18 years of printing the news and raising hell BY Lawrence Gibbons from the political wilderness. alternative would be to provide hundreds Eighteen years ago the first edition Six months into our publishing gig on of kilometres of light rail in areas of Sydney of City Hub hit the streets promising to March 2 1996, a sold out Mardi Gras crowd that are crying out for public transport.” On “print the news and raise hell”. Way back of 19,000 gay and lesbian revellers danced August 7 1997, we reported on the final, in 1995, Sydney was in the throes of an the night away at the showgrounds in Moore futile protests to stop construction of the 18-year redevelopment boom that has never Park, while John Howard held his victory Eastern Distributor. “With bulldozers set really stopped. Long before Premier Barry celebration comfortably across the Harbour to begin work this month … activists and O’Farrell bypassed a public tender process Bridge. Early that morning as the sun rose parliamentarians have joined forces to try to and offered James Packer prime publicly- over the Horden Pavilion, Thelma Houston stop construction of the motorway.” owned real estate along the foreshore at sang “Don’t Leave Me This Way” and Over the years, we have chronicled Barangaroo, then Premier Bob Carr offered Paul Keating started packing his bags and countless community battles, political Rupert Murdoch the exclusive opportunity shredding papers at Kiribllli House. A lot of stoushes and public concerns. We have to privately develop publicly-owned inner good getting in bed with Rupert Murdoch become a trusted source for independent city parkland. did him. and alternative news coverage in inner Five years before the 2000 Olympics, On March 28 1996, City Hub’s cover Sydney, providing different perspectives, the first ever edition ofCity Hub exposed story proclaimed there was “No Honeymoon local viewpoints and an outlet for dissonant a secret back room deal for Murdoch’s for Howard at the Hub”. In a piece titled, “10 voices that would otherwise be ignored in News Corp to develop a back lot studio and adjoining Entertainment Quarter at WORST THINGS HOWARD WILL DO the mainstream media. Through it all we Moore Park. Three months after the Hub TO AUSTRALIA,” inaugural editor Hall have offered thousands of writers a sounding first broke the story, the State Government Greenland proclaimed: “We are now at the board, a bully pulpit and a stepping stone. finally announced its plans for News Limited meanest moment in our history. The welfare We have proudly championed local arts, to commercially develop park land at Moore state faces death by a thousand cuts and the culture and cuisine at thousands of shows, Park, after the Royal Easter Showgrounds lucky country embitterment by a thousand pubs, restaurants and events. Along the way were moved to Homebush following the petty tyrannies.” we have gone from one small feisty local Olympics. On November 23 1995, I wrote Long before the Liberal State Government newspaper to four titles: always proudly “That Murdoch abuses the sacred power of ever announced plans to build a light rail stretching from Bondi to Balmain across the press to bully and cajole elected officials line across Surry Hills to Moore Park and inner Sydney while doggedly focusing on our for his own financial gain goes without then south along Anzac Parade, the then local news beat. saying. That the Labor Party kneels down Labor State Government announced plans Each year around this time, to mark our before the Murdoch monster is an outrage.” to construct a billion dollar tunnel stretching anniversary we produce our annual BEST Here at the Alternative Media Group of from William St to Moore Park through OF SYDNEY edition. Our 18th anniversary Australia, we’ve seen it all before. Way back what would be called the Eastern Distributor. edition is our largest ever edition yet. Enjoy in 1996, long before Tony Abbott was voted Long before cars sat in gridlock along South it. Use it. Support Sydney’s best local into office on a landslide with the vocal Dowling St to avoid paying a toll road, on businesses, services, venues and attractions backing of Rupert Murdoch - vowing to January 2 1997, City Hub predicted that the that still make Sydney the best place to live, cut Labor supported programs, community proposed Eastern Distributor would not ease despite the best laid plans of developers to welfare, environmental regulations, public inner city traffic congestion. “Traffic will stuff up this town. sector jobs and government spending in continue onto Anzac Parade, Moore Park Rd Raise a toast to us. We will join you. general - John Howard returned the Liberals and South Dowling St. A far more sensible We’ve reached legal drinking age after all. The inaugural City Hub released on August 24, 1995 Incumbents gain ground as Canberra changes hands By Michael Koziol to vote Labor to secure the Published weekly and distributed in the CBD, Pyrmont, Inner Sydney representatives saw their seat. support rise at Saturday’s elections, with Tanya Meanwhile, deputy Ultimo, Surry Hills, Woolloomooloo, Darlinghurst, East llinghausen Plibersek, Malcolm Turnbull and Anthony Labor leader Anthony E

Sydney, Potts Point, Elizabeth Bay, Rushcutters Bay, lex Chippendale and Glebe. Distribution enquiries call 9212 Albanese all returned with an increased Albanese increased his A 5677. Published by the Alternative Media Group of Australia. primary vote. majority in Grayndler, Photo: Photo: While every effort is made to ensure accuracy of content, The people of Wentworth will again be which was named by the The City News takes no responsibility for inadvertent errors represented by a cabinet minister, with Mr ABC’s Vote Compass as or omissions. ABN 48 135 222 169 Turnbull to remain in the communications the country’s most left- portfolio under the new Coalition government wing seat. Mr Albanese Group Publisher: Lawrence Gibbons led by Tony Abbott. At the time of writing he took 48 per cent of the Group Manager: Chris Peken had received a 3.7 per cent swing on primaries, primary vote, while Greens Group Editor: Marcus Braid commanding a bigger margin than Joe Hockey candidate Hall Greenland City News Editor: Peter Hackney in North Sydney or Mr Abbott in Warringah. polled third behind the Editors: Adam Hunt and Michael Koziol Mr Turnbull said he was looking forward to Liberals’ Cedric Spencer. Contributors: Paul Gregoire, Daniel Paperny, Adra returning to cabinet. Mr Albanese is a Anthoney and Madelaine Wong “Government will bring a range of favourite to take the Arts Editor: Leigh Livingstone challenges – fixing the NBN alone will be an ALP leadership vacated Live Music Editor: Chelsea Deeley immense task for the Coalition,” he said. by Kevin Rudd, along Dining Editor: Jackie McMillan In the seat of Sydney, Tanya Plibersek with former education Advertising Managers: David Sullivan, Toni Martelli, bucked the statewide trend to record a 3.5 per and workplace relations Robert Tuitama and Debra O’Kane cent primary swing, boosted by a collapse in minister Bill Shorten. Anthony Albanese Design: Joanna Grace Greens support of 6.4 per cent. Ms Plibersek is All three inner Sydney Publisher’s Assistant: Deeksha Chopra a popular choice among some voters and party seats are within the nation’s primary vote since 1934, just 33.8 per cent. Distribution Manager: Danish Ali members to take on the Labor leadership, but ten most left-leaning electorates according to Paul Keating has said the ALP needs a primary appears unlikely to do so. the ABC’s Vote Compass, an online survey Cover Art: Lachie Hinton vote “with a four in front of it” to be a viable Greens candidate Dianne Hiles, who has which attracted more than 1 million responses Email: [email protected] and competitive major party. been involved in refugee advocacy for 12 during the campaign. Grayndler was rated the Advertising: [email protected] At the time of writing, Labor is predicted years, said she was pleased Sydney remains a most left-wing seat in the country, with Sydney Contact: to hold 57 seats to the Coalition’s 89. Andrew PO Box 843 Broadway 2007 progressive seat but was disappointed in the placing fifth and Mr Turnbull’s Wentworth Ph: Fax: Wilkie and Bob Katter will retain their seats 9212 5677 9212 5633 result. coming in tenth. Web: altmedia.net.au “I was expecting the refugee issue to “I can only conclude that the Wentworth while Clive Palmer is expected to narrowly resonate and to pick up a substantial protest electors have been sufficiently pleased with my seize the Queensland seat of Fairfax. It was a If you have a story you’d like to tell us: vote, and I really can’t understand why that representation of them over the last three years remarkable result for the Palmer United Party, which scored 600,000 votes nationwide, or 5.6 [email protected] didn’t happen,” she said. and sufficiently appalled by the prospect of “When I was doorknocking and talking to another three years of Labor’s chaos to re-elect per cent. people the comment I was getting was that me,” Mr Turnbull said. In Sydney’s inner south, Labor managed there was nothing to choose between the two Nationwide, the Greens suffered a disastrous to hold Kingsford-Smith, vacated by Peter major parties.” swing of 3.3 per cent but retained the seat Garrett and won by Matt Thistlethwaite, who altmediagroup altmediasydney Ms Hiles said the expectation of a significant of Melbourne for Adam Bandt. A 4.1 per was elected to the Senate in 2010 but sought to Coalition victory meant people felt they had cent swing against Labor delivered its lowest move to the lower house.

3 Australian Museum to light up By Madelaine Wong relationship with their Aboriginal identity, so my ‘Get it right’, says PUSH Sydney’s Indigenous history and culture is set artwork is always looking at concepts of those Transport, Gladys Berejiklian. to be celebrated at the Australian Museum, with places - personal histories and how you connect BY Adra Anthoney and peter hackney Community action group PUSH (People “These things only took place last week and still images from a film work of Aboriginal women with things and other communities. they [the government] have reassured [Mr Bean] draped in cloth to be projected onto a 20-metre “The artwork responds to the Australian Unite Surry Hills) is throwing its full force behind an alternative plan for the proposed State that they are genuinely reviewing the proposal,” façade. Museum site, because it holds a huge amount of said Ms Slama-Powell. The key artwork to be displayed is by Sydney- Aboriginal archaeological collections and objects, Government construction of the South East light rail route along Devonshire St. State Member for Sydney, Alex Greenwich said based Wiradjuri artist Nicole Foreshew. The some of which directly relate to areas where my he will help ensure the proposal is appropriately Aboriginal concept of place, tracing personal mum and grandfather were born.” Under the ‘Get it Right’ plan, PUSH advocates for the light rail route shifting to Foveaux St, assessed. histories and connections to communities and the Director of Australian Museum, Frank “PUSH representatives briefed me about their features of women draped in cloth imbued with Howarth said the museum had a firm involving the construction of a ‘subsurface’ light rail system and building an underground Surry Hills proposal and I will ask the Minister for Transport traces of mineral and plant specimens are bound commitment to embrace and celebrate the culture and other key stakeholders to ensure it is in her art. of Indigenous Australians. station. “A subsurface is not tunneling - tunneling assessed as an option before the Environment Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the project “From repatriation, to our newly redeveloped Impact Statement is released for community would remind Sydneysiders and visitors about costs about $300 million per kilometer,” said Indigenous Australians gallery, we believe that comment later this year,” he said. the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait encouraging and demonstrating respect for PUSH convener, Venietta Slama-Powell. “Based Ms Berejiklian said community input would be Islander history and culture. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on our professional engineer’s costs, it will be sought on design elements of the plan. “These projections are part of our Eora Journey reflects our national identity and diversity of our slightly cheaper than the [government proposed] “As I have made clear since December, while program - we’re proud to be working alongside people, patrons and the community,” he said. Devonshire St route. the route for light rail has been determined, some great artists including Nicole and the The City’s Eora Journey celebrates the living “What it basically means is you pour in the there are a number of design elements still to be program’s curator Hetti Perkins,” she said. culture of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander concrete to make the sides and the bottom to finalised on which we are seeking Ms Foreshew’s grandfather is a traditional community in Sydney. Eora means ‘the people’ create the subsurface, so community input, such as the owner of Peak Hill in the Wiradjuri lands of in the Gadigal language, so the Eora Journey is [the light rail] actually sits just location of stops and how the central NSW. Ms Foreshew said it was important translated as ‘the people’s journey’. below the road.” PUSH are campaigning route will cross from Surry Hills

for her work to be projected as hris Peken C y through to Moore Park,” she it revealed a rich collection of that the current route along said.

ydne Devonshire St poses safety

Aboriginal artefacts, including S Photo: Photo: “We are consulting with the 11 objects and one carved tree and traffic concerns.

ity of “We’ve always had community on both the cut from Peak Hill. C “The artwork includes concerns as locals in the and cover tunnel and viaduct friends and family living in Photo: community about the option for Moore Park and I Sydney, Western Sydney proposed Devonshire St encourage anyone with a view and the Central West - all route,” said Ms Slama- to provide feedback.” Aboriginal women - who have Powell. PUSH advocate that the impacted on my understanding PUSH supports the ‘Get It Right’ plan will save of what we call ‘place’,” she findings of a review money and minimise impact said. conducted by independent on residential properties and “There has been a local engineer, Robin Bean, businesses. resurgence of artists and people who has since met with and Lord Mayor Clover Moore in the community reconnecting submitted his alternative was contacted but refused to plan to NSW Minister for PUSH convener Venietta Slama-Powell comment. to, and continuing, their The place projection at the Australian Museum

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Election outcome leaves Palmer in charge news in brief BY Marcus Braid refugees. He is a potential wildcard. to the formation of the Palmer United Party O’Farrell to ensure the Clive Palmer is the new kingmaker in PPP warning on Labor and the Greens have outlined their in April. The relationship with Palmer and the proposed Crown casino Australian politics. WestConnex commitment to blocking Coalition reform LNP will now be put to the ultimate test. at Barangaroo is built on Sounds odd, but it is highly possible Palmer Revelations that the Cross on the carbon tax, paid parental leave and The billionaire’s history would suggest land already approved for will be responsible for the outcome of the City Tunnel is again on border protection. They are likely to own 35 his inclination is to side with the Liberals, development, if it proceeds, Abbott Government. Palmer United Party look the verge of receivership seats together in the Senate (25 Labor and 10 particularly with respect to repealing the carbon and not on parkland. In a to have won two Sentate seats – Glenn Lazarus Greens). tax. Palmer United Senator, Jacqui Lambie, shows the public-private in Queensland and Jacqui Lambie in Tasmania partnership (PPP) model letter to Mr O’Farrell, Mr Xenophon has widely stated his support supports a lower price on carbon emissions, but Greenwich said: “I share – providing Palmer with ammunition to extert for serious action on climate change and is Palmer wants the tax gone. for building infrastructure control over federal parliament. is flawed and should not widespread concern that a gambling reform advocate, resulting in a The tax may go but paid parental leave looks Crown’s proposal for a With the Coalition owning 33 Senate possible conflict of ideologies. He probably be used for the proposed doomed. Palmer, Madigan, Leyonhjelm, Day casino at Barangaroo south seats and needing 39 to obtain majority and won’t side with the Liberals on major reforms. WestConnex Motorway, and Xenophon openly reject the plan, leaving is on land dedicated in the pass their bills into legislation, they need the So, even with the support of Day, according to NSW Greens the Liberals’ best bet to negotiate with the approved concept plan support of the minor parties. The Australian Leyonhjelm, Dropulich and Muir, the Liberals Transport Spokesperson, Greens, who may be unwilling to support the for public open space.” Mr Sports Party in WA and Australian Motorists won’t have majority. They need Palmer United. Dr Mehreen Faruqi MLC. scheme in its current incarnation. Greenwich said changes Enthusiasts Party in Victoria are likely to have Will Clive side with the Liberals? Dr Faruqi said: “Despite On border protection, Palmer wants to to the approved concept each have won a seat, as has South Australian Palmer has conservative roots. He joined the all the deep flaws in the encourage asylum seekers to board a plane public-private road model, plan must be subject to Senator Nick Xenaphon and Bob Day from Queensland division of the National Party in rather than a boat and determine their eligibility Family First. which allows business transparent, accountable 1974 and worked in the 1980s for Joh Bjelke- at the airport. ‘Turn back the boats’ may not be David Leyonhjelm from the Liberal interests to trump the review under the Petersen, the conservative Queensland Premier. on Clive’s agenda. Democratic Party and Democratic Labour Party public good, successive Environmental Planning and Palmer was then elected to life membership of As the owner of a simulated Jurassic Park, Senator John Madigan round out the eight Labor and Coalition Assessment Act 1979. the Liberal National Party in 1992. the Titanic II and perhaps a seat in the lower individuals controlling the balance of power in In the prelude to this federal election, governments have learned Snail trails for Sydney house, the colourful coal baron is poised to almost nothing from the Senate. Palmer announced he would contest Liberal Giant snails are set to make a lot of noise in Canberra. numerous unsuccessful It’s an asorted mix, but a closer glance reveals National (LNP) preselection invade locations such as and exorbitantly expensive the overall leaning of the eight is to the right, if in the electorates of Lilley and Hyde Park, Martin Place projects.” Dr Faruqi called anything, providing the Liberals with optimism. Kennedy, before pulling the and Customs House on the NSW government Day is a former Liberal Party member, while pin. Square in the name of to seriously reconsider the Leyonhjelm is a gun rights advocate and further He made controversial public art. The Snailovation right than the Liberal Party itself. comments about the WestConnex proposal. “Once building starts, it’s exhibit, part of this year’s It is dubious whether Wayne Dropulich from Queensland LNP Art & About festival, will see the Australian Sports Party and Ricky Muir Government’s leadership and difficult to turn back. We need to redirect public 24 gigantic neon-coloured from the Motorists Party will provide stern demanded Deputy Premier snails installed in some opposition to Abbott. Neither have discernible Jeff Seeney and Treasurer Tim money to public transport now.” of Sydney’s most iconic political experience and their parties stand for Nicholls be removed, leading spaces for a month from sport and motor vehicles respectively – areas to the suspension of his party Greenwich petitions September 20. “These giant of interest perhaps unrelated to the cornerstone membership on November 9 Premier on casino snails will bring a sense of reforms of the Liberal Party. last year. Palmer then resigned State Member for Sydney fun, culture and creativity to Madigan’s Democratic Labour Party is party life membership on Alex Greenwich has called our city,” said Sydney Lord opposed to the carbon tax and same-sex November 22. on NSW Premier Barry Mayor Clover Moore. marriage but supports onshore processing of It is this backdrop that led Clive Palmer at his ‘Jurassic Park’ in Coolum

