls of tonkotsu ramen — and that's it. After dark though, expect a lengthy chat with the bartender over a Japanese draught beer with Asahi, Asahi Black and Orion lager all available. As a pint-sized place, it gets packed pretty quickly, so get in early to secure a seat. Otherwise, Japanese curry and bento boxes are available for takeaway and you can get tinnies to-go, too. Image: Mel Koutchavlis
It’s nothing new to reference the explosion of social media across our cultural landscape, how it mediates our fumbling navigation through the murky and glorious waters of the World Wide Web, nor how its various forms facilitate and foster ever-expanding networks of communication, knowledge and connection globally. Rather than contracting our cyber presence to the corners of our computer screens, sites such as GetUp! and Twitter have become the go-to tools of a dynamic, interwoven and international citizenry in their various en-masse calls for change to governments, institutions and laws (think of the Arab Spring, or the current ‘Occupy Wall Street’ movement). A concurrent trend of the Noughties has been the popularisation of ethical consumerism. No longer the exclusive domain of hippies or hipsters, the growth of demand for organic food, fairtrade goods, farmers markets and the like reveal a genuine awakening regarding the production of goods as well as a desire to align one's consumerism with one's values. Cue the bright-eyed, pigtailed offspring of these two trends, Slavery Footprint. A new app developed by Justin Dillon, Slavery Footprint aims to show you how many ‘slaves’ your consumption entails via the supply chain, which, the website informs, now enslaves more people than at any time in human history. The application isn’t designed as a guilt trip or a disincentive to buying, but rather is geared towards heightening awareness as an avenue for inciting change – change through you, and your choices. And not just a change in the brands you buy – the app doesn’t offer ‘alternative, cruelty-free’ options so as to avoid the emergence of expensive, ‘ethical’ brands only economically accessible to certain demographics – but rather a change in the entire mentality towards consumption and, hopefully, along with it, the enterprise of slave labour that sustains it. Says Ambassador Luis CdeBaca of the U.S. State Department's Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, who helped develop the app, “You’re going to be touched by slavery no matter what, and I think that’s actually a liberating thing. We can no longer say this is someone else’s problem….” Overwhelmingly, the ethos of the app is empowerment, and apparently Dillon has struck an untapped reservoir of empowerment-hungry shoppers. On a recent trip to Melbourne I happened across a piece of paper stuck to a graffitied wall in an alleyway that asked “Is our empathy on the rise?” After ponderous deliberation, I wrote “Maybe, but I think we can do better”. And with the aid of innovations such as Slavery Footprint, perhaps we can, after all.
It's safe to say, restaurants like Meu Jardim don't come around every day. After all, this dramatic new Skittle Lane venture from restaurateur Ussi Moniz Da Silva not only boasts a heady $4.1 million dollar fitout, but also a huge firepit and a three-metre-high indoor waterfall. A futuristic nod to the natural elements of fire and water, the two-level, 330-seat space delivers a striking vision of glossy white angles and turquoise neon finishes. White pearl walls supposedly pull inspiration from the Dordogne Valley in France, while an impressive curved block staircase connects the two floors. [caption id="attachment_764760" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kitti Gould[/caption] Upstairs is dedicated to a high-end contemporary French restaurant, its entrance marked by that flowing sheet of water and an oyster shucking station, and its open kitchen set artfully behind glass. Here, Executive Chef Jason McCauley (Banc Restaurant, Carpaccio Leichhardt, Eatalia) is plating up modern reworkings of classic fine French flavours. It's a lineup that's both considered and totally decadent, kicking off with bites like escargot in garlic, butter and champagne, Western Australian lobster tail and a wagyu tartare starring quail yolk and Tasmanian summer truffle. Mains might include a duck a l'orange featuring turnip, green olive and an orange gelee, or the blue eye trevalla and mussels done with plenty of white wine and cream. There's even a 1.2-kilogram grass-fed tomahawk steak, which you can pimp out even further with the addition of some gold leaf for an extra $60. If decisions aren't your strong point, a five-course degustation is also on offer for $100 a head, which will take you from scallops with caviar through to fillet and an apple tarte tartin served with smoked honey yoghurt ice cream. [caption id="attachment_764757" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kitti Gould[/caption] A more casual (and affordable) affair awaits you downstairs, where snacks, shared plates and bistro fare take centre stage. Expect to tuck into creations like the chicken liver parfait served with a port gel and sesame lavash, salt cod beignets and the restaurant's signature 'crodogs' — a croissant-hot dog hybrid — filled with the likes of pulled pork, lamb and mint or strawberries and cream. You can also pull up a seat by that 40-person firepit to settle in with a cosy tipple. There's a wine selection heroing drops from across Australia and France — go for a glass of the 2018 Domaine Paul Blanck pinot blanc from Alsace, perhaps — and a cocktail lineup starring forgotten classics alongside signature creations. Stay on theme with something lush, like the Vuju De — a fusion of Monkey 47, sherry, Dom Benedictine, Lillet Blanc, creme de violet and orange bitters. Opening just weeks before COVID-19 forced the closure of all Sydney restaurants, Meu Jardim isn't quite running like it first intended. Instead of 330, the restaurant can currently fit 50. You'll also need to record your details when you dine, and follow its social distancing and hygiene procedures — but, if you've gone out since restaurants were allowed to reopen in mid-May, this will be nothing new. Find Meu Jardim down Skittle Lane, Sydney. It's currently open 12pm–12am Monday–Thursday and from 4pm–12pm Friday–Saturday. Bookings are recommended. Images: Kitti Gould
