InsIde:Pensioner rebates under threat

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July 3, 2014

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BY JOshua tasseLLThe New South Wales

Labor Party is set to embark on a six week ‘Stop the Cuts’ campaign focusing on funding for health, according to an email circulated to campaign teams and candidates this week.

The email outlined a six-week campaign program focusing on State Government cuts to health services.

“Organisers will be in touch with MPs this week,” it read.

A member of NSW Labor, who preferred not to be named, was able to confirm the campaign is going ahead.

NSW Labor leader John Robertson outlined Labor’s opposition to Liberal health

expenditure in his budget reply.“The Baird Government

should be deeply ashamed that today there are 72,000 patients across NSW suffering in pain with a 4 per cent increase in the elective surgery waiting list,” he said.

Health Minister Jillian Skinner disagreed with this, arguing that the NSW Liberal Government had delivered increased health expenditure in the June budget.

“Under the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government there have been no cuts to the health system. The health budget is 20% larger than when Labor were last in office – in 2014/15 it is a record $18.7 billion with an additional $1.3 billion for capital

works.”Mr. Robertson noted that

despite an increase in funding, “we’re seeing the community lose access to health-care - an entire ward closed at Prince of Wales”.

Ms Skinner further chastised Labor’s protest campaign, saying it would affect patients negatively.

“Labor’s campaign is nothing more than scaremongering – they put politics first and patients last.”

Australian Medical Association NSW President Dr Saxon Smith said federal spending cuts flowed through to NSW.

“While the 5.2% increase is in line with past years, the NSW Government has had to absorb funding for programs previously funded by the Commonwealth Government. In our view, health growth funding needs to increase by approximately 7 per cent per annum in order to maintain the current level of services.”

The Sydney Local Health District budget will be boosted by $56 million to $1.47 billion. Included in this figure is a contribution of $17.5 million to continue works on the $67 million Missenden Mental Health Unit at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Camperdown.

However, this figure is only a 3.9% increase, well below the 7% required according to Dr Smith.

Labor to launch ‘Stop the Cuts’ campaign BY JOshua tasseLL

City of Sydney Council has approved the Employment Lands Strategy for Green Square despite objections over its content and process.

Amongst the issues council has identified are burgeoning transport flows, increases to building heights, high density urban renewal and commitments to affordable community housing.

Liberal councillor Edward Mandla was the sole opposing voice during the June 23 council meeting.

Cr Mandla said in the committee stage of planning, he encountered “a long line of disgruntled land owners facing massive losses”.

According to 2008 Council predictions, the Green Square area is projected to host 40,000 additional residents and 22,000 additional workers by 2030.

Council’s Strategy argues for a “more flexible” approach to land use, acknowledging this will result in higher density employment and the re-industrialisation of the southern employment lands.

The Employment Lands Strategy document argues “restricting residential development is essential to ensuring employment uses can continue to locate in the area long term”.

President of the Friends of

Erskineville residents group Darren Jenkins argues the Employment Lands Strategy coupled with the Ashmore Precinct Development could spell a planning disaster.

“Density in itself isn’t a bogey man. It’s when proper planning is not done to serve the new and existing members of our community.”

“No plans have been put in place to deal with the increased density in Erskineville and when new residents start moving in to the Ashmore Precinct Development it will become blindingly clear that not enough has been done by council and the State Government to prepare.”

Cr Mandla believes that the exhbition of the Strategy will yield further complaints from residents and landholders.

“Once something is on exhibition the City of Sydney tends to “answer” every submission and make only minor changes.”

“I felt this needed more time, the City ought to be more transparent and councillors needed to be given more options within a comprehensive balanced briefing.”

Mr. Jenkins likewise called for greater transparency.

“Many residents feel their concerns are falling on deaf ears and that the City and State have a planning agenda that will be implemented come what may.”

“Erskineville is blessed to have many informed and engaged residents who insist that community consultation be more than another box to be ticked on the way to an inevitable conclusion.”

City of Sydney Employment Lands Strategy CoverHealth Minister Jillian skinner

Brown development for Green Square

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neWS In BrIefGreens win extra funding for Marrickville bike pathsAt last week’s Marrickville Council meeting (June 24), the Greens won approval for a bid to increase funding for bike paths in the council area. “Years of underfunding had led to a short fall of more than $7 million to build the priority bike paths identified by Council,” said Greens Councillor Sylvie Ellsmore. “Last night Marrickville Council voted to include an additional $200,000 in the annual budget for new bike paths.” This extra funding will allow the completion of a bike path that will connect Camperdown, Newtown and Enmore. “Last night our local Greens had an important win,” said Councillor for the seat of Newtown, Jenny Leong.

Ashfield Park savedNSW Roads Minister Duncan Gay last week announced that Ashfield Park will no longer be impacted by the construction of the controversial WestConnex tollway. Marrickville Mayor Jo Haylen commended the Save Ashfield Park

community group for its efforts to raise awareness about the importance of the park to the local community. Residents are still concerned about other open public spaces in the area, and Mayor Haylen has said that the state Liberal government needs to be more transparent in its decision-making. “The current lack of information means residents across the Marrickville area are understandably fearful of losing their parkland,” she said.

Australian journalists fight for press freedomOn Monday, June 30th, a delegation of senior Australian journalists delivered a statement, jointly signed by ninety media advocacy organisations and led by the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA), to the Egyptian consulate on Commonwealth Street Surry Hills. The statement called for the freedom of Peter Greste, Baher Mohammad and Mohamad Fahmy, the three Al Jazeera journalists who were sentenced to seven years imprisonment in Egypt last week.

BY LucY rennicKAmidst contention over the future of The Block in Redfern, members of the Redfern Tent Embassy have called upon Sydney University to protest commercial development proposed by the Aboriginal Housing Company (AHC).A student march on Saturday June 21 to protest the Howard government’s Northern Territory National Emergency Response has coincided with community opposition to commercial and residential re-development of The Block, set to commence early July. 130 Sydney University students marched from Town Hall to The Block last Saturday, led by Kyol Blakeney, Indigenous officer at Sydney University.“The land on The Block is being sold out under the feet of Aboriginal people so that people on the board of the company can get a profit from that rather than do stuff for their people. We agreed to support the tent embassy as long as they support us,” Mr Blakeney said. “The activists at the Tent Embassy have made it clear they’re opposed to this decision and have called on Sydney University students to protest the university’s decision to do this,” said Rafi Alam, a University of Sydney student.“As students, we should go with the movement that’s spearheaded by the Aboriginal residents on The Block.”

The $70 million development, known as the Pemulwuy Project, includes a retail and student housing complex on the vacant plot of land between Eveleigh St and Louis St.“The AHC have to reprioritise their development program,” said Jenny Munro, founder of the Tent Embassy.“Aboriginal people come first in any development here, not students. Sydney University has enough money to house their students without forcing them on to a community that has great difficulty in being housed in both the public sector and the private sector.”Mick Mundine, Aboriginal Housing Company CEO, maintains the provision of 62 affordable houses on Eveleigh Street is the responsibility

of the state government, rather than the AHC.“It would be very sad if the government doesn’t give us money towards affordable housing,” he said.“They give a lot of money out to the remote areas, but the urban Aboriginal people need affordable housing, too. It would make the government look irresponsible.”The AHC considers student housing as contributing to a broader climate of reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.“We want to build a community within a community; we don’t want to be isolated,” he said.“There’s a huge gap in the Indigenous community between finishing high school and starting

university. We’re trying to fill that gap. University is so important for the future, so student accommodation is important too.”How this debate regarding The Block will be resolved is yet to be seen, but Ms Munro and the tent embassy have made it clear that they will continue to oppose the development.“We will stay here until we have had this issue resolved to the community’s satisfaction rather than the housing company’s,” said Ms. Munro.“We’ll be here for a month, a year, five years. If there’s no black housing there will be no development here.”The Tent Embassy has organised a protest against the development for this Sunday the 6th and Monday the 7th of July at The Block.

University students embroiled in debate over redfern developments

Last week’s protest at the Redfern Tent Embassy

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BY Lucia OsBOrne-crOwLeYAt Tuesday night’s Leichhardt Council

meeting (June 24), council approved a motion to assist the transition of people of refugee background into the Leichhardt community through its work experience program.

The motion was moved by Labor councillor Simon Emsley and was approved by council with multi-partisan support.

Cr Emsley’s motion recommended that council dedicate one of its work experience positions each year to a person of refugee background living in the Leichhardt area.

Cr Emsley recognised that Leichhardt is listed by the Refugee Council of Australia as a “Refugee Welcome Zone” and therefore council needs to commit to assisting the transition of refugees into the Leichhardt community.

The motion proposes by dedicating one work experience position each year, council can help to break down these barriers facing refugees looking for work in Australia.

“People of refugee background really do face big problems in terms of engaging with the Australian job market. One issue that really stand outs is the importance of having some kind of work experience in Australia, which is a requirement for many employers,” Cr Emsley said.

“After a period of work experience with council, people of refugee background will have Australian work experience and Australian referees, and hopefully this will really help them enter the paid workforce.”

Liberal councillor Vera-Ann Hannaford also strongly supports the initiative.

“There are a lot of people with wonderful skills who find it hard to get into employment

in Australia and this initiative could really help them get involved with the workforce.”

“I applaud Councillor Emsley for raising the issue,” she said.

The Refugee Council of Australia’s Information and Policy Coordinator Lucy Morgan also applauded council’s decision to move forward with the motion. Ms Morgan believes that the benefits of the initiative will extend beyond providing Australian work experience.

“This initiative will not only provide people of refugee background with work experience within

Australia but will also provide an important introduction to Australian workplace culture and help with english language skills, all of which are significant barriers for refugees entering the Australian workforce,” she said.

Ms Morgan also expressed the importance of these issues being addressed at a local level.

“Local government can play a very important role in assisting the settlement of refugees into the community. This initiative will allow people of refugee background to make contacts in their local community and so its benefits extent beyond employment issues.”

Ms Morgan recognised that while policy surrounding the entrance of people of refugee background into Australia is undertaken at a federal level, many of the real barriers to resettlement happen at a local community level.

“It’s great to see local governments taking a proactive role in assisting refugees with community engagement. We hope that other local councils look to Leichhardt Council as an example of positive initiatives they can implement in their own communities,” she said.

Cr Emsley also said that local government can be the best way to assist people of refugee background entering Australian communities.

“Local government is one of the areas that still has the capacity to provide a practical opportunity of this nature,” he said.

According to Cr Hannaford, the motion gained unanimous approval from councillors this week. Council resolved to investigate the practical operation of the initiative and move forward with its development.

Leichhardt Council to provide work experience to local refugees

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BY nicK POssumWarm and comfortable, I sat with

a cold cider at my favourite table in the Brushtail Cafe and tracked the unfolding story of the arrival of the latest asylum seekers at Christmas Island on the laptop.

The big wheels of history grind on, slowly but relentlessly, I reflected, but they will grind down Scott Morrison and Tony Abbott sooner rather than later.

Morrison was spouting his usual “no comment on operational matters” gibberish, but West Australian MP Alannah MacTiernan, fortuitously on Christmas Island on other business, was providing a running commentary.

It seemed that somewhere off the island, a boat with about one

hundred and fifty Sri Lankan Tamil asylum seekers was in danger after a three and a half thousand kilometre voyage from southern India. Dozens of federal cops had been flown to the island to manage these evil desperados.

Who knows where it will all end. Ordinary decent people are being squeezed out of the vast land masses of Asia and Africa and there is no end in sight. Not for decades, anyway.

We are witnessing the gradual disintegration of cities and nations. The concept of the Islamic “Caliphate”, as a centralised state – the idea that the ISIS insurgents are fighting for across Iraq – masks the reality of whole swathes of the region returning to the tribal and village organisation of earlier centuries. After all the trillions of dollars expended, it will be a miracle if Iraq survives the devastation wrought on it by the American wars. The vastly more primitive Afghanistan will surely revert to a combination of warlordism and fundamentalist rule. Realistically,the best that can be hoped for is that the warlords will be slightly enlightened and the Taliban will, with time, moderate their stance.

The hold that the modern state had over these territories was illusory. The imperial powers that set up Iraq never really had an interest in secular multicultural modernity, except as a fig leaf for governing while they extracted oil or some other strategic advantage – in the

case of Egypt, this was the Suez Canal. For the modern Western-style state (capitalist or socialist) to have put down deep roots required strongmen – the equivalents of the hereditary tyrannical rulers of Europe and Russia – enlightened or otherwise – who crushed the old decentralised power structures of feudalism by bribery and brutality. Their equivalents in the Middle East were Saddam Hussein, Gaddafi, the Shah of Iran and his Shi-ite islamist successors, the Saudi Monarchy, Assad of Syria, Hosni Mubarak (and before him, Sadat). The neocon loonies knocked off Saddam Hussein and Gaddafi and they’re attempting to oust Assad. The House of Saud is still hanging in there, but only by bankrolling the Sunni extremists at the risk of being overthrown by the very forces they’re unleashing. After the Iraq wars, the west will never again take such an active interest in the Middle East because, as oil declines, the motivation itself is dying.

Energy is the key here. Oil’s reign in history will look, in hindsight, very, very short. Its flexibility and short term abundance was the key to a breakneck expansion on industry, agriculture, infrastructure and population. Whole cities were built, exclusively by it, and for it.

As I was surfing the web, I came across an amazing gallery of photos of ruined buildings in Detroit (http://zfein.com/photography/detroit/). Ah well, everybody knows that, with

the precipitous decline of US car manufacturing, Motown is going through hard times. And all big cities have pockets of decay and regrettable examples of vast historic buildings left to rot, eh.

So just to check, I flew into Detroit by the magic of Google Earth and what I found was a very scary indeed. I started in the city’s CBD and drove around, randomly. There were almost no pedestrians and few cars. Entire streets of shops were clearly unoccupied and whole stretches were boarded up.

I zoomed back into the air and selected a leafy suburb of detached houses a few minutes drive from the centre, and dropped down into Street View. I found myself in one of those iconic, middle class streets that feature in innumerable US

movies: it was flanked by brick and weatherboard two-storey homes set back behind generous front lawns and it was lined with beautiful elms. But the street itself was breaking up and was studded with weeds and the lawns were reverting to meadows. Half the houses appeared to be unoccupied and many were literally collapsing. Here and there, there was a mowed front lawn and a functional car, and wheelie bins set out for collection, but these were the brave holdouts or the folk with no other options.

Motown was a single industry town founded on the notion that the car would, forever more, be king. It was where they made the big gas guzzlers that were the sacred symbols of a new world – a world that rapidly became very old indeed.

Visions of decay on a lazy Sunday afternoon

A suburban street in Detroit. Take the tour on Google Earth

BY nicK richardsOnThe City of Sydney voted

unanimously on Monday (June 23) to support the expansion of the ‘Leaky Drains’ program from Chippendale community group Sustainable Chippendale. The motion was tabled by Liberal Councillor Christine Forster and received cross-party support from Cr Linda Scott (Labor) and Irene Doutney (Greens).

The Leaky Drains initiative is part of the Sustainable Communities Plan, which aims to make Chippendale “Australia’s first sustainable suburb”. Leaky Drains takes stormwater run-off from the roofs of houses and business premises and uses it to irrigate kerbside trees and plants.

“The Leaky Drains project can be implemented by the community at very low cost and offers a sustainable way to prevent stormwater from polluting our waterways by diverting it for use in street gardens,” said Cr Forster.

“Properly irrigated kerbside trees and plants provide more shade, which helps cool our streets and reduce energy use

for air-conditioning.”The Leaky Drains initiative

has been trialled over the last seven years in an independent pilot scheme which has since captured over 4 million litres of stormwater in kerbside gardens. The Chippendale-wide expansion is expected to cost just $10,000 and capture 50 million litres of stormwater each year.

“The Greens on council have been strong supporters of Chippendale’s Sustainable Streets project and believe there are many sensible and cheap ideas contained in the plan,” said Cr Doutney.

Next on the agenda for the group is their cool roads plan, which aims to lower the temperature in Chippendale by two degrees by 2020 by using pale, reflective surfaces instead of black tar on Chippendale roads. The first cool road has been under trial this June.

Property owners who agree to the installation of a Leaky Drain may be rewarded for maintaining it with a small rates rebate if a proposal to incentivise the program is considered.

City of Sydney embraces Leaky Drains

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Performance group The Violent Romantics

BY Jessica YunA Woman’s Steering

Group initiative proposed by Deputy Mayor Linda Kelly was unanimously approved in a Leichhardt Council meeting on June 24.

“We will access the shared stories and the power of shared experience, to create the narrative of women in leadership roles in the Leichhardt municipality. We will feature women who are role models and whose experience can create diverse points of reference to the emerging generation of women taking public roles in employment, business leadership and civic life,” said Councillor Kelly.

Leichhardt Council’s Employment and Economic Budget will dedicate $5000 to the initiative. The project will involve an annual breakfast as well as in training programs that will foster networking and presentation skills for women.

Cr Rochelle Porteous

is happy to support this initiative from Cr Kelly in promoting females in leadership and believes more can be done in order to enable pathways for women.

“It’s quite a hostile environment for women in council,” said Cr Porteous.

“When you’re also working a day job and you have family responsibilities … the actual culture of a lot of councils is not just adversarial, but I’d go as far as to say often quite bullying. It’s a very poor environment for women to be working in a lot of the time.”

“I endorse having breakfasts, but I actually think there’s a lot of policy and procedures that also need to be addressed.”

Cr Simon Emsley said the Women’s Steering Group is a step in the right direction in improving the visibility of underrepresented groups in the community.

“It’s a very welcome addition to the mission the council has at its disposal to direct more equitable outcomes for the community … I’m very concerned that councillors are represented in the community [in terms of] age, gender, but also language backgrounds.”

BY Lucia OsBOrne-crOwLeYThe third annual Bondi Feast festival

will begin this Tuesday July 8th and will feature significant expansions on its concept based on its success in previous years.

The Bondi Feast describes itself as a pop-up winter festival that covers a range of creative expression, with this year’s lineup including storytelling, theatre, comedy, music, visual arts and food.

Festival Director Phil Spencer said the festival was created out of a desire to provided innovative art spaces in Sydney’s east.

“We were always excited about the idea of art in unusual and unexpected places,” he said.

“People generally don’t associate Bondi with live performance, so we thought we’d put on a performance festival by the beach in the middle of winter because no-one would expect that.”

The festival is designed to attract local residents to Bondi beach in the winter.

“We had a huge local turnout over the last couple of years and I think that is because by July, the tourists have disappeared and what is left is a lot of local pride in Bondi,” said Mr Spencer.

“We use it as a call to arms for Bondi locals and it has become a great local event.”

This year, the festival will run for fifteen nights beginning this Tuesday and will cover the majority of the Bondi beach and Bondi Pavilion areas.

Mr Spencer said the festival has a strong focus on food as well as theatre, with a new selection of food trucks appearing each night.

This Wedneday night will host the opening performance of the festival’s theatre lineup, a production of three short plays called A Place To Call Home.

Leichhardt Council supports women in leadership

Bondi feast returns

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Bonarche BurgersBonarche Burgers have a knack for building burgers. Although, what else could you expect of a butcher-chef combo? The duo create massive and not-so-massive-but-definitely-not-small burgers, serve them on wooden platters and sit back while your taste buds do the rest. There are so many burgers: the All American Cheeseburger, and the Hangover Hunger (aka reason to crawl out of bed on Sunday morning), served with Disco Chips (aka reason to party on Sunday night so you can get another Hangover Hunger burger on Monday), plus a selection of beers waiting to do what they were brewed to do: wash down beef.14 Norton St, Leichhardt, www.bonarche.com

Café on JohnstonCafé on Johnston is a sweet café in an even sweeter building, literally – in the 1900s this terrace was a lolly factory. The café is cosy and intimate inside, with an outdoor area for those like to dine al fresco. On the menu are a range of modern and Middle Eastern fusion meals and sweets made from traditional family recipes. The staff takes pride in the community-vibe of the café, and have spent a long time developing their own house-blend of coffee that is strong with none of the dreaded bitterness you get from standard blends. Open 6:30am to 4pm seven days, this café is fast becoming a local favourite. 63 Johnston St, Annandale 2038,(02) 9660 5103

BartinoBartino is a Portuguese establishment that knows how to have fun with food. The family-run restaurant serves delectable tapas morsels alongside dishes like paella, seafood stew, skewered meats, and traditional Portugese meals like peito de galinha (baked chicken breast fillet stuffed with prosciutto cheese). An extensive drinks list, surprisingly heavy on Australian wines rather than European drops, also includes sangria that is every bit as potent and fruity as you want it to be. Diners can bask in the sundrenched courtyard, or dine in the cosy upstairs area, and when a special occasion calls for it, they can book out the function room for a catered affair. 9 Union St, Pyrmont 2009, (02) 9518 8000, www.bartino.com.au

There’s no doubt about it, Sydney is truly one of the culinary capitals of the world. Dining out in the harbour city is an eye (and mouth!) opening experience, when you’re spoilt for choice between fancy restaurants that tantalise the senses or chic cafés dishing up hearty comfort meals for just a few bucks. Where else can you have your pick of a variety of world-class cuisine on any given night? Not many cities can claim to have the eclectically diverse food that Sydney boasts. No air travel is needed to grab truly authentic dishes whether it be

Italian, Thai, Chinese or Mexican (the list could go on…)With so many options out there and only so much time (and money!) to eat, we need your help to whittle down the list and find Sydney’s best dining experience. As food lovers, we have entrusted the decision in your capable hands to vote for your favourite place either using the ballot here or going online. After serving you plate after plate of delectable food, they deserve to know what you think of them! Bon Appétit!