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streamlined the heritage listing process. Making Bondi beautiful Heritage “If there is a building someone is concerned about, this now gives council the authority to go BY daniel paperny to celebrate our streets and our communities so that assessment now and do the investigation to see if there is a merit Waverley Council will release two demonstration we are built on the strong foundation of recognising in its being heritage-listed. Beforehand it was projects in Bondi Junction later this month. our prior heritage,” he said. in council hands As part of Council’s Complete Streets initiative, the Ms Betts said Bondi has a “wonderful heritage” quite a long and involved process.” by Paul Gregoire two short-term pop-ups will re-activate Spring St and and it was important to make environmental Ms Betts said the change would have no NSW Heritage Minister Robyn Parker has bring more commuters to Bondi Junction. provisions to ensure the local area was sustainable impact upon Council’s long-term heritage and approved all local councils in New South Wales Mayor Sally Betts said the initiative is the first step long-term. lifestyle strategy, ‘Waverley Together’. She said to make Interim Heritage Orders (IHOs), a in making Bondi Junction a more vibrant place. “There is [also] a plan to plant many more trees, it is standard process to periodically inspect all “We want to give residents an idea of what it especially in Oxford St - some of those areas really function previously carried out by the minister. buildings in the area to analyse whether they could be like ... see how they feel, and then [if the don’t have any trees, they are pretty barren,” she said. “By granting heritage protection powers to all should be heritage-listed. community] like it we will move forward to do other According to a Complete Streets draft report councils, local government can step in where a ‘Waverley Together’ was undertaken around things,” she said. released last month, Council will consider ways to local heritage item is under threat,” Ms Parker 18 months ago and many more sites were listed The Urban Lounge pop-up on Spring St will address the issue of traffic management and high said. on the LEP at the time. introduce new timber seating, colourful bike racks pedestrian flows on Oxford St. An IHO is a temporary heritage order placed Waverley Councillor Paula Masselos said she and an LED lighting installation. The aim is to encourage vehicles to use peripheral upon a potential heritage site for the period of was concerned “whether this is a function that The second pop-up, ‘Jigsaw’, will be an interactive routes to access the major parking stations rather than a year. has been delegated from the minister to local “An IHO should be considered only where public art and lighting installation on the corner of traversing through the centre. council”. the site has potential heritage value following a Bronte Rd and Gray St, with the artwork highlighting “With lower traffic volume and speed, the street “It’s good to know that you can go to a higher preliminary assessment by a heritage expert,” the pedestrian link to Hollywood Ave. is intended to be safe for cyclists to use without the body such as the State’s Heritage Minister to Ms Parker said. “We want to make the walkway more accessible need for separated paths,” the report states. have an Interim Heritage Order put on to protect The potential heritage site should be of [and] lighting-friendly, so that people can use that The two pop-ups will go on public exhibition next a building,” she said. local heritage significance, likely to be harmed and feel safe. A [key] part of Complete Streets is for Tuesday and are set to be fully installed by September Ms Parker said she as Minister for Heritage people to feel safe when they are walking around at 23. or destroyed and where an existing Local retains the power to make an IHO on the night,” Ms Betts said. Environment Plan (LEP) exists. recommendation of the Heritage Council, in Bondi Ward Councillor Dominic Wy Kanak A Council then decides whether to list a said Council should use public art to promote site on the LEP depending on the results of addition to the new powers extended to local conversation. a further assessment carried out by a person government. “The name, ‘Bondi’ itself comes from ‘Boondi with appropriate heritage knowledge and skills, Boondi’, an Aboriginal expression for waves crashing typically employed or retained by the council. on rocks,” he said. “An IHO is not intended to be a tool to block “When we’re doing municipal planning these days, development in an area, but rather to enable [there needs to be] greater discussion ... on Aboriginal sensible and locally relevant heritage decisions reconciliation and the history and importance of to be made,” Ms Parker said. Aboriginal heritage.” “Consequently, owners, business, councils Mr Wy Kanak said the pop-ups were an effective and the community should work together to find way for Council to test the community’s reaction to viable adaptive reuse options for our heritage ideas and infrastructure but they should also reflect places.” Bondi’s Aboriginal heritage. Councils now have greater authority in the “It’s utterly vital that we try and plan those sorts of assessment of potential heritage sites. acknowledgements in what we are doing these days NSW Heritage Minister Robyn Parker Bondi Junction Waverley Mayor Sally Betts said the move

8

using algorhythm,” he said. “They have all sorts of information about who called who, what War on whistleblowers orin they said, who had a financial transaction with D BY Adam Hunt The US Government claimed the NSA’s whom and how much it was – that is too much Bradley Manning and Edward Snowden are secretive Tempora, PRISM and XKeyscore power in the hands of a completely secretive and whistleblowers, not criminals. Internet surveillance programs were warranted unaccountable group. Paul artoon: That is the message conveyed loud and clear in combating terrorism. Mr Manne said this “We all know that power corrupts and we all C ahead of The War on Whistleblowers and their justification could be extended in the future and know that secrecy corrupts and we all know that Publishers: Manning, Snowden and Assange lead to a complete breakdown of civil liberties. with a powerful and secret organisation you’re seminar at the Sydney Opera House this “At the moment terrorism is the chief inevitably going to see unjust plans flourish.” Monday, September 16. justification,” he said. “It’s almost certain that US investigative journalist, Alexa O’Brien Manning’s leak of thousands of US military other justifications will come along so it’s reported on issues including the WikiLeaks and diplomatic cables in 2010 and Snowden’s a critical moment in the politics of modern release of diplomatic cables, Guantánamo Bay exposure of covert mass surveillance programs democracies not to allow this sort of thing to and the war on terror. She became a victim of this year represent the two largest cases of top- happen – either without knowledge or without US Government efforts to silence whistleblowers secret government information ever leaked to an incredible amount of oversight.” and their publishers after falsely attempting to the public. WikiLeaks Editor Julian Assange warned that link her to Islamic and cyber terrorism. “Whistleblowing is the root to major political the NSA was able to map out the entire public The Obama administration consequently transformation,” said Professor of Politics at La structure of the nation from its surveillance enacted a lawsuit against Ms O’Brien, which Trobe University in Melbourne, Robert Manne. programs. allowed for her indefinite detention without trial “We haven’t seen that, but I think it’s been the “They [the NSA] can automatically lay out as a supposed ‘terrorist sympathiser’. most important radical political activity of recent the entire community structure of the nation “Reporting on the protests in Bahrain in times.” 2011 and Guantánamo Bay precipitated private Manning became the first whistleblower to security contractors and the US Government to ever be convicted of violations of the Espionage attempt to falsely link me to radical Islamic and Act and was jailed for 35 years. Snowden sought cyber terrorism,” said Ms O’Brien. political asylum in Russia and was charged by “I had a real and credible fear that my the US with espionage. treatment would be exacerbated with the The National Security Agency’s (NSA) indefinite detention clause of theNational worldwide amassment of information has raised Defence Authorization Act, which allows for the fears that governments are gaining unnecessary indefinite detention of anyone, anywhere by the powers without appropriate oversight, leading to US military on mere suspicion of supporting public paranoia. terrorism.” “The kind of surveillance exposed by Edward James Clapper, US Director of National Snowden is astonishing,” said Mr Manne. “The Intelligence, warned of WikiLeaks’ danger is twofold: one is that citizens become “chilling effect” on the “information-sharing paranoid and anxious. It creates a sense of being environment”. But Ms O’Brien believes that watched – which is why George Orwell’s 1984 government efforts to counter whistleblowing is is beginning to sell again. having a chilling effect on democracy. “The second is that it’s premised on the idea “The ‘chilling effect’ invoked by Clapper that you can trust government and that the typically connotes the immeasurable harm information would only be used for legitimate to First Amendment rights and democratic purposes. Who knows when you begin to governance caused by prohibitions on speech, collect so much information where it will end?” Edward Snowden association, and publication,” she said.

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No rats in the Administrators to ranks as election looms decide future of Forum BY Michael Koziol Channells said no discussions

Italian Forum Cultural Centre Mayor of Leichhardt Darcy Berner Peter artoon: BY Michael Koziol had taken place with branch C A second meeting of creditors Manager Monica Scagliarini Byrne will recontest the position members and denied suggestions to the Italian Forum Limited confirmed the administration in the mayoral election to be from outside the party that the (IFL) will be convened in coming process was underway but would held on September 25. branch was fractured. days to navigate a path back not comment further at this stage. The Labor councillor, of the “We always have good, to solvency for the embattled In June, City News reported Wangal (Rozelle-Lilyfield) ward, healthy debates,” he said. organisation, which entered the Forum was struggling to said he and Deputy Mayor Mr Byrne has previously voluntary administration on service its debts, which included Linda Kelly will both seek identified childcare as a key August 19. building costs and legal bills another term. priority for the year ahead. A minimum of $1.3 million is from its chequered history. The “Over the past 12 months Council is preparing to work owed to secured creditors, while IFL had then approached local council has made important with care providers and local the Forum could be liable for a member Anthony Albanese for achievements for the schools to use empty classrooms community,” Mr Byrne said, further $2.9 million in government assistance in connecting with as out-of-school-hours facilities. referencing the 30-minute grants which were conditional on potential sources of funding. It also wants to engage the State free parking initiative and particular criteria being met. The then President of IFL, Ron Government in a taskforce to extra sports fields. “I will be It is understood a further Reynolds, warned the Centre “find solutions to childcare recontesting in order to continue constraints”. $106,000 is owed to unsecured could cease operations by that work.” The mayoral election will take creditors including the Australian August. Mr Reynolds has since Tax Office, while strata levies After local government place on September 25 at 7pm. stepped down and SV Partners worth about $600,000 also elections in September 2012, has said the Centre will continue remain unpaid. Labor and the Greens were normal operations for now. The administrator, SV Partners, poised to sign a power-sharing

deal which would have divvied hris Peken confirmed that consultations C had taken place with Leichhardt up the mayoralty for one each

Council and were ongoing. year. But two Greens councillors Photo: A second report to be released did not sign the deal. by the administrator in coming While Greens Councillor and days is expected to name the full former Mayor Rochelle Porteous list of secured creditors. is a harsh critic of Mr Byrne, The meeting will then she may not have sufficient decide whether to execute an support to stand against him. arrangement between company Labor sources said the Greens and creditors, end administration caucus would not tolerate their or wind up the company. A councillors supporting a Liberal recommendation from SV candidate either. Ms Porteous Partners will form part of the did not return calls before second report. The Italian Forum deadline. Greens Councillor Craig Leichhardt Mayor Darcy Byrne

12

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COOEEE from the EDITOR 5 QUICK PICKS by the EDITORS HOWDY from the DEPUTY BEST RESTAURANT: QUAY best oyster growing regions around Australia. Chef Peter Gilmore seeks out the finest And owner Chef Sean Connelly also offers a Here it is! Boy has it been a ride. We have loved every minute of this and hope you enjoy and sometimes rarest produce, to create a wider menu “on the bone or in the shell” letting the fruits of our labour. From Drag shows to contemporary menu that is inspired by nature. the best of Australian produce speak for itself. Dentists, Best of Sydney 2013 promises a great His superb modern Australian cuisine - with 225 George Street, Sydney, 9247 6744, read with lots of new discoveries. I dare you Quay’s beautifully matched wines - is upheld by www.themorrison.com.au highly professional service. Quay is recognised as to step out of your comfort zone. Perhaps you’ll try out some daring positions at the one of the best 50 restaurants in the world. BEST BEER BATTER: MOHR FISH Upper Level, Overseas Passenger Terminal, The Rocks, Slide Lounge or discover your new favourite The original hole-in-the wall of Sydney casual Friday night adventure involves a man in lash 9251 5600, www.quay.com.au dining, with its stainless steel benches and bar extensions and heels. stools, Mohr Fish has continued to dish up its BEST NIGHT OUT: FREDA’S BAR original beer batter recipe for over twenty years. Cheers, Tri & CANTEEN Eat in or take out the yummiest fish ‘n’ chips, or Hidden at the end of a walkway, this gem has it any of the other seafood specialties. all: great music (owner Dave Abram himself DJs 202 Devonshire Street, Surry Hills, 9318 1326 on Friday nights), excellent cocktails and other bevies, bartenders (not mixologists) without showy flare, and some bloody good grub. It’s a BEST CRAFT BEER: ROYAL young local crowd but not hipster and everyone ALBERT HOTEL always has a good time. Tap takeovers are just some of the wonderful 109 Regent Street, Chippendale, 8971 7336, appeal of this old world public house that truly supports the local craft beer industry. And happy Welcome to our latest annual guide to all www.fredas.com.au hour has returned under the early 20th Century things fabulous! Once again we’re celebrating name of swill. Huge applause: it is so good to the anniversary of the Alternative Media Group BEST OYSTERS: THE MORRISON BAR drink at a pub that doesn’t look like an RSL club. of Australia newspapers by sharing YOUR views AND OYSTER ROOM of the best of what our fine town - listed in Every day there is a new selection of the freshest 140 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills, 9281 2522, the top ten cities in the world in which to live live oysters, Pacific, Rock, and Angassi from the www.royalalberthotel.com.au - has to offer. Your 2013 voting results plus our editorial choices are not only heading online Rebecca Varidel Triana O’Keefe Lachie Hinton www.altmedia.net.au but will also be available Editor: Deputy Editor: Cover : Joanna Grace and Adam Hunt as an app. later in the year. So now that you’ve Design: got the latest goss, how ‘bout you get out and Contributors: Alisha Aitken-Radburn, Jeremy Bowell, Marcus Braid, Sally Cantelo, Luke try some new ways to enjoy eating, drinking, Cox, Kari Davidson, Hannah de Milta, Rhys Gard, Pat Griffiths, Peter Hackney, Christopher entertainment and shopping in Sydney. Harris, Neil Harris, Jennifer Jenner, Samantha Low, Tara Mathews, Tracey McKibbin, Jackie McMillan, Alexandra Petri, Rory Platt, Eva Stefanidis, Bob Wong Enjoy, Rebecca x

BEST OF SYDNEY 2013

BEST SOUTH AMERICAN CHURRAS Thinking of ways to warm up for that Rio 2014 trip to the FIFA World Cup? Well, there is no better place to start training than Darlinghurst’s Churras. The friendly staff guarantee you can dance your way over to Brazil without ever stepping foot on a plane. With more than 20 varieties of skewered meat and a deluge of food filling your plates and bellies, Churras is the barbie that Australians have been preparing for. Enjoy live samba dancing while savouring every last bite of your beef skewer with gorgonzola sauce, and you’ll be thanking the Gods you found Sydney’s little piece of Brazil. (AP) 219 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, 8084 2151, www.churras.com.au

BEST THAI SPICE I AM It’s no secret that Sydneysiders love their street Thai. And for good BEST PUB RESTAURANT reason: it’s affordable, generous, and so good your spoon will be LE BISTRO @CHEVAL BLANC Are you hungry? Scrumptious French food in this scurrying back for more. Spice I Am stole the crown last year pub restaurant is just the cure. That’ll do the trick. and - now with three locations - Le Bistro @ Cheval Blanc stands out from its they’ve done it again. Try the Pad neighbours as the chefs prepare centuries-proven Prik Khing Crispy Pork Belly and provincial French recipes that have stood the test the excellent Hok Mok. There are, of time. It’s all care and great craftsmanship using of course, options for those not natural, fresh ingredients that are sourced locally. excited by spice. But if you like it Angus beef is sourced from a Southern Highlands hot, Spice I Am can do just that, property and fresh herbs from their own too. (BW) (RG) Crown Street terrace garden, and the produce 296-300 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, is sustainable. The result: extraordinary value for 9332 2445; 90 Wentworth Avenue, money, classic French food and a marvellous dining Surry Hills, 9280 0928; experience you are sure to enjoy. Perfect for 237 Darling Street, Balmain, celebrations or every day dining. (RV) 9555 9224, www.spiceiam.com.au 385 Crown Street, Surry Hills, 8333 9999, www.surryhillsrestaurant.com.au BEST SCHNITZEL UNA’S RESTAURANT If there was a protein heaven, its name would be Una’s Restaurant. This is where the best animals would go when they die, to have their succulent flesh interred in perfectly crisp, golden brown breadcrumbs and complemented with creamy-crunchy potato rosti, as God intended. When you first lay eyes on the jumbo-plate-sized helping of meaty goodness, you’ll think you can’t possibly eat it all. Afterwards you’ll realise you couldn’t have stopped yourself. Theoretically you could wash it all down with something other than a Germanic beer, but if so you’ll be committing sacrilege. (NH) 340 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst , BEST PUB BISTRO 9360 6885, www.unas.com.au BEST MODERN AUSSIE FOOD CLUB HOTEL BEST WAITER CAMELIA GROVE HOTEL Sarah Knights. Yep, you know the name from The secret of Camelia Grove’s mouth-watering MasterChef The Professionals. We’re breaking the MITCH JONES ribs, signature steaks and hunger inducing For all of you social butterflies, we don’t need to tell hot news, that with partner Chef Scott Wade she’s ‘Something Different’ menu, is actually a poorly you that eating out is about more than the food. If just opened a funky casual eating establishment in kept one. Proud owners of the ‘Cammy’, Jamie and you really want to, you can cook and eat at home. the Canterbury Club Hotel, and we reckon that Tracy are more than happy to tell of their pub’s For us, that front of house connection makes or Tracks Sports and Social is the hottest pub bistro legacy of renowned chefs. With the bistro open breaks our night out. Enter the waiter.Who brings in this town. And with mains capped at 15 bucks, from Wednesday to Sunday, keep an eye out for you more than food and beverage info, they bring and only a tenner for weeknight specials, also the Prasanga Karunaratne as he creates his culinary personality as well as professionalism. They’ve got best value. The American ‘50s diner theme gives a empire within the Cammy’s kitchens. A pub for to love their work. Our top pick is Mitch Jones: 2013 contemporary update on classic pub nosh. Onion sports fans and foodies, if competitively priced Electrolux Appetite for Excellence Young Waiter of rings on hooplas, steak knives atop burgers, the steaks don’t grab you then embrace the fusion of the Year finalist. You’ll find him giving that bit extra to food is fun and yummy but not kitsch. We love it! eastern cuisine into the menu or eye that ever- the patrons at BLACK. (RV) (RV) changing specials menu. (PG) BLACK by Ezard, The Star, 80 Pyrmont Street, Pyrmont, 208 Canterbury Road, Canterbury, 9787 9656, 146 Henderson Road, Alexandria, 9516 5611, 9657 9109, www.ezard.com.au www.facebook.com/canterburyclubhotel www.thecammy.com

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BEST SEAFOOD BY THE Best COOK YOUR OWN STEAK Best POSH NOSH HARBOUR THE OAKS est. CYREN BAR - GRILL - SEAFOOD This restaurant sits at the pinnacle of the Not only does Cyren Bar - Grill - Seafood boast impressive Merivale restaurant and bar empire. front row seats in Darling Harbour, but it also Head chef Peter Doyle has been wowing the offers stunning views of the city skyline strongly crowds in this lushly decorated inner city diner for spread out right before your eyes. Hit it up at the best part of a decade. The menu is undeniably sunset and the view can be overwhelmingly Australian but the use of traditional French beautiful until the smorgasbord of divinely fresh technique ensures that the seasonable ingredients seafood steals the show. Whether it be a locally on the menu are treated with the utmost respect. sourced John Dory or Salmon Fillet or its Seafood The wine list curated by Sommelier Franc Risotto or Half Lobster Mornay, Cyren never fails Moreau is extensive but the knowledgeable staff to deliver the freshest catches daily. Top it all off will be able to guide you to the perfect bottle. with a cocktail, beer or wine, and you’ll be feeling Alternatively the tasting menu can be served with as jolly as a jellyfish. (AP) matched wines. (JB) 2-10 Darling Drive, Darling Harbour, Sydney, Level 1, Establishment, 252 George Street, Sydney, 1300 989 989, www.nicks-seafood.com.au/ 9240 3000, www.merivale.com.au/est BEST HARBOUR VIEW CyrensRestaurantAndBar.htm RESTAURANT DECKHOUSE WOOLWICH BEST SEAFOOD Nestled amongst huge leafy trees with a stunning DOYLE’S ON THE BEACH Timeless elegance and historical significance is all panoramic view of Sydney Harbour is Deckhouse, Fish and chips never smelled so classy. Doyle’s is well and good but let’s be honest, we simply love a waterfront restaurant at Woolwich. With such the cadillac of Sydney seafood restaurants, and seeing an old favourite get a proper makeover. The a breathtaking view, it’s no wonder that so many making a trip here is an experience in itself. Take Oaks is strutting its stuff just in time for spring and people celebrate special events and weddings advantage of a cracking afternoon by jumping on a new menu accompanies this new look. Multiple here. You are sure to get a perfect view of our the ferry to head over to Watson’s Bay and it will impressive Bridge and city skyline through the hand-picked cuts of local beef lead the charge, floor to ceiling glass windows. Located on the be love at first sight when you make your first visit with an option to get your steak cooked for you foreshore of Woolwich Dock, Deckhouse is a to Doyle’s. From its unbeatable seat at the water’s in the Bar & Grill or head outside to the famed picturesque spot to enjoy the fresh seafood this edge with boats bobbing about in the water before courtyard and show off your skills on the restaurant has to offer. We recommend a morning you, to its newspaper menus, right through to over-sized barbeque. With plenty of outside tables visit for the Banana Loaf with Peanut Butter Ice the ocean of gorgeous seafood on offer, Doyle’s in dappled sun, and seemingly endless cosy booths Cream and Mascarpone or fresh Sydney Rock will have your hearts and palates swimming with wrapped in luxurious dark wood, you can have Oysters for lunch. (TM) excitement. (AP) your steak and eat it too. (JJ) End of Clarke Road, Woolwich Dock, 9712 5503, 11 Marine Parade, Watsons Bay, 9337 2007, 118 Military Road, Neutral Bay, 9953 5515, www.deckhousewoolwich.com.au www.doyles.com.au www.oakshotel.com.au BEST OF SYDNEY 2013

