FOOD & DRINK, ARTS & CULTURE, LIFE & TRAVEL
Step into the enthralling tales of history with “A Gun Through Time,” as acclaimed historian David Olusoga takes audiences on an extraordinary journey through the stories of three firearms that have indelibly shaped the world.
In a land where the sun kisses the earth with a bit more enthusiasm than most places, Australian skin faces its own unique set of challenges. With harsh climates and relentless UV exposure, skincare here requires a bit more than your average hydration and repair. Enter The Efficacy Cream by AIJAN, an emerging luxury skincare brand that has cracked the code with Australia’s first patented desert saltbush botanical complex. This remarkable cream is not just a skincare product; it’s a revolution in a jar. With a proprietary blend of clinically proven native extracts, it nourishes, revitalises, and protects the skin, making it as essential as slip, slop, slap in your daily routine. Forget the clutter of a dozen beauty products; The Efficacy Cream streamlines your regime into one efficient step. Packed with bioavailable peptides, vitamins, antioxidants, and potent phytochemicals, it ensures long-lasting hydration while diving deep into the skin to promote cell renewal and collagen production. For those of us who have gathered more than a few years of wisdom, this cream is clinically proven to support skin over the age of 35. It strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier, enhances elasticity, and addresses those pesky fine lines. It also works wonders on evening pigmentation, providing targeted protection against environmental pollutants and free radical damage. So, if you’re looking to face the Australian elements with a skin that’s as resilient as it is radiant, The Efficacy Cream by AIJAN might just be your new best friend. It’s skincare that respects the environment and your skin, ensuring… Read More
Step into the vibrant world of the arts at the National Art School (NAS) as it proudly unveils the 2024 Postgrad Show, a spectacular showcase of over 400 works by Australia’s next generation of emerging artists. Open to the public until 17 November 2024, this annual exhibition has firmly established itself as a pivotal event in Sydney’s cultural calendar, attracting gallerists, collectors, and art enthusiasts eager to discover fresh talent. The Postgrad Show serves as a launchpad for these budding artists, featuring the final bodies of work by the Master of Fine Art (MFA) graduates. This year’s exhibition offers an eclectic mix of mediums including painting, sculpture, printmaking, video, collage, 3D printing, performance, photography, drawing, and ceramics. Each piece is a testament to the diverse themes being explored—ranging from natural and digital ecosystems to identity, the Anthropocene, philosophy, and personal narratives. Ceramics take centre stage with artists like Benjamin Akuila, who delves into themes of construction, authenticity, and plasticity, informed by his Tongan heritage. His work offers a compelling exploration of queer and diasporic identity through hybrid cultural narratives. Meanwhile, Chrystie Longworth uses ceramic forms to navigate femininity, identity, and domesticity, drawing inspiration from historical subversive messages crafted by women in textiles. Her work, with its tactile terracotta and pigment surfaces, invites viewers to experience a subtle play of light and texture. From the drawing studios, Quan Zhu Ma marries traditional Chinese philosophy with contemporary practices, using innovative materials like heated charcoal and ash. His work reimagines traditional ink art, creating a fusion that resonates… Read More
This December, the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs are set to enchant audiences once again with their much-loved Messiah concerts, a cherished Sydney Christmas tradition that has spanned over a century.
