Sydney is not short on developments. Kings Cross has plans for a new theatre and a revamped station, the CBD will soon have another building defining its skyline with Event Cinemas George Street set to be torn down in favour of a 79-storey skyscraper and there is a new stadium and the $750 million Sydney Fish Market in the works, not to mention the (finally) finished light rail and the ongoing Sydney Metro project. Staying on trend, Aussie tech giant Atlassian has just unveiled designs for the world's tallest 'hybrid timber' tower atop Central Station. Yep, expect more cranes in the sky soon enough. The proposed Atlassian headquarters is set to take over the existing YHA site on Pitt Street with a sustainable 40-storey-high tower. Designed by New York architects Shop and Australian firm BVN, the energy-efficient project features a predominantly timber structure, with a glass and steel facade. It'll have a mix of indoor and openair areas, including elevated green spaces and a plant-filled terraced rooftop. With the aim of operating on 100 percent renewable energy and reaching net zero emissions, the building will have a vertical facade with built-in solar panels, as well as self-shade capabilities to control temperature. It's not all breaking news, however, with the development first mentioned back in 2018 when the NSW Government announced its proposed tech precinct which, when complete, will span from Central to Eveleigh. The inner city hub, dubbed Tech Central Precinct, has been pitted to be the "Silicon Valley of Australia" by NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, with 250,000 square metres of office space, of which 50,000 will be available as affordable space for startups. Now, keeping in line with Berejiklian's plans for NSW to recover from the COVID-19 recession by creating more jobs by way of developments, Atlassian has become the precinct's first anchor tenant. The construction of the tech company's headquarters will generate an additional 2500 jobs and just shy of $1 billion to the Australian economy. Once complete, the tower will house 4000 Atlassian staff. Atlassian will submit a development application for the tower in the coming months and, if approved, hopes to start construction in 2021. Atlassian's headquarters is slated for completion in 2025 as the first anchor tenant in NSW's Tech Central Precinct. For more information on Tech Central Precinct, head here.
Man against the elements: it's the familiar staple of survivalist film fare, crafted as a feat of cinematic endurance as much as entertainment. J.C. Chandor's nautical All Is Lost adheres to that description to the letter, unraveling in near wordlessness with its emotion carried in Robert Redford's world-weathered face. The combination of existentialism and action on offer, however, reaches beyond the customary depictions of fortitude and perseverance. Details — names, places, dates — are rendered irrelevant; all that matters is "our man", his boat and the endless expanse of sea that forms his surroundings. Awakening to the thud of an adrift shipping container bursting through the hull of his vessel, the film's nameless protagonist pits his resourcefulness against the water, wind and weight of other worsening difficulties conspiring against his subsistence. For 106 minutes of running time and eight days of narrative, Margin Call writer/director Chandor crafts a tension-riddled thriller despite the sparseness of his cast and setting; again, Redford and his sea-faring abilities monopolise the movie to the exclusion of all else. Even the most mundane of tasks — including shaving, eating canned food and conserving water — seethe with suspense. The singular spotlight heightens the anxiety to unrelenting levels, the knowledge that any peaceful moment could take a turn for the worse unable to be shaken. Withholding information about Redford's character similarly amplifies the feature's focus, centring on the circumstances over the individual in its treatise on existence and mortality. As the stoic veteran is battered and beaten by forces beyond his control, eventually acquiescing to his inevitable fate as the title suggests, the feature's commentary upon the broader human condition is unmistakable — but its assurance doesn't hamper its haunting heartbreak. In such context, the who and the why just don't matter. It has been a big year for well-known faces stranded in inconvenient spaces (quite literally for Sandra Bullock in Gravity); however, Redford is the unsung hero in the survivalist race, as is his film. Eschewing dialogue, the actor conveys every ounce of resilience and weariness in his physicality and performance. Though storm-fuelled special effects enliven the drama in a deft display of Chandor's direction, much of the film's power comes from understated scenes of a man at nature's mercy. The sounds, sights and overall thrust emphasise solitude, swelling to operatic proportions due to striking visuals and an immersive score, yet what echoes loudest is the film's vitality. All Is Lost may leave viewers broken in its transcendent contemplation of the beauty and brutality of life, but it also embodies those very aspects. Nothing is easy in the feature's austerity, but nothing is lost either. https://youtube.com/watch?v=no1rl9Gvx-s
The National Cabinet was set to meet and decide on how to relax some of Australia's social distancing and public gatherings restrictions on Monday, May 11 — inline with the end of Victoria's second four-week state of emergency — but Prime Minister Scott Morrison decided today, Friday, May 1, to bring this date forward to next week. "Decisions on relaxing restrictions will be made next Friday [May 8]", the Prime Minister said. "Australians have earned an early mark for the work they have done." Some states have started to ease minor restrictions — such as allowing two-person house visits in NSW and more outdoor recreational activities in Queensland — but next Friday's announcement could see some larger decisions made on the federally mandated public-gathering and social-distancing rules. The Northern Territory, which has had a total of 28 cases, has already outlined its own roadmap to the "new normal", with the reopening of restaurants, bars and cafes set to take place on Friday, May 15. The Prime Minister would not comment on exactly what restrictions could be wound back, but that "room density measures" — such as the previous one person per four-square-metre rule for indoor venues — and requirements to remain 1.5 metres apart will not be lifted. This could impact if it's financially viable for restaurants, bars and cafes to reopen, even if they are allowed to. Before any restrictions are lifted, though, the Prime Minister said that more people need to download the government's contact-tracing app COVIDSafe. He said that while 11 of the 15 previously outlined conditions under which restrictions could be eased had been met, the final piece in the jigsaw puzzle of contact tracing was not in place. "There are currently over 3.5 million downloads and registrations of the COVIDSafe app, but there needs to be millions more," the Prime Minister said. He reiterated that if Australians want to go to the pub, they have to download the app. For now, the current COVID-19 restrictions will remain in place for at least the next four weeks. And fines are still in place for disobeying these in NSW, Vic and Queensland. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website. Top image: Kimberley Low
THE Rodriguez is coming back to Australia. Touring nationally this October and November, the 72-year-old enigmatic legend was last here in 1981 playing with Midnight Oil, after touring in the late '70s to small success. Now he's riding a wave of newfound support back to our biggest venues, thanks in part to two South African fans. Most people had no idea who Sixto Rodriguez was until the Oscar-winning documentary Searching for Sugar Man dropped in 2012, prompting longtime fans to shake a fist and spin a bitter "I told you so." A self-taught guitarist, Rodriguez played around the traps in Detroit during the '60s but saw no real success in the States with his two albums Cold Fact (1969) and Coming from Reality (1971). Different story in South Africa, where he was pretty much bigger than Elvis — inspiring South African anti-Apartheid activists and musicians alike (unbeknownst to Rodriguez himself). One of music's most mysterious heroes, Rodriguez was even thought to have died until two Cape Town fans in the late 1990s, Stephen 'Sugar' Segerman and Craig Bartholomew Strydom went to find out if the rumours were true (cue Oscar-winning doco). The man also has a cheeky bachelor's degree in philosophy from Wayne State University, he ran for political office and he's had to work construction jobs to support his family. Undeniable and relatively unknown legend. Rodriguez will play Brisbane Convention Centre, Sydney Opera House, Melbourne's Palais Theatre, Adelaide's AEC Theatre and Perth's Kings Park and Botanic Garden. Tickets on sale on Thursday August 28 at 12pm local time. Members of the Niche mailing list and ticket agent mailing lists can purchase pre-sale tickets on Tuesday 26 August at 12pm until Wednesday 27 August at 5pm. For further details or to sign up to the mailing list please visitwww.nicheproductions.com.au. Rodriguez Australian Tour Dates: Sunday October 19 — Convention Centre, Brisbane. Tickets via Ticketek or 132 849. Tuesday October 21 and Thursday October 23 — Sydney Opera House. Tickets via Opera House Box Office or 02 9270 7111. Saturday October 25 — Palais Theatre, Melbourne. Tickets via Ticketmaster or 136 100. Wednesday October 29 — AEC Theatre, Adelaide. Tickets via Ticketek or 132 849. Friday November 7 — Kings Park & Botanic Garden, Perth. Tickets via Ticketmaster or 136 100. https://youtube.com/watch?v=qyE9vFGKogs
It’s always exciting when two people you love get together, like Seth and Summer on The OC or you and Johnny Depp in nightly dreams. But no pairing has excited us more than Morgan McGlone of Belle’s Hot Chicken and Monty Koludrovic of Icebergs Dining Room and Bar who are finally giving in to all that crazy culinary tension and bringing us a massive pop-up party at Harpoon Harry this long weekend. Morgan and Monty (aw so cute) are concocting a bespoke menu of wings, hotdogs and moonshine shakes for the shindig. You read that correctly, moonshine milkshakes. Morgan is cooking up a spin on Belle’s famous hot chicken with a Barbacoa flavour. And Monty has invented what may possibly be the most perfect hotdog in existence: handmade spiced pork and beef frank, wrapped in a soft bun with mustard, pickles and chilli. And while we’re a wee bit sceptical about the moonshine milkshakes (made with Morgan’s homebrew moonshine and fior de latte gelato), love does make people do crazy things. Of course, we'll give it a try. This isn’t the first time Belle’s Hot Chicken has taken over Harpoon Harry’s either. They did a pop-up several months ago and are back already because apparently Sydney can’t get enough of what Belle’s got. Happily for us, they’re not into monogamy and are working with a horde of hospitality legends to provide bevs and tunes. The boys at Young Henry’s are bringing tinnies, DRNKS are cracking open their vino and Kali from Picnic Social will be soundtracking the evening. Where else would you be this long weekend than at a moonshine shake shindig? Morgan and Monty’s Wings + Dogs + Moonshine Shakes pop-up is happening Sunday, October 4 from 5pm. Find ‘em at Harpoon Harry, 40-44 Wentworth Ave, Surry Hills.
First Melbourne hosted Heston Blumenthal's Fat Duck, then Sydney got the upper hand by coaxing Rene Redzepi to bring his world-renowned restaurant Noma to Barangaroo for a few months. Now Melbourne has one-upped Australia's biggest city to take back the culinary crown, nabbing the rights to host next year's World's 50 Best Restaurants awards. The announcement was made by the World's 50 Best Restaurants group editor William Drew ahead the 2016 awards, which are being held in New York tomorrow night. It's a pretty big deal for little ol' Melbourne (and Tourism Australia) as it's only the second time the awards will be held outside of London. "After hosting 14 successful editions of The World's 50 Best Restaurants awards in London, we feel the time is right to make the event truly global," said Drew in a press release. "2017 in Australia will be the second time we have held the awards outside of London, following New York this year. There's so much international interest in Australia as a food destination, it's exciting for us to have the opportunity to take the events program to this unique country." Well, shucks. If you're not familiar with the awards, they're the ranking that everyone uses when talking about the best restaurants in the world. Last year Spain's El Celler de Can Roca was awarded the number one spot, while Noma has been a former list-topper multiple times. 2015 gave special mention to Melbourne's Attica and Brae, as well as Sydney's Quay and Sepia, which probably has a lot to do with why they've decided to come Down Under in 2017.