As you might expect from the epic multitasking folk at The Greens, their NYE celebration has it all. That includes roving performers, live music, tasty food and excellent views come firework time. While you're savouring gourmet hotdogs, fried chicken, oysters, charcuterie, sliders, risotto and roasted corn, don't be surprised if a hula hooper sneaks up behind you or a juggler wanders by unannounced. And, when you're feeling the need to move, get your dance on to six-piece live band King St Swing and DJ Natural Selector, featuring percussionist Luke Herbert. Then, of course, when the fireworks go off at 9pm and midnight, you'll be in prime position to see the bridge looking its prettiest. The action kicks off from 6pm and will continue till late. It's a family friendly shindig, so if you're minding your nieces, nephews, cousins or your own children, bring 'em along for kiddy entertainment and food, including a lolly bar.
If peering at an artist's work is the same as peering into their soul, then staring at a self-portrait is like peeking through a wide-open window. Perhaps Rembrandt believed this? The 17th-century artist certainly loved putting his likeness on paper, whether he was picking up a brush or pencil, or getting etching. Perhaps you can ponder this very notion at Rembrandt — True to Life, which is bringing the Dutch Golden Age master's works to Melbourne's NGV International to brighten up Australia's winter. From Friday, June 2–Sunday, September 10, the St Kilda Road gallery will be home to a wide-ranging exploration of Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn's work — so expansive, in fact, that it's the most-comprehensive Rembrandt exhibition to display Down Under in 25 years. On loan from the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC, 1659's Self-Portrait is one of the star attractions, and one of around 80 images of himself he's thought to have made. Created when the artist was 53 (and three years after he'd declared bankruptcy), it sits alongside ten etched self-portraits. Combined, they let True to Life attendees chart how he saw himself, and conveyed his soul to the world, over three decades. Etchings comprise a significant portion of the NGV's ode to Rembrandt, with more than 100 from its own collection at the heart of the impressive retrospective. In addition to helping to detail his self-perception, they showcase his innovations as a printmaker and also illustrate how widely and deeply he splashed around his artistic talents. If you're heading to a Rembrandt exhibition, you want to see his paintings, of course, an instinct that the showcase capitalises upon. Thanks to pieces borrowed from the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, the Louvre in Paris, the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna and the Teylers Museum in Haarlem as well, the artist's prints are placed in context with his paintings. You'll see how they're connected no matter the subject or theme as True to Life steps through not just his portraits, but also his landscapes, scenes of daily life, depictions of religious motifs and nudes. Among his scenery-focused works, his largest landscape etching The three trees, which dates back to 1643, is a drawcard. From his pieces that hone in on the human form — never idealising them — Diana at the bath, an etching from 1631, is another highlight. Taking its cues from passages from the Gospel of St Matthew, 1648's well-known piece The Hundred Guilder Print is also on display as part of the exhibition's survey of Rembrandt's fascination with faith. His two largest prints similarly fall into the same category: The three crosses from 1653 and Christ presented to the people from 1655. Because the artist transformed them both by making continuous adjustments, True to Life shows them in two different states — early and late side by side. "The NGV is home to the most important collection of works by Rembrandt in the southern hemisphere and this NGV-exclusive exhibition celebrates one of our major strengths: our outstanding print collection. Rembrandt was a master printmaker and his experimentation in the medium reveals his insatiable curiosity and sheer versatility as an artist," said Tony Ellwood AM, the NGV's Director. While taking in all of the above, art lovers will journey through Rembrandt's life from Leiden in the 1620s to his waning years in Amsterdam in the 1660s. On hand to assist: a recreation of his cabinet of curiosities, which featured everything from his own prints and drawings through to musical instruments, weapons, shells and natural objects. Rembrandt's version helped spark his creative impulses, and the NGV has taken its assortment of pieces from its collection, as well as the Melbourne Museum and the State Library of Victoria. Rembrandt — True to Life displays from Friday, June 2–Sunday, September 10 at NGV International, St Kilda Road, Melbourne. Head to the gallery's website for further details and tickets. Images: Installation view of Rembrandt: True to Life on display from 2 June-10 September at NGV International, Melbourne. Photos: Tom Ross.