Ampersand Café and BookstoreNamed after the little squiggle that combines two words, Ampersand Café and Bookstore combines two of the best nouns: Books and Coffee.The bookstore sits humbly amongst bustling Oxford Street and lies in wait, tempting passersby with the smell of paperbacks and freshly roasted coffee beans. On entry, visitors satiate their hunger with an extensive menu that includes eggs Benedict with chai tea for breakfast; or a gourmet sandwich, salad or pasta for lunch. Bookworms and coffee aficionados can bask in the sun outdoors or bask in the warm

atmosphere inside, and everyone should also know that the café is fully licensed and can cater for events and special occasions. Once the growling in their stomach has subsided, visitors can focus on the hunger in their brains. There are over 30,000 titles to peruse, all arranged neatly with colourful covers that are in stark contrast to the wooden shelves. A combination of new and second-hand books means there is surely something for everyone, and if you find that time has escaped you, there are always more meals, more drinks, and inviting eclectic chairs to curl up on.78 Oxford Street, Paddington,(02) 9380 6617, www.cafebookstore.com.au

Who’s better, who’s best?Help us choose Sydney’s best restaurant

Compiled by:

Alexandra English & Melody The

Cafe Morso Everybody knows breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It’s even more so at the aptly named Cafe Morso, where they’re continually plating up breakfast classics with a gourmet twist. With bacon & egg gnocchi and smoked pork and gruyere risotto with poached eggs on the menu, it’s no wonder owner Andy Webb finds the place booked out on weekends. But surprisingly, it’s the simplest of dishes that’s the most instagrammed, the truffle scrambled eggs with sautéed wild mushrooms. Enjoy with a cheeky cocktail (it’s brunch, after all) while you bask in the tranquil waterside location. Café Morso delivers a decadent experience without the hefty price tag. Lower Deck (west side), Jones Bay Wharf, 26-32 Pirrama Road, Pyrmont, (02) 9692 0111 www.cafemorso.com.au

Essen restaurant & beer caféWith beer steins clinking left

and right, and a monstrous pork knuckle on the way, it’s easy to relax into the convivial hum of this comfort food paradise, popular with local university students and CBD workers alike. Make sure someone orders schnitzel – the accompanying potato rosti is as addictive as crack. House-made organic cider and soft, golden lumps of deep fried Camembert are an excellent beginning! 133-135 Broadway Ultimo, 02 92113805, www.essenrestaurant.com.au

Caffe RomaThere comes a point in life when you get hungry, and it is at precisely this point that celebrities, politicians, artists, poets, and students who also get hungry, head to Caffe Roma because Italian food can satisfy a grumbling stomach. Problem solved.Pull up a seat with family or friends and take in the general atmosphere of the place: it’s intimate, vibrant and seriously buzzing. The landmark restaurant has been filling bellies in Potts Point for 25 years and prides itself on being one of the city’s original Italian restaurants with authentic homemade cuisine, wine and lively conversation. They have an appropriately Italian wine and beer

selection, and a mouth-watering menu that includes antipasti, salads, pasta, seafood, and of course, pizza. It’s open late too, which is refreshing in a town where it’s usually just bain-marie pizza or a kebab after midnight. There is a simple and romantic feeling here: families with children drawing on the table cloths with hyper-coloured crayons, students and intellectuals doing some philosophical pondering in the corner over a glass of red, and staff who welcome each customer into the Caffe Roma family so much so that you feel like popping in for a chat even if you’re not hungry.9 Kellett Street, Potts Point,(02) 9358 3578, www.cafferoma.com.au

Cipri Italian Owned and run by three Italian brothers, Joe, Anthony and Carmelo, Cipri Italian is truly a family restaurant. While Joe and Anthony take care of front of house, expertly guiding patrons through their food journey, Carmelo is in the kitchen creating modern Italian masterpieces that combine the flavours of new and old Italy. The menu is filled with delicious dishes bursting with fresh flavours such as a layered eggplant with buffalo mozzarella entrée, homemade pappardelle pasta with a rich duck ragu and a 12-hour slow roasted lamb shoulder. Like in any Italian home, serving sizes are more than generous, ensuring a hearty meal whatever is chosen. A balanced but

diverse wine list complements the food and one of the Cipri brothers is usually at hand to recommend a bottle.The Cipri family are intent on creating and delivering wonderful food experiences from the moment you walk through the door. With personalised service, an elegant but warm interior tinged with family love (sepia photos from the Cipri family album lines the walls and the menus) and quality Italian food, it’s no wonder Cipri Italian has been recognised by ‘Ospitalita Italiana’, an Italian Chamber of Commerce organisation that certifies authentic Italian restaurants around the world.10 Elizabeth Street, Paddington (02) 9331 3333 www.cipriitalian.com.au

El CubanoEl Cubano Restaurant and Bar is an exotic beast. Situated in historical Potts Point, on any given occasion you are likely to encounter a menagerie of diners and dancers spread across two levels of the building in an explosion of good music, good food and good vibes. Upstairs, diners devour main meals like pollo relleno can pure de boniato (chicken stuffed with cheese and jamón serrano, topped with mustard seed sauce), and pato a la barbacoa de hinojo (slow-cooked duck with fennel seeds wrapped in banana leaf, served with pilaf rice and tamarind sauce). And for dessert, flan de caramelo (flan caramel with spun sugar

and cinnamon ice cream) or queso crema y guayaba (cream cheese and cascos of guava with guava ice cream) with a Cuban cocktail.After the feast, move downstairs to get your swing on. Latin music plays as diner-come-dancers shimmy and shake their hips to the styles of Cuban salsa, Samba, Kizomba and Bachata. Tapas plates are available downstairs to curb fresh appetites and keep the dancing momentum high. Stepping into El Cubano is like stepping out of Kings Cross and right into the heart of Cuba with a Cuban chef as your tour guide.13-15 Kellet Way, Potts Point 2011, (02) 8065 1625, www.elcubano.com.au

Golden CenturyWith bustling crowds and frantic waiters, a trip to Golden Century will make you feel like you’re actually in culinary mecca Hong Kong. And with over 25 years of experience serving plate after plate of Cantonese cuisine, you know the food is guaranteed to taste like it’s straight from the mother country. Just ask the packed room full of locals and tourists wolfing down some of Golden Century’s renowned seafood dishes. It will certainly be fresh, as there’s an entire wall devoted to giant fish tanks with giant seafood in them (kind of like Sydney Aquarium, but delicious.) Whether it’s the legendary

pipis in XO sauce or the ever-favourite salt and pepper squid, it always hits the spot. But the pièce de résistance is, of course, the king crabs, cooked in every way imaginable. The longstanding appeal of Golden Century is the simple fact it is always buzzing, always delicious, and always open. Well, until the decent hour of 4am, ready to satisfy any late night cravings. With such a reputation, there’s usually a line to get into this institution of Cantonese cuisine, but like always, it’s worth the wait.393-399 Sussex Street, Haymarket, (02) 9212 3901, www.goldencentury.com.au

La Boheme Restaurant and CaféRecently La Boheme Restaurant and Café packed up shop in Balmain and headed to Glebe, a locale more suited to their name, with its artsy vibe and buzzing student population. The restaurant was kicked off in 2007 by two Czech couples who are passionate about giving the people what they want: a giant serving of Europe on a plate, accompanied by a dollop of liquid Europe in a glass. The dishes are made in traditional styles and follow recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation, made with fine imported ingredients and fresh local produce.

The quartet of owners have a hands-on policy when it comes to running the restaurant after having worked in Austria, Germany, and the Czech Republic before relocating to Australia. They alternate running the business, working on the floor, and helping out in the kitchen for a dining experience that is warm, friendly, and personal.For those new to European cuisine, or those wanting to try something a little different, the front of house team are ready and willing to help you order your meal so you can leave Sydney behind and pretend you’re sitting by Lake Königssee for couple of hours, at least.199 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe 2037, (02) 9660 5639, www.laboheme.com.au

Indian Palace RestaurantFor 30 years, Indian Palace Restaurant has been the place to try some of the tastiest and most authentic Indian cuisine in Sydney where speciality chefs cook, steam and sauté fresh ingredients to turn them into enticing and exotic meals. The menu is extensive in that I-can’t-decide-so-I’ll-see-what-comes-out-when-I-order kind of way, with zero chance of food

regret afterwards. Diners choose from a selection of beef, chicken and vegetarian dishes like beef vindaloo and bhindi bhaji, one of the most popular dishes in India. Afterwards, those with a sweet tooth can drool over a dessert menu is full of traditional Indian sweets.235 Darling St, Balmain 2041, (02) 9818 3272, www.indianpalacerestaurant.com.au

JonkarooJonkanoo is a Caribbean street carnival where people dress in elaborate costumes and dance in the streets to the beat of goatskin drums and cowbells. There are variations of the celebration across the region: from the Bahamas and Jamaica to Belize and Venezuela, all of which are as loud, passionate, colourful and entertaining as one another. So, considering its namesake, Jonkanoo the restaurant is appropriately festive.The restaurant décor takes its cues from Native American, West African, European and East Indian roots, resulting in a regular cornucopia of spices, colours, flavours and fragrances. When you walk into Jonkankoo, you’d be forgiven for

thinking that someone has managed to put the essence of the Caribbean in a bottle, then shaken it up and watched it spray across the room. The people, the music, and most of all, the food and beverages, all work to create an authentic West Indian experience in the heart of Surry Hills.Diners sample the ever-changing menu that includes Trinidadian street food, soused mackerel from the Bahamas and Haitian griot pork. Those with a larger appetite can try the like the Caribbean classic curry goat, the escovitch fish or the grilled king prawns with black pepper, lime and a decent dose of rum.583 Crown Street, Surry Hills 2010, (02) 9699 0019, www.jonkanoo.com.au

Spice I AmOwning a Thai restaurant must be the best thing ever. Not only is it good for your karmic cycle, but also the potential for a pun-related name is higher than with any other cuisine. (Thai-rannosaurus, Thai-tanic, Thai-no-mite, case-in-point.) But there is much more to Thai food than jazzy names and good vibes; just ask Sujet Saenkham and Padet Nagsalab, the duo behind the Spice I Am restaurants in Darlinghurst, Surry Hills and Balmain.Diners are in good hands with Sujet and Padet. Sujet has been a food connoisseur since he was four years old, and is now a leader in authentic Thai cuisine in Sydney.

Even dignitaries and international Heads of State drop by to taste his latest fare when they get a chance.The pair takes traditional Thai cuisine, throws in a suave cocktail bar, adds some young faces and drops the prices for a dining experience that is not only delicious, but also ambient and buzzing. The meals are made with simple and fresh ingredients so every bite can be a glorious one, and Spice I Am also offer a take-away and home delivery service for those who think Thai food tastes best on the couch.296-300 Victoria St, Darlinghurst 2010, (02) 9332 2445, www.spiceiam.com

Vesta caffé & ristorante Vesta caffé & ristorante are the

new kids on the Darling Quarter block, but they’ve already made a big impact, not least because of their visually spectacular all wood décor. Named after the goddess of hearth and home, Vesta are living up to their namesake with a warm and inviting atmosphere that encourages sharing dishes and laughter, staff who take care of you like you’re part of the family and food that is cooked with love, just like home. The food is modern Italian, combining the authentic flair found in grandma’s kitchen with an Aussie twist. It’s a decision that has attracted criticism from purists but Vesta isn’t afraid to try something new, creating unconventional but winning dishes like their popular pork belly pizza, with applesauce and sweet and sour onion tying it all together. If you’re after something a bit more traditional, their gnocchi with lamb shoulder ragu would make any Italian mama proud. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Vesta is a one-stop destination for all your dining needs, whether it’s cocktails and appetisers for a romantic date, a whole family outing for some hearty pizza or a business meeting over award-winning coffee.15/1-25 Harbour St, Darling Quarter, Sydney, (02) 9267 9644www.vestaitalian.com.au

Revolver Café This gem of a café isn’t located in the trendy districts of Surry Hills and its surrounds, but in suburban Annandale. The secret is out though as people from all over Sydney flock to Revolver (where there is conveniently plenty of street parking) for their restaurant quality food at café prices. Revolver offer a host of gourmet dishes such as a nine-hour slow roasted lamb bruschetta, a house smoked trout rosti and the ever-favourite brunch delight of big breakfast baked eggs. With an eclectic ambience of modern steel tables comfortably coexisting with ornate Victorian era furniture, Revolver café has become the go-to place for a guaranteed cosy time over delicious food. 291 Annandale St, Annandale 2038(02) 9555 4727 www.revolver.com.au BEST RESTAURANT BALLOT

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By Carmen CitaSouth-west Sydney is

turning Japanese for the school holidays. To celebrate the Japanese Star Festival, the Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre (CPAC) has been transformed into an ethereal interactive Tanabata galaxy, where children can make bamboo sculptures and learn the art of origami.

As part of the Way Out West (WOW) Festival For Children, Japanese artist Chaco Kato fills the CPAC Turbine Hall with a large-scale art installation, where visitors can escape into the realms of Japanese folklore.

The project, entitled Tanabata: Wish Upon a Star, explores the Japanese legend of Tanabata; the story of two star crossed lovers - Orihime, the cloud-weaving deity and Hikoboshi, the mortal cow-herder - who become separated by the Milky Way and can only meet once a year, on July 7. Tanabata is a wistful tale of friendship, longing and responsibility.

Project Producer Kathryn Hunyor explains the broad appeal of the folk tale: “Although Tanabata is a Japanese tradition, all children, regardless of cultural background, can relate to the story of Orihime and

Hikoboshi. It carries several universal messages – building friendships, missing absent loved ones, the feeling of anticipation, accepting responsibilities, caring for the environment, fascination with the stars, and the mystery of nature. We can all appreciate and learn from these messages.”

Whereas Tanabata traditionally depicts Orihime as a long-suffering, put-upon and somewhat credulous heroine, Hunyor’s adaptation of Tanabata celebrates the cloud-weaver’s adept artistry and deep respect for nature. Hunyor says, “As mother of three girls, I wanted to give the story of Tanabata a stronger, more contemporary female role model.”

The Turbine Hall is a massive, three-storey industrial space. Site-specific artist, Kato, transforms the cavernous space into an enchanting wonderland where woollen yarn is threaded between bamboo stalks, like wispy clouds or threads on a weaver’s loom. Beneath the lofty tapestry-like canopy, visitors are immersed in a multi-layered galaxy of star and diamond-shaped 3D bamboo sculptures, crafted by the artist in collaboration with local students and volunteers.

Casula may seem like an odd location for Tanabata celebrations; but the observation of Eastern traditions in Sydney’s south-west is not arbitrary. Nearby Liverpool is, in fact, the Sister City of Toda (a city near Tokyo). The inclusion of Tanabata in the WOW Festival pays tribute to that relationship, giving the local

community an opportunity to better understand Japanese culture and history.

The theme for this year’s WOW Festival is cultural storytelling. After live Tanabata storytelling sessions, visitors can learn the Japanese paper arts of origami and kirigami, write aspirational wishing cards (or Tanzaku), make bamboo sculptures and, together with

Kato, populate the sprawling Tanabata galaxy with their creative work.

Families can also enjoy free screenings of Japanese Anime films Ponyo and My Neighbour Totoro. (CC)Jul 9-12, Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre, 1 Powerhouse Rd, Casula, free (bookings essential), wayoutwestfestival.com.au

Tales from the Far East go Way Out West

18

‘Alien Attack’ with The Listies Live

Looking for something different these school holidays? We have the best alternative picks to keep the kids entertained:

HalfworldHalfworld is a whimsical holiday diversion that will amuse and inspire children and kidults alike. Presented by matriark art theatre, this magical show is a portal to the enchanted world that normally only children can access. Halfworld is an immersive experience, featuring puppetry, masks and a huge blanket fort. Families can cosy up in the provided snuggle blankets and learn universal lessons in love, happiness and loss.Until Jul 12, 107 Projects, 107 Redfern St, Redfern, $15-60 (family pass), matriarktheatre.com

Didgeridoo Dance and Stencil Art Activitiesto celebrate NAIDOC Week, there will be a touch of dreamtime in the air at the art Gallery of nSW. Kids can learn how to design stencil art in art-making workshops, drawing inspiration from the bold, colourful and contemporary work of Kamilaroi artist reko rennie. in the Gallery entrance Court, aboriginal performers matthew Doyle and adam Hill share songs, stories, dance and music in daily didgeridoo dance performances.Jul 7-11, The Art Gallery of NSW, Art Gallery Rd, The Domain, free, artgallery.nsw.gov.au

Game Masters: The ExhibitionFeaturing over 100 playable games, this interactive exhibition showcases some of the most influential arcade, console, PC and mobile games. the exhibition charts the evolution of games, from seminal arcade favourite, Donkey Kong, to the contemporary game changers, like Super Mario Bros and World of Warcraft.Until Jul 13, The Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris Street, Ultimo, $15-59 (family pass), powerhousemuseum.com

LeoWow the kids with this fantastic adventure in gravity-defying, wall-scaling, physical theatre. this award-winning production will stretch the imagination and twist perception with mind-bending staging. Leo promises to leave audiences wondering which way is up.Until Jul 13, Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney, $24-49, sydneyoperahouse.com

DARLO, KINGS X & SURRY HILLS

The Clock Hotelinspired by Spain’s tonicas, dedicated gin and tonic bars, mixologist Jeremy Shipley has scoured the globe for fourteen local and international gins. i started with the Botanist ($13) – a serious Scottish gin with new Zealand’s Quina-Fina (low sugar) tonic and mint. after dabbling in Spain with Gin mare ($12), i found my sweet spot with Hayman’s Old tom ($10). You’ll also find gin cocktails like Hotel Georgia ($16), clever snacks like mini Cuban Sliders ($8) with new york pastrami and beet relish, plus some of the best thin-crust pizzas i’ve seen in a pub. my hit pizzas are the vegetarian

mushrooms, Pumpkin, Zucchini, treviso ($18) and the Pork and Fennel Sausage with artichoke and mint ($18). 470 Crown Street, Surry Hills(02) 9331 5333 clockhotel.com.auPub Bistro, Pizza $$Café Paciit’s coming to crunch time at Sydney’s favourite pop-up. the Seasonal Set menu ($85/head) offers a rye taco nod to the mexican predecessor, delivered with a Finnish grin. if money isn’t an object, throw yourself at the mercy of the savvy floor crew for great matches, from Hell yes ($18) with coffee, rum, Frangelico and elderflower, to the 2012 Sineann ‘Celilo’ Gewürztraminer ($83/bottle). expect global food puns ranging from clever wagyu ‘Photato’ to ‘that’s amore’, which

looks like bolognaise but tastes like pizza. arguably the best dishes come where Chef Pasi Petanen draws upon his heritage, from molasses-glazed Finnish potato and caraway bread, to turning onions into a sweet’n’salty oral adventure with mullet roe, hazelnuts and dill. 95 riley Street, Darlinghurst (02) 9368 7000 cafepaci.com.auModern European $$$$Sugarcane Restaurantin hip reservoir Street, it pays to stay relevant, so Sugarcane restaurant has morphed into a South east asian hawker canteen. the welcoming interior features stripped-back walls, Thai street-style graffiti and colourful hanging silk handbags. While the updated menu reflects Sydney’s obsession with smaller, sharing

portions, favourites like Crispy Chicken, Blood Plum ($17) remain. Bite-sized Prawn, rice Cake, Caramelised Sugarcane ($4/each) suit cocktails like Jasmine-tea infused Gin, Lime and Sugar ($17). they’ve also got a cracking little wine list. Jamsheed ‘Le Blanc Plonk’ 2013 ($9/glass) was equally at home with flaky Malay Roti ($10), as it was with Pork and Prawn Dumplings ($16), stretching to accommodate Green Papaya Salad ($19) with chef’s unique salmon update.40a reservoir Street, Surry Hills (02) 9281 1788sugarcanerestaurant.com.auPan Asian $-$$

INNER WEST

The Workersthis’ll bring a tear to the eye to Labor Party faithful who remember the glory days of Whitlam, Hawke and Wran.

they’re the dudes on the roof – the question Bar manager Jeremy Baldi gets “asked the most”. mosey across the astroturf, Woodlands margaret river Chardonnay ($43/bottle) in hand, to gaze at photographic memorabilia. tuck into Chihuahuas ($5.50/each) – mini mexican hot dogs with grilled franks, jalapenos and cheese – searching for the birth of land rights: Gough pouring sand into Vincent Lingiari’s hands. Dude food like más Verduras ($5.50/each) – fried zucchini tacos - and Quesadillas de espinica ($13) – grilled spinach and ricotta tortillas - with a Blood and Sand ($16) Whisky cocktail help Wednesday night comedians go down. 1/292 Darling Street, Balmain 9318 1547 theworkersbalmain.com.auBar Food, Wine, Cocktails $JamVybz Restaurant & Café Despite Jerk Chicken ($17.99) creeping onto bar menus, there isn’t

much authentic Jamaican in Sydney. This brightly coloured Glebe flagship cooks it over wood-fire, coated with tasty jerk marinade producing bona fide falling-off-the-bone goodness. initiate yourself with the Chef’s Sample Platter ($18.99) bearing codfish fritters, jerk chicken wings and jerk prawn kebabs. With homemade ‘slaw and pineapple to sweeten the deal, it appeals to both seasoned and unseasoned Caribbean eaters. “reggae dancehall favourite” Curried Goat ($19) is deliciously tender, while Coconut Curried Shrimp ($22) is mild and easy to eat. Sweet Potato Pudding ($8.50) is warm and deliciously sweet, leaving you feeling the good vibes - driven home by the Bob marley posters and tunes.72 Glebe Point road, Glebe (02) 9571 1158 jamvybzrestaurant.com.auJamaican $-$$