Visiting a new city can be hard. Not only because you have to learn how to use their unique version of public transport, but most importantly because you need to maximise on eating only the most delicious food in the city. Stumble once and you've lost a valuable meal opportunity — a hurdle that is hard for an epicurious tourist to overcome. But take heart, we've compiled a list of ten eateries to visit when you come to Auckland so your mind will be consistently blown and all your worries of eating a subpar meal can be left in the overpriced taxi from the airport. AMANO, BRITOMART Amano is Pinterest personified. Bouquets of dried flowers dangle from exposed rafters, with the space huge and rustic and beautiful. And the menu is packed with bouquets of flavours that are mostly sourced from local growers or handmade onsite, so you can rest assured that anything you choose will have been made with a hearty dose of TLC. Whether you're a carnivore, herbivore or bonkers for a bit of pasta, your needs will be met and your expectations exceeded. Amano is cloud nine made of flowers, handkerchief pasta and happy bellies. COCO'S CANTINA, KARANGAHAPE ROAD If you're looking for a restaurant with personality and pizzaz, then look no further; charisma is in Coco's bones and bland isn't a word recognised in its vocabulary. Where owner-operators are celebrated and where community isn't a quaint concept but a way of life, Coco's is a restaurant with integrity. Your orders will be taken by waitstaff who feel like friends, and your food, sourced locally and very intentionally, will make you feel whole and perfectly full at the same time. Whether you're in the mood for a cheeky happy hour pomodoro or a romantic Italian meal, Coco's is the ticket. Don't forget to order a bowl of the legendary polenta chips, you won't regret it. GEMMAYZE ST, KARANGAHAPE ROAD Nestled in the back corner of the curious St Kevin's Arcade, Gemmayze St is a dining opportunity like no other. With all the finest Lebanese trimmings and traditional artefacts, Chef Samir Allen and his family aim to give everyone an authentic Lebanese dining experience. Ordering is simple, either you choose from the bursting menu or you simply say "bring" (in Arabic "jeeb") and the chef will provide you with a feast. Either way, you won't be disappointed. ORPHANS KITCHEN, PONSONBY Exploring national flavour and identity through offerings from the bush, ocean, orchards and fjords, Orphans Kitchen's food philosophy is beautifully holistic (they even have a rooftop hive where they collect honey). Beautiful on the inside too, its interior is warm and inviting. High tables surrounded by tall, sheepskin-covered chairs fill the main dining room, which hums with chatter that is occasionally lulled by a mouthful of food. The seasonal menu is homely and unpretentious, the flavours unique and unexpected. Hearty without being predictable, it's a culinary experience, unique to New Zealand, that you don't want to miss. PREGO, PONSONBY Before Ponsonby became the buzzy hive of restaurants and bars it is today, Prego was there. Since 1986, Prego has been serving up consistently great Italian eats with excellent service to match — not to mention a certain elegance and sophistication that has stood the ultimate test of time. Known as 'Ponsonby's Kitchen', Prego is known for its oven-baked loaf, amazing pasta and pizza that will hook you from the minute you take a bite (the bianco is a thing of dreams). The restaurant is an institution for a reason and a must-try for anyone who sets foot in Auckland. HAN, PARNELL Although it's tucked away on Parnell Road, Han should be at the forefront of your mind. Slick fit-out, slick service, slick food — the experience is one slick ride. Designed by Patterson Architects, the interior is a haven of industrial-chic, each table decorated with extractor fans that are as pleasing to the eye as they are practical. The modern Korean cuisine swaps traditional ingredients with finer, more exciting ones and introduces you to unexpected combinations — pork belly and kimchi in a pie, anyone? Han's authentic charcoal barbecue is a DIY experience not to pass up — the meat is prepared so perfectly by the chef, it's pretty much impossible for anyone to stuff up the barbecuing process. KISS KISS, BALMORAL If you've been hurt by undercooked pork belly and soggy bao before, Kiss Kiss will restore your faith in Asian-fusion. Found just off Auckland's busy Dominion Road, among some of the best Chinese eateries, Kiss Kiss can definitely stand on its own two feet. Its kitsch interior — dominated by neon lights, viewfinders and loud floral tablecloths — sets the tone for a fun evening. The pork ribs are insanely tender, the sauce worth licking every last finger for. The free-range lemongrass fried chicken bao is also a must-try, and it's small enough to allow you to fit more of the menu in. This bang-for-your-buck means you won't leave Kiss Kiss broke, but you will leave wanting more — after the food coma wears off, that is. FEDERAL DELICATESSEN, AUCKLAND CBD If you've ever wanted to experience a Manhattan deli from the 1950s, Fed Deli is just the ticket. From the mint green uniforms to the jars of pickles, cartons of cheesecake that line the walls to the kept promise of bottomless coffee — it's the attention to detail that makes the experience so effortlessly authentic. Sit in a cosy booth or take a seat at the counter where you can stare at the chefs and order off a menu stacked with New York deli-style food. Do not look past the poutine, it will be among the best you've ever had. The chicken salad sandwich doesn't go amiss either. Visit the 50s and one of Auckland's best eateries all in one night. CASSIA, AUCKLAND CBD Cassia was Auckland's first restaurants to introduce modern Indian dining, and we're sure glad they did. Owned and operated by Sid Sahrawat, one of New Zealand's most exciting chefs, Sid takes traditional Indian dishes and reworks them with modern, local ingredients. Located in the heart of the city, you'll find this south Asian gem off Fort Lane, down a set of stairs. Proving to the country that there is more to Indian food than just curry, the menu boasts mouthwatering flavour pairings you won't find many other places. There are only two mistakes you could make when visiting Cassia. One would be not ordering off the ever-changing G&T menu with its local offering of gins, and the other would be not leaving room for dessert. The apple sorbet with walnut, raspberry and white chocolate will be a welcome addition to your Auckland bucket list. IMA CUISINE, AUCKLAND CBD Ima means 'mother' in Hebrew. And if that doesn't prepare you for the onslaught of delicious food you will experience while visiting Ima, you can't say you weren't warned. Yael Shohat — owner of Ima, Israeli native and purveyor of all things delicious — wanted Auckland to experience the joy of a Middle Eastern family-style banquet, where plates and plenty of memories are shared. The interior is colourful, as is the feast, with every table bursting with displays of vivid generosity. The flavours are just as intense and wonderful, whether you're biting into the falafel or free-range chicken mesachan, your tastebuds won't be disappointed. Besides trying as much as you can, our only other advice is to wear pants with an elasticated waistband. LET'S DO THIS, HOW DO I GET THERE? Flights to Auckland from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane are super short — around three-and-a-half hours on average — and Air New Zealand flies direct from all three cities and offers accessible fares. Once you arrive in Auckland, jump in a hire car and let your gustatory adventure begin. https://youtu.be/4kRccnc0F20 Book your flights to Auckland with Air New Zealand and start planning your next long weekend away. Looking for more Auckland food recommendations? Check out our Auckland restaurant directory here.
Renowned chef Nobu Matsuhisa, best known for his beloved Nobu restaurants worldwide, will visit his venues in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth as part of a highly anticipated Australian tour this May. Fans will have a chance to interact with the culinary maestro in person and sample his signature Japanese dishes at a special lunch event on Saturday, May 4, at Crown Sydney. Priced at $120 per person, the Gochiso Lunch banquet with Chef Matsuhisa runs from 12–3pm and includes an array of iconic Nobu dishes, along with a glass of Oatley wine. If you're keen to spend even more time with the acclaimed chef, there's also a pool party with live entertainment, a Don Julio station and food from 6.30–9.30pm on Thursday, May 2, which will set you back $475 per person. "I can't wait to return to Australia. It is a place very close to my heart, and I love visiting my team and local suppliers. The Australian dining scene and hospitality industry is one of the best in the world; brimming with creative culinary talent, incredible produce, and a passionate community of diners," said Matsuhisa.
Waterfalls run in abundance along the aptly named Waterfall Way, which commences the scenic 185km drive between Coffs Harbour and Armidale. You'll encounter dazzling cascades when passing through the New England and Dorrigo national parks, but the shimmering double drop of Ebor Falls shouldn't be missed. Watch the Guy Fawkes River roar down a 100-meter gorge from three viewing platforms that also provide sweeping views across the valley. Take an easy stroll between each lookout to spy wedge-tailed eagles soaring above golden strawflowers and rare ground orchids that bloom around the upper falls in the warmer months, before settling in for a break at one of the woodland picnic areas. Image: Destination NSW
"The World Has Enough Superheroes". That's not our opinion, mind. Rather, it's literally the slogan for Venom, right there up on the posters. After watching the film, one wonders if it wasn't actually a studio note placed on the banners by accident. It's true, Venom is more antihero than superhero, but given he is still part of the wider Marvel universe (a Spider-Man spinoff owned by Sony Pictures), to call this anything other than a superhero movie is as laughable as Tom Hardy's attempt at bumbling comedy. Here he plays Eddie Brock, a VICE-like gritty street journalist whose video segments focus on taking down the rich, powerful and corrupt. Fixed firmly in his sights this time is the Elon Musk-esque tech mogul Carlton Drake (Rogue One's Riz Ahmed), whose determination to advance humankind routinely requires him to also sacrifice them in human trials. Drake's current focus is on four "symbiotes": amorphous sentient blobs from space who need to occupy a human host in order to survive our atmosphere. But Drake believes they also hold the key to humans being able to survive in space (which we'll need to do, because...global warming). In the course of his investigation, Eddie becomes entangled with one such symbiote (aka Venom), who wildly enhances Eddie's strength, speed and stamina, but also compels him to commit regular acts of extreme violence (mainly head eating) as they grapple to form some sort of symbiotic relationship. It's a device not entirely unlike the earlier Spider-Man villain Doctor Octopus, but even more so the recent Aussie film Upgrade, whose protagonist becomes infused with an AI that speaks to his subconscious and allows him to fight off hordes of villains whilst essentially watching on as a passenger in his own body. Directed by Ruben Fleischer (Zombieland), Venom flicks back and forth between violent battle scenes and mismatched buddy comedy, so much so that it never fully lands the vibe of either. It's almost as if Fleischer himself was possessed by a studio symbiote, one compelling him to make one type of film whilst he sought to make another. This incongruity is never clearer than in Hardy's misfiring performance as Brock, whose scratchy and stammering accent sounds like a half-baked Adam Sandler impression. Brock's presented as a hard-hitting journo one minute, then consistently called a loser the next – including by Venom. He's shown as principled and driven, then spends half the movie avoiding responsibility. He'll do whatever it takes, but often does nothing at all. The result is a character without an arc, ending the film – at best – somewhere in the ballpark of where he started. In all, Venom feels like an enormous squandered opportunity. Hardy is a juggernaut of charisma and physicality when given the right material, so to use him in this way is like using a prized stallion for birthday party pony rides. The same goes for his character's fiancée in the film, Anne, played by Michelle Williams. Decked out in the Spider-Man franchise's weirdly consistent tartan skirt and knee-high boots ensemble (seriously, what's up with that?), she's a paper-thin character with almost no reason to be there. An actor of her calibre deserves far better. There's the inevitable teaser of a sequel in the film's closing moments, including the introduction of another terrific performer. It's possible that with the back story and setup out of the way, Hardy and the gang could cast off the origin movie shackles and properly go for it next time round. That's assuming they even get the chance, which is by no means a lock given Venom's disastrous beginning. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9Mv98Gr5pY
There are few pleasures more simple or satisfying in this life than a great meal with great company. It's with that fact in mind that we again find comedians Rob Brydon and Steve Coogan bouncing from one tantalising meal to the next in the third installment of Michael Winterbottom's gastro-comedy series The Trip. Beginning in 2010, the original Trip was a 'best of' that drew from Winterbottom's six-part series for the BBC in which Brydon and Coogan travelled the UK's Lake District 'reviewing' restaurants for their respective publishers. It featured a threadbare fictional storyline that served only to place these two astoundingly witty and sardonic impressionists opposite one another – verbal sparring partners forever determined to fell the other with a devastating barb. The result was a delightful laugh-out-loud comedy that never once threatened to veer towards the gross-out or foul-mouthed gags so common in contemporary Hollywood comedies. The first film's success spawned a sequel, The Trip to Italy, four years later. Now we're greeted with the third course in The Trip to Spain. It's all very much business as usual, with close-ups of mouth-watering food porn breaking up the otherwise largely static shots of Coogan and Brydon facing off against one another, backed by breathtaking scenery and captivating architecture. There's a little history thrown in throughout the film, as well as the occasional food review, but at its heart The Trip to Spain knows where the gold lies and it rarely strays far from the path. Some of you may already be familiar with the common personality quiz question that asks what two people you'd most like to have over for a dinner party. If nothing else, you'd be hard pressed to find a better return on investment than Brydon and Coogan, given how effortlessly the two become 20. Many of the same impersonations from the first two movies return here, including Al Pacino, Michael Caine and Roger Moore. But it's the new entries – David Bowie, Mick Jagger and Sir Anthony Hopkins – that earn the biggest laughs. That these impressions are so often inspired by real life encounters or precious personal moments with their subjects gives what might otherwise feel like a tired parlour trick a critical grounding in tenderness – especially in the case of the Bowie exchange. If there's a complaint to be made this time round, it's that the fictional storyline brings the film to a close on a note that's both abrupt and rather bizarre. The likelihood of another follow-up seems assured given the left-field cliffhanger, but it's so at odds with the class and character of the series that one almost wishes the fictional narrative could be dispensed with entirely. Either that, or shift away from the episodic format of television and become an out-and-out film series. We'll just have to wait and see. For now, at least, we've got some more sumptuous comedy to enjoy, along with course after course of delicious food to match. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTvy8ab1NSo
Transform your long weekend into a bucolic adventure in a pecan orchard on the Central Coast. The Pecan Lady is opening her idyllic property to the public, so you can spend Saturday, Sunday or Monday picking pecans from 9am to 4pm. You'll find her in Somersby, a pretty, rural locality between Brisbane Waters National Park and Strickland State Forest, about an 80-minute drive north of Sydney. Her pecans are particularly small and sweet because they're of the Witchita and Western Schley varieties. Plus, they're grown organically and fed by nutrient-rich spring water. Entry is free, while any pecans you pick will cost $8 per kilo or $30 a bucket. While you're there, you'll be treated to a tree-shaking demonstration, which, as the name suggests, involves shaking a tree's branches, so it allows any ripe nuts tumble to the ground.
