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JUNE 28, 2008 • ISSUE 118

Booze patrol New state liquor laws begin

BY ROJE ADAIMY If you're drunk and unruly around a licensed venue in Sydney from July 1, expect to be hit with a $550 on-the-spot fine.

It is just one of a number of new offences being rolled out this week as part of the NSW Government's liquor law reforms, in a bid to reduce the level of alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour.

Under the Liquor Act 2007, police will be given the power to issue on-the-spot fines to drunk, quarrelsome or violent people who attempt to re-enter, or remain in the vicinity of, licensed premises after refusal or rejection.

There will also be increased penalties for underage drinking and intoxication, including fines of up to $2,200 for minors who enter licensed venues or buy alcohol.

Surry Hills Local Area Commander, Superintendent Donna Adney, told The City News that both general duty officers and members of the new Surry Hills Alcohol Regulatory Compliance Squad (SHARCS) will proactively be on the lookout for people who have had too much to drink and refuse to stop.

She offered a stern warning, saying that police will not hesitate to use these new powers and punish offenders.

"I'll be saying to Surry Hills Police that if you detect the offence of 'fail to quit', then you should give the ticket," Superintendent Adney said.

"They won't ignore intoxicated people who are acting ridiculously, so consuming alcohol in Surry Hills potentially has consequences if you don't do it responsibly."

Police officers, together with a team of new liquor inspectors, will be given the power to issue fines after an on-the-spot investigation, much like a speeding ticket, if they believe the person has ignored warnings to stop drinking or to leave a venue.

"They maintain their right as an individual police officer to exercise discretion, however, I think you will find that in most cases they will give the ticket," Superintendent Adney said.

"And we're doing that because we want to reduce the levels of intoxication and reduce the levels of alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour."

She said that a reduction in the number of intoxicated people could also benefit members of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) community in the area. continued page 3

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Continued from page 1 "I firmly believe that there is a link between alcohol and homophobic behaviour," Superintendent Adney said. "So I'm hoping that in six months time the GLBT community will start to feel better and be less subject to homophobic behaviour, like namecalling and that sort of thing."

While the new liquor laws come under the jurisdiction of the NSW Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing, the level of enforcement of these new offences are a directive of the NSW Minister for Police.

“People need to know that if they go out and get a skinful they risk ending up in hospital, as a victim

of crime, or in the back of a police truck," NSW Minister for Police, David Campbell, told The City News.

"These tough new laws which come into effect on July 1 will give police extra powers in their fight against alcohol-related crime [and is] part of a crackdown on drunks who cause trouble in pubs and clubs," he said. The NSW director of liquor and gaming, Albert Gardner, will be issuing guidelines to assist licensees and their staff to determine if a patron is intoxicated or approaching intoxication.

This will allow them to refuse entry or service, and/or eject the patron and comply with responsible serving laws, a spokesperson for Mr Gardner said.

New authority takes charge of complaints Residents, police and local councils can now lodge a disturbance complaint about one or more licensed venues if they believe that the quiet and good order of the neighbourhood is unduly disturbed by the conduct of patrons leaving the venue or the venue itself. The complaint will be investigated by the Director of Liquor and Gaming, who can convene a conference to obtain further information from the complainant and give the licensee an opportunity to respond. The newly formed Casino, Liquor and Gaming Authority will also be able to review the Director's decision.

A photo montage of the proposed redevelopment (left) and the former NSW Police headquarters in 2003 (right)

Construction in place of corruption

BY ROJE ADAIMY

Fire rips through Pyrmont cafe

It was the place that gave rise to claims of systemic corruption, criminal behaviour and pedophile activities within the NSW Police Service during the 1970s and 1980s.

But now, the former NSW Police headquarters office building on College Street in Darlinghurst faces fate of a different kind – it will soon be turned into a multimillion dollar luxury apartment complex.

The City of Sydney last week approved an amended development application (DA) from the owners to convert the

BY ROJE ADAIMY For almost three hours, a thick plume of black smoke poured out of the windows of a popular Pyrmont cafe after a fire broke out in its kitchen last Friday afternoon.

Several fire crews were on the scene at Union Street, trying to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to the hairdressing salon above the cafe, which contained a number of hazardous chemicals.

Two special Hazmat units were also on-site.

Police told hundreds of bystanders to move as far away as possible, with concerns that the smoke could be toxic.

Early reports suggest that the stove in Dolce Vita cafe's

kitchen exploded.

A NSW Fire Brigades spokesperson told media that the fire was under control by 3:40pm, but continued to burn in the roof cavity between the

ground and second floor of the building well after.

Buildings adjacent to the cafe in Union Square were all evacuated, but for nearby Star City it was business as usual.

Thorpie tribute wins gold The bold design of the Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre in Ultimo has won an award of excellence from the International Association of Lighting Designers. The people behind the design, Steensen Varming, were one of eight winners honoured last month in Las Vegas. They are the first Australian organisation to win the internationally-acclaimed award. Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the Aquatic Centre has already become an icon in Sydney and deserved the high honour. "This Aquatic Centre is the last great public work designed by Australia's great modernist architect, the late Harry Seidler," Ms Moore said. "We, at the City of Sydney, are proud that this beautiful building incorporates environmentally-sensitive lighting as one of the key

Published weekly and distributed to residents in the CBD, Pyrmont, Ultimo, Surry Hills, Woolloomooloo, Darlinghurst, East Sydney, Potts Point, Elizabeth Bay, Rushcutters Bay Chippendale and Glebe. Copies are also distributed to serviced apartments, hotels, convenience stores and newsagents throughout the city. Distribution enquiries call 9212 5677 Published by the Alternative Media Group (AMG). While every effort is made to ensure accuracy of content, The News takes no responsibility for inadvertent errors or omissions. ACN 095 709 596

The award-winning Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre in Ultimo defining elements in the overall design."

The wave-like ceiling, spanning 52 metres, provides most of the building's natural lighting. Hydraulic roof vents for natural ventilation and rainwater collection for toilets and sprinklers also feature in the centre.

Publisher: Lawrence Gibbons Group Manager: Chris Peken Editor: Roje Adaimy Senior Writer: Mick Roberts Arts Editor: Amelia Groom What’s On Editor: Jasmine McLennan Dining Editor: Jackie McMillan Advertising Executives: Mike Contos Publisher’s Assistant: Jocelyn Chen Email: citynews@alternativemediagroup.com Advertising:: sales@alternativemediagroup.com Contact: PO Box 843 Broadway 2007 Ph: 9212 5677 Fax: 9212 5633 Design: Gadfly Media

former police building into new apartments, a ground floor cafe and retail space.

The original DA for the site was approved by the Central Sydney Planning Committee late last year.

But according to a spokesperson, the City more recently approved a modification to the initial application, which amends the envelope of the approved mixed use building, including reconfigured car access and egress, waste collection, foyer arrangements, and modified floor layouts for each level to increase the number of

apartments from 70 to 87.

The proposal went through a design competition with Scott Carver Architects being awarded the winning design, the spokesperson said.

The Avery Building was originally named in honour of former Police Commissioner John Avery until 2003, when the headquarters moved to a new building in Parramatta. Mr Avery preceded Commissioner Tony Lauer, who, in a climate of controversy, retired after rejecting claims raised in the 1994 Royal Commission into the NSW Police Service.

$100,000 welcome for Surry Hills community

BY ROJE ADAIMY The City of Sydney Council has revealed that it will spend around $100,000 on a piece of art for the foyer of the new Surry Hills Library and Community Centre.

Well-known Australian artist Robert Owen has been commissioned to create the artwork in time for the centre's opening later in the year.

“Robert has considerable experience in creating public artworks and is in the development stage of a mural for the centre with the working title of Interlude," a Council spokesperson said.

The City said that it is part of a

broader initiative for more innovative public art that inspires, delights and challenges residents and visitors.

“The City’s public art program is creating new public art projects including commissioning new permanent and temporary work, community art, public art

by Indigenous artists, and integrating public art in capital works projects," the spokesperson said.

While the $20 million library and community centre is expected to open its doors by the end of the year, a grand opening is being planned for January 2009.

Well-known Australian artist Robert Owen will be paid around $100,000 to create an artwork for the foyer of the new Surry Hills community centre

Glebe cheap housing project still unclear

BY ROJE ADAIMY

Several questions asking the NSW Government for more detail about the proposed affordable housing development in Glebe have been left unanswered.

Greens MP Sylvia Hale last month requested that the Minister for Housing, Matt Brown, and his colleagues, specify details about the project and its long-term management.

While Ms Hale was advised that 134 Department of Housing properties neighbouring the Bay Street Depot site will be demolished, she was told that it was too early to

JUNE 28, 2008

determine how many would take their place.

"As a minimum there will be no loss of social housing units . . . [but the] number of units gained is yet to be determined," according to the Government's responses published online last week. They were not able to confirm the balance of public, private and affordable housing within the development, nor were able to answer where the revenue generated from the project would go or details about how the development will be managed.

The City of Sydney and NSW Government announced the $260 million project in May.

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Redfern rally marks one year since intervention

Hundreds of people attended the rally at The Block last Saturday to oppose the NT intervention

BY ANNE VON FEHRN Hundreds of people gathered at Redfern’s Block last Saturday to mark one year since the Howard Government introduced the highly controversial federal intervention into Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory.

Organised by the Aboriginal Rights Coalition (ARC), the rally began with several guest speakers before heading towards Town Hall in a bid to protest against the intervention.

Part of the National Day of Action, other rallies were held simultaneously across the

country demanding the repeal of all NT Emergency Response legislation, the restoration of the Racial Discrimination Act, funding for infrastructure and community controlled services, and ratification of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Guest speakers included Vince Forrester, an elder from the Mutitjulu community in the Northern Territory, who gave first-hand evidence about the damaging effect the intervention is having on his community.

“Within the last year, we have gone from 500 to 150 residents,”

Mr Forrester said.

“People are flocking to Alice Springs or other cities because their gift vouchers for food can only be exchanged in major stores such as Woolworths or Coles.”

Mr Forrester and his counterparts said this is dispersing communities and creating more problems for those left in urban areas on the street.

“The disastrous welfare quarantine is causing extreme hardship and has forced thousands of people into urban areas,” according to Paddy Gibson from the Aboriginal Rights Coalition.

Mr Gibson said that the review committee announced by the Rudd Government earlier this month was unlikely to result in any changes.

Furthermore, Greg Eatock from the ARC labelled John Howard's policy as cultural genocide. “The intervention has always been about destroying Aboriginal culture and assimilating us into white society," Mr Eatock said.

He added that this was landgrab legislation trying to control resources and minerals found in the targeted communities. “This has never been about protecting children, it’s been about opening

up our lands.”

Simon Flinn, secretary of the Fire Brigade Union, also took the stage in full support of the crowd. “We’ve had 30 years of booming economy yet we’ve also had 30 years of constant roll back of Aboriginal rights," he said. "It’s a public and international embarrassment for Australia."

Robert Alcock and wife Fiona attended the rally to hear directly from people affected by the intervention in the NT and to show their support.

“The media coverage about the consequences of the ongoing intervention is not very comprehensive,” Fiona Alcock said. “We want to show that there are many Australians who are concerned about the rights of Aboriginal people.”

In 2007, the Howard Government announced measurements to intervene into Aboriginal communities in the NT following a report outlining serious problems of abuse and neglect of children in remote Aboriginal communities. The ALP supported the introduction of the legislation and since coming into office has not committed to any changes other than the ongoing review.

“It is time for Kevin Rudd to prove that he is not another John Howard when it comes to the relationship with the owners of this land,” Simon Flinn concluded.

Claims of homophobia to go before Press Council

BY ROJE ADAIMY The Australian Press Council has agreed to investigate a complaint from a local man about alleged homophobic comments made by columnist Paul Sheehan in the Sydney Morning Herald.

Dale Mills, from Waterloo, claimed that Mr Sheehan presented his opinion about the connection between gay men and pedophilia as fact, in an article commenting on the publication of photos by photographer Bill Henson.

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On May 26, Mr Sheehan wrote: "Pederasts and child sexploiters have had a dream run in our society. A subculture of pedophilia among gays, an epidemic of child sexual abuse in the Aboriginal community, and a multimillion-dollar porn industry on the internet have all been protected..."

The complainant, Mr Mills, challenged the Herald for evidence that there is a "subculture of pedophilia among gays".

"Normally, I wouldn't have

the Press Council has long held the belief that columnists have greater leeway in expressing opinion than news journalists.

"I'm not satisfied with the response to the complaint by the Herald, which is why I made the complaint to the Press Council," Mr Mills said.

"They suggest that it is just an 'opinion'. But I think that it is Sheehan representing his own opinion as a fact – that's a big difference."

The complaint will be heard on July 30

The Excelsior – revamped and ready to go!

The Excelsior Hotel has had extensive renovations over the last five months to create a warm, lively pub, buzzing with activities and good food! On Wednesday nights there is a Greek buffet upstairs in the restaurant. This is mumma’s traditional Greek cooking with eight courses, including goat, salted cod, spanakopita, saganaki prawns and homemade loukoumades (lightly fried batter drizzled with honey, cinnamon and nuts). Also on Wednesdays there is a traditional Greek band playing rembetika (underground Greek blues music) and an invitation to get off your seats and dance!

On Tuesday night there is trivia; Monday night bingo and Thursday night and

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made a complaint like this," Mr Mills said. "However, the link that is often made between gay men and pedophilia is the basis for so much discrimination and even violent attacks, that I felt I just couldn't sit back and do nothing."

In a letter to the Press Council, the Herald denied the comment was homophobic. They said it was an opinion that had been balanced with the publication of a second column by Paul Sheehan and a number of letters to the editor. They added that

Sunday afternoons there is live acoustic music. There is something for everyone at the Excelsior. The regular restaurant menu ranges between $15 and $20 for the main course and can also be eaten downstairs in the bar.

The bar food ranges from $5 and $20 and is the perfect accompaniment to a beer after work. The staff are accommodating and very helpful and the service in the restaurant exceptional.

So come and meet the Kotis family for a night of good food, great music and some fun and frivolity!

The Excelsior Hotel, 101 Bridge Rd, Glebe. (02) 9552 9700

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The family of Shihtzus were on the verge of dying because of serious eye conditions

Snatched from ‘death row’

BY JOSHUA MAULE It’s been almost a month since Doggie Rescue was given a family of Shihtzus about to be destroyed by the pound.

But the charity’s founder Monika Biernaki said efforts are now well underway to heal the four dogs that have eye damage caused by poor breeding.

“These beautiful young dogs have suffered so much,” Ms Biernaki said. “Shihtzus normally have such gorgeous big googly eyes and theirs are so damaged.”

All of the dogs have severe scarring across their eyes and one of them has recently had an eye removed while another is waiting for an operation.

Ms Biernaki said while it is exhausting to look after the dogs she is keen to save dogs on death row because it is never the dogs’ fault if they are neglected by their owners.

“I just can’t stand the senseless destruction of the dogs. It’s just so inhumane,” she said. Each year the organisation saves about 1000 dogs from across innerSydney – with up to 200 dogs under their care on any one day.

A number of other dogs are also “fostered” in the homes of individual supporters until permanent homes can be found.

On an average week the kennel can take more than 10 new dogs into their care and give just as many away for adoption.

It costs the charity $500 per dog that is saved, around $300 of which is covered by people who adopt them – the rest of the funds however being covered by donations from the dog-loving public.

Ms Biernaki said the charity does not receive government funding but can only continue through donations and members of the public who volunteer to adopt or foster the canines.

She said the 400 or so volunteers are involved in picking up dogs from the pound and feeding them each day.

On top of that Ms Biernaki said hundreds of other residents irregularly drop by and walk the dogs around inner-city parks.

For more information on how to donate or to adopt a dog visit www.DoggieRescue.com, or call 9486 3133.

Wake up and smell the coffee If the smell of coffee makes your mouth water, or you struggle to function properly without a fresh espresso in the morning, then you can't miss this year's Aroma Coffee Festival at The Rocks.

The annual coffee-fest will celebrate its 11th year, and is expected to draw close to 100,000 people next Sunday, July 6.

Some of Sydney's best boutique roasters will join the country's biggest coffee houses in sampling great coffee blends for just $1 a cup.

Local favourites like Toby's Estate and Velluto Nero will converge in First Fleet Park to brew up a storm, in between live demonstrations on show as part of the Domestic Coffee Machine Expo and Lifestyle Forecourt at the Overseas Passenger Terminal.