Get ready to paint the town rainbow as the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival returns with all its fabulous flair from 14 February to 2 March 2025. With its theme “FREE TO BE,” the festival is set to illuminate the city with a dazzling display of pride, culture, and community spirit, celebrating decades of progress while championing the individuality and resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community. Gil Beckwith, CEO of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, captures the essence of this year’s celebration: “Each year, Mardi Gras brings together people from across the globe for a vibrant celebration of community, visibility, and progress. The 2025 festival embodies this spirit, reflecting the resilience, creativity, and unity of our LGBTQIA+ communities. We are thrilled to welcome everyone to this year’s festivities.” Sydney’s Lord Mayor Clover Moore AO echoes the excitement, noting, “Mardi Gras is one of my favourite times of the year. Sydney truly sparkles with diversity, inclusion, and love proudly on show. We’re delighted to welcome people from around the world to our wonderful city – a place that embraces and celebrates everyone, where you are truly Free to Be.” With over 80 events on the agenda, this year’s festival promises a kaleidoscope of experiences, from the grand parade to intimate theatre performances. Signature events like the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade remain at the heart of the festival, with the newly revamped Taylor Square Takeover offering a fresh block party vibe for parade-goers. After a brief hiatus, Fair Day returns to… Read More
In the vibrant suburb of Artarmon, where the laid-back charm of Sydney’s Inner West meets the attitude of the North Shore, a new gem has emerged, promising to delight locals with its unique fusion of cafe and cocktail culture. Welcome to Buckle + Depot, a bistro and distillery that is not just a place to grab a bite or a drink, but a destination to pause and play. Having successfully completed its soft opening on 8 October, the first part of this dynamic duo, Buckle Cafe Distillery, is set for its grand unveiling on Tuesday, 22 October. Nestled within a stunning glass atrium adjacent to the heritage-listed 1 Frederick Street, the 150-seater venue is designed to offer an inclusive experience that caters to the diverse tastes of the Lower North Shore community. General Manager James Peters and Executive Chef Johnny Sercombe have meticulously crafted an environment that effortlessly bridges the worlds of cafe and cocktail culture. “We wanted to create a venue that seamlessly connects cafe and cocktail culture, where anyone can come to pause or play,” explains Peters. This ethos is reflected in both the design and menu, creating a transformative space that evolves from day to night. Under the culinary guidance of Johnny Sercombe, whose impressive resume boasts stints at Merivale, Solotel, and Applejack, the menu is a testament to quality and versatility. Brunch-goers can enjoy classic options such as the Bacon & Egg Roll, Avocado On Toast, and Corn Fritters. As the day transitions to evening, heartier dishes like the Reuben Sandwich,… Read More
In the bustling heart of Williamstown, a cherished local landmark is making a triumphant return. The Morning Star Hotel, a beloved community hub since 1896, is reopening its doors this October, ushering in a refreshing and elevated take on the classic pub experience that promises to delight both long-time patrons and new visitors alike. Spearheaded by a passionate trio of publicans—Stephen Mitchell of The Bridge Hotel fame, Matt Vero known for the Marquis of Lorne and Mt Erica, and Williamstown local Aaron Onofretchook—the revitalised Morning Star Hotel is set to become a cornerstone of the community once more. “Our vision for reopening this venue was to bring pub culture back to Williamstown while offering a refined yet approachable dining destination that champions our local suppliers and growers,” says Mitchell. Leading the culinary charge is Head Chef Ben Isaacs, formerly of Stomping Ground and Melbourne Pub Group. Isaacs has crafted a menu that puts a sophisticated spin on beloved Australian classics. Diners can expect to indulge in pub favourites such as the signature chicken parma and pork tomahawk steak, alongside more refined offerings like spice-crusted potato gratin with caramelised onion and matbucha, or a vibrant spring vegetable orecchiette with broad beans, asparagus, salsa verde, and salted ricotta. The drinks menu is equally impressive, featuring a harmonious blend of well-loved favourites and unique local brews. A standout is the bespoke ‘Morning Star’ Pilsner, created in collaboration with Melbourne’s own Stomping Ground brewery. This, along with a rotating selection of local brews from eight taps and a wine… Read More