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

EAT & DRINK By Jackie McMillan

thursday night: all’s quiet on street level, but downstairs the tables are full or reserved with cute branded LP records. there’s no such thing as a school night anymore. the Prohibition era vibe comes through strongly with white shirted, apron-clad barmen at your beck and call. after trying

soda syphons last time, i wanted to stay adult with my cocktail selections. a black pepper kick makes the mexican Standoff ($19) nice and spicy; while Bulleit Bourbon makes roy Orbison ($18) smooth and mellow, a bit like its namesake. the menu has expanded from hotdogs to Harlem heart attacks – though Fried Chicken and Waffles ($16) with pots of clarified butter and maple syrup, is the best version of this dish I’ve tried, so you’ll die happy. You’ll find the Pulled Pork Burger ($15) is not too wet, and not too dry; texan BBQ Pork ribs ($14) are equally delightful; and Cheeseburger Spring rolls ($9) give you some finger food fun with tomato and mustard on the side. this sort of food really calls for beer, and when you’re drinking beer here, the on-tap monteiths american Pale ale ($9) wins on freshness with lovely toffee characteristics. Bottled Blue moon ($9) is less interesting, however the lemon it’s served with cuts against the excesses – and there are excesses.16 Wentworth avenue, Surry Hills (02) sodafactory.com.auAmerican, Cocktails $

The Soda Factory Comforting and homey – two words i don’t usually associate with the dining offerings in Surry Hills, much less on hip reservoir Street, the domain of edgy graphic designers and hipster coffee hangs. yet this is exactly what Chef Brendan Cato achieves when he takes over Bangbang Café with a healthy Saturday night pop-up called the Farmed table. Brendan is a keen forager – he was off to a forest

to find mushrooms the very next day – and this particular menu was inspired by his visit to the Hawkesbury and Hunter region. With two shared dishes, and three individual dishes, the menu ($55/head) is particularly good value, even if you throw in (bottomless) biodynamic Wine ($80/head). tip-top vegetables shine brightest in charred broccoli shoots, a far cry from the woody stems you see elsewhere. they’re topped with cured mullet roe and brightened up by meyer lemon. it’d be impossible to travel to the Hawkesbury in search of dining inspiration, without being swayed by beautiful Hawkesbury calamari. Cato cooks it gently in its own ink, presenting it with river prawns and chickweed (another foraged treasure). the Hunter’s redgate Farm provides the duck, which is served with crisp cavolo nero leaves and roasted beets, before a dessert of rhubarb with lavender cream that takes me straight back to Grandma’s house.Bangbang Cafe, 113 reservoir Street, Surry Hills (02) 9281 0018 facebook.com/thefarmedtableModern Australian $$

The Farmed Table

EAT & DRINK By Jackie McMillan

ROCKS & CBD

China RepublicFor me, this restaurant won the battle of Sydney’s Chinese behemoths. the theatre of the duck is the biggest drawcard: Peking Duck ($88/whole) comes with an instruction manual and a tray of Condiments ($2/head). emerging from the theatrically dark set of this multi-million dollar space, your white-jacketed chef lights, flames then slices your duck, making a hundred small incisions before you dip, wrap and consume it in fluffy steamed pockets. the 2011 Heemskerk Derwent Valley Pinot noir ($105/bottle) kicks it up a whole ‘nother level. Consume it with Beijing-style cold dishes, from crumbly tofu with Spring Onions and Fish roe ($12) to Spicy and Sour Cucumber ($9). Save space for the Labyrinth-

inspired Dessert Platter ($21.50/4 people) too. World Square Shopping Centre, 680 George Street, Sydney (02) 8081 0888 chinarepublicrestaurant.com.auChinese $$$$Umi Kaiten-Zushimeters from Capitol Square Light rail Station Umi Kaiten-Zushi offers a well-stocked train of freshly prepared sushi. Spicy tuna ($4.50) and Seared Scallop ($5.50) were highlights, and if they’re not rotating ‘round the fish tank, the chef will whip them up straight away. Happy Hour(s) kick in from 3-7pm with five-dollar drinks, including sake. Dewazakura Junmai ($7/60ml) is a pleasant drop. While it’s hard to stay away from the fishes - 5-Kinds assorted Sashimi ($18) and Chef’s Choice nigiri Selection ($15-20) - for many, winter hotpots like the gentle

miso Soy milk Seafood Foil nabe ($16.80) are the order of the day. Combine it with warming fare from Grilled Cheese mayo Scallops ($12/3) to sizzling teriyaki Salmon ($15).Shop 1, 477 Pitt Street, Sydney (02) 9281 2006 umisushi.com.auJapanese $-$$Greenheart Espressoandrea Vagge and Fiona Bloomer (ex-La Locanda) have set up shop on Kent Street, citing kids and needing “a monday to Friday lifestyle” as the reason for their shift. andrea’s made the shift from cooking italian cuisine to designing bespoke salads. His belief in premium ingredients holds across the ever-changing selection that includes roasted La ionica Chicken, israeli Cous Cous, moroccan Carrots ($14) with yoghurt dressing; tuna, Green Beans, Shaved Fennel and radicchio ($14)

in balsamic, and Soba noodles, tofu, Bean Sprouts, Chilli and Crispy Shallots thai-style ($14). tuck into an excellent house-made Chicken Sausage roll ($6.50) in the matt Woods designed setting - a vibrant aquamarine break from the drabness of the CBD. 432 Kent Street, Sydney (02) 8084 5954 facebook.com/pages/Greenheart-espresso/648104028564490Café $

GREATER SYDNEY

Spakka-NapoliPositioned at the end of a weirdly shaped arcade and saddled with a quirky spelling of Spaccanapoli (the road that bisects naples), this restaurant makes you work for your reward: lightly charred, puffy-crusted

neapolitan pizzas. the monday/tuesday special – three “tapas” dishes and a cocktail for thirty bucks – makes me rethink my ambivalence toward limoncello with The Amalfi ($14.50). robust namesake Spakka napoli ($13.50) sangria is guaranteed to complement their terracotta pots of meatballs ($9.50), eggplant Parmigiana ($10.90) and my favourite – Pollo alla Cacciatore ($9.90). the eggplant Sausage Pizza ($22.90) special is further improved by chilli sauce, which should come with a warning label, or at least imported red-label Peroni ($7) to ease the pain.Shop 13, 166-174 military road, neutral Bay (02) 9908 7045 spakkanapoli.com.auPizza, Italian $$Royal Cricketers Armsthirty minutes and thirty years from

Sydney is a pub where strangers chat, and Bar manager John mundy uses common sense and conversation to enforce the rule of law. Over an Old Speckled Hen ($11.50/pint) you might enquire after his jar of Pickled eggs ($1.10/each). eat “the manager’s hangover cure” doused in Worcestershire and tabasco right at the bar. tuck into traditional toad in the Hole ($21) - three good-quality english pork sausages baked in a yorkshire pudding with mash and onion gravy; or flex your cooking prowess on the high-tech grill. there’s Grass-fed Sirloin ($27/250g), grain-fed beef and Snags ($20/3) – best have a James Squire the Chancer ($9/pint) while you decide. Cricketers arms road, Prospect (02) 9622 6498 mycricketers.com.auPub Bistro, British $$-$$$

21

EASTERN SUBURBS

Luxe Woollahra Located in Queens Court, or as it appears to be, downtown Provence, the pink stone walls, al fresco dining and designer shops surrounding this café make you feel far from Sydney. the café’s artisan baked goods are now a perfect side order to the new dinner menu of seasonal share plate specialties from Grilled Peppers ($12) with yuzu salt and creamy goats’ curd; to Scotch eggs ($12) made with italian pork sausage and quail eggs; to deliciously soft miso eggplant ($8) blanketed in crunchy kale. Match a fleshy tail of Grilled

Lobster ($34) dripping in saffron butter with a bottle of King Valley ‘Holly’s Garden’ Pinot Gris ($54) before finishing with a Tahini Biscuit ice Cream Sandwich ($12).Queens Court, 118 Queens Street Woollahra (02) 9363 8828luxesydney.com.auCafé, Modern Australian $$$La Scala on Jersey While we wait for a table, somebody’s ‘nonna’ arrives with a basket of heirloom tomatoes, and is greeted by a handsome denim-apron clad young waiter. this is the new look La Scala, with tasmanian-born, naples-raised massimo mele at the helm. Order the Chickpea Pancakes ($18) – crunchy cigars filled with mushroom and spinach,

topped with Gorgonzola sauce. even mains are presented with big scissor-like servers, though you might consider keeping the whole bowl of Oxtail ragu ($28) to yourself. the Barossa elderton “estate” Shiraz ($69/bottle, $14.50/glass) smugly cuts in on the dance; also suiting melt-in-your-mouth Slow-Cooked Suffolk Lamb Shoulder Chops ($38) with salsa verde. However Witlof, radicchio and Pickled Beetroot ($12) almost steals the show… Corner Jersey road & melrose Lane, Woollahra (02) 9357 0815 lascalaonjersey.com.auItalian $$

Well it might be winter, but my craving for gelato continues unabated, so i headed back into rivareno for another one-on-one with Kieran tosolini. While the store’s colours have changed (it’s a bit less fluorescent) the pozzetti – those temperature-controlled cylinders that keep rivareno’s gelato velvety in texture – remain. and, texture, according to Kieran, “is one of the most important things with gelato.” What I’m nuts about is flavour, and if there’s one flavour category that RivaReno do well, it’s nuts! Leonardo, cream of pine nuts with toasted pine nuts, was my standout, though Pistacchio Bronte – made on pistachio nuts from Bronte, Sicily, which are harvested every second year – was a close second. You’ll also find a lovely Nocciola Piemonte featuring pure hazelnuts from Piedmont. While it doesn’t really need any additional bells and whistles, you can now also eat their gelato on a stick dipped in 73% dark Belgian chocolate. and if gelato isn’t your favourite winter treat, they’re also doing an intense, thick italian hot chocolate using Valrhona ‘manjari’ Single Origin Cocoa from madagascar. it’ll put hairs on your chest…www.facebook.com/rivarenoGelatoaustralia

all the talk around town at the moment is about the modern simplicity of the beautiful food at Hotel Centennial by Chef Justin north. making a date to eat at the hotel High Table is certainly a terrific idea; yet the hotel also has a spacious bar area and delicious cocktails. The house Bellini, The Henson ($16) adds elderflower and rose syrup to its sparkling pear puree; while the morley ($18) is a G+t update: tanqueray, with orange blossom, Quina Fina tonic water and grapefruit bitters. Cocktails like the Chrisine Keeler or the Kate moss are also available by the carafe ($29). there is a lovely range of wines by the glass. the same attention to detail in service is offered in the bar as the bistro, and of course, the bar snacks from north’s kitchen are too good to miss.88 Oxford Street, Woollahra (02) 9362 3838 centennialhotel.com.au

FOOD NEWS

BAR FLY By Rebecca Varidel

HOTEL CENTENNIAL

at its heart, the Light Brigade is a sports bar. So when they did a recent spruce-up, they felt it was important not to alienate their heartland. enter designer annie Snell, who has cleverly worked around the large plasma screens that still delight on sports days, while managing to make it feel pleasantly inviting. (edison light bulbs are, of course, a given.) now that Chef massimo

mele has bedded in his sharing italian menu upstairs at La Scala On Jersey, i suspect we’ll see some movement on the classic pub menu down here, which comes out of the same kitchen. that’s not to say there’s anything wrong with a 250g Char-Grilled rump Steak ($22), especially on Wednesday nights when they knock ten bucks off the price, without messing with size or quality. it sings against one of the best green peppercorn sauces i’ve tried in a pub. the classic Chicken Breast Schnitzel ($19) is another plump, juicy winner, especially with mushroom sauce. While the on-tap beers were a bit mainstream for my taste, i didn’t mind the toasty, toffee notes of matilda Bay Brewing Company’s ruby tuesday ($6.80/schooner). However the 2012 Partisan ‘trenchcoat’ GSm ($44/bottle, $9/glass) will better accompany you through a plate of Spiced Lamb meatballs ($15) in tomato and pea sauce. 2a Oxford Street, Woollahra (02) 9357 0888 lightbrigade.com.auPub Bistro $

Light Brigade Hotel

From the moment you slide into your stylish but comfortable autoban chair in this relaxed-looking dining room, it’s evident you’re in for a seamless experience. the rounded edges of the chairs echo the Deco lines of the building, and the service is equally free of sharp bumps. Having had his fill of Sydney toques already, Chef ross Lusted has returned to the charcoal grilling of his South african youth, simply because it tastes good. now that’s not

to say dishes like moreton Bay Bugs, Sweet Grilled endive, tamarind and roasted Chilli Paste ($35) lack complexity; rather it’s that Lusted makes them look like remarkably simple packages. While he employs a global palate of flavours, honed during his amanresorts days, local produce sings across the menu, starting with natural Oysters ($4.50/each) with white miso dressing and chives. move on to a pretty plate of hand-picked Spanner Crab ($33) with mandarin, meyer lemon curd, chestnuts and nashi pear, before standout mains like the Japanese-inspired Ocean trout with Silken eggplant, Sesame and Puffed rice ($45) lubricated with a roasted tea broth. your must-have dessert is the Burnt Caramel Cream ($16) – a re-imagined crème brûlée juxtaposed against mint and juicy Packham pear, presented in ceramics designed by Lusted himself. it’s perfect against the 2012 Peregrine Charcoal Creek riesling ($14/glass). Ground Level, 44 Bridge Street, Sydney(02) 9247 7000 thebridgeroom.com.auModern Australian $$$$

The Bridge Room While dining in shopping centres isn’t really my thing, visiting the Strand arcade late last year, made me feel like a naughty child, unwrapping my Christmas presents early. niño Zocali’s two restaurants, La rosa and Pendolino, sit at either end of this picturesque Victorian arcade. the older sibling has a dark, moody seriousness. it softly whispers: red wine; then seduces you with ravioli Di magro Con Burro Fusso ($27.90/$39.90). the hand-made, al

dente ravioli glisten under burnt butter and crisp sage leaves, melting in your mouth to reveal their tasty spinach centres. the unctuous richness is cut by the sharp bite of Parmigiano reggiano. i suspect putting one of these on my tongue is the closest i’ll ever come to understanding Communion. this near-religious experience eclipses my Slow-roasted Duck Leg ($43.60) main. With desserts here being such a triumph, if you were a light eater, i’d consider doing entree, small pasta, and dessert. Start with Free-range raw Beef Carpaccio ($26.50) perfectly balanced by wild baby olives, rocket cress and tetsun di Barolo cheese, whilst enjoying the trio of aussie olive oils and bread. Finish with meringata Di Fragolini e rabarbaro ($17.90) – a meringue cake that kicks the eton mess to the kerb – accompanied by braised rhubarb and wild strawberries, Lambrusco jelly and strawberry sorbet. Game, set, match: italy.Shop 100, Level 2, the Strand arcade, 412-414 George Street, Sydney (02) 9231 6117 pendolino.com.auItalian $$$$

Pendolino

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Contributors: Alexandra English, Alexis Talbot-Smith, Anita Senaratna, Anthony Bell, Catherine Knight, Cheryl Northey, Ciaran Tobin, Craig Coventry, Elise Cullen, Georgia Fullerton, Greg Webster, Hannah Chapman, Jamie Apps, Laurie Hackney, Leann Richards, Marilyn Hetreles, Mark Morellini, Mel Somerville, Melody Teh, Michael Muir, Michelle Porter, Peter Hackney, Rhys Gard, Rocio Belinda Mendez, Ruth Fogarty, Sean May, Sharon Ye, Shauna O’Carroll, Siri Williams

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Arts Editor: Leigh Livingstone

Music Editor: Chelsea Deeley

For more A&E stories go to www.altmedia.net.aua&e

They were the years of boy bands, big pants and tight dance moves. Now music-lovers can relive the wonder years of the ‘90s with cabaret-style That ‘90s Show.Performed by award-winning musical star, Tom Sharah, a self-confessed “’90s kid through and through,” the show takes audiences on a trip down memory lane.“In my formative years it was the era that inspired me, I am always that person at the party that has the ‘90s playlist,” Sharah says.“There is a whole lot of music, fashion, and culture from that time that younger

generations need to know about.”Performing with a three-piece band, Sharah will bring to life famous ‘90s music from a diverse range of artists, including Spice Girls, Nirvana, Robbie Williams, Alanis Morissette, and Disney.“It’s my aim to have a complete smorgasbord of music, in the ‘90s it was completely diverse, so many things were cool and fashionable,” he says.Celebrating the ‘90s for the fashions, the movies, the headlines, and the music, Sharah shares his personal memories and experiences through a funny and entertaining show.“I am not asking much of the audience, just for them to sit back, listen to cool music, and have a laugh” he says. (SOC)Jul 6-13, Hayes Theatre Co, 19 Greenknowe Ave, Potts Point, $35, hayestheatre.com.au

The relationship between sisters is a highly confusing but fascinating one: best of friends one day and worst enemies the next. It’s this complex connection that Of Monopoly and Women is looking to explore through the rollercoaster of relationships between sisters, Zoe, Kate and Ella. The house becomes tense when Zoe wins two tickets to Paris, leaving Kate and Ella to battle it out for the second seat. A game of Monopoly seems to be the answer, but that childhood favourite has the ability to drive people insane.With a dearth of plays that focus on women, it might seem like any play about women is a feminist play, notes director Sascha Hall.“The beauty of this play is that it’s not

trying to be anything, it’s not trying to make a point about women. It’s just exploring the relationship that evolves when women are related and they grow up together and live in a house together. The crazy, beautiful and ugly side,” says Hall.Perhaps that’s the point. Moving beyond superficial portrayals of ‘crazy bickering sisters’, Of Monopoly and Women delves into the multifaceted nature of female relationships, revealing the “kind of person you can be with your family or without your family, and the different personas you take in either situation,” says Hall. (MT)July 9-24, Exchange Hotel, 94 Beattie St, Balmain, $17-20, bnwtheatre.com.au

Darlinghurst Theatre Company and AccessA (Access Australia) present this new Australian production – a daring yet witty play. Every Second depicts the common issue of infertility and the struggles of starting a family.“It has the personal struggles and the strain of relationships through it emotionally,” says Simon Corfield, who portrays Tim, “while it’s doing that it still manages to be rather funny and lighthearted.”Every Second is a very personal production to playwright Vanessa Bates, as she experienced these same issues not long ago when she found out that she and her husband were infertile. Personal experience coupled with wry observations and bitter

truths illustrate a common problem in society today.“You can tell it’s quite personal, the way she (Bates) handles the shifts in relationships in the structure of the play,” says Corfield, “it is such a current issue and problem that doesn’t really get spoken about in the artistic world.”Darlinghurst Theatre Company has partnered with AccessA to help raise awareness about infertility. AccessA is a not-for-profit organisation that provides men and women with life support who experience difficulties conceiving their families. (CT)Until Jul 27, Darlinghurst Theatre, 39 Burton St, Darlinghurst, $30-43, darlinghursttheatre.com

Orphans is described as “a dark and gritty thriller” by lead actor Thomas Unger. The Dennis Kelly play explores violence in a low socioeconomic environment, and how humans relate in harsh urban settings.“When I was first given the script I couldn’t put it down; I just picked it up and read it from cover to cover,” says Unger. “From the very first scene there are tensions before anyone even speaks… and this tension carries through to the end of the play.”Helen and Danny’s quiet night in is interrupted by the arrival of Helen’s younger brother Liam. Spattered in blood, he claims to have found someone injured on the street. As the story unfolds, what happened on the street seems less clear.Author Dennis Kelly (Matilda the Musical, Osama the Hero) always aims to entertain, and the themes in Orphans are designed to keep the audience wondering and worried. The play raises questions of class and family loyalty, and whether all humans have the potential for racial discrimination and violence.A psychological thriller that pits morality against family ties, Orphans is not for the faint of heart. (HC)Until Jul 20, Old 505 Theatre, 32 Elizabeth St, Surry Hills, $18-28, venue505.com/theatre

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Need something to do with the kids these school holidays? Look no further. Matty Grey is performing his final show in his hilarious Age-Less trilogy.Age-Less 3: Dreamweaver vs The Nightmare Child takes imagination and fun to another level.“It’s Chaos! Organised chaos. It’s silly, stupid, squirmy, all the kinds of stuff that they (children) don’t see adults do, ever,” says comedian Matty Grey, “we’re shooting parents with nerf guns and we’re recapturing their youth.”This show will feature Kat Placing, who may be known to fans as Professor Kit

E. Kat from the Grossed Out Game Show which won the award for Best Kids Show at the Sydney Fringe Festival last year. Placing will heighten the controlled chaos and kid-friendly fun.“It’s allowed me to go in a very different direction and doing it with Kat is fun,” says Grey, also a successful children’s entertainer.Matt and Kat get sent to their room for misbehaving. The show features vomiting bunnies, closet monsters and bed bugs.“The whole point of the Age-Less series is that older people should remember what it’s like to be a kid and kids should not rush to become old.” (CT)Until Jul 11, King Street Theatre, 644 King St, Newtown, $17-20, kingstreettheatre.com.au

AgE–lESS 3: dREAMwEAvER vS ThE NIghTMARE ChIld

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MY NAME IS TRUDA VITZ Olivia Satchell explores how we use stories to create meaning about our loved ones through her one-woman show. Focusing on her own family history, Satchell tells the story of her grandmother, Truda, escaping from Vienna in WWII and making a new life for herself.Switching between the characters of herself, her father and Truda at the age of 17, Satchell explores our need to make meaning in life through stories. The production is an intimate, personal performance that

also features Satchell expressing her grandmother’s displacement by playing cello throughout the show. (SOC)Until Jul 6, TAP Gallery, 278 Palmer St, Darlinghurst, $18.50-25, somersaulttheatre.comPATYEGARANG Australia’s largest Indigenous performing arts organisation, Bangarra Dance Theatre, brings to the stage a tale of trust and friendship.Patyegarang is based on the true story of a young Eora woman, who befriended Lieutenant William Dawes when he landed on Sydney’s shores in the 18th century.For dancer Jasmin Sheppard, who plays the title role, the medium of

dance was ideal to describe the story of a woman who was, “not separate from her environment. She breathed the Eora land of Sydney Cove… and it’s more about creating an essence, and a spirit, rather than spoon-feeding the audience.“I hope that [this piece] will empower Sydney Aboriginal people to feel that there is a sense of reclaiming thewhole city, the harbour, the Opera House. This is their story, this is their place, and their stomping ground and it is time for them to have the limelight.” (SW)Until Jul 12, Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, $29-89, (02) 9250 7777, sydneyoperahouse.com