Neil Perry’s new venture, the Burger Project has set out to bring the burger from Rockpool Bar and Grill, considered one of the world's greatest to the hungry masses. He's taking the burger of the Gods and bestowing it upon the people, in other words, Neil Perry is Burger Prometheus. Designed by architect Grant Cheyne, the Burger Project's sleek modern interior compliments its World Square location. The walls are raw concrete, brushed metal and mirror, which results in a monochrome colour scheme with only low lighting and a few bold feature walls to soften the space. One would be forgiven for feeling like they're dining in some sort of futuristic Japanese carpark — but enough about the décor, it's not called the Wall Project. Let's cut to the chase. The burgers arrive on a tray in crisp white paper bags, and the first thing you'll notice is that they look super fresh. They're not those shameful late night American style burgers that are currently trending in Sydney. The Burger Project celebrates local and sustainable produce and has created the sort of burgers you wouldn't be ashamed to introduce to your parents. For the adventurous there's the spicy chicken burger ($8.90) or the caramelized pork belly burger ($9.90), both served with salted chilli, crunchy pickled slaw, and lettuce. But really, there’s no going past the classic cheeseburger ($8.90). The chefs at the Burger Project are really serious about creating the perfect burger: the patties are ground in house using a combination of whole Cape Grim grass-fed chuck and brisket steak, which has been aged for 36 months. Yes… you read correctly, these patties have been enhancing in deliciousness for the length of an undergrad degree. Said perfect patties are accompanied with crisp lettuce, sweet tomatoes, onions, pickled cucumber, secret sauce and satisfyingly melty cheese on the softest of buns. Oh, and fear not vegetarians! There’s a grilled confit mushroom burger ($12.50) with all the trimmings and top-secret sauce, which is just as delicious! As for sides, we recommend sharing the golden hand-cut chips ($4.90), which are so legit they still have their skins on. We should also mention they're thrice cooked, because why cook something twice when you can cook it thrice? Don't pass up the crispy hot wings either ($3.50 each), tenderly cloaked in crunchy batter jackets and served with Sichuan salt and pepper or classic hot sauce. To complete the experience, you can wash it all down with a classic shake ($6.50) — the salted dulce de leche was a highlight, and if you have space for dessert there’s an array ice creams ($4.00 single) which are all churned in house and a handsome list of toppings ($1 each). But if designing your own dessert masterpiece is a little overwhelming, play it safe and opt for the Lamington ($6), Valrhona chocolate ice cream served with raspberry compote and coconut, or the Rocky Road ($7), a delectable tower of chocolate ice cream, chocolate sauce, salted peanuts and marshmallow. But be warned, you may have to roll home.
With the sun shining and everything looking just a little bit more beautiful, spring is the perfect time to head out for a day of gallery hopping around Sydney's many galleries. There are plenty of exhibitions currently showing — or set to open in the next couple of months — covering everything from gallery retrospectives and award-winning photography, to cultural explorations and genre-bending performance works.
