You might never have heard of these guys before, unless you’re a kiwi or have a thing for mini-guitars, but this is a gig not to miss.

Featuring Flight of the Conchords favourite, Bret McKenzie along with a slew of other funny sounding but talented musicians, you’ll love their eclectic style, catchy covers and smooth sounds that will transport you straight to the beaches of the South Pacific….we’re talking about the Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra of course.

Check out some of their work on YouTube, including Randy Newman’s 70’s classic “Short People”.

The orchestra has such a good time on stage that you won’t be able to resist their charm and big smiles…or the occasional sing-along.

Oxford Art Factory – 38-46 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst

8pm, Friday, 25 February, 2011

Tickets $20 + booking fee. You can book tickets here.

www.ukulele.co.nz

www.youtube.com/user/thewiuo

You have a list as long as your arm of New Year’s resolutions – get fit, lose weight, learn something new, be charitable, be fabulous, spend more time with family & friends and of course… save money.

Well here’s a treat that will inspire you while not breaking the bank.

Introducing Ivy & Piper Magazine. Launched at the end of last year by Melanie Parker and Elizabeth Raptis, this gem of an online interiors and homewares publication already has the support of some big names in the design community, such as Anna Spiro…and what’s more, it’s free.

You’ll love their eclectic, creative style and stunning photography showcasing colourful, glamorous products and homes from Australia and abroad.

It’s the perfect distraction at your desk, but while the magazine won’t cost you a cent, we can’t guarantee that you won’t want to buy everything in it! Oh and did we mention there’s a cute online store?

www.ivyandpiper.com.au

You have that heavy weight in the pit of your stomach…that sense of impending dread that came with each new year at school. What do you mean the holidays are over already?

Best remedy? Book up your calendar with fun stuff and act like the entire month of January is one big national holiday.

Unwind at the end of the week with one of Mr Shakespeare’s classics, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, commencing this Friday at the Band Rotunda in Balmoral. It will alternate each weekend with The Comedy of Errors, which might offer appeal to some as Shakespeare’s shortest play.

Now in its 25th and final season, there’s no better way to kick back and relax than with a picnic rug, bottle of wine, cheese plate and fresh fish & chips from Bottom of the Harbour Seafoods (21 The Esplanade).

Shakespeare By The Sea – Band Rotunda, Balmoral Beach, The Esplanade, Mosman

8pm, Fridays through Sundays until March 6

Entry by donation

A Midsummer Night’s Dream & The Comedy of Errors (alternate weekends)

www.shakespeare-by-the-sea.com

Tel: (02) 9969 0824

Justin North’s latest bun out of the oven proves he’s the real (gourmet) burger king. With mouths already watering for his famed Wagyu burger at Etch and Plan B, diners can make for plan C; Charlie & Co.

Situated in the shiny new Westfield, this ain’t no regular burger joint. After all, with two-hatted Becasse under his belt, North’s rep is on the grill.

Godfather of the humble hamburger, “Hamburger Charlie” of Seymour, Wisconsin would certainly be satisfied with North’s use of fresh and premium produce.

This is showcased in the classic Wagyu & Co. Burger, piled high with beetroot relish, pickled gherkin and aged cheddar on a soft sesame bun. Or, if you prefer surf over turf, go for the Hand-Crafted Chilli Crab Burger; the bun brimming with Thai infused crab cake, Asian salad, lime dressing and sweet chilli jam. There’s also sandwiches and hot dogs, but that’s like eating cabbage in a candy store.

Charlie would consider it a sin if you fail to sample the sides. North puts his fine-dining touch on the indulgent Parmesan and Truffle Fries, and the Onion Rings are like no other.

Next time you’re feeling carnivorous, say no to your usual Big Mac. After all, the burgers are better at Charlie & Co.

Charlie & Co. – The Sydney Room, Level 5, Westfield Sydney (Cnr Market and Castlereagh Streets)

Tel: (02) 8072 7777

www.charlieandco.com.au

Summer is upon us and you’ve been bombarded with party invitations…Christmas parties, office parties, NYE parties….but we all know that there are parties, and then there are parties and this is one you’ll be hollering not to miss.

Hewlett-Packard has announced the launch of HP House, a luxurious, ocean front, three story residence in Coogee that will be the place to be seen, heard and entertained for the coming week.

From today (30 November) to 4 December, HP House will hold several exclusive events and will play host to local talents such as Lincoln Lewis, Darren McMullen, Jason Dundas and Gracie Otto as well as the  ”King of Electropop” Calvin Harris.

During the week, guests will be able to unwind with Pilates classes, brush up on their music with Ukulele guitar lessons, take part in cooking classes or simply relax by the pool.

HP House will be equipped with all the latest consumer technology from touch-enabled and gaming PCs, to the latest mobile devices including the new HP ENVY14 BeatsTM notebook developed by Beats by Dr Dre.

Cherry Picked has one double pass to giveaway to the “Summer Beats” Launch Party this Wednesday, 1 December 2010, hosted by HP and Microsoft.  You’ll be able to party to the beats of Calvin Harris and rub shoulders with celebrities staying in da house.

Be the first to respond. Entries close 11am, 30 November, 2010.

It’s tough being the new kid. How do you fit in, yet get noticed, and for the right reasons?

The Surry Hills dining scene is (surely) almost at capacity but newbie, District Dining, has proved that if you’ve got the goods, there is room for just one more.

The slightly awkward-to-find locale avoids appearing grungy by greeting you with a brightly coloured Mondrian-esque feature wall. Inside, the charcoal walls, wood panelling, mirrored surfaces and moody lighting will get you in the mood for (food) love.