MOJO Jez Butterworth’s savagely comic play is a thriller which examines the dark underside of the halcyon days of rock ’n’ roll with grim humour and strong language. Mojo debuted on the West End in 1995, receiving the Olivier Award for Best New Comedy. It also started a new wave of British gangster movies during the late ‘90s, including Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels.The testosterone-fuelled cast and local blues-rock outfits depict the London club scene of the 1950s. The battle for power is revealed through zinging dialogue, live music and action-packed scenes. (CT)Until Jul 5, The Wharf,

Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay, $50-99, sydneytheatre.com.au STRICTLY BALLROOM: THE MUSICAL Baz Luhrmann’s latest creation is bursting at the sequined seams of the Lyric Theatre in an explosion of c olour and feathers.Luhrmann’s holistic creative approach and boundless imagination means his hand is involved in every aspect of the production, from the design, to the direction and the music.The notes feel like they were written for the stunning co-lead Phoebe Panaretos (Fran) who outshines all except the hilarious Heather Mitchell (Shirley Hastings). The talented

Thomas Lacey (Scott Hastings) gives a solid performance as the male lead but is sometimes underwhelming on a very busy stage.Catherine Martin’s costumes are yet another ‘win’ for the designer, referencing familiar elements from the film and successfully amplifying them for the stage.Strictly Ballroom: The Musical is an entertaining, lively night at the theatre that will delightfully overload the senses. (LL)Until Jul 6, Lyric Theatre, Pirrama Rd, Sydney, $55-145, strictlyballroomthemusical.com

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Ben should have been working at The World Trade Centre when it was attacked; instead he was visiting his mistress Abby (who’s also his boss). His presumed death offers a perfect alibi to start a new life with her. The ensuing action takes place on September 12, 2001.You can’t help but be impressed with the work Rebecca Martin and Patrick Magee have put into this play. Just learning the very wordy, conversational script is an achievement in itself; then there’s the energy required for what is

basically an almost non-stop argument between two acutely dissatisfied lovers: both give genuinely convincing, edgy performances.You can’t help but wonder what on earth brought these people together in the first place? And how long can they remain together before they destroy each other with rancour, recriminations and sheer bile?Better no relationship at all than a destructive one. (MMu)Until July 5, Old Fitzroy Theatre, 129 Dowling St, Woolloomooloo, $21-39, 1300 307 264, sitco.net.au

David Mamet’s controversial play Oleanna has been provoking heated reactions ever since its 1992 premiere. The ultimate ‘he-said, she-said’ tale of a female student, Carol, who accuses her university professor of sexual harassment still polarises people with its unflinching look into gender, sex, and power.Grace O’Connell, who plays Carol, relishes how divisive the play is. “Both of our characters, we’re both right and we’re both wrong at the same time. That just angers people because you don’t want to have to choose a side but you end up doing it.”With already such a contentious premise, this Sydney Theatre School rendition adds an extra layer of tension as Jerome Pride, who will play the professor, is O’Connell’s real-life acting teacher. It’s never been attempted before and for O’Connell it has created a “really interesting dynamic. It adds to the whole story. Because we do have that dynamic in real life, it’s created this fantastic physical tension on stage,” she says.O’Connell hopes this production will continue the tradition of

provoking fierce debate. “This play is really about the audience. It’s really meant to challenge what you know, your own social construct and the ideals that you hold.” (MT)Until Jul 6, Sydney Theatre School, 45 Chippen St, Chippendale, $20-25, sydneytheatreschool.com

olEANNAThE MERCy SEAT

The Theatre Division will produce the Sydney premiere of Ruthless! The Musical, a hit off-Broadway musical that won the New York Outer Critics Circle Award.Ruthless! is a witty, dark comedy with an all-female cast. It centres on the entertainment business and the women who would do anything to get ahead in the industry.“The director is female too. A nice powerhouse of women,” says Caitlin Berry, who plays the character Eve, based on Anne Baxter’s character in the 1950 film All About Eve.The musical promises to deliver bright, bold show tunes while parodying Broadway and classic Hollywood films

such as Gypsy, Mame, The Women and The Bad Seed.“It’s fantastic if you want to come for a laugh,” says Berry. “But it’s also a period piece, so if you’ve ever admired that period of classic Hollywood you’re going to love it.”Ruthless! features an all-star cast with Katrina Retallick, Meredith O’Reilly, Margi de Ferranti, Caitlin Berry, and the iconic Geraldine Turner. “It’s amazing to be in the same room as someone so revered,” says Berry on working with Turner. “Her voice is so big and brassy, and it really tells of that era of Broadway divas.” This show won’t disappoint fans of the golden Hollywood era and Broadway. (SM)Until Jul 5, Seymour Centre, City Rd & Cleveland St, Chippendale, $39.20-49+bf, seymourcentre.com

RuThlESS

If you don’t think you’re familiar with the work of gender-bending singer/songwriter Annie Lennox, think again. “Someone that thinks they haven’t been exposed will probably be surprised by how many songs they do know,” assures performer and pianist Michael Griffiths, who plays the titular role.And for the ‘80s elite who think they know all there is to know about Lennox and the Eurythmics? “There are hidden gems,” Griffiths explains. “It’s not just the obvious songs. We’ve also done quite a few mash-ups and the songs aren’t as you know them,” he says, assuring that even the most seasoned fans will be able to experience Annie Lennox as never before.

For Griffiths, the medium of cabaret is an ideal way to explore Lennox’s enigmatic persona. He notes, “There was a maturity and a mystery in the way she presented herself. The songs were

meaningful, about sadness and heartbreak and jealousy, just really strong material,” – songs which lend themselves beautifully to onstage exploration.“I love that cabaret can contextualise a pop song in a way that… turns [it] completely on its side… or sometimes, just letting the actual meaning of a song shine,” Griffiths muses. “All you are left with is lyrics and a piano [and] you realise [in] that song you’ve been singing along with your whole life, there’s a story there.” (SW)Until Jul 5, Hayes Theatre Co. 19 Greenknowe Ave, Potts Point, $35, (02) 8065 7337, hayestheatre.com.au

SwEET dREAMS: SoNgS By ANNIE lENNox

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It’s a well-worn adage that there’s nothing new under the sun and maybe that applies to the whiz-bang curved screen TVs that have been hitting Sydney shops of late. It is all part of the relentless march of technology designed to make last year’s product seem not only obsolete, but socially unfashionable if you are one of those consumers obsessed with keeping up.

It might have been a short-lived phenomenon but Sydney experienced the curved screen marvel way back in 1958 when the Plaza Theatre in the CBD was refurbished with what was then Australia’s largest indoor cinema screen – and a curved one to boot. Cinerama had arrived and crowds queued down George Street to encounter this unique wrap-around cinema technology.

Pioneered in the U.S. a few years earlier, Cinerama involved three 35mm projectors and a giant deeply curved screen made of hundreds of individual vertical strips. The three synchronised images created a kind of 180 degree, 3D illusion that totally enveloped the audience. The initial cinema release, This Is Cinerama, was a grab-bag sampler of the new technology designed to really wow the punters. The highlight was a bone-shaking roller-coaster ride which really gave the impression that you were part of the action, so much so that some queasy patrons even rushed from the theatre during the initial screenings (or was that just movie company hype?).

The system was not without its glitches with the three projected images sometimes drifting out of synch and occasionally losing one of

the images altogether – no doubt sending the theatre projectionist into a state of apoplexy in his attempts to re-synch the entire show. Nevertheless cinemagoers rushed to embrace the new sensation and the occasional breakdown did nothing to damper their enthusiasm.

Sadly only a few actual feature films were made in the Cinerama process, the most noteable being the 1962 production How The West Was Won starring James Stewart. Even then part of the movie was screened in the 70mm, single-strip process that later went on to supersede the costly three-strip technique. Unfortunately 70mm Cinerama did not match the ‘sensurround’ experience of the original Cinerama and roller-coaster rides were never quite the same.

And what of Sydney’s Plaza Theatre? Which for many years was the decorative jewel in the George Street cinema strip. The cinema went dark in 1977 and after a short-lived life as Maxy’s Roller City (a skating rink), it was dealt the ultimate insult becoming home to both Planet Hollywood and a Maccas occupying the old foyer. These days the somewhat crumbling façade looks like it could do with a good paint job, although apparently it does have a City Council heritage listing.

Perhaps today’s tech-savvy generation would find the old analogue Cinerama a bit ho-hum given the CGI-laden, 3D digital blockbusters they now soak up. Then again the current curved screen TVs are bound to get curvier, eventually matching the 146-degree arc of the original Cinerama. That said, you’ll be able to pick up a digitally remastered copy of This Is Cinerama and ride that death-defying rollercoaster right there in the privacy of your own living room!

SoN of CINERAMA

With The Curtain Breathed Deeply, artist Justene Williams has produced an aural and visual omelette that both entices and confronts.The installation begins with a stark white ute supporting a trio of screens simultaneously displaying images of chequered fingers, vaginas, and a distorted digital shaman who invites the visitor to continue their journey.A series of rooms hosts intriguing displays of visual decadence and aural discombobulation. In one, masked figures and plastic owls gaze upon a wading pool which doubles as a wishing well. In another, a natural landscape is playfully dismantled.This extensive collection of video art and sculptural experiment is a dissonant stroll through the paths of uncharted imagination. The vibrant colours and random noises suggest a rough passage through a storm-tossed sea, but the perturbed subjects are somehow comforted through the raging tempest.With this show Artspace continues a tradition of provocative exhibitions which elongate the boundaries of abstraction. (LR)Until Aug 10, Artspace, 43 Cowper Wharf Rd, Woolloomooloo, free, artspace.org.au

ThE CuRTAIN BREAThEd dEEply – JuSTENE wIllIAMS

‘The Curtain Breathed Deeply’, by Justene Williams

Fans of HBO’s Game of Thrones can rejoice. It’s likely that you’re filled with crushing ennui after the latest season finale. Mondays suck and Game of Thrones filled them with bloody and backstabbing entertainment that made the week much more bearable.To ease the blow, HBO and Google Play have announced that the Game of Thrones Exhibition is here in Sydney.The exhibition is to celebrate the release of season four on Google Play. It will be full of iconic items with the intricate craftsmanship fans associate with Game of Thrones – dragon eggs, costumes, weapons, crowns and jewellery. There’s also an interactive Oculus Rift that will let you experience The Wall at the northern frontier of the Seven Kingdoms.It promises to be full of the incredible detail that makes Game of Thrones so popular. Also it might potentially guilt visitors into buying the series that they probably pirated. (HC)Until Jul 5, Museum of Contemporary Art, 140 George St, The Rocks, free, mca.com.au

Kings Landing display

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TAlES of TEMpT - TANyA lINNEyAustralian former model, Tanya Linney is enticing Sydney with her provocative collection, Tales of Tempt. Using paint freely for the first time, her dynamic art is bound to challenge the viewer. Additionally, each work can be hung four ways to accentuate the importance of perception.“The basis of this project was that the paint is meant to represent our true spirit. The first layer is the painting, then there’s a subliminal second layer, which is essentially the masking of the character. Similar to life when we’re trying to find our true spirit, but we get distracted by what we need to wear and look like,” says Linney.“It’s about striking a nice balance between expression and getting the story across in a way that’s challenging, but not too confronting. A good balance between good and evil, and light and dark, those sorts of polar opposites.”Being a model, Linney has experienced the obsession of self-image and has seen the world through the eyes of a young girl who didn’t quite understand or connect with the fashion industry she was leading.“I don’t think I was ever very present. I was just watching. I’ve always been curious about people [and] subconsciously I always knew there would be an artistic avenue I could be able to use this experience for,” she says. (RBM)Until Jul10, China Heights Gallery 16-28 Foster St, Surry Hills, free, chinaheights.com

‘We Go Everywhere’, 2014, by Tanya Linney

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De’May – If We Don’t Leave noWRecorded on the shores of the Hawkesbury River, De’May’s debut album If We Don’t

Leave Now showcases Aussie talent we can be proud of.Using just six strings and simple, yet lush production, De’May crosses genres and holds her own against better-known singer-songwriters.Highlights include Like You Talked, which has a pop sensibility reminiscent of Sheryl Crow, and the title track, which would fit on a PJ Harvey release – although De’May’s own distinct style is present throughout.Move over Sia – a strong, new female Aussie artist has arrived with a fresh fusion of blues, country, indie and pop music. (LH)

Lana DeL Rey - ULtRavIoLenceIn 2012, Lana Del Rey made people sit up and take notice with Born To Die – the album’s murky,

cinematic sound and ‘damaged goods’ lyrical schtick capturing the zeitgeist.The new album Ultraviolence doesn’t deviate from that path – this record can be summed up as ‘more of the same’.There’s a certain appeal – beauty, even – to Del Rey’s fatalistic hymns of dysfunction and star-crossed lovers but ultimately it becomes a chore listening to song after song bearing the same lyrical clichés, the same plodding melodies, the same foggy production, sung in the same monotonal vocals. (PH)

Mind Over Matter: If you haven’t heard of Willow and Smiles by now then feel free to mentally kick yourselves. As stalwarts in Sydney’s homegrown hip-hop scene, they have wit and charisma. Their collaborations are legendary, including a boisterous Bliss N Eso alliance in Where The Wild Things Are, but their own tunes are even better. 2014 saw them add DJ Ntaprize to their ranks and release a March album This Way to Elsewhere.Thu, Jul 3rd, Oxford Art Factory, Darlinghurst.

Watoto Children’s Choir: This group of talented children produce the purest form of music that you will ever hear. The choir allows these orphaned children to see more of the world and gain a broader perspective than what their homeland of Africa could give them. The show is called Beautiful Africa: A New Generation, and will include dance routines, stunning visual effects and true stories to make up an incredibly moving performance.Fri, Jul 4th, Chapel by the Sea, Bondi Beach.

Bell X1: Debuting at number one on the Irish charts, Paul Noonan, Dominic Philips and David Geraghty have had one hell of a year. Forming from the ashes of another band, Juniper, these guys are onto their sixth studio album, Chop Chop, featuring smooth and intricately layered sounds that differ hugely from their previous works. They’re joined by Brisbane darlings The Phoncurves, who bring their signature brand of vocal melodies.

Sat, Jul 5th, Hi-Fi Sydney, Entertainment Quarter.Janis Siegel: Siegel has nine Grammys under her belt and a wealth of nominations, but her music is reason enough for a one in a million career. With over 10 solo albums as well as being an integral part of The Manhattan Transfer, this talented lady has sung some of the biggest hits the world has ever seen, such as Operator, Twilight Zone, Sassy, Spice of Life and more. Tonight she will be launching her next solo venture.Sun, Jul 6th, Camelot Lounge, Marrickville.

Plekto: While most prefer the classics, there is something celestial about new chamber arrangements played live. At the infamous white sails, Ensemble Offspring will bring their signature sensory performance with the anticipated premiere of Mexican creator Juan Felipe Waller, who now resides in Berlin. Also on the agenda are two mesmerising Australian debuts to give a further taste of the talent that resides on our shores.Tues, Jul 8th, Sydney Opera House.

Amy Rose: Hailing from Sydney and listing influences such as Imogen Heap and Gotye, Rose is rising steadily from our streets. She has been named as a finalist in the Vanda and Young Song Writing Competition and has since gone from strength to strength; featuring as a vocalist on a Ministry of Sound track as well as headlining shows up and down the east coast. Her unique blend of indie-pop with electronic sensibilities will no doubt cast a spell upon the crowd. (CD)Wed, Jul 9th, Venue505, Surry Hills.

lIvE wIRE SydNEy lIvE MuSIC guIdE

Hailing from Melbourne, there are very few Australian musicians with the longevity that Dave Graney boasts. He’s worked with his musical companion Claire Moore for over thirty years and it’s safe to say that they don’t let their post-punk influenced attitudes evaporate with maturity.“Other people our age don’t make music like us,” Graney says simply. “Usually older musicians are supposed to make sad music, and we don’t do that. Or they drink too much, and we don’t do that either. But that’s the way people expect older musicians to be – sad old drunks.”Graney has created over thirty different albums with a variety of groups and his latest offering, Fearful Wiggings, is “probably only the second one that is classed as a solo-record,” he says.Creating the album acoustically in between promotion for Moore’s latest outfit, The Dames, Graney is more than excited to stretch his legs and bring songs such as lead single, Everything was Legendary with Robert, to life.“We’re doing a bit of a different presentation on these dates. For the last five to 10 years I have loved doing upbeat, high-energy band shows in clubs but this year I wanted to do something different, with a different

kind of tempo and performance.“We’re playing a place called The Piping Hot Chicken Shop. I’m looking forward to that one as I’m hoping it will all be mad surfers.”Age and genre hold no barriers for Graney. Admitting being influenced by Sex Pistols, Suicide and The Fall to name but a few, it’s apparent from further conversation that the soundtrack to his travels around the nation will be quite unexpected.“I’m pretty cool, me,” Graney says with a slight chuckle. “[Claire and I] both love Tupac’s All Eyes On Me. We both think that is a real high point. I know the production of it is a bit dated, but he was such a great character. I also love all of Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter albums. I don’t like the experimental ones in between, but with Tha Carter it’s just amazing. I love his voice and I think he’s such an interesting character.“They always talk about how to do business, and it’s a way of talking about things that’s interesting, rather than just talking about love all the time,” says Graney. (CD)Jul 3, Camelot Lounge, 19 Marrickville Rd, Marrickville, $24.70, camelotlounge.wordpress.com

dAvE gRANEy

Father James (Brendan Gleeson) is a ‘good priest’, striving for decency on the margins of the world, on Ireland’s west coast. His parishioners present daily moral tests of his faith and he confronts their rage, grief and cynicism with humane compassion and wit.During a confession he’s threatened with murder – retribution for a sin he didn’t commit – and he must decide if he’ll face up to the penance.From writer-director John

Michael McDonagh, Calvary is part two of a trilogy whose previous instalment, The Guard, also featured Gleeson.This small, powerful tale, stunningly shot against the wild and craggy setting of the Atlantic, deftly handles dark themes with gallows humour.The presence of Irish comics Chris O’Dowd and Dylan Moran are nicely cast, but the film is an ode to Gleeson, whose expressive face governs the screen, embodying all that can be understood in the human condition. (RF) WWWW Tim’s Vermeer follows Texan

inventor Tim Jenison around the globe as he tries to figure out how 17th century artist Johannes Vermeer created such masterpieces as Girl With A Pearl Earring.Jenison thinks he has it figured out, and attempts to paint Music Lesson using optic lenses and mirrors.It’s a fascinating concept. Not only is it amazing to think that an artist of such canonical importance was ‘cheating’ by

using lenses, but remarkable that an inventor with no painting experience could hope to recreate Vermeer’s photo-realistic style.The audience is made to question the borders that exist between art and technology.However interesting these ideas are, the film does lose steam somewhat with the large portions literally devoted to watching paint dry. (HC) WW½

The fourth instalment in director Michael Bay’s Transformers franchise is much of what audiences expect from the action-packed, explosion-filled films.This time around Bay is trying something different by switching Shia Lebouf’s Sam Witwicky for Mark Wahlberg’s single father/inventor, Cade Yeager, and thankfully, it’s a massive improvement.Disappointingly, though, the character arcs are non-existent and the half-realised subplots are plentiful – which really shouldn’t be lamented in this style of film but for some reason it’s now more noticeable. Perhaps all those extra explosions blasted bigger holes in the story?Stanly Tucci and Kelsey

Grammer as the villains lend a chunk of credibility, but sadly, most of the female characters are either underutilised or irrelevant.An attempt at creating motivation for Yeager falls flat. His daughter, Tessa (Nicola Peltz), is simply eye-candy filling

a Megan Fox/Rosie Huntington-Whiteley shaped gap. It’s a source of comedy, rather than tension, as Yeager makes occasional quips about her skimpy clothing.The Transformers films are not meant to be cerebral-challengers and audiences will largely ignore the flaws to appreciate it for the easy, entertainment that it is. (LL)WWW½

Multi-award-winning actor and director, Clint Eastwood, turns his hand to the world of musicals by adapting stage success, Jersey Boys, for the big screen.It’s the true story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, from their spectacular rise to fame in the ‘60s with hit songs such as Big Girls Don’t Cry, and Sherry, to their eventual tempestuous disbanding.The list of recognisable hits is longer than you might think and sadly, for a musical, they don’t get enough screen time. Songs have been cut or shrunk to make way for lingering looks and close-ups, which sometimes slows the pace to almost inert.