A new venue from Sydney hospitality giant Merivale is on its way to the collective's Ivy precinct. MuMu is the latest venture from beloved local chef Dan Hong and will operate as a sibling venue to his hugely popular Ms G's. Like Ms G's, MuMu will be serving up south-east Asian street food-inspired dishes. Ms G's has been serving up its fresh takes on classic south-east Asian dishes in Potts Point for over a decade, garnering a cult following among Sydneysiders. Now, fans of the restaurant and fans of Dan Hong can rejoice, with MuMu's set to open for lunch, dinner and late-night eats next month. [caption id="attachment_639414" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ms G's[/caption] While the restaurant doesn't have an opening date yet, it's expected to open on George Street in December this year and will be serving its exciting feeds and tipples seven days a week from midday until 2am. Patrons can expect a menu that shares similarities to Ms G's offering. A lively cocktail menu will also be on offer, with a slushy machine pouring Ms G's fan-favourite yuzu slushies. The upcoming Merivale opening will form part of the expansion plan of its Ivy Precinct, which hosts some of the CBD's best restaurants and takeaway spots. The precinct has grown rapidly over the last few years, with four venues announced for the area back in 2019, including the likes of Bar Totti's, Little Felix and Jimmy's Falafel. The inner-city row of venues also plays host to Uccello, Bar Topa, Ash St. Cellar, and the titular Ivy. MuMu will open in the Ivy Precinct at 330 George Street, Sydney in December 2021. It will be open 12pm–2am Monday–Sunday. Top image: Merivale
This summer, the National Gallery of Australia comes to life with a major exhibition on two greats of the modern art movement. Matisse & Picasso presents an Australian-first gathering of the iconic works of Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso, with the pair's intense friendship and rivalry considered a defining factor behind contemporary art's development during the 20th century. The pair first met in 1906 when Picasso was essentially unknown to the art world, but Matisse was already considered one of the avant-garde's most prominent artists. Staying close throughout their lifetimes, they looked to each other's work, responding and challenging their peer to stay on the cutting-edge. As Picasso explained to one of his biographers Pierre Daix, "No one has ever looked at Matisse's painting more carefully than I; and no one has looked at mine more carefully than he." Running until April 13, 2020, Matisse & Picasso showcases more than 200 paintings, sculptures, prints and costumes. Across many of their most famous works, Matisse & Picasso makes the artists' intrinsic connection clear. The exhibition has been designed so instead of walking from start to finish, you'll be wandering back and forth between the artworks as the similarities emerge. To give you a head start before your visit to the NGA, we've picked out six artworks that you can't miss at Matisse & Picasso. [caption id="attachment_756083" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 'Woman by the Sea', Pablo Picasso (1922). Bequest of Putnam Dana McMillan, Minneapolis Institute of Art. Copyright Succession Picasso/Copyright Agency.[/caption] PABLO PICASSO: WOMAN BY THE SEA (1922) Following the First World War, both Picasso and Matisse demonstrated a deep fascination with classical Greek art and stories. A distinct departure from the Cubist aesthetic that he's best known for, 'Woman by the Sea' is one of many paintings with dreamy human figures set against plain landscapes that Picasso would go on to produce. Taking inspiration from the ancient statue known as Venus de Milo and a sculpture of the Greek goddess Hera that he saw in Naples, for this work, Picasso translates the relaxed posture and flowing dress of the marble structure into a two-dimensional format. [caption id="attachment_756086" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 'Woman by a Window', Henry Matisse (1920–22). Gift of Ferdinand Howald, Columbus Museum of Arts, Columbus. Copyright Succession H Matisse/Copyright Agnecy.[/caption] HENRI MATISSE: WOMAN BY A WINDOW (c. 1920-22) As you look over the art of Matisse, one of the most common motifs that repeatedly appears is his use of open windows. Following the end of the war, a despondent Matisse retreated to southern France where he found inspiration within the soft colour palette and charming interiors of the region. Turning his hotel rooms into art studios, these intimate quarters provided him with a new creative drive that became emblematic of his art. "[Matisse] was inspired by the southern light and painted a series of light-filled hotel rooms facing the sea," explains NGA's Curator of International Painting & Sculpture Simeran Maxwell. "When Picasso paid homage to Matisse after his death, he used this distinctive device in his own paintings." [caption id="attachment_756092" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 'Reading', Pablo Picasso (1932). Musée Picasso, Paris. Copyright Succession Picasso/Copyright Agency. Photo: RMN Grand Palais[/caption] PABLO