You’ll have a hard time choosing from the menu of 20+ sharing plates ranging from the crispy fried chicken with coleslaw (now THAT is a secret recipe of herbs and spices the Colonel would die to get his hands on), WA scampi cannelloni to plump, crispy king crab sweetcorn fritters.

Matched with an eclectic wine list (including a Gewürztraminer with “musk banana” aromas) and knowledgeable yet friendly service, by now it’ll feel like you and District have been friends for ages.

That might be because you’re actually a big fan of District Dining’s sibling restaurant, the two-hatted Restaurant Assiette. Some things must just run in the family.

If you haven’t met District yet…isn’t it time you introduced yourself?

District Dining – 17 Randle St, Surry Hills

T: (02) 9211 7798

Opening Hours: Tues-Thurs & Sat 12-3pm, 6-11pm, Fri 12-11pm

www.districtdining.com.au

Slipping onto the restaurant scene without the big bang it deserved, Duke Bistro is one of Darlinghurst’s newest eateries.

Tucked away one small stride past the Flinders Hotel, you’ll find a very narrow entrance and some stairs where you’ll step into a regal world fit for Dukes and Ladies.

A rich green and wooden interior is dimly lit with tea-cup candles to create an intimate mood, and an eclectic mix of ornaments conveys a unique British-colonial vibe. Think hanging bird cages, wooden carvings, champagne chandeliers and even cobras (don’t worry they’re fake).

One look at the menu will have you already planning your second visit, and with a combo like Thomas Lim (ex-Tetsuya’s) and Mitch Orr (2010 Young Chef) it’s no wonder.

Try the Wagyu with herb dressing and roast cos lettuce, or Lamb belly with cumin, eggplant and pearl onions. Another dish with a difference is the Kingfish gin and tonic, and to further tempt your taste buds try the Tater tots with Duke gravy and edamame.

Okay, we’ll stop teasing… but one last mention goes to the School prawns with spiced tea butter and croutons. Undeniably irresistible!

Duke’s are also lovers of fine wines and spirits of stature. An extensive wine list from all corners of the globe is sure to impress, and cocktails such as the Daisy de Santiago (Light Rum, fresh Lime, Gomme, Yellow Chartreuse & Mint) or the Floradora (Gin, fresh Raspberries, fresh Lime, Ginger & Soda) are truly something special.

But the perks don’t stop there. Duke’s are one of the only fine dining restaurants where you can chat on into the early hours of the morning. Open until 2am on weekends, you’ll have ample time for those long overdue catch ups!

Duke’s Bistro – 65 Flinders St Darlinghurst

www.dukebistro.com.au

What do John Lennon, Queen Elizabeth II and Nicole Kidman all have in common? They’ve all been shot by Annie Leibovitz of course.

She’s renowned for her witty, powerful images documenting American culture since the early 1970s and a career working with iconic publications Rolling Stone, Vanity Fair and Vogue. But a celebrity photographer wouldn’t be a celebrity photographer without just a little bit of scandal….remember those provocative Miley Cyrus pics?

Now you can get up close and personal with Annie’s work with the opportunity to see a world-renowned collection of images, from famous public figures to intimate family portraits.

The exhibition opened at the Brooklyn Museum and has since traveled the globe to cities including Paris, London, Madrid and now Sydney. This is one exhibition you won’t want to miss.

Snap to it.

Annie Leibovitz: A Photographer’s Life 1990-2005 runs from 19 November 2010 until 27 March 2011.

Tickets are $15 (concession $10).

For further information visit www.mca.com.au or telephone 02 9245 2400.

Looking for a romantic Sunday escape from the city beach crowds? Fancy the idea of winding your way along oceanside cliff-tops, the sea breeze in your hair, far enough away from Bondi to relax but not so far that the journey’s a hassle?

On Sundays throughout November 2010, Jonah’s Whale Beach will play host to Cloudy Bay’s 25th birthday celebrations with the launch of the Cloudy Bay Deck.

Here you can kick back and relax on deck chairs on the lawn with a glass of wine and listen to the soulful live tunes of Jordan Miller while soaking up the view and noshing on small plates created by acclaimed executive chef George Francisco.

Nothing says summer like sauvignon blanc and seafood, including the seafood sharing plate and Sydney Rock oysters.

It’s a perfect escape for those not so cloudy Sundays.

The Cloudy Bay deck at Jonah’s is open Sunday 21st & 28th November and 5th December 2010 from 3pm. No bookings.

Jonah’s – 69 Bynya Road, Whale Beach

T:+61 2 9974 5599

www.jonahs.com.au

With only 6 weeks left until Christmas, it’s time to start thinking about what you’re going to buy that brother-in-law who has everything, difficult dad or fussy friend, and if battling for a car spot in Bondi makes you feel bah humbug, then why not shop from your desk?

Cracka Wines, a new online wine auction site is the place to pick up a special Chrissie gift for your wine-loving friends and family.

The brainchild of Wine Ark founder Dean Taylor, and online entrepreneur and carsales.com.au COO, Shane Pettiona, Cracka Wines is a “Dutch Clock” online auction site. In other words, wine prices start at their RRP and continue to fall until all the stock is purchased. Auctions kick off at 1pm daily.

And no they don’t offer dodgy cleanskins and other unwanted leftovers…you’ll find a mix of top brands from Cape Mentelle to Taylors Wines and Wolf Blass. Don’t expect to wait long for your delivery – Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane customers can expect delivery of purchases the very next day.

The hardest part will be making sure that case doesn’t turn into a mixed eleven.

www.crackawines.com.au

Check them out on YouTube here.