As part of the Central Coast's Creative Spaces program, painter, photographer and illustrator Grace Agnes is taking up residence at the Gallery Container in the Village Green, Toukley, to give insight into her artistic process. The Central Coast native, who also sells prints and posters teaching the Fijian language through her Etsy store, will be curating a photographic studio, hosting drop-ins as she creates her beautiful pieces, and also offering a range of interactive experiences from Wednesday, April 1 to Friday, June 28. There are painting classes, music events, exhibitions, mini-markets and much more. A good number of these events are designed specifically with children in mind, so if your little one wants to take part in a flower workshop or learn how to paint their own pet in a family-friendly environment, then Grace Agnes has got you covered. Following successful residencies over the past few months from sculptor David Hough and the Central Coast Creatives Collective, the program is going out on a high for their season finale, with Grace Agnes' multi-disciplinary creations truly offering something for everyone. Grace Agnes will take up residence at the Gallery Container in Toukley from Wednesday, April 1 to Friday, June 28. For more information or to book tickets to an event, visit the website.
Conversation Piece directed and choreographed by Lucy Guerin, begins with an improvised conversation between three dancers, Alisdair Macindoe, Harriet Ritchie, and Rennie McDougall. The quotidian chat is recorded on iPhones and used as base material for the performance that follows. The exchange is different each night. Joining the dancers on stage are three actors: Alison Bell, Megan Holloway, and Matthew Whittet. The show is something of an experiment. Guerin devised the work in collaboration with the performers, and the result isn't so much a blend between dance and theatre as a meeting. The contrast between the dancers and actors is clear and at times hilarious. Bell and Holloway try to follow a choreographed routine at one point with comic results, and Whittet's attempt to resist the lyrical advances of Macindoe is wickedly funny. Conversation Piece is a bit empty as a play and indeed makes more sense as a dance piece or even perhaps anti-theatre. The language used in this show is abstracted and words are almost treated as found objects. The show has much in common with Peter Handke's 'Sprechstücke' or 'speak-ins', which use words to form language criticism rather than well-made plays. As with Handke’s works, Conversation Piece uses words as toys to be played with rather than vessels of expression or description. In fact, there couldn't be a better example to support the argument that words do not hold meaning; rather, it is their use that is meaningful. Bell rendering some of Ritchie's banal comments into vicious condemnations is a prime example. The music created by the performers with their iPhones is hugely enjoyable, and Robin Fox's sound design mostly supports the action on stage. A few of her choices seem an odd fit though, such as Johnny Cash's version of The Mercy Seat playing during a choreographed sequence. The song is extremely lovely, but stands out as a grand emotional wash against the otherwise very detailed production. Other than this moment, the piece never hands us grand narratives or sentimentality. Instead, we're treated to a joyful string of conversations between technology, language, and movement.
A debaucherous long-table feast that'd even impress the Queen of Hearts is taking over Sydney Town Hall this winter. Fittingly called The Queen's Feast, the event will see a meal by some of the city's top chefs paired with live music, art, performance and an 'unexpected surprise or two' — all set to the theme of a twisted, dark last supper. Dessert royalty Anna Polyviou, MasterChef Australia's Sarah Tiong, Claire Van Vuuren from Bloodwood and Bart Jr's George Woodyard are preparing the four-course meal, which'll be served up alongside wine by Hunter Valley's Lisa McGuigan. The exact nature of the performance, art and music is still under wraps for now, but you can expect it to be big, bold and breathtaking. Heaps Gay Creator and Sydney Mardi Gras Creative Director Kat Dopper is looking after the whole shebang, while DJ duo Stereogamous, who describe themselves as 'the gayest band since The Village People', is overseeing the tunes. You can pick from two sittings (1–4pm and 7–10pm), and donning a twisted, dark fancy dress outfit — think black, lace and lots of leather — is encouraged.
Chamomile gin, quinoa vodka and moonshine are among the spirits now available for tasting just outside of Melbourne in Healesville, following the opening of brand new distillery Alchemy. The business has taken over a century-old bakery, which you'll find hidden away up a laneway, off the main street. And not only is there a cellar door, there's a cocktail bar and accommodation too. At the centre of Alchemy's operations is a hybrid pot still with a 100-litre capacity. This mighty machine enables founders Evan Kipping and Jannick Zester to experiment with a variety of left-of-field flavours and ideas. While the aforementioned chamomile gin, quinoa vodka and moonshine are Alchemy's core products, there's also a bunch of small-batch spirits on the go at all times. "Sinking our teeth into making multiple spirits has allowed us to collaborate with local producers," says Zester. "We've been overwhelmed with support and are currently playing with local strawberries, cumquats and grapes from the Yarra Valley." You're invited to taste Alchemy's offerings and/or settle in for a signature cocktail, craft beer or local wine — either indoors, at the bar, or out in the sunny beer garden splashed with greenery. If you want or need to sleep over, there's a two-bedroom apartment overlooking the main street that'll sort you out. To get more deeply involved, join Alchemy's barrel-ageing program. The crew is giving 100 people the opportunity to own their own 20-litre barrel. You'll start by going through the whiskey-making process, including mashing, distillation and fermentation, then, throughout maturation, make return visits to sample your creation. Two years down the track, choose to release the whiskey, stick with it as it continues to age or pop it in a bottle and take it home. Alchemy Distillers is now open at 242 Maroondah Highway, Healesville. For more info or to book a room, visit alchemydistillers.com.
Jiro Dreams of Sushi, a hagiographic portrait of 85-year-old sushi master and three-Michelin Star restauranteur Jiro Ono, could and should have been a short film. If you just clicked that link and watched the trailer for this film, then you've basically seen the film. We know straight up that Jiro is a perfectionist and a workaholic and yet the film wastes valuable time declaring its subject's mythic status in the Japanese culinary scene and confines 80 percent of the action within his hidden-away 10-seater restaurant, Sukiyabashi Jiro. Shot using the latest-and-greatest RED Cam, the texture of the film has all the trappings of a very slick commercial. It's overladen with a slew of heavy-handed cinematic conceits, such as super slow motion, shallow depth of field photography, and more than its share of time-lapse montage sequences set to an incredibly self-important and hackneyed iteration of a Philip Glass score. At one point, and this just exactly encapsulates the tone of the film, we hear a naff food writer say, "every mouthful of Jiro's sushi is like eating his philosophy" and see a glistening piece of soy sauce-slicked blue fin tuna land on a porcelain plate with just the right amount of bounce-on-impact-captured-in-extreme-close-up to make doe-eyed popcorn-guzzling viewers stop mid-mouthful turn to their buddy and spit, "wow, that's really fresh tuna." Portraits of obsessive people are most interesting when they offer insights into the life of the subject outside of his or her specialty area. I wanted to see how Ono deals with the chaos of the world beyond the borders of his hallowed restaurant where he isn't a reigning deity. The film does give a rudimentary backstory, but it doesn't go nearly far enough fleshing it out. Are there any unrealised wishes in Ono's life? Secret diversions? Regrets? If you find an occupation you love and spend your entire life working at it, is that enough? To have positioned Ono at the centre of modern-day Japan would have given this film some much-needed weight and context. That is, how does the working culture of Sukiyabashi Jiro illuminate a broader cultural tendency? Alas, this is a very lazy debut by director David Gelb. https://youtube.com/watch?v=hbV6knbeUFE
Everyone remembers studying ancient Egyptian history in school. Pyramids, pharaohs, boy kings, mummification: they aren't easily forgotten. Your next chance to explore this chapter of the past will get you walking through works from centuries ago, covering the time of Tutankhamun, Ramses II, Nefertari, Khufu and even Alexander the Great, all as part of an impressive exhibition at Melbourne's NGV International called Pharaoh. Meet the venue's midyear blockbuster for 2024, which will fall into Victoria's annual Melbourne Winter Masterpieces season. Following on from 2023's Pierre Bonnard: Designed by India Mahdavi, this middle-of-the-calendar spectacular will run from Friday, June 14–Sunday, October 6 and feature items from the British Museum. That loan is quite significant, too, with Pharaoh including the venue's biggest-ever borrowing of ancient Egyptian jewellery, as well as pieces that previously haven't been shown. In total, more than 500 works will be on display as the NGV peers back at Egypt from the 1st Dynasty to the Roman era — so, from around 3000 BCE to the 4th century CE. Expect to see plenty of gleaming artefacts given that focus on ancient Egyptian jewellery. The exhibition will also span coffins and other funerary items, as well as examples of architecture spanning tombs, temples, and also massive monuments and sculptures. [caption id="attachment_918945" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Plaque of Amenemhat IV, Probably Byblos, Lebanon, 12th Dynasty, reign of Amenemhat IV, about 1808- 1799 BC, Gold, H 2.9 cm, W 3.1 cm, D 0.1 cm, © The Trustees of the British Museum.[/caption] Among the specific highlights, a hefty wall from a 2.5-metre-high, three-metre-wide limestone wall from a mastaba tomb dating back to the Old Kingdom is one of them — complete with hieroglyphic texts carved into the surface. Also going big: a huge fist made of stone from a statue of Ramses II that hails from Memphis, in the temple of Ptah, and weighs in at almost 1.5 tonnes. Still on that particular ruler, Pharaoh will feature an enormous limestone statue of Ramses II that shows him as a high priest. Visitors will also be able to see a seated statue of Sety II, Ramses II's grandson, which is also notable for being one of the most complete sculptures that still exist from the time. Or, check out Pharaoh's oldest item, a five-centimetre-wide ivory label that shows the 1st Dynasty's King Den. Jumping forward, a green siltstone head of the 18th Dynasty's Tuthmose III wearing the cobra headdress will also feature. Among the gold, silver and gemstone-studded jewellery, everything from rings and necklaces to collars and girdles will be on display — and as sourced from tombs, so will amulets that were placed to protect the deceased, to examine the role that adorning bodies played in ancient Egyptians' beliefs about the afterlife. Pharaoh won't just focus on jewels used after death, however, with pieces from places such as Akhenaten's royal city Amarna also part of the exhibition as it examines everyday life. Still on royals, the showcase will boast objects from Deir el-Medina, where the craftspeople who were responsible for carving and decking out the Valley of the Kings' royal tombs resided. Here, attendees will see letters, notes, sketches and poems carved on limestone fragments. [caption id="attachment_918948" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Statue of Ramses II as a high-priest, Abydos, Egypt, 19th Dynasty, reign of Ramses II, about 1279-1213 BC, Limestone, H 171cm, W 71.5cm, D 98cm, © The Trustees of the British Museum.[/caption] Top image: Shabti of Pharaoh Sety I, Tomb of Sety I, Valley of the Kings, Thebes, Egypt, 19th Dynasty, reign of Sety I, about 1294-1279 BC, Blue faience, H 22.8 cm, W 9.6 cm, D 9.6 cm, © The Trustees of the British Museum.