Big events in the original story are skipped over in cursory fashion to better focus on the gritty biopic about four Italian boys from a tough New Jersey neighbourhood.Three out of the four main cast members were plucked from the award-winning stage show, and are so comfortable within these versions of their characters that translating them to the screen is boring. The standout (which should be John Lloyd Young’s Frankie Valli) is actually television actor Vincent Piazza’s Tommy DeVito. This changes the intended narrative entirely, when really, the music should be front and centre. (LL)WW½

Belle & Sebastian is a French family/drama set in the Snowy Alps during World War II. Sebastian (Fèlix Bossuet) is a 7-year-old who befriends Belle, a mountain dog villagers believe is “the beast” killing their sheep.Belle ultimately aids resistance fighters in guiding Jewish refugees over the Alps as German soldiers fast approach.Newcomer Bossuet delivers an energetic performance and audiences will feel the bond he shares with Belle as they partake in this

dangerous adventure.Beautifully filmed in breathtaking locations, this is more than just the story of a boy and his dog. Underlying themes include friendship, hope, good versus evil and the film also explores the desperate measures undertaken by civilians in time of war.Belle & Sebastian is heart-warming and targets family audiences, but the English subtitles will overwhelm younger viewers. (MM) WWW½

CAlvARy

JERSEy BoyS

BEllE & SEBASTIAN

TIM’S vERMEER

TRANSfoRMERS: AgE of ExTINCTIoN

22 JUMP STREET The inevitable sequel to 2012’s parody of the hit ‘80s television series has arrived. This time Jenko (Channing Tatum) and Schmidt (Jonah Hill) are going undercover in college to investigate the distribution of a new killer drug.There is no stretch of the imagination here and they don’t even try to hide it. It’s the same story, with the same characters and similar jokes. Herein lies the bulk of the punchlines.Stick around for the spoof sequels in the credits – arguably the best bit of the film. (LL) WWW

BLENDED The romantic comedy flick feels familiar because, not only is it another

reunion for Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler, but they aren’t the only Hollywood has-beens involved: this storyline has been washed up, thrown out and trampled on so many times it’s hard to keep count.The African scenery is, unfortunately, a highly westernised view of Africa, and while the super-imposed safari animals are almost convincing, the human acting is not. (AE) WW

THE TWO FACES OF JANUARY Fleeing a fraudulent past, Chester MacFarland (Viggo Mortenson) and his younger wife (Kirsten Dunst) meet a lesser scammer, Rydal Keener (Oscar Isaac), in ’60s Greece.Accomplished screenwriter

Hossein Amini should be given more chances to direct, but this debut is not all it could have been. Good performances from the leads are wasted in a production that lacks dynamics and tension. In particular, Mortenson’s performance hints at complexities of character that are never fully realised by the script. It is all a bit flat; Hitchcock would have done it better. (MMu) WW

GRACE OF MONACO French director Olivier Dahan has taken artistic licence to heart with Grace Of Monaco, played by a plastic Nicole Kidman. The film is set six years after Grace Kelly’s marriage to Prince Rainier III (Tim Roth).Although a potentially interesting

story, the screenplay by Arash Amel, coupled with Dahan’s direction, creates a film that is heavy-handed and needlessly glamourised. They suggest Monaco’s conflict with France is partly due to the controversy surrounding Kelly, which only serves to diminish her personal conflict. Kidman remains one-dimensional, relying heavily on close-ups of her tear-stained face. (ATS) WW

MALEFICENT Disney’s reimagining of the classic Sleeping Beauty is dark and beautiful with near-perfect styling. Angelina Jolie gives a powerful performance as the scorned

Maleficent. A well-written backstory and clever plot twists ensure that the character is enthralling and it bears repeating – Jolie is magnificent. She revels in the delicious malice of the character and reaches into the very depths of her soul to convey pain.There comes a point when Aurora must fall victim to her sleeping curse and this is unfortunately the only downside in an otherwise entertaining film. Suddenly scenes become esoteric and trippy, a style that doesn’t fit with the rest of the film. (LL) WWWW

EDGE OF TOMORROW Tom Cruise returns to the

screen in the latest epic action thriller which is a cross between Groundhog Day and Aliens.Set in the near future, aliens have invaded the Earth and Major Cage (Cruise) joins forces with Special Forces Vrataski (Emily Blunt) in a bid to eliminate these creatures. Major Cage acquires the ability to reset his day every time he dies. This grants him endless attempts at defeating the enemy.The concept of the constant story rewinding is potentially laborious, but is surprisingly well-executed with clever editing and humorous elements.It is fanciful and far-fetched but is indisputably an engaging and entertaining film. (MM) WWWW

26

by Rob bRezsny

aARIES (March 21-April 19): Would you like your savings

account to grow? Then deposit money into in it on a consistent basis. Would you like to feel good and have a lot of physical energy? eat healthy food, sleep as much as you need to, and exercise regularly. Do you want people to see the best in you and give you the benefit of the doubt? see the best in them and give them the benefit of the doubt. Would you love to accomplish your most important goal? Decide what you want more than anything else and focus on it with relaxed intensity. yes, Aries, life really is that simple -- or at least it is right now. If you want to attain interesting success, be a master of the obvious.

bTAURUS (April 20-May 20): Would you like your

savings account to grow? Then deposit money into in it on a consistent basis. Would you like to feel good and have a lot of physical energy? eat healthy food, sleep as much as you need to, and exercise regularly. Do you want people to see the best in you and give you the benefit of the doubt? see the best in them and give them the benefit of the doubt. Would you love to accomplish your most important goal? Decide what you want more than anything else and focus on it with relaxed intensity. yes, Aries, life really is that simple -- or at least it is right now. If you want to attain interesting

success, be a master of the obvious.

C GEMINI (May 21-June 20): The American painter

Ivan Albright (1897-1983) was a meticulous creator. He spent as much time as necessary to get every detail right. An entire day might go by as he worked to perfect one square inch of a painting, and some of his pieces took years to finish. When the task at hand demanded intricate precision, he used a brush composed of a single hair. That’s the kind of attention to minutia I recommend for you -- not forever, but for the next few weeks. be careful and conscientious as you build the foundation that will allow you maximum freedom of movement later this year.

d CANCER (June 21-July 22): The Venus de Milo is a

famous Greek statue that’s over 2,100 years old. bigger than life size, it depicts the goddess of love, beauty, and pleasure. Its current home is the Louvre Museum in Paris, but for hundreds of years it was lost -- buried underground on the Greek island of Milos. In 1820, a farmer found it while he was out digging on his land. I foresee a comparable discovery by you in the coming weeks, Cancerian. you will uncover a source of beauty, love, or pleasure -- or perhaps all three -- that has been missing or forgotten for a long time.

e LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): According to an ancient

Greek myth, sisyphus keeps pushing a boulder up a steep hill only to lose control of it just before he reaches the top, watching in dismay as it tumbles to the bottom. After each failure, he lumbers back down to where he started and makes another effort to roll it up again -- only to fail again. The myth says he continues his futile attempts for all eternity. I’m happy to report, Leo, that there is an important difference between your story and that of sisyphus. Whereas you have tried and tried and tried again to complete a certain uphill task, you will not be forever frustrated. In fact, I believe a breakthrough will come soon, and success will finally be yours. Will it be due to your gutsy determination or your neurotic compulsion or both? It doesn’t matter.

f VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Many of America’s founding

fathers believed slavery was immoral, but they owned slaves themselves and ordained the institution of slavery in the U.s. Constitution. They didn’t invent hypocrisy, of course, but theirs was an especially tragic version. In comparison, the hypocrisy that you express is mild. nevertheless, working to minimize it is a worthy task. And here’s the good news: you are now in a position to become the zodiac’s leader in minimizing your hypocrisy. of all the signs, you can come closest to walking

your talk and practicing what you preach. so do it! Aim to be a master of translating your ideals into practical action.

g LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): In the last two decades,

seven Academy Award winners have given thanks to God while accepting their oscars. by contrast, 30 winners have expressed their gratitude to film studio executive Harvey Weinstein. Who would you acknowledge as essential to your success, Libra? What generous souls, loving animals, departed helpers, and spiritual beings have contributed to your ability to thrive? now is an excellent time to make a big deal out of expressing your appreciation. For mysterious reasons, doing so will enhance your luck and increase your chances for future success.

h SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): you have permission to

compose an all-purpose excuse note for yourself. If you’d like, you may also forge my signature on it so you can tell everyone that your astrologer sanctified it. This document will be ironclad and inviolable. It will serve as a poetic license that abolishes your guilt and remorse. It will authorize you to slough off senseless duties, evade deadening requirements, escape small-minded influences, and expunge numbing habits. even better, your extra-strength excuse note will free you to seek out adventures you have been denying yourself for no good reason.

i SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): In the Inuktitut language

spoken in northern Canada, the term iminnger naveers aartunn gortussa avunga means “I should try not to become an alcoholic.” I encourage you to have fun saying that a lot in the coming days. Why? now is an excellent time to be playful and light-hearted as you wage war against any addictive tendencies you might have. Whether it’s booze or gambling or abusive relationships or anything else that tempts you to act like an obsessive self-saboteur, you have more power than usual to break its hold on you -- especially if you don’t take yourself too seriously.

j CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Percival Lowell (1855-1916)

was an influential astronomer who launched the exploration that led to the discovery of Pluto. He also made some big mistakes. Here’s one: Gazing at Venus through his telescope, he swore he saw spokes emanating from a central hub on the planet’s surface. but we now know that Venus is shrouded with such thick cloud cover that no surface features are visible. so what did Lowell see? Due to an anomaly in his apparatus, the telescope projected shadows from inside his eyes onto the image of Venus. The “spokes” were actually the blood vessels in his retinas. Let this example serve as a cautionary tale for you in the coming weeks, Capricorn. Don’t confuse what’s

within you with what’s outside you. If you can clearly discern the difference, your closest relationships will experience healing breakthroughs.

k AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): “I believe in getting into

hot water; it keeps you clean.” so said british writer G. K. Chesterton. now I’m passing his advice on to you just in time for the Purge and Purify Phase of your astrological cycle. In the coming weeks, you will generate good fortune for yourself whenever you wash your own brain and absolve your own heart and flush the shame out of your healthy sexual feelings. As you proceed with this work, it may expedite matters if you make a conscious choice to undergo a trial by fire.

l PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): “I awake in a land where

the lovers have seized power,” writes Danish poet Morten sondergaard in his fanciful poem “The Lovers.” “They have introduced laws decreeing that orgasms need never come to an end. Roses function as currency. . . The words ‘you’ and ‘I’ are now synonymous.” A world like the one he describes is a fantasy, of course. It’s impossible. but I predict that in the coming weeks you could create conditions that have resemblances to that utopia. so be audacious in your quest for amorous bliss and convivial romance. Dare to put love at the top of your priority list. And be inventive!

F R E E W i L L a S t R o L o G y

Bonarche BurgersBonarche Burgers have a knack for building burgers. Although, what else could you expect of a butcher-chef combo? The duo create massive and not-so-massive-but-definitely-not-small burgers, serve them on wooden platters and sit back while your taste buds do the rest. There are so many burgers: the All American Cheeseburger, and the Hangover Hunger (aka reason to crawl out of bed on Sunday morning), served with Disco Chips (aka reason to party on Sunday night so you can get another Hangover Hunger burger on Monday), plus a selection of beers waiting to do what they were brewed to do: wash down beef.14 Norton St, Leichhardt, www.bonarche.com

Café on JohnstonCafé on Johnston is a sweet café in an even sweeter building, literally – in the 1900s this terrace was a lolly factory. The café is cosy and intimate inside, with an outdoor area for those like to dine al fresco. On the menu are a range of modern and Middle Eastern fusion meals and sweets made from traditional family recipes. The staff takes pride in the community-vibe of the café, and have spent a long time developing their own house-blend of coffee that is strong with none of the dreaded bitterness you get from standard blends. Open 6:30am to 4pm seven days, this café is fast becoming a local favourite. 63 Johnston St, Annandale 2038,(02) 9660 5103

BartinoBartino is a Portuguese establishment that knows how to have fun with food. The family-run restaurant serves delectable tapas morsels alongside dishes like paella, seafood stew, skewered meats, and traditional Portugese meals like peito de galinha (baked chicken breast fillet stuffed with prosciutto cheese). An extensive drinks list, surprisingly heavy on Australian wines rather than European drops, also includes sangria that is every bit as potent and fruity as you want it to be. Diners can bask in the sundrenched courtyard, or dine in the cosy upstairs area, and when a special occasion calls for it, they can book out the function room for a catered affair. 9 Union St, Pyrmont 2009, (02) 9518 8000, www.bartino.com.au

There’s no doubt about it, Sydney is truly one of the culinary capitals of the world. Dining out in the harbour city is an eye (and mouth!) opening experience, when you’re spoilt for choice between fancy restaurants that tantalise the senses or chic cafés dishing up hearty comfort meals for just a few bucks. Where else can you have your pick of a variety of world-class cuisine on any given night? Not many cities can claim to have the eclectically diverse food that Sydney boasts. No air travel is needed to grab truly authentic dishes whether it be

Italian, Thai, Chinese or Mexican (the list could go on…)With so many options out there and only so much time (and money!) to eat, we need your help to whittle down the list and find Sydney’s best dining experience. As food lovers, we have entrusted the decision in your capable hands to vote for your favourite place either using the ballot here or going online. After serving you plate after plate of delectable food, they deserve to know what you think of them! Bon Appétit!

Ampersand Café and BookstoreNamed after the little squiggle that combines two words, Ampersand Café and Bookstore combines two of the best nouns: Books and Coffee.The bookstore sits humbly amongst bustling Oxford Street and lies in wait, tempting passersby with the smell of paperbacks and freshly roasted coffee beans. On entry, visitors satiate their hunger with an extensive menu that includes eggs Benedict with chai tea for breakfast; or a gourmet sandwich, salad or pasta for lunch. Bookworms and coffee aficionados can bask in the sun outdoors or bask in the warm

atmosphere inside, and everyone should also know that the café is fully licensed and can cater for events and special occasions. Once the growling in their stomach has subsided, visitors can focus on the hunger in their brains. There are over 30,000 titles to peruse, all arranged neatly with colourful covers that are in stark contrast to the wooden shelves. A combination of new and second-hand books means there is surely something for everyone, and if you find that time has escaped you, there are always more meals, more drinks, and inviting eclectic chairs to curl up on.78 Oxford Street, Paddington,(02) 9380 6617, www.cafebookstore.com.au

Who’s better, who’s best?Help us choose Sydney’s best restaurant

Compiled by:

Alexandra English & Melody The

Cafe Morso Everybody knows breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It’s even more so at the aptly named Cafe Morso, where they’re continually plating up breakfast classics with a gourmet twist. With bacon & egg gnocchi and smoked pork and gruyere risotto with poached eggs on the menu, it’s no wonder owner Andy Webb finds the place booked out on weekends. But surprisingly, it’s the simplest of dishes that’s the most instagrammed, the truffle scrambled eggs with sautéed wild mushrooms. Enjoy with a cheeky cocktail (it’s brunch, after all) while you bask in the tranquil waterside location. Café Morso delivers a decadent experience without the hefty price tag. Lower Deck (west side), Jones Bay Wharf, 26-32 Pirrama Road, Pyrmont, (02) 9692 0111 www.cafemorso.com.au

Essen restaurant & beer caféWith beer steins clinking left

and right, and a monstrous pork knuckle on the way, it’s easy to relax into the convivial hum of this comfort food paradise, popular with local university students and CBD workers alike. Make sure someone orders schnitzel – the accompanying potato rosti is as addictive as crack. House-made organic cider and soft, golden lumps of deep fried Camembert are an excellent beginning! 133-135 Broadway Ultimo, 02 92113805, www.essenrestaurant.com.au

Caffe RomaThere comes a point in life when you get hungry, and it is at precisely this point that celebrities, politicians, artists, poets, and students who also get hungry, head to Caffe Roma because Italian food can satisfy a grumbling stomach. Problem solved.Pull up a seat with family or friends and take in the general atmosphere of the place: it’s intimate, vibrant and seriously buzzing. The landmark restaurant has been filling bellies in Potts Point for 25 years and prides itself on being one of the city’s original Italian restaurants with authentic homemade cuisine, wine and lively conversation. They have an appropriately Italian wine and beer

selection, and a mouth-watering menu that includes antipasti, salads, pasta, seafood, and of course, pizza. It’s open late too, which is refreshing in a town where it’s usually just bain-marie pizza or a kebab after midnight. There is a simple and romantic feeling here: families with children drawing on the table cloths with hyper-coloured crayons, students and intellectuals doing some philosophical pondering in the corner over a glass of red, and staff who welcome each customer into the Caffe Roma family so much so that you feel like popping in for a chat even if you’re not hungry.9 Kellett Street, Potts Point,(02) 9358 3578, www.cafferoma.com.au

Cipri Italian Owned and run by three Italian brothers, Joe, Anthony and Carmelo, Cipri Italian is truly a family restaurant. While Joe and Anthony take care of front of house, expertly guiding patrons through their food journey, Carmelo is in the kitchen creating modern Italian masterpieces that combine the flavours of new and old Italy. The menu is filled with delicious dishes bursting with fresh flavours such as a layered eggplant with buffalo mozzarella entrée, homemade pappardelle pasta with a rich duck ragu and a 12-hour slow roasted lamb shoulder. Like in any Italian home, serving sizes are more than generous, ensuring a hearty meal whatever is chosen. A balanced but

diverse wine list complements the food and one of the Cipri brothers is usually at hand to recommend a bottle.The Cipri family are intent on creating and delivering wonderful food experiences from the moment you walk through the door. With personalised service, an elegant but warm interior tinged with family love (sepia photos from the Cipri family album lines the walls and the menus) and quality Italian food, it’s no wonder Cipri Italian has been recognised by ‘Ospitalita Italiana’, an Italian Chamber of Commerce organisation that certifies authentic Italian restaurants around the world.10 Elizabeth Street, Paddington (02) 9331 3333 www.cipriitalian.com.au

El CubanoEl Cubano Restaurant and Bar is an exotic beast. Situated in historical Potts Point, on any given occasion you are likely to encounter a menagerie of diners and dancers spread across two levels of the building in an explosion of good music, good food and good vibes. Upstairs, diners devour main meals like pollo relleno can pure de boniato (chicken stuffed with cheese and jamón serrano, topped with mustard seed sauce), and pato a la barbacoa de hinojo (slow-cooked duck with fennel seeds wrapped in banana leaf, served with pilaf rice and tamarind sauce). And for dessert, flan de caramelo (flan caramel with spun sugar

and cinnamon ice cream) or queso crema y guayaba (cream cheese and cascos of guava with guava ice cream) with a Cuban cocktail.After the feast, move downstairs to get your swing on. Latin music plays as diner-come-dancers shimmy and shake their hips to the styles of Cuban salsa, Samba, Kizomba and Bachata. Tapas plates are available downstairs to curb fresh appetites and keep the dancing momentum high. Stepping into El Cubano is like stepping out of Kings Cross and right into the heart of Cuba with a Cuban chef as your tour guide.13-15 Kellet Way, Potts Point 2011, (02) 8065 1625, www.elcubano.com.au

Golden CenturyWith bustling crowds and frantic waiters, a trip to Golden Century will make you feel like you’re actually in culinary mecca Hong Kong. And with over 25 years of experience serving plate after plate of Cantonese cuisine, you know the food is guaranteed to taste like it’s straight from the mother country. Just ask the packed room full of locals and tourists wolfing down some of Golden Century’s renowned seafood dishes. It will certainly be fresh, as there’s an entire wall devoted to giant fish tanks with giant seafood in them (kind of like Sydney Aquarium, but delicious.) Whether it’s the legendary

pipis in XO sauce or the ever-favourite salt and pepper squid, it always hits the spot. But the pièce de résistance is, of course, the king crabs, cooked in every way imaginable. The longstanding appeal of Golden Century is the simple fact it is always buzzing, always delicious, and always open. Well, until the decent hour of 4am, ready to satisfy any late night cravings. With such a reputation, there’s usually a line to get into this institution of Cantonese cuisine, but like always, it’s worth the wait.393-399 Sussex Street, Haymarket, (02) 9212 3901, www.goldencentury.com.au

La Boheme Restaurant and CaféRecently La Boheme Restaurant and Café packed up shop in Balmain and headed to Glebe, a locale more suited to their name, with its artsy vibe and buzzing student population. The restaurant was kicked off in 2007 by two Czech couples who are passionate about giving the people what they want: a giant serving of Europe on a plate, accompanied by a dollop of liquid Europe in a glass. The dishes are made in traditional styles and follow recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation, made with fine imported ingredients and fresh local produce.

The quartet of owners have a hands-on policy when it comes to running the restaurant after having worked in Austria, Germany, and the Czech Republic before relocating to Australia. They alternate running the business, working on the floor, and helping out in the kitchen for a dining experience that is warm, friendly, and personal.For those new to European cuisine, or those wanting to try something a little different, the front of house team are ready and willing to help you order your meal so you can leave Sydney behind and pretend you’re sitting by Lake Königssee for couple of hours, at least.199 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe 2037, (02) 9660 5639, www.laboheme.com.au

Indian Palace RestaurantFor 30 years, Indian Palace Restaurant has been the place to try some of the tastiest and most authentic Indian cuisine in Sydney where speciality chefs cook, steam and sauté fresh ingredients to turn them into enticing and exotic meals. The menu is extensive in that I-can’t-decide-so-I’ll-see-what-comes-out-when-I-order kind of way, with zero chance of food

regret afterwards. Diners choose from a selection of beef, chicken and vegetarian dishes like beef vindaloo and bhindi bhaji, one of the most popular dishes in India. Afterwards, those with a sweet tooth can drool over a dessert menu is full of traditional Indian sweets.235 Darling St, Balmain 2041, (02) 9818 3272, www.indianpalacerestaurant.com.au

JonkarooJonkanoo is a Caribbean street carnival where people dress in elaborate costumes and dance in the streets to the beat of goatskin drums and cowbells. There are variations of the celebration across the region: from the Bahamas and Jamaica to Belize and Venezuela, all of which are as loud, passionate, colourful and entertaining as one another. So, considering its namesake, Jonkanoo the restaurant is appropriately festive.The restaurant décor takes its cues from Native American, West African, European and East Indian roots, resulting in a regular cornucopia of spices, colours, flavours and fragrances. When you walk into Jonkankoo, you’d be forgiven for

thinking that someone has managed to put the essence of the Caribbean in a bottle, then shaken it up and watched it spray across the room. The people, the music, and most of all, the food and beverages, all work to create an authentic West Indian experience in the heart of Surry Hills.Diners sample the ever-changing menu that includes Trinidadian street food, soused mackerel from the Bahamas and Haitian griot pork. Those with a larger appetite can try the like the Caribbean classic curry goat, the escovitch fish or the grilled king prawns with black pepper, lime and a decent dose of rum.583 Crown Street, Surry Hills 2010, (02) 9699 0019, www.jonkanoo.com.au

Spice I AmOwning a Thai restaurant must be the best thing ever. Not only is it good for your karmic cycle, but also the potential for a pun-related name is higher than with any other cuisine. (Thai-rannosaurus, Thai-tanic, Thai-no-mite, case-in-point.) But there is much more to Thai food than jazzy names and good vibes; just ask Sujet Saenkham and Padet Nagsalab, the duo behind the Spice I Am restaurants in Darlinghurst, Surry Hills and Balmain.Diners are in good hands with Sujet and Padet. Sujet has been a food connoisseur since he was four years old, and is now a leader in authentic Thai cuisine in Sydney.