BEST BAGEL Best BAR FOOD BEST BURGER BROOKLYN STACKS TAVERNA BONARCHÉ BURGER BOY BAGELS The beautiful mosaic tiled floors and dark timber ‘The Chef’ Tracy Archer and ‘The Butcher’ Roger New York native, ceilings create an elegant and undeniably Greek Bond are the duo behind the Bonarché Burger. Michael Shafran is venue. The bar food menu at this modern Grecian Both local to the area, they book the approach bringing a taste of his style restaurant and bar in the Darling Quarter serving up the delicious burgers they had a hometown to Sydney precinct successfully fuses a traditional Greek craving for, but couldn’t seem to find. Part of the with his new venture, cuisine with some contemporary flourishes. Expect success of their burgers comes from the fact that Brooklyn Boy Bagels. After living in Australia for to see Greek favourites such as grilled haloumi and everything in the process is custom rather than more than 12 years and complaining about the lamb souvlaki alongside soft shell crab and even mass-produced. Even small details like the sauces lack of NYC style broiled bagels, he decided it was kangaroo skewers. They mix a pretty mean cocktail being made from scratch, help make the burger time to bake up or shut up. Brooklyn Boy Bagels here too, and if you’re dropping by for lunch or at Bonarché the best in Sydney. Many of the launched in February 2013 and are now serving dinner, you can’t pass up the opportunity to cook ingredients are also locally sourced from or close up bagels at pop-up locations and through online a steak on their huge open grill. (JB) to Leichhardt, which has helped with their word of orders for home or work delivery. The bagels Shop 24, 25 Darling Quarter, 1-25 Harbour Street, mouth marketing and to build their loyal, burger come in a variety of flavours priced at $4 each, Sydney, 1300 989 989, loving, customer base. (HD) plus a great selection of homemade cream cheese www.stacksbar.com.au 14 Norton Street, Leichhardt, 0433 046 232, smears to mix and match. (HG) www.bonarche.com 36 Flood Street, Bondi, 0425 290 720, BEST BREAKFAST www.brooklyboy.com.au DEVON CAFE BEST CAFE BEST BAKERY It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the best REVOLVER breakfast this side of Sydney goes to Devon. With BOURKE STREET BAKERY Those who haven’t been to Revolver might think it Ask a few locals where to buy the best sourdough its funky and fresh fit-out by Matt Woods and sounds like a new urban café, something minimalist in Sydney and the response will come with delicious food from Zachery Tan (formerly Bistro and simple. Step inside and prepare to be surprised! undisputed harmony: Bourke Street Bakery. Don’t Guillaume) it’s not hard to see why. Try their The décor and staff offer a warmth and generosity of be surprised to stumble upon a line out the door ultimate toastie with truffles ($25 for breakfast spirit that runs akin to a cellar door; while you’re only - but that can only be a good thing, right? After may sound steep, but remember; it has truffle, so a stone’s throw from the CBD you feel like you could a short wait order an amazing sausage roll (go really, it’s cheap). If you’re after something more be dining in the tranquillity of the Barossa Valley. Meet for the lamb, or the pork and fennel) as well as, if traditional try the perfect eggs cooked at 63 friends for breakfast, chinwag over a coffee, and soak you’re sweet tooth is throbbing, a crème brulee degrees. Chefs are rapidly moving from the up the atmosphere. Don’t be surprised by the cosiness tart. As for the bread, nothing beats the sourdough fine-dining scene to casual eating, and at Devon, it’s or the stellar service however, as you may just find or the humble croissant. Bon appétit. (BW) (RG) not hard to see why. (BW) (RG) yourself lingering until lunch. (RG) 472-474 Gardeners Rd, Alexandria, 8339 1001, 76 Devonshire Street, Surry Hills, 9211 8777, 291 Annandale St, Annandale, 9555 472, www.bourkestreetbakery.com.au www.devoncafe.com.au www.revolver.com.au BEST OF SYDNEY 2013

BEST CHINESE BEST INDIAN BEST JAPANESE BEST FROZEN YOGHURT GOLDEN CENTURY INDIAN PALACE RESTAURANT MIZUYA WOW COW Pioneering the touch screen menu system is It seems everywhere you go there’s bound to be what put Mizuya on the map. Years later with a frozen yogurt shop jumping out of the darkness, consistent food standards and a state-of-the-art and with so many choices it’s hard to know karaoke system, the crowds at Mizuya haven’t even whether or not you’re making the right one. In a lessened one bit. With an urban party atmosphere hotly contested market, Wow Cow stands out for juxtaposed against traditional wooden beams its simplicity and lack of gimmick. The froyo (as it’s and Sakura blossoms, one feels like Alice down now commonly branded) is uber cool and, if that the Harajuku rabbit hole. It’s a cool 200 item wasn’t enough, pleasantly affordable. Keep an eye menu list here but some of our favourites were out for the upside down cow that’s a hallmark for the mentaiko grilled salmon roll and melt in your Wow Cow and beat the heat with a tasty froyo mouth ox tongue kushiyaki. So let loose on a and fruity topping. (BW) (RG) Friday night here at Mizuya, after all a little party Shop 2, 304-308 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, never killed nobody.(SL) 9326 0400, www.wowcow.com As well as being our go-to spot for a Chinese live Basement, 614 George Street, 9266 0866, seafood feed, Golden Century’s original Haymarket www.mizuya.com.au BEST HIGH TEA store has won our hearts for the human element. Where else at 2am in Sydney can you find a BEST MEXICAN SHANGRI-LA HOTEL crowded restaurant that includes a drunken GUZMAN Y GOMEZ stand-up comic, loudly picking on tables of equally Australia’s nationwide embrace of Mexican food drunk partygoers stocking up on two-courses is a relatively recent occurrence, and leading the of Peking Duck? This is Late Night Sydney in all charge is Guzman Y Gomez who has brought this her shame and glory, being looked after by silver cuisine across the Pacific to Sydney. Fast food service waiters who don’t even raise an eyebrow really doesn’t get more delicious than a burrito as they trot out your pipis in XO sauce. (JM) from these guys. The price is right, the food is 393-399 Sussex Street, Haymarket, 9212 3901, sensational and you can find them all over Sydney. www.goldencentury.com.au Whatever you’re planning to eat here, get some guacamole - it’s off the hook. Turn a quick bite into BEST FRENCH a real meal with a frozen margarita or a Corona Luxury doesn’t come much finer than a three LE PELICAN - after all, nothing goes down quite as well with tiered plate of nibbles with uniformly cut Mexican food as a cold beer. (RP) It’s a big place, but there’s an even bigger emphasis cucumber sandwiches and rose petal macarons. Level 4, Australia Square Food Court 264 George Whether you’re already living the high life, or just on small details at the Indian Palace Restaurant in Street Sydney, 9247 4422, dropping in, partaking of high tea at the Shangri-La Balmain. The wait-staff are more than hospitable, And other locations around Sydney, is a delightfully delectable first-class experience. and take pride in serving up food which is fresh www.guzmanygomez.com While taking a break from your historical and authentic. A highlight is the Bhuna Goat exploration of The Rocks, you can expect your Curry (slow pot roasted meat with fresh ginger, BEST NORTHER EUROPEAN every need to be attended to by courteous garlic, tomatoes, sliced onions, garam masala and wait-staff, who will gladly bestow upon you their coriander). The wine list is also impressive and well personal knowledge of every cake and compote chosen, featuring Riesling and Verdelho by the glass. that dwells on your tower of treats. No matter True to its name, the dining experience at Indian the occasion, the Shangri-La is the perfect place to Palace is indeed, fit for a King. (CH) indulge. (RP) 235 Darling Street, Balmain, 9818 3272, 176 Cumberland Street, The Rocks, 9250 6000, www.indianpalace.com.au www.shangri-la.com/sydney

The eaters as well as the Francophiles (and BEST ITALIAN BEST DESSERT sometimes we are both) in our team, our friends and our extended families, are all huge fans of this OSTERIA BALLA GELATO MESSINA ESSEN RESTAURANT & BEER CAFÉ This year, Manfredi is celebrating: 30 years of When cravings take precedence and no distance, marvellous French bistro. We all agree that it’s one Friendly service, big hearty portions, and a nice service to the restaurant industry in Sydney. weather condition or queue can stop you, Gelato of the most under-rated places in Sydney. And it selection of beers. Though it really is hard to Manfredi was one of the first to break the Messina has got you covered. With 40 flavours seems, from your vote, that you agree too! Their choose a favourite, our top pick is the succulent mould of clichéd Italian dining, the first to offer on offer, all made from scratch, Messina caters to French fare is beautifully cooked, extremely tasty, Pork Knuckle which had been roasted overnight. a degustation in an Italian restaurant in Sydney, every palette. Only such a creative bunch could and offers a menu that transports you magically to Or try the terrific Sausage Platter; a large portion design an open kitchen, and to pour extra coat potato crisps in white chocolate, submerge the other side of the world. Think classic French which while listed as an entree could be a meal virgin olive oil at the table to replace butter. dishes like Cassoulet, Garlic and Parsley Snails, in itself or shared. There are so many choices. them in peanut butter gelato and bring Mr. Potato The celebration continues in the current Balla House Smoked Flathead Pie. And of course there Entrees offer Cured Salmon, Salads, Swiss Garlic Head to life. Their constant social media stream offering, with the very best of seasonal produce, just has to be Baguette! Yet, as scrumptious as this Bread with Gruyere Cheese and Smoked Paprika, effectively has us rushing to re-arrange our plans an incredible Italian iPad wine list, and views over all is, where Le Pelican really comes into its own, and a step back in time with Crumbed King Island and score our fix. With each new flavor being Pyrmont, from two levels of dining. There’s an is dessert. Maybe have a second, or try a selection. Camembert and Crumbed Button Mushrooms. better than the last, as well as a host of signature So highly recommended by one and all. (RV) elegant simplicity in the menu. The food is always It‘s a fantastic place for a get together. And it’s our favourites and cakes, it’s no wonder Messina is not Shop 2, 411 Bourke Street, Surry Hills, 9380 2622, exquisite. (RV) regular gathering place. We love ‘em! (RV) just a ‘place’ but a way of life in this city. (KD) www.lepelican.com.au The Star, 80 Pyrmont Street, Pyrmont, 9657 9129, 133-135 Broadway Ultimo, 9211 3805, Shop 1, 241 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst; 389 Crown www.manfredi.com.au/restaurant/balla www.essen.com.au St, Surry Hills; The Star Store - Best GREEK 80 Pyrmont Street, Pyrmont, 8354 1223, BEST ISAKAYA www.gelatomessina.com XANTHI BEST VEGETARIAN Surrounded by Sydney’s central shopping district, TOKO NOURISHING QUARTER BEST FOOD AFTER 2AM and located within a shopping centre, is hatted If you want quality Japanese on a Saturday night, If you’re after fresh and healthy vegetarian fare restaurant Xanthi, where fine dining and Greek you have two options. Walk-in seating at Toko, or with a Vietnamese and South American twist, HARRY’S CAFÉ DE WHEELS cuisine meet curved tiled walls and a sweeping a reservation at Tokonoma its sister lounge next the Nourishing Quarter is for you. This cosy You’re stumbling through the city - a little tired, fabric canopy. Whether you’re on a date, at a door, where an identical dinner menu is served. We restaurant is open for dinner five nights a week a tad tipsy - and there’s only one thing you need business meeting, or out with the entire family, try love the way both venues up the ante by offering and has a focus on ‘healing’ by way of using organic before hailing down a taxi: the essential post- the all you can eat mezze for only 35 bucks. The familiarity with a twist, like its California Maki with and unprocessed foods. Those with allergies to pub chow. Whether it’s a pie, a pastry, or a hot Pork Belly Baklava promises outside crunch and a Queensland Spanner Crab or mojito with a charge things like wheat and dairy need not feel dog you’re craving, Harry has it ready. Their melt-in-your mouth interior. Ask the helpful staff of lemongrass syrup. But don’t leave Toko without left out as NQ is very accommodating. Even the self-proclaimed special is the tiger pie (beef pie, to match it with an extensive selection of Greek trying the decadent Scampi Nigiri, Foie Gras and use of exotic and nutritional herbs is bound to mashed potatoes, mushy peas and gravy) and wine. Make sure you leave room for dessert – the Truffle Oil Sushi, it’s a mouthful of happiness. With impress non-vego diners because these guys rightly so: it’s the perfect snack after a night out on sheep’s milk custard and ouzo-flavoured meringues minimalistic interiors, lush seating and elegant- sure know how to make healthy taste good. It’s the town. (RG) are simply to die for. (BW) (RG) sized portions, Toko is an izakaya on steroids. (SL) a popular spot so make a booking or get in early. Corner Cowper Wharf and Brougham Roads, Westfield Sydney, Market Street, Sydney, 9232 8535, 490 Crown Street, Surry Hills, 9357 6100, (TM) Woolloomooloo, 9357 3074, and other locations www.xanthi.com.au www.toko.com.au 315 Cleveland Street, Redfern, 8399 0888 around Sydney, www.harryscafedewheels.com.au

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BEST IRISH PUB THE CRITERION Kiss me I’m Irish. A phrase frequently coined during a night out at the Criterion. Owner, Pat Gallagher knows Ireland and boy does he do green well. Enjoy a traditional feast with ‘Something Irish’ from their menu, including Pork Sausage and Corned Beef (the butcher’s secret and trademark recipe). To wash it down? You can’t go past the black stuff. A pint of Guinness will do the trick. We promise once you go black you’ll never go back. It is said that a good Irish lad will drink a pint of Guinness leaving just seven rings. Two for the Father, two for the Son, two for the Holy Spirit and One for himself. So what’s your number? (TO) 260 Pitt Street, Sydney, 9264 3093, www.criterionhotel.net.au

BEST LOCAL PUB BEST COCKTAIL BAR BEST SPECIALTY BEER VENUE THE LORD ROBERTS HOTEL BULLETIN PLACE BAR For the connoisseur of the quiet beer, The Lord Shhh. Don’t tell anyone about Sydney’s best kept REDOAK BOUTIQUE BEER CAFE Roberts is where it’s at. One of the great things secret. Home to Tim Philips, Global 2012 World Craft beer and local breweries are definitely about this little-known pub is that the best Class Bartender of the Year, this unmarked bar is getting the attention of Sydney-siders at features aren’t immediately apparent. Admittedly a tiny Aladdin’s Cocktail Cave in the bustle of the the moment. Redoak Boutique Beer Café the drink shelf knickknack collection is impressive, CBD. The cocktail list is as cosy as the space, and can consider itself an established player on but head upstairs (with your beer) and you’ll find created with as much care, from incredible fresh the scene. They have been Australia’s most a huge outdoor deck and adjoining rooms, perfect ingredients, daily. Take your pick from the butchers’ awarded Brewery since opening their doors for drinking undisturbed with a few mates or paper list or ask Tim or Robb or one of the other nine years ago, having won many medals both grabbing an al fresco meal. The real winners food elite mixing team behind the bar for their tip. You in Australia and overseas for their unique wise are pub favourites, and the drinks selection can even buy a drink for an absent friend to enjoy brews. They have seen many customers take is head and shoulders above most locals especially later and mark it up on the wall. (RV) a ‘beer and food journey’ along with them, for Aussie beers and wine. The Lord Roberts is an 1st floor, 10-14 Bulletin Place, Sydney according to Manager, Janet Hollyoak. Redoak oasis of calm and friendliness amongst lesser CBD brew more than 60 types of beer each year, watering holes. (NH) BEST BARTENDERS and have a selection of at least 30 of their 64 Stanley Street, East Sydney, 9360 9555, beers and ciders available daily. (HM) www.lordrobertshotel.com.au UNCLE MING’S BAR 201 Clarence Street, Sydney, 9262 3303, If you haven’t yet met this Uncle, it’s time to get www.redoak.com.au acquainted with your new favourite relative. With quirky Asian inspired décor and BEST BOWLS, BEERS AND BANDS toilets that provide language lessons, this is one not to be missed. But at the heart of it, you’ll find PETERSHAM BOWLING CLUB that it’s the vivacious and charismatic individuals Whoever said bowling is reserved for the over-sixties is a dirty liar and needs to be sent to bed without behind the bar that keep us coming back. Grinning supper. Nothing quite says ‘Australian’ like a weekend full of beer, mates, and barefoot bowls. If it sounds as they watch patrons ogle over cocktails served like you’re kind of weekend, Petersham Bowls is for you. A favourite amongst the local crowd, it’s the in oversized teapots, it’s clear they love what perfect place to bring the kids and lap up the latest live music - a beer in one hand, a bowling ball in the they do. So sit at the bar, strike up a chat and get other. (BW) (RG) to know the team who makes the joint feel like 77 Brighton Street Petersham, 9569 4639, www.thepbc.org.au home. It makes an already impressive bar just that much better. (KD) Basement, 55 York Street, Sydney, 0402 211 194, 5 QUICK PICKS by BEN BLAIR www.unclemings.com.au 2. Best place to go when you finish work Frankie’s for now… until The Cliff Dive opens. 3. Best beach for surfing In Sydney, Maroubra would be my pick. 4. Best place to buy Hawaiian shirts Every now and then a gem turns up at C’s BEST SMALL BAR Flashback, but the further you travel, the LOBO PLANTATION sweeter the find… Step into the Lobo Plantation and be transported to the twentieth century Cuba: it’s a place where 5. Best place for a coffee Hemingway and Fitzgerald may have congregated Panama House is my pick, but I’ll take Cabrito in the 1920s. It’s cosy and resplendent with leather Coffee Traders if not in the East. Worth travelling upholstery and chesterfield banquettes, with rum We asked one of our favourite Sydney for… and gin themed cocktails particularly satisfying. bartenders Ben Blair about his Sydney. The staff are warm and charming, the drink-list Ben Blair was listed in the Top 10 bartenders in comprehensive, and the bar snacks delicious. 1. Best place to buy vintage the country for both 2012 and 2013. Though you’ll As any cultured Cuban would say, it’s simply cocktail making kit currently find Ben behind the bar at The Corner ‘Maravilloso’. (BW) (RG) Alexandria has the best stores, seek and you House in Bondi, rumour has it he is about to open Basement 209 Clarence Street, Sydney, 04 1555 shall find. his own bar. 4908, www.thelobo.com.au