The white sandy shores and lush subtropical forest of Lord Howe Island can only be explored by 400 lucky visitors at any one time. So, if you want to swim through these aquamarine waters, you'll need to snap up accommodation for your crew, quick smart. Looking for an isolated sanctuary? You'll find a private oasis among a forest of kentia palms and banyan trees at Island House, which accommodates up to eight guests across two villas. These carefully curated, light-filled spaces feature sleek Danish furnishings and kitchens stocked with island-grown and -caught produce, plus a bevy of top-shelf drinks. The venue will also kit you out with all the equipment you need for your explorations, offering everything from fishing gear, snorkels and fins to glass-bottomed paddleboards, pushbikes, yoga mats and trekking accoutrement. The team can also help you book a tour for anything that can't be attempted solo, such as deep sea fishing, scuba diving or hiking more arduous trails like the dizzying Mount Gower ridge. Head here for more Aussie island inspiration. Images: Destination NSW
If the inside of a yoga studio is your kind of calm, then you'll be all sorts of pleased to know that one of Melbourne's primo yoga studios has made the move up north. One Hot Yoga & Pilates will open its doors at 34 Kellett Street, Potts Point this Saturday — and to mark the occasion, they're holding a whole weekend of free classes. Yes, we said free yoga, so get your mat out and start stretching. The classes will run all day on both Saturday, February 27 and Sunday, February 28, and will cover off most of the different classes that will be available once the timetable starts up proper. Choose from reformer Pilates, a power flow at 27 degrees or a slow hot flow at a slightly steamier 37 degrees, amongst others. Just be sure to book online in advance. One Hot Yoga was first opened in Melbourne back in 2012 by husband and wife team, architect Rob Mills and yogi Lucinda Mills. The Sydney studio is housed in a 1930s art deco building and, as you would expect from an architect, the space is set to look pretty sweet. So even if you just want to have a bit of a stickybeak — this is the time to do it.
While Messina's main jam is crafting supremely scoffable varieties of gelato, the brand's love of food extends far beyond the freezer. The cult gelateria often teams up with savoury-focused culinary heroes, throwing big ol' food parties. For the next Messina Eats at the brand's expansive new Marrickville HQ, the dessert specialists are joining forces with Melbourne's beloved Wonderbao for a Lunar New Year feast. Neither crew is a stranger to collaborations. Wonderbao popped up in Sydney in 2022 for a team-up with Fonda, and has previously linked up with Messina back in 2016. Now, it'll be bringing its famed fluffy bao back to Sydney for a two-day takeover of the Messina Marrickville carpark on Friday, February 9–Saturday, February 10. As for what's on offer, possibly most exciting is the return of Gelato Messina's fan-favourite mango pancakes. But, before you get to the dessert, you need something savoury in your belly. That's where Wonderbao's pillowy classic and gua bao come into play. Among the varieties of bao on offer, there will be traditional char siu pork, sweet and spicy fried chicken, crispy tofu, roast pork belly and shiitake mushroom. Plus, there will be DIY peking duck pancake platters, as well as sweet and sour potato gems. When it comes to the sweet treats, the mango pancakes will be joined by a golden custard bao with a hint of coconut. Plus, there will be peach bubble tea (which you can spike with a shot of alcohol for an extra $10) and a spicy mango margarita made with Messina mango sorbet.
As well as creating some of popular culture's most beloved characters of the past three decades, JK Rowling's Harry Potter franchise has also conjured up a whole heap of astonishing critters. The Boy Who Lived himself studied them at Hogwarts, all thanks to textbook Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them — and, to the joy of Potter-loving muggles everywhere, Rowling turned that tome into an actual text in 2001. Plus, as every Wizarding World fan knows, that book followed the original Harry Potter novels in making the leap from the page to the screen. So far, two movies have hit cinemas, charting the exploits of the text's author Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) just as dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald (Johnny Depp) rises to prominence. While neither the first 2016 film nor its 2018 sequel Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald quite live up to the HP movies, three more are still planned from 2021 onwards. Can't wait that long until your next Fantastic Beasts fix? Particularly fond of the creatures that fly, scamper and scurry through the Wizarding World? Then you'll be waving your wands in excitement about the huge new Fantastic Beasts: The Wonder of Nature, which'll display items from Rowling's fictional universe alongside real-life creatures, specimens and artefacts. Premiering at London's Natural History Museum sometime this autumn — spring in the northern hemisphere — for a seven-month season before embarking on an international tour, the showcase will combine critters from the natural world, the mythical world and the Wizarding World. Visitors will see legendary beasts placed alongside specimens and historic objects, while also venturing through digital installations and other elements from the Fantastic Beasts flicks. Unsurprisingly, there'll also be a huge focus on Scamander, the Wizarding World's famed magizoologist. [caption id="attachment_757302" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Jeff Spicer[/caption] While the full range of exhibits hasn't been revealed, you can expect to peer at a tiger, a Galápagos marine iguana and a giant oarfish (the planet's longest bony fish) alongside an Erumpent horn and the dragon skull from Professor Lupin's classroom. You'll also be able to compare the camouflage tactics of a jaguar to those of the Demiguise. Here's hoping a super-cute Niffler features in some shape or form, too. Just where Fantastic Beasts: The Wonder of Nature will head after its London run hasn't been announced yet either, but start yelling "accio exhibition" while you cross your fingers for a stop Down Under. A collaboration between the Natural History Museum, the BBC and Warner Bros, a Fantastic Beasts documentary is also headed to screens to tie in with the exhibition. Called Fantastic Beasts: A Natural History and presented by Stephen Fry, it'll delve into the origins and stories of mythical creatures and fantastical beasts, examining their history and making connections to animals roaming the planet today. In the UK, it's set to air at a yet-to-be-revealed date later this year — with international airings also yet to be announced. Fantastic Beasts: The Wonder of Nature will display at London's Natural History Museum from sometime this autumn — spring in the northern hemisphere — with tickets on sale from Thursday, January 16. Details of the exhibition's international tour are yet to be revealed.
There's never been more reason to dramatically point at a menu and shout "I CHOOSE YOU!" and not find yourself immediately kicked out. In a move that's about 15 years too late, Nintendo will be opening a brand new pop-up eatery in Tokyo entirely themed around that little sparky Pokemon legend, Pikachu. The inventively-named Pikachu Cafe will be open July 19 - August 31 to celebrate the opening of the exhibition Pokemon the Movie XY in Roppongi Hills in Tokyo. Decked out in Pikachu-inspired decor and serving up some pretty adorable Pikafoods, this new pop-up is so offensively cute we're enlisting known Charizards and Digletts to skip the airfares for us. Here's the Pikachu Curry: Pokeball Rice Thing with gravy: Pikachu Parfait (just terrifying): Pikachu Pancakes (yeah, might have lost some ideas with this one): And here's the Pokemon yoghurt drinks that come with SPECIAL COASTERS. Right? (Yeah, they pretty much just look like regular yoghurt drinks, whaddayagunnado.) If you're keen to get amongst the Pokemonstronsities, head to Roppongi Hills, Tokyo and hit the opening on July 19. This one's going to be the most 'grammable, nostalgic, web-friendly pop-up for miles. Via Eataku.
Sydney Opera House's UnWrapped festival is back with a new season full of attention-grabbing works from independent artists. Ranging from First Nations cabaret to Iranian-influenced jazz, the May program features six performances, all taking place in the venue's Studio and Utzon rooms. Black Comedy's Steven Oliver will perform his critically acclaimed cabaret Bigger & Blacker, while dancer and choreographer Angela Goh is presenting Sky Blue Mythic, a solo dance performance accompanied by Corin's experimental electronic music. Runa Cara, the collaboration between singer-songwriter Bonnie Stewart (also known as Bonniesongs) and Danish orchestral musician Freya Schack-Arnott, will perform a set of serene folk songs. And, Iranian Australian composer Hamed Sadeghi is premiering his latest fusion of traditional Iranian music and jazz, Project Masnavi. Outlines, a pair of boundary-pushing pieces with a big emphasis on technology, will round out the festival on its final day. Outlines Part I — R+J RMX recreates Romeo and Juliet using the artificial intelligence technology Omelia, while Outlines II – Apotheosis is a 4D visual art and motion capture dance performance by Serwah Attafuah and Soft Centre, featuring music from Ptwiggs and Lydia Kivela. The six performances will take place between Friday, May 14 and Sunday,May 30, with tickets ranging from $15–45. Tickets are on sale from midday Wednesday, April 7. [caption id="attachment_806502" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Outlines Part II – Apotheosis[/caption]
While Barangaroo has become somewhat of a polarising area to opinionated Sydneysiders, the precinct and its Lendlease owners have shown quite a notable commitment to public art. Announced today, the newest piece commissioned will be the precinct's largest permanent public artwork to date, following the announcement of Reko Rennie's work earlier this year. Created by German artist Sabine Hornig, Shadows will be installed across a 170-metre walkway connecting the precinct's three International Towers. In the installation, photographs of indigenous Sydney flora will be layered on multi-coloured glass walls in the walkways and passages between the towers. Hornig sourced these images in the area surrounding Sydney Harbour, focusing on the region's native plants. The artwork's transparent glass is meant to reflect "beautiful iridescent shadows" according to Hornig. The glass wall will also mirror the faces and bodies of passersby, allowing pedestrians to become participants in the art. Hornig was selected by the Lendlease Art Advisory Panel from a consideration of more than 200 artists and then among four local and international artist submissions. Due to be completed in 2018, the work will act as a part of the new Australian and international public artworks commissioned by the Barangaroo Public Art and Cultural Plan. Announced in 2015, the plan establishes a multi-million dollar investment in public art and cultural programming across Barangaroo.