But it doesn't stop there. The Aroma Festival now features Chocolatiers' Boulevard with mouth-watering treats from handmade truffles to liquid chocolate shots and fountains.

Campbells Cove will also host All Things Nice – full of sweet treats – while Teas of the World will offer a cup of a different kind in George Street.

From 10am until 5pm, you can enjoy free live music throughout The Rocks precinct for a perfect winter's day out!

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COVER FEATURE River of No Return

Indigenous Australia goes Hollywood

BY ROJE ADAIMY It's not everyday that you see a middleaged Aboriginal woman dressed in a white, Marilyn Monroe-inspired outfit.

But for grandmother turned actress, Frances Djulibing, it was her dream to make it big in Hollywood.

The documentary River of No Return tells Frances' inspiring story, and will open this year's Message Sticks Indigenous Film Festival at the Sydney Opera House.

"You get to see all the nuances of her world, but through the perspective of this mad Hollywood aspiration – it's a really different take on the Indigenous world," according to the Festival's cocurator, Rachel Perkins.

"It says a lot about the interesting cultural crossovers that are happening in Indigenous Australia at the moment."

Ms Perkins has been curating the Festival since 2002 with filmaker Darren Dale. But she believes this year's Festival is particularly important given what's happened over the last twelve months.

"We've had an apology, which has taken the pressure off some of the relationships, but many people still

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don't know much about Aboriginal Australia and a lot of Indigenous Australians don't have a voice," Ms Perkins said. "Aboriginal filmmakers have used the lens to capture the feelings and thoughts of our people, talking about their lives at a turning point in Australia's history."

The Message Sticks Festival will showcase 17 documentaries and short films, including the red carpet gala premiere of River of No Return and a special presentation of the now worldfamous YouTube 'Chooky Dancers'.

The boys from Ramingining in northeast Arnham Land will be performing their twist on the Zorba the Greek dance at the Opera House, before screening a film that documents how the YouTube classic came to fruition.

"It's actually a story about a little girl who had cerebral palsy, and who'd been looked after by a Greek woman for many years," Ms Perkins said. "So the Chooky Dancers created this Zorba dance as a gift to the Greek woman who'd looked after their relation."

Presented by Screen Australia and Blackfella Films, the Festival will run from July 4 to July 6, and Ms Perkins urges everyone to support the

REVIEW BY IRINA DUNN

Indigenous Australian film industry.

"You get to see first time filmmakers who come to the best venue in Australia and show their film to an audience, and get applauded and embraced for it, and it's just a thrilling moment because they've succeeded in something and get a sense of justice in getting their story told," she said.

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Jenny Macklin (Indigenous Affairs Minister) must see this ten times, insisted veteran feminist Eva Cox during the Q&A session that followed the screening of River of No Return during the Sydney Film Festival last Saturday.

This documentary features Frances Djulibing, from the remote community of Nagalala in north-eastern Arnhem Land, who had always dreamed of becoming an actress like Marilyn Monroe.

The 45-year-old grandmother’s first lucky break came with a part in Rolf de Heer’s Ten Canoes, followed by another role in Darlene Johnson’s Crocodile Dreaming.

Frances was the first in her community to take out a Domestic Violence Order, and survives a disastrous marriage to an islander, which leaves her with a steel plate in her jaw for life.

But when her application to the Queensland Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts is rejected, she has no option but to give up her dream and settle

for a life in her community.

She is especially close to her Uncle Eric, an elder with magical powers, and to her 11year-old grandson Brad, whose natural gift for Bollywood style dancing reflects the local fascination with the style (remember the YouTube of the Aboriginal Zorba dancers?).

And although she did not marry the man she was promised to (having been “kidnapped” by another), they are nonetheless close friends and bound by obligation.

Darlene Johnson’s documentary is a revelation for those of us who have little contact with Aboriginal people and communities. As Frances moves between the life of the Yolgnu people and modern world of balanda (white culture), we can only wonder at the mental and emotional balancing act she has to undergo to bridge the two cultures.

Congratulations to Darlene Johnson for putting together a film that makes us weep with frustration at the obstacles Frances faces, and laugh with glee at her sense of humour and tenacity.

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POSITIONS VACANT DELIVERY PEOPLE Your friendly local papers The City Hub, The City News and The Bondi View are seeking equally friendly and reliable people (with a vehicle) to deliver our newspapers.

All enquiries please call Chris on 9212 5677 or email chris@alternativemediagroup.com

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Small business toasts liquor store knock back

BY MICK ROBERTS Plans by supermarket giant Woolworths to relocate a liquor store to Surry Hills have been dealt a blow with City of Sydney Council rejecting the development application.

Council's refusal to allow the BWS liquor store to go ahead follows the NSW Liquor Administration Board approval of a 'Social Impact Assessment' application for the removal of the off-licence from Paddington to Surry Hills on May 2.

However, overwhelming opposition from small businesses, local residents, welfare groups and the police has led Council to the decision to reject yet another grog shop on Bourke Street. Woolworths hoped to have the liquor store trading opposite their Bourke Street supermarket to provide "customer convenience", a spokesman said.

The City News understands that Australia's biggest grocery supplier was so confident of having the development application approved, stock and

fittings from the Paddington store were already being packed for removal to the Surry Hills site.

The development application, lodged by James Lovell and Associates, was for 425-429 Bourke Street, and planned to trade Mondays to Saturdays from 9am to 10pm, and Sundays and public holidays from 10am to 7pm. Submissions closed on April 8.

A City of Sydney spokesperson said the application was refused on June 5.

"More than 300 submissions were received objecting to the proposed location of the retail liquor outlet with concerns it would have a detrimental effect on the amenity of the area," the spokesperson said.

NSW Police were consulted and advised the location of the proposed outlet would be within an alcohol free zone and that any sale of liquor may impact and increase the amount of street drinking and alcohol related crime in the area.

"The location of the liquor store

was considered inappropriate as it would be opposite the Edward Eager Lodge – a shelter for men with alcohol misuse problems," the spokesperson said.

Nichols Street Community Group said additional liquor outlets were not needed in an area "already awash with alcohol supply" and that was experiencing "a public drinking problem". Adequate alcohol retailers already traded in the locality, Community Group spokesman Brian Noad said.

"Any further opportunities to supply alcohol would not be in the interests of local residents or the community. There are 26 pubs, cafes and restaurants within a 5 minute radius of the proposed new location," he said.

Within two minutes walking distance there are two liquor bottle shops, The Bottlo, Bourke Street and the re-emerging Beresford Hotel will have a liquor bottle shop.

"No more are needed.

Darlinghurst/Surry Hills including Oxford St is reported to have the highest number of

liquor licenses of any police area command in Australia," Mr Noad said.

While the BWS relocation was supported by some residents on the belief it may bring competitive alcohol prices – plus its convenience to the nearby Woolworths supermarket – Mr Noad said many residents and welfare agencies had big concerns.

Owner of the nearby boutique style liquor store The Bottlo, Ross Delaney said history had shown that large supermarkets bring lower prices in the short term, at the expense of small businesses.

He said allowing a Woolworths liquor store would be the first step in destroying the village atmosphere of Surry Hills.

"The decision to reject the application by Council is a win for small business in the area," Mr Delaney said.

"It means that Council is listening and respecting the opinion of the community."

A Woolworths spokesperson said the decision to reject the

New planning laws approved

BY MICK ROBERTS While the Sydney Chamber of Commerce has praised the passing of new state planning laws – labelling it as a victory for commonsense – the NSW Local Government Association says the legislation spells disaster for democracy.

After much publicity and debate, the State’s Lower House approved the controversial reforms earlier this month.

Planning Minister Frank Sartor said the changes would cut red tape for ordinary homeowners and small businesses and introduce independent decisionmaking into the system.

He said the vote is the culmination of more than a year spent studying national and international trends, holding forums and seeking public feedback.

Mr Sartor’s planning shake-up has had a bumpy road to the Lower House, with a concerted campaign by local councils – including The City of Sydney – in an effort to block the legislation.

Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore has strongly opposed most of Mr Sartor’s Bill, labelling it “anti-democratic”.

“These planning law changes are

confused and complicated, with diminished capacity for open and transparent decisionmaking, and subjective and inadequately defined rules,” Cr Moore said.

However, despite an intenselyconducted Local Government and Shires Associations’ campaign, the legislation was passed, following similar Bills accepted last month in South Australia and Victoria.

Mr Sartor said the changes will ensure the NSW system keeps pace with best practice planning across Australia and meets the challenges of the 21st century.

He said the reforms were introduced almost two months ago and were passed following an extensive debate – despite “late night grandstanding and filibustering by the Greens”.

The Greens say the Bill was driven by the development industry and was a government reward to big developers for money poured into the NSW ALP’s campaign coffers before the last election.

Greens MP and Planning spokesperson Sylvia Hale said the vote was disappointing given the widespread community concern about the Bill.

“The Bill will damage the state’s environment and heritage,” Ms Hale said.

“It will remove the rights of residents to have a say about the way their neighbourhoods develop. It will lead to increased disputes between neighbours and it will open the door for an even greater level of corruption in what is already a corrupt planning system.”

On the other hand the Sydney Chamber of Commerce says the new laws will create a better, quicker and fairer planning system.

Sydney Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Patricia Forsythe said most MPs rejected the "scaremongering" and instead endorsed sensible and moderate reform.

“This should not be seen as the end of planning reform, but it is certainly a giant leap forward for the community and the industry,” Ms Forsythe said.

At a time when construction of new houses and apartments has fallen to a 38 year low, the new laws couldn’t have come soon enough, she said.

“The new planning laws will cut red tape and help kickstart the building industry at a time of

major housing shortages.

“These new planning laws will benefit home builders, renovators, first home buyers and small business people alike.”

President of the NSW Local Government Association Cr Genia McCaffery said the campaign by her association and other organisations had forced the government to make critical concessions to the Bill, including making private certifiers more accountable, trialing the housing codes, and reinstating councils' right to use levies to fund regional facilities.

"We accept the laws have passed but will monitor their impacts closely – particularly the rights

The shop in Bourke Street which Woolworths were rejected a development application for a liquor store.

development application was "disappointing". When The City News asked whether the decision would be appealed in the Land and Environment Court by Woolworths, the spokesman said they would be first looking at the reasons why the decision was made by Council.

"When we look at that, we hope to go forward from there," the spokesperson said.

Surry Hills police told The City News in May that they would not be objecting to the license transfer, but questioned the need for another liquor store in the neighbourhood.

of residents and the increased costs to ratepayers,” Cr McCaffery said.

The Local Government and Shires Associations have been running a campaign communicating the impacts of the laws to ratepayers and targeting local MPs and Upper House members, which generated tens of thousands of individual emails.

"We are committed to our communities and that means partnering with the Government to make these laws work. We will expect the Government, as promised, to iron out problems as they occur," Cr McCaffery said.

Mr Sartor said he would now establish an Implementation Advisory Committee of local government and industry

representatives, including planners and architects.

“I am disappointed that the leadership of local government has wasted hundreds of thousands of ratepayers’ dollars trying to obstruct commonsense changes, instead of working through the detail in a constructive fashion.

“I urge them to now put election-year politics aside and work with the State and planning practitioners to implement these changes for the benefit of the community.”

The changes to the legislation will also see slashing red tape for the live music and entertainment industry by abolishing rules which require venues to obtain place of public entertainment (POPE) licenses.

Disturbing link between booze and drugs

BY MICK ROBERTS A survey by the Salvation Army has revealed a disturbing link between alcohol abuse and the use of illegal drugs.

The survey of clients of the Salvation Army’s recovery programs also revealed that the flow on effects of alcohol abuse can spread throughout the family leading to violence, disputes and often homelessness.

JUNE 28, 2008

Of the 309 people surveyed, 39 per cent were addicted to both alcohol and illegal drugs, Gerard Byrne of the Salvation Army Recovery Services Program said.

“We need to alert the community and in particular young people of the dangers of both alcohol and illegal drugs. When young people are intoxicated with alcohol they are more likely to make the decision to use illegal drugs,” he said.

With Drug Action Week winding-up

today (Saturday), the Salvation Army have opened the doors of their recovery centres to see first hand how the Army addresses addiction in people’s lives.

“Many people don’t realise exactly what continually getting drunk does to them, their families and to society,” Mr Byrne said.

For further information contact William Booth House, Surry Hills on 9212 2322.

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Power cables bored under Blackwattle Bay A project is underway to bore power cables under Sydney Harbour between Rozelle and Pyrmont.

To create the 1.5km cable route, Energy Australia contractors will use a horizontal directional drill to bore from James Craig Road in Rozelle, passing under Blackwattle Bay and the Anzac Bridge, to the intersection of John and Pyrmont Streets, Pyrmont. Linesmen will later pull the cables through the bored channels.

An Energy Australia spokesperson said the work is part of a $155 million infrastructure upgrade over the next five years to improve the safety and reliability of the city’s electricity supply.

The drill will re-surface from Blackwattle Bay at Bank Street,

where trenching will take place along 200m of Pyrmont Street.

The spokesperson said a 1.2m wide trench will be dug along Pyrmont Street to link the cables from John Street to the Pyrmont substation. This work is scheduled to take place from September to November.

Once the excavation work is complete, Energy Australia contractors will lay a temporary bitumen surface and City of Sydney Council will undertake permanent resurfacing of the excavated sections of the road.

While work on the project will start at Rozelle this month, heavy machinery is not expected to arrive in Pyrmont until September, when construction hours will be from 7am to 6pm on weekdays and 8am to 1pm on Saturdays.

The project comes on the back

of a half a million dollar project to replace ageing power cables under Surry Hills’ roads.

The new underground cables from the Campbell Street zone substation will increase power supply and improve reliability of electricity to homes and businesses in the area, the spokesperson said.

The City News revealed last month, the $500,000 project replaces cables in Campbell, Samuel, Reservoir, Commonwealth, Foveaux, Elizabeth and Kippax Streets.

The project, nearing completion, was stalled due to large amounts of rock and existing services found during excavation, and as a result the route needed to be altered.

For further information call Energy Australia’s major projects team on 1800 214 193.

“Retail prices need to be sufficient to recover the costs incurred in selling electricity, and the investments made in the transmission and distribution networks to increase reliability standards and meet peak demand,” he said. The electricity increase follows IPART’s approval to allow an increase of $126 or 17 per cent annually for households

consuming the average amount of water. This amounts to an increase of $2.42 a week.

Mr Cox said that for households consuming 200kL per year, the total bill will increase by $245 (plus inflation) per year by 2012.

This increase is made up of $103 for the costs of the desalination plant; $63 for renewal of and additions to existing infrastructure

to meet service standards; $60 for improving financial viability; and $19 will be directed to recycled water projects.

Commercial and industrial customers with a 20mm meter that consume 300KL of water per year can expect an increase of $300 or around 34 per cent by 2011/12 in their combined annual water and sewerage bill.

BY MICK ROBERTS

Similar trenching works carried out by Energy Australia in Surry Hills.

Household bills on the rise

BY MICK ROBERTS City residents can expect to pay more for electricity and water from next month.

Government watchdog, the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART), gave the green light to raise the

typical residential customers’ bills of Energy Australia or Integral Energy by about $1.50 a week for electricity from July.

Regulated prices will rise by an average of 8.5 per cent including the effects of inflation for residential and small business

POLICE BRIEFS

POLICE continued their crackdown on drugs, alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour in the inner-city last weekend.

Operation Rolling Thunder II saw police swoop on pubs and clubs in the Surry Hills, Kings Cross and City Central Local Area Commands, arresting 17 people with a total of 32 charges.

Offences included possession and supply of prohibited drugs, assaulting police, resisting arrest, hindering police and offensive behaviour.

With the assistance of a police detection dog, there were 14 charged with possessing prohibited drug, three charges of deemed supply of prohibited drug, three charges of resisting arrest, two charges of offensive behaviour, two charges of breach of bail, one charge of

10

customers of Energy Australia and Integral Energy.

IPART Chief Executive James Cox said price increases are needed to ensure that NSW residents and businesses continue to have access to a safe and reliable supply of electricity.

WITH MICK ROBERTS

assaulting police, one charge of assault, one charge of goods in custody, one charge of stealing, one charge of fail to pay for petrol, and three traffic offences.

Drugs seized during the operation include ice, ecstasy and cocaine.

A total of 29 people and 6 vehicles were searched, with 30 checks on licensed premises carried out by police. The operation also involved police from the State Protection Group Dog Unit, Operation Support Group, Public Order Riot Squad, Middle Eastern Organised Crime Squad, Gang Squad, and Region Enforcement Squad.

It follows the success of Operation Rolling Thunder in Surry Hills Local Area Command over the June long weekend when 70 arrests were

made, numerous drug detections and the seizure of a machine gun from a man in a Darlinghurst laneway.

Acting Central Metropolitan Region Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner Mark Murdoch, said police were adamant that alcohol and drug-related crime, along with other offences in the inner city entertainment areas would continue to be targeted.

“Alcohol-related crime and antisocial behaviour are firmly in our sights, as well as ensuring the responsible service of alcohol and a level of personal responsibility,” Com Murdoch said.

“Criminal behaviour, regardless of whether it’s associated with alcohol or drug consumption, won’t be tolerated by the NSW Police Force. If you play up, then you can expect

police action – it’s as simple as that,” he said. Further high visibility operations are planned for the inner city.

A MAN has been charged with murder following the discovery of a body in a bath in Redfern.

Just before 9pm on Friday June 20, police were called to a home on Morehead Street, Redfern after receiving reports of an incident.

Police from Redfern Local Area Command arrived to find a 56-yearold man dead in the bathroom.

A 37-year-old man was arrested at the scene and taken to Redfern Police Station where he was interviewed and later charged with murder. The man has been refused bail and is before the courts.

JUNE 28, 2008

Police arrested a number of people in a crackdown in the inner city last weekend.

AN 18th person has been charged over a brawl at a central Sydney shopping centre last year.

The brawl involved around 30 people inside the complex at the corner of George and Liverpool Streets about 11pm on Saturday 29 September 29. During the altercation two 18-year-old men and a 17-year-old youth sustained serious stab wounds. They arrived at St Vincent’s Hospital in a taxi, with two of the injured undergoing surgery. One of the 18-year-old men suffered multiple stab wounds to the chest, with the knife puncturing his lung and causing a minor laceration to his heart. He has since been released from hospital. A fourth

man, aged 18, attended Auburn Hospital in the early hours of the following day suffering a stab wound and was treated, before being released. Strike Force Rounce — comprising detectives from the Asian Crime Squad and City Central Local Area Command — has been carrying out extensive ongoing inquiries into the incident.

The 17-year-old boy was arrested at Randwick and taken to Maroubra Police Station for questioning.

He was conditionally bailed to appear in Bidura Children’s Court charged with participation in a criminal group, riot, and affray.

Inquiries by Strike Force Rounce are continuing.

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GIVE US YOUR BEST Vote for the Best of Sydney Sure London has its fog, Beijing has its smog and LA has its drive by shootings, but when it comes to world class cities, Sydney is better than the rest. It’s not just the white sails of the Opera House billowing over our picture-perfect harbour.

Or the endless miles of sparkling beaches that makes this one of the world’s truly great cities. It’s the local places: that little café with the sensational cappuccino, the intimate corner pub with the ice cold beer on tap, the funky shop with the friendly staff off the beaten path.

Details: Name: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .........................................................

Suburb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Day Phone: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Mobile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Email Address: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Please include business name & suburb:

BEST RESTAURANTS Best Breakfast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Lunch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Dinner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Modern Aussie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Food after 2am . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Thai . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Laksa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Chinese . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Japanese . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Vietnamese . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Spanish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Mexican . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best South American . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Greek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best French . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Italian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best African . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Northern European . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Vegetarian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Surf (Seafood) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Turf (Steak) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Bakery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Sweets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Coffee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Tea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Cafe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

BEST PUBS Best Smoke Free Pub . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Smoke Friendly Beer Garden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Romantic Fireplace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Toilet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Pub Bistro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Gay Pickup joint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Straight Pickup joint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Live Music venue: Jazz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Live Music venue: Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Live Music Folk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Live Music World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Dance venue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Sports Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Trivia Night . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Nightclub . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Pokie Free Pub . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

To celebrate the BEST that our fair city has to offer, once again we are running an extensive readership poll to choose the BEST OF SYDNEY. So pick up your pen and vote for your favourite haunts and jaunts. Let us in on that secret place only the locals know about. Brag and boast about the many local small businesses that truly make Sydney not just one of the world’s great cities, but the world’s greatest city.

Winners will be published in the August 21st edition of the City News and the September editions of the City Hub and the Bondi View. By casting a vote, you will be invited to a PARTY to celebrate the BEST OF SYDNEY on August 21st. So go ahead and give us your BEST!

Best Pokie Palace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Local Pub . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Pub off the beaten path . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

BEST SHOPS Best Locally crafted furniture shop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Import Shop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best new White Goods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best recycled White Goods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best New Age Shop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Antiques (pre 1950) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Retro (post 1950) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Fetish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Organic Food Shop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Health Food Shop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Gym . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Beauty Salon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Men’s Haircut Under $20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Under $5 shop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Leather apparel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Shoe shop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Women’s Apparel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Men’s Apparel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best New books . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Used books . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Place to Rent Movies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Hardware Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Pet Shop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Sporting Goods Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Bike Shop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best CDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Vinyl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Late Night Convenience Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Independent Newsagent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Christian free Op Shop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Place to get Tattooed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Place to get Pierced . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

BEST ARTS AND ENERTAINMENT Best Fringe Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best 300 plus seat venue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Dance Performance venue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Spoken word venue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Music Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Cinema . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Theatre in a Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Bar in a Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Art Gallery (under $5000) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Art Gallery (over $5000) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Museum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Comedy Venue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best local Band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best spoken work poet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Local DJ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Local actor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Local muso . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Local filmmaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Local performer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Local Producer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Comedian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Indie Music Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Local Author . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

BEST THINGS TO SEE WHILE VISITING SYDNEY Best Tourist attraction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Public Space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Weekend Markets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Animal Attraction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Bus Ride . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Urban Walk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Out of Town Experience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

BEST SERVICES Best Dentist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Doctor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Lawyer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Accountant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Yoga Studio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Public Pool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Vet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Dog Walking Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Landscape Gardener . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Therapist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Chiropractor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Masseuse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Hairdresser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Adult Service Provider . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Local online networking space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Real Estate Agent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

POST COMPLETED BEST OF SYDNEY BALLOT TO: BEST OF SYDNEY, PO BOX 843 Broadway NSW 2007 or email nominations to best@alternativemediagroup.com Nominations close on Tuesday 5 August, 2008.

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EAT & DRINK PRICING $ - mains less than $15 $$ - mains between $15-$22 $$$ - mains between $22-$30 $$$$ - mains over $30

ROCKS & CBD Garden Court This restaurant has exceptional food, and a great 70s-modern French Bistro setting.The 30 Minute Lunch ($42), served simultaneously on four tasting plates within fifteen minutes of ordering (or it’s free), delighted with a Tarte au Citron from their Lenôtre trained Chef Pâtissier, Mark Stone.The Guéridon of the Day ($42) was an impressive steak with peppercorn sauce served Flambé style at the table.The wine list is inspiring; they take the time guarantee seriously – so if you can spare an hour, investigate their wonderful cheese trolley ($22/head).

Level 5, Sofitel Wentworth, 61–101 Phillip Street, Sydney (02) 9230 0700 www.sofitelwentworthsydney.com.au/sy dney_dining/restaurant.html Modern Australian $$$$ 360 Bar & Dining As a special occasion restaurant, this is totally a valid option - the view is second to none. Cocktails at the bar are a highpoint; especially the Thai Mai Shu ($18.50).The modern Australian menu has two set price options - $75/ 2 courses,

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*NEW* Subsolo A great reason to come to this subterranean space - one part flame red boudoir, one part dark, moody bar - is to check out the uncompromising Spanish wine list. It comes with tasting notes that mean you don’t have to be a wine buff to make a great choice - I loved the 2006 Castro Martin Albariño ($85/bottle $18/glass) described as “pear and honey with a tingle on the tongue.” While not every dish from head chef Jacqui Gowan excels – the Crumbed Meatballs with Manchego and Romesco ($19/$24) were intensely salty – there are some stellar tapas options like Lamb Cutlets ($18/$25) with minted fig salsa on chickpea puree.A great sharing option is the Ensalada a la Española ($19/$25) which includes garlic calamari, tasty Manchego and exceptional smoky chorizo.Vegetarians (and carnivores) will enjoy the superb Pimientos Rellenos ($17/$24) stuffed with goats cheese and pine nuts. More substantial offerings include a menu of charcoal spit-roasted Portuguese Espetadas including King Prawns wrapped in Spanish Jamon ($34); and a better-than-most Paella ($33) brimming with chicken, chorizo and seafood.The prawns and scallops were impressively moist, and the cast iron pan had the prized crust.

Basement, 161 King Street, Sydney (02) 9223 7000 www.subsolo.com.au Spanish/Portuguese $$$$ $95/ 3 courses (special items have additional charges), but you may want to order a side ($11). Entrees were excellent, particularly the Hervey Bay Scallops with pancetta and sweet-corn puree; and for dessert it would be hard to beat their Vanilla Bean Crème Brulee.

Entry via Gallery Level, 100 Market Street, Sydney (02) 8223 3883 www.360dining.com.au Modern Australian $$$$ Sydney Tower Restaurant When you dine at Sydney Tower,

you get more than just a meal – the impressive slowly-rotating, modern dining room is also an attraction.

The staff are very warm to young diners.You’ll be surprised by the quality and range on offer at the buffet, including fresh oysters from their lease in Tasmania; a constantly refreshed selection of Asian and Mediterranean dishes; and a carvery for whole baked salmon and rare Terra Rossa Beef. Linger over a plate of cakes, slices and fresh fruit as the city turns round.

Centrepoint, Gallery Level, 100 Market

2008 Gluten Free Expo If you’re gluten intolerant, you might want to mark the 2008 Gluten Free Expo into your diary. It’s on Friday 22nd August (4pm-8pm) and Saturday 23rd August (9am-5pm) at the Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park.Admission is free.

In its fourth year, the event will have more than seventy stalls, carrying everything from beer to bread, cakes to crisp-breads.The exciting news for those with gluten intolerance is that all items inside the expo are gluten free.As Graham Price, President of the Coeliac Society, says:“This is a unique event in the Coeliac’s calendar as sufferers can walk in and eat or taste anything in the show without having to worry about what they’re eating.”

As well as providing samples and tastings, the exhibitors will be selling their products so arrive hungry, and pack a shopping bag! For more information, go here: www.glutenfreeexpo.com.au Street, Sydney (02) 8223 3800 www.sydneytowerrestaurant.com.au Fixed Price Buffet $$$$ Aki’s Start with an Indian Mule ($15) and then explore the excellent wine list.

Kumar Mahadevan’s signature entrée of Crab Podimas with Iddiappam ($23) is lovely.Vegetarian diners are given a range of options, like Palak Patta Chaat ($13).The Hyderabadi Murg ($25) is very spicy; the Braised White Rabbit ($34) with coconut, fennel, cashew and poppy seeds has a stunning

sauce that needs a Naan ($3). Great views of the city and all the finedining extras make one inclined to linger at their al fresco tables; and ease the higher prices.

1/6 Cowper Wharf Road, Woolloomooloo (02) 9332 4600 www.akisindian.com.au Modern Indian $$$-$$$$ AB Restaurant In a section of George Street known for fatty, fast food, here’s an alternative that’s kind to your waistline and wallet. Fresh food is provided by the experienced Ali

Baba group kitchen. Share a platter like the AB Grand Platter ($35) with salads like the zesty AB Special Herb and Leaf Salad ($5.50 regular/ $13.00 large); dips, bread, Shish Kebab, Shish Tawook and Kafta Skewer, plus an unexpected highlight - Flame Grilled Butterfly Chicken ($18).Team it with sides like Sambousik ($8.00) pastries stuffed with beef, onions and pinenuts; or Mixed Pickles ($5).

Shops 5 & 6, 815 George Street (Opp. Central Station), Sydney (02) 9211 1969 www.abrestaurant.com.au Lebanese $$

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EAT & DRINK Civic Dining Consume Modern Greek cuisine cruising above even ‘gastro-pub’ fare in a stylishly revamped art-deco room. Start with a Crab and Haloumi Tartlet ($24) or a Pomegranate Roasted Quail ($24) with watermelon, sheep’s fetta and chorizo. Peter Conistis (ex-Omega) excels in bringing Mediterranean flavours to mains like Caramelised King Prawns and Mussels ($33) on pumpkin orzo (rice-shaped pasta).

Dessert of White Chocolate and Orange Blossom Sorbet ($14) has me enthralled; plus there’s a good selection of Greek wines. Service relaxed and informative.

The Civic Hotel, Level 1, 388 Pitt St, Sydney (02) 8080 7040 www.civichotel.com.au Modern Greek/Mediterranean $$$$ DARLO, KINGS X & SURRY HILLS Club Swans The bistro chef Michael Milkovic does an excellent job dancing between bistro classics and restaurant cuisine. I recommend Chilli, Cheddar and Honey Bread ($7.50) and the New York 350g Sirloin with king prawns ($25).

Dessert, Raspberry and White Chocolate Bread and Butter Pudding ($8.50), really sang. Order on level one, and enjoy your meal anywhere in the club (including two great outdoor terraces and a lounge bar).The refit is both intimate and

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*NEW* Toko General Manager Kiehyon Yoo remarked about the décor:“It’s not so much what we’ve done; it’s what we’ve undone.” Expect earthy, natural tones that are the perfect foil to the funky, upbeat atmosphere.You won’t even mind not being able to book for dinner Kiehyon is an expert at juggling! While you wait, chat to Bar Manager Paul Birtwistle (ex Zuma), who’s also the sake sommelier. Let him show you his favourite - Sato No Homare Kurogin Junmai Ginjo ($112/bottle, $55/bamboo, $11/glass). Rest assured, the food is amazing – the Dengaku Nasu ($9.20) (or eggplant with sweet miso) had me exclaiming:“At last, rewarding, challenging, complex vegetarian food!”

The San Tem ($19.50) (or chef’s selection of sashimi) came with salmon and two types of tuna, and was a textural sensation! From the Robata Grill, the Kamo Nashi Namasu ($28.20) (or duck breast with Sansho pepper and pickled nashi pear) was simply perfect. I also enjoyed a bowl of Spicy Edamame ($6.30); cooed over the great soft-shell crab in the Watari-gani Kara-age ($15.90); and marvelled at the perfectly cooked huge king prawns in the Kuruma Ebi Yuzu Fumi ($18.20). It’s a big menu, there’s plenty to enjoy; and it’s now open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays!

490 Crown Street, Surry Hills (02) 9357 6100 www.toko.com.au Japanese $$$-$$$$ elegant, and they have some of the best wine by the glass prices in town ($4-$8.50).

28 Darlinghurst Road, Kings Cross (02) 8061 2300 www.clubswans.com.au Bistro $$ Cru54 A stylish modern space with a contemporary Spanish / French influenced menu.They serve dishes like a boldly unadorned (bravo!) plate of Jamon Iberico ($20); of course complimented by a serve of grassy Dauro Spanish Olive Oil ($5) and

Sonoma bread. Chef Vincent Girardin shows off his talent with the Calamari ($13/sm, $19/lg) cooked to perfection with a squid ink crumble, aioli and lemon. Good produce makes the Prawn Trilogy ($18) a pleasure; and the Solomillo con foie gras ($21) impresses as well.The staff are enthusiastic and knowledgeable.

Don’t share the Burnt Valencia Orange with Leche Meringada Icecream ($10), it’s too good!

1/54 Foveaux Street, Surry Hills (02) 9281 1054 www.cru54.com.au Modern Spanish $$-$$$

*NEW* Tomatillo There’s been a fair few Mexican street food outfits opening up in recent times, but this was by far my favourite dining experience.The shop front on the main drag of Kings Cross hides a great sandstone dining room, where you can sit at a rustic wooden table with a frozen Lime Margarita ($8.50) in hand! Best bites are their house-made Chipotle Glazed Ribs ($16/half, $24/full) served with beans, rice and salad; and the great Chorizo Quesadilla ($10), made even better by the addition of their house-made ‘Must Have Mango’ hot sauce.Their Burritos ($9.90) provide a complete meal for under ten bucks – large flour tortillas filled with rice, beans, meat or vegetables, cheese, sour cream, lettuce and salsa.

Vegetarians (and vegans) will find dining options here – in fact they’re happy to make Mexican any way you like it (even if that means without any chilli heat). For those who want to feel the burn there are five different salsas ranging from a mild Pico de Gallo to a wild Habenero Chilli; and tasty roasted Jalapenos ($2).Warm host Bill Komoroski will make you feel right at home, and his counter staff will serve you with a smile until 4am on Fridays and Saturdays.

40b Darlinghurst Road, Kings Cross (02) 9326 0900 www.tomatillo.com.au Mexican $-$$ Cantina Bar & Grill Enjoy tapas dishes from all over the Mediterranean, like a compelling special of Hummus with Spiced Ground Lamb, superb lime green Padrón Peppers and Olive Sourdough ($12). Small terracotta bowls of Garlic Tiger Prawns ($16) prove reasonable value. Dishes like Jamon Bread ($4.50) make great drinking food, so enjoy them with wine from Spain,Argentina and Chile.There’s also Sangria ($25/carafe) and frothy jugs of Espana Margaritas ($32/jug) - a nicer

take on the traditional recipe using Licor 43.

245 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst (02) 9357 3033 www.cantina.net.au Mediterranean Tapas $$-$$$ Gazebo Wine Garden A restaurant centred around pleasing women (and the men they choose to bring), with engaged wait staff and a pneumatic wine system serving over 50 wines by the glass ($7.50-$36). Chef Heidi Flannagan’s (ex Heritage Belgian Beer Cafe) expertise with Mussels ($21.50) is

well worth a go! The Salad of Warm Beetroot, Eschallot, Goats Cheese and Walnuts ($19) hides a pastry shell under a mound creamy Capparis cheese - I wont tell if you don’t!

2 Elizabeth Bay Road Elizabeth Bay (02) 9357 5333 www.gazebowinegarden.com.au Modern Australian $$-$$$ Ciel Rouge An unpretentious restaurant with pleasantly modest ambitions, set in a cosy, romantic room. Enjoy a menu of French inspired Modern Australian dishes like Crumbed Veal Cutlet with Salad Vierge ($32.50) in summer; and more robust French favourites in winter. Don’t miss the Chicken Liver Pate ($11.50) and the lovely Duck Confit with Duck Sausage ($28).

Owner and sommelier Clive Delmenico makes good wine recommendations from a list where most bottles fall under $50.

Level 1, 292-294 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst (02) 9356 3255 www.cielrouge.com.au French/Mod Oz $$$-$$$$ Snakebean Jeremy McNamara and Nhut Huynh run this great little Asian diner with many old RQ favourites on offer. It’s a no frills experience with no dishes over $14, no cards, no bookings and (wonderfully) no corkage. High quality produce shines in dishes like the Banana Blossom Salad ($10) and Roast Eggplant Mash with Spicy

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EAT & DRINK Chicken ($9.90).The Slow Cooked Beef with Carrot, Paprika and Anise ($9.90) is like a Vietnamese flavoured Rendang. Desserts also impress.At these prices, you’d be mad not to eat here!

95 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst (02) 9380 8808 www.menulog.com.au/order/snakebean Pan-Asian $ Bay Hong Granddaughter of the founder of Bay Tinh, Hong Tran’s on the floor with her mother Rose Tran in the kitchen, reproducing many of the old recipes, as well as new creations like her Egged Prawn Cake ($12).

Golden, crunchy Potato Prawns ($10) and perfectly cooked Salt and Pepper Calamari ($16) show off her skill with fried dishes. Orange Rolls ($8) are surprisingly juicy; Lolot Beef Rolls ($18) are flavoursome and served with homemade noodles; and the crisp Ginger Fish (market price) is a real highlight.

294 Crown St, Surry Hills (02) 9360 8688 www.bayhong.com.au Vietnamese $$ Mad Mex: Fresh Mexican Grill Enjoy fresh Baja inspired Mexican cuisine fast food style with a Margarita ($10) in your hand! The space is bright with a communal centre table and bar style seating.

Choose a style of food (think Burrito, Quesadilla, Nachos or soft/crispy Tacos), then add a filling like Carnitas ($9.90), slow roasted pork.Add a salsa made from a range of imported Mexican Chillies and you have a mountain of fresh food.

Their Burritos are particularly large!

Shop 2, 241-247 Crown Street, Darlinghurst (02) 9331 2288 www.madmex.com.au Baja Mexican $ La Brasserie A relaxed yet romantic French brasserie with specials penned on mirrors, red curtains, long leather banquettes and outdoor tables.

Entrées, mains and desserts all excel - try the harmonious surf’n’turf Queue de Boeuf ($19) – a slow cooked, piece of oxtail served with plump scallops; or the Entrecôte Frites ($30), a succulent steak with a mound of perfect golden chips.

Confit de Canard ($27) is delightful, as is the Thon en Tartare ($19).

Leave room for Pain Perdu ($13), caramelised gingerbread with banana and scorched marshmallow!

Shop 28, 118-126 Crown Street, Darlinghurst (02) 9358 1222 www.labrasserie.com.au French $$$ Le Pelican A warm sandstone restaurant with a distressed leather banquette run by chef Jean-Francois Salet, who avoids trends, focuses on produce like Wapengo Lake Oysters ($3.00 each), and visits the markets personally. Dishes are matched with by-the-glass wines ($8-$13).Try the excellent De-Boned Quail Pastilla with Pistachio, Grape and Fennel Salad ($17) or the impressive Duck Two-Ways with Confit Tomato Tartlet ($35). Save room for the Chocolate Fondant with Milk Ice Cream ($14).

411 Bourke Street, Darlinghurst (02) 9380 2622 French/Modern Australian $$$-$$$$

jackie@alternativemediagroup.com

by Jackie McMillan

Foveaux Restaurant and Bar Oysters ($4/each) are served with red wine vinegar pearls which echo the accompanying salmon roe perfectly; Kingfish Ceviche ($22) with crab ice cream delights.You’ll also find sweet-corn custard, chocolate soil, cubes of red pepper jelly and foams a-plenty. Darryl Felstead’s menu is innovative, well thought out and beautifully plated.

Don’t miss the Pig’s Head Terrine, Gougon of Pig’s Ear, Red Cabbage Coleslaw and Toffee Apple ($22).

One of Sydney’s must do experiences with a great value degustation ($100 for 9 courses).

65-67 Foveaux Street, Surry Hills (02) 9211 0664 www.foveaux.com.au Modern Australian $$$$ Rambutan Despite being drawn there by the cocktail list, containing delights like the Baked Beijing Apple and Wild Nettle Martini ($14), I have to confess to falling in love with chef Mai Busyarat’s Southern Thai cuisine.

Memorable moments included the smoky Steamed Pork, Prawn & Shitake Dumplings ($12), exceptional Tea Smoked Quail ($16), the signature Crispy Duck with Rambutan and Tamarind Sauce ($30) and the heavenly soupy Bao Loy ($8), a dessert of pandan leaf, taro, pumpkin and sweet coconut sugar.

96 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst (02) 9360 7772 www.rambutan.com.au Thai $$-$$$ Bite Me Burger Co. The décor’s funky, the in-store meals are served on crockery (joy), and the emphasis is on fresh, healthy food and name-brand produce (King Island Beef, Cheddar and Brie;Terra Rossa Beef) with the best buns in the business from Sonoma Bakery.

Mini-Bites ($5-6) make choosing easy.Try the Bloody Mary Burger ($16/$6) decked in tomato, vodka and horseradish, or the Wagyu Truffle Burger ($17). Hip, responsible packaging means takeout won’t hurt your street cred.

340 Oxford Street, Paddington (02) 9331 1916 www.bitemeburgerco.com Burgers $-$$

*NEW* La Sala As I examined the menu in this visually appealing setting, my eyes wandered upwards to the prep kitchen where a man was diligently rolling fresh pasta – bodes well doesn’t it? My attention was then caught by the vibrant, knowledgeable hostess Marie Fournel, tempting me with a plate of air-freighted French mushrooms.They’re running a Wild Mushroom and Summer Truffle Menu for the next 6-8 weeks.This restaurant is all about seasonality and fresh produce – there were even fennel bulbs, herbs and pumpkin in various places around the restaurant.

To begin, I’d suggest the Wild Asparagus, Fried Organic Truffled Duck Egg and Fresh Summer Truffles ($38). Don’t fall in love with the divine wild asparagus – I hear it’s impossible to buy here! The pasta, in my case, Pappardelle with girolles, mousseron, garlic and parsley ($38) was simply divine; the best I have tried in Sydney – silky smooth on the tongue, perfectly cooked, with a rich egg flavour.The Wagyu ‘Tagliata di Manzo’ ($68) was served delightfully well caramelized; and the Tiramisu ($15) is also a revelation – perfectly balanced and complemented by sharp stewed rhubarb.Yes, it’s expensive, but Ruben Martinez really excels in the kitchen with Italianate dishes (and a welcome slurp of French influence).

Ground Floor, 23 Foster Street, Surry Hills (02) 9281 9034 www.lasala.com.au Italian $$$$ Prague Czech Beer Restaurant Prague’s a little more upmarket than my other Eastern European favourites.The sandstone feature walls and slightly classier ambience lend it to cool-season romantic interludes. Stein-clinking large groups will also feel at home.

Expect great pig, but if you can fit more in, try the Potato pancakes ($7.90), Duck with bread and potato dumplings ($21.90) and Crumbed Edam ($17.50).

42 Kellett St, Potts Point (02) 9368 0898 www.prague-restaurant.com.au Czech $$-$$$ Doma – Bohemian Beer Cafe With service pumped with Eastern European attitude, this place is atmospheric. Surf the waves of butter on their mash, eat three types of dumpling or devour a Bohemian Party Plate ($45 for 2).

Beer lovers will feel right at home; real Absinthe’s served thru the spoon and flamed; servings are huuuge. Serves $10 lunches 7 days, from 12 noon.

Shop 5, 29 Orwell St, Potts Point (02) 9331 0022 www.unasdoma.com.au Czech/ Eastern European $$

NEWTOWN & ENVIRONS (Marrickville/Petersham /Dulwich Hil

2 Sista’s Café In an area not blessed with many breakfast options this café is understandably popular on the weekends, but service is somewhat challenged. Beyond the usual all-day breakfast fare, there are interesting dishes like Foul Emdumous ($12.50), a kidney bean salad with chorizo sausages; and a plate-sized thick Banana Pancake ($12.00) made exotic with coconut cream and palm sugar. Ham Benedict ($14) was let down by an untoasted (and unbuttered) muffin, and a small slice of gypsy style ham.The double shot Affogato ($4.00) is good value; and a Banana and Honey Smoothie ($5.70) didn’t disappoint.

14 Northumberland Avenue, Stanmore (02) 9568 6711 www.2sistascafe.com.au Café $ Chedi Thai There’s a Thai spa aesthetic to this restaurant – trickling water, highbacked rattan chairs and visually appealing Thai dishes. Unwrap a banana leaf parcel of steamed Fish

Soufflé ($12 / 2 pieces) or enjoy Thai ‘popcorn’ Corn Patties ($10).

Pineapple Fried Rice ($16.50) is served in a fresh pineapple boat; and the Spicy Pork Belly ($17.90) in red curry sauce is excellent. Pricing is friendly, wine mark-ups are low and heat is toned down (so ask if you like it hot).

74-78 King Street, Newtown (02) 9516 1127 www.chedi.com.au Thai $$ Casa de Goa Eat traditional Goan cuisine at affordable prices. Fans of heat try Chicken Peri Peri ($7.99); or Stuffed Pappadums ($9.99).The Chicken Xacuti ($13.99) has a whopping 22 spices; the Mixed Seafood Xec Xec ($21.99) has lots of fresh seafood in a mild curry sauce. Eat them with steamed rice buns called Sannas ($5.00) or gently spiced Yellow Rice ($3.00). End with a traditional Goan dessert, Bebinca ($5.99) - it’s great!

The décor’s bizarre but the welcome’s warm – they love Goa! 153 Old Canterbury Road, Dulwich Hill (02) 9560 3368 www.casadgoa.com Goan $-$$

Petersham Charcoal Chicken This busy little shop in Petersham produces some of Sydney’s best Portuguese Chicken Burgers ($5.00) and Portuguese Style Chicken (whole $17.00, half $8.50). Dine in on sizzling Garlic Prawns ($16) or enjoy the House Special ($18.00) - a heaving plate of perfectly cooked potatoes, clams, diced marinated chicken, pickles, olives and coriander. Espetada Bife ($22) smells smoky and delicious, and an accompanying drop of Portuguese wine like Monte Velho (bottle $29, 375ml $15) beats the $7/bottle corkage.

98 New Canterbury Road, Petersham (02) 9560 2369 Portuguese $$ The Codfather A bright, lively (cresting on loud) contemporary space decorated by a graffiti artist. Chef Javier Carmona caters to those who aren’t fishfriendly with Steak Frites ($26) or specials like Smoked Spiced Lamb with Scallops, Felafel, pureed Eggplant & Yoghurt ($17); plus vegetarian choices. Mains, like the Hiramasa Kingfish with Duck Rilette, Pickled Apple & Nasturtium Leaves ($28), are well presented.

Younger diners have their own menu (mains $12/ sweets $6).

Remember to bring wine.

83 Percival Street, Stanmore (02) 9568 3355 Seafood $$$

INNER WEST (Pyrmont/Balmain/ Leichhardt/Glebe)

Spice I Am It’s hard not to be won over by a fiery Red Duck Curry ($25.90) served in a coconut; but it’s the Pla Tod Ka Min ($17.90), a marinated, deep fried Sand Whiting, that really impresses.This isn’t your gardenvariety Westernised Thai food – so expect lots of chilli.You can’t book, it’s tiny and somewhat chaotic, but the army of staff get your food to you fast. Cash only, but no charge for BYO! Shop 1, 90 Wentworth Ave, Surry Hills (02) 9280 0928 Thai $$-$$$ Aperitif Where else in Sydney could you eat French-syle tapas at two in the morning? Sit back in quiet, romantic surroundings with one of their twenty carefully selected wines by the glass ($7-$16) and enjoy a ‘small plate’ ($15) of Escargot and Sweetbreads.The menu is designed for grazing style dining, so enjoy slowly and linger – and don’t skip the Crème Brulee ($12)! Service is polished and pleasant.

7 Kellett St, Kings Cross (02) 9357 4729 French Mediterranean $$$

Minh In the heart of Dulwich Hill, Minh caters to the budget end of Vietnamese dining and also boasts low wine mark-ups.While the Crispy Pancake ($6.90) was a little oily, the Beef in Betel Leaves ($6.90) was char-grilled to perfection and set off by the accompanying fresh mint, shallots, pickled carrots and radishes. Cook-at-the-table Campfire Beef ($15.90) is fun, as is dining al fresco. Don’t expect flawless service – revel in the authenticity that the slight language barrier adds to the experience.

506 Marrickville Road, Dulwich Hill (02) 9560 0465 Vietnamese $-$$

Award Winning Dips Anmarie Dabinet and Steve Ingram left their advertising jobs to begin creating their own line of gourmet dips and savoury pita bits, in the idyllic Pittwater setting of Paradise Beach.Their company, Paradise Beach Purveyors, was recently honoured at the 2008 Dairy Industry Association of Australia Awards with one Gold Award, and four Silver Awards.

Their Lime & Lemongrass Seafood Dip took out the highest accolade.When you consider it contains a generous serve of fresh cooked prawns and quality smoked trout with lemongrass and mild green chilli spice paste, I’m sure you can imagine why the judges got so excited about it! In the silver category are their Tzatziki, Smoked Trout & Chives Dip, Smoked Salmon & Wasabi Dip and Classic Basil Pesto.While it might not have won an award in this competition, I remain a fan of the Caramelised Onion Hommus which is made with balsamic onion confit.

Paradise Beach Purveyors products are available all around Australia.You can also find out more about their range online at: www.paradisebeach.ws

Olive Tree Bistro, Excelsior Hotel

By Jasmine McLennan The Excelsior Hotel has undergone major renovations over the last five months.The décor is unobtrusive and welcoming - downstairs is a lively pub, upstairs is a Greek restaurant with a traditional eight course Greek banquet ($35/head) every Wednesday.The salted cod with garlic mayonnaise (Bakalaw) was particularly delicious; as was the baked beetroot dish.Their specialty is goat – the lean, tender meat fell off the bone.The prices on the regular menu, which can be ordered in the pub or the restaurant, are reasonable ($15-20 main).

Excelsior Hotel, 101 Bridge Rd, Glebe (02) 9552 9700 Greek $$ Mine, Quarryman’s Hotel The quiet upstairs bistro in this family run, unrestored pub is full of comfy red banquettes. It’s honest pub grub with low prices for large serves of dishes like Chicken

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EAT & DRINK

*NEW* Envy Café & Gallery It’s pram city at Envy Café & Gallery, and as you sit in the leafy green courtyard your mind may turn to contemplating what the world will be like in a decade or so when the current baby bubble bursts.The image of a massive generation of disenfranchised youth taking over the world is broken by the speedy arrival of our Karmee Coffee ($3.00).The coffee is well made and perfectly hot; it also impresses in a tall Iced Coffee ($4.90). Even with a full weekend brunch crowd, the food is equally fast.A large plate of French Toast ($14.00) with bacon, banana and maple syrup should satisfy those with a sweet tooth; while the massive Breakfast Burrito ($16.50), stuffed with bacon, scrambled eggs, a lovely relish and fresh greens then topped with guacamole, will challenge even the starving! On a subsequent visit, the food and coffee remained consistent; and arriving after midday opened up lunch options like an excellent Chicken Quesadilla ($15.00) on delicious flat-bread, served with a caramelised onion and paprika chutney, cucumber salsa, Spanish onion and tomato. Even better, it’s an all-day breakfast menu, so it’s perfect for late sleepers.This is an all round, solid café experience.

109 Smith Street, Summer Hill (02) 9797 1668 Café $-$$ Schnitzel ($13) or Rump Steak with beer-battered chips and salad.A whopping serve of Bread and Butter Pudding ($8) is best enjoyed with a friend.To drink I recommend the 2007 Catching Thieves Rose ($30) with a bowl of Smoky BBQ Chicken Wings ($8/small $12/large). Happy hour (4-6pm) sees some drinks drop to $3.The bistro is open from 11am-9pm.

216 Harris Street, Pyrmont (02) 9660 4520 www.quarrymanshotel.com.au Pub Bistro $ Da Gianni Trattoria A warm and atmospheric place managed by Cinzia Spinazzola who leads the somewhat shy floor team with confidence, genuine warmth and knowledge. Italian wines like the 2006 Vietti Roero Arneis DOC ($59) compliment antipasto selections like ‘proscuitto di parma’ ($19.50) with a gorgonzola stuffed fig; or Hervey Bay Scallops ‘crudo’ ($19.50).Veal Tortellini ($19/$26) with chestnut mushrooms, peas and parmesan cream sauce is perfectly al dente; the secondi of Roast Suckling Pig ($30) is rustic. Olive Oil and Rosemary Cake with Braised Figs ($15) was unusual and nicely presented.

127 Booth Street, Annandale (02) 9660 6652 Italian $$$ Spicy Sichuan Venture here for another take on Chinese cuisine – Sichuan style piquant, complex and unfamiliar, so the full-colour photo menu is a godsend. Start with a Cold Dish Combination ($29.80/ 5 dishes) – like the jerky-like Deep Fried Beef Shreds with Sesame in Chilli Oil and the Spicy Flavoured Bean Jelly. Sooth your palate with a lacy doily of Fried Dumplings Sichuan Style ($7.80/ 6 pieces); and don’t miss the Kung Bao Chicken with Red Pepper and Peanuts ($12.80). Low wine mark-ups, try the Grant Burge East Argyle Pinot Gris ($29.80).

1-9 Glebe Point Road, Glebe (02) 9660 8200 Sichuan $-$$ 3 Dots Pizza & Cafe The name refers to a tattoo of three dots meaning mi vida loca or “my crazy life” but eating pizza here is far from crazy – you’ll get a perfect slice that you pick up with two fingers at the crust, and it won’t droop.Try the 3 Dots Special ($9.50/sm, $14.50/md, $17.50/lg) of Kalamata olives, ham, mushrooms, red onions, Italian salami and pineapple; or the Chicken Deluxe with lovely smoked chicken.

It’s high quality ingredients for a comparatively low cost – the most expensive dish is a plate of Parmesan

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jackie@alternativemediagroup.com

by Jackie McMillan

Crusted Lamb Cutlets ($25.50), and they were well worth it!

Shop 4, 44-45 Harris Street, Pyrmont (02) 9660 7429 Pizza $-$$ Restaurant Sojourn Whilst the food here is expensive, the extra touches soften the prices.

Sample the cuisine of Paul Camilleri in a small, atmospheric sandstone room, to a great soundtrack.The entrée Tortellini of Lyonnaise Onion and Lemon Thyme ($24) shone, combining flawlessly with tasty Hawkesbury River Prawns, wafer thin garlic bread and burnt butter; the main of Slow Roasted Lamb Rack, Caramelised Lamb Breast, Pea Puree, Marjoram Gnocchi and Sweetbreads ($35) was a delight.

Kim Camilleri’s desserts are welldesigned; and wines range from $40-$126/bottle.

79 Darling Street, Balmain (02) 9555 9764 www.restaurantsojourn.com.au Modern European $$$$ Restaurant Atelier Darren Templeman’s food shines from the first explosive mouthful of the Duck Egg Atelier (foie gras, cauliflower soubise and goat’s cheese foam served in a duck egg).

Let him create your table a personal degustation menu ($80/person, $130/with wine) and prepare for the fireworks.The Tasmanian Ocean Trout and Foie Gras Terrine ($20) is heavenly; the Caramel Soufflé poured full of Whiskey Crème Anglaise, with Salted Caramel Ice Cream ($15) is memorable.

Sommelier Bernadette Templeman’s wine selection is diverse and interesting; service is attentive; the atmosphere is both homely and elegant. Not to be missed!

22 Glebe Point Road, Glebe (02) 9566 2112 www.restaurantatelier.com.au Modern European/French $$$-$$$$ La Boheme Enjoy bar snacks like Skvarky ($7.90), duck skin crackling, with the ultimate Bohemian drink – Absinthe ($7.90), or a range of imported beer. Start with Belgian Beer Mussels ($10.90) served in the shell, then if you’re hungry try the Traditional Bavarian Feast Platter ($25.90) – excellent dumplings with a mountain of meats including roast duck and smoky ribs.The Grilled Pork Knuckle ($21.50) is also substantial.Your hard earned dollar buys a lot here, in terms of food and alcohol.

9/332 Darling Street, Balmain (rear Man’s Institute Arcade) (02) 9810 0829 www.laboheme.net.au Central European $$-$$$

Bar Zini This steely grey café does better than usual café fare weekdays, with an emphasis on fresh produce.The Salumi Misti ($19) has great cured meats with house-made cornichons; the Insalata di Trevisio ($14) with roasted trevisio, caramelised onion, pancetta and parmesan is lovely. Charles Bruyere (ex- La Sala) does a great job with Fresh Rolled Squid Ink Spaghetti ($16) with tomato and calamari; and makes a changing Pizzette of the Day ($8).The Di Lorenzo Coffee ($3.00) and biscotti ($2.00) are strong points.

78 Harris Street, Pyrmont (02) 9660 5718 Italian $-$$ Na Zdrowie A lighter look at hearty Polish cuisine in an atmospheric and convivial restaurant. Try Polish classics like Borsch ($9.90) and Pierogi ($15.90 /$19.90) with fillings like white cheese and potato; or be adventurous with a pot of Smalec ($6.50) – apples and onions in lard.

Mains include Placki ($19.90) potato pancakes with mushroom sauce; and a lovely Kaczka ($27.90) - roast duck.Take your own Polish Vodka or beer for added authenticity – it’s totally BYO. 161 Glebe Point Road, Glebe (02) 9660 1242 www.nazdrowie.com.au Polish $$-$$$ Astral One of Sydney’s must-do experiences, not least of which for the dazzling view. Order ala carte ($105/ 3 courses) or a tasting menu (vegetarian available) from $125 (without wine) to a high rolling $1000; complimented by wine from talented sommelier Paul Gardner (ex-Aria). Chef Sean Connolly impressed with Angus Tenderloin on confit Portobello mushrooms with garlic butter; and Smoked Ocean Trout soup with yoghurt jelly. Sixteen great cheeses and a smoker’s terrace complete the package.

Level 17, 80 Pyrmont Street, Pyrmont (1800) 700 700 www.astralrestaurant.com.au Modern French $$$$ Cucina di Lusso A slice of Italy and a Mudgee winery’s cellar door restaurant in the heart of Sydney! All the wine, olives and figs served come from the di Lusso estate (no BYO), but bottle prices are very reasonable (under $38/bottle). For antipasto try Baccala Mantecato ($10) or

Arancini ($10). Flavoursome and perfectly cooked Gnocchi ($18/$25) impresses, as does a main of Confit Duck ($37).There’s good cheese ($19/4 cheeses); but if price is key, dine from the Italian Easy menu - pizzas and pastas ($16).

University Hall, Cnr Glebe Point & Parramatta Roads, Glebe (02) 9660 7555 www.dilusso.com.au Italian $$-$$$$ Talentino Sample dishes from the Iberian Peninsula including a very tender Espetada ($37 for 2 people). Chef excels in sauces – try the Iberian Garlic Prawns ($19) in garlic, piripiri and Iberian sauce; and the Twice Baked Caramelised Onion and Cheese Soufflé ($16).Whilst dining here is not cheap, the food is good and the wine list (compiled by ‘the wine man’ Peter Bourne) exceeded my expectations. Dine indoors or in a leafy green courtyard; indulge in good coffee and a Vanilla Crème Brulée ($12).

9 Union St, Pyrmont (02) 9518 8000 www.talentino.com.au Portuguese $$$-$$$$ Efendy Authentic Turkish recipes presented with a modern twist in elegant surroundings.The well-presented Meze ($21) impresses with great zucchini fritters; the Kadayifli Karides ($20) – prawns wrapped in Kadayif with a sour cherry and mint salsa – are surprising. Manti come in both traditional lamb, Kuzu Tandir ($28); and lobster and crab ($21) in a creamy sumac sauce.The homemade pita with cracked fresh green olives ($2/person) is outstanding. End with a Turkish Affogato ($12) made from Turkish Coffee and Maras style Salep ice-cream.

79 Elliott Street, Balmain (02) 9810 5466 www.efendy.com.au Modern Turkish $$$-$$$$ Red Mint Red Mint has the look (Mao and More lampshades), and delivers the cuisine of a more pricy restaurant.

Chef Kim Liu presents authentic Vietnamese dishes and exciting cross-over cuisine.Try Vietnamese Wraps ($16-20) served on a tiered platter followed by perfectly cooked Tasmanian Mussels in a Saigon 333 Beer Broth ($22) or a platter of Blue Swimmer Crabs in Tamarind Sauce ($32).The delicious Goi Sen ($18) gets my vote; as does the Asian inspired cocktail list.

50 Murray Street, Pyrmont (02) 9212 3268 www.redmint.com.au Vietnamese $$-$$$ Blancmange A comfortable and elegant restaurant with an excellent wine list. (lower mark-ups than most).

Modern European menu with good French technique – try TwiceCooked Souffle ($15) and the Vanilla Creme Brulee ($12). Fabulous French truffled gnocchi ($25) comes studded with sliced French truffles.

Get change from $50 with their three course deal ($48) and avoid the attitude and parking problems that plague city peers.The service is wonderful.

1 Station Street, Petersham (02) 9568-4644 www.restaurantblancmange.com.au Modern European $$$

*NEW* Ravesi’s Overlooking iconic Bondi Beach, this stylish restaurant (in a boutique hotel) has a simple shell motif extending to light fittings, wall hangings, chairs and large plaster spirals overhead. Piled high plates of salads like Tempura Soft Shell Crab ($25) are popular during the day on the large balcony. For an innovative tipple try a Bondi 8 Ball v.2 ($15.50), great all the way to the cinnamon sugar rim and crisp apple garnish. I suggest Oysters with Chilli Lime Dressing ($24 / six) or an upmarket Kilpatrick grilled with Jamon and Pedro Ximinez. In small plates,Trout and Ginger Dumplings ($18) show off the natural flavour of the fish; Duck Pancakes ($18) shine with a well-rendered hindquarter; and Salt Squid with Chilli Lime Sauce ($18) is tender and tasty. Signature ravioli tastes best in the option recommended by our waiter - Sweet Butternut Pumpkin, Goat’s Cheese and Sage Ravioli ($15/sm $25/lg) with a burnt butter sauce. I loved the main Venison ($35) served with golden eschalots, truffled gnocchi and morello cherries. Despite being responsible for meals throughout the hotel’s venues, the white-jacketed chefs in the immaculate open kitchen didn’t break a sweat!

118 Campbell Pde, Bondi Beach (02) 9365 4422 www.ravesis.com.au Modern Australian $$$-$$$$

EASTERN SUBURBS & BEACHES SumoSalad Bondi is the sixtieth store of this healthier alternative to the usual takeaway options. Service can be a little chaotic because many items are assembled fresh after you order. Salads like the Spicy BBQ Prawn ($8.95) had fresh ingredients and evenly distributed dressing.

Cold weather options like the Soup Combo Deal ($10.95) give you a small bowl of soup (like Pumpkin) and a toasted wrap. My only gripe was them stocking Coca Cola in the drinks fridge! Stores have recently opened in Eastgardens, Barrack Street Sydney and Sydney Central Plaza.

K4018 Westfield Bondi Junction, 500 Oxford St Bondi Junction (02) 9388 0775 www.sumosalad.com Takeaway $ Pizzaiola This Italian-Australian pizza joint aims to suit the Australian palate.

Owner/chef Zuri Simhi runs the bright, modern space with personality. Gourmet range includes Godfather (S $13, M $16, L $19, X $23) with ham, prosciutto, mushrooms, garlic, parmesan, basil, rocket and chilli; or try traditional like Capri (S $10, M $14, L $18, X $22) with cheese, tomato, prawn, onion, garlic and chilli.They even have dessert pizzas! Pastas, salads, pizza wraps and pizza by the slice ($5) round out their menu. Dine in or enjoy takeaway/home delivery.

114 Glenayr Avenue, Bondi (02) 9300 8844 Pizza $$ Bei Amici Owner/chef Felix Rutz does a wonderful job in the kitchen, serving premium produce at a price that belies the location. Italian wines like the 2006 Franz Haas Pinot Blanco ($65) have tasting notes.To start try either Calamari with Pistachios, Cavolo Nero and Fregola with Lemon Dressing ($18); or the tasty Pumpkin and Parmesan Reggiano Souffle ($17).A special of

Slow Roasted Rump of Coorong Beef ($31) was exceptional; aided by the grass-fed beef.The Plum and Vanilla Swirl Brioche Sandwich ($12 is also a winner. Service is caring and delightful.

2b Mona Road, Darling Point (02) 9328 0305 www.beiamicirestaurant.com.au Italian $$$-$$$$ Noble Court Enter through Easts Leagues Club into a huge space cleverly divided into intimate rooms by unique bamboo steamer partitions. Johnny Lim presents a large (and not inexpensive) menu of Australia’s favourite Chinese dishes and authentic cuisine. I enjoyed Wokfried Diced Steak with Walnuts and Honey in Pepper Sauce ($23.80), and the whole, boneless Fried Crispy Peking Style Chicken ($35).

Size-queens will enjoy the Steamed Jumbo Prawns with Ginger and Shallots ($23.80) - I wished for a little more flavour.

Level 1, 9 Bronte Road, Bondi Junction (02) 9386 9180 www.noblecourt.com.au Chinese $$-$$$$

GREATER SYDNEY MuMu Grill The focus is grass-fed, sustainable beef because owner/chef Craig Macindoe believes it tastes better, and is better for you. I recommend the King Island 350g Prime Rib ($36) crusted in Szechuan Pepper with mash and crisp beans; and the Bangalow Roast Pork ($32).The Cured Meat Platter ($18) contains a lovely Jamón serrano. Save room for a Brown Sugar Pavlova ($12.50) which has a delightfully sticky, caramelised flavour.The wine list didn’t amaze, but there are great cocktails like the 10 Cane Mojito ($18). Relaxed atmosphere, aided by a natural looking fit-out.

Shop 1, 70-76 Alexander Street (cnr.

Ernest Place), Crows Nest (02) 9460 6877 www.mumugrill.com.au Modern Australian $$$-$$$$

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A RT S & E N T E RTA I N M E N T

The Murder of Crows by Janet Cardiff and George Bures Miller at Pier 2/3 photo by Ben Symons

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

18 WHAT’S ON

21 MUSIC

22 MOVIES

BIENNALE FOCUS: PIER 2/3

BY AMELIA GROOM Showcasing work from over 180 artists from 42 countries, the 2008 Biennale of Sydney is spread across seven of the city’s galleries and outdoor sites clustered around the harbourside. For the fifth time, the historic landmark Pier 2/3 at Walsh Bay is again a major venue, housing three standout pieces from the exhibition, which runs until September.

One of the unique features of the Biennale this time around is the inclusion of works from the early twentieth century up to today – all under the umbrella term ‘contemporary art.’ Pieces from current figures sit alongside ones from likes of Marcel Duchamp, Man Ray, Alexander Calder and Joseph Beuys, providing them with historic background.

The first work in the large and cavernous space at Pier 2/3 is Intonarumori, the noisemaking machines of Luigi Russolo (whose 1911 painting La Rivolta is also part of the Biennale, on show at the AGNSW). One of the founders of Italian futurism, Russolo wrote The Art of Noises in 1913, expressing his enthusiasm for a revolution that would break down the barriers between music and the noises of daily life.

The noise-making machines were part of his experiments in achieving this continuity between ‘sound’ and ‘noise’.The wooden boxes fitted with metal speakers can produce an infinite variety of mechanic timbres according to the noise chosen, and Russolo prepared them for a number of full-scale concerts that he conducted.

Further along in the disused warehouse space is a large painting by Aboriginal artist Doreen Reid Nakamarra. Displayed horizontally, it gives us a birdseye view of a desertscape with sand dunes stretching on forever.The contour-like curves are reminiscent of an aerial photograph and seem to vibrate as we walk around them.

Nakamarra is one of 21 Australian artists included in the Biennale, the highest number since the festival was established in 1973. Her pictorial style is based on repeated gestures that build up a three dimensional optical field suggestive of specific stories associated with her land.This particular work depicts the rockhole and soakage water site of Marrapinti, west of the Pollock Hills in Western Australia.

In the next room is one of the most important works of the festival. An astounding sound sculpture from the Canadian duo Janet Cardiff and George Bures Miller, The Murder of Crows is their largest work to date, making its world premiere at the Biennale. A monumental megaphone horn sits on a table in the middle of the space, and 98 black speakers are mounted around it on stands, chairs and pillars - possibly resembling a static flock of crows.

Sonic art is a focus throughout this Biennale and since the 1990s the imaginative and innovative installations of Cardiff and Bures Miller has been a fascinating exploration of how sound shapes our experience.With non-linea narratives that can’t quite be grasped, their works have a mysterious, cinematic quality that transports us to another place.

Using sound to paint a dreamlike landscape, The Murder of Crows envelopes us in strange, disorienting and intimate noises, running for 35 minutes.Weaving the sounds of marching, birds, speech, footsteps, an orchestra, singing and silences, images are evoked that are fleeting and transient - as in our xxxxx dreams and memories.

The curator of the 2008 Biennale of Sydney, Carolyn Christov-Bakargiev, has coined the catchphrase ‘revolutions - forms that turn,’ for the festival. She’s set out to include artworks that represent a shift in perspective, that explore the urge to revolt, or that physically revolve in space. Links to the phrase are often superficial or extraneous, raising the question of how necessary or useful it is to have an overarching theme for an event as extensive as a biennale; but there’s certainly a lot for Sydneysiders to chew through for the next few months.

Biennale of Sydney 2008 Until September 7 Pier 2/3, Cockatoo Island, Art Gallery of NSW, Museum of Contemporary Art and Artspace FREE www.bos2008.com

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THEATRE: LOVE BITES REVIEW BY JASMINE MCLENNAN Expect to laugh, cry, squirm and reminisce while watching LoveBites by James Millar and Peter Rutherford. And love does bite in this show, it hurts and it’s mean and it sucks but the overall message in this ‘song cycle’ is that real love is about loving someone “warts and all”.

The show is constructed of two acts, with six scenes or relationships in each.Act one shows each couple falling in love.

Act two explains how each relationship ended up.The entire production is sung. Millar’s lyrics are charming, poignant and very clever.The composition, written and performed by Peter Rutherford gives the words meaning and strength. James Millar, author of Hatpin, is one of the four actors in the show (each of whom play multiple parts) as well as the writer of the lyrics.

“I feel most comfortable working with comedy,” says Millar, “LoveBites is an observation of relationships from my perspective and experience as a 28 year old male.” But LoveBites is definitely not just a comedy, or a drama. It’s not quite a musical either.

“What’s happening off Broadway now is a trend for composers to present their songs calling them a ‘song cycle’,” says James.“Song cycles are a musical exploration of a particular theme or story.”

Sarah Croser (Bat Boy,The Barber of Seville) plays an airhostess; Annie Pluck “with very bad luck” and a florist who is given a single poppy by an admirer.“Each relationship in the show is very distinct from the other. For the audience, this means everyone is sure to relate to an element of the performance and connect it

THEATRE & PERFORMANCE Altar Boys Until 2 August.Tues – Sat 8pm, Saturday 2.30pm; Sunday 2.30pm & 6pm. Everest Theatre, Seymour Centre. Cnr of Cleveland Street and City road, Chippendale. $44-55.

Bookings: 9351 7940, www.seymourcentre.com.au, www.ticketmaster.com.au Ball Game by Alan Ball Until 19 July.Tues - Sat 8pm, Sundays 5pm. Darlinghurst Theatre, 19 Greenknowe Avenue, Potts Point. $25-30. Bookings: 8356 9987, www.darlinghursttheatre.com Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea 1927 Until 28 June. Sat 2 8.15pm, 9.30pm.

The Studio, Sydney Opera House. $20-35. Bookings: 9250 7777, www.sydneyoperahouse.com Caroline Nin: Marlene Until 5 July. 25 – 28 June 7.15pm, 1 – 5 July 9.15pm.The Studio, Sydney Opera House. $20-49. 9250 7777, www.sydneyoperahouse.com Defiance Carlton Lamb Productions Until September.Thurs & Fri 8pm, Saturday 2pm & 7.30pm, Sunday 5pm. Q Station (formerly Quarantine Station), North Head Scenic Drive, Manly. $52 – 65, packages available. Bookings www.qstation.com.au, 9976 6220.

LoveBites Until 12 July.Tues – Sat 8pm, Saturday 5pm. Downstairs Theatre, Seymour Centre. Cnr Cleveland Street & City Road, Chippendale. $32-39. Bookings: 9351 7940, www.seymourcentre.com.au Manna Sydney Theatre Company Until 12 July. Mon – Sat 8.15pm, Saturday 5 & 12 July 2.15pm.Wharf 2, Sydney Theatre Company, Pier 4 Hickson Road,Walsh Bay. $20-35.

Bookings: 9250 1777, www.sydneytheatre.com.au Possessed Frank Woodley Until 13 July.Tuesday & Wednesday 7pm,Thurs – Sat 8pm, Sunday 5pm. Playhouse

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Theatre, Sydney Opera House. $44.90-52.90. Bookings: 9250 7777, www.sydneyoperahouse.com.au See one of the funniest comedians in Australia in a whimsical flight of fantasy. A man finds love in the most unexpected way, and changes his life for the better. The props and set are beautiful and there are plenty of gags and physical humour in the way only Frank Woodley can perfect.

Possessed is perfectly scripted; extremely funny; clever and moving.

Poster Girl Until 12 July.Tues – Sun 8pm. Old Fitzroy Hotel, 129 Dowling St Woolloomooloo. $20-34 plus booking fee. Bookings: 9356 3848, www.oldfitzroy.com.au Real Inspector Hound by Tom Stoppard Until 5 July.Thurs – Sat 8pm, Sunday 5pm. New Theatre, 542 King St, Newtown. $17-27. Bookings: 1300 306 776, 9519 3403, www.mca.tix.com, www.ramin.com.au/online/newtheat re/ Rocky Horror Show Until 7 September.Wednesday 7pm, Thursday 8pm, Friday 8.30pm, Saturday 5pm & 9pm, Sunday 2pm.

Star Theatre, Star City Casino, 80 Pyrmont Street, Pyrmont. $49.40125. 1300 795 267, www.ticketmaster.com.au Space and Time Synergy Percussion 28 June 8pm. CarriageWorks, 245 Wilson Street Eveleigh. $27-52.

Bookings: 1300 723 038, www.carriageworks.com.au The Great Sydney Theatre Company by Tony McNamara Until 13 July. Sydney Theatre,Wharf 1, Pier 4, Hickson Road,Walsh Bay. $29 (Mon,Tues & Fri evenings for under 30yrs) - $77. Bookings: 9250 1777, 132 849, www.sydneytheatre.com.au The Phantom of the Opera Until 17 August.Tues – Sat 8pm.

Matinees;Wednesday 1pm, Saturday

THEATRE: SPRING AWAKENING

The cast of LoveBites

with their own experiences of love,” says Croser,“we take the audience on a journey.” LoveBites is an intimate, touching series of songs about the joys and pain of love.“Love, make me lift-off, but keep my feet on the ground….but love, never leave me without a friend.”

Until 12 July Tues – Sat 8pm, Saturday 5pm Downstairs Theatre, Seymour Centre, Cnr Cleveland St & City Road, Chippendale Tickets: $32-39, 9351 7940, www.seymourcentre.com.au

2pm and Sunday 3pm. Lyric Theatre, Star City Casino. $79.90-109.90.

Bookings:1300 795 267 or www.ticketmaster.com.au, www.thephantomoftheopera.com.au The Pillowman Company B by Martin McDonagh Until 13 July Tuesday 6.30pm,Wed – Fri 8pm, Saturday 2pm & 8pm, Sunday 5pm. Upstairs Theatre, Belvoir St Theatre, 25 Belvoir St, Surry Hills. $25-54. Bookings: 9699 3444, www.belvoir.com.au The Rules of April

By Wayne Tunks Until 5 July.Tues - Sat 8pm.

Newtown Theatre, Cnr King and Bray Streets, Newtown. $25-30 Groups of 8+ $24.Tight Tuesdays $15 Student Wednesday $10. 9519 5081, www.newtowntheatre.com.au Underbelly Public Lab and Festival 3 – 13 July. 3 – 10 July, 6pm – 10pm, Free. 12 – 13 July, 12pm & 2pm, $28/32,Weekend pass $50/58.

CarriageWorks Arts Centre, 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh 8571 9099, www.carriageworks.com.au.

Bookings: 1300 723 038 or www.ticketmaster.com.au, www.underbelly.com.au KIDS King Lear Until 30 June. Mon 11am;Tue,Wed 2:30pm & 7:30pm;Thurs, Fri 11am; Sat 2:30pm. New Theatre, 542 King St, Newtown. Students $25 Teachers free (Discussion with Cast and Director on request).

Bookings: 9958 8525, www.harlos.com.au The Happy Prince Kim Carpenter’s Theatre of Image 28 June – 12 July. 2pm & 7pm 28 June, 1pm 2 July – 4 July, 2pm & 4.30pm 5 July. 11am &2pm 7 July – 12 July.The Seymour Theatre Centre, Cnr Cleveland street and City road, Chippendale. $20-29.50, family $99. Bookings: 9351 7940, 132 849, www.seymour.usyd.edu.au What Does Red Do On Thursday? Thalias Kompagnons 28 June, 10.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm.

Utzon Room, Sydney Opera House. $15-20. Bookings: 9250 7777, www.sydneyoperahouse.com

COMEDY DIRECTORY FRINGE BAR: 106 Oxford Street Paddington. 9360 5443.

THE GAELIC THEATRE: 64 Devonshire St. Surry Hills.

9211 1687, www.thegaelic.com.

HA HA HARBOUR CLUB: 1 Olympic Drive, Milsons Point.

9033 7666, www.moshtix.com.au, www.hahahabourclub.com PARRAMATTA COMEDY STORE: Level 1, 302 Church Street (Corner Phillip Street), Parramatta. 9357 1419, www.comedystore.com.au PLAYHOUSE: Sydney Opera House. 9250 7777, www.sydneyoperahouse.com RIVERSIDE THEATRE: Cnr Church & Market Streets, Parramatta. 8839 3398, www.riversideparramatta.com.au SYDNEY COMEDY STORE: Bent Street, Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park. 9357 1419, www.comedystore.com.au.

THE LAUGH GARAGE: Cnr Church & Market Streets, Parramatta. 8883 1111, www.thelaughgarage.co

COMEDY Saturday 28 June Tommy Dean, Adam Vincent, Shaun Flagg – The Laugh Garage ($25) The Inaugural Comedy Store Parramatta Gala Night – Parramatta Comedy Club ($29.50) Possessed, Frank Woodley – Playhouse ($40-52.90) Darren Casey – Sydney Comedy Store ($29.50) Sunday 29 June Possessed, Frank Woodley – Playhouse ($40-52.90) Monday 30 June Monday Night Comedy – Fringe Hotel ($10-20) Sly Comedy Night – Sly Fox (free) Thursday 3 July Keith Scott, Desh, Chris Radburn - Ha

PREVIEW BY AMELIA GROOM In a small, provincial town at the turn of the 19th Century, a group of school children struggle with their unpredicted sexual awakening.A gifted young man obsesses over the stirrings in his underpants while a young woman attempts to quell her undefinable, yet uncontrollable desires……

Melbourne ensemble The Hayloft Project are bringing their innovative reworking of Frank Wedekind’s controversial play of sexual discovery, Spring Awakening, to Belvoir’s Downstairs Theatre this week.

Banned for almost a century after it was written, the play is an acerbic attack on the repression of sexuality, boldly investigating the ongoing battle between animal instinct and social conditioning. It caused riots when it was first performed and remains confronting today.

The director, Simon Stone, translated it from German himself, and says he rewrote a lot of it along the way.“It’s about a third of the length of the original and some anachronisms are made more relevant to a modern audience,” he says,“I didn’t want to do a period piece, I think it exists beautifully at the intersection of our contemporary culture and the historical contextualising.”

This balance between modern setting and historical references allows for some interesting comparisons to be made between contemporary culture and the play’s original context.“It’s is about the repression of sexual expression,” says Stone,“today that repression is more subtle - and therefore possibly more dangerous.

“We have all the same insecurities and vulnerabilities and sensitivities that we had a hundred and ten years ago, that we’ve had for thousands of years, but of course social circumstances change through the ages.”

What is particularly relevant with Spring Awakening at the moment is the debate about teenage sexuality and the depiction/censorship of it, as well as the question of artistic licence in dealing with taboo issues. Much like the Bill Henson scenario - after Spring Awakening appeared Frank Wedekind was labelled a pervert and arrested for obscenity.

The muting of the voice of teenage sexuality is what interests Stone.“How far do you go to repress teenage sexuality for the safety of the teenager? How do we let them express the tumultuous changes they’re going through in a way that doesn’t make them feel confused or weird?

“In Spring Awakening the inherent shame that teenagers feel is made more extreme by the complete absence of a discourse about sexuality. Puberty is problematic at the best of times and you only make it more scary if you put a stigma on free and honest expression of the feelings that go through the young people’s bodies. If you make them feel ashamed as well as confused, you’re only compounding an already traumatic time.

“It’s a question of the struggle between the socialisation of our impulses in terms of morality and learning the right thing, and also giving enough room to the parts of us that are primal, instinctive and can’t be learnt,” Stone says.“That balance is something we’ll always struggle with. Sometimes we’ll go too far towards repression, then too far towards liberty - this play is a discussion of that balance.”

Spring Awakening 25 June – 13 July Belvoir St Downstairs Theatre 25 Belvoir St, Surry Hills Tickets: $29/$23 (Tues pay-what-you-can min $10) 9699 3444 or www.belvoir.com.au

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W H AT ’ S O N

VENUE DIRECTORY ANNANDALE HOTEL: Cnr. Nelson St. and Parramatta Rd,Annandale. 9550 1078, www.annandalehotel.com.au.

THE BASEMENT: 29 Reiby Pl. Circular Quay. 9251 2797, www.thebasement.com.au BIG TOP: Luna Park Sydney, 1 Olympic Drive, Milsons Point.

9033 7600, 1300BIGTOP, www.bigtopsydney.com CANDY’S APARTMENT: 22 Bayswater Rd Kings Cross Sydney.

9380 5600, www.candys.com.au CLUB 77: 77 William St, Sydney, Kings Cross. 9361-4981 CONCERT HALL: Sydney Opera House. 9250 7777, www.sydneyoperahouse.com ENMORE THEATRE: 130 Enmore Rd, Newtown.

9550 3666, www.enmoretheatre.com.au.

THE FACTORY THEATRE: 105 Victoria Rd. Enmore.

9550 3666, www.factorytheatre.com.au THE GAELIC CLUB: 64 Devonshire St. Surry Hills.

9211 1687, www.thegaelic.com.

HOPETOUN HOTEL: 416 Bourke St. Surry Hills.

9361 5257, www.myspace.com/hopetounhotel.

THE HORDERN PAVILION: 1 Driver Ave, Moore Park. 9921 5333, www.hordernpavilion.com.au.

MANNING BAR: Level One, Manning House, Manning Rd, University of Sydney. 1800 013 201, www.manningbar.com MELT BAR: 12 Kellett Street, Kings Cross, 9380 6060, www.meltbar.com.au METRO THEATRE: 624 George St. Sydney.

9550 3666, www.metrotheatre.com.au.

OPERA BAR: Lower Concourse Level, Sydney Opera House, Sydney. 9247 1666, www.operabar.com.au OXFORD ART FACTORY: 38 – 46 Oxford St. Darlinghurst.

9550 3666, www.oxfordartfactory.com THE ROXY HOTEL: 69 George Street, Parramatta.

9687 4221, www.theroxy.com.au THE SOUND LOUNGE: Seymour Centre, cnr. Cleveland St. and City Rd, Chippendale.

9351 7940, www.seymour.usyd.edu.au/boxoffi ce/soundlounge.

SEYMOUR THEATRE CENTRE: Cnr Cleveland St and City Rd. 9351 7940, www.seymour.usyd.edu.au SPECTRUM: 34 Oxford St. Darlinghurst.

1800 438 849 (moshtix), www.pashpresents.com THE VANGUARD: 42 King St. Newtown.

1800 438 849 (moshtix), www.thevanguard.com.au.

WILL & TOBYS: First and Second Floor, 134 Oxford St, Darlinghurst. 9331 3467, www.willand tobys.com.au

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HOT TIX

BOOK LAUNCH: SOMETIMES I JUST NEED QUIET BY SAM HODGE

British India 22 August 8pm.The Metro Theatre, 624 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000. $20+bf.

Bookings: 9550 3666, www.metrotheatre.com.au 24 August 4pm all ages.The Factory Theatre, 105 Victoria Road, Enmore. $17+bf. Bookings: 9550 3666, www.factorytheatre.com.au This concert is part of British India’s ‘Thieves’ National Album Launch Tour, following the success of their debut album Guillotine. This relatively new Melbourne indie pop band have just been announced as part of this year’s Splendour In The Grass and The Great Escape festival. Garage pop at it’s finest.

A collection of recent photographs from Sam Hodge, Sometimes I Just Need Quiet is being launched at MOP Projects in Chippendale this Sunday afternoon.With a unique eye for the details of our daily existence, his images capture the beautiful, banal, intimate, occasionally explicit and often hilarious fleeting moments that pass us by.The 32-page loose leaf colour tabloid showcasing his diverse style will be available for $10 at select bookshops and online via his blog, www.truth-beauty-cock.blogspot.com.

2PM July 29 MOP Projects 2/39 Abercrombie St, Chippendale Contact: 9699 3955 or www.mop.org.au

Ha Habour Club ($22 or $54 with dinner) Adam Hills, Bruce Griffiths, Dave Williams – Sydney Comedy Store ($15-20) Friday 4 July Canned Laughter:Adam Hills,Wil Anderson, Dave Hughes – Hordern Pavilion ($65) Lenny Henry (UK) – State Theatre ($64-85) Saturday 5 July Gary Eck, Dave Williams, Paul Hancock – The Laugh Garage ($25) Saturday Night Comedy – Roxbury Hotel ($17.50-20) GALLERIES & MUSEUMS Art Gallery Of New South Wales Biennale of Sydney until 7 September Taisho Chic: Japan in the 20’s & 30’s until 3 August Bill Viola:The Tristan Project until 27 July Ghosts in the Machine until 16 July Judy Cassab: Landscapes from the collection until 31 August Adam Cullen until 27 July Living Black until 16 November 10am – 5pm, 7 days a week. Art After Hours – every Wednesday until 9pm.Art Gallery Road,The Domain, Sydney. 9225 1744, www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au At The Vanishing Point – Contemporary Art Ambiguousity: the art of writing one’s art 26 June – 6 July Thurs 10am-8pm, Fri 10am-6pm, Sat-Sun 10am-5pm 565 King St, Newtown. 9519 2340, www.atthevanishingpoint.com.au Australian Centre for Photography Highjack various artists until 19 July Tue – Fri 12pm–7pm, Saturday & Sunday 10am–6pm. 257 Oxford Street, Paddington. 9332 1455, www.acp.au.com.

Campbelltown Arts Centre Under Construction Ai Wei Wei until 29 June Everyday 10am-4pm. Cnr Camden &

Appin Roads, Campbelltown.

8904 0822, www.campbelltown.nsw.gov.au/aww Darren Knight Gallery Antique Egypt James Morrison until 12 July Tues – Sat 11am-6pm. 840 Elizabeth Street,Waterloo. 9699 5353, www.darrenknightgallery.com Firstdraft Gallery Rise and Fall Emma White until 12 July The Elastic Band Jo Cuzzi, Patsy Black and Amanda Cole until 12 July Black Out Tully Arnot until 12 July Wed – Sat 12pm-6pm. 116-118 Chalmers Street, Surry Hills. 9698 3665, www.firstdraftgallery.com Gaffa Gallery safARI until 28 June Wed – Fri 12pm-6pm, Saturday & Sunday 12pm-5pm. 330 Crown Street, Surry Hills. 9380 6266, www.gaffa.com.au Gallery 9 Big Science Adam Norton 28 June.

Wed – Sat 11am-6pm. 9 Darley St, Darlinghurst. 9380 9909, www.gallery9.com.au Global Gallery The Populous Cast until 5 July Tues – Sat 11am-6pm, Sunday 12pm4pm. Drinks 24 May 2pm-4pm. 5 Comber St, Paddington 9360 5728, www.globalgallery.com.au James Dorahy Project Space 9 shades of white until 29 June Tues – Sat 11am-6pm,Wednesday 2pm-8pm, Sunday 11am-5pm. Suite 4 1st Floor 111 Macleay St Potts Point. 9358 2585, www.jamesdorahy.com.au Japan Foundation Gallery Facetnate! until August.

Mon-Fri 10.30am-4.30pm. Lvl 1 Chifley Plaza, 2 Chifley Square, Sydney. 8239 0055 Justice & Police Museum Sydney’s Pubs: Liquor, Larrikins & The Law until 2 November.

10am-5pm weekdays & daily in school holidays. Cnr Phillip & Albert Streets, Circular Quay. 9252 1144.

Macleay Museum Footprints in the Mythic Landscape until December Mon-Fri 10am to 4.30pm & Sun noon to 4pm. Gosper Lane, near the

Footbridge St entrance to the University of Sydney. 9036 5253.

Museum of Sydney Rockabilly: living in the 50s until 17 August 9.30am-5pm daily. Cnr Bridge and Phillip Streets, Sydney. 9251 5988, www.hht.net.au National Trust S. H. Ervin Gallery Abstract Earth:The Photography of Richard Woldendorp until 3 August Tues – Sun 11am-5pm. National Trust of Australia,Watson Road, Observatory Hill,The Rocks. $4-6.

9258 0173, www.nsw.nationaltrust.org.au Robin Gibson Gallery Sculpture 20 - 20th Annual Sculpture Survey until16 July Tues – Sat 11am-6pm. 278 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst. 9331 6692, www.robingibson.net Storm Gallery Allure until 12 July 2/65-67 Foveaux St, Surry Hills. 9211 3193, www.suejardin.net.au UTS Gallery Nothing changes, Changes everything Mark Titmarsh, Justin Trendall until 4 July.

Mon – Fri 12pm-6pm. Level 4, 702 Harris St, Ultimo. 9514 1652, www.utsgallery.uts.edu.au Wilson Street Gallery What the Trees have Seen until13 July Wed – Sun 11am–6pm. 30-34 Wilson St, Newtown. 9516 3144 www.wilsonstreetgallery.com.au Browyn Bancroft traces the history of her people, the Djanbun Clan of the Bundjalung people of Northern NSW, and contemplates the culture wars and ongoing debate about the history of Australia from the accounts of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians. What would the trees say about the history of this land if they could speak? What have they seen?

LIVE MUSIC Saturday 28 June SYO in concert 2:The elements - City Recital Hall Angel Place ($27-38) 34B Hits the Big Time – 34B Burlesque ($16) Butterfingers – Annandale Hotel ($20-25) Clare Bowditch – The Basement ($2328) Grinspoon – Metro Theatre ($35-40) Hell City Glamours – Oxford Art Factory ($12) I Heart Hiroshima – Hopetoun Hotel Memphis Soul Revue – The Vanguard ($20) Richard Clapton – State Theatre ($84.90) Zac Hurren Trio – The Sound Lounge ($12-18) The Tango Saloon,The Crooked Fiddle Band – The Factory Theatre ($20) Sunday 29 June Aunty Mavis – Will and Toby’s ($1525) Chambers – Spectrum David Bridie – Will and Toby’s ($1020) Emir Kusturica & the No Smoking Orchestra – Concert Hall ($54-99) I Heart Hiroshima – Beach Road Hotel (free) Richard in Your Mind – Hopetoun Hotel ($6) Whitely – Annandale Hotel ($15-18 plus bf) Monday 30 June The Herd – The Basement (free – guestlist) Open Mic & Jazz/Bosa Jam session – Bar Me (free) Tuesday 1 July Diesel – The Vanguard ($21.20-25) Stu Hamm – Gaelic Theatre ($10) Wednesday 2 July 16 Millimetre – Hopetoun Hotel ($10) Chris Gudu (Zimbabwe) – The Basement ($20) Marty Simpson – The Vanguard ($1215) Melinda Schneider – Gaelic Theatre Elana Stone Band – The Factory Theatre ($15-25) Squall – The Sound Lounge ($12-20) The State Within – Spectrum

Pnau 8 August 7pm. Hordern Pavillion, 1 Driver Ave, Moore Park. $50.05, Bookings: 312 849, www.premier.ticketek.com.au Funky electro/disco pop/soul is the mix in Sydney’s eclectic and extremely successful band Pnau. Pnau are returning after playing at various festival dates around Europe. Even Sir Elton John has expressed his admiration for the band!

This tour is being supported by Operator Please and Sam Le More and celebrates Pnau’s new single Embrace, from their third self-titled album. If you like good music, you should beg, beat and steal to get tickets to this concert.

Death Cab for Cutie 18 August 8.30pm. Enmore Theatre, 118-132 Enmore Road, Newtown. $53.10+bf. Bookings: 9550 3666, www.enmoretheatre.com.au Seattle’s Death Cab for Cutie are returning to Australia as part of a worldwide tour in support of their new album Narrow Stairs. The album debuted at number one on the US Billboard Top 200 Album Chart and at number 6 on the ARIA Album Chart in Australia. Guitarist/mulitinstrumentalist Chris Walla characterizes their new album as “having teeth”. It is raw, ambitious and a tad unexpected. Start buying tickets now!

Vanessa Amorosi – Oxford Art Factory ($20) Thursday 3 July As Venice Sinks – Gaelic Theatre ($10) Born to Run – Bruce Springsteen Tribute – The Vanguard ($15-18) End Of Fashion, Cuthbert & the Nightwalkers, Lovers Electric – Annandale Hotel ($17-20) Something With Numbers – Oxford Art Factory ($16.50) Together As One – The Basement ($16-18)

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MUSIC

CD Reviews

by Chris Peken chris@alternativemediagroup.com

78 - China Forbes With an enticingly hazy title, 78, this solo album from Pink Martini’s leading lady appropriately launches itself with an air of nostalgia and smoke-screened gentleness. Sounds nice, but frustratingly this record is a bit of a two-sided gift card. Forbes’ songs carry sunny, 70’s melodics, akin to what Ben Folds is doing, but sadly lack a lot of the theatricality or panache of the her clear songwriting heroes.The title track 78 is pretty and autumnal with its bumping, meloncholic trumpet lines and Forbes’ sweet lullaby vocal. Most of the tracks carry a sort of American soft-rock lilt a la Carly Simon,The Eagles, shades of Judi Sill, but again lacking a warmth or real depth of colour to the recording or performance. Her voice is resonant and assuredly relaxed, which is nice, but musically perhaps a few more risks may have yielded a more engaging affair. Maybe China Forbes needs Rick Rubin to bring her true American colours out? Oh, and it’s hard to imagine how her guitarist in Everybody Needs Somebody got away with stealing poor George Harrison’s signature riff from My Sweet Lord. (Aiden Roberts)

Evil Urges - My Morning Jacket Time to reconsider your view of these former hairy Southern rockers, as My Morning Jacket put their paisley shirts in the closet and their Marshall amps in storage - marked “to be used wisely.”

Be it the completely unexpected pseudo-Prince funk of the highly camp Highly Suspicious, or the call to the bedroom of Touch Me I’m Going to Scream, Pt. 1 - drenched in inter-galactic keyboards and sweet coo-ing harmonies - Evil Urges is like nothing MMJ have provided us with before.The excellent I’m Amazed provides the strongest link to their Southern country roots, and as the album nears the end their are some big, beautiful, stupid rockers - Aluminium Park and Remnants - that shouldn’t be ignored.

Speaking of being ignored Sec Walkin’ is a slow, pedal-steel-dripping countrysoul number, a mix of Marvin Gaye and Glenn Campbell that is exactly why they invented the SKIP button. Explore MMJ as they explore themselves in a genre- bending joy-ride that you will repeat over and over. (CP)

DJ Regal Presents! - DJ Regal Everyone loves their dose of rhymin’ and stealin’ every now and then; though it is a bit amusing to recognise the now transparently obvious formula employed in modern instrumental hiphop - beginning with a couple of oblique TV/vintage radio dialogue samples, deftly stitched together to construct a congratulatory prologue neatly chosen funk beats, soul guitar samples and a fat bass-line, all hopping along like a basketball. Having said that, this is tasteful stuff from Bondi mixmaster DJ Regal (Paul Eve), and we’re presented here with a series of collaborations and mix-ups from his storied career, several from local whiteboy MC’s including a remix of the ridiculously popular Karma by 1200 Techniques. Great fun is the break-beat buoyancy of Do The Do feat. Double R, and the flash-fire wordplay and stinging beats in Regal’s remix of All Good Funk Alliance’s Timely Convo. Largely, we’ve heard all this stuff before, but if this CD does anything for the serious listener it’s to demonstrate the quality and breadth of Regal’s experience. Not much experimentation here, but audible joints nonetheless. (AR)

From the Valley to the Stars El Perro Del Mar No amount of angelic harmonies, innocent flutes and tinkling piano lines can distract from the fact that El Perro Del Mar front woman and Swedish anti-siren Sarah Assbring is in her heart of hearts, a sorrowful being. Haunting at times, sweet in sound but sad in timbre, Assbring’s voice - in its hushed tones - bleeds all over From the Valley to the Stars.

Working to a theme as over-arching as ‘heaven’, Assbringer followed a train of thought: “that of love, grief and loss, solace and hope, deepest despair and wildest childish euphoria.” Sparse delicate sounds populate her journey, songs melting from one to the next, carried on the zephyr of her voice, Can’t Steal a Gift, How Did We Forget?, Inside the Golden Egg - these would be staples of a children’s songbook would they not mark such innocent souls at such a tender age. For the stronger soul, a magical journey can be undertaken...with care. (CP)

W H AT ’ S O N

MUSIC: WORLD SHAKUHACHI FESTIVAL 2008 PREVIEW BY BRAD GILL Australia’s thriving percussion scene comprises a growing number of exciting young musicians along with established ensembles with a strong history of innovative collaboration and interest in music of different cultures. In particular there is a long history of serious study of traditional music of various Asian cultures, particularly of Japan, ranging from percussionist Ian Cleworth’s study of Taiko drumming and subsequent formation of the Taiko drumming group TaikOz to the continued inspiring explorations of internationally renowned shakuhachi Grand Master Riley Lee. Sydney will experience all of this and more in two exciting concerts that will be opening the World Shakuhachi Festival of 2008, the brain child of Riley Lee.The festival will bring together shakuhachi players from around the world for workshops and performances, opened July 4 by the Breath to Breath concert, featuring TaikOz in their only Sydney performance this year.They will be joined by Riley Lee along with four special guest soloists from Japan, Synergy member Timothy Constable, TaikOz member Anton Lock performing a dramatic solo dance choreographed by Meryl Tankard.

In contrast to what should be an explosive festival opener, the event of the following evening is to be a smaller, more meditative affair.The work, In the Between: Meditations and Illuminations of The Tibetan Book of the Dead, will feature the group Trikaya - Riley Lee again, along with actor, orator and musician James Coates, composer and well known percussionist Michael Askill and the now Brisbane based Tibetan musician Tennzin Choegyal, who will both sing and play Tibetan instruments.

This promises to be an extremely special event for a number of reasons.To begin with, the spiritual atmosphere of the work will be enhanced by performance times of 10PM and Midnight; aside from being perhaps unusually late for a concert, hours considered to be highly auspicious. Also, each performer has a history of engagement through music with spiritual matters, ranging from the Zen influenced shakuhachi tradition James Coates’ interest in the Sufi poets Hafiz and

Rumi. And then there is the text upon which the performance is based, meant to benefit someone during the stages of ‘dissolution’ accompanying the death process ‘in between’ re-births. Reports of previous performances of the work are radiant, with reviewers describing themselves as ‘soul shaken’ by the experience, and emphasizing the profound communication achieved by the meditative musical/theatric interpretation and the dedicated performers involved.

Breath to Breath July 4, 8PM The City Recital Hall $65/$55 In the Between: Meditations and Illuminations of The Tibetan Book of the Dead July 5, 10PM and midnight Music Workshop, Sydney Conservatorium of Music $50/$60 Bookings: 8256 2222 and www.cityrecitalhall.com

CONCERT: REMBETIKA - A NIGHT OF GREEK BLUES PREVIEW BY LACHLAN JOBBINS Rembetika is a night of music and culture at The Factory Theatre featuring some of Sydney’s most talented Greek-Australian musicians.The show, which includes music, dance and performance, aims to recreate the experience of being in a rembetika hangout in Athens in the 1920s.

“Rembetika has always had an air of danger about it,” says organiser Frank Zervas.“It was the music and style of the Greek urban underground - jailhouses, taverns, brothels and drug dens performed by quasi-criminal elements and frowned upon by mainstream society. For much of its history it was banned by the government, so a lot of myths have grown up around it, and there is still a lot of misunderstanding today.”

Friday 4 July Atomocide – Lansdowne Hotel (free) Belles Will Ring – Oxford Art Factory ($12) Grafton Primary – Spectrum Mammal – Annandale Hotel ($12-15) Ooh La La – The Vanguard ($17-20) Blues, soul, and old fashioned funk: these boys are an absolute treat. A brandy glass in one hand, a cigar in the other and moving feet are compulsory to the listening experience.

These Sydney boys formed two years ago and while their music falls

It emerged in the population exchange between Asia Minor and Greece in the last years of the Ottoman Empire.The returning Greek refugees brought a subculture and music that was both Greek and foreign at the same time.

They found themselves outsiders in a country still recovering from the Great War, and drifted to the poor areas around Athens, Piraeus and Thessaloniki.

Rembetika were the songs of the hipsters and lowlifes, down but not out. Like the American ‘blues’, the songs had themes like unrequited love, hate, loss, heroism, hardship, poverty, bad luck and imprisonment.They were sung in the back rooms of smoky cafes, around water pipes filled with tobacco and hashish.

After many years of suppression for its association with criminal

more into the funk journre they are dedicated to their rock and roll roots. This concert is the release of their new album, so it will be an extra special event!

The Tim Bruer Quartet – The Sound Lounge ($12-18) Veracity Music Independent Music day – Gaelic Theatre ($15-20) World Shakuhachi Festival 2008 – City Recital Hall ($45-65) Saturday 5 July Angelas Dish – Spectrum Grow Your Own Upload, Squeaker – Lansdowne Hotel James Morrison – Concert Hall,

elements, rembetika was eventually adopted by mainstream musicians in the 1950s, and is today considered a key influence on Greek popular music.

The show aims to transport its audience back to the start.“We want to expose rembetika to a non-Greek audience, and to people who have grown up in Australia and don’t know about it.”

There will be theatrical subtitles explaining the songs, the themes and the history of the music.

The band, led by maestro Peter Kalandranis, features bouzouki, accordion, acoustic bass, percussion, violin and vocals.Almost 1000 people turned up to the debut show at the Marrickville festival earlier this year.

With that kind of excitement from the local community, the show is likely to sell out, so get in early.

More details at .

Sydney Opera House ($59.50-79.50) Lionel & Whitney:The Tribute Show – The Basement ($25-28) The Mission In Motion – Annandale Hotel ($10-12) The Power of Three – Riverside Theatres ($28-36) Restless Generations, Shane Barnes – Will and Toby’s ($20-25) Andrew Robson Trio – The Sound Lounge ($12-18) Steve Balbi – The Vanguard ($17) Sunday 6 July Access All Ages, Dappled Cities – The Factory Theatre ($17) Calerway – Spectrum The Dawn Collective – The Vanguard ($20-49 dinner and show) Smudge – Annandale Hotel ($5)

Rembetika Rembetika – The Greek Blues 5 July 8pm The Factory Theatre, 105 Victoria Road, Enmore Tickets: $35, 9550 3666 or

BOOK LAUNCHES & TALKS Sea of Many Returns Arnold Zable 1 July 12.15pm-12.45pm. Customs House Library. 9242 8555, www.library@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au The Tall Man Chloe Hooper 1 July 6.30pm for 7pm. Gleebooks, 49 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe. $7-10.

Bookings: 9660 2333, www.gleebooks.com.au The War Within Don Tate 2 July 6pm for 6.30pm. Gleebooks, 49 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe.

9660 2333, www.gleebooks.com.au

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MOVIEMICROS

YOUR LOCAL SCREENS

FILM REVIEW: HAPPY-GO-LUCKY

BROADWAY HOYTS CINEMAS Broadway Shopping Centre, Broadway Ph: 9211 1911 hoyts.ninemsn.com.au Hoyts HOTline 900-9-HOYTS

A colourful departure from the bleakness of director Mike Leigh’s previous films (Vera Drake, Secrets and Lies), Happy-Go-Lucky follows its buoyant central character Poppy (Sally Hawkins) as she navigates her daily life with unwavering optimism.When we first meet Poppy in the opening scene, her bubbly nature & constant laugher is somewhat unsettling, even irritating, giving the distinct impression that something’s not quite right. But as the film progresses and we gain broader insight into her character, we see a sensitivity and strength that gradually turns the tables; maybe it’s the rest of us with the problem.This beautifully crafted film is less a plot driven narrative than a detailed portrait of a unique and ultimately endearing character. Carried largely by Hawkins idiosyncratic, fully developed portrayal of Poppy and well supported by Andrea Riseborough who plays her slightly more cynical but equally likeable flatmate Dawn, and Eddie Marsan who is convincing in his role as Poppy’s chronically ill-tempered driving instructor Scott, Happy-go-lucky will likely inspire even the most steadfast cynic. (Anna Harrsion)

21 is based on the book that was based on the true story of a group of MIT students who developed an elaborate system of card counting and took Vegas for millions at Blackjack.Whilst the word “slick” can be used to describe production values, the producers managed to take an exhilarating real-life story and turn it into something verging on Hollywood-formulaic.Though exciting, enjoyable, and sometimes funny, after two long hours you’re left with the feeling that there isn’t enough real meat in this movie; that the book it’s based on, without the Hollywood fluff, would be more exciting than the film. Kevin Spacey and Jim Sturgess get no complaints – they’re both solid here. It’s not the thrill-ride you’ve been promised, but it is good popcorn cinema. (Evin Donohoe) THE BAND’S VISIT Arab-Israeli relations is not the first place you’d look for comedy, but this is one of the loveliest and funniest films I’ve seen in ages.When a traditional Egyptian police band comes to Israel and ends up stranded in a remote desert town, they reluctantly accept the hospitality of the locals. In broken English, the Egyptians and Israelis spend a sometimes uncomfortable, sometimes hilarious and ultimately touching night together, during which many of the assumptions they have about each other are challenged.The elephant in the room is the conflict, but when they leave there is much more linking them than keeping them apart.

Featuring Israeli and Palestinian actors, the film was Official Selection Un Certain Regard at Cannes 2007. I can’t recommend it highly enough.

(Lachlan Jobbins) FLIGHT OF THE RED BALLOON Flight of the Red Balloon is an interesting blend of Chinese and French cultural influences – puppet theatre, fine art and film – and was produced in conjunction with the 20th anniversary of the Musee d’Orsay.A mysterious red balloon follows seven-year-old Simon around Paris. His mother Suzanne (Juliette Binoche) is a puppeteer who uses her voice to bring her shows to life. Overwhelmed by her

22

responsibilities, she hires Taiwanese film student Song Fang as an au pair.

Director Hou Hsiao Hsien scripted the scenes in detail, but all the dialogue was invented by the actors.

The film lacks the conventional narrative arc of Hollywood movies, so it won’t be to everyone’s taste, but it was awarded Un certain regard at Cannes in 2007. (LJ) THE HAPPENING Director M.Night Shyamalan (The Sixth Sense, Signs) has lost the plot on this movie.

The earth is retaliating against its human-inflicted destruction by developing a virus that reacts with human biology.At first the audience is unaware of the cause of the destruction.All that is apparent is the break down of human behaviour and the basic instinct of survival, to the (rather unbelievable) extent that those infected will stop, become zombie-like and proceed to kill themselves as quickly as possible.

While the concept is interesting, and the plot admittedly suspenseful in parts, there are many holes in this movie.The acting - sparing Elliot Moore (Mark Wahlberg), who improved as the film progressed - is the kind of stuff that falls out of a cow’s behind.A worthwhile film for suspense/horror lovers, but if you are after a movie with any substance I’d steer clear of The Happening.

(Jasmine McLennan) THE INCREDIBLE HULK is the latest big screen incarnation of one of the most enduring superheroes in the entire Marvel Comics pantheon. It’s easy to see, with Iron Man out only a month ago, that these Marvel movies are beginning to follow a kind of formula and consistency of style – a very exciting, kickass formula that we hope to see lots more of.The film delivers unbelievable action metered with a mature and modern portrayal of the Jekyll-and-Hyde struggle as Bruce Banner comes to terms with being the Hulk, something the casting of Edward Norton, and his role as co-writer and script editor, only served.There is also the obligatory dash of good humour and some cute self-referencing. (ED)

INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL Fans have been waiting for this movie for almost 20 years, and they won’t be disappointed. Harrison Ford’s swashbuckling archaeologist is still the same everyman hero we loved in the 80s, just a few years older. It’s Cold War 1957 and Dr Jones is on the trail of a crystal skull stolen from Peru’s mythical city of gold. Legend has it that he who returns the skull will be granted ultimate power.With icy KGB scientist Irina Spalko (Cate Blanchett) chasing him, it’s up to Indy and his sidekick Mutt to save the day.

Spielberg and Lucas stay true to the formula. It’s a glorified B-Movie with everything you’d expect: thrilling chases, exotic locations, nasty villains, slapstick action and plenty of laughs.

Don’t miss it! (LJ) KUNG FU PANDA With so many mediocre celebrity-voiced animations coming out of Hollywood, it’s nice to find a film that doesn’t insult your intelligence.While Kung Fu Panda has a familiar message, the slapstick comedy, martial arts action and nods to the classics of the genre make it a cut above the average. Panda Po (Jack Black) is a noodle maker and kung fu fanatic who dreams of joining the ‘furious five’ – the greatest warriors the world has ever known. He’s also the laziest animal in China, but when he’s chosen as the legendary ‘Dragon Warrior’, he has to get over his selfdoubt, and that of his master (Dustin Hoffman), to protect his people from the evil Tai Lung.At last, a worthy successor to Shrek and Toy Story.

One for the big screen. (LJ) MARRIED LIFE This 1940s melodrama directed by Ira Sachs (Forty Shades of Blue) is another incessant meditation on monogamy.

Harry (Chris Cooper) is married to Pat (Patricia Clarkson) but in love with acquiescently nubile Kay (Rachel McAdams) - as is his best friend Richard (Pierce Brosnan). Harry plots to kill his wife, ostensibly for her own good. Script rambles about love and happiness for an hour and a half without getting anywhere. Male baritone narration imitates Little Children, but lacks the irony.

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Workmanlike performances are uniformly, necessarily, restrained.

McAdams, however, appears unimaginative played against seasoned colleagues, who will at least take a punt on a character idiosyncrasy or two. For real entertainment, check production designer Hugo Luczyc-Wyhowski’s impressively minimal aesthetic crafted from the beige-and-pewter floral obsessions of post-war interior design, or bask in Dickon Hinchliffe’s knowingly overwrought score.

(Wyatt Moss-Wellington) THE ORPHANAGE is a Spanish horror movie from producer Guillermo Del Toro (Pan’s Labyrinth), in which a woman moves her family back to the orphanage she was raised in. Initially, as in any horror movie, you find yourself wanting to be terrified.After what seems like an extra-long tease before any real jump-in-your-seat moments, you realise that this film will transcend to much greater depths than simply scaring you.With special effects almost non-existent this haunting, beautifully shot film plays out as a mystery and a story of maternal love, fuelled by an extremely powerful performance from star Belén Rueda. It proves that the horror genre is most effective when allowed to mingle with other genres, and that the old tricks still work the best. (ED) PRINCE CASPIAN In this sequel to The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, the four Pevensie children return to Narnia, where an evil king has usurped power. Once again they must assist the Narnians and return young Prince Caspian to his rightful throne. It’s an excellent adaptation of the much-loved C.S. Lewis children’s novel, with many parallels to Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings – after all, the two authors were friends. Seamlessly combining CGI and real footage, it’s a movie that is both intimate – the challenges of young children growing up – and epic – the fight between good and evil.A great story, fine acting and nice production make it a very satisfying film that will appeal to viewers of all ages. Forget Harry Potter.This is where it’s at. (LJ)

SEX AND THE CITY The long awaited, much hyped, Sex and the City movie predictably but not disappointingly plays with the familiar themes of the series - romantic interdependence, the joys and pains of ageing, and the power of female friendships.The movie plays much like an extended episode of the TV show, more so for the fact that it runs for well over two hours without one key climax.The film’s plot revolves around Carrie and Big’s impending nuptuals and the final commitment this symbolises; along with the ongoing trials and tribulations of the fearless foursome’s - Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda and Samantha relationships.The “Big” question the movie asks is: after being perpetually jerked around by Big why is Carrie still agreeing to spend the rest of her life with him? In other words: can love conquer all? Sarah Jessica Parker’s Carrie says “yes.” Luckily we are distracted from the shakiness of this answer by chic New York sexual innuendos, lush Mexican scenery, and Carrie’s 181 outfit changes; all of which make for pleasurable and somewhat thoughtful viewing. (Greer Gamble) SHUTTER This was originally a 2004 Thai film, but the setting of this remake in Japan alerts audiences to the fact that they are watching another J-horror flick from the American producers of The Ring and Grudge. The story is standard fare: photographer Tun (Joshua Jackson) and his wife Jane (Rachel Taylor) are two Americans on a working holiday in Tokyo.After running over a woman in their car, they are haunted by her wraith-like image, which begins to mysteriously appear in Tun’s photographs.A trail of more-thancoincidental deaths (some particularly gruesome) forms a path of clues to the road-victim’s identity.

The film is genuinely creepy, with Japanese actress Megumi Okina as an entrancing ghost, and Tokyo portrayed as a character in it’s own right: at times surreal, beautiful, and alienating. (Sunday Francis-Reiss) SPEED RACER This is a familyfriendly remake of the 1960s anime favourite, the story of a young man’s

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quest to become the greatest racing car driver in the world. In doing so, he has to overcome scheming corporate baddies, cheating drivers and the memory of his older brother’s death in a crash.As you’d expect from the comics-obsessed Wachowski brothers (The Matrix), it’s a visually striking combination of live action and CGI, and it looks amazing.

But retro-futuristic pop Americana and computer game special effects can’t make up for a super-corny script. It’s a film for kids with short attention spans but, at over two hours, it would make a better computer game. Stars Emile Hirsch, Christina Ricci, John Goodman, Susan Sarandon and Korean popstar Rain.

Tuesday night special. (LJ)

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