25 BEST OF SYDNEY 2013

BEST BEER GARDEN BEST SPORTS BAR BEST CLUB COCKTAIL BAR THE BALMAIN HOTEL SPORTS BAR, BOWLERS CLUB @ 99 ON New York native, It’s a gorgeous summer’s day in KINGS CROSS YORK (ZABOU BAR) Sydney (alright, maybe not yet. But soon!) So what If you love to While Zabou is renowned for their the hell are you doing drinking inside a dark city be surrounded wide range of boutique beers, exquisite bar? There’s really only one way to enjoy a beer: by sport, you’re and specially selected wines, spirits, and outside in a sunny beer garden, and The Balmain probably already live entertainment, it’s the cocktails Hotel has the best we’ve seen yet. The joint was reading this from the that keep us coming back. Zabou recently refurbished in a funky tiki style, just in cosiness of Sports offers fresh and unique twists on all time for the sun to come out. It bears a striking Bar, Kings Cross: paper in one hand, beer in the of your old favourites at a price that resemblance to the kind of minimalist outdoor other. Guernseys, memorabilia and televisions won’t break the bank. Soak up the dining you’d expect to find in tropical countries. don the walls, showcasing a wide variety of sports mood lighting, take a swill of your (And P.S. there’s outdoor heating to tide you over - whether you’re into darts or fishing, footy or apple martini, and unwind to the music in the colder months.) (RP) cricket, they’ve got it covered. If the Wallabies are floating out of the grand piano. Look 74 Mullens Street, Balmain, 9810 7500, down at half time grab a schooner and a mate and outside to the city lights and don’t be www.thebalmain.com have a game of pool to deter the sorrow. There surprised if all of your troubles float are plenty of seats and TVs to choose from, so no away. (RG) reason to fight over the remote here. (RG) 99 York Street, Sydney, 9290 1155, 111 Darlinghurst Road, Potts Point, 8354 6666, www.99onyork.com.au/YORK/zabou www.crestsportsbar.com.au BEST GAY PICK-UP JOINT Best FIREPLACE THE MIDNIGHT SHIFT THE CRICKETERS ARMS Being the longest running hotel servicing Sydney’s A fireplace is a rarity these days and something to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community be treasured, as is the kooky little pub in which it you assume it has been around the block a few stands. Ironically there is nothing relating to either times and knows what it’s doing. The Midnight cricket or arms here. There are however, some Shift offers everybody something different and is very special vibes. The fireplace is mounted in an open brick wall with a big pile of split logs beside known for its accepting and inclusive nature. With it. There is a sign above asking that customers four bars and a dance floor you cannot possibly go leave the care of the fire to the staff. This indicates wrong. So strap on your spandex, bring your sass two things 1) It is a real wood fire! 2) It is in a and prepare for a wild night. With entertainment Sydney pub. Why all the rules? Never the less, the seven nights a week, darling, are you in for a treat!! Cricketers Arms is a stand out. (LC) (TO) 106 Fitzroy Street, Surry Hills, 9331 3301, 85-91 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, 9358 3848, www. www.cricketersarmshotel.com.au themidnightshift.com.au BEST OF SYDNEY 2013

BEST STRAIGHT PICK UP JOINT BEST HAPPY HOUR Best WINE LIST ADRIA BAR WINE LIBRARY RESTAURANT This Woollahra hotspot is a Mecca for locals and wine If you’re happy lovers alike, drawn to its sleek, cosy n’ you know it environs, exceptional wine list and excellent food. Prop clap your hands. yourself up at the zinc clad bar or grab a table in the Suffering from dining area where you can ogle the cured meats hanging in 3pm-itis? Adria a glass walled cabinet ready to be consumed with a cheese Bar has got you plate and a cheeky glass. The Black Truffle and Stracchino covered. Monday Cheese Quesadilla hits the spot and is perfect when to Friday knock washed down with a cold Trumer Pils, if a cold beer is off early and head on down to this Cockle Bay more your thing. Don’t go past the cocktail list either, they Wharf gem. With $10 cocktails, $5 Coronas and a make a mean espresso martini. (JB) selection of $10 Bar plates you’ll be a happy little 18 Oxford Street, Woollahra, 9360 5686, chappy for their four hours of beverage bliss. From www.wine-library.com.au 3-7pm sit by the water’s edge and take a load off. Cue the euphoria. (TO) BEST NIGHTCLUB The Promenade, Cockle Bay Wharf, Darling Harbour, MARQUEE 9283 3393, www.nicks-seafood.com.au/Adria If you like to dress up, drink and dance, you’re probably already a regular at Marquee. Located on the rooftop of Sydney casino, The Star, Marquee is one of Sydney’s preeminent nightclubs, packed with DJs BEST WINE BAR and Sydney’s fashionable elite. If you want the true club experience: don your best suit, find your finest frock, soak up the showy atmosphere, the world class DJs, and dance the night away. (BW) (RG) FRANKIE’S PIZZA LOVE, TILLY DEVINE Harbourside entry, Pirrama Road, Pyrmont, 9657 7737, www.marqueesydney.com.au A late night establishment always has to be ahead The name might be a nod to a notorious 19th in the odds as a good place to pick up. When you Century brothel Madame and militia boss, but add to this, a joint that is popular with those in the this wine bar tucked in the back of a Darlinghurst know, the odds to pick up get even better. Top it laneway is no hussy. The cosy corners of the off as a recommended place where the hospitality split level room lend themselves more to a first folk hang out after work and Frankie’s Pizza gets date than a night on the tiles. Sommelier Matt the nod. Head to the back room. Be warned Swieboda’s passion for interesting wine translates to a list some 300 bottles strong from all corners there’s queues, particularly on Friday and Saturday of the globe. Wine is definitely the star here, but nights, which is always a good sign. There’s no the short sharp food menu is a graceful supporting phone number for the venue, but be sure to leave act in this knockout venue. (TM) yours with someone hot. (RV) 91 Crown Lane, Darlinghurst, 9326 9297, 50 Hunter Street, Sydney www.lovetillydevine.com BEST OF SYDNEY 2013

BEST COFFEE Best FRESH JUICE TOP JUICE What started out as a fruit and veg shop has branched out to more than ten Top Juice stores around Sydney, making it easier than ever to get a zap of healthy into your day. Get a hit of natural vitamins with a fresh juice or try a smoothie, frappe or protein shake - all made with premium fruits and vegies. There have plenty to eat too with garden salads, soups, bircher muesli, yoghurt, rice pudding, fresh fruit and our favourite: chocolate dipped fruit! The team also take orders for catering and gifts. We recommend a fresh coconut for a refreshing drink with a hint of the tropics. (TM) Level 5, Corner Pitt Street Mall and Market Street, Sydney, 8246 9051, www.topjuice.com.au

BEST TEA JOHNNY’S WINDOW T TOTALER For those who love their coffee it shouldn’t come For the truly discerning tea snob, there’s nothing as a surprise that Johnny’s Window has taken the quite like blending your own. That is of course if cake for the second year running. The name isn’t you know what you’re doing, unlike this particular ambiguous at all, as it’s Johnny who is serving writer. Enter the good folks at T Totaler, ready to great espresso from his chic and friendly hole in bring your actual knowledge of tea up to meet the wall. Pretty cool, huh? If you’re on the way your overly-developed tastebuds. They don’t just to work grab a speedy takeaway, or if you’ve got blend the best tea, their workshops show you how time pull up a stump, order a latte, and chitchat to get in on the delicious, creative action. As T the morning away. If it’s time to treat yourself, Totaler is locally grown and sustainably packaged, it you can’t do much better than a cappuccino and a also makes a guilt-proof gift for that special hippie coconut, dark choc-chip muffin. The perfect pair? in your life. Yeah, that’s another reason why we’re You decide. (RG) drinking this amazing tea. The environment…(NH) Shop 5A, 1 Kings Cross Road, Rushcutters Bay, 1st floor, 62 Shepherd St, Marrickville, 0466 436 302, 9357 3738, www.facebook.com/JohnnysWindow www.ttotaler.com.au

BEST OF SYDNEY 2013

BEST TOURIST ATTRACTION SYDNEY CITY SNORKEL SAFARI With 73% of the earth’s surface covered in water it’s no wonder the variety of sea-life found around Sydney is simply awe inspiring. Based near beautiful Bare Island, Snorkel Safari Sydney offers underwater experiences ranging from leisurely snorkeling to safari scooters, scuba certification and free diving. But if you really want to earn bragging rights for your next BBQ opt for the shark dive, and don’t worry, we won’t tell anyone how terrified you looked. Grab your bathers and take a swim with the fish, because life really is so much more interesting under the water. (JJ) Shop 1B, Town Hall House, 456 Kent Street, Sydney, 9283 6400, www.snorkelsafari.com.au/sydney-city

BEST PUBLIC POOL ANNETTE KELLERMAN POOL BEST DRAG SHOW BEST DANCE VENUE Remember being a kid and riding your bike down to the local swimming pool? Having heated dive bomb contests and buying little white bags of red frogs? In those days no indoor swimming pool would have cut THE IMPERIAL HOTEL THE SPICE CELLAR it. The Annette Kellerman pool does. It harnesses the latest and greatest of eco-tech and is illuminated As the name suggests, The Imperial Hotel is fit “If you’re here drinking and dancing we won’t close with natural light. The swimmer’s eyes take on a special opaque sparkle in this tranquil atrium. The long for a queen. And queens there are! Throw your on you” owner Rebecca Alder gives the nod. With list of community activities caters for the kiddies, the oldies and everyone in between. Mum will still be wigs and lashes on lads and be prepared to have partner DJ Murat Killic (sunrise sets every Sunday upset with you for eating too many frogs though. (LC) a shit-tonne of fun. Just be careful not to snap morning), she’s passionate about leading the way Enmore Park, Black Street, Marrickville, 9565 1906, www.akac.com.au a heel. Head on down on a Wednesday night to to a 24 hour city. As it nears the witching hour, experience Miss Gaynor Tension pay tribute to the basement crowd changes around the same the great 20th Century Divas Liza Minnelli, Judy time the lights dim. The best thing about The Spice Garland and Shirley Bassey as you’ve never seen Cellar is that they foster Australian independent them done before. Doll up on a Friday or Saturday music. We also love the walls painted by street and get your strutt on for the House of Drag from artist Anthony Lister. Moscow Girl (vodka) I Might 10pm. (TO) (tequila) Good Voodoo (gin) and Keep On Keepin 35 Erskineville Road, Erskineville, 9519 9899, On (Jack Daniels) are easy cocktails to smash. (RV) www.theimperialhotel.com.au 56 Elizabeth Street, Sydney, 9223 5885, www.thespicecellar.com.au BEST BURLESQUE BEST JAZZ VENUE SLIDE LOUNGE Engorged breasts busting from boostierérs: the sweet smell of sweat; lengthy legs with the touch of silk, all too common sensory indulgences one will experience at the sultry Slide Lounge in Darlinghurst. Forget missionary! From the moment you penetrate those doors to the time of withdrawal the burlesque beauties will take you on a steamy journey of sexuality. One, which instead of lying like a dead fish, will have you in all sorts of positions by the end of the show. Sit back and enjoy. Tonight is all about receiving. (TO) 41 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, 8915 1899, 5 QUICK PICKS by ISABELLA MANFREDI www.slide.com.au 2. Best indoor smoking BEST COMEDY VENUE Important for us social lepers. The Local on South Dowling has a rooftop bar with fairylights THE WORKERS and full seating for those of us who like to BALMAIN smoke and chat. Low 302 on Crown Street is It’s hump day! What cosy in winter. to do? Enjoy a good gag, that’s what. It’s 3. Best place to spend live, local, free and ridiculous amounts of money fun. Share the laughs on clothes over at The Workers 505 Desordre. Let Lucy and Shannon persuade you Balmain with their If you’re in the mood for candlelight, jazz and out of your pay-check, they know what they’re regular comedy fix on reggae, low couches, delicious drinks and intimate doing. I love their exclusives from designers like a Wednesday night. conversation, 505 is the bar for you. Located Kahlo and Macgraw. Resident comedians in the heart of Surry Hills, it’s the perfect spot Jacques Barrett and to enjoy the music up-close without having to 4. Best small live music venue Dave Jory run the sacrifice the conversation beside you. Mosey up to We asked the lead singer of The Preachers, Moonshakes at Flinders Bar has free, local band show and promise the bar and order a delicious cocktail and return Isabella Manfredi about her Sydney. line-ups every Tuesday night. Expect cameos by international touring bands who usually end up your abs a decent workout. With $5 drinks and $3 without missing a beat. It’s intimate without being 1. Best place to eat cheap and there after their shows. tacos from 5pm you really have no excuse not to noisy, chic without being pretentious, and they’re fast get your butt down there. Warning! Not for the open six nights a week (Monday - Saturday). And if Faheems Fast Food on Enmore Road. It’s cheap 5. Best place to burger faint hearted. (TO) that wasn’t enough to get you swinging, the food’s and fast but the food is great. Try the Chicken Mary’s in Newtown. Soft buns and a good wine 292 Darling Street, Balmain, 9555 8410, delicious as well! (RG) Tikka and Aloo Baingan (Eggplant). list www.theworkersbalmain.com.au 280 Cleveland Street, Surry Hills, www.venue505.com

31 BEST OF SYDNEY 2013

BEST MUSEUM THE MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART A previous trip presented us with fur, porn and genocide. Currently you’d be treated to one of the more accessible collections of Aboriginal art we’ve ever seen, not just visually striking but socially engaging, environmentally aware and historically challenging. Next time, who knows? Where other museums lull you to sleep, the MCA provides a sensory slap in the face that shocks your brain out of its everyday complacency. Whether you’re moved, disturbed, mesmerised or given a good laugh, you’re guaranteed to come out a little more thoughtful than before you went in. (CH) 140 George Street, The Rocks, 9245 2400, www.mca.com.au

BEST art gallery TAP GALLERY Tap Gallery has been operational for twenty four years and is a not for profit organisation that supports local artists. The bright open space has a selection of exhibition halls of varying size. It aims to mentor and guide emerging artists through all the particulars of putting a show together. In doing so, they provide support to complete novices to the somewhat experienced. It is run by enthusiastic and dedicated professional artists who want to give back to their community. Tap hosts a range of contemporary art that is often highly subversive. (LC) Best ABORIGINAL ART GALLERY 278 Palmer Street, Darlinghurst, 9361 0440, www.tapgallery.org.au TALI GALLERY Tali is more than your average Aboriginal art gallery; upon BEST ARTS CENTRE entering you’ll quickly realise that there’s more to indigenous art than dot paintings and didgeridoos. Tali has a reputation for CASULA POWERHOUSE providing an outstanding sales experience and extreme care Just because we’re a sporty country doesn’t mean we’re not is taken to ensure that all artwork is acquired ethically. When cultured. Whether you need your theatrical or visual art fix, you buy artwork from Tali you can be sure that the artists were Casula Powerhouse is bound to have what you’re craving. While paid fairly, as the owners have placed cultural integrity above the building may look like an electricity station (it was in the profits, and their primary concern is to educate and connect 1950s) it’s home to Sydney’s most varied arts centre. Grab communities together. We reckon, any piece from Tali will turn the kids, take the weekend off, and mosey out to Casula - only heads and is bound to be quite unlike any indigenous art you’ve an hour from the CBD - for an artistic extravaganza fit for the seen before. (RP) whole family. (RG) 667 Darling Street, Rozelle, 9555 6555, www.taligallery.com.au 1 Powerhouse Road, Casula, 9824 1121, www.casulapowerhouse.com BEST OF SYDNEY 2013

BEST FLOATING MUSEUM Best PUBLIC MONUMENT BEST DRAMA THEATRE HENRY LAWSON NEW THEATRE Hidden away beneath “Always real, raw and new” is the manifesto for New Theatre. While it’s not new (established in 1932) the shade of white gums, like old wine we all know some things only get better with age. Thespians young and old still pack the this effigy of Australia’s rafters year after year for performances both mainstream and indie. The 2013 season is home to seven pioneering bush poet Fringe Festival shows, adaptations, and the ever-exciting monologue project. Located in Newtown, it’s delights those who chance intimate and cosy - and just like its suburb - full of character, drama, and excitement. (BW) (RG) upon it. The statue is set 542 King Street, Newtown, 9519 3403, www.newtheatre.org.au on raised sandstone and cast in bronze. It is a triple BEST COMMUNITY GARDEN figure of the man himself with a friendly dog sitting to one side of him and PYRMONT LANDCARE an old bushy on the other. The superbly conceived Tucked in-between a rock and a hard place, this little pocket of winding ramps and native shrubbery tribute uses complex imagery to evoke Lawson’s makes the journey from Wattle Street up to the sliding train doors of the Wentworth Park Light Rail affable nature and his battle with alcoholism and Station infinitely more pleasant. An initiative of the Pyrmont Ultimo Landcare volunteers, the site is one depression. Lawson’s monument shows how his life of a group of six around Sydney where locals are doing their bit to create new native habitats. Landcare and times are relevant to contemporary Australia makes it easy to get your weed-on, so grab your garden gloves and join other like-minded volunteers to and is a must see in Sydney. (LC) bring a bit of the bush back into the city. (JJ) Back paths of Lady Maquarie’s Chair, Botanic Gardens Wentworth Park Light Rail Station, Wattle Street, Pyrmont, 9571 9727, www.pyrmontultimolandcare.org.au

SYDNEY HERITAGE FLEET BEST PERFORMANCE VENUE BEST WEEKEND ISLAND GETAWAY It’s difficult to imagine the competition that the SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE KINGFISHER BAY RESORT Sydney Heritage fleet was up against. Sydney Opera House is an icon that is known Fraser Island - the world’s largest sand island, There is no doubt that this collection of around the world. It also showcases talent from all so where the bloody hell are you? Forget decommissioned vessels, which boasts military over the world, offering a series of performances camping, forget glamping even; you need to battleships and a submarine, blew the competition certainly not limited to just opera. You can have relax and this award winning ecotourism well and truly out of the water a long time ago. unique experiences like standing up and dance to a resort will make you feel clean and green. Bumping up against it’s Darling Harbour mooring band like Empire of the Sun, or putting on a pair of Let the chefs prepare you a gourmet bush is also a Medieval Dutch ship and a little red tug 3D glasses and getting into the grove of Kraftwerk. tucker treat or picnic. The resort offers whale boat. As on onlooker there is just something about In addition to music and dance performances, watching, bird watching, even dingo watching this place that brings to mind eccentric millionaires Sydney Opera House also likes to feature their if you’re lucky (or unlucky depending on your and politicians, all dressed as sea captains with creative thinking side. Ideas at the House is a view). Enjoy the stunning freshwater lakes and eye patches and wooden pipes, sailing around the public lecture series that brings intellectuals such pristine beaches or just lay by the pool and harbour, looking for anything else that dares to call as Richard Dawkins, and pop culture icons such as try to imagine how many grains of sand make itself a floating museum. (LC) David Sedairs to Sydney. (HD) an island. (SC) Sydney Maritime Museum, Wharf 7, 58 Pirrama Road, Bennelong Point, Sydney, 9250 7111, Fraser Island, Queensland, (07) 4120 3313, Pyrmont, 9298 3888, www.shf.org.au www.sydneyoperahouse.com www.kingfisherbay.com

