Coogee Archives - Page 14 of 16

Coogee Star Miranda Otto Leads Heist Drama Filmed in Eastern Suburbs

Did you know that an upcoming heist drama series starring Coogee resident and Hollywood star Miranda Otto was filmed in several familiar places in Sydney’s Eastern suburbs?

“The Unusual Suspects,” which will begin its run on SBS in June 2021, has gone on location at various landmarks in Sydney’s east for about six weeks during the spring and summer season in 2020.

The cast and crew of the female-led heist, which also stars Coogee actress Lena Cruz (who is of Filipino descent) had scenes taken from Vaucluse’s Nielsen Park and Shark Beach, Paddington’s The London Hotel, and several homes in Maroubra, Vaucluse, Bellevue Hill, and Gordon’s Bay.

Joining Otto and Cruz in “The Unusual Suspects” are her real-life partner Peter O’Brien, Heather Mitchell, and a talented cast of Filipino actors like Aina Dumlao, Michelle Vergara Moore, James Lugton, and Renee Lim.

The film centres on a group of Filipino women who work as domestic servants of the rich and influential. Conflict begins when a $16 million necklace goes missing from the home of self-made Filipino Australian businesswoman Roxanne Waters (Vergara Moore) during an elaborate heist. As the police investigate, the sparkling lives of the rich begin to crack and those involved in the heist start turning against each other.

The cast said that filming in some of the “most extraordinary places” in the Eastern suburbs has been an incredible privilege as they got a peek of the lives of Sydney’s upscale crowd.

Otto said that she wanted to do the four-part series because it had a sense of fun and the Australian production was a peek into a lifestyle and culture that most people probably didn’t know existed in Sydney’s east.

For a time, the actress has been based overseas because of her work in Hollywood but she comes home to Coogee frequently because it’s her sanctuary. Despite where her work has taken her, the actress still regards Sydney as her home.

Watch the teaser to “The Unusual Suspects” below and spot the Eastern suburb locations:

Gelatissimo in Coogee Offers Unique and Trendy Ube Gelato

Have you heard about this unique and purple flavour called ube (pronounced “ooh-bae”)? If you have yet to try ube, Gelatissimo in Coogee is offering this interesting variant for a limited time for its new Flavours of the World.

Gelatissimo’s Filipino Ube Cheesecake is made of purple yam, a staple dessert ingredient commonly found in the Philippines. Ube is a root vegetable that brings a sweet and nutty flavour, which some foodies have described as similar in taste to pistachio or vanilla.

So vibrant in colour, heaps of Instagrammable ube flavoured desserts are becoming quite popular in Australia and other parts of the world that it makes sense for the popular gelato brand to create its own take on this equally popular tuber. The Filipino Ube Cheesecake is infused with bits of Jiggle Cheesecake – a winning combination!

However, there are also two other variants for Flavours of the World that are sure to delight gelato lovers and wanderlusts who have been craving to visit other countries. Because international travel is still not possible at this time, Gelatissimo is, instead, taking your taste buds on a trip to Belgium and Hawaii with flavours like Belgian Choc Marble Seashells and the Hawaiian Tropical Coconut.

Belgian Choc Marble Seashells is made for chocolate lovers. This gelato variety has chocolate hazelnut marble ripples on a creamy white chocolate base. Hawaiian Tropical Coconut has a tangy pineapple flavour that blends well with coconut ice cream. Bits of macadamia nuts deliver a perfect dessert to enjoy in a waffle cone or tub.

Gelatissimo launched the Flavours of the World in April, alongside a special raffle for a weekend getaway for two in Hunter Valley in New South Wales. Check the official site for the details about this contest and follow Gelatissimo on Facebook to get updates on new flavours.

Crowne Plaza Sydney Coogee Beach Unveils Meeting Package with Free Drinks

Have you missed talking business at a fancy and relaxing venue during the lockdowns? Now that Sydney-siders are returning to in-person meetings, Crowne Plaza Sydney Coogee Beach launched a special deal for professionals who would rather ditch Zoom and revive negotiating and communicating face-to-face.

In effect until 30 June 2021, Monday meetings, brainstorming and collaborations booked at the Crowne Plaza Sydney Coogee Beach will include free drinks and a free room hire during the happy hour.

The hotel, which underwent a redesign in 2020, has heaps of flexible business rooms equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual technology, including live streaming, to make talking business so much more productive.

The Studio on the ground floor is a collaborative space for holding workshops or a business lunch with 12 people. This venue has a boardroom table and a well-curated library with living room seating to also double as a shared workspace for groups.

On the same level as the Studio is the Oceanic Ballroom, spanning 360 square metres, which can be used for large events or divided into two smaller spaces for intimate gatherings.

On the lower ground floor is the purposely-built Events Centre where there are eight separate rooms with full amenities for conferences. During the redevelopment of the hotel, the Centennial Conference Room, a fixture of Sydney events, was also expanded and then divided to separate meeting rooms.