The Sails Motel is a popular accommodation spot in Brunswick Heads, a picturesque coastal town in New South Wales, located just a short walk from the town's beautiful beach and vibrant cafes and shops. This cosy motel offers a range of comfortable and well-appointed rooms, each of which is equipped with all the necessary amenities for a comfortable and relaxing stay. Whether you're travelling solo, with a partner or with your family, the Sails Motel has a room option that will suit your needs. Some of the amenities available to guests include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, air conditioning and mini-fridges. This Northern Rivers spot also boasts a lovely outdoor pool with a neighbouring bar, perfect for cooling off on hot summer days, as well as a barbecue area and a shared kitchenette for guest use. Not in the mood for cooking? Head to Saint Maries, the onsite restaurant and wine bar slinging pizzas, tapas, wine and cocktails. With its prime location in the heart of Brunswick Heads, The Sails Motel is within easy walking distance of the town's many shops, cafes and restaurants, as well as its beautiful beaches and scenic riverside parks. Rooms start at $175 per night for a midweek stay — a true bargain when you're in the Rainbow Region. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
We are all well acquainted with the fascinating leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy. Shrouded in mystery, marvelously eccentric and either architecturally amazing or atrocious, leaning towers and buildings are simply fascinating structures, which arouse our amazement and curiosity. However, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is far from being the only leaning tower in the world; in fact, it doesn't even top the list for being the oldest, tallest or having the greatest lean. Here are ten of the most stunning, mystifying leaning buildings from around the world that will be sure to make you look at buildings from a new angle. Capital Gate, Abu Dhabi Granted the title of the world's furthest leaning man-made tower, the recently built Capital Gate in Abu Dhabi boasts of a whopping 35 stories, all leaning at an impressive 18-degree slant. This structural wonder is a 520-foot sleek and futuristic design which requires 49 piles drilled 100 feet into the Earth to maintain its integrity. Qianwei Leaning Tower, China In Huludao City in China's Liaoning Province lies the world's first leaning tower. Aside from it's rich historical background, the Qianwei leaning tower is believed by many to also have the largest lean in the world, yet it is not recognized by Guinness World Records. Leaning Tower of Barceloneta, Spain Situated on Barceloneta Beach in Spain, this iconic tower features four cubes stacked precariously on top of each other at varying angles. Scores of tourists and visitors flock to this beautiful part of the country, not only for the sun and sand, but also to take in the view of this unorthodox building. Leaning Tower of Teluk Intan, Malaysia The Leaning Tower of Teluk Intan, formerly known as just the water tower, is one of the major attractions of this small Malaysian town. Shortly after the construction of the tower the building began to tilt due to the stream of water running through the ground below, which made the foundation soil weak. Neuer Zollhof, Germany Part of the redeveloped port in Dusseldorf, this unconventional building was created by renowned architect Frank Gehry. The three buildings curve and lean in varying directions and are made of different cladding, whether that be white plaster, red brick or reflective stainless steel. Leaning Temple of Huma, India The only leaning temple in the world, the Temple of Huma was built in 1670 on the banks of the Mahanadi at an angle of 17 degrees, and is dedicated to the Lord Shiva. It is said that the construction of the temple came about due to enquiries made because of a milkman's daily ritual of crossing the Mahanadi and offering his milk to the rock which cropped out on the bank, and the rock would miraculously consume the milk each time. Tilting Hypo Alpe-Adria Bank, Italy This eco-friendly building is an architectural feat in its own right as, rather than using shading devices to protect the south-facing walls, the solar passive design instead uses its own floors with the 14 degree tilt. The office also features a myriad of sustainable building strategies to provide comfort and save energy. Leaning Tower of Nevyansk, Russia The mysteries surrounding this Russian tower work to make this ethereal building all the more stunning. No-one knows exactly what the tower/prison/science lab for secret experiments is actually for, when in the 18th century it was constructed, by whom, or the origins of its tilt. Although there are bizarre speculations including crying walls or throwing architects off the balcony, this one is better shrouded in mystery. Gate of Europe, Madrid The twin towers that make up the Gate of Europe are named as such for good reason. These foreboding structures, known as Puerta de Europa, lay at the top of a stone staircase and appear to barricade the city of Madrid. The 114m towers have 26 floors of office space and have fittingly appeared in a number of movies, such as The Day of the Beast. Leaning Tower of Suurhusen, Germany Before the Capital Gate was built in Abu Dhabi, this medieval steeple held the title of the most tilted tower in the world. Located in a village in North Western Germany, the 14th century church was built with oak tree trunk foundations, which rotted in the surrounding marshy land.
For playing Princess Diana in Spencer, Kristen Stewart earned an Oscar nomination. For doing the same in Diana the Musical, Jeanna de Waal just won a Golden Raspberry Award. Given out the day before the Academy Awards and rewarding the worst in cinema for the past year — rather than the best and brightest like their counterparts — the Razzies have named their picks from 2021's flicks. And yes, singing through the life of Princess Di wasn't considered movie magic. A filmed version of the stage production, Diana the Musical earned five awards in total — after leading the nominations with nine. The Golden Raspberries also considered it the Worst Picture of the year, and gave it the Worst Director, Worst Supporting Actress and Worst Screenplay prizes as well. If you haven't seen it yet, you might to stick with The Crown. Also winning big: needless Space Jam sequel Space Jam: A New Legacy, which picked up three awards from four nominations. It received the Worst Actor prize for LeBron James, as well as the Worst Remake, Ripoff or Sequel award, plus Worst Screen Couple. With those two movies scoring eight awards between them, there wasn't much room for many other winners at the 42nd Razzies (although, are Razzie recipients really considered winners?). But Jared Leto's awful efforts in House of Gucci still scored him the Worst Supporting Actor prize, even over Diana the Musical's Gareth Keegan. One person who was always going to end with a Razzie to his name this year was Bruce Willis. The awards even created their own category for him — because he released eight flicks last year, and all of them were terrible. Wondering which one was deemed the worst of the lot? That'd be Cosmic Sin, which saw Willis pick up the accolade for Worst Performance by Bruce Willis in a 2021 Movie. Ahead of likely winning an Oscar today, Will Smith also earned some love from the Razzies as well. The former Fresh Prince received the only Golden Raspberry anyone ever wants to get, though: the Razzie Redeemer, for actors who've come back from a spate of Razzie-worthy roles. Smith's win came for King Richard, the part he's expected to get that Academy Award for. Check out the full list of nominees and winners below: GOLDEN RASPBERRY NOMINEES AND WINNERS 2022: WORST PICTURE Diana the Musical — WINNER Infinite Karen Space Jam: A New Legacy The Woman in the Window WORST ACTOR Scott Eastwood, Dangerous Roe Hartrampf (as Prince Charles), Diana the Musical LeBron James, Space Jam: A New Legacy — WINNER Ben Platt, Dear Evan Hansen Mark Wahlberg, Infinite WORST ACTRESS Amy Adams, The Woman in the Window Jeanna de Waal, Diana the Musical — WINNER Megan Fox, Midnight in the Switchgrass Taryn Manning, Karen Ruby Rose, Vanquish WORST SUPPORTING ACTOR Ben Affleck, The Last Duel Nick Cannon, The Misfits Mel Gibson, Dangerous Gareth Keegan (as James Hewitt, the muscle-bound horse trainer), Diana the Musical Jared Leto, House of Gucci — WINNER WORST SUPPORTING ACTRESS Amy Adams, Dear Evan Hansen Sophie Cookson, Infinite Erin Davie (as Camilla), Diana the Musical Judy Kaye (as both Queen Elizabeth and Barbara Cartland), Diana the Musical — WINNER Taryn Manning, Every Last One of Them WORST PERFORMANCE BY BRUCE WILLIS IN A 2021 MOVIE Bruce Willis, American Siege Bruce Willis, Apex Bruce Willis, Cosmic Sin — WINNER Bruce Willis, Deadlock Bruce Willis, Fortress Bruce Willis, Midnight in the Switchgrass Bruce Willis, Out of Death Bruce Willis, Survive the Game WORST SCREEN COMBO Any klutzy cast member and any lamely lyricised (or choreographed) musical number, Diana the Musical LeBron James and any Warner cartoon character (or Time-Warner product) he dribbles on, Space Jam: A New Legacy — WINNER Jared Leto and either his 17-pound latex face, his geeky clothes or his ridiculous accent, House of Gucci Ben Platt and any other character who acts like Platt singing 24-7 is normal, Dear Evan Hansen Tom and Jerry (aka Itchy and Scratchy), Tom & Jerry WORST DIRECTOR Christopher Ashley, Diana the Musical — WINNER Stephen Chbosky, Dear Evan Hansen Coke Daniels, Karen Renny Harlin, The Misfits Joe Wright, The Woman in the Window WORST REMAKE, RIPOFF or SEQUEL Karen (inadvertent remake of Cruella deVil) Space Jam: A New Legacy — WINNER Tom and Jerry Twist (rap remake of Oliver Twist) The Woman in the Window (ripoff of Rear Window) WORST SCREENPLAY Diana the Musical, script by Joe DiPietro, music and lyrics by DiPietro and David Bryan — WINNER Karen, written by Coke Daniels The Misfits, screenplay by Kurt Wimmer and Robert Henny, screen story by Robert Henny Twist, written by John Wrathall and Sally Collett, additional material by Matthew Parkhill, Michael Lindley, Tom Grass and Kevin Lehane, from an "original idea" by David and Keith Lynch and Simon Thomas The Woman in the Window, screenplay by Tracy Letts, from the novel by AJ Finn RAZZIE REDEEMER Will Smith for King Richard
Come Wednesday, it can feel like time is moving in slow motion and you're running through jelly towards the golden moment that is 5.01pm on Friday. Why is the jelly so dense and your limbs so heavy? Probably because you spend so many hours serving customers or calming down angry clients. And let's not forget the time spent sending emails or in meetings that could've been an email. The working week is a necessity unfortunately, but there are some tricks of the trade for making it a little easier so you can cut down on the brainwork (and sometimes the legwork). Deputy, a software that does a bunch of those manual tasks for you, plays right into this. It knows your true heart's desire is not rostering alone in an office on a computer but rather just having a nice time bonding with your team. And other ways to get through the week, you ask? Well, here's a couple of ideas. [caption id="attachment_731201" align="alignnone" width="1920"] No Lights No Lycra[/caption] BOOK IN FOR A FUN EXERCISE CLASS AFTER WORK Leaving on time is certainly a basic human right — but we know it's much easier said than done. Sometimes you need a little incentive to push you into pressing save on your excel doc and blowing the joint. A tip? Book into an exercise class after work that will have you looking forward to your knock-off time all day, and changing into your runners at 4.57pm. Try judgement-free dance class No Lights No Lycra or a burlesque class at Sky Sirens to get the blood pumping. They'll make you remember that movement is nice, endorphins are your little buddies and sweat is just your body crying out all the toxic "as per my last emails" of the past week. TURN THE OFFICE INTO A MINI MOVIE THEATRE Generally speaking, if there's one thing a lot of offices are good for, it's expanses of white walls. Move aside the whiteboards and mindmaps, and clear space to make an impromptu screen. If you and your colleagues all chip in a few bucks to buy a cheap pocket projector (or convince your boss to do so), it'll soon be paying for itself — and you'll be doing movie nights the right way. Roll your desk chairs in, microwave some popcorn, flick off the lights and BAM, you're basically at a boutique cinema. Don't have a spare wall? Cop some cheap bean bags and get yourself flat on the floor to use the ceiling as a screen. After a long, hard week, you deserve a little lie down. [caption id="attachment_654556" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Golden Barley Hotel[/caption] FIND A NEW PUB TRIVIA EVERY WEEK If there's one way in which Sydney proves its mettle, it's in having a plethora of pub trivias themed for all occasions. Ru Paul's Drag Race trivia? Check. Broad City trivia? Yup. Murder Mystery pub trivia? Yeah, you'll find it somewhere. Work your way around town by picking a new trivia night every week. Some of our favourites include Golden Barley Hotel's themed trivia nights, Golden Age Cinema's fortnightly film trivia events and The Wild Rover weekly general knowledge quizzes. Start thinking of punny team names now — you can do better than 'You're a Quizzard, Harry'. Get a pub meal, flex your brain muscles, appoint a scribe and get thinking — you might even win the meat tray for Friday's lunch cook-up. [caption id="attachment_622126" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kimberley Low[/caption] GO TO A DOG PARK FOR MAXIMUM PATS DURING LUNCH Sure, you may work nowhere near a beach or a park — and, if you do, we're jealous. Take a longer lunch to schlep you and your sandwich across to the nearest dog-friendly spot, and max out on those endorphins that come with hanging out with furry friends. Fact: dogs cuddles are good for mental health. Fact number two: dog cuddles are great for helping the week fly by. DO A LUNCH SWAP WITH YOUR COLLEAGUE Your chicken salad may be grand, but it may also be as done to death as your perennial Tuesday lunch. Routine is all well and good but so is stepping outside your culinary boundaries, so try a lunch swap with a colleague once a week. It'll be like roulette (with considerably lower stakes), and you'll get to offload that chicken salad on Angela. Surprises are the spice of life, and maybe you'll get lucky and score something like a fun curry. You may even find you enjoy cooking more when it's for someone else. INTRODUCE DEPUTY Manual tasks and paperwork are the bane of any business owner's life. Things like rostering or payroll could make even the most patient person think seriously about throwing their computer into the sea and calling it a day. Deputy takes the reins on this one by helping you with the boring, fiddly manual stuff. Used by Aussie companies like Gelato Messina, Ume Burger and San Churro, Deputy simplifies scheduling, timesheets and communication thereby leaving you, the newly relaxed and calm person, with no urge to throw computers — and able to join your team for the fun activities listed above. If work-life balance is the goal (which it should be), Deputy might be the answer. To learn more about Deputy and how it could help your workplace, visit the website.