BEST OF SYDNEY 2013

BEST CBD SHOPPING EXPERIENCE BEST CHEMIST THE DYMOCKS BUILDING BLAKES PHARMACY This building is, in the best possible way, a dinosaur. Blake may have died some 50 years ago but It hails from a bygone era where items were his name and spirit live on in this well stocked individually designed and crafted to order, by pharmacy. It’s got everything you would expect, people who took real pride in their work and plus a well stocked children’s section. The fun vibe the time to provide true customer satisfaction. extends well beyond the stuffed toys; the staff also Anywhere else you could get a ring from a shelf, have a playful (yet professional) attitude. Another a suit from a rack, as long as you’re okay with positive aspect to the store is its large variety hundreds of other people owning the exact same of vitamins and health supplements. While there thing. For those who prefer something more may appear to be an increasingly large amount of individual in both products and service, plus a little chemists springing up in Sydney, Blake’s Pharmacy bit of old world architectural charm, head to the Dymocks Building. (NH) continues to shine as a uniquely convenient 428 George Street, Sydney, 9224 0444, and friendly chemist offering expert advice. www.thedymocksbuilding.com.au Compounding the evidence, there’s little reason to shop anywhere else! (CH) BEST WET SHAVE 20 Darlinghurst Road, Potts Point, 9358 6712, www.blakespharmacy.com.au CHOPS ‘N CHARLIE You might have spent this winter allowing your BEST 24 HOUR GYM mane to get a little out of control. For the sake of that special someone in your life who isn’t ANYTIME FITNESS GLEBE too fond of kissing a cactus, you should do them Some of us (and I’m not looking at you when I say a favour and visit the most radical old school it) have trouble dragging ourselves to the gym. Out barbers in Sydney. Chops ‘N Charlie will not they come, the excuses. We’re busy. We worked only give you a triple shave, and a beer to sip BEST WOMEN’S FASHION BEST INTERNATIONAL DESIGNER too late. Enter the always open, always at the while they’re doing so, but they’ll bestow upon ready, always obliging way to get fit. There’s cardio NARAMACAMICIE AUSTRALIA you all the knowledge you’ll need to make sure equipment and strength equipment as you would Paddington might you’re taking care of your bushy beard properly. expect, plus the good stuff like personal training. be the fashion The owners are not only handy with a blade, but Assessments are available (if like some of us) it has their decorating skills are second to none - check heart of Sydney, but been too long since you’ve been. The space is clean out their amazing shaving paraphernalia and Naramacamicie makes and the staff professional. OK now, with the gym sure international taxidermied animals! (RP) open 24 hours, there is no more time for excuses. fashion is accessible to 6 Stanley Street, Darlinghurst, 8065 9910, (RV) everyone through free www.chopsncharlie.com 1-9 Glebe Point Road, Glebe, 9571 9873, shipping in Australia and New Zealand with BEST BARBER SHOP www.anytimefitness.com.au no minimum spend. DEMON BARBER Yes You read that Best PLACED TO GET PIERCED When you want a hell of haircut, there’s only correctly. With a 28 one place to go. OK, two. Hell, or Demon Barber POLYMORPH year history and over in Rozelle. Bridging the gap between old school Where to go to get your piercing is the easy 600 stores - Milan Paris barbershop and high-end hair salon, Demon decision. What bodily part to get pierced may or Tokyo New York - this is an incredible story of Barber has actually been around since 1999, when not be a hard choice. Then you have to choose success. Celebrate with each new season’s range. husband and wife hairdressing team Keith and your jewellery. Luckily the friendly and experienced Dress business and casual for women and men. You Tammy opened their first store in Edinburgh, team have over twenty years experience - Robert probably know the name of Italian entrepreneur, Valenti is the man. He’s joined by Bernadette Walter Annaratone from his association with the Scotland. But in a boon for Sydney fellas, they moved to Sydney and in the last few years they’ve Knight and Benjamin Mc Cullagh Dennis. And a ST. FROCK Bennetton Group. This is one time, when we say, little birdie told us that friendly fella Dave is finally Dresses and playsuits and jewelry, oh my! All that it is OK to get shirty! (RV) built up a cult following with the Inner West lads learning to pierce. Our editorial team have an hail the “patron saint of fashion and fun”. With a Shop 1, 412 Oxford Street, Paddington, 9358 1114, with their excellent hair cutting, cropping and boutique in Pyrmont and stalls at local markets, www.naracamicie.com.au beard trimming services. (And psst: you can even appointment that will be fulfilled by the time to St. Frocks offers the latest in Australian and make your bookings on Twitter @demonbarber99) go to print. But just because we’re heading to our international women’s fashion labels including BEST SHOPPING CENTRE (PH) piercing studio of choice together, doesn’t mean Fairground, Finders Keepers and House of Harlow. 673 Darling Street, Rozelle, 9555 9448, that we’ll be sporting matching pieces. We are From daytime classics to the perfect ‘night out’ EASTGATE SHOPPING CENTRE www.demonbarber.com.au individuals after all. (RV) dress, St. Frock has it covered. For those not privy Level 1, 7/82 Enmore Road, Newtown, 9519 8923, to the luxury of time, never fear as the online BEST DENTAL SERVICE www.polymorphbodypiercing.com.au store is available and constantly updated. With ADVANCED passionate staff, who are dedicated to bringing the DENTAL BEST EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE latest trends across all budgets, it’s no wonder why SERVICES AUSTRALIAN PACIFIC COLLEGE many consider this place worthy of worship. (KD) Step into Advanced Have you recently arrived in Australia, keen to 18 Union Street, Pyrmont, 8203 7802, Dental Services at find a job but need to polish your English speaking www.stfrock.com Edgecliff and you’ll find it quite homey. skills? The Australian Pacific College (APC) will BEST MEN’S FASHION No nightmare do the job, in more ways than one. Renowned feeling of horrors and accredited for transforming the language JACK LONDON going to this dentist: skills of overseas students, APC gears all of its You party, walk, talk and sing karaoke like a rock the needs of their courses towards ensuring pupils leave ready-made star. Even when you brush your teeth there is a The mallrats of Sydney have spoken - Eastgate is patients come first for the Australian workforce. Reading, writing, certain level of theatrics. But let’s say you have a the fairest of the mall. (OK, that was a really bad and thought has been put into the comforting listening, speaking and grammar are all covered corporate job interview or a family wedding. Your attempt at a pun.) It may not be the biggest (in interior design and surprisingly spacious upstairs in class, with multiple levels of sophistication on first stop ought to be Jack London. This Melbourne fact, it’s definitely not) but after recent renovations area. But the proof is in the filling, they offer the offer for prospective students, guaranteeing that based men’s fashion boutique models its clothing it’s bright and shiny and new, and such a pleasure latest technology and services in dental care, on the Mod Rock movement of the seventies with to visit as far as shopping centres go. We especially the appropriate teaching methods are applied. dental implants, veneers, and even the famed It doesn’t finish at language, though, and the a tasteful combination of elegance and panache. love Eastgate for its convenience - smack bang in Invisalign, all of which work towards creating that Australian-owned and operated College offers It boasts a surprisingly wide price range of formal the heart of Bondi Junction, near the train station/ beautiful smile for you. ADS believes in different attire, all made from quality materials. The store bus interchange and with heaps of parking. And approaches to dental care so don’t be surprised purposefully constructed diplomas in Business, itself features a huge black and white photograph its comprehensive but not overwhelming array to find some more unorthodox orthodontics Marketing, IT and Tourism. APC has three locations of the Rolling Stones and constant rock’n’roll on of stores ensures you always leave with what you happening at this cool clinic. (SL) based in the Sydney CBD, one at Bondi Junction the stereo.(LC) came for. (PH) Suite 5, 201 New South Head Road, Edgecliff 9328 and one at Manly Beach, ensuring there should be 680 George Street, Sydney, 9261 2012, 71-91 Spring Street, Bondi Junction, 9387 6377, 1423; 109 Blackwall Road, Woy Woy, 4341 1751, an institute close enough to next door. (MB) www.shop.jacklondon.com.au www.eastgatebondijunction.com.au www.advanceddentalservices.com.au 189 Kent Street, Sydney, 9251 7000, www.apc.edu.au

35 BEST OF SYDNEY 2013

Best MUSIC EDUCATION BEST LOCAL COLLEGE BEST PHOTOGRAPHY STORE BEST BOTTLE SHOP SAE INSTITUTE SYDNEY CITY EAST COMMUNITY COLLEGE VANBAR IMAGING RED BOTTLE Diversity and inclusion is the mantra, and it’s a Fancy yourself as a bit of an Annie Liebovitz? Or Australians and alcohol are about as synonymous mantra that works. More than 10,000 students maybe a Herb Ritts? (Except hopefully still alive, as salt and pepper: so naturally we need the ideal attend City East Community College each year, unlike the dearly departed Mr Ritts.) Then chances spot to stock up for that hump day dinner or weekend BBQ. Red Bottle offers the versatility which offer a wide range of courses, subjects, are you already know about Vanbar Imaging. of three locations with a premium and eclectic innovative teaching methods and focus on culture And if you don’t, you should! Australia’s leading importer, distributor, manufacturer and retailer selection to boot. Whether its whisky or wine, to create an environment perfectly geared towards of professional photographic supplies, Vanbar is beer or cider, they’ve got just about everything learning applicable skills. Based in Bondi, City East the place to go for film (yes, real film – remember you’re looking for. If you’re stuck in the suburbs Community College students can bask in the fun that?) and photographic paper, meaning they’ve got and can’t make it into the city, their online liquor and sun during breaks while learning in between, the hipsters covered, as well as hip replacement store is as equally comprehensive and you can all at an affordable price. A well regarded place crowd. And of course, they have arguably the peruse its goodness from the comfort of the of choice for city dwellers, the not-for-profit country’s biggest and best range of the latest, couch. (RG) organisation is characterised by the diversity of the most technologically advanced digital cameras 374 Sussex Street, Sydney 9283 8877; 382 Pitt Street, backgrounds of its students, instilling an ethic of and photographic equipment. No wonder we love Sydney, 9267 7431 and other locations around Sydney, www.redbottle.com.au learning not only as pupils, but as friends. (MB) them! (PH) 98 Bondi Road, Bondi Junction, 9387 7400, 2/1 Gordon Street, Camperdown, 9550 5833, BEST CHOCOLATE SHOP www.cityeastcc.com.au www.vanbarphoto.com.au KAKAWA BEST PLACE TO GET FRAMED BEST VINYL Kakawa’s stand out point is blending in to let chocolate do the talking. Their interior CREATIVE FRAMES MOJO record bar The School of Audio Engineering is literally spread on Clarence St is white and simple while the only Stocking and making frames, mirrors, canvases Coming down the steps you feel like you’re busy signs at Darlinghurst are across the world, but never forget that it all began stepping into New York City in the 70’s. And then in Sydney. To awaken those musically inclined and prints, Creative Framing in Waterloo really apprentices hard at work in the open kitchen. We does give you a blank canvas to let your creative things get a little crazy. The record store here love their motto ‘Fresh is Best’ as bones in your body and enter the music industry, specialises in new L.P.s and compilations. The side flow. Offering a quick turn around for all chocolates are made gluten-free and zero you’re going to need to get educated by the right monster range of remixed classic albums covers all customers, its large range and innovative staff preservatives. Things to try are sea salt people. Audio Engineers are in high demand right genres and provides only the most quality music. tick (and frame) all the right boxes. Their design caramel in all its available forms while chocolate now, so the best way to set yourself apart from Then there’s the bar. High-class, sophisticated, At ‘CDs’ look like promising gifts for visualisation software will allow you to see how other graduates is by getting a big thumbs up from the back of the record shop. Music AND booze friends. But don’t take our word for it ask their everything will come together before you order. a globally recognised institution. If microphones, together has to be a ‘Like’. Back, at the front in the chefs; it’s a neat little policy that chefs mixers and music are an obsession of yours then Also, check out there large range of art prints record store however, the boys are hanging out. run the retail front too to better assist customers. you should match it with an equally passionate while you’re there. Framing has never been this fun! Having beers and carrying on… Somebody strikes (SL) institution. That would be the SAE Institute. (RP) (SH) up a song and they all join in. (LC) 147 William Street, Darlinghurst, 9331 8818; 281 55-57 Wentworth Avenue, Sydney, 8241 5200, 15/888 Bourke Street, Waterloo, 9690 2311, Basement level, 73 York Street, Sydney, 9262 4999, Clarence Street, Sydney, 9283 0678, www.sae.edu.au www.creativeframes.com.au www.mojorecordbar.com www.kakawachocolates.com.au

BEST OF SYDNEY 2013

BEST place to get TATTOO BEST HAIR SALON BEST HOLISTIC THERAPIST BEST BOOKSTORE CAFE INNER VISION TATTOO THE LAST STRAND NATURE’S ENERGY BALMAIN AMPERSAND BOOKS The Last Strand opened their doors in Surry Nature’s Energy Balmain bath house on Darling Books! And coffee! Books and coffee! And food! Hills in 2011 after owner Jaide Bryant decided Street is one of three Nature’s Energy spas in Books and coffee and food! and funky art students to branch out on her own. It may have been an the Inner West. The family owned spa offers everywhere! At Ampersand Books, amazing intimidating move at the time, but certainly was a fantastic relaxing full day spa experience, service and hospitality awards are part of the worth the risk, now looking back with a beautiful wonderful massages, facials, waxing, acupuncture furniture. “The best part about it is the building salon and successful business nearly three years and Ayurvedic treatments great for a birthday, is an old house,” says the two very friendly staff, later. We find that it is Jaide’s approachable hen’s night or anytime you want to de-stress. The who are all too eager to please and passionate nature and personal touch that placed her in this professional staff will pamper you with luxurious about their business. Up-selling the venue is no year’s Best of Sydney. With a philosophy that, no cotton bathrobes, hot spas set at different new concept to them as they describe all the two clients are the same and therefore no two temperatures and plenty of cleansing herbal tea beautiful “Paddington models” that come and services should be the same, The Last Strand leaving you feeling all warm and cosy. This is the hang out. Seriously! This place has everything! The continues to offer tailored service to their loyal place to come for a full mind, body and soul Alternative Media staff may be setting up shop customers. (HM) indulgence. (TM) here very soon. (LC) 214 Devonshire Street, Surry Hills, 9318 2299, 312 Darling Street, Balmain, 9555 5533, 78 Oxford Street, Paddington, 9380 6617, www.facebook.com/TheLastStrand www.naturesenergy.com.au www.cafebookstore.com.au

BEST HEALTH FOOD STORE BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT TASTE ORGANIC DEANS PROPERTY Health food has become terribly trendy, much In Sydney’s fast-paced real estate world, change is the only constant. So when a real estate agent has to the detriment of our hip-pockets, but Taste been around for decades and maintained a good reputation throughout, it’s a big deal. Since 1993, Deans Organic has a different approach to organic, whole Property has been one of Sydney’s most trusted and successful real estate companies, cornering the Before you get that boy’s name stamped on your food, allergy-friendly products; wrapping up an exclusive city fringe marketplace in commercial, industrial, retail and multi-use property. Sales, leasing, arm forever you’ve got to be sure of two things: (a) enormous range, friendly customer service and property management and marketing: Deans Property does it all. (PH) that he’s the one, and (b) that the tattooist knows great value with a fair-trade bow. There’s no need 255 Broadway, Broadway, 9282 6777, www.deansproperty.com.au what they’re doing. Voted Sydney’s Best two years to drive around to multiple stores or pay hipster running, Inner Vision Tattoo in Surry Hills are the prices when this one-stop shop is conveniently real deal (no missing letters or butchered spellings located just over the bridge. Make sure to say here). Pop in with your own design or be amazed hi to the full-time on-site Naturopaths, don’t be by the creativity of some of Australia’s leading afraid to request new products, and grab a treat artists. He may or may not be the one for you, but for the road - we can never resist the gluten-free Inner Vision Tattoo certainly is. (RV) dessert bites right next to the register. (JJ) 251 Crown Street, Surry Hills, 9360 3179, 25 Falcon Street, Crows Nest, 9437 5933, www.innervisiontattoo.com.au www.tasteorganic.com.au

BEST OF SYDNEY 2013

BEST EVENT VENUE BEST FETISH BEST PET SERVICES BEST WEEKEND FOOD MARKETS DOLTONE HOUSE HOUSE OF FETISH BOWHOUSE ORGANIC FOOD MARKETS With venues at Hyde Park, Jones Bay Wharf and After sliding round the corner onto Crown Street Bowhouse Paddington Sydney is awash with markets. Every weekend, Darling Island Wharf (not to mention Sylvania from the larger Oxford Street premises, House caters to everyone in there are markets selling everything but the Waters and Sans Souci) Doltone House has a of Fetish now has a boutique boudoir feel. You’re the local community - proverbial kitchen sink (and we wouldn’t be range of stunning locations for birthday parties, invited to peruse what is basically a collection of two legs and four! surprised if there was one of them being sold weddings, awards nights, engagement parties, owner Joanne Kershaw’s favourite fetish things; It’s not your average too). But one name stands tall when it comes to meetings, corporate events - in fact, meetings of all and her taste in trinkets and trifles is outstanding! pet store, being organic food markets: the aptly named Organic kinds. With full food and beverage catering, chefs Joanne has an eye for luxury across every category, instantly recognisable Food Markets. With regular locations in Double and planning experts, we love Dolton House for from shoes (both bedroom and street ware) to by the custom graffiti Bay, Kings Cross, Leichhardt, Marrickville and six the way it makes everything seem effortless and dresses, separates (her infinite lace top looks puppy gracing their others around NSW, you’re never far away from ‘just so’. And it all happens in some of Sydney’s good on all sizes and is a wardrobe must-have) shopfront. Exploring top-quality organic produce, whether you’re after sexiest spaces, adjacent to the city’s best park-side and accessories. Our eagle eyes lapped up leopard the store, we a pesticide-free potato, organic apple juice, toxin- and waterfront spots. (PH) print corsetry, stainless steel epaulettes and a discovered an amazing free tomatoes or something more exotic. And Various locations, 8571 0622, green latex bikini that’s sure to have you twerking variety within their there’s live entertainment and lots of ready-made www.doltonehouse.com.au like Miley Cyrus. (JM) range, which stocked food, making these markets a top day out. (PH) 288 Crown Street, Darlinghurst, 9380 9042, everything from raincoats catering for creatures Various locations around Sydney and NSW, BEST BOUTIQUE HOTEL www.houseoffetish.com.au big and small to a ‘doggy dunny.’ Paddington Local, 9999 2226, www.organicfoodmarkets.com.au Elliott Fisher, told the Best of Sydney Awards he THE VULCAN BEST MOTORCYCLE SHOWROOM always heads to Bowhouse when he wants to treat his best friend, a German Shepherd called BEST ORGANIC GROCERS FRASER MOTORCYCLES ‘Kodi’. You can find Bowhouse just to the side of ALFAFA HOUSE Paddington Uniting Church, next to coffee and pizza bar ‘Crate’ - perfect place for a latte after some serious retail therapy with your furry friend. (AA) Shop 3, 391-393 Oxford Street, Paddington, 8011 0200, www.bowhouse.com.au