Even dignitaries and international Heads of State drop by to taste his latest fare when they get a chance.The pair takes traditional Thai cuisine, throws in a suave cocktail bar, adds some young faces and drops the prices for a dining experience that is not only delicious, but also ambient and buzzing. The meals are made with simple and fresh ingredients so every bite can be a glorious one, and Spice I Am also offer a take-away and home delivery service for those who think Thai food tastes best on the couch.296-300 Victoria St, Darlinghurst 2010, (02) 9332 2445, www.spiceiam.com

Vesta caffé & ristorante Vesta caffé & ristorante are the

new kids on the Darling Quarter block, but they’ve already made a big impact, not least because of their visually spectacular all wood décor. Named after the goddess of hearth and home, Vesta are living up to their namesake with a warm and inviting atmosphere that encourages sharing dishes and laughter, staff who take care of you like you’re part of the family and food that is cooked with love, just like home. The food is modern Italian, combining the authentic flair found in grandma’s kitchen with an Aussie twist. It’s a decision that has attracted criticism from purists but Vesta isn’t afraid to try something new, creating unconventional but winning dishes like their popular pork belly pizza, with applesauce and sweet and sour onion tying it all together. If you’re after something a bit more traditional, their gnocchi with lamb shoulder ragu would make any Italian mama proud. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Vesta is a one-stop destination for all your dining needs, whether it’s cocktails and appetisers for a romantic date, a whole family outing for some hearty pizza or a business meeting over award-winning coffee.15/1-25 Harbour St, Darling Quarter, Sydney, (02) 9267 9644www.vestaitalian.com.au

Revolver Café This gem of a café isn’t located in the trendy districts of Surry Hills and its surrounds, but in suburban Annandale. The secret is out though as people from all over Sydney flock to Revolver (where there is conveniently plenty of street parking) for their restaurant quality food at café prices. Revolver offer a host of gourmet dishes such as a nine-hour slow roasted lamb bruschetta, a house smoked trout rosti and the ever-favourite brunch delight of big breakfast baked eggs. With an eclectic ambience of modern steel tables comfortably coexisting with ornate Victorian era furniture, Revolver café has become the go-to place for a guaranteed cosy time over delicious food. 291 Annandale St, Annandale 2038(02) 9555 4727 www.revolver.com.au BEST RESTAURANT BALLOT

For more info visit:www.bestofsydney.info

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By Carmen CitaSouth-west Sydney is

turning Japanese for the school holidays. To celebrate the Japanese Star Festival, the Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre (CPAC) has been transformed into an ethereal interactive Tanabata galaxy, where children can make bamboo sculptures and learn the art of origami.

As part of the Way Out West (WOW) Festival For Children, Japanese artist Chaco Kato fills the CPAC Turbine Hall with a large-scale art installation, where visitors can escape into the realms of Japanese folklore.

The project, entitled Tanabata: Wish Upon a Star, explores the Japanese legend of Tanabata; the story of two star crossed lovers - Orihime, the cloud-weaving deity and Hikoboshi, the mortal cow-herder - who become separated by the Milky Way and can only meet once a year, on July 7. Tanabata is a wistful tale of friendship, longing and responsibility.

Project Producer Kathryn Hunyor explains the broad appeal of the folk tale: “Although Tanabata is a Japanese tradition, all children, regardless of cultural background, can relate to the story of Orihime and

Hikoboshi. It carries several universal messages – building friendships, missing absent loved ones, the feeling of anticipation, accepting responsibilities, caring for the environment, fascination with the stars, and the mystery of nature. We can all appreciate and learn from these messages.”

Whereas Tanabata traditionally depicts Orihime as a long-suffering, put-upon and somewhat credulous heroine, Hunyor’s adaptation of Tanabata celebrates the cloud-weaver’s adept artistry and deep respect for nature. Hunyor says, “As mother of three girls, I wanted to give the story of Tanabata a stronger, more contemporary female role model.”

The Turbine Hall is a massive, three-storey industrial space. Site-specific artist, Kato, transforms the cavernous space into an enchanting wonderland where woollen yarn is threaded between bamboo stalks, like wispy clouds or threads on a weaver’s loom. Beneath the lofty tapestry-like canopy, visitors are immersed in a multi-layered galaxy of star and diamond-shaped 3D bamboo sculptures, crafted by the artist in collaboration with local students and volunteers.

Casula may seem like an odd location for Tanabata celebrations; but the observation of Eastern traditions in Sydney’s south-west is not arbitrary. Nearby Liverpool is, in fact, the Sister City of Toda (a city near Tokyo). The inclusion of Tanabata in the WOW Festival pays tribute to that relationship, giving the local

community an opportunity to better understand Japanese culture and history.

The theme for this year’s WOW Festival is cultural storytelling. After live Tanabata storytelling sessions, visitors can learn the Japanese paper arts of origami and kirigami, write aspirational wishing cards (or Tanzaku), make bamboo sculptures and, together with

Kato, populate the sprawling Tanabata galaxy with their creative work.

Families can also enjoy free screenings of Japanese Anime films Ponyo and My Neighbour Totoro. (CC)Jul 9-12, Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre, 1 Powerhouse Rd, Casula, free (bookings essential), wayoutwestfestival.com.au

Tales from the Far East go Way Out West

18

‘Alien Attack’ with The Listies Live

Looking for something different these school holidays? We have the best alternative picks to keep the kids entertained:

HalfworldHalfworld is a whimsical holiday diversion that will amuse and inspire children and kidults alike. Presented by matriark art theatre, this magical show is a portal to the enchanted world that normally only children can access. Halfworld is an immersive experience, featuring puppetry, masks and a huge blanket fort. Families can cosy up in the provided snuggle blankets and learn universal lessons in love, happiness and loss.Until Jul 12, 107 Projects, 107 Redfern St, Redfern, $15-60 (family pass), matriarktheatre.com

Didgeridoo Dance and Stencil Art Activitiesto celebrate NAIDOC Week, there will be a touch of dreamtime in the air at the art Gallery of nSW. Kids can learn how to design stencil art in art-making workshops, drawing inspiration from the bold, colourful and contemporary work of Kamilaroi artist reko rennie. in the Gallery entrance Court, aboriginal performers matthew Doyle and adam Hill share songs, stories, dance and music in daily didgeridoo dance performances.Jul 7-11, The Art Gallery of NSW, Art Gallery Rd, The Domain, free, artgallery.nsw.gov.au

Game Masters: The ExhibitionFeaturing over 100 playable games, this interactive exhibition showcases some of the most influential arcade, console, PC and mobile games. the exhibition charts the evolution of games, from seminal arcade favourite, Donkey Kong, to the contemporary game changers, like Super Mario Bros and World of Warcraft.Until Jul 13, The Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris Street, Ultimo, $15-59 (family pass), powerhousemuseum.com

LeoWow the kids with this fantastic adventure in gravity-defying, wall-scaling, physical theatre. this award-winning production will stretch the imagination and twist perception with mind-bending staging. Leo promises to leave audiences wondering which way is up.Until Jul 13, Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney, $24-49, sydneyoperahouse.com

DARLO, KINGS X & SURRY HILLS

The Clock Hotelinspired by Spain’s tonicas, dedicated gin and tonic bars, mixologist Jeremy Shipley has scoured the globe for fourteen local and international gins. i started with the Botanist ($13) – a serious Scottish gin with new Zealand’s Quina-Fina (low sugar) tonic and mint. after dabbling in Spain with Gin mare ($12), i found my sweet spot with Hayman’s Old tom ($10). You’ll also find gin cocktails like Hotel Georgia ($16), clever snacks like mini Cuban Sliders ($8) with new york pastrami and beet relish, plus some of the best thin-crust pizzas i’ve seen in a pub. my hit pizzas are the vegetarian

mushrooms, Pumpkin, Zucchini, treviso ($18) and the Pork and Fennel Sausage with artichoke and mint ($18). 470 Crown Street, Surry Hills(02) 9331 5333 clockhotel.com.auPub Bistro, Pizza $$Café Paciit’s coming to crunch time at Sydney’s favourite pop-up. the Seasonal Set menu ($85/head) offers a rye taco nod to the mexican predecessor, delivered with a Finnish grin. if money isn’t an object, throw yourself at the mercy of the savvy floor crew for great matches, from Hell yes ($18) with coffee, rum, Frangelico and elderflower, to the 2012 Sineann ‘Celilo’ Gewürztraminer ($83/bottle). expect global food puns ranging from clever wagyu ‘Photato’ to ‘that’s amore’, which

looks like bolognaise but tastes like pizza. arguably the best dishes come where Chef Pasi Petanen draws upon his heritage, from molasses-glazed Finnish potato and caraway bread, to turning onions into a sweet’n’salty oral adventure with mullet roe, hazelnuts and dill. 95 riley Street, Darlinghurst (02) 9368 7000 cafepaci.com.auModern European $$$$Sugarcane Restaurantin hip reservoir Street, it pays to stay relevant, so Sugarcane restaurant has morphed into a South east asian hawker canteen. the welcoming interior features stripped-back walls, Thai street-style graffiti and colourful hanging silk handbags. While the updated menu reflects Sydney’s obsession with smaller, sharing

portions, favourites like Crispy Chicken, Blood Plum ($17) remain. Bite-sized Prawn, rice Cake, Caramelised Sugarcane ($4/each) suit cocktails like Jasmine-tea infused Gin, Lime and Sugar ($17). they’ve also got a cracking little wine list. Jamsheed ‘Le Blanc Plonk’ 2013 ($9/glass) was equally at home with flaky Malay Roti ($10), as it was with Pork and Prawn Dumplings ($16), stretching to accommodate Green Papaya Salad ($19) with chef’s unique salmon update.40a reservoir Street, Surry Hills (02) 9281 1788sugarcanerestaurant.com.auPan Asian $-$$

INNER WEST

The Workersthis’ll bring a tear to the eye to Labor Party faithful who remember the glory days of Whitlam, Hawke and Wran.

they’re the dudes on the roof – the question Bar manager Jeremy Baldi gets “asked the most”. mosey across the astroturf, Woodlands margaret river Chardonnay ($43/bottle) in hand, to gaze at photographic memorabilia. tuck into Chihuahuas ($5.50/each) – mini mexican hot dogs with grilled franks, jalapenos and cheese – searching for the birth of land rights: Gough pouring sand into Vincent Lingiari’s hands. Dude food like más Verduras ($5.50/each) – fried zucchini tacos - and Quesadillas de espinica ($13) – grilled spinach and ricotta tortillas - with a Blood and Sand ($16) Whisky cocktail help Wednesday night comedians go down. 1/292 Darling Street, Balmain 9318 1547 theworkersbalmain.com.auBar Food, Wine, Cocktails $JamVybz Restaurant & Café Despite Jerk Chicken ($17.99) creeping onto bar menus, there isn’t

much authentic Jamaican in Sydney. This brightly coloured Glebe flagship cooks it over wood-fire, coated with tasty jerk marinade producing bona fide falling-off-the-bone goodness. initiate yourself with the Chef’s Sample Platter ($18.99) bearing codfish fritters, jerk chicken wings and jerk prawn kebabs. With homemade ‘slaw and pineapple to sweeten the deal, it appeals to both seasoned and unseasoned Caribbean eaters. “reggae dancehall favourite” Curried Goat ($19) is deliciously tender, while Coconut Curried Shrimp ($22) is mild and easy to eat. Sweet Potato Pudding ($8.50) is warm and deliciously sweet, leaving you feeling the good vibes - driven home by the Bob marley posters and tunes.72 Glebe Point road, Glebe (02) 9571 1158 jamvybzrestaurant.com.auJamaican $-$$

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

EAT & DRINK By Jackie McMillan

thursday night: all’s quiet on street level, but downstairs the tables are full or reserved with cute branded LP records. there’s no such thing as a school night anymore. the Prohibition era vibe comes through strongly with white shirted, apron-clad barmen at your beck and call. after trying

soda syphons last time, i wanted to stay adult with my cocktail selections. a black pepper kick makes the mexican Standoff ($19) nice and spicy; while Bulleit Bourbon makes roy Orbison ($18) smooth and mellow, a bit like its namesake. the menu has expanded from hotdogs to Harlem heart attacks – though Fried Chicken and Waffles ($16) with pots of clarified butter and maple syrup, is the best version of this dish I’ve tried, so you’ll die happy. You’ll find the Pulled Pork Burger ($15) is not too wet, and not too dry; texan BBQ Pork ribs ($14) are equally delightful; and Cheeseburger Spring rolls ($9) give you some finger food fun with tomato and mustard on the side. this sort of food really calls for beer, and when you’re drinking beer here, the on-tap monteiths american Pale ale ($9) wins on freshness with lovely toffee characteristics. Bottled Blue moon ($9) is less interesting, however the lemon it’s served with cuts against the excesses – and there are excesses.16 Wentworth avenue, Surry Hills (02) sodafactory.com.auAmerican, Cocktails $

The Soda Factory Comforting and homey – two words i don’t usually associate with the dining offerings in Surry Hills, much less on hip reservoir Street, the domain of edgy graphic designers and hipster coffee hangs. yet this is exactly what Chef Brendan Cato achieves when he takes over Bangbang Café with a healthy Saturday night pop-up called the Farmed table. Brendan is a keen forager – he was off to a forest

to find mushrooms the very next day – and this particular menu was inspired by his visit to the Hawkesbury and Hunter region. With two shared dishes, and three individual dishes, the menu ($55/head) is particularly good value, even if you throw in (bottomless) biodynamic Wine ($80/head). tip-top vegetables shine brightest in charred broccoli shoots, a far cry from the woody stems you see elsewhere. they’re topped with cured mullet roe and brightened up by meyer lemon. it’d be impossible to travel to the Hawkesbury in search of dining inspiration, without being swayed by beautiful Hawkesbury calamari. Cato cooks it gently in its own ink, presenting it with river prawns and chickweed (another foraged treasure). the Hunter’s redgate Farm provides the duck, which is served with crisp cavolo nero leaves and roasted beets, before a dessert of rhubarb with lavender cream that takes me straight back to Grandma’s house.Bangbang Cafe, 113 reservoir Street, Surry Hills (02) 9281 0018 facebook.com/thefarmedtableModern Australian $$

The Farmed Table

EAT & DRINK By Jackie McMillan

ROCKS & CBD

China RepublicFor me, this restaurant won the battle of Sydney’s Chinese behemoths. the theatre of the duck is the biggest drawcard: Peking Duck ($88/whole) comes with an instruction manual and a tray of Condiments ($2/head). emerging from the theatrically dark set of this multi-million dollar space, your white-jacketed chef lights, flames then slices your duck, making a hundred small incisions before you dip, wrap and consume it in fluffy steamed pockets. the 2011 Heemskerk Derwent Valley Pinot noir ($105/bottle) kicks it up a whole ‘nother level. Consume it with Beijing-style cold dishes, from crumbly tofu with Spring Onions and Fish roe ($12) to Spicy and Sour Cucumber ($9). Save space for the Labyrinth-

inspired Dessert Platter ($21.50/4 people) too. World Square Shopping Centre, 680 George Street, Sydney (02) 8081 0888 chinarepublicrestaurant.com.auChinese $$$$Umi Kaiten-Zushimeters from Capitol Square Light rail Station Umi Kaiten-Zushi offers a well-stocked train of freshly prepared sushi. Spicy tuna ($4.50) and Seared Scallop ($5.50) were highlights, and if they’re not rotating ‘round the fish tank, the chef will whip them up straight away. Happy Hour(s) kick in from 3-7pm with five-dollar drinks, including sake. Dewazakura Junmai ($7/60ml) is a pleasant drop. While it’s hard to stay away from the fishes - 5-Kinds assorted Sashimi ($18) and Chef’s Choice nigiri Selection ($15-20) - for many, winter hotpots like the gentle

miso Soy milk Seafood Foil nabe ($16.80) are the order of the day. Combine it with warming fare from Grilled Cheese mayo Scallops ($12/3) to sizzling teriyaki Salmon ($15).Shop 1, 477 Pitt Street, Sydney (02) 9281 2006 umisushi.com.auJapanese $-$$Greenheart Espressoandrea Vagge and Fiona Bloomer (ex-La Locanda) have set up shop on Kent Street, citing kids and needing “a monday to Friday lifestyle” as the reason for their shift. andrea’s made the shift from cooking italian cuisine to designing bespoke salads. His belief in premium ingredients holds across the ever-changing selection that includes roasted La ionica Chicken, israeli Cous Cous, moroccan Carrots ($14) with yoghurt dressing; tuna, Green Beans, Shaved Fennel and radicchio ($14)

in balsamic, and Soba noodles, tofu, Bean Sprouts, Chilli and Crispy Shallots thai-style ($14). tuck into an excellent house-made Chicken Sausage roll ($6.50) in the matt Woods designed setting - a vibrant aquamarine break from the drabness of the CBD. 432 Kent Street, Sydney (02) 8084 5954 facebook.com/pages/Greenheart-espresso/648104028564490Café $

GREATER SYDNEY

Spakka-NapoliPositioned at the end of a weirdly shaped arcade and saddled with a quirky spelling of Spaccanapoli (the road that bisects naples), this restaurant makes you work for your reward: lightly charred, puffy-crusted

neapolitan pizzas. the monday/tuesday special – three “tapas” dishes and a cocktail for thirty bucks – makes me rethink my ambivalence toward limoncello with The Amalfi ($14.50). robust namesake Spakka napoli ($13.50) sangria is guaranteed to complement their terracotta pots of meatballs ($9.50), eggplant Parmigiana ($10.90) and my favourite – Pollo alla Cacciatore ($9.90). the eggplant Sausage Pizza ($22.90) special is further improved by chilli sauce, which should come with a warning label, or at least imported red-label Peroni ($7) to ease the pain.Shop 13, 166-174 military road, neutral Bay (02) 9908 7045 spakkanapoli.com.auPizza, Italian $$Royal Cricketers Armsthirty minutes and thirty years from

Sydney is a pub where strangers chat, and Bar manager John mundy uses common sense and conversation to enforce the rule of law. Over an Old Speckled Hen ($11.50/pint) you might enquire after his jar of Pickled eggs ($1.10/each). eat “the manager’s hangover cure” doused in Worcestershire and tabasco right at the bar. tuck into traditional toad in the Hole ($21) - three good-quality english pork sausages baked in a yorkshire pudding with mash and onion gravy; or flex your cooking prowess on the high-tech grill. there’s Grass-fed Sirloin ($27/250g), grain-fed beef and Snags ($20/3) – best have a James Squire the Chancer ($9/pint) while you decide. Cricketers arms road, Prospect (02) 9622 6498 mycricketers.com.auPub Bistro, British $$-$$$

21

EASTERN SUBURBS

Luxe Woollahra Located in Queens Court, or as it appears to be, downtown Provence, the pink stone walls, al fresco dining and designer shops surrounding this café make you feel far from Sydney. the café’s artisan baked goods are now a perfect side order to the new dinner menu of seasonal share plate specialties from Grilled Peppers ($12) with yuzu salt and creamy goats’ curd; to Scotch eggs ($12) made with italian pork sausage and quail eggs; to deliciously soft miso eggplant ($8) blanketed in crunchy kale. Match a fleshy tail of Grilled

Lobster ($34) dripping in saffron butter with a bottle of King Valley ‘Holly’s Garden’ Pinot Gris ($54) before finishing with a Tahini Biscuit ice Cream Sandwich ($12).Queens Court, 118 Queens Street Woollahra (02) 9363 8828luxesydney.com.auCafé, Modern Australian $$$La Scala on Jersey While we wait for a table, somebody’s ‘nonna’ arrives with a basket of heirloom tomatoes, and is greeted by a handsome denim-apron clad young waiter. this is the new look La Scala, with tasmanian-born, naples-raised massimo mele at the helm. Order the Chickpea Pancakes ($18) – crunchy cigars filled with mushroom and spinach,

topped with Gorgonzola sauce. even mains are presented with big scissor-like servers, though you might consider keeping the whole bowl of Oxtail ragu ($28) to yourself. the Barossa elderton “estate” Shiraz ($69/bottle, $14.50/glass) smugly cuts in on the dance; also suiting melt-in-your-mouth Slow-Cooked Suffolk Lamb Shoulder Chops ($38) with salsa verde. However Witlof, radicchio and Pickled Beetroot ($12) almost steals the show… Corner Jersey road & melrose Lane, Woollahra (02) 9357 0815 lascalaonjersey.com.auItalian $$

Well it might be winter, but my craving for gelato continues unabated, so i headed back into rivareno for another one-on-one with Kieran tosolini. While the store’s colours have changed (it’s a bit less fluorescent) the pozzetti – those temperature-controlled cylinders that keep rivareno’s gelato velvety in texture – remain. and, texture, according to Kieran, “is one of the most important things with gelato.” What I’m nuts about is flavour, and if there’s one flavour category that RivaReno do well, it’s nuts! Leonardo, cream of pine nuts with toasted pine nuts, was my standout, though Pistacchio Bronte – made on pistachio nuts from Bronte, Sicily, which are harvested every second year – was a close second. You’ll also find a lovely Nocciola Piemonte featuring pure hazelnuts from Piedmont. While it doesn’t really need any additional bells and whistles, you can now also eat their gelato on a stick dipped in 73% dark Belgian chocolate. and if gelato isn’t your favourite winter treat, they’re also doing an intense, thick italian hot chocolate using Valrhona ‘manjari’ Single Origin Cocoa from madagascar. it’ll put hairs on your chest…www.facebook.com/rivarenoGelatoaustralia

all the talk around town at the moment is about the modern simplicity of the beautiful food at Hotel Centennial by Chef Justin north. making a date to eat at the hotel High Table is certainly a terrific idea; yet the hotel also has a spacious bar area and delicious cocktails. The house Bellini, The Henson ($16) adds elderflower and rose syrup to its sparkling pear puree; while the morley ($18) is a G+t update: tanqueray, with orange blossom, Quina Fina tonic water and grapefruit bitters. Cocktails like the Chrisine Keeler or the Kate moss are also available by the carafe ($29). there is a lovely range of wines by the glass. the same attention to detail in service is offered in the bar as the bistro, and of course, the bar snacks from north’s kitchen are too good to miss.88 Oxford Street, Woollahra (02) 9362 3838 centennialhotel.com.au