So you've experienced another Sydney winter — not that it was even that cold; the weather was simply beautiful. But nevertheless, it's safe to say we're all ready to shed our layers and head outdoors for some quality time in the sun. Instead of sticking to your favourite beach or local park in the warmer Sydney days ahead, why not venture a little further afield into the countryside? Spanning ocean and desert, NSW boasts an abundance of local food, live music and breath-taking nature to take in. From the lush Hunter Valley vineyards to the dusty flats of Broken Hill, there are festivals and events for every taste. And it's all happening in spring, the season that isn't as hot or busy as summer. Do you need any more convincing? Without some planning, however, your next three months are going to look a little dull. To help you out, we've pulled off our winter mittens for good, and teamed up with Destination NSW to put together a handy list of top things to do with your entourage just in time for the sun to reveal its glorious face.
Stepping inside any Greek eatery should conjure up the sights, tastes and sensations of dining in the Mediterranean; however there's the usual Greece-inspired food and flourishes, and then there's 1821's epic, eye-poppingly opulent addition to the fold. That's what happens when you design and build the entire restaurant in the country in question, then ship it to Australia. No wonder it took longer than expected to come to fruition. 1821 opens more than a year after its initial planned launch in 2015, and reportedly cost more than $3 million, but it looks like it was worth the wait. Inside the Pitt Street spot you'll find three levels of architect-crafted eating and drinking luxury, as designed by hospitality specialist Dimitris Economou. That includes the main dining room, a private dining area upstairs, and a high-end vodka bar that's set to start serving beverages later this year. When it comes to meals and drinks, the indulgence keeps on coming thanks to chef David Tsirekas. Think lobster pasta, Greek san choy bow, white chocolate feta cheesecake, and caramel baklava ice-cream, plus a Aphrodite Bellini with solitaire sparkling Greek wine, and the Ouzotini with ouzo 'mini', mint infused vodka, peach schnapps and lime. And if you're wondering about the name, it commemorates the the first year of the Greek War of Independence, with 1821 specifically inspired by the Odessa bunker where a group of ambitious Greeks started the Greek Liberation Movement. Plus, in a restaurant that proudly champions the fact that it really is made in Greece, it also represents the venue's hopes to unite people fond of Greek culture. Find 1821 at 122 Pitt Street, Sydney. Visit their website and Facebook page for more information.
Plays like You Know We Belong Together aren't a common sight on Australia's stages, and that's one of the reasons that it exists. Created by and starring actor and writer Julia Hales (ABC's The Upside), it features a cast performers exploring the daily reality of Down syndrome — and the fact that actors with Down syndrome are so rarely featured in Australia's cultural output. The starting point is right there in the Sydney Opera House-bound production's name, which should've instantly gotten one particular song stuck in your head. You Know We Belong Together takes its moniker from the first words to Home and Away's theme tune, a soap opera that Hales has been a life-long fan of. Watching the show's Summer Bay-set antics, she also noticed the inescapable fact that she wasn't represented in its melodramatic antics. "I want people to see us for who we are and what we do as part of the world," says Hales. "I watched every single episode of Australian soap opera Home and Away since it first aired in 1988, but I've never seen another person with Down syndrome in the cast." "I used to dream of landing a role in it and finding love. So I created You Know We Belong Together. This is a story for us, by us." Hales continues. You Know We Belong Together features Hales alongside six other Western Australian actors, all of whom draw upon their own lives and personal experiences with Down syndrome. The result combines monologues, video, scenes, dance and song, and also takes place on a replica of Home and Away's diner — allowing Hales to live her Home and Away dream. Co-written by Hales with playwright Finn O'Branagáin and Clare Watson, ex-Artistic Director and Co-CEO of Perth's Black Swan State Theatre Company, the play will hit the Opera House's Drama Theatre from Tuesday, September 6–Saturday, September 10. Watson directs, too. It comes to the venue after proving a hit in WA and overseas, including seasons at Perth Festival 2018, at Black Swan State Theatre Company in 2019, and at Edinburgh International Festival and London's Southbank Centre. As well as being committed to showing how people with disability are needlessly othered, and endeavouring to rectify that, You Know We Belong Together will feature integrated Auslan interpretation and captioning during its film segments. There'll also be a quiet space in the Drama Theatre foyer during the play's Opera House run. You Know We Belong Together plays Sydney Opera House's Drama Theatre from Tuesday, September 6–Saturday, September 10. For more information or to buy tickets — with pre-sales from 9am on Tuesday, June 21 and general sales from 9am on Friday, June 24 — head to the Opera House's website. Images: Toni Wilkinson.
In the on-screen sea that is the never-ending list of films and television shows constantly vying for eyeballs, Taika Waititi and Rhys Darby have frequently proven gem-dappled treasure islands. When the immensely funny New Zealand talents have collided, their resumes have spanned four of the most endearing comic hits of the big and small screens in the 21st century so far, aka Flight of the Conchords, What We Do in the Shadows, Wellington Paranormal and Hunt for the Wilderpeople — and now, with HBO Max pirate parody Our Flag Means Death, they've given viewers another gleaming jewel. The brainchild of writer, showrunner and executive producer David Jenkins (People of Earth), this show was always going to swashbuckle its way into streaming must-see lists — and into comedy-lovers' hearts — based on its concept alone. The inimitable Darby stars as Stede Bonnet, a self-styled 'gentleman pirate' and a great approximation of Flight of the Conchords' Murray if he'd existed centuries earlier. Meanwhile, Waititi dons leather, dark hues aplenty, an air of bloodthirsty melancholy and a glorious head of greying hair as Edward Teach, the marauder better known to the world as Blackbeard. While the latter is a household name — pop culture has been inserting him into stories for decades: Ian McShane played him in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides and Hugh Jackman did the honours in Pan, for instance — Bonnet will be a new discovery to most of Our Flag Means Death's audience. Also a real-life figure, he left his life of wealth, privilege and comfort to rove the oceans. That's a scenario that this ten-episode comedy has plenty of fun with, complete with Bonnet's onboard library decked out with classics and summer linens-filled auxiliary wardrobe. In its first three episodes, Our Flag Means Death establishes its fish-out-of-water situation — or its tale about a ruffled shirt-wearing aristocrat seemingly out of his depths while sailing across treacherous waters, to be more accurate. Bonnet is not one for the usual pirate stereotypes, and that takes some adjusting to by his crew. Among those with him on the Revenge: Lucius (Nathan Foad, Bloods), his righthand man and official scribe; Buttons (Ewen Bremner, First Cow), a seasoned seafarer and source of advice; Black Pete (Matthew Maher, Marriage Story), who constantly claims to have worked with Blackbeard; the fire-obsessed Wee John Feeny (Kristian Nairn, aka Game of Thrones' Hodor); and the initially secretive Oluwande (Samson Kayo, Truth Seekers) and Jim (Vico Ortiz, The Sex Lives of College Girls). Scene-setting and ensemble antics abound in the series' opening instalments, including a run-in with a British navy captain (Rory Kinnear, No Time to Die) with ties to Bonnet's past, and another a fellow pirate captain-turned-bar owner (Leslie Jones, Death to 2020) and one of her husbands (Fred Armisen, Los Espookys). But then Blackbeard arrives, taking over the Revenge with his first mate Izzy (Con O'Neill, The Batman) — and Our Flag Means Death starts becoming a rom-com. From the outset, it's already a gloriously inclusive and emotionally astute comedy. Bonnet wanting his crew to be in touch with their feelings, rather than simply solve everything with swords and violence, is one of the aforementioned ways that he bucks expectations. But that trend deepens and grows as its two key swashbucklers gravitate towards each other, riding the waves from adversaries to co-captains to potentially something more. From its first trailer, Our Flag Means Death delivered answers to questions that no one knew they had, such as "what'd happen if Waititi and Darby played pirates?" and "what if Waititi and Darby played pirates alongside Spud from Trainspotting and Hodor?". Now that the results have played out across an entire season — all of which is available to stream in Australia via Binge and in New Zealand via Neon — it's sweeter than a bottle of rum to a buccaneer (or oranges to fend off scurvy, which definitely get a mention in the show). Smartly, Our Flag Means Death doesn't just satirise pirate archetypes. It isn't content with finding easy laughs at the whole 'gentleman pirate' caper, either. Instead, it's a comedy about plundering one's own depths to find out who you really are, where you truly belong and who should comprise your chosen family — whether you've been set up for a life of luxury, you're the world's most fearsome scourge of the seas or you're simply roving the oceans with them. When Waititi's Blackbeard steps into the story, meet-cute and all, less of its focus resides upon its other supporting characters. When you've got comedic greats such as Waititi and Darby bouncing off of each other — as they do from episode four onwards, and with pitch-perfect comic chemistry — you let them have the spotlight. Still, subplots that flesh out the remainder of the Revenge crew's histories wholeheartedly link in with Our Flag Means Death's focus on reinvention and rediscovery, and its open heart. Relationships are laid bare, and secrets, too. In the process, cliches are dismantled, correct pronouns are used, and everyone helps build a thoughtful and sincere comic caper. Indeed, add Our Flag Means Death to the list of delightful sitcoms that beam with warmth, even when it's soaking cat flags (yes, that's a pirate banner adorned with a feline) with blood. Stellar talent doesn't always equate to a must-see, something special or both, of course; however, Our Flag Means Death ticks all of those boxes — and the who's who that is its guest and supporting cast also includes fellow Conchords alum Kristen Schaal, Big Mouth's Nick Kroll, Arrested Development's Will Arnett, and Aussies Claudia O'Doherty (Sarah's Channel) and Angus Sampson (Bump). With Waititi also helming the pilot and executive producing, his winning ways with TV comedies continue, too, after a top-notch few years that've included the What We Do in the Shadows television spinoff and Reservation Dogs as well. Ahoy, streaming lovers — let Our Flag Means Death sail into your queue right now. Check out the full trailer for Our Flag Means Death below: Our Flag Means Death's first season is available to in Australia via Binge and in New Zealand via Neon. Images: Aaron Epstein/HBO Max.
When Little Lord opened in late 2015, it wooed patrons with its simple approach and comfy vibes. Two years on, owners Graham and Jax Alexander are shaking things up a little, migrating to a full vegetarian menu. The motivation for the switch is the eatery's cooking facilities, confined to the bench space surrounding the coffee machine. "We kind of got stuck in a rut... we were limited in what meat we could use anyway," Graham says. "Besides, it's way more exciting to cook with vegetables. The flavours are so different." Graham sees this shift as a positive challenge, allowing seasonal produce to dictate the cafe's offering. In this vein, Little Lord has also done away with paper menus, instead opting to display the ever-changing menu on a set of old-school chalkboards — supplied courtesy of good mates Two Chaps — behind the front counter. Their menu might've had a refresh, but Little Lord's approach to food remains, serving up high-quality produce with personal flair — such as their homemade pickles, preserves and hot sauces, which are also available to purchase. Smoked olive oil, from a 4-litre barrel in the backyard, injects an earthy flavour into several new dishes. At the moment, the selection includes two rolls, one boasting poached egg, kale, homemade zucchini pickles, cheddar and homemade salsa verde; the other with roasted broccoli, melted cheddar and fermented chilli aioli. There's also a bruschetta featuring white beetroot, smoked berlotti beans, and fermented chilli and lemon dressing. Admirers of Little Lord's three-cheese toastie, never fear. It's still around, albeit with a slight twist. Grana padano will be replaced with pecorino — "for more funk," Graham says. If your tastebuds crave something sweeter, there's homemade granola with lavender yoghurt and poached plums. Or, perhaps sample one of the homemade cakes, from a range that'll also change regularly based on fruit seasonality. Throw in a couple of creative salads, such as sugar snap peas with miso butter and white sesame, and you have a lineup that even the most vehement carnivores might just salivate over. Aside from the re-jigged food, the cafe is still a welcoming haven that'll remind you of your nanna's house: retro furniture, knick-knacks and china all included. Coffee comes courtesy of local roaster Sample and bread is by Two Chaps. In short: it's the cosy Camperdown cafe that inner-west locals already know and love, just with an ethical twist. Find Little Lord at 102 Salisbury Road, Camperdown, or head to their Facebook page for further details.