BEST OP SHOP Staying in the heart of the city doesn’t have to CAT PROTECTION SOCIETY OP SHOP cost a bomb, thanks to The Vulcan. The impressive Buried deep in Newtown is the unassuming Cat heritage listed building is conveniently located just Protection Society op shop. It’s a smallish space a short walk from Darling Harbour. Built way back but staff assure us it only makes them more in 1894, the family owned hotel has been restored selective with the pieces for display. And it’s true: beautifully and while it looks quite traditional brightly lit and organised with clothing to the left outside, the interior has a very and home wares on the right, It’s definitely more modern look. Cafe Vulcan offers a light breakfast vintage digging than junk diving. We like walking and and there’s also a landscaped courtyard to towards the back to gander at the luxurious relax in. The boutique hotel prides itself on offering bookcase stocked with reads, some popular and contemporary accommodation at an affordable some quirky. This place is definitely worth a stop price so when you’re next looking for a nice room just to spend some dollars on something nice, and in town, look no further than The Vulcan. (TM) of course it’s also for a good cause. (SL) 500 Wattle Street, Sydney, 9211 3283, 85 Enmore Road, Newtown, 9516 2072, www.vulcanhotel.com.au www.catprotection.org.au/op-shop

Best TRAVEL AGENT BEST FASHION AND ART MARKET INTREPID TRAVEL If you’re planning on spending a vast sum of money BONDI MARKETS Newtown’s quickly building a reputation for on two speedy motorised wheels it really deserves Mention the word ‘Bondi’ and it conjures up a its variety, and Alfalfa House is no exception. It to be packaged with an incredible sales experience. lot of things: sun, surf, sand and gelato, to name a houses organic produce ranging from various That much is guaranteed at Fraser Motorcycles, few. But our favourite Bondi word association is quinoa varieties to a great selection of fruit and ‘markets’. The fashionistas’ markets of choice, the a dealership purpose built with everything a vegetables. Alfalfa is not-for-profit, which means Bondi Markets feature clothes and accessories you won’t be breaking the budget to stay fit and biker could dream of: an open workshop, a of all kinds every Sunday, a stone’s throw from healthy. If you want even more of a discount, dynamometer you can watch in action, and even Australia’s most famous beach. Fashion luminaries volunteer or join a co-op. We all know organic is a bar and grill. Fraser Motorcycles specialises in like Akira Isogawa and Leona Edmiston are best and there’s nowhere better. Pop in for friendly the three biggest bike brands: Ducati, BMW and declared fans, with Ms Edmiston commenting: people supporting a great initiative. (BW) (RG) Harley Davidson. No matter what your preference, “You’ll find a mix of new and old and if you’re 113 Enmore Road, Enmore, 9519 3374, sport, cruiser, adventure, or even if you’re not lucky you could discover the next big thing - a few www.alfalfatest.org into bikes, this place is worth a visit. You may find of our brightest designers started there.” (PH) yourself compelled to ride after you see the hogs Bondi Beach Public School, Campbell Parade, Bondi BEST WEEKEND MARKET on display. (RP) Beach, 9315 8988, www.bondimarkets.com.au 153-165 Parramatta Road, Concord, 8741 3000, GLEBE MARKETS Located in the heart of Newtown on bustling King www.frasermotorcycles.com.au BEST FRESH FISH Family owned for 23 years, the Glebe Weekend Street is this Intrepid Adventure Store. For more Markets welcome over 200 stallholders each Saturday from 10-4pm. The markets bring out huge than 20 years Intrepid Travel have been booking BEST BIKE SHOP SYDNEY FISH MARKETS Nothing screams Sydney like seafood. Luckily amounts of Sydneysiders to enjoy the fun, sun jet-setters on trips around the world and that CELL BIKES we’ve got the best fish market in the country and and maybe even a cheeky ice cream. Owners of chalks up to loads of experience and travel tips. It’s hard to believe Cell Bikes started in 2002 as a one of the best in the world. Yet, there is so much the Glebe Markets, David and Naomi McCumstie, Have you ever wanted to step out of your comfort one-man shop in Rockdale and only went online more to Sydney Fish Markets than just purchasing attribute the popularity of themarkets to their zone and go somewhere you’ve never been? With in 2006 – because today, Cell Bikes is one of the your local seafood to take home to cook for the fun and vibrant vibe, complete with live music and over 800 trips across every continent to choose nation’s biggest factory direct bike retailers, with evening’s meal. If you don’t know what to do with food on the gorgeous green lawns. “Glebe’s not from, the well-travelled specialists at Intrepid Travel not only a mind-blowing array of bikes but also it, the relaxed location also houses the fantastic a place that restricts people; the markets attract will get you sorted and can also arrange your cycling clothing, bike parts, accessories, tools, and Sydney Seafood School that showcases the best of people from all walks of life and that leads to a flights, accommodation and travel insurance. Open even energy drinks, muscle rubs/lotions and sports Australia’s celebrity chefs, with demonstration and really interesting range of products.” David said. 7 days a week, this is a one-stop-shop for your luggage! Everything is available online but of course hands on cookery classes. And it’s a great place to Stall highlights include the amazing array of vintage next adventurous trip abroad. (TM) you can also drop into the 2000 square metre-plus sit and linger over a bite that has been expertly clothing, together with second-hand record and 181 King Street, Newtown, 8020 3699, warehouse on Parramatta Rd to check things out cooked for you by any of the onsite restaurants. book stalls. If you haven’t been already, get there www.intrepidtravel.com in person. Either way – on your bike! (PH) (JB) this weekend! (AA) www.intrepidtravel.com/about-intrepid/our-stores/ 148 Parramatta Rd, Stanmore, 8373 5238, Pyrmont Bridge Road, Pyrmont, 9004 1100, Corner Derby Place and Glebe Point Road, Glebe, australia/new-south-wales/newtown www.cellbikes.com.au www.sydneyfishmarket.com.au 0419 291 449, www.glebemarkets.com.au

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in Sydney’s sunny Circular Quay. This year will everyday uses of photography. So, I use equipment A passion for Primavera feature eight of Australia’s most dynamic emerging and an aesthetic sensibility which is connected to the young talent, all hand-picked by renowned Australian kind of images that we experience in our daily lives. BY Luke Cox be forced into the corporate world where their focus curator Robert Cook. There is a sense of amateurishness to them in the way The arts scene has made more than one significant will be taken away from creative pursuits. Art will “I think people go into the arts knowing that it’s that I shoot,” says Eaton. contribution to culture. It is very common to order stop being made, music will cease to be played, there going to be difficult,” Cook says, “and they may have There is always a reason that somebody makes it coffee from an actress, which is then made by a will be no more dancing because people are finished to juggle a few jobs, until there’s time when they into Primavera. Eaton’s work has an honesty which painter and brought to you by a spoken word poet. At with pushing the bounds of creativity. Society will can concentrate on their practice full-time. I think fits in well with pop culture sensibilities. However, his the next function you attend, your drinks and nibbles come to a standstill. Perhaps worst of all, there will be everybody in the arts is passionate about supporting sense of fun and cheekiness makes an impact on the will be circulated by dancers and aspiring rock stars. nobody to deliver your morning coffee. The world as emerging talent.” audience in an understated way. Hopefully they will be polite to you. Or they may we know it will come crashing down. One of this year’s featured artists, Jackson Eaton, Understatement is not a theme for Primavera lose their job. Then they won’t be able to pay the The Museum of Contemporary Art’s (MCA) is someone that people never expected to end up though. Curator Robert Cook has a reputation for rent. Faced with destitution, impassioned artistes will annual Primavera exhibition kicks off this spring working in hospitality. putting together exhibitions that knock people off “I was one of those conscientious students that did their feet. things that were more sensible,” he explains. “I had this cute idea in my head that someone “After school I went on to do medicine and then could come off one of the boats that pull into the I transferred to psychology and then during my harbour, walk up the stairs, not know anything about postgraduate studies I was doing a PHD. I decided art and be totally blown away by the exhibition,” says I wasn’t fulfilling my creative needs, so I took some Cook. time out and went overseas, and started to take a lot “So I’ve been including artists who I think have of photos.” a real power to their practice to absolutely hit home When asked why he chose to do this, he responds with what they do. People who’s work would speak with an answer that sums up any creative person’s to absolutely everybody. Something immersive, motivation. enjoyable, an amazing experience for people. All the “It doesn’t feel like that’s something I can really artists’ attention to detail is incredible.” articulate. It’s kind of a purpose I suppose. I don’t Cook continues, “There is a really great element know what else I’d be doing. It’s just to create, to do of giving artists a leg up and it also gives people things, to do something that makes sense to me more confidence to commit even harder and further with than anything else.” their practice. So it’s important on many levels. For someone from such a formal background, “I think that’s because of the quality of this Eaton’s work is surprisingly laconic. institution [MCA]. It is the centre of the art world “My process is [to] kind of take things from here so it’s really great for artists to have that my everyday life. A lot of my work is very opportunity.” autobiographical. It’s directly related or inspired For someone like Eaton this is a very exciting by everyday events that’s happening in my own proposition. circumstances in my personal life. I try to approach “I just had my first look at things that are being those things just to explore a core of an experience in installed. This is the real deal. It’s become very them.” apparent that I’ve made it to the next level today.” Strangest of all is that his intensive study has (LC) actually contributed to a less technical approach. Primavera 2013, Sep 12-Nov 17, Museum of “I don’t really consider myself the fine arts Contemporary Art, Circular Quay, Free, 9245 2400, photographer in that sense. I take inspiration from mca.com.au ‘Untitled’ from the series ‘Better Half 2008’ by Jackson Eaton

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EAT & DRINK By Jackie McMillan

restaurant inside a shopping centre, but by importing décor and produce selection, all the way down to a a waterfront Thai house (which was slated for specially crafted coffee by Bay Coffee, meaning your demolition) piece by piece in a shipping container, Latte ($3.50) will compliment your morning croissant. Senyai have done just that. The long, narrow cottage It’s also the idea behind sticking Prosciutto di San is tucked down the back of Regent Place, and stuffed Daniele into the Ham and Cheese Sandwich ($9.50) with a riotous visual feast of Thai memorabilia, from – which of course means baguette, imported from advertisements to glass cabinets full of knickknacks the motherland. Okay bread coming from France and products. My meal wasn’t quite as wow-worthy; isn’t ideal, but the reasons cited by Thomas include with a service hiccup meaning my errant but tasty stronger flour (more protein), and a French baking entrée of Betel Leaf Prawn ($4/each) arrived after my style which rests the dough for 13-hours. It holds up main. The balance I’m used to in Thai cuisine seemed as chewy and flavoursome even in a moister Tarragon lacking in Crispy Fish ($29) served with three-flavour Chicken Sandwich ($9.50) incarnation. Package sauce (a blend of peppercorn, kaffir lime, tomato, deals remove the guilt by making a cake selection rambutan, lychee, pineapple and chilli). Similarly a Délisse mandatory: Café Gourmand ($6) offers your caffeine green Papaya Salad with Soft Shell Crab ($16) needed fix with two bite-sized selections from the gleaming Senyai more acidity to liven things up. Hopefully this was While the new Délisse flagship store isn’t breaking rows of pastries. The rustic lemon meringue pie, and One of the more exciting aspects of restaurants is just an off night rather than the norm, because local revolutionary ground, what with global chains like salted caramel tart topped with shiny dark chocolate, competitors like Chat Thai, have set a high benchmark their ability to transport you to an exotic locale for Délifrance being in operation for twenty-five years, it were my favourites, though the darkly caramelised for fast, competitively priced, authentic Thai eats. does have a demonstrable commitment to excellence the course of a meal. At the intersection of decor; canelé deserve a mention, as the house specialty. Regent Place, 486 Kent Street, Sydney (02) 9283 8686 that’s already winning fans. “We tried to get the best Underground, 52 Martin Place, Sydney service; music; aroma and food, magic can be made. senyai.com.au thing in every category,” explains owner Mathieu (0401) 52 32 52 delisse.com.au Making magic is doubly hard when you’re designing a Thai $-$$ Thomas. Thought has gone into every aspect of the Café, Breakfast $

$ - mains less than $15 $$ - mains between $15-$22 $$$ - mains between $22-$30 $$$$ - mains over $30 taken in a venue that makes you feel with ten-buck beer jugs, I settled in Honeycomb ($3). Apparently the like part of the family. The freshly with a pot of chalky Baked Goats’ secret to the slate-like interior of ROCKS & CBD Daniel’s Ice Cream, Chocolate cans of OB Golden Lager ($5) and shucked Pambula Oysters ($3.50/ Cheese ($11) with tortilla chips. I the honeycomb is a labour-intensive Honeycomb, Raspberry Sorbet and a sizzling pot of Seafood Spicy Soft each) revealed there’s a real chef followed it with a plate-sized 400g cooling process that sees it slid One Six Eight Salted Caramel Fudge ($16) is too Tofu Soup ($15). Round out your in the kitchen. Daniel Mulligan Angus Rib Eye ($32) served on from cool spot to cool spot on Chef Leigh McDivitt (ex-3 Weeds) good to share. midnight feast with Bulgogi With (ex-Pilu at Freshwater) aces both the bone with the marrow cleverly stainless steel. Penelope Ransley’s first solo venture gives diners the /168 Kent Street, Millers Point Rice ($14), thin shreds of marinated seafood and Italianate flavours, from revealed, black cherry and roast impressive resume includes fine opportunity to make business (02) 7900 4857 beef, barbequed to within an inch of Black Cobia Fillet with Cloudy Bay eschallot jus and hand-cut duck dining big hitters like Est., Tetsuya’s lunches a bit more exciting, onesixeightrestaurant.com.au its life, with free banchan (the spicy Clams, Artichoke and Chicory ($30) fat chips. Not being a mainstream and Sepia, as well as Iggy’s, known to silky Kipfler Potato Gnocchi beer gal, I took it in with Czech for excellent bread. Now it’s with whimsical dishes like Duck Modern Australian $$$$ radish was my favourite). with Pork and Fennel Ragu ($24). Cernovar ($4), and Ninth Island pillowy Citrus Marshmallows ($2/ Prosciutto ($18) with octopus, NaruOne Basement, 375 Pitt Street, Sydney Nick Davies’ craft beer list is also Pinot Noir ($32/bottle), which each) rolled in toasted coconut and At the blaring K-pop end of Korean, broccoli and shaved duck yolk on a (02) 9261 2680 exciting – offering bottled beers, lasted into a better-than-average ephemerally light Sour Cream and blood orange cloud. At night there’s there’s this underground Pitt Street Korean $-$$ like the pretty To Øl Eurodancer pub dessert: a whopping slab of Mascarpone Brioche Buns ($4.50/ plenty of 4-hour parking plus the hang. It’s brightly lit, and none-too- ($12/330ml) plus 20 on-tap options. warm Chocolate Cake ($7) packing each). High quality ingredients option of a 6-course Tasting Menu fancy, but worth checking out for INNER WEST 91 Evans Street, Rozelle a clever chipotle punch. make a Ham and Cheese Croissant ($70/head). It’s full of hits like Fried the late-night 3am kitchen and 9810 1323 thewelcomehotel.com 68 Victoria Road, Rozelle ($6.50) a near religious experience Green Tomato ($15) with hay- the Korean double fried chook. The Welcome Hotel Modern Australian, Seafood, Pub (02) 9555 1900 rubylotel.com.au – just like the honeycomb, it’s the smoked goats cheese and tasting Boneless Fried Chicken Half and Ricotta Fritters ($14.50) dotted Bistro $$$$ Pub Bistro $$$ way it shatters that matters. portions of the wilder combos, Half ($33) gives a plain version with chocolate chips and drizzled Ruby L’otel Penny Fours 141 Norton Street, Leichhardt like Beer Braised Short Rib, Citrus that’s crunchy and pleasantly oil- with warm apple blossom honey, On a bleak winter’s night Ruby “Violet Crumble should just (02) 9572 8550 Gel, Pencil Leeks and Salted Beer free, while the rest is smothered were the crowning glory on a L’otel was jumping. Sliding between stop,” I mutter through an earth- facebook.com/PennyFours Lollipop ($36). Leigh’s Honey Jack in sweet and sour sauce. Throw in wonderfully unexpected pub meal, rowdy groups doing ten-buck meals shattering mouthful of Leatherwood Bakery $

44

EAT & DRINK By Jackie McMillan

public house where beer lovers unite. They’re food is great for cold nights, the Pork Cutlet ($30) propping up the bar discussing the relative merits of with a side of moussaka (should be a dish unto tap takeovers and craft brews, which of course made itself) warms, coupled with the healing powers of a me want one. I chose the pretty, hoppy (and locally Rosemary Mule ($17). Taramasalata ($10) is the best made) on-tap Grifter Edward Pale Ale ($6.00/middy), I’ve had, it’d be a crime to get this wrong; while Whole while my dining companion cooed over her Apple Artichoke ($10) swimming in lemon butter was a new Thief Cider ($9). To accompany our dumpling dinner experience – messy but enjoyable. Showing Greek we moved onto wine – the 2011 Kilikanoon Mort’s food’s versatility, the Bonito with White Anchovy Block Riesling ($45) is a nice match for the menu hit – Crab, Prawn and Spinach Dumplings ($13). There ($25) is light and summery – this fish is like a stronger, are enough bite-sized options - from Seafood and sharper tuna. Roasted Brussels Sprouts ($12) with Kaffir Lime Sugarcane Skewers ($12) to Shanghai Soup flakes of Parmesan and creamy tahini paste will put to Royal Albert Dumplings ($10) – to fuel a share-plate dinner. While bed those green veg. fears. The wine list is pages long, you can add in Asian Greens in Oyster Sauce ($9.50) with lots of Greek options and quotes from the Bible Hotel I decided that Vegetarian Gow Gee ($10) were more and Basil Fawlty. We finished with Wine Poached Pear thematic. You can even wrap things up with Chocolate Anatoli ($16) with custard, semolina and caramelised almond, If you’re not into cavernous pubs that aim to cater Dumplings ($9.80) or Chocolate and Caramel Spring By Alex Harmon a cute and tasty dessert that puts all textures onto to everyone (and sometimes end up making nobody Rolls ($9.80). They might not be authentic, but they The Eastern has grown up: El Topo, Chimmi’s and the one spoon. The Eastern is doing well but Anatoli feel at home) check out this back-street local. Sure, sure are tasty. The Publican offer relaxed dining and drinks, while might need a bailout – get down there. it was quick to jump on the dumpling train, but with 140 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills \ Anatoli is sophisticated, with elegant Greek food in Level 1, The Eastern, 500 Oxford Street, Bondi the dust having settled on the proverbial hanging (02) 9281 2522 royalalberthotel.com.au a fine dining setting. As the middle child, it’s a little Junction (02) 9387 7828 anatolirestaurant.com.au birdcages and bike; it shines brightly as an intimate Pub Bistro $-$$ neglected, but it could have been the rain. Greek Greek $-$$