Meanwhile, the lower ground floor has a new space called the Experience Gallery, where art exhibits or business trade shows may be mounted. To take advantage of the happy hour offer for Monday meetings, mention the Day Delegate Package when booking or email reservations.crowneplazacoogee@ihg.com for enquiries.

Crowne Plaza Sydney Coogee Beach will soon start with the second phase of its redesign to include changes in the guest rooms, the pool area and the hotel exterior.

Barzura: Reliable Restaurant Still Top Breakfast Spot in Coogee

Whilst a lot of cafes have popped up in eastern Sydney, there has always been this one reliable beach corner spot in Coogee that’s still the top breakfast place for locals. Barzura has been in business since the 1990s and it continues to be busy nearly 30 years on.

Located on Carr Street, Barzura is frequented by beachgoers and nippers at the nearby surf club after their early morning swim, especially during weekends. This eatery has been such a vital part of the local community that most locals have had the restaurant’s famous toasted sourdough with goat’s cheese and coffee. Both orders have also remained consistently good throughout the years.

In the kitchen, Barzura’s chef prepares an unusual selection of breakfast food. Ever had an omelette with shitake mushrooms or bean sprouts served with a hint of soya sauce? The sensation of flavours in your mouth will leave a lasting positive impression.

A casual, low-key, family-run business, Barzura’s biggest appeal, apart from its flavourful dishes, lies in its service. The staff members are well-trained to make every diner’s experience a pleasant one, whether they are first-timers or long-time returning customers. Though the restaurant gets very busy during peak hours, the staff remain attentive to the patron’s orders and requests.

This restaurant is also open for lunch and dinner. Check out the website for the dine-in and takeaway options as the menu changes regularly. Follow their Facebook page for updates on trading hours and other deals.

“Beachside at Coogee this busy little cafe/restaurant was packed with people and their dishes were packed with flavour. We made a reservation that was postponed with no issue at all when I changed times on them and then the service inside the door was just as obliging. Every dish was amazing and great value also. Highly recommend this establishment whether it be for a meal or a beverage.”
Dan Duncan

“A great local place for breakfast. This is not another boring eggs and pancakes place. You come here for something different but still delicious. A couple of recommendations: the mie goreng or Crispy pancetta, avocado, cherry tomato & aioli on toasted sourdough.”
Alex Hu

“A nice place by the beach to catch up with friends. Always busy, always popular. Have to book or wait. Good service. My salmon curry was okay. I’d say it was an Italian version of it rather. The coffee’s good. Prob Italian as well.”
Anna Bashkirova

Make Your Voices Heard! 2021 Coogee School Safety Survey Launched

Parents and guardians of school children in Coogee, here’s another opportunity for you to voice your concerns. The 2021 school safety survey has been launched to help local government officials come up with improvements to benefit the community.

Every parent has a school safety concern because they want their children to remain protected in their learning environment when the mums or dads are not around. In 2020, local officials learned that the biggest school safety concern for Coogee parents was how vehicle speed could impact the safety of road crossings.

Member for Coogee Marjorie O’Neill has been working to reduce vehicle speed at school zones upon learning of the survey’s outcome.

“At 50km per hour, a vehicle takes approximately 37m to stop, at 40km per hour, it can stop in 27m,” Ms O’Neill shared on Facebook.

“If a pedestrian is hit by a car at 50km per hour, they may only have a 10% chance of survival where as at 40km per hour, their chance of survival goes up to 60%,

“Statistics like these, provided by Transport for NSW, make clear that lower speeds on local roads will make commuting safer for vehicles and pedestrians alike.”

Photo Credit: Photo Credit: Free-Photos/Pixabay

It comes as Waverley Council announced that neighbourhood streets in their southern areas will now enforce a reduced speed of 40km/h, from 50km/h effective immediately. These streets are also accessible to Coogee locals.

Whilst Ms O’Niell agrees that all eastern suburbs roads should have a uniform speed as a matter of state policy, she continues to lobby for the parents’ concern.

The public is encouraged to answer the Coogee School Safety Survey 2021 her office has prepared online.

“I want to help identify and remedy the new obstacles that local families are facing, as well as continue our work toward solving the inherent problems along our local school commutes,” Ms O’ Neill said.

Is the New Rainbow Walkway in Coogee Permanent?

Coogee Beach is looking a lot more colourful after the installation of a radiant, giant rainbow walkway at the steps of the lower promenade, adding such a beautiful backdrop to an already-Instagrammable spot.

The nearly 50-metre rainbow walkway was painted in time for the opening of the Mardis Gras Season in Sydney. Randwick City Council said that it’s in support of the LGBTIQA+ community celebrating the annual event.

