The nights might be getting longer but in Sydney, at least, it makes for more time to savour Vivid Live. The brightest of the city’s winter festivals is back in a swirl of light, music and ideas – and it’s shining the spotlight on some of Sydney’s favourite restaurants this year, too.
As part of Modulations, Carriageworks in Redfern plays host to the Italo Dining and Disco Club, a confluence of great tunes and the best in local Italian food, with Icebergs Dining Room and Bar, 10 William St, Fratelli Paradiso and Da Orazio Pizza + Porchetta all involved. The team has produced a menu that brings the best of each restaurant into one space, with old-school tunes to match.
“I grew up in Italy in the late ’70s and lived the disco movement that a lot of people don’t know about, so it’s a really good opportunity to promote it,” says Icebergs and Da Orazio’s Maurice Terzini. “We’re really looking forward to collaborating. We’ve got an inner circle and we’re all out there to promote each other.”
In the CBD, Martin Place will loosen the ties and possibly pop a button or two as it transforms after dark into Transcendence, a nightly light show by artist Joe Crossley. Surry Hills’ own Porteño will be there cranking roast pork sandwiches with Savoy slaw and special sauce (among other Argentinian delights), while new Glebe favourite Thievery will bring you a fresh take on Lebanese street food.
As well as its headlining performance, the Lighting of the Sails, The Sydney Opera House is adding even more fun to the festival with the opening of The Deep Purple Pool Hall. Brought to you by Jeremy Blackmore and Alex Dowd of Tio’s Cerveceria and The Cliff Dive, this new pop-up bar is just the place to take in the views of the harbour with a Vivid-themed cocktail in hand.
The Star is also a major Vivid player, serving up a number of sweet treats at a pop-up dessert bar, as well as an impressive line-up of dishes in the Vivid Lounge at Sky Terrace from the likes of Momofuku Seiobo, Sokyo, and Balla.
Vivid Sydney runs from 6pm until midnight, 22 May until 8 June. The Sydney Opera House’s The Deep Purple Pool Hall and Martin Place’s Transcendence are open every evening of Vivid. Modulations at Carriageworks is open 5pm until late, 31 May and 1, 2, 5, 6, 7 June.