DARLO, KINGS X is all kinds of juicy - great against good selection of deep fried; or opt thin-crusted and loaded with fresh meant even a re-purposed table after a ravenous dog has moved & SURRY HILLS Weston’s Twist Winter Spice Cider for health with their ever-changing toppings; the Serrano ($17.90) is of artfully arranged driftwood had in. Although the décor’s the ($5.60/310ml). Sashimi Gozen ($17.50) - last simple but spot on with prosciutto been converted into an impromptu same, Rupert’s menu is more The Local Taphouse 122 Flinders Street, Darlinghurst month it was delicate red gurnard and tomato salsa. Spiced Chicken dining area in the white Donna sophisticated. There’s Smoked You’d be forgiven for thinking you’d (02) 9360 0088 thelocal.com.au and indulgent blue fin tuna, great ($12.90) – incidentally their most Hay style space. Food takes a while Rainbow Trout Miang ($15) – a Thai struck craft beer nirvana at this Pub Bistro $$ with Ginban Daiginjo-shu Sake popular dish – is DIY with warm so settle in for beers, ciders and street food snack, served in a betel sensitively renovated Darlo pub Katsu Yachiyo ($19/100ml). tortillas and spicy guacamole; and Mantra Chardonnay ($13/glass). The leaf with roasted peanuts and lime that boasts 21 lagers, ales and ciders This tiny Devonshire Street spot is 208 Devonshire Street, Surry Hills it would be a crime not partake in buzzer system means your entrée - the most tasty and tactile dish I’ve on tap. Go the whole hog with a my current work lunch favourite, (02) 9690 2424 yachiyo.com.au Mojitos, The Classic ($15.90) uses of Sydney Rock Oysters ($23/6) had in ages. Warm Sesame Cabbage Tasting Paddle ($15/5 x 90ml), or let mostly because it manages to Japanese $$ seven-year-old Havana Club. arrives with the mains of DIY Fish Salad ($10) wins the award for the barman triangulate you a beer transport you far from the Coco Cubano 191 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst Tacos ($21) and Beer Battered Fish ‘most unlikely to be delicious’ (but - mine was a fruity Coopers Extra corporate grind. They have a sense It’s pretty much the only place (02) 9360 2778 cococubano.com & Chips ($24). They were both a it is). Cocktails break boundaries - Strong Vintage Ale ($7.00/310ml). of generosity that sees a simple on Oxford Street where you can Café, Tapas, Bar $-$$ little lacklustre, bested by a bowl of The menu rejuvenated my love for gozen lunch morphed into a dine al fresco and not be in a Char-Grilled Split Corn on the Cob Shiver Me Timbers ($17) combining pub classics, like moist Chicken degustation, with salad, miso soup, gutter. While the uniforms, rum EASTERN SUBURBS ($8), so it’s hard to recommend. whiskey, citrus and Kalhua manages Schnitzel Parma ($20) judiciously agedashi tofu and chawanmushi; and and cigars are distinctly Cuban, 1 Military Road, Watsons Bay to work a treat, while Grand coated with Napoli sauce, grilled that’s all before your actual lunch the food only hints of Havana. Try Watsons Bay Hotel 9337 5444 watsonsbayhotel.com.au Rhupy ($17) is fruity and fresh with eggplant and melted cheese, and selection! Yachiyo Gozen ($21.50) gorgeous mini Beef Sliders ($10.90 Perched on Sydney’s South Head, Pub Bistro $$-$$$ homemade rhubarb chutney. served with beer-battered fries. with sushi rolls, sashimi and / 2) with mouth-watering balsamic this hotel certainly is popular, with Fat Rupert’s 249 Bondi Road, Bondi Buffalo Wings ($8) are excellent, tempura is my favourite, but it’s big. caramelised onions, or smoky 1500 other people also enjoying The Flying Squirrel has flown (02) 9130 1033 fatruperts.com.au and the Pulled Pork Burger ($18) Tempura Gozen ($14.50) delivers a Grilled Haloumi ($12.90). Pizzas are lunch on the day I dined. This the nest and a new bar named Tapas, Pan-Asian $$

2010 Cuttaway Hill Estate Chardonnay ($40) FOOD NEWS - grown less than a hundred kilometres away. Personable Restaurant Manager Anita Joining the fast food line-up on George Bartkowiak has really worked hard to find Street is a little stealth vegetarianism, local gems for her beverage list, and she’s crossing over from south of the succeeded with the Pigs Fly Apple and Pear border. Lord of the Fries (who have Cider ($8.50). It’s from Bowral (75km away) eight Melbourne-based stores) dish and goes down well with Berry Woodfired up hand cut fries, special sauces (my Sourdough (73km away) and Clyde River pick is the Canadian poutine) and Oysters ($12/4) from Batemans Bay (208 km burgers with LOTF patties rather away). Design your own South-Coast-on-a- than meat. It’s sustainable, locally plate shared meal from a short list of small sourced and animal free, with vegan, ($12) and larger ($18) plates. My picks were gluten-free, kosher and halal options Flanagans Seared Scallops ($12) with house-made (hot) on offer too. The store has proved sambal, and moist Swordfish Belly ($18) with quite popular since it opened, with Dining Room sweet soy and pickled apple. Good social the queues lasting longer than the media integration means you can see Chef promise of free fries and sauce for the Sydney’s Endless Summer does have some advantages, Arman Uz (ex-Efendy) score a beautiful first two hundred attendees. Looks and it is hard not to count them as you sit in gleaming kingfish on Friday, and then eat it on Sunday as like Sydney was hanging for some fast sun facing a straight golden surf beach, while (on Kingfish Sashimi with Fennel and Blood Orange ($18). vegetarian… paper) it’s still officially winter. Throw in that you’re Now there’s a reason to travel… www.lordofthefries.com.au in a gently renovated 1940s beachside kiosk eating Thirroul Beach Promenade, The Esplanade, Thirroul from a menu focused on locally caught seafood from (02) 4268 1598 flanagansdiningroom.com.au Shellharbour, against Southern Highlands wine – the Seafood $$ BAR FLY By Rebecca Varidel

$ - mains less than $15 $$ - mains between $15-$22 $$$ - mains between $22-$30 $$$$ - mains over $30

reaching for another piece. The into a generous plate of Moorish FIX ST JAMES GREATER SYDNEY Savoury Soy Bean Milk ($4.50) Sardines ($14) looking at bobbing When it comes to wine, Stuart Knox is my man. The award New Shanghai might be another matter - it’s tart boats and the gently lapping waves winning sommelier is a natural sort of guy. Translation: (if like cultured yoghurt; whilst the of Middle Harbour. B’Stilla ($14.50), Mornings at the original New you missed it) is that he loves his natural wines, and he’s Savoury Deep Fried Dough Fritter those tasty filo fingers stuffed with Shanghai in Lemon Grove Plaza will taught me a thing or two about them (and wine in general). ($3) is a doughnut without the almond chicken and dipped in If you want to further your wine knowledge, this bar, above ease any breakfast tedium. We’re sweet. fragrant orange sauce, have thankfully all down with yum cha, so brekky all others, is my recommendation in the city. It will be an Shop 20, Lemon Grove Plaza, 427- travelled with him. You could sit on international education. Cool wines - he tells me - that dumplings shouldn’t be strangers. 441 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood tapas, but you’d miss the highlight – a are currently on are: Mullineux Kloof Street Chenin Blanc, The Steamed Pork Bun ($2) and (02) 9415 3536 newshanghai.com.au steaming Sweet Lamb Tajine ($27.90) Swartland, South Africa 2012 ($13/glass); Flaxman Wines Steamed Vegetarian Bun ($2) are Chinese $ with lamb so tender you’ll use your Drone Blend G.S.M. Barossa Valley, S.A. 2011 ($11/glass); both ripper ways to start the day. Afous fork to split it over Cous Cous And Co. LTD The Supernatural Sauvignon Blanc, Hawkes Bay, Congee ($2) is basically savoury Omar Majdi (ex-Souk in the City) ($5.90) with Harissa ($4.90) to heat New Zealand. 2010 ($14/glass). Great grub too. P.S a little porridge, best with Preserved Egg has widened his native Moroccan things up. birdie (Twitter: @fixstjames) told me that Fix St. James will and Lean Meat ($4.50). Fried Egg to take in a little Spanish. A good Level 1, 81 Parriwi Road, Mosman be getting a makeover next month. Pancake with Pork Floss ($4.50) or choice I thought as I sipped Turkey (02) 9969 8000 afous.com.au 111 Elizabeth Street, Sydney (02) 9232 2767 fixstjames.com.au Cheese ($4.50) will have everyone Flat Rose ($35/bottle) and tucked Spanish, Moroccan $$$

46 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

PENELOPE Lifeforce GOODWIL - Four men will hang out in pretty confronting actually. speedos around a BBQ in an I hope that visually it’s very WIL ANDERSON empty swimming pool in Siren beautiful,” she says. There aren’t many comedians “The next gig was in a log Theatre Company’s Sydney With a cast including Thomas who could fill a 1500-seat cabin in Alaska in front of 45 premiere of Penelope. Campbell, Branden Christine, theatre for 21 shows in a row hillbillies!” he laughs. It’s not your average retelling Philip Dodd, Nicolas Hope and but Wil Anderson did just “The American audiences of Homer’s epic, The Odyssey, Arky Michael, Gaul says she is that at Melbourne’s Princess are very ‘Yes we can’, the explains director Kate Gaul. excited to bring Walsh’s richly Photo: Weinstein Richard Theatre in April, with his latest Australian audiences are a bit “You don’t really have to textured script to Sydney stand-up show, the Helpmann ‘Bet you can’t’, and the English know the mythic story to audiences for the first time. Award-nominated GoodWil. audiences are just ‘Screw you understand the play - it’s (EJ) The show covers everything for trying in the first place’, I a framework, it’s very Sep 12-Oct 6, Tap Gallery from gay marriage and boat think,” says Anderson. contemporary,” Gaul says. Upstairs Theatre, 278 people to the differences “You’re definitely doing your “The play is also a critique Palmer St, Darlinghurst, $33, between cats and dogs. comedy in very different of the GFC, and it’s got sirentheatreco.com Anderson may be a household environments but I personally quite a European name in Australia due to find it very challenging and perspective.” Gruen, but he’s still building up exciting.” (AS) Written by critically- his profile overseas, dividing Sep 13, Enmore Theatre, his time between Australia 118-132 Enmore Rd, acclaimed Irish The themes in Lifeforce are emphasis on truthful character and America in an attempt to Newtown, $50, 9550 3666, playwright Enda deep and universal. Its story development allows the crack the elusive American enmoretheatre.com.au Walsh, Penelope tells isn’t a particularly interesting audience to engage and the story of four market. It seems the or unusual one, but the to empathise with those suitors, aged in their effort is paying off. emotions it communicates characters. 50s, who have vied for “I got more standing and the ideas it explores have Themes of family and the love of an ageless ovations in the week a profundity that elevates parenthood when taken Penelope for 30 years. of doing shows in the musical genre from mere seriously, never fail to connect. Darkly humorous Denver than I’ve had entertainment. In the case of Lifeforce, we farcical elements in 18 years of doing This is a demanding show are served an earnest and and “breathtaking” stand-up in Australia,” for the small cast. Without thoughtful tale of motherhood. vaudevillian moments he says. support from a chorus, Along with clever song writing will typify Gaul’s Anderson is bringing stage hands and elaborate and beautiful singing, this is a execution of the the show back to sets, the five performers are show that aims for the heart play, to be held Australia after touring required to take us on their and never misses its mark. in a completely the UK, the US and journey, relying only on their (SW) reconfigured Tap Canada, but the shows considerable skill and talent. Until Sep 21, King St Gallery. haven’t all been on Director Lisa Freshwater Theatre, 644 King St, “I think it’s going to quite the same scale as treats her material with Newtown, $30, 2013. be pretty funny and the Princess Theatre. reverence and dignity. Her sydneyfringe.com

The Grief Parlour This production by the Clockfire style of theatre. Attempting to show Theatre Co. explores grief, emotions the possibilities of space and time after and personal loss from both the death, it features surrealist images of perspective of the grieving and the purgatory and suchlike. deceased. This may sound morbid but “We grieve because we love. The Grief the play is said to be beautiful, magical Parlour takes the audience on a surreal and creative. and magical journey as we explore Actor Emily Ayoub says the where hope and love can exist within collaboration between the actors, the depths of grief and loss,” says including herself, Roderic Byrnes, Anna Ayoub. Martin, Gareth Rickards and Kate In no way religious or static in its Worsley and the director, Jo Turner, is ideas, The Grief Parlour aims to show particularly significant to the success that despite the tragedy of death, there of their work and the text by Jo is always a way to keep going through Bellamy. the grief of losing a loved one. (LK) They started the process by using Sep 12-21, Raffertys Theatre, improvisation, it evolved organically Riverside Parramatta, Church & to feature script, sound and visual Market St, Parramatta, $23-27, imagery inspired by the French Lecoq riversideparramatta.com.au

Arts Editor: Leigh Livingstone Contributors: 22 STAGE Alastair Wharton, Alex Britton, Alexandra English, Alexis Talbot-Smith, Music Editor: Chris Peken Andrew Hodgson, Angela Stretch, Anita Senaratna, Chelsea Deeley, 24 SCENE Live Music Editor: Chelsea Deeley Cheryl Northey, Craig Coventry, Emily Jones, Gavin Fernando, Greg Webster, Hannah Chapman, James Harkness, Joseph Rana, Katie 25 SOUNDS Davern, Katie Mayors, Kim Shaw, Leann Richards, Lena Zak, Lisa Ginnane, Luke Cox, Luke Daykin, Lyndsay Kenwright, Marilyn Hetreles, 26 SCREEN For more A&E stories go to Mark Morellini, Mel Somerville, Michelle Porter, Nerida Lindsay, Nick a&e www.altmedia.net.au Hadland, Ruth Fogarty, Sam Crassweller, Suzy Wrong, Tom Wilson 47

HOW TO HOST A SEANCE WITH KEVIN COSTNER How to Host a Séance with Kevin Costner is a journey into theatre, the spirit world and mentalism. Artist Jane Grimley describes it as “a collection of true curious stories and demonstrations”. These involve a dog, a love letter and a miner in a manner which she won’t divulge, but “nearly all the tales are love stories, most of them are true and nearly all have a happy ending”. The performance also obviously features a séance. The Grimley family has a history with the supernatural and Grimley’s grandmother was a clairvoyant who enjoyed giving her grandchildren mouldy cupcakes. In this show, the artist is collaborating with illusionist and magician Vincent Parfitt. The combination will undoubtedly be unique and visually arresting. Cryptically Grimley says, “My dearest thought is hoping people feel confident enough in their own beliefs to challenge and question them and to be seriously playful with Kevin Costner”. It‘s destined to be a show of unpredictable spirit at the Sydney Fringe Festival. (LR) Sep 17-21, Old Fitzroy Theatre, 129 Dowling St, Woolloomooloo, $28-32, 9356 3848, sitco.net.au

THE CATASTROPHISTS SNOW FRIGHT AND THE The Catastrophists is a show the lust for your job and need written by the founder of The to seek the help of someone APPLE OF TEMPTATION Basement Productions, Jordan like Dr. Nigel Rosenbaum. Audacious, bold and amusing are and rebirth as Snow Fright King-Lacroix and co-produced Playing as part of the Sydney three words that might spring takes a bite into the apple and by Naomi Hibberd. King- Fringe Festival, The Catastrophists Zak Kaczmarek Photo: to mind when Nikki Nouveau’s is mystically transformed,” adds Lacroix’s aim is to put on great is an experimental satire that Snow Fright and the Apple of Nouveau. (AH) productions where the profit even the most optimistic Temptation rolls into town. Sep 12, Slide Lounge, 41 will go right back into the arts audiences can relate to. (LK) “Snow Fright and the Apple of industry through his cast and Sep 17-21, Seymour Centre, Temptation is a dark-burlesque Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, crew. Cleveland St, Darlington, $28, cabaret of murderous rivalry $30-70, (02) 8915 1899, “The Catastophists is an all 9351 7944, and enchantment based upon sydneyfringe.com.au original collaboration of seymourcentre.com the German folktale of contemporary dance, Snow White popularised live music and theatre. by the Brothers It is a show for Grimm,” explains everyone who’s ever Nouveau. been a victim of their “The show is played own mind,” explains against a live musical King-Lacroix. backdrop by a three- Catastrophising. piece mini orchestra.” We’ve all done it. Straight from the mind Sat there, sweating, EMPIRE: TERROR of classically trained making the worst cabaret songstress of a bad situation. ON THE HIGH SEAS Nouveau, who puts Whether, like Initially, Empire: Terror on the and then-legal narcotics. her own twist on her [character] Trevor, High Seas from Toby Schmitz Soon things take a disturbing beloved profession. you’ve left numerous, seems to take the path of a twist, and eventually the stage is “My style of burlesque embarrassing light-hearted whodunnit play. full of screams and crimson as a uses a variety of phone messages on The vibe is vaudevillian and the murderous rampage takes place. performance art styles your prospective characters aboard the 1925 to narrate its story. The girlfriend’s answering Not for the faint of heart, luxury liner Empress of Australia Empire: Terror on the High Seas show features song, machine. Or, maybe are over-the-top - a garroulous magic, comedy, cabaret explores the horrors of war and you haven’t garnered society girl, a pious priest, a and physical theatre,” Victorian times, with fantastic the nerve to talk to flamboyant toff, a saucy cabaret says Nouveau. the girl you like, like singer, a chauvanistic South costuming at the perfect Snow Fright and the [characters] Jack and African, and an Australian poet. backdrop of the Bondi Pavilion Apple of Temptation adds Rachel but when you The dialogue is full of charming Theatre. (HC) a pleasingly dark twist do, it turns out much, turns of phrase and quips as Until Sep 28, Bondi Pavillion to the fairytales we much worse than the characters discuss the first Theatre, 1 Queen Elizabeth know and love. you’d ever imagined. ‘Great War’ and poetry, while Drive, Bondi Beach, $25-40, “My show explores Or simply, you’ve lost tossing back tumblers of spirits 1300 241 167, rocksurfers.org the concept of death