FOOD NEWS

BAR FLY By Rebecca Varidel

HOTEL CENTENNIAL

at its heart, the Light Brigade is a sports bar. So when they did a recent spruce-up, they felt it was important not to alienate their heartland. enter designer annie Snell, who has cleverly worked around the large plasma screens that still delight on sports days, while managing to make it feel pleasantly inviting. (edison light bulbs are, of course, a given.) now that Chef massimo

mele has bedded in his sharing italian menu upstairs at La Scala On Jersey, i suspect we’ll see some movement on the classic pub menu down here, which comes out of the same kitchen. that’s not to say there’s anything wrong with a 250g Char-Grilled rump Steak ($22), especially on Wednesday nights when they knock ten bucks off the price, without messing with size or quality. it sings against one of the best green peppercorn sauces i’ve tried in a pub. the classic Chicken Breast Schnitzel ($19) is another plump, juicy winner, especially with mushroom sauce. While the on-tap beers were a bit mainstream for my taste, i didn’t mind the toasty, toffee notes of matilda Bay Brewing Company’s ruby tuesday ($6.80/schooner). However the 2012 Partisan ‘trenchcoat’ GSm ($44/bottle, $9/glass) will better accompany you through a plate of Spiced Lamb meatballs ($15) in tomato and pea sauce. 2a Oxford Street, Woollahra (02) 9357 0888 lightbrigade.com.auPub Bistro $

Light Brigade Hotel

From the moment you slide into your stylish but comfortable autoban chair in this relaxed-looking dining room, it’s evident you’re in for a seamless experience. the rounded edges of the chairs echo the Deco lines of the building, and the service is equally free of sharp bumps. Having had his fill of Sydney toques already, Chef ross Lusted has returned to the charcoal grilling of his South african youth, simply because it tastes good. now that’s not

to say dishes like moreton Bay Bugs, Sweet Grilled endive, tamarind and roasted Chilli Paste ($35) lack complexity; rather it’s that Lusted makes them look like remarkably simple packages. While he employs a global palate of flavours, honed during his amanresorts days, local produce sings across the menu, starting with natural Oysters ($4.50/each) with white miso dressing and chives. move on to a pretty plate of hand-picked Spanner Crab ($33) with mandarin, meyer lemon curd, chestnuts and nashi pear, before standout mains like the Japanese-inspired Ocean trout with Silken eggplant, Sesame and Puffed rice ($45) lubricated with a roasted tea broth. your must-have dessert is the Burnt Caramel Cream ($16) – a re-imagined crème brûlée juxtaposed against mint and juicy Packham pear, presented in ceramics designed by Lusted himself. it’s perfect against the 2012 Peregrine Charcoal Creek riesling ($14/glass). Ground Level, 44 Bridge Street, Sydney(02) 9247 7000 thebridgeroom.com.auModern Australian $$$$

The Bridge Room While dining in shopping centres isn’t really my thing, visiting the Strand arcade late last year, made me feel like a naughty child, unwrapping my Christmas presents early. niño Zocali’s two restaurants, La rosa and Pendolino, sit at either end of this picturesque Victorian arcade. the older sibling has a dark, moody seriousness. it softly whispers: red wine; then seduces you with ravioli Di magro Con Burro Fusso ($27.90/$39.90). the hand-made, al

dente ravioli glisten under burnt butter and crisp sage leaves, melting in your mouth to reveal their tasty spinach centres. the unctuous richness is cut by the sharp bite of Parmigiano reggiano. i suspect putting one of these on my tongue is the closest i’ll ever come to understanding Communion. this near-religious experience eclipses my Slow-roasted Duck Leg ($43.60) main. With desserts here being such a triumph, if you were a light eater, i’d consider doing entree, small pasta, and dessert. Start with Free-range raw Beef Carpaccio ($26.50) perfectly balanced by wild baby olives, rocket cress and tetsun di Barolo cheese, whilst enjoying the trio of aussie olive oils and bread. Finish with meringata Di Fragolini e rabarbaro ($17.90) – a meringue cake that kicks the eton mess to the kerb – accompanied by braised rhubarb and wild strawberries, Lambrusco jelly and strawberry sorbet. Game, set, match: italy.Shop 100, Level 2, the Strand arcade, 412-414 George Street, Sydney (02) 9231 6117 pendolino.com.auItalian $$$$

Pendolino

22

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Contributors: Alexandra English, Alexis Talbot-Smith, Anita Senaratna, Anthony Bell, Catherine Knight, Cheryl Northey, Ciaran Tobin, Craig Coventry, Elise Cullen, Georgia Fullerton, Greg Webster, Hannah Chapman, Jamie Apps, Laurie Hackney, Leann Richards, Marilyn Hetreles, Mark Morellini, Mel Somerville, Melody Teh, Michael Muir, Michelle Porter, Peter Hackney, Rhys Gard, Rocio Belinda Mendez, Ruth Fogarty, Sean May, Sharon Ye, Shauna O’Carroll, Siri Williams

23 STAGE24 SCENE 25 SOUNDS26 SCREEN

Arts Editor: Leigh Livingstone

Music Editor: Chelsea Deeley

For more A&E stories go to www.altmedia.net.aua&e

They were the years of boy bands, big pants and tight dance moves. Now music-lovers can relive the wonder years of the ‘90s with cabaret-style That ‘90s Show.Performed by award-winning musical star, Tom Sharah, a self-confessed “’90s kid through and through,” the show takes audiences on a trip down memory lane.“In my formative years it was the era that inspired me, I am always that person at the party that has the ‘90s playlist,” Sharah says.“There is a whole lot of music, fashion, and culture from that time that younger

generations need to know about.”Performing with a three-piece band, Sharah will bring to life famous ‘90s music from a diverse range of artists, including Spice Girls, Nirvana, Robbie Williams, Alanis Morissette, and Disney.“It’s my aim to have a complete smorgasbord of music, in the ‘90s it was completely diverse, so many things were cool and fashionable,” he says.Celebrating the ‘90s for the fashions, the movies, the headlines, and the music, Sharah shares his personal memories and experiences through a funny and entertaining show.“I am not asking much of the audience, just for them to sit back, listen to cool music, and have a laugh” he says. (SOC)Jul 6-13, Hayes Theatre Co, 19 Greenknowe Ave, Potts Point, $35, hayestheatre.com.au

The relationship between sisters is a highly confusing but fascinating one: best of friends one day and worst enemies the next. It’s this complex connection that Of Monopoly and Women is looking to explore through the rollercoaster of relationships between sisters, Zoe, Kate and Ella. The house becomes tense when Zoe wins two tickets to Paris, leaving Kate and Ella to battle it out for the second seat. A game of Monopoly seems to be the answer, but that childhood favourite has the ability to drive people insane.With a dearth of plays that focus on women, it might seem like any play about women is a feminist play, notes director Sascha Hall.“The beauty of this play is that it’s not

trying to be anything, it’s not trying to make a point about women. It’s just exploring the relationship that evolves when women are related and they grow up together and live in a house together. The crazy, beautiful and ugly side,” says Hall.Perhaps that’s the point. Moving beyond superficial portrayals of ‘crazy bickering sisters’, Of Monopoly and Women delves into the multifaceted nature of female relationships, revealing the “kind of person you can be with your family or without your family, and the different personas you take in either situation,” says Hall. (MT)July 9-24, Exchange Hotel, 94 Beattie St, Balmain, $17-20, bnwtheatre.com.au

Darlinghurst Theatre Company and AccessA (Access Australia) present this new Australian production – a daring yet witty play. Every Second depicts the common issue of infertility and the struggles of starting a family.“It has the personal struggles and the strain of relationships through it emotionally,” says Simon Corfield, who portrays Tim, “while it’s doing that it still manages to be rather funny and lighthearted.”Every Second is a very personal production to playwright Vanessa Bates, as she experienced these same issues not long ago when she found out that she and her husband were infertile. Personal experience coupled with wry observations and bitter

truths illustrate a common problem in society today.“You can tell it’s quite personal, the way she (Bates) handles the shifts in relationships in the structure of the play,” says Corfield, “it is such a current issue and problem that doesn’t really get spoken about in the artistic world.”Darlinghurst Theatre Company has partnered with AccessA to help raise awareness about infertility. AccessA is a not-for-profit organisation that provides men and women with life support who experience difficulties conceiving their families. (CT)Until Jul 27, Darlinghurst Theatre, 39 Burton St, Darlinghurst, $30-43, darlinghursttheatre.com

Orphans is described as “a dark and gritty thriller” by lead actor Thomas Unger. The Dennis Kelly play explores violence in a low socioeconomic environment, and how humans relate in harsh urban settings.“When I was first given the script I couldn’t put it down; I just picked it up and read it from cover to cover,” says Unger. “From the very first scene there are tensions before anyone even speaks… and this tension carries through to the end of the play.”Helen and Danny’s quiet night in is interrupted by the arrival of Helen’s younger brother Liam. Spattered in blood, he claims to have found someone injured on the street. As the story unfolds, what happened on the street seems less clear.Author Dennis Kelly (Matilda the Musical, Osama the Hero) always aims to entertain, and the themes in Orphans are designed to keep the audience wondering and worried. The play raises questions of class and family loyalty, and whether all humans have the potential for racial discrimination and violence.A psychological thriller that pits morality against family ties, Orphans is not for the faint of heart. (HC)Until Jul 20, Old 505 Theatre, 32 Elizabeth St, Surry Hills, $18-28, venue505.com/theatre

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Need something to do with the kids these school holidays? Look no further. Matty Grey is performing his final show in his hilarious Age-Less trilogy.Age-Less 3: Dreamweaver vs The Nightmare Child takes imagination and fun to another level.“It’s Chaos! Organised chaos. It’s silly, stupid, squirmy, all the kinds of stuff that they (children) don’t see adults do, ever,” says comedian Matty Grey, “we’re shooting parents with nerf guns and we’re recapturing their youth.”This show will feature Kat Placing, who may be known to fans as Professor Kit

E. Kat from the Grossed Out Game Show which won the award for Best Kids Show at the Sydney Fringe Festival last year. Placing will heighten the controlled chaos and kid-friendly fun.“It’s allowed me to go in a very different direction and doing it with Kat is fun,” says Grey, also a successful children’s entertainer.Matt and Kat get sent to their room for misbehaving. The show features vomiting bunnies, closet monsters and bed bugs.“The whole point of the Age-Less series is that older people should remember what it’s like to be a kid and kids should not rush to become old.” (CT)Until Jul 11, King Street Theatre, 644 King St, Newtown, $17-20, kingstreettheatre.com.au

AgE–lESS 3: dREAMwEAvER vS ThE NIghTMARE ChIld

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MY NAME IS TRUDA VITZ Olivia Satchell explores how we use stories to create meaning about our loved ones through her one-woman show. Focusing on her own family history, Satchell tells the story of her grandmother, Truda, escaping from Vienna in WWII and making a new life for herself.Switching between the characters of herself, her father and Truda at the age of 17, Satchell explores our need to make meaning in life through stories. The production is an intimate, personal performance that

also features Satchell expressing her grandmother’s displacement by playing cello throughout the show. (SOC)Until Jul 6, TAP Gallery, 278 Palmer St, Darlinghurst, $18.50-25, somersaulttheatre.comPATYEGARANG Australia’s largest Indigenous performing arts organisation, Bangarra Dance Theatre, brings to the stage a tale of trust and friendship.Patyegarang is based on the true story of a young Eora woman, who befriended Lieutenant William Dawes when he landed on Sydney’s shores in the 18th century.For dancer Jasmin Sheppard, who plays the title role, the medium of

dance was ideal to describe the story of a woman who was, “not separate from her environment. She breathed the Eora land of Sydney Cove… and it’s more about creating an essence, and a spirit, rather than spoon-feeding the audience.“I hope that [this piece] will empower Sydney Aboriginal people to feel that there is a sense of reclaiming thewhole city, the harbour, the Opera House. This is their story, this is their place, and their stomping ground and it is time for them to have the limelight.” (SW)Until Jul 12, Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, $29-89, (02) 9250 7777, sydneyoperahouse.com

MOJO Jez Butterworth’s savagely comic play is a thriller which examines the dark underside of the halcyon days of rock ’n’ roll with grim humour and strong language. Mojo debuted on the West End in 1995, receiving the Olivier Award for Best New Comedy. It also started a new wave of British gangster movies during the late ‘90s, including Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels.The testosterone-fuelled cast and local blues-rock outfits depict the London club scene of the 1950s. The battle for power is revealed through zinging dialogue, live music and action-packed scenes. (CT)Until Jul 5, The Wharf,

Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay, $50-99, sydneytheatre.com.au STRICTLY BALLROOM: THE MUSICAL Baz Luhrmann’s latest creation is bursting at the sequined seams of the Lyric Theatre in an explosion of c olour and feathers.Luhrmann’s holistic creative approach and boundless imagination means his hand is involved in every aspect of the production, from the design, to the direction and the music.The notes feel like they were written for the stunning co-lead Phoebe Panaretos (Fran) who outshines all except the hilarious Heather Mitchell (Shirley Hastings). The talented

Thomas Lacey (Scott Hastings) gives a solid performance as the male lead but is sometimes underwhelming on a very busy stage.Catherine Martin’s costumes are yet another ‘win’ for the designer, referencing familiar elements from the film and successfully amplifying them for the stage.Strictly Ballroom: The Musical is an entertaining, lively night at the theatre that will delightfully overload the senses. (LL)Until Jul 6, Lyric Theatre, Pirrama Rd, Sydney, $55-145, strictlyballroomthemusical.com

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Ben should have been working at The World Trade Centre when it was attacked; instead he was visiting his mistress Abby (who’s also his boss). His presumed death offers a perfect alibi to start a new life with her. The ensuing action takes place on September 12, 2001.You can’t help but be impressed with the work Rebecca Martin and Patrick Magee have put into this play. Just learning the very wordy, conversational script is an achievement in itself; then there’s the energy required for what is

basically an almost non-stop argument between two acutely dissatisfied lovers: both give genuinely convincing, edgy performances.You can’t help but wonder what on earth brought these people together in the first place? And how long can they remain together before they destroy each other with rancour, recriminations and sheer bile?Better no relationship at all than a destructive one. (MMu)Until July 5, Old Fitzroy Theatre, 129 Dowling St, Woolloomooloo, $21-39, 1300 307 264, sitco.net.au

David Mamet’s controversial play Oleanna has been provoking heated reactions ever since its 1992 premiere. The ultimate ‘he-said, she-said’ tale of a female student, Carol, who accuses her university professor of sexual harassment still polarises people with its unflinching look into gender, sex, and power.Grace O’Connell, who plays Carol, relishes how divisive the play is. “Both of our characters, we’re both right and we’re both wrong at the same time. That just angers people because you don’t want to have to choose a side but you end up doing it.”With already such a contentious premise, this Sydney Theatre School rendition adds an extra layer of tension as Jerome Pride, who will play the professor, is O’Connell’s real-life acting teacher. It’s never been attempted before and for O’Connell it has created a “really interesting dynamic. It adds to the whole story. Because we do have that dynamic in real life, it’s created this fantastic physical tension on stage,” she says.O’Connell hopes this production will continue the tradition of

provoking fierce debate. “This play is really about the audience. It’s really meant to challenge what you know, your own social construct and the ideals that you hold.” (MT)Until Jul 6, Sydney Theatre School, 45 Chippen St, Chippendale, $20-25, sydneytheatreschool.com

olEANNAThE MERCy SEAT

The Theatre Division will produce the Sydney premiere of Ruthless! The Musical, a hit off-Broadway musical that won the New York Outer Critics Circle Award.Ruthless! is a witty, dark comedy with an all-female cast. It centres on the entertainment business and the women who would do anything to get ahead in the industry.“The director is female too. A nice powerhouse of women,” says Caitlin Berry, who plays the character Eve, based on Anne Baxter’s character in the 1950 film All About Eve.The musical promises to deliver bright, bold show tunes while parodying Broadway and classic Hollywood films

such as Gypsy, Mame, The Women and The Bad Seed.“It’s fantastic if you want to come for a laugh,” says Berry. “But it’s also a period piece, so if you’ve ever admired that period of classic Hollywood you’re going to love it.”Ruthless! features an all-star cast with Katrina Retallick, Meredith O’Reilly, Margi de Ferranti, Caitlin Berry, and the iconic Geraldine Turner. “It’s amazing to be in the same room as someone so revered,” says Berry on working with Turner. “Her voice is so big and brassy, and it really tells of that era of Broadway divas.” This show won’t disappoint fans of the golden Hollywood era and Broadway. (SM)Until Jul 5, Seymour Centre, City Rd & Cleveland St, Chippendale, $39.20-49+bf, seymourcentre.com

RuThlESS

If you don’t think you’re familiar with the work of gender-bending singer/songwriter Annie Lennox, think again. “Someone that thinks they haven’t been exposed will probably be surprised by how many songs they do know,” assures performer and pianist Michael Griffiths, who plays the titular role.And for the ‘80s elite who think they know all there is to know about Lennox and the Eurythmics? “There are hidden gems,” Griffiths explains. “It’s not just the obvious songs. We’ve also done quite a few mash-ups and the songs aren’t as you know them,” he says, assuring that even the most seasoned fans will be able to experience Annie Lennox as never before.

For Griffiths, the medium of cabaret is an ideal way to explore Lennox’s enigmatic persona. He notes, “There was a maturity and a mystery in the way she presented herself. The songs were

meaningful, about sadness and heartbreak and jealousy, just really strong material,” – songs which lend themselves beautifully to onstage exploration.“I love that cabaret can contextualise a pop song in a way that… turns [it] completely on its side… or sometimes, just letting the actual meaning of a song shine,” Griffiths muses. “All you are left with is lyrics and a piano [and] you realise [in] that song you’ve been singing along with your whole life, there’s a story there.” (SW)Until Jul 5, Hayes Theatre Co. 19 Greenknowe Ave, Potts Point, $35, (02) 8065 7337, hayestheatre.com.au

SwEET dREAMS: SoNgS By ANNIE lENNox

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It’s a well-worn adage that there’s nothing new under the sun and maybe that applies to the whiz-bang curved screen TVs that have been hitting Sydney shops of late. It is all part of the relentless march of technology designed to make last year’s product seem not only obsolete, but socially unfashionable if you are one of those consumers obsessed with keeping up.

It might have been a short-lived phenomenon but Sydney experienced the curved screen marvel way back in 1958 when the Plaza Theatre in the CBD was refurbished with what was then Australia’s largest indoor cinema screen – and a curved one to boot. Cinerama had arrived and crowds queued down George Street to encounter this unique wrap-around cinema technology.

Pioneered in the U.S. a few years earlier, Cinerama involved three 35mm projectors and a giant deeply curved screen made of hundreds of individual vertical strips. The three synchronised images created a kind of 180 degree, 3D illusion that totally enveloped the audience. The initial cinema release, This Is Cinerama, was a grab-bag sampler of the new technology designed to really wow the punters. The highlight was a bone-shaking roller-coaster ride which really gave the impression that you were part of the action, so much so that some queasy patrons even rushed from the theatre during the initial screenings (or was that just movie company hype?).

The system was not without its glitches with the three projected images sometimes drifting out of synch and occasionally losing one of

the images altogether – no doubt sending the theatre projectionist into a state of apoplexy in his attempts to re-synch the entire show. Nevertheless cinemagoers rushed to embrace the new sensation and the occasional breakdown did nothing to damper their enthusiasm.

Sadly only a few actual feature films were made in the Cinerama process, the most noteable being the 1962 production How The West Was Won starring James Stewart. Even then part of the movie was screened in the 70mm, single-strip process that later went on to supersede the costly three-strip technique. Unfortunately 70mm Cinerama did not match the ‘sensurround’ experience of the original Cinerama and roller-coaster rides were never quite the same.

And what of Sydney’s Plaza Theatre? Which for many years was the decorative jewel in the George Street cinema strip. The cinema went dark in 1977 and after a short-lived life as Maxy’s Roller City (a skating rink), it was dealt the ultimate insult becoming home to both Planet Hollywood and a Maccas occupying the old foyer. These days the somewhat crumbling façade looks like it could do with a good paint job, although apparently it does have a City Council heritage listing.

Perhaps today’s tech-savvy generation would find the old analogue Cinerama a bit ho-hum given the CGI-laden, 3D digital blockbusters they now soak up. Then again the current curved screen TVs are bound to get curvier, eventually matching the 146-degree arc of the original Cinerama. That said, you’ll be able to pick up a digitally remastered copy of This Is Cinerama and ride that death-defying rollercoaster right there in the privacy of your own living room!