PICASSO: READING (1932) Throughout Matisse and Picasso's lengthy careers, the various women in their lives often became the subjects of their artworks. Reading features one of Picasso's most adored muses, Marie-Thérèse Walter, whose face and figure was interpreted in a variety of ways through dozens of paintings and sculptures. Reading also demonstrates a significant change in artistic direction for the Spanish artist, showcasing his newfound interest in bold colours and patterning — a style that Matisse had been using to great effect within his artwork. [caption id="attachment_756096" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 'Seated odalisque', Henry Marisse (1926). Gift of Adele R Levy Fund Inc 1962, The Metropolitan Museum of Arts, New York. Copyright Succession H Matisse/Copyright Agency.[/caption] HENRI MATISSE: SEATED ODALISQUE (1926) Following trips to Morocco in 1912 and 1913, Matisse became fascinated by the bright clothing, distinct architecture and the daily life of the locals, which was so foreign to him having only experienced life in France. One way that the North African experience influenced his artwork was the inclusion of models dressed as odalisques — members of harems — alongside vibrant textiles that he had collected during his visit. For this work, Matisse "uses an appliquéd wall hanging as a backdrop for model Henriette Darricarrère dressed in Moroccan pantaloons and a sheer blouse," explains Maxmwell. [caption id="attachment_756102" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 'The studio', Pablo Picasso (1955). Presented by Gustav and Elly Kahnweiler 1974. Accessioned 1994, Tate. Copyright Succession Picasso/Copyright Agency.[/caption] PABLO PICASSO: THE STUDIO (1955) Over two weeks in 1955, Picasso painted 11 canvases of the studio in his Cannes villa known as La Californie. While the idea of the artist within the studio was something that Picasso explored many times during his career, this series stands out as the structure of the building is the central focus of the work. With the studio one of the subjects that often appeared in Matisse's work, it's been suggested that Picasso created this series in direct response to his contemporary's death the previous year. As Maxwell describes it, "One of Matisse's longstanding subjects was an interior scene with a view through a window. Here Picasso adopts this idea, as homage to his late rival." [caption id="attachment_756101" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 'Annelies', Henri Matisse. Purchased 1981, National Gallery of Australia. Copyright Succession H Matisse/Copyright Agency.[/caption] HENRI MATISSE: ANNELIES (1946) Matisse was best known for his colourful paintings and sculptures. But he often expressed the belief that drawing was the most intimate way to translate a subject onto the page. In 1946, he met Dutch model and artist Annelies Nelck, who would spend six years living with Matisse and posing for his artwork. "He would repeatedly draw the model from all possible angles with a deliberate, confident and clean series of lines," explains Maxwell. "When viewed in order, it would appear as if Matisse had been circling his model as he worked." Matisse described this process of repetitive and intensive creative process as "a cinema film of a series of visions". Matisse & Picasso is on display at the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra until April 13, 2020. Tickets and exhibition information are available on the NGA website. Top images: Installation view of Matisse & Picasso, National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, © Succession Picasso/Copyright Agency 2019, © Succession H. Matisse/Copyright Agency 2019.
Whether you're planning a big event or just want to brighten up your (or someone else's) day with a small arrangement, Wild Bunch is a must-visit. The florist, run by Saskia Havekes, has been part of the Potts Point community since 1995. Each and every morning, Havekes is up bright and early to hit the flower markets and handpick the best blooms of bunch, from muted natives to vibrant hydrangeas and roses. As a result, stepping inside this tiny store on Macleay Street is sensory overload. Over the years, Havekes has extended her floral expertise into the publication of four books on flower arranging and foliage and the launch of Grandiflora Fragrance, a tightly curated range of floral-driven perfumes.
Beachwood Designs brings bespoke timber furniture to Avalon, and has been doing so since the early 90s. At the Avalon Parade shop, you'll find side tables made from elm next to driftwood floor lamps and more. Luckily for you, the local furniture company offers custom-made pieces, made from sustainable materials where possible — from reupholstered ottomans to dining tables hand-carved from oak or reclaimed timber. For something a little easier to transport, you'll find homewares to match, including dainty ceramic pieces, raffia bags and artwork by local artists. For those keen to really take a slice of Avalon home, or for the indecisive out there, Beachwood offers an interior decorating service for both locals and those a little further away. Images: Sam Mackie.