THEATRE & break-dance, roller-skating and and commercialism and if leads a talented young cast and that idea of love at first sight.” (EJ) Alan Strang, who brutally blinds six PERFORMANCE pulsating dance set to a pop- Butterworth’s ideas had been crew in the production, with Until Nov 2, Drama Theatre, Sydney horses and the psychiatrist, Martin infused classical score by Nick applied in a localised context, Eryn Jean Norvill in her first STC Opera House, $50-$95, (02) Dysart who examines him. HAPPY AS LARRY Wales and Bree van Reyk. (AE) their impact could have been even appearance as Juliet and Dylan 9250 1777, Producer Elliott Marsh says, greater. Instead, the show is left Young as Romeo. Shaun Parker, director and Until Sep 14, Seymour Centre, City sydneytheatre.com.au “Universal themes such as youth choreographer of Happy As unmodified from its foreignness, Williams’ interpretation explores Rd & Cleveland St, Chippendale, $20- EQUUS Celebrating 40 years in society, coming of age, the Larry, studied the Enneagram 75, (02) 93517940, which gives an eccentric and darker themes of rebellion and since its debut in London, Peter media and its effect on society, Personality system for ten years seymourcentre.com exotic quality but demands more chaos as the spirited protagonists from the audience, as its cultural defy traditions and escape their Schaffer’s Equus is coming to religion, sex, crime, mental illness, and has turned his discoveries JERUSALEM Set design in specificity is at times challenging suffocating world of wealth. Sydney as part of the Sydney parental influence on children and into a physically driven, uplifting particular is a highlight of this and complicated. (SW) However, Williams insists romance Fringe, thanks to new independent performance. production. Tom Bannerman’s the question of ‘what is normal’, Until Sep 14, New Theatre, 542 King will still anchor the play as it has Sydney production house resonates in some aspects within The cast of characters comes from conversion of the stage into a St, Newtown, $17-32, across the centuries. Nomadic Artists. Featuring Martin all of us and transcends cultural nine personality types to create an dramatically evocative backdrop newtheatre.org.au “In this hyper-superficial Portus and Michael Brindley, this uplifting exploration of the elusive is absolutely essential to the ROMEO AND JULIET universe…they meet each boundaries.” (LK) nature of happiness. storytelling. Following his STC debut with last other and strike up an authentic show is said to be one of the Until Sep 28, The Forum, 21-23 This sonic and visually astounding At the heart of Jerusalem year’s Under Milk Wood, 27-year-old connection,” says Williams. greatest British plays. Norton Street, Leichhardt, $28, show combines elements of ballet, is a tale about land rights co-resident director Kip Williams “There’s something eternal about The story centres on young man, equusonstage.com.au

48 THE NAKED CITY TALKING THROUGH YOUR ARTS THE HANGOVER - the innovation and evaluate the worth of what has been, and is THE ORIGIN OF A THING being produced. The art that has resulted has been extremely A project by dictionary definition is essentially temporary, here rich in conception, abounding not just with variations of design REVISITED today and gone tomorrow. The debut of project pop-up can be but also with rich motives for such variation. traced back to 2004, when leading fashion brand Comme des An artist is simply one of many who, in editing, takes from it that Garcons set up a temporary shop in a disused building in Berlin. which they consider pertinent, leaving out much that confuses, In Australia Mark Westbury established a case study for Renew relocating substructures, and summing up scattered details into Newcastle in 2008, and has since founded Renew Australia, comprehensible units of measurability. As part of Sydney Fringe a a not-for-profit company which fosters creative projects and free discussion panel will explore the question of what is named community initiatives in utilising empty properties. Further art. Internationally recognised Sydney-based artist Deborah Kelly, supporting organisations have popped-up including Empty Spaces not-so-commercial gallerist, Damien Minton of Damien Minton supported by Arts NSW and Creative Spaces supported by the Gallery and Leeanne Carr, coordinator of Secondary Education City of Sydney. Programs at AGNSW will table their thoughts. (AS) Businesses and the creative arts have since continued to pop- The Origin of a Thing: Art and Knowledge, Sep 14, up in unsuspecting spaces, warehouses, derelict overhangs, Newtown Social Club, 387 King St, Newtown, 9550 3974, underpasses, parks, fields, and alternate rights of passage for newtownsocialclub.com minutes, hours, weeks and months throughout our civic and regional communities. Pop-up projects, both trash and treasure, are limited only to the imagination; there have been pop-up festivals, windmills, pop-up shops, restaurants, cinemas and gardens, pop-up galleries and gigs, pop-up poetry and performance. From the sublime to the superfluous the list of project curios are mostly short lived. 2013 has brought with it By Coffin Ed, Miss Death & Jay anarchy? Something vaguely akin to radical changes in federal, state Katz the glorious turmoil of the 1960s and council funding allocation, when protesting meant more than just and policy changes within the The election night party, in the sending an angry tweet or sounding off arts and culture portfolios. To style of David Williamson’s classic in a weekly blog. appreciate what is being done, 1971 play “Don’s Party”, was once it is necessary to understand For those of us who can remember the a staple of the Australian political both concept and variation. 60s first-hand it was indeed an inspiring landscape. Booze, a barbie, This enables us to perceive era of social change. It was a time banter and the live TV coverage ‘Beware of the God’, Deborah Kelly when people of all ages, but specifically were the perfect combo as the the young were prepared to put their nation awaited its future. With bodies on the line and challenge the evil last weekend’s result a foregone DOUBLE, TIME. CLIMB - CHARLES DENNINGTON status quo. We haven’t seen a decade conclusion, it’s fair to say that Charles Dennington’s Double, a strong contrast to the like it since but surely the time has most of the ebullient social Time. Climb is a quirky show playfulness of the physical come to rekindle that revolutionary gatherings were in LNP territory. which mixes lush photography pieces. Inspired by the spirit and reinvent good old analogue with sparse minimalist rainforest, they feature We are guessing most Labor and rage! installations. The contrast is shadowed faces and the ripe Greens voters would have preferred to Yes, forget the Arab Spring, and all intriguing. fecundity of nature. Their stay at home, watching the bloodbath the impetus that was attributed to The exhibition was inspired by richness and beauty are on TV and wondering what kind of Facebook and other social media. We the artist’s visit to his childhood poignant reminders of deep headlines the Murdoch press would didn’t need that technological crutch home. This is reflected in emotional attachment to unleash in their filthy Sunday rags. back in the 60s and we don’t need it in New Collection, a presentation nature and memory. We did hear of one ‘swinging’ voters 2013. Talk to your friends, face to face, of found objects that is As a whole, Double, Time. party, not surprisingly at a well known work them to an impassioned frenzy reminiscent of the contents of Climb is a curious and unique ‘swingers club’ in Leppington where and tell them to get off their bums and a child’s pockets. collection of a nostalgic trip couples of all political persuasions were express their discontent in a physical Other works such as Cast Sock through imagination. (LR) encouraged to shed their inhibitions way. We need placards, not throwaway and Boot, are further whimsical Until Sep 22, Galerie and get jiggy regardless of the result. ‘likes’ on Facebook and nothing reminders of carefree youth Pompom, 2/39 Abercrombie Needless to say there was little unnerves a conservative politician more and freedom. St, Chippendale, Free, ideological conflict as swingers jostled than a hostile reception wherever they The photographs provide galeriepompom.com for space in the hot tub and the TV go. Double, Time. Climb installation shot coverage went virtually unnoticed. If you had a horrible hangover on So now that the inevitable has been Sunday morning, after a Saturday night decided and Tony Abbott will be our at home, anaesthetising the inevitable NIGHT REPAIR - LOUISE WEAVER leader for the foreseeable future, what with a steady consumption of alcohol With its juxtaposition of organic and inorganic elements, the “They have come into being through intuition, can we expect apart from the usual or other numbing substances, it’s time work of Melbourne-based artist Louise Weaver straddles the experimentation and play - a response to material and honeymoon period and an ongoing to emerge from that daze, shut down traditional and the modern, combining to create an individual matter. They express urgency and delight in the process of endorsement from the Murdoch your Twitter and Facebook accounts and unique style. Night Repair is her tenth solo exhibition ‘making’, a spontaneous revelling in anticipation of ‘what may tabloids? Given that Abbott’s support is and look back to the 1960s for that with the Darren Knight Gallery, which includes six ink on be’.” entrenched in the right wing of the LNP, recipe for change. Forget about the paper works; three new sculptures cast variously in bronze, Weaver’s work is held in numerous prestigious collections we are tipping that the immediate years ‘swingers party’ at Leppington in three resin and beeswax; and eight wall relief works. including the British Museum, the National Gallery of will be turbulent to say the least! or four years’ time. Sex will still be Some works are obviously identifiable as a painting or Victoria, the Queensland Art Gallery, and the Museum of We will certainly revert to a more on the agenda but the enlightened a candle, while others aren’t recognisable as anything Contemporary Art here in Sydney – Night Repair presents polarised electorate than existed during swingers will screen out anybody with in particular, but are suggestive: an incomplete skeleton, an opportunity to see her work up close in a local the previous hung parliament and even the slightest conservative baggage. something washed up on a beach, an Indigenous work of art. neighbourhood gallery, and chat with the knowledgeable staff maybe politics will play out more in It you want to twerk your rump in The effect ranges from tribal, to aesthetically pleasing, to about her acclaimed work. (PH) the streets than it did during the Rudd/ the jacuzzi then you better be out to challenging, to thought-provoking. Until September 21, Darren Knight Gallery, Gillard/Rudd era. Good Lord, could change the world. Time to reinvent the “These works have ‘arrived’ rather than been constructed,” 840 Elizabeth St, Waterloo, Free, 9699 5353, we be suggesting a period of unbridled rage! explains Weaver. darrenknightgallery.com

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CHILD OF LOV - Simon Jones is in a candid mood. As the front “The UK was hard,” Jones confesses. CHILD OF LOV man to Sydney indie outfit The Holidays, he is “It’s a small country so there is so much Discover ten tracks relaxed as he discusses the past two years of competition. They have the music scene so of what can only productivity and relaxation. dialed over there that it’s hard to feel like be described as “We have a tendency of either touring nonstop you’re making an impact because so many ultimate abstractions. or not touring at all and recording so it’s like bands are playing at the same time. Dutch maestro Cole Williams aka pretty extreme one way or the other,” he “If you’re popular in Australia, you live a lot The Child of Lov’s self-titled debut explains. better than if you’re semi-popular in the UK, is a bundle of unsettling and mind- “We’re kind of in the mixing stage of the you get bigger crowds, you get to travel further. meddling compositions. With distorted record. It’s been a pretty long process so it’s Australia has a great music culture and it’s good vocals, fractured guitars and an array of good to have things finally come into fruition.” to be in it.” electronic elements, Williams has made a The follow-up to their 2010 debut album Post Though fans will have to sit tight until early marriage of R&B, electro and indie rock Paradise has seen a plethora of location changes next year for the new album, this tour will ease to create a sound that is eclectic and, in its creation, most notably in London, Tokyo The Holidays back into the grind and feature at times, danceable. Living the Circle and and Melbourne. their recently realised single Voices Drifting. Go with the Wind are definitely stand out “The way we make records is a pretty “Voices Drifting on its own probably doesn’t tracks, combining unmistakably hip-hop fractured process,” Jones reveals. make much sense in regards to our last album, influenced beats with a warbling falsetto “We don’t really get together in a room to but in the context of the new record it ties it and sinister whispers.This album will play the songs, so now we’re in the process of all nicely together,” says Jones. deter upon first listen, though it’s a multi- learning how to play them [together] which is “We wanted to use the song as an introduction dimensional feast and well worth the fun. Grueling but fun!” to the feel and the tone of what is going to perseverance. (CD) With the past two years being dedicated to come out. time off and recording, the boys are gearing up “We didn’t want to sound like what we for just three shows around the country. It will had done before, that would be a bit soul- be a welcome homecoming after international destroying after two years!” (CD) THE IDEA OF sets at revered festival South By South West in Sep 19, Goodgod Small Club, 53-55 NORTH – SMILE Texas, and The Great Escape Festival in Brighton, Liverpool St, Sydney, $14 + bf, UK amongst others. (02) 8084 0587, moshtix.com.au THE HOLIDAYS This year, The Idea Of North, an Australian a cappella four-piece, Sydney Live Music Guide Man’s mind as he hits The founding members earned play the Bordello Theatre celebrate their 20th LIVE WIRE Standard on Saturday night. the Jann Rutherford in Kings Cross, this duo year singing sonorous harmonies together Cloud Control: From Ghostpoet: In a similar poet and his band haunting Expect to hear classic gems Memorial Award in have got variety down to an an extensive period in and Smile is as good a celebration as any. vein to Mike Skinner the soundwaves. from 2004’s Die, Rugged 2009. With a repertoire art with songs inspired by the United Kingdom, Blue The title track is angelically precise, Mas and Roots Manuva, UK Fri, Sep 13th, Oxford Art Man, Die and this years consisting of classic jazz their global travels - sung in Que Nada is equally nuanced as well as Mountains natives Cloud Control are back and raring wordsmith Ghostpoet is Factory latest venture Legends tunes as well as numbers Italian, French and Spanish impossible to avoid grooving to. Despite R.A. The Rugged Man: Never Die. that make audiences dance, a basic background beat, vocals are the to go when they hit The on a serious rhetoric role. as well as English. Launching Metro. Fresh off the release He’s got connections to Sat, Sep 14th, The Standard there will be nothing but focus with bass singer Andrew Piper His latest album Some Say their latest EP Orphan Spirit, of their album Dream Cave, rap legends Talib Kweli and Sirens Big Band: Inject non-stop movement from most often responsible for The Idea Of I So I Say Light has been this night will be perfect these four are making Tech N9ne, yet New York some jazz into the night these ladies. North’s impressive vocal percussion. The snapped up by Aussie serious waves all over MC R.A. the Rugged Man with a trip to The Basement Tue, Sep 17th, The Basement for those looking for a group utilise the malleability of a cappella radio stations Triple J and the world with their first has made waves on his for a wondrous display by My Sauce Good: It’s sound starkly different to to traverse genres effortlessly – latin, official single - Dojo Rising. 2SER and garnered some the mainstream drivel that jazz, soul, gospel, pop – and in doing so, With support from Palms own. Delving into screen Sirens Big Band. The 17 cabaret-inspired with a serious airplay even earning plagues our society. The Idea of North prove they can master and Gang of Youths, this writing and film production women that comprise this swing like no other and virtually any style. (KD) night is sure to be a rocking a feature of the week. The over the extent of his band are at the forefront of Sydney-based pair My Wed, Sep 18th, Bordello ordeal. Oxford Art Factory won’t career, hip-hop will be the the female jazz movement Sauce Good will drown Theatre Thu, Sep 12th, The Metro know what hit it with the only thing on The Rugged in Sydney and the two the audience in it. Set to (CD)

WHITE HOUSE DOWN Blue Jasmine Why did it take Hollywood so While he fails his interview, When her crook ex-husband Allen once again works long to bring back the basic Cale ends up proving his (Alec Baldwin) loses all their wonders with a perfectly formula that makes an action skills when he becomes the money and goes to prison, balanced cast and an emotive, movie a classic? - Keep it only man standing between Jasmine (Cate Blanchett), original script. simple. the President and a group of a disgraced Upper East Blanchett thrives while making White House Down tells the ruthless mercenaries. Side socialite, moves to San story of macho Capitol Jasmine a complex, neurotic White House Down is what Francisco to live with her protagonist; you hate her, love Policeman John Cale shelf-packing, gold-hearted every action movie should be: her and understand her in (Channing Tatum). Cale sister (Sally Hawkins). takes his estranged daughter straight-forward, without too Refusing to work menial equal measure. many twists and turns, and This film will keep you Emily (Joey King) to a White jobs and mourning for the House tour, where he is also with some hilariously quirky thinking days after you’ve comfortable life she led, interviewing to be part of one-liners. It’s a must watch left the cinema. Woody and Jasmine spirals downward, the Secret Service protecting for any action-thriller fan. (JR) taking us with her as she goes. Cate; please make more films President Sawyer (Jamie Foxx). WWWW Blue Jasmine is hilarious, together. (TW) awkward and moving. Woody WWW½ THE SMURFS 2 Revered literary figure Franz that are all politically loaded Kafka was considered a genius and seem intended for adult of satire because you could audiences. never quite figure out his The film has a high emphasis exact meaning. This kept the on right-wing American values audience guessing and added and there are a plethora of depth and complexity to the subliminal messages that are story. The same cannot be said at best cynical and at worst for Smurfs 2. confounding. As obvious as it might be, The film is overwhelming and this ninety-minute kids flick potentially very influential to barrages the audience with young minds. (LC) quirky jokes and quick quips W½

Although Salinger died in 2010, his Blancanieves or Snow White in SALINGER Trust claim there are unpublished English, is a work of intricate Salinger is a feature-length works due to be released within detail that will soften the heart BLANCANIEVES documentary that looks into the the next five to seven years, making of every staunch film puritan. curious and controversial life of the this film a media advertisement in Shot in black and white with no infamous Catcher in the Rye author itself. spoken dialogue, it is a film that J.D. Salinger. not only pays homage to, but Still, it’s worth a watch if you are The film covers everything from his perfects the original film genre. interested in this author. (LK) childhood to a nervous breakdown It is majestically scored, WWW and the post-traumatic stress combining chamber and caused by his time in symphony arrangement with WW2. It also suggests traditional flamenco music that is Salinger to be less of an placed so delicately as to boil the unsociable recluse and blood of viewers. more of a PR genius Blancanieves is brilliantly cast. The wishing only to be performances give justification to referenced to his work and never to engage in the reawakening of silent film - a celebrity status. thousand words are spoken with This is ironic, every single picture. considering the film Quite simply, this film is the tells us nothing of reason celluloid was invented, his writing style and there are shots that would have everything about his made Orson Wells feel insecure. personal life. (LC) WWWWW

JOBS The story of Apple With a fantastic soundtrack creates his own group to landlord (Peter Stormare), Moses (Bruce Willis) out of THE HIDDEN UNIVERSE and its genius entrepreneur and skilled cinematography, avenge his father’s death. an over-zealous cartoonish retirement. 3D is the first Australian 3D and founder Steve Jobs is this film is a pleasure. (ATS) Kick-Ass is humorously crass motivational speaker (Dolph Bruce Willis, looking documentary made for IMAX WWWW one widely circulated. This and offers more of the Lundgren), a depressed old unmotivated and weary, is and it takes full advantage of film follows Jobs’ rise from nastiness and ultra violence neighbor (James Caan), a joined by a star-studded cast the giant screen. college drop-out to CEO. KICK-ASS Superheroes that fans expect. (MM) pot-head (Johnny Knoxville) including Anthony Hopkins, Audiences may arrive at this Kick-Ass (Aaron Taylor- WWW½ with mommy issues, a teen John Malkovich, Helen Mirren Although audiences are seated film with strong doubts – it Johnson) and Hit-Girl (Chloe wannabe stripper (Juno and Catherine Zeta-Jones, who and protected by 3D glasses, would be easy to create Grace Moretz) are back, SMALL APARTMENTS Temple), and an alcoholic collectively fail to fuel much there are times when it seems an over-sentimentalised with enough action, attitude, Franklin Franklin (Matt Lucas) Investigator (Billy Crystal). interest. that hair is brushing the glorification of the Apple gory violence, nudity, sexual is an almost schizophrenic, It does have heart- Light on laughter and an stars, knocking them out of company and casting Ashton references and strong disgustingly-walks-around- warming moments, but over-complicated plot makes constellation as they swirl. Hold Kutcher as Jobs seems a language to delight and in-his-underwear, good-for- they are rare. Strictly for Red 2 hard to follow, dull and on tight in case you fall into the curious choice. Although even shock diehard fans. nothing, Swiss alphorn lover a niche audience. (JR) unengaging. Shoot-outs, car spluttering, fiery Sun, or onto still a cliched biopic, Jobs The story continues when who dreams of going to W½ chases and senseless violence challenges the presumptions. Kick-Ass joins a costumed Switzerland. Before he can will intermittently enthral but the person in front. Kutcher nails Jobs in every vigilante group to stamp out get to the Alps, he has to deal RED 2 is the action-comedy the blandness is prevalent. It’s so pretty out there way, right down to the crime, and a new supervillain with a sick brother (James sequel bringing former (MM) audiences might cry. (AE) walk and mannerisms. (Christopher Mintz-Plasse) Marsden), a perverted dead Black-Ops CIA agent Frank WW½ WWWW

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