The February 1 Edition
The author in intensive care in March 2020 following the first of multiple major surgeries.

Like many busy mums,I loved bacon and ham. Were they linked to my stage-four cancer?

Processed meats are baked into Australia’s culinary culture. They’re also linked to sky-high rates of cancer. Why do we still eat them so voraciously?

  • byLucie Morris-Marr
St Jerome’s Laneway Festival is returning for the first year since 2020.

‘Never been about headliners’:Behind Laneway’s trend-defying success

During a perilous time for music events,the festival’s celebrating its 20th anniversary. What’s its secret?

  • byJonathan Seidler
Advertisement
Stu and Janell Clarke with their three dogs (from left) Azra,Shadow and Weeti.

This couple set off to travel the world. Ten years and three rescue dogs later...

Their motorbike trip was only supposed to last two years.

  • byJane Albert
“My fetish is linen. I blew the pay cheque for my first acting job on a new duvet and pillows.”
Dicey Topics
For subscribers

‘I did die’:Rachel Griffiths on one of her kids’ births

The Oscar-nominated actor discusses whether she’d run for office,turning down “insane-paying” jobs – and why her husband went grey after one of their children was born.

  • byBenjamin Law
Demi Moore,with micro chihuahua Pilaf,nails the barrel-leg and cinched-blazer combo.

Looking for back-to-work fashion pieces? Consider ‘statement trousers’

It may take some courage to carry these off,but the fashion world – and actor Demi Moore – has given barrel-legged pants a big promotion.

  • byDamien Woolnough

If you’re served a Coke at a cafe,should you get the 10¢ bottle refund?

Consider this your chance to celebrate this recycling golden age,writes our Modern Guru.

  • byDanny Katz
Twister

Twister

As Jeff approached her by the canapés,Ellie readied herself. Jeff was nice enough,but he was always trying to touch her – and often did – on her shoulders,elbows,the small of her back. Not wanting to hurt his feelings,she never said anything. Instead,on seeing his hand coming,she’d learned to shift and sway like wheat in the wind. She’d drop a shoulder here,twist her hips there,contort herself into shapes like a pretzel or walking Egyptian. Such evasive manoeuvres proved beneficial. Not only did Jeff struggle to lay a hand on her,she became very good at Twister. – Words by Paul Connolly. Illustration by Jim Pavlidis.

Fresh air,night sky,stars on screen:Cinema’s out-there date nights

Plus:get ready for the weekend with these fresh diversions.

  • bySharon Bradley,Katrina Strickland,Frances Mocnik,Barry Divola andDavid Swan
Advertisement

Palm sugar sago pudding

This beloved Malaysian dessert is an irresistible combination of chewy sago pearls,creamy coconut milk and rich syrup.

  • byHelen Goh
The dining room is a bona fide looker,all brooding leather,original terrazzo sandstone and cedar.

Why this charming bistro is Newcastle’s new hatted dining destination

The handsome,historic site on Bolton Street finally wins back a chefs’ hat with the arrival Bistro Penny.

  • byCallan Boys
Pasta trio (clockwise from top left:Gnocchi with tomato and basil,spinach and ricotta tortelli with mascarpone,and tagliatelle with bolognese ragu).

Looking for that authentic Lygon Street dining experience? This legendary restaurant is it,and amore

From arancini to tiramisu,the family-run Donnini’s has been serving gold standards of Italian classics since 1979.

  • byDani Valent

Low-alcohol red wines taste ‘thin’,but does alcohol content determine depth of flavour?

In conventional reds there’s little or no correlation between alcohol content and complexity. Other factors determine it instead,reveals Huon Hooke.

  • byHuon Hooke
Good Weekend Quiz online index image

Good Weekend Quiz

Trivia buffs:test your knowledge.