Announced in December, the standout rainbow walkway at the Coogee Beach promenade is only a temporary addition but it’s expected to remain for several months. Council has not indicated the duration and there have been no plans set for repainting the radiant colours once it fades.

“This proposal enhances that tradition and makes a strong public statement of support for our wonderfully diverse local community,” Mayor Danny Said during the deliberation.

This is the third rainbow installation in a large public space in Sydney. Prince Alfred Park in Surry Hills also unveiled its rainbow path at the Equality Green for Mardis Gras. In Darlinghurst, a rainbow crossing was installed in 2019 and it’s still vibrant today.

New Outdoor Gym for All Ages Opens in Coogee

Coogee residents have another free venue to use to elevate their fitness regimen following the opening of a new outdoor gym in Neptune Park. It’s now the sixth public outdoor gym built by Randwick City Council, after Maroubra, Kensington, Frenchmans Bay, Clovelly and Chifley.

Located at the corner of Neptune Street and Wolseley Road, the outdoor gym overlooks the gorgeous Coogee Bay and it’s a few steps away from the Coastal Walkway.

The facilities complete the consultation conducted in 2019, where residents presented plans to build a gym with a variety of exercise equipment for people of all ages. Following its construction in early 2021, locals may now take advantage of the following gym features:

Aerobic Cycle
Leg press
Chest Press
Elliptical Trainer
Parallel Bars
Pull up Bar
Leg Raises
Body Dips
Roman Rings
Sit up bench
Step up station

Neptune Park is still undergoing redevelopment with the planting of 3,000 low-lying native shrubs and trees as a sanctuary for native birds.

Before this outdoor gym opened, residents told Council that they don’t visit the area since it had nothing interesting and lacked shade or trees. Now, there’s more than one reason to maximise the use of the park, especially after the garden sanctuary is finished.

Coogee, Eastern Sydney Property Market Stronger in 2021 Despite COVID-19

Agitation due to the impact of COVID-19 in the property market has waned following the return of open homes and auctions amidst social distancing protocols. As 2020 drew to a close, residential property values in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, including Coogee and South Coogee, have shown signs of recovery and the uptick is expected to continue in 2021.

Chief economist Nerida Conisbee of realestate.com.au said that the lockdowns and travel bans have given people unexpected windfall as they aren’t spending money on overseas travels. Instead, Australians are able to save up for an investment in the property market, especially lifestyle properties close to the beach.

House values in Sydney increased to 4.1 percent in 2020, whilst apartment units had a minimal but still significant increase at 0.4 percent. Apartment value in the eastern suburbs was higher than the region’s average at 2.6 percent, whilst houses were nearly on par at 3.7 percent.

In Coogee and South Coogee, house prices are up 15 percent with a median price of $2.9 million and $2,737,500, respectively. Maroubra’s house prices increased to 17 percent with a median price of $2,115,000, whilst Clovelly’s house prices rose to an impressive 34 percent ($3.682 million).

Deborah Cullen of Cullen Royle said that many Australian expats from New York, Singapore and Hong Kong are also setting their sites in Sydney’s east because of its attractive and exciting beachfront, a great backdrop for Zoom or video conference viewing in this period of remote working.

Beachfront houses are also a great investment because of its high rental outcomes. Hence, property owners in Coogee and the nearby suburbs are surprised by the strong demand.

The trend predicts that buyers will continue to be on the lookout for lifestyle properties, which are usually hard to acquire.

McIver’s Ladies Bath Removes Transwomen Rule After Outrage

Sydney’s lone women’s only pool, the McIver’s Ladies Bath in Coogee, was in hot water over a change in its policy on transwomen. Found on its FAQ page was a statement saying, “Only transgender women who’ve undergone a gender-reassignment surgery are allowed entry.”

But the policy, which was discovered on 11 Jan 2021, has been altered the following day after drawing outrage on social media. The statement now reads, “Our definition for transgender is as per the NSW Discrimination Act.”

I wonder who's job it is at McIver's Ladies Baths in Coogee, to check people's pants to see if they have the "correct" genitals?https://t.co/e3785XaBeN pic.twitter.com/AbIQQ1lXKM
— DrewAnB (@JadedTransWoman) January 11, 2021

Its Facebook page was also disabled after receiving hundreds of comments when the management posted a statement directing people to request information and comments about the transgender community to the Randwick City Council.

Since 1922, the exclusive pool has been a safe space for “healing, acceptance and security” for women and children, including boys below 12 years old, to bathe and relax. Historically, McIver’s Bath is also a place for women whose religious beliefs bar them from bathing in other public pools because of the presence of men.

The site is managed by both the Randwick City Council and the Coogee Ladies Swimming Association.

Photo Credit: Lynette Burden/Google Maps

“Randwick Council is an inclusive organisation that values diversity in our community, and have always supported the inclusion of transgender women at McIver’s Ladies Baths,” a Council spokesperