Latest news with #VividSydney
Daily Mail
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
The $38 dish Nigella Lawson 'can't stop thinking about' since leaving Sydney - as locals rush to try the 'sensational' meal too
When British culinary queen Nigella Lawson shares a food obsession, the world listens. And during her time in Australia in June, it was a 'sensational' spicy dish from Sydney 's Porkfat that left her mouth watering - so much so that she 'can't stop thinking about it'. While in town to host dinners for Vivid Sydney 2025, Nigella was spotted at various restaurants enjoying the local food scene with friends and famous restaurateurs. However, the 65-year-old cookbook author and food icon, who regularly comments on Australia's thriving restaurant culture, recently took to her Instagram to rave about the meal that's still living rent-free in her mind. Porkfat, a Thai restaurant tucked away on Sydney's Wentworth Avenue, served her their famous pork larb and it was an instant standout. 'Can't stop thinking about the sensational pork larb at Porkfat!' Nigella wrote in a post to her 3.1million followers. 'I mean, everything I ate there was wonderful, as indeed it always is, but this is the dish… that rules my heart!' It's not hard to see why - Porkfat's signature larb is no ordinary salad. The bold, flavour-packed Northern Thai classic is made with tender, minced pork, loaded with zingy herbs, spice, and topped off with crispy, golden cubes of pork fat that are fast becoming the stuff of legend. 'This is the dish - light, zingy, fresh and fiery, studded with those fabulous golden cubes of pork fat for which the restaurant is named,' Nigella gushed. The restaurant, which is helmed by Thai-born chef Narin 'Boon' Kulasai and his partner Tania, is renowned for delivering authentic, regional Thai flavours with punch and personality. In fact, it's not Nigella's first visit to Porkfat, she's previously sung its praises and seems to make a beeline there every time she visits Sydney. 'Thank you to Tania and Boon who make my soul smile,' she added in her tribute. Nigella has visited Australia multiple times for her book tours and speaking events, but it's clear Sydney's thriving inner-city eateries have a special place in her heart. 'I feel at home here,' she's said in past interviews. 'I've had such an inspiring time eating my way through Australia, and I've wanted to try as many places as possible but, when I'm in Sydney. The bold, flavour-packed Northern Thai classic made with tender, minced pork, loaded with zingy herbs, spice, and topped off with crispy, golden cubes of pork fat that are fast becoming the stuff of legend And if this latest craving is anything to go by, Porkfat's pork larb might just be her most memorable yet. Nigella has an impact on locals after her rave review, with many vowing to book in at Porkfat pronto to see what all the hype was about. 'I'm very partial to larb so this is an excellent reminder to enjoy some local offerings,' one wrote. 'I am ready to crawl from Melbourne to taste the food,' another added. If you're on a budget, Nigella said she she can never get enough of the fish finger bao at King Clarence in Sydney, which costs $15 per bun. 'Being in Sydney without revisiting King Clarence to eat chef Khanh Nguyen's exuberant, masterly and joy-giving food would be a criminal oversight,' she said. 'I mean, how could I leave here without tasting, once more, that fish finger bao and still live with myself? Not a chance,' Nigella said. The popular food writer explained that she needed to go into detail about the dish so everyone can 'truly grasp the magnificence'. 'This particular fish finger is made with barramundi, set in gelatinised dashi stock, then robustly crumbed, then deep-fried, so that when you bite into it as well as a satisfying crunch, you get a burst of deeply-flavoured broth,' she said. 'It's rather like the experience of eating Xiao long bao (aka soup dumplings) only more high octane. 'And in the tender, bouncy, steamed bun as well is a dainty sliver of melty American cheese and a tartare sauce flecked with mustard greens plus, on top, a pearled heaping of vivid salmon roe. Heady-making stuff, and as exquisite as it is bold.'
Daily Mail
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Pilates Queen ensures all eyes are on her as she goes braless at $3500-a-head Gold Dinner
Sydney Pilates Queen Bernadette Fahey made sure her sleek figure was the star of the show on Wednesday night when she stepped out at the Gold Dinner in Sydney. The 35-year-old entrepreneur who owns Body by Berner looked sensational as she posed alongside her husband, Buildcorp COO, Jordan Sukkar. Bernadette showcased her incredible frame in a tight brown gown that featured a high neckline and gathered details at the skirting and - going braless underneath. She added diamond baguette earrings, a silver bracelet worn over her sleeve and designer clutch. For the first time, the Gold Dinner has been held at the Royal Botanic Gardens' Parade Ground Lawn, set amongst Sydney's most iconic landmarks and framed by the vibrant light spectacle of Vivid Sydney. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. With close proximity to Government House and iconic landmarks the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge - all being illuminated as part of the city's renowned festival of light - this year's event is themed 'Light Up a Child's Life'. It offers guests a symbolic and immersive experience that ties directly to its cause as they aim to raise $80 million - the most ambitious target to date. For almost three decades, the Gold Dinner in Sydney has united Australia's leaders and captains of industry to support the Sydney Children's Hospitals Network through the SCHF. Now expanded to Perth, and with plans to hold events in the USA and UK with Australia expats, the Gold Series is recognised as Australia's most prestigious philanthropic initiative. Sydney's Gold Dinner has raised over $90 million since its inception in 1997, directly transforming the lives of sick kids and their families by funding life-saving treatments and care. The Gold Dinner Committee is by Linda Penn and her son Joshua, and includes an influential mix of business and philanthropic leaders. Bernadette and her husband Jordan married in a star-studded ceremony at Scots College in Bellevue Hill, Sydney. The bride stunned in a sleeveless satin gown from Steven Khalil with layered skirting and delicate lacy detailing at the bodice. Among the A-list guests was Dina Broadhurst and Jade Yarbrough. While it is not known exactly how long the couple have been together, they went Instagram official in May. The couple returned from their honeymoon in Europe last month. They spent weeks soaking up their newlywed status in France and Italy. She kept her followers updated on their lavish ski resort getaways, sharing fun clips of the couple goofing around as they tried on various ski gear. She also revealed they hit the slopes at the exclusive Santa Cristina resort in Italy's snow-capped mountains. Bernadette flaunted her figure as she received a private lesson from a ski instructor while sporting designer $2,100 Louis Vuitton snow goggles. The couple looked delighted to spend their time together on their unforgettable honeymoon, which is estimated to have cost over $100,000. Throughout the trip, the newlyweds looked utterly smitten as they basked in the joy of their honeymoon. Bernadette is known for being the fitness instructor to some of Sydney's most high-powered socialites and famous faces, including Jade Yarbrough and model Madeleine Holtznagel.
Daily Mail
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Katy Perry strips down to a bikini at a Bondi bathhouse she takes a break from her Lifetimes Tour
Katy Perry is making the most of her time in Sydney. The American popstar, 40, took a well-deserved break from her Lifetimes Tour and a high energy climb of the Sydney Harbour Bridge at one of Bondi's wellness spots Slow House on Sunday. The Firework singer indulged in a 90-minute hot magnesium soak alongside her crew in the studio's luxe communal bathhouse and shared a video of her visit on Instagram. Wearing a simple swimsuit, Katy stood poolside before panning the camera toward her derrière. 'After the bridge climb, slow time,' she teased in the video, clearly revelling in her downtime. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. The Firework singer indulged in a 90-minute hot magnesium soak alongside her crew in the studio's luxe communal bathhouse and shared a video of her visit on Instagram The American star then uploaded a steamy snap from inside the sauna, posing for a post-soak selfie with her dancers. Katy and her team enjoyed a late-night period of rest and relaxation that lasted until nearly 2am, a source tells Daily Mail Australia. On Sunday night, Katy was spotted climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge during the city's Vivid Sydney festival. At one point, Katy joyfully waved to onlookers below and later held up a small rainbow flag with both hands, grinning as she proudly celebrated diversity and inclusion. Last week she stunned onlookers stunned as she took a very casual shopping trip in Sydney's western suburbs. The Roar hitmaker was seen wandering around Lidcombe Shopping Centre on Tuesday, ahead of kicking off her tour. Katy had daughter Daisy Dove on her hip as she stopped into a series of stores. Katy strolled by the Aldi supermarket and discount department store Kmart with her small entourage. She blended in with the locals in a low key ensemble including a grey Celine tracksuit, cap and sunglasses. The popstar is performing three shows of her Lifetimes Tour in Sydney, bringing all of her iconic hits as well as some of her new tracks from her latest album 143. She will play her next show in Sydney on Tuesday night. Tickets to the pop icon's tour, which has received an onslaught of criticism over the last few months, have been in high demand, with the Roar hitmaker announcing two extra shows on the Australian run to accommodate all of her fans. Taking to Instagram in February, Katy revealed she added an extra show at Sydney's Qudos Bank Arena on June 4 to kick off the Australian leg, as well as an extra Melbourne show at Rod Laver Arena on June 7. The Grammy-nominated superstar revealed she had been humbled with the success of her Australian tour, with all previous dates now sold out. Captioning the announcement, Katy said: 'I am so blown away by the incredible demand for THE LIFETIMES TOUR that I will be adding a final show in Sydney and a final show in Melbourne to make sure all my Australian fans have a chance to experience the incredible show I am bringing.' Katy will now play a hefty 15 Australian shows. She announced the Australian Lifetimes tour just prior to her turn at the AFL Grand Final in September. The original run included just one show each for Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, however fan demand dictated Katy needed to add two extra Sydney and Brisbane shows. Crestfallen Adelaide fans expressed their frustration over missing out on their chance to see Katy in the flesh but they were not left out in the cold for too long. Listening to fan protests, Katy eventually added a run of four shows in the City of Churches. 'I heard you loud and clear Adelaide, I got you!' Katy wrote on Instagram.
Daily Mail
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Katy Perry beams as she waves rainbow flag atop Sydney Harbour Bridge in celebration of Pride Month during break from her Lifetimes Tour
Katy Perry showed her support for the LGBTQIA+ community on Sunday night as she scaled the Sydney Harbour Bridge while holding a rainbow flag high in the air. The American pop superstar, 40, was all smiles as she took part in the climb during the city's Vivid Sydney festival, coinciding with both her Lifetimes Tour stop and the beginning of Pride Month. The Roar hitmaker was seen rugged up in a blue waterproof jacket and safety harness, with a glowing torch affixed to her chest. At one point, Katy joyfully waved to onlookers below and later held up a small rainbow flag with both hands, grinning as she proudly celebrated diversity and inclusion. She completed the look with a light blue cap and grey hoodie layered underneath her bridge-climbing gear, her signature glam swapped for a fresh-faced glow. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. The US pop superstar, 40, was all smiles as she took part in the climb during the city's Vivid Sydney festival, coinciding with both her Lifetimes Tour stop and the beginning of Pride Month The pop icon looked thrilled by the experience, laughing with her team and soaking up the view from the top of the world-famous structure. The Firework singer has long been an advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights, often weaving inclusive messages into her performances. The singer is currently in Australia as part of her Lifetimes Tour, which has seen her perform her greatest hits across the globe. The popstar is performing three shows in Sydney, bringing all of her iconic hits as well as some of her new tracks from her latest album 143 to Qudos Bank Arena on June 4, 9 and 10. Tickets to the pop icon's tour, which has received an onslaught of criticism over the last few months, have been in high demand, with the Roar hitmaker announcing two extra shows on the Australian run to accommodate all of her fans. Taking to Instagram in February, Katy revealed she added an extra show at Sydney's Qudos Bank Arena on June 4 to kick off the Australian leg, as well as an extra Melbourne show at Rod Laver Arena on June 7. The Grammy-nominated superstar revealed she had been humbled with the success of her Australian tour, with all previous dates now sold out. Captioning the announcement, Katy said: 'I am so blown away by the incredible demand for THE LIFETIMES TOUR that I will be adding a final show in Sydney and a final show in Melbourne to make sure all my Australian fans have a chance to experience the incredible show I am bringing.' Katy will now play a hefty 15 Australian shows. She announced the Australian Lifetimes tour just prior to her turn at the AFL Grand Final in September. The original run included just one show each for Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, however fan demand dictated Katy needed to add two extra Sydney and Brisbane shows. Crestfallen Adelaide fans expressed their frustration over missing out on their chance to see Katy in the flesh but they were not left out in the cold for too long. Listening to fan protests, Katy eventually added a run of four shows in the City of Churches. 'I heard you loud and clear Adelaide, I got you!' Katy wrote on Instagram. Extra shows were also added to Melbourne and Perth as demand for the Teenage Dream hitmaker continued to rise.