Is Rising Sun Workshop the world's only combination ramen restaurant, motorcycle workshop and neighbourhood cafe? If not, it's surely Australia's — and it's certainly one of Sydney's most unique dining experiences. While any trip to the hidden Whateley Street spot is a delight, the Inner West favourite is turning up the dial on its usual offerings on Wednesday, April 19 with the return of its dinner party series. The idea of the Rising Sun Dinner Party is simple. Bring people together for a night where the chefs get to flex their creativity with some new dishes and showcase some top-notch wines, to boot. The series is kicking back off with a collaborative meal in tandem with Parley wine. The four-course feast will be paired with four standout wines selected by the Parley team, who will be on hand to guide you through what you're drinking. For $100 per person, diners will kick off their night with a scallop crudo served with white peach, sunrise lime, wakame and a 2022 Capitaine Chardonnay. From there, the meal will traverse glazed pork jowl with whipped mentaiko, kasuzuke or pickled duck paired with blood plumboshi and rainbow chard, and koshihikari risotto topped with fried quail. Each of these will be partnered with a wine, including Love Supreme's rosé and Light Breaks Dawn Cabernet Franc. There are two seatings available on the night, but the 8.30pm session is already fully booked up so you better hurry to nab a spot at 6.30pm. You can secure your place by purchasing a ticket online. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rising Sun Workshop (@rising_sun_workshop) Top image: Destination NSW
Serving up culinary adventures across two thriving venues, RAFI has established a stellar reputation for its show-stopping cuisine and inviting atmosphere. Whether you prefer the multi-zoned elegance of RAFI North Sydney or the surf-inspired ambience of RAFI Urbnsurf, getting amongst a new weekend long lunch is bound to impress. Held every Saturday and Sunday, the set menu roams from one signature favourite to the next. Complemented by two hours of bottomless mimosas, premium wines and select beers, this elevated dining experience is perfect for a slightly sophisticated weekend get-together with friends and family. With everything designed to be shared, highlights include pita and silky hummus, green asparagus with egg yolk and tarragon salsa, alongside a delectable spring lamb. Situated on Urbnsurf's upper level, head to the sun-drenched terrace for the best experience, as you sip and dine while watching the surfers attempt a few barrels. Incredible food and drinks await, no matter which restaurant you choose. Bottomless lunch is $120 per person, with a minimum of two people required per booking.
You can always count on Jurassic Lounge to produce the goods when it comes to an all-out themed super-fun time. Considering the location at the Australian Museum, it's easy to see why the Lounge is one of Sydney's favourite adult playgrounds. And it really turns things up to 11 for Halloween. This year, Jurassic Lounge is back with a whole mess of DJs, artists, scientists, chefs and dancers to bring your weekend fright-fest to a crescendo. The museum will be crawling with activities, from an eerie silent disco to a 'haunted' gallery tour in the dark (complete with torches). You'll also be able to get a gory makeover from the on-hand make-up artists, perhaps before you partake in some 'after-death' speed dating. There'll also be dance-offs, craft workshops, talks and performances throughout the night. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 on the door. These events nearly always sell out, so we'd book in advance just in case.
'Based on real events'. It's been an incredibly popular theme of late, with an almost unceasing run of biopics and historical dramas coming our way every year for the past decade or so. Those four simple words imbue a movie with an immediate sheen of credibility, commanding the audience's attention and respect in equal measure. The thing is, it's also particularly sneaky. 'Based on real events' doesn't mean 'happened'. Instead, it provides filmmakers with a sizeable caveat upon which almost almost any fact can be supplanted by something far more exciting, or more moving or…whatever the movie needs, really. Hacksaw Ridge, Mel Gibson's first directorial offering in over a decade, stands apart on this front for two distinct reasons. Firstly, it opts for the far more concrete 'A True Story' at its opening. Secondly, it takes the almost unprecedented step of underselling the feats of its protagonist, American war hero Desmond Doss (Andrew Garfield). In real life, as in the film, the famous WWII conscientious objector refused to carry a weapon because of his religious beliefs as a Seventh Day Adventist, yet still earned himself the Congressional Medal of Honour when he single-handedly carried 75 wounded men on his back during the battle for Hacksaw Ridge, lowering them one-by-one down a cliff face to safety while under constant fire from the enemy. Doss' real world battlefield valour, however, extended far beyond this feat, with his citation referencing numerous other instances of extraordinary heroism that fail to even rate a mention in the film. Perhaps it was cut for time, or perhaps Gibson and his team concluded that Doss' actions were already so unbelievable, to detail all of them would challenge even the most faithful historian. Either way, it's refreshing to see an already humble hero presented without the need to over-emphasise, over-sell and over-indulge. Filmed in Australia with a predominantly local supporting cast, Hacksaw Ridge offers a surprisingly conventional first half for a director of Gibson's talent. The flashbacks to Doss' childhood and his troubled parents (Rachel Griffiths and Hugo Weaving), the romance with his sweetheart (Teresa Palmer) and his initiation into the military (under the supervision of Vince Vaughn and Sam Worthington) all play dangerously close to melodrama, saved only by the quality of the actors' performances. The sole purpose of this first phase is to establish with none too subtle a touch Doss' fervent religious conviction, cataloguing each and every instance of persecution, bullying and even the court martial that threatened to see him imprisoned for the duration of the war. But Gibson has made a career out of terrifyingly visceral combat scenes (see also: Braveheart and Apocalypto), and from the moment the first bullet tears through the air and into the flesh of the soldier it finds, Hacksaw Ridge sheds its corniness and transforms into a brutal, confronting and violent recreation of one of WWII's bloodiest battles. Neither as involved as Saving Private Ryan, nor as haunting as The Thin Red Line, Hacksaw Ridge nonetheless delivers a truly frenetic sense of warfare, at times seeming closer to the clashing armies of the middle ages than the modern combat of the last century. The film is unashamedly unilateral in purpose, and the closing shot of Doss essentially ascending to Heaven is rather on the nose. Still, as a tribute to a genuinely extraordinary man and a return to form by Gibson, both are as welcome as they are overdue. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2-1hz1juBI
Be warned, the hike to the top of The Castle isn't exactly a lazy stroll. Located in Budawang National Park, it's a three-hour drive from Sydney. So, if you can't cut an early start, head down the night before and pitch a tent by the river at Long Gully campground — which also gives you time to physically and mentally prep. Expect rock scrambling at great heights. If you'd rather hike with a pro, you can book in a guided tour through Big Nature Adventures on the NSW National Parks website. Despite its difficulty, this hike is worth it — The Castle is hands down one of the best mountain walks in New South Wales, giving you amazing views over Morton National Park, the Byangee Walls and Pigeon House Mountain. Image: Destination NSW
There are two highly misconstrued clauses about exhibition openings. Firstly, that you have to know a lot about art to go to them. Secondly, that you need an invitation. To set things straight, you actually need neither. Most openings are come one, come many so we've enlisted the experts to help you brave a debut into the commercial art world with A Bluffer's Guide to Art Parties. Who goes? "Exhibition openings are celebrations of art and welcome community participation through discussion," says Nicky Ginsberg, Director of NG Art Gallery. "Openings serve to promote awareness and support in the contemporary art scene." Openings are about engaging with art, the artists, gallerists, artsy types and non-artsy types. They are exciting events where guests are in the privileged position of being able to actually meet the artist and talk to them in person about their work and practice. Don't shy away from openings because you 'don't fit the mould' – there's no such thing. Rhianna Walcott, Manager at Artereal Gallery, is another oracle we asked. "Exhibition openings in commercial spaces attract a very diverse mix of people including the artist's friends, family and supporters. You also find a mix of the gallery's regular clients and ongoing supporters, as well as collectors and arts industry professionals," she says. What to expect And what should we expect from the evening's festivities? Well, ordinarily, guests are given ample time to browse the art on offer, chat with artists and soak up the atmosphere. Next there's normally a formal speech from either the gallery's director or a guest speaker who will declare the exhibition open. And yes. Complimentary wine and canapés are the norm. But remember not to over indulge. No one enjoys the token drunk kid in the corner who has suddenly become an expert on all things contemporary art. Needless to say you're there for the art and engagement, not the free booze. Art criticism 101 Now that we've covered the who and what, we should probably discuss the how and when. The question of how to navigate your way around an opening can be a tricky one. For first timers, Ginsberg offers the advice: "Don't be shy, on arrival survey the room; if in doubt, go clockwise. Take in the art by asking yourself: do I like it? Why don't I like it? How was it made?" "Spend the first ten minutes or so looking at all the work and reading through the available information on the exhibition – curatorial text, artist biography etcetera. If you are serious about engaging with the work in the exhibition it is best to read up on the artist via the gallery's website in advance. This gives you some context and prior knowledge, which will allow you a better appreciation of the work when you do see it in the flesh," adds Walcott. The when of exhibition openings varies. Most, however, are hosted during the week, after hours, from around 6-8pm. Talking art Before presenting our fast fact manual, we'd like to leave you with a few crucial words of departure from the experts. "If in a conversation about the art on offer, it is advised to engage your companion's opinion and relationship to the artist before slandering harsh criticism," offers Ginsberg. And from the Walcott camp: "The art world is not as uptight as it is made out to be. Never be afraid to approach people whether it is the artist or the gallerist, or just the person standing next to you. Galleries feel a responsibility to create a welcoming environment where anyone can come to experience and learn about the work." Fast facts Who: Commercial exhibition openings welcome all and it is not necessary to RSVP. What: An exhibition opening is an event hosted by an art gallery/institution to formally open an exhibition. You go to them to be educated, to celebrate and to congratulate. When: Varied, but usually on a weekday evening from 6-8pm. Where: All galleries on the commercial circuit host exhibition openings to expose artists' work to the public. How much: Usually free, with the exception of invite-only openings or ticketed launch events (usually reserved for major public art institutions such as AGNSW or MCA). For the diary: Iain Dawson gallery pop up. 12 Mary Place, Paddington. Opening night June 21, 6-8pm. www.iaindawson.com The Greater Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere group show. Artereal Gallery, 747 Darling Street, Rozelle. Opening night July 4, 6-8pm. www.artereal.com.au Gary Carsley. Breenspace, Level 3/17-19 Alberta Street, Sydney. Opening night August 17, 6-8pm. www.breenspace.com Mingle like a pro: Don't: Use fancy words you don't know the meaning of when discussing a work just to impress someone. Do: Try descriptive words like 'costly', 'historic', or 'monotonous' rather than 'rip off', 'big', or 'boring'. Don't: Overlook the art nearest the bar. Do: Use the art near the bar as a conversation starter in the likely event there is a queue. Don't: Assume you know everything about the artist just because you've read the catalogue essay. Do: Read up on the artist before the show if you want to get the most out of the opening. Don't: Forget that 'modern' and 'contemporary' are different genres in art history. Do: Be inquisitive if other guests start dropping art historical terms, mid-conversation, that you don't understand. Don't: Say 'I could do better than that'. Do: Say you've been inspired to create your own art. Photo credits: Mishy Lane
He lived there. He spent his last moments there. In between, he recorded music, played small gigs, and based his studio and record label there, too. We're talking about Paisley Park, the house formerly known as Prince's private and creative sanctuary. Only a few hundred people have had the privilege of entering — but now, the compound that shares its name with one of his songs is open to the public. Six months after his tragic passing, the multi-talented musician's siblings have allowed the first tours of the massive mansion 30 minutes outside of Minneapolis, Minnesota; however not everything has gone according to plan. Until the local Chanhassen City Council meets in December to consider zoning issues and safety concerns, the midwest site is only open on a limited basis — currently on October 6 to 8, and 14. It is hoped that people will be able to celebrate his life, musical output and legacy at the 65,000-square-foot complex on a more regular basis after the council meeting. Fans that have stepped through the doors of the Prince-focused equivalent of Elvis Presley's Graceland so far have not only wandered through the main floor of the site (which was built in the mid '80s), or spied the recording and mixing studios where Prince recorded, produced and mixed many of the iconic tracks we all know and love. They also reportedly spotted an urn containing the late performer's ashes, plus his personal office, with his belongings untouched since he was last in the room. The rest of Paisley Park also boasts Prince's private NPG Music Club, as well as the massive soundstage and concert hall where he not only rehearsed for tours, but also held exclusive private events and concerts. Thousands of artifacts from Prince's personal archives are also display. If you've ever wanted to feast your eyes on his concert outfits, awards, musical instruments and artwork — or rare music and video recordings, concert memorabilia, automobiles and motorcycles — you'll find them here. According to Prince's sister Tyka Nelson, "opening Paisley Park is something that Prince always wanted to do and was actively working on." While the lyrics of his 1985 song advised that "admission is easy, just say U believe and come 2 this place in your heart", ticketing — which is still on sale now — costs either US$38.50 for a 70-minute self-guided tour, or US$100 for a longer, more extensive VIP experience within what we're hoping are purple-coloured walls.