How many times have you booked a relaxing holiday away, only to find yourself unable to disconnect from your phone and not actually relaxed at all? Well, pause that infinite scroll and make your next escape an off-the-grid adventure. by hitting up one of the best tiny cabins in Australia. A stay at one of these remote cabins in Australia will leave you no choice but to chuck your phone in your bag and forget about it till you're back in mobile range, utterly relaxed and refreshed. We're doing this for your own good. From pristine beaches and bountiful wine regions to alpine hideaways and bustling country towns, there are a wealth of tiny cabins in Australia to explore at any time of year. Recommended reads: The Best Glamping Sites in Australia The Best Dog Friendly Accommodations in Australia [caption id="attachment_720725" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Riparide[/caption] VICTORIA Tea Tree Hill Beach Shack was created with all the important creature comforts in mind — it's a stone's throw from the beach, plus it has an indoor (and outdoor) fireplace and an outdoor bath. Set in stunning Venus Bay, this Victorian tiny cabin is surrounded by stellar secluded beaches and coastal landscapes but also features luxurious amenities and top-quality furnishings to lounge on. It's perfect for those who want to ensconce themselves in the worlds of fishing, stand-up paddleboarding and staring at a fire contemplating life. Plus, Wilsons Prom is just an hour or so away, so you can easily head out for a day trip. And upon your return, you can snuggle in beside the fire with a complimentary whisky or port in hand. [caption id="attachment_720717" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Airbnb[/caption] NORTHERN TERRITORY Thirty kilometres from Alice Springs, Ooraminna Station Homestead is about as far off the beaten track as they come. Set on 600 acres of red Aussie outback, the small homestead lies between the MacDonnell Ranges and the Simpson Desert and has four cabins available to rent — the Stone Cottage, the Timber Cabin, the Tin Cabin and the Log Cabin. Bushwalks, bird watching and camping under the stars are optional extras, but very much encouraged. Wander around the station and you'll come across an old movie set, where you can pretend you're in your own spaghetti western, a billabong, cattle and plenty of native wildlife. And if you're worried about getting lost during your stay, in lieu of Google Maps, there's resident dog Scruffy to guide you through your off-the-grid exploring. NEW SOUTH WALES Essentially a very, very fancy caravan, the stunning JR's Ecohut holds two people and everything you and your travel buddy will need for a weekend in luxurious seclusion — including jaw-dropping 360-degree views of the Kimo valley. Although teeny tiny, the space is well-designed and highly functional, set with a bed, dedicated workspace, kitchen, heating as well as an indoor fireplace. You can sleep snug under the stars, overlooking the 7000 acre Kimo farm and Murrambidgee river flats. Plus, brekkie is included. Just look at it, there's no doubt it is one of the best tiny homes in Australia. [caption id="attachment_720720" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Airbnb[/caption] QUEENSLAND Known for its glorious sun and lush rainforests, Queensland and its northern parts are well worth the trip, and this tiny Rainforest Creek Cabin makes it even more so. Smack bang in the middle of a rainforest, with birds singing at you and a stream bubbling nearby, it's the type of place where you'll close your eyes and think you're on a yoga retreat in Bali. There's no internet, no reception and no screens in sight at this tiny cabin in Queensland — just a bed, kitchenette, a deck with glorious views and an outdoor shower and toilet. So, you're getting back to basics in the Australian tiny home set among some lush tropical surrounds. Located just a six-minute drive from the artistic little town of Maleny, with a few restaurants, coffee shops and galleries to poke your head into, it's a great spot for those wanting the best of both worlds. TASMANIA If it's rustic, seaside vibes you're after, Tasmania should be at the top of your list. Worth crossing rough seas for, Swansea is a town with under 900 residents and a seriously chill coastal vibe. And it's in this little town where you'll find the quaint Scarecrow Cottage. Built in the 19th century, this tiny cabin in Tasmania features a cosy indoor fireplace and it's completely wifi-less. Plus, you get complimentary wine and chocolates upon arrival. What's more, if you can pull yourself away from the fireplace, it's just a casual five-minute stroll to Swansea's shops and historic colonial buildings. If you're up for a hike, Freycinet National Park is just a short drive away, too. Top image: JR's Ecohut.
Never a brand to do things like anyone else, Melbourne-based skincare label Aesop has just launched their first collection of room sprays as a multi-sensory experience. With fragrance said to evoke some of the strongest emotional responses (it's the sense most associated with memory), the modern-day alchemists asked composer and musician Jesse Paris Smith (daughter of Patti and Fred 'Sonic' Smith) to create three unique tracks to 'narrate the journey' of each scent. It's pretty poetic. As with Aesop's fragrances, each track has been deconstructed, with top notes (ones that are perceived immediately), heart notes (the ones that emerge just before the top notes dissipate) and base notes (the lingering finale). Smith's three compositions are ambient and perfectly calming — and available to download for free off the Aesop website. It's like being at a health spa in the comfort of your own home. Each scent is named after an ancient Greek city and is distinct without being overpowering — there's no sickeningly sweet vanilla here. Rather, Aesop has developed three characteristically sophisticated scents. Istros combines pink pepper, lavender and tobacco, while Cythera embraces geranium, patchouli and Myrrh, and Olous is a citrusy burst of botanicals, cedar and cardamom. Aesop's aromatic room sprays retail for $60 each and and can be bought here. [embed]https://vimeo.com/224417380[/embed]