Time Out
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
a stunning and powerful production... can't be missed
It's a chilly but beautiful winter's night on Cadigal land as I walk towards the Sydney Opera House. The lights of Vivid Sydney paint the harbour with mesmerising displays, creating the perfect atmosphere in the lead up to seeing Bangarra Dance Theatre 's brand new production, Illume. While Vivid lights up the exterior of the iconic Opera House, Illume sets the stage alight from the inside. An otherworldly spectacle, Illume is a collaboration between Mirning choreographer (and Bangarra's visionary artistic director) Frances Rings and Goolarrgon Bard visual artist Darrell Sibosado. Sibosado, known for his innovative contemporary light installations, lends his talents to the set and stage design in a theatrical experience that pays tribute to the creation stories of the Bard and Jawi people and the cultural hero, Galaloong. As the performance begins, audiences are immediately awestruck by a stunning display of the night sky – the dancers are enveloped by twinkling stars projected onto a sheer screen at the front of the stage and also on the back wall, with yet more lights darting around the stage providing an atmospheric glimmer. Elizabeth Gadsby 's costume design complements this, sparkly black dresses shimmer under the lights, alluding to the pristine beauty of land and sky untouched by environmental pollution. As the story progresses, and with each change in season, the costumes reflect the surroundings; shades of brown, red and beige are worn in the warmer and dry seasons. This attention to detail demonstrates a strong commitment to holistic storytelling. The symbolism woven throughout, by way of the choreography, props and stage design, transports the audience through a journey of Country and spiritualism. Vertical light blocks move up and down while the dancers navigate their bodies around them in a beautiful symbolic display of the spiritual significance of trees in Indigenous cultures. As the dancers travel across the stage, they move through a combination of dance styles, from traditional cultural dance, to contemporary dance and lyrical steps. Rings' stylistic choices expertly utilise the dancers' bodies to create beautiful patterns and shapes, and to mimic natural elements. Throughout the production we see the women dancing together as a united group, followed by the men dancing together; and while these groups remain separate in some scenes, in others they are combined. Rings' use of perspective and height is also successful in creating atmosphere and continuity of the story. As the dancers fall and roll across the stage in sync with one another, it mimics rolling water or wind. As the dancers lift each other up, creating differences in height, we can follow the story of the trees as they grow, sway and react to the elements. The music, composed by Brendon Boney, is also spectacular and, in some scenes, unexpected. While we are treated to percussive beats involving traditional instruments such as clapping sticks, there are also nods to science-fiction. As the show progresses, we start to experience more futuristic music and visuals, including some elements of hip-hop style movements accompanied by more techno-forward scores. The production's prop work also builds off the stunning light display. For example, one memorable scene involves dancers holding large illuminated ropes, twisting them and creating patterns. As a dancer myself, I want to note just how difficult that is to do – the precision required to ensure every dancer arrives at the specific spot on stage at the right moment to produce the shape is something that takes many hours of intricate planning and rehearsals. Yet, the dancers move with such ease and grace that it appears effortless. This ensemble's seamless and impressive transitions are to be highly commended. For me, the most beautiful moment of the whole show would have to be the yarning circle that occurs towards the end. A calm, quiet and seemingly 'simple' moment, this scene is able to convey deep connection with little movement. As a fire steadily burns to the right side of the stage, a group of dancers to the left are huddled together in a yarning circle, a cultural practice undertaken for close connection between mob. As the dancers sit there, under a spotlight, ash gently falls from the sky onto them. The effect is calm and serene. Overall, Illume is a stunning and powerful production. It is evident that an enormous amount of work has gone into this, and the result is a striking show that can't be missed. I highly recommend that you get out to see it.