The festive season is upon us, and the National Theatre is rolling out a dazzling array of experiences to enchant theatre lovers and newcomers alike. Whether you’re seeking world-class performances on stage, festive dining, or wish to enjoy a show from the comfort of your home, the National Theatre has something to offer everyone this holiday season. South Bank Spectacles Kick off your festivities at the National Theatre’s South Bank home, where Noel Streatfeild’s beloved book comes to life in the first major stage adaptation of Ballet Shoes. Adapted by Kendall Feaver and directed by Katy Rudd, this enchanting family-friendly production is set against a backdrop of dinosaur bones and fossils, following the journey of three adopted sisters discovering their identities. Tickets are available from £20, making it a perfect treat for audiences aged 7 and up. Additionally, get ready to laugh till your sides hurt with a reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest. Directed by Max Webster, this classic comedy of mistaken identities features a stellar cast, including Sharon D Clarke and Ncuti Gatwa. This production will also be captured for National Theatre Live, allowing audiences worldwide to experience its charm from 20 February 2025. West End Wonders Over in the West End, the critically acclaimed production of The Lehman Trilogy is captivating audiences at the Gillian Lynne Theatre. With its sweeping narrative of a family and a company that changed the world, this five-time Tony Award® winning play is a masterclass in storytelling. Directed by Sam Mendes, it’s a must-see… Read More
Could we BE any more excited? The FRIENDS Experience has finally landed in Sydney, and it’s time to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the beloved television series in style. Following a massively successful stint in Melbourne, this wildly popular interactive event is now open at The Fullerton Hotel, located at 1 Martin Place, Sydney GPO, Lower Ground. Tickets are at www.FriendsTheExperience.com.au, so don’t miss out. Melbourne set the stage for this nostalgic journey last year at The District Docklands, drawing nearly 90,000 avid FRIENDS fans and even hosting a proposal (spoiler: she said yes!). Now, it’s Sydney’s turn to immerse in the delights of this cherished sitcom. The FRIENDS™ Experience: The One in Sydney offers an abundance of nostalgia-packed, interactive set recreations. Fans can stroll through the iconic moments of the show, from peeking around Rachel and Monica’s purple door to lounging in Chandler and Joey’s recliners. And yes, you can even help Ross with his unforgettable “pivot” moment. No tribute to FRIENDS™ would be complete without a nod to Central Perk. The legendary coffee house is brought to life with all its charm, including the famed orange sofa, providing the perfect backdrop for your own FRIENDS-style catch-up. For those looking to bring a piece of FRIENDS home, the experience also includes a retail store offering exclusive merchandise, perfect for any fan wanting to show off their love for the series. The FRIENDS Experience: The One in Sydney officially opened its doors on Saturday, 5 October 2024. For specific opening hours, make sure to check… Read More
Kickstart your weekends early this summer with the vibrant Linger Longer Weekends at Burwood Brickworks Shopping Centre, located in the heart of Burwood East, Melbourne. From 17 October until 22 December, the centre is transforming into a bustling hub of entertainment and culinary delights, offering a perfect blend of dining specials, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities every Wednesday to Sunday. Here’s why Burwood Brickworks is your ultimate destination to unwind and enjoy: The Supper Club Once the movie credits begin to roll, don’t rush home just yet. The Supper Club invites you to savour the night with post-movie late-night bites from Thursday to Sunday. Moviegoers at Reading Cinemas can indulge in a variety of treats at Eat Street venues. How about a Roasted Espresso Affogato at New Northcote Brewhouse or Ichiro’s Matcha Cheesecake paired with a soothing matcha latte? For those craving something savoury, dive into Midnight Spaghetti at Town and Country Pizza or relish a Midnight Edition Signature Hot Pot from Little Monkey Hot Pot. And here’s the cherry on top—customers with a full-priced movie ticket receive an exclusive $10 Supper Club voucher valid at participating restaurants. The Supper Club menu, featuring both limited-edition and regular items, is available to everyone from 5pm until close. Friday Night Live Every Friday evening, from 5 pm onwards, Eat Street becomes the perfect venue to shake off the week with Friday Night Live. Expect an abundance of live music, roaming performers, and interactive workshops. Join the Halloween excitement with trick-or-treating in participating stores or a ‘Fashions on… Read More