In Steven Soderberg's hands, smooth criminals have fleeced casinos, a stripper with a heart of gold has strived for a better life, and unlikely underdogs have fought for the American dream. Now, the man behind Ocean's Eleven (and Twelve and Thirteen), Magic Mike and Erin Brockovich jumps into the hillbilly heist game. It's a welcome return to the familiar for someone who just pulled off a bait-and-switch of his own — supposedly retiring from cinema after Side Effects in 2013, only to make TV film Behind the Candelabra and stellar medical television series The Knick. Without giving too much away, his recent trajectory has more in common with his latest movie than it might initially seem. The fact is, changing one's fortune is a recurrent theme in Soderberg's stories, as are hard-working folks bucking against the system. Logan Lucky doesn't just happily join the fold, but does so with a knowing smile — at one point, a news report even refers to the caper as "Ocean's 7-11". Set in West Virginia, the charming film follows three siblings who decide that sticking up a big NASCAR race is the answer to their problems. Construction worker Jimmy (Channing Tatum) has the insider know-how from working on a site nearby, and the motivation after discovering his ex-wife (Katie Holmes) is moving across the state line with his daughter (Farrah McKenzie). Car-loving hairdresser Mellie (Riley Keough) has transport sorted, which just leaves one-armed Iraq war vet turned bartender Clyde (Adam Driver) to worry about the supposed Logan family curse. But the trio can't blow their way to riches without demolitions expert Joe Bang (Daniel Craig), who happens to be incarcerated. So it is that Logan Lucky becomes a heist flick and a jailbreak film — as well as an exploration of blue-collar workers struggling to get by, a cops versus crims game of cat and mouse, and a touching story about the importance of family. Throw in plenty of affectionate Southern gags and perhaps the best Game of Thrones joke you're ever likely to hear, and the movie proves a jam-packed package of humour, thrills and feeling. Two things are particularly crucial in Soderberg's working-class pseudo-remake of his glitzy prior hits. Firstly, whether surveying shambling abodes, spying rust spots on well-worn trucks, or poking fun at someone's lack of computer skills, Logan Lucky approaches its characters and their socio-economic situation with warmth. Secondly, though it steps through the usual caper conventions — getting the gang together, resorting to backup plans and avoiding the law — it does so with such zest and vibrancy that you'll forget that you've seen this kind of movie countless times before. Ultimately, it all comes back to Soderbergh. There's a reason his return to the big screen is worth celebrating, and it's not just his penchant for characters making their own luck or his ability to pull together a killer cast. Tatum is never better than when he's being guided by the director, but Logan Lucky is a testament to Soderberg's own skills. Not just directing, but lensing and editing (under well-used pseudonyms) as well, he's a craftsman through and through. Come for the zippy comedy about ordinary people mastering their own destinies. Stay for the entertaining filmmaking masterclass. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eqC27nxHJ4
It goes without saying that the return of Sydney's performing arts scene is great news for creatives — but it's probably less good news for those of us who might not know where to start. Sample a bit of everything this month at Sydney Fringe Sideshow, a nine-day festival of over 100 events taking place across venues in and around The Rocks. There'll be performances every night from Friday, February 25 until Sunday, March 6, leaving you plenty of opportunities to explore local comedy, theatre, music, dance, art and more as you lose yourself exploring the hidden pockets of the historic precinct. If you're in need of a laugh, check out 7 Comedians for $29 at The Terraces, where you can catch a diverse (and fast-moving) lineup of comedians each performing a 10–15-minute set. This show — which this year features the likes of FBi Radio host Harry Jun (pictured below), Alex Jae and Steph Broadbridge — has been a Sydney Fringe Sideshow sell-out for the past seven years, so be sure to book tickets ASAP to snag your spot. If you are looking for something a little more on the fringe, then The Lounge Room Confabulators is the show for you. Step into a makeshift home to experience a storytelling show created and performed by Stuart Bowden and Wil Greenway for this award-winning show that has played to full houses at festivals in Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Edinburgh and Oslo. For those wanting to get lost in some beautiful music, make sure to check out Prinnie Stevens: Lady Sings The Blues. The celebrated Australian singer will showcase her velvety vocals in a show that explores the pain and beauty of women in song, via music originally performed by a range of greats from Billie Holiday and Etta James to Sade and Beyoncé. This one-night-only show promises an unforgettable performance in a sultry speakeasy-style setting at the Observer Hotel. For more info on Sydney Fringe Sideshow, see the full list of shows and to book tickets, head to the Sydney Fringe Sideshow website.
More than just a culinary fad, the trend towards eating locally grown produce serves a number of important purposes. Fresher ingredients, supporting producers in the region, reducing the work and toll required to transport food, eating seasonal fare — the list goes on. They're some of the motivations behind Grown Local, a dinner shining a spotlight on New South Wales' finest with a food and drink menu completely sourced from within the state. Every dish eaten and beverage consumed at the Newtown dinner, which takes place at Bloodwood Restaurant & Bar at 7pm on October 24, will be made from NSW-grown ingredients. Yes, every single one. Leading the charge is Wildflower Brewing & Blending, who'll be pouring a beer made especially for the event. A collaboration tipple brewed at Batch Brewing in Marrickville, everything in their new beverage comes from the state, including malt from the Voyager Craft Malt in the Riverina, hops from Ryefield Hops in Bemboka and yeast harvested by Wildflower. Unsurprisingly, it's the first beer that's ever been brewed with all NSW ingredients. Food-wise, the NSW brew will help wash down dishes made with seasonal, NSW-grown produce, as well as kangaroo sausages from The Sausage Factory. With Bloodwood's team doing the honours and whipping everything up into a feast, a delicious, locally minded dinner is certain to be the end result. Tickets cost $65 per person. That sense of homegrown pride you'll feel is an added bonus. Image: Sarah-Jane Edis
Half the fun of having children is they give you a carte blanche for shameless kidulting (just in case you hadn't mastered it already). Fairy floss and rainbow ice cream? Yep. Throwing darts at balloons? Why not? Ice skating with a penguin? Is there any better way to spend a Friday night? You can do all these — and loads more kidult and actual kid-friendly things — without leaving Luna Park. Entry is free and, if you want to ride as many rides as possible, the Unlimited Rides Pass is the best deal. It's priced according to your height, so the littlies don't have to pay more than necessary, either. SPIN AROUND THE ICE SKATING RINK After winning over kids and kidults in droves last year, Luna Park's ice skating rink is making a return. Popping up throughout the school holidays (6-23 July), it gives you a chance to perfect your butterfly jumps, camel spins and cherry flips. Or, if you're a beginner, learn to stay upright. There's a bunch of penguins on hand to help you do just that. These handy plastic animals accompany you around the rink, allowing you to lean on them, so as to keep your balance. Before you ask, they are available to kids and kidults. Ice skating sessions are included in your Unlimited Rides Pass. HEAD FOR A CATHARTIC ROUND OF BUMPER CARS It doesn't matter whether you're five or 75, getting behind the wheel of a rubber-bumpered car and deliberately ramming into other people's cars is inherently fun, as is trying to flee drivers aiming to ram into you. We don't know why. It just is. So, strap your wee bairn in beside you and hit the accelerator. Or let your kid in the driver's seat, then take the opportunity to give a premature driving lesson. Dodgems are especially good if you're kidulting with a bunch of fellow kidulters, because, really, it's among mates that proper competitiveness kicks in. EAT PLENTY OF FAIRY FLOSS AND ICE CREAM There are two culinary delights that no childhood is complete without: fairy floss and rainbow ice cream. So — between ice skating and dodgem-ing – refuel with a sweet, sticky, scarily brightly coloured sugar rush. Luna Park has an entire outlet devoted to fairy floss, as well as a bunch of stands scattered around the grounds. Meanwhile, Scoops is the place to go for ice cream. Strictly speaking, serious kidults should go for rainbow, but there's a spectrum of other flavours, from classics, like Old English Toffee and Jaffa, to brand new inventions. EXPLORE RIDE-FILLED CONEY ISLAND Heritage-listed Coney Island, built in 1935, is the only 1930s funhouse left on the planet that's still operating. The layout is more or less just as it was 80 years ago and many of the rides are originals, though they've since been altered, to ensure compliance with 21st-century safety regulations. Get lost in the Mirror Maze, a long, winding journey through increasingly bizarre visions, or climb into a hessian sack and throw yourself down a giant slide. You'll also get to meet the biggest collection of pinball machines in Australia. WIN PRIZES IN SIDESHOW ALLEY Here's your chance to show off your mighty skills to your sprogs. Whether your forte is throwing darts at balloons, knocking over a tower of cans with a ball, tossing a ring onto a test tube or catching a plastic fish with a net, you can score yourself a prize. And let's face it: for a kidult, there's no more triumphant feeling in the world than wandering around a fairground with a massive, plush toy hanging over your shoulder. Some of the games in Sideshow Alley – including the laughing clowns – are originals that have been keeping adults and kids on their toes for more than 80 years. To find out more about what's happening in Luna Park this winter, and to secure your Unlimited Rides Passes, head to lunaparksydney.com. Top image: Oliver Minnett
When Ben & Jerry's wanted to call for action on climate change, it stuck to its strengths, releasing a new ice cream flavour to draw attention to the topic. When it wanted to specifically target the Australian Government's support for fossil fuels, it did the same as well. But, in its latest effort to support renewables, the dessert brand has decided to branch out. Its new release won't just satisfy your sweet tooth — it'll also quench your thirst. For a limited time, Ben & Jerry's beloved choc chip cookie dough flavour is no longer just something that you eat. You can now drink it, too, thanks to a collaboration with 4 Pines. The brew tempting your tastebuds: a new Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Nitro beer. And yes, like ice cream, it's best served as cold as possible. When you crack open a can — which can be bought individually, in four-packs and in 24-tin cartons from Monday, May 17 — you'll then sip a lactose-infused brown nitro brew. Expect a decadent and creamy taste, as well as plenty of colour thanks to the nitro infusion. You'll also find the beer on tap at selected venues, and on the menu at the GABS Craft Beer and Cider Festival in Melbourne and Brisbane — and if you start hankering for dessert afterwards, well, that's understandable. When 4 Pines was in the brewing stage, the new beer was made with energy sourced from solar and wind — which powers the brewery's main Brookvale site and headquarters. But that's not the only way that the ice cream-inspired brew is drawing attention to renewable energy. Teaming up with community-owned power company Enova Community Energy, Ben & Jerry's and 4 Pines are contributing funds from the beer project to Enova to use to install solar panels for a community group. So, your next brew can help a worthy party do their bit to help the planet. Ben & Jerry's and 4 Pines' Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Nitro beer hits bottle shop shelves on Monday, May 17. You'll also find it on tap at selected venues, and at the GABS Craft Beer and Cider Festival in Melbourne and Brisbane.