SoN of CINERAMA

With The Curtain Breathed Deeply, artist Justene Williams has produced an aural and visual omelette that both entices and confronts.The installation begins with a stark white ute supporting a trio of screens simultaneously displaying images of chequered fingers, vaginas, and a distorted digital shaman who invites the visitor to continue their journey.A series of rooms hosts intriguing displays of visual decadence and aural discombobulation. In one, masked figures and plastic owls gaze upon a wading pool which doubles as a wishing well. In another, a natural landscape is playfully dismantled.This extensive collection of video art and sculptural experiment is a dissonant stroll through the paths of uncharted imagination. The vibrant colours and random noises suggest a rough passage through a storm-tossed sea, but the perturbed subjects are somehow comforted through the raging tempest.With this show Artspace continues a tradition of provocative exhibitions which elongate the boundaries of abstraction. (LR)Until Aug 10, Artspace, 43 Cowper Wharf Rd, Woolloomooloo, free, artspace.org.au

ThE CuRTAIN BREAThEd dEEply – JuSTENE wIllIAMS

‘The Curtain Breathed Deeply’, by Justene Williams

Fans of HBO’s Game of Thrones can rejoice. It’s likely that you’re filled with crushing ennui after the latest season finale. Mondays suck and Game of Thrones filled them with bloody and backstabbing entertainment that made the week much more bearable.To ease the blow, HBO and Google Play have announced that the Game of Thrones Exhibition is here in Sydney.The exhibition is to celebrate the release of season four on Google Play. It will be full of iconic items with the intricate craftsmanship fans associate with Game of Thrones – dragon eggs, costumes, weapons, crowns and jewellery. There’s also an interactive Oculus Rift that will let you experience The Wall at the northern frontier of the Seven Kingdoms.It promises to be full of the incredible detail that makes Game of Thrones so popular. Also it might potentially guilt visitors into buying the series that they probably pirated. (HC)Until Jul 5, Museum of Contemporary Art, 140 George St, The Rocks, free, mca.com.au

Kings Landing display

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gAME of ThRoNES ExhIBITIoN

TAlES of TEMpT - TANyA lINNEyAustralian former model, Tanya Linney is enticing Sydney with her provocative collection, Tales of Tempt. Using paint freely for the first time, her dynamic art is bound to challenge the viewer. Additionally, each work can be hung four ways to accentuate the importance of perception.“The basis of this project was that the paint is meant to represent our true spirit. The first layer is the painting, then there’s a subliminal second layer, which is essentially the masking of the character. Similar to life when we’re trying to find our true spirit, but we get distracted by what we need to wear and look like,” says Linney.“It’s about striking a nice balance between expression and getting the story across in a way that’s challenging, but not too confronting. A good balance between good and evil, and light and dark, those sorts of polar opposites.”Being a model, Linney has experienced the obsession of self-image and has seen the world through the eyes of a young girl who didn’t quite understand or connect with the fashion industry she was leading.“I don’t think I was ever very present. I was just watching. I’ve always been curious about people [and] subconsciously I always knew there would be an artistic avenue I could be able to use this experience for,” she says. (RBM)Until Jul10, China Heights Gallery 16-28 Foster St, Surry Hills, free, chinaheights.com

‘We Go Everywhere’, 2014, by Tanya Linney

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De’May – If We Don’t Leave noWRecorded on the shores of the Hawkesbury River, De’May’s debut album If We Don’t

Leave Now showcases Aussie talent we can be proud of.Using just six strings and simple, yet lush production, De’May crosses genres and holds her own against better-known singer-songwriters.Highlights include Like You Talked, which has a pop sensibility reminiscent of Sheryl Crow, and the title track, which would fit on a PJ Harvey release – although De’May’s own distinct style is present throughout.Move over Sia – a strong, new female Aussie artist has arrived with a fresh fusion of blues, country, indie and pop music. (LH)

Lana DeL Rey - ULtRavIoLenceIn 2012, Lana Del Rey made people sit up and take notice with Born To Die – the album’s murky,

cinematic sound and ‘damaged goods’ lyrical schtick capturing the zeitgeist.The new album Ultraviolence doesn’t deviate from that path – this record can be summed up as ‘more of the same’.There’s a certain appeal – beauty, even – to Del Rey’s fatalistic hymns of dysfunction and star-crossed lovers but ultimately it becomes a chore listening to song after song bearing the same lyrical clichés, the same plodding melodies, the same foggy production, sung in the same monotonal vocals. (PH)

Mind Over Matter: If you haven’t heard of Willow and Smiles by now then feel free to mentally kick yourselves. As stalwarts in Sydney’s homegrown hip-hop scene, they have wit and charisma. Their collaborations are legendary, including a boisterous Bliss N Eso alliance in Where The Wild Things Are, but their own tunes are even better. 2014 saw them add DJ Ntaprize to their ranks and release a March album This Way to Elsewhere.Thu, Jul 3rd, Oxford Art Factory, Darlinghurst.

Watoto Children’s Choir: This group of talented children produce the purest form of music that you will ever hear. The choir allows these orphaned children to see more of the world and gain a broader perspective than what their homeland of Africa could give them. The show is called Beautiful Africa: A New Generation, and will include dance routines, stunning visual effects and true stories to make up an incredibly moving performance.Fri, Jul 4th, Chapel by the Sea, Bondi Beach.

Bell X1: Debuting at number one on the Irish charts, Paul Noonan, Dominic Philips and David Geraghty have had one hell of a year. Forming from the ashes of another band, Juniper, these guys are onto their sixth studio album, Chop Chop, featuring smooth and intricately layered sounds that differ hugely from their previous works. They’re joined by Brisbane darlings The Phoncurves, who bring their signature brand of vocal melodies.

Sat, Jul 5th, Hi-Fi Sydney, Entertainment Quarter.Janis Siegel: Siegel has nine Grammys under her belt and a wealth of nominations, but her music is reason enough for a one in a million career. With over 10 solo albums as well as being an integral part of The Manhattan Transfer, this talented lady has sung some of the biggest hits the world has ever seen, such as Operator, Twilight Zone, Sassy, Spice of Life and more. Tonight she will be launching her next solo venture.Sun, Jul 6th, Camelot Lounge, Marrickville.

Plekto: While most prefer the classics, there is something celestial about new chamber arrangements played live. At the infamous white sails, Ensemble Offspring will bring their signature sensory performance with the anticipated premiere of Mexican creator Juan Felipe Waller, who now resides in Berlin. Also on the agenda are two mesmerising Australian debuts to give a further taste of the talent that resides on our shores.Tues, Jul 8th, Sydney Opera House.

Amy Rose: Hailing from Sydney and listing influences such as Imogen Heap and Gotye, Rose is rising steadily from our streets. She has been named as a finalist in the Vanda and Young Song Writing Competition and has since gone from strength to strength; featuring as a vocalist on a Ministry of Sound track as well as headlining shows up and down the east coast. Her unique blend of indie-pop with electronic sensibilities will no doubt cast a spell upon the crowd. (CD)Wed, Jul 9th, Venue505, Surry Hills.

lIvE wIRE SydNEy lIvE MuSIC guIdE

Hailing from Melbourne, there are very few Australian musicians with the longevity that Dave Graney boasts. He’s worked with his musical companion Claire Moore for over thirty years and it’s safe to say that they don’t let their post-punk influenced attitudes evaporate with maturity.“Other people our age don’t make music like us,” Graney says simply. “Usually older musicians are supposed to make sad music, and we don’t do that. Or they drink too much, and we don’t do that either. But that’s the way people expect older musicians to be – sad old drunks.”Graney has created over thirty different albums with a variety of groups and his latest offering, Fearful Wiggings, is “probably only the second one that is classed as a solo-record,” he says.Creating the album acoustically in between promotion for Moore’s latest outfit, The Dames, Graney is more than excited to stretch his legs and bring songs such as lead single, Everything was Legendary with Robert, to life.“We’re doing a bit of a different presentation on these dates. For the last five to 10 years I have loved doing upbeat, high-energy band shows in clubs but this year I wanted to do something different, with a different

kind of tempo and performance.“We’re playing a place called The Piping Hot Chicken Shop. I’m looking forward to that one as I’m hoping it will all be mad surfers.”Age and genre hold no barriers for Graney. Admitting being influenced by Sex Pistols, Suicide and The Fall to name but a few, it’s apparent from further conversation that the soundtrack to his travels around the nation will be quite unexpected.“I’m pretty cool, me,” Graney says with a slight chuckle. “[Claire and I] both love Tupac’s All Eyes On Me. We both think that is a real high point. I know the production of it is a bit dated, but he was such a great character. I also love all of Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter albums. I don’t like the experimental ones in between, but with Tha Carter it’s just amazing. I love his voice and I think he’s such an interesting character.“They always talk about how to do business, and it’s a way of talking about things that’s interesting, rather than just talking about love all the time,” says Graney. (CD)Jul 3, Camelot Lounge, 19 Marrickville Rd, Marrickville, $24.70, camelotlounge.wordpress.com

dAvE gRANEy

Father James (Brendan Gleeson) is a ‘good priest’, striving for decency on the margins of the world, on Ireland’s west coast. His parishioners present daily moral tests of his faith and he confronts their rage, grief and cynicism with humane compassion and wit.During a confession he’s threatened with murder – retribution for a sin he didn’t commit – and he must decide if he’ll face up to the penance.From writer-director John

Michael McDonagh, Calvary is part two of a trilogy whose previous instalment, The Guard, also featured Gleeson.This small, powerful tale, stunningly shot against the wild and craggy setting of the Atlantic, deftly handles dark themes with gallows humour.The presence of Irish comics Chris O’Dowd and Dylan Moran are nicely cast, but the film is an ode to Gleeson, whose expressive face governs the screen, embodying all that can be understood in the human condition. (RF) WWWW Tim’s Vermeer follows Texan

inventor Tim Jenison around the globe as he tries to figure out how 17th century artist Johannes Vermeer created such masterpieces as Girl With A Pearl Earring.Jenison thinks he has it figured out, and attempts to paint Music Lesson using optic lenses and mirrors.It’s a fascinating concept. Not only is it amazing to think that an artist of such canonical importance was ‘cheating’ by

using lenses, but remarkable that an inventor with no painting experience could hope to recreate Vermeer’s photo-realistic style.The audience is made to question the borders that exist between art and technology.However interesting these ideas are, the film does lose steam somewhat with the large portions literally devoted to watching paint dry. (HC) WW½

The fourth instalment in director Michael Bay’s Transformers franchise is much of what audiences expect from the action-packed, explosion-filled films.This time around Bay is trying something different by switching Shia Lebouf’s Sam Witwicky for Mark Wahlberg’s single father/inventor, Cade Yeager, and thankfully, it’s a massive improvement.Disappointingly, though, the character arcs are non-existent and the half-realised subplots are plentiful – which really shouldn’t be lamented in this style of film but for some reason it’s now more noticeable. Perhaps all those extra explosions blasted bigger holes in the story?Stanly Tucci and Kelsey

Grammer as the villains lend a chunk of credibility, but sadly, most of the female characters are either underutilised or irrelevant.An attempt at creating motivation for Yeager falls flat. His daughter, Tessa (Nicola Peltz), is simply eye-candy filling

a Megan Fox/Rosie Huntington-Whiteley shaped gap. It’s a source of comedy, rather than tension, as Yeager makes occasional quips about her skimpy clothing.The Transformers films are not meant to be cerebral-challengers and audiences will largely ignore the flaws to appreciate it for the easy, entertainment that it is. (LL)WWW½

Multi-award-winning actor and director, Clint Eastwood, turns his hand to the world of musicals by adapting stage success, Jersey Boys, for the big screen.It’s the true story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, from their spectacular rise to fame in the ‘60s with hit songs such as Big Girls Don’t Cry, and Sherry, to their eventual tempestuous disbanding.The list of recognisable hits is longer than you might think and sadly, for a musical, they don’t get enough screen time. Songs have been cut or shrunk to make way for lingering looks and close-ups, which sometimes slows the pace to almost inert.

Big events in the original story are skipped over in cursory fashion to better focus on the gritty biopic about four Italian boys from a tough New Jersey neighbourhood.Three out of the four main cast members were plucked from the award-winning stage show, and are so comfortable within these versions of their characters that translating them to the screen is boring. The standout (which should be John Lloyd Young’s Frankie Valli) is actually television actor Vincent Piazza’s Tommy DeVito. This changes the intended narrative entirely, when really, the music should be front and centre. (LL)WW½

Belle & Sebastian is a French family/drama set in the Snowy Alps during World War II. Sebastian (Fèlix Bossuet) is a 7-year-old who befriends Belle, a mountain dog villagers believe is “the beast” killing their sheep.Belle ultimately aids resistance fighters in guiding Jewish refugees over the Alps as German soldiers fast approach.Newcomer Bossuet delivers an energetic performance and audiences will feel the bond he shares with Belle as they partake in this

dangerous adventure.Beautifully filmed in breathtaking locations, this is more than just the story of a boy and his dog. Underlying themes include friendship, hope, good versus evil and the film also explores the desperate measures undertaken by civilians in time of war.Belle & Sebastian is heart-warming and targets family audiences, but the English subtitles will overwhelm younger viewers. (MM) WWW½

CAlvARy

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TIM’S vERMEER

TRANSfoRMERS: AgE of ExTINCTIoN

22 JUMP STREET The inevitable sequel to 2012’s parody of the hit ‘80s television series has arrived. This time Jenko (Channing Tatum) and Schmidt (Jonah Hill) are going undercover in college to investigate the distribution of a new killer drug.There is no stretch of the imagination here and they don’t even try to hide it. It’s the same story, with the same characters and similar jokes. Herein lies the bulk of the punchlines.Stick around for the spoof sequels in the credits – arguably the best bit of the film. (LL) WWW

BLENDED The romantic comedy flick feels familiar because, not only is it another

reunion for Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler, but they aren’t the only Hollywood has-beens involved: this storyline has been washed up, thrown out and trampled on so many times it’s hard to keep count.The African scenery is, unfortunately, a highly westernised view of Africa, and while the super-imposed safari animals are almost convincing, the human acting is not. (AE) WW

THE TWO FACES OF JANUARY Fleeing a fraudulent past, Chester MacFarland (Viggo Mortenson) and his younger wife (Kirsten Dunst) meet a lesser scammer, Rydal Keener (Oscar Isaac), in ’60s Greece.Accomplished screenwriter

Hossein Amini should be given more chances to direct, but this debut is not all it could have been. Good performances from the leads are wasted in a production that lacks dynamics and tension. In particular, Mortenson’s performance hints at complexities of character that are never fully realised by the script. It is all a bit flat; Hitchcock would have done it better. (MMu) WW

GRACE OF MONACO French director Olivier Dahan has taken artistic licence to heart with Grace Of Monaco, played by a plastic Nicole Kidman. The film is set six years after Grace Kelly’s marriage to Prince Rainier III (Tim Roth).Although a potentially interesting

story, the screenplay by Arash Amel, coupled with Dahan’s direction, creates a film that is heavy-handed and needlessly glamourised. They suggest Monaco’s conflict with France is partly due to the controversy surrounding Kelly, which only serves to diminish her personal conflict. Kidman remains one-dimensional, relying heavily on close-ups of her tear-stained face. (ATS) WW

MALEFICENT Disney’s reimagining of the classic Sleeping Beauty is dark and beautiful with near-perfect styling. Angelina Jolie gives a powerful performance as the scorned

Maleficent. A well-written backstory and clever plot twists ensure that the character is enthralling and it bears repeating – Jolie is magnificent. She revels in the delicious malice of the character and reaches into the very depths of her soul to convey pain.There comes a point when Aurora must fall victim to her sleeping curse and this is unfortunately the only downside in an otherwise entertaining film. Suddenly scenes become esoteric and trippy, a style that doesn’t fit with the rest of the film. (LL) WWWW

EDGE OF TOMORROW Tom Cruise returns to the

screen in the latest epic action thriller which is a cross between Groundhog Day and Aliens.Set in the near future, aliens have invaded the Earth and Major Cage (Cruise) joins forces with Special Forces Vrataski (Emily Blunt) in a bid to eliminate these creatures. Major Cage acquires the ability to reset his day every time he dies. This grants him endless attempts at defeating the enemy.The concept of the constant story rewinding is potentially laborious, but is surprisingly well-executed with clever editing and humorous elements.It is fanciful and far-fetched but is indisputably an engaging and entertaining film. (MM) WWWW

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by Rob bRezsny

aARIES (March 21-April 19): Would you like your savings

account to grow? Then deposit money into in it on a consistent basis. Would you like to feel good and have a lot of physical energy? eat healthy food, sleep as much as you need to, and exercise regularly. Do you want people to see the best in you and give you the benefit of the doubt? see the best in them and give them the benefit of the doubt. Would you love to accomplish your most important goal? Decide what you want more than anything else and focus on it with relaxed intensity. yes, Aries, life really is that simple -- or at least it is right now. If you want to attain interesting success, be a master of the obvious.

bTAURUS (April 20-May 20): Would you like your

savings account to grow? Then deposit money into in it on a consistent basis. Would you like to feel good and have a lot of physical energy? eat healthy food, sleep as much as you need to, and exercise regularly. Do you want people to see the best in you and give you the benefit of the doubt? see the best in them and give them the benefit of the doubt. Would you love to accomplish your most important goal? Decide what you want more than anything else and focus on it with relaxed intensity. yes, Aries, life really is that simple -- or at least it is right now. If you want to attain interesting

success, be a master of the obvious.

C GEMINI (May 21-June 20): The American painter

Ivan Albright (1897-1983) was a meticulous creator. He spent as much time as necessary to get every detail right. An entire day might go by as he worked to perfect one square inch of a painting, and some of his pieces took years to finish. When the task at hand demanded intricate precision, he used a brush composed of a single hair. That’s the kind of attention to minutia I recommend for you -- not forever, but for the next few weeks. be careful and conscientious as you build the foundation that will allow you maximum freedom of movement later this year.

d CANCER (June 21-July 22): The Venus de Milo is a

famous Greek statue that’s over 2,100 years old. bigger than life size, it depicts the goddess of love, beauty, and pleasure. Its current home is the Louvre Museum in Paris, but for hundreds of years it was lost -- buried underground on the Greek island of Milos. In 1820, a farmer found it while he was out digging on his land. I foresee a comparable discovery by you in the coming weeks, Cancerian. you will uncover a source of beauty, love, or pleasure -- or perhaps all three -- that has been missing or forgotten for a long time.

e LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): According to an ancient

Greek myth, sisyphus keeps pushing a boulder up a steep hill only to lose control of it just before he reaches the top, watching in dismay as it tumbles to the bottom. After each failure, he lumbers back down to where he started and makes another effort to roll it up again -- only to fail again. The myth says he continues his futile attempts for all eternity. I’m happy to report, Leo, that there is an important difference between your story and that of sisyphus. Whereas you have tried and tried and tried again to complete a certain uphill task, you will not be forever frustrated. In fact, I believe a breakthrough will come soon, and success will finally be yours. Will it be due to your gutsy determination or your neurotic compulsion or both? It doesn’t matter.

f VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Many of America’s founding

fathers believed slavery was immoral, but they owned slaves themselves and ordained the institution of slavery in the U.s. Constitution. They didn’t invent hypocrisy, of course, but theirs was an especially tragic version. In comparison, the hypocrisy that you express is mild. nevertheless, working to minimize it is a worthy task. And here’s the good news: you are now in a position to become the zodiac’s leader in minimizing your hypocrisy. of all the signs, you can come closest to walking

your talk and practicing what you preach. so do it! Aim to be a master of translating your ideals into practical action.

g LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): In the last two decades,

seven Academy Award winners have given thanks to God while accepting their oscars. by contrast, 30 winners have expressed their gratitude to film studio executive Harvey Weinstein. Who would you acknowledge as essential to your success, Libra? What generous souls, loving animals, departed helpers, and spiritual beings have contributed to your ability to thrive? now is an excellent time to make a big deal out of expressing your appreciation. For mysterious reasons, doing so will enhance your luck and increase your chances for future success.

h SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): you have permission to

compose an all-purpose excuse note for yourself. If you’d like, you may also forge my signature on it so you can tell everyone that your astrologer sanctified it. This document will be ironclad and inviolable. It will serve as a poetic license that abolishes your guilt and remorse. It will authorize you to slough off senseless duties, evade deadening requirements, escape small-minded influences, and expunge numbing habits. even better, your extra-strength excuse note will free you to seek out adventures you have been denying yourself for no good reason.

i SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): In the Inuktitut language

spoken in northern Canada, the term iminnger naveers aartunn gortussa avunga means “I should try not to become an alcoholic.” I encourage you to have fun saying that a lot in the coming days. Why? now is an excellent time to be playful and light-hearted as you wage war against any addictive tendencies you might have. Whether it’s booze or gambling or abusive relationships or anything else that tempts you to act like an obsessive self-saboteur, you have more power than usual to break its hold on you -- especially if you don’t take yourself too seriously.

j CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Percival Lowell (1855-1916)

was an influential astronomer who launched the exploration that led to the discovery of Pluto. He also made some big mistakes. Here’s one: Gazing at Venus through his telescope, he swore he saw spokes emanating from a central hub on the planet’s surface. but we now know that Venus is shrouded with such thick cloud cover that no surface features are visible. so what did Lowell see? Due to an anomaly in his apparatus, the telescope projected shadows from inside his eyes onto the image of Venus. The “spokes” were actually the blood vessels in his retinas. Let this example serve as a cautionary tale for you in the coming weeks, Capricorn. Don’t confuse what’s

within you with what’s outside you. If you can clearly discern the difference, your closest relationships will experience healing breakthroughs.

k AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): “I believe in getting into

hot water; it keeps you clean.” so said british writer G. K. Chesterton. now I’m passing his advice on to you just in time for the Purge and Purify Phase of your astrological cycle. In the coming weeks, you will generate good fortune for yourself whenever you wash your own brain and absolve your own heart and flush the shame out of your healthy sexual feelings. As you proceed with this work, it may expedite matters if you make a conscious choice to undergo a trial by fire.

l PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): “I awake in a land where

the lovers have seized power,” writes Danish poet Morten sondergaard in his fanciful poem “The Lovers.” “They have introduced laws decreeing that orgasms need never come to an end. Roses function as currency. . . The words ‘you’ and ‘I’ are now synonymous.” A world like the one he describes is a fantasy, of course. It’s impossible. but I predict that in the coming weeks you could create conditions that have resemblances to that utopia. so be audacious in your quest for amorous bliss and convivial romance. Dare to put love at the top of your priority list. And be inventive!

F R E E W i L L a S t R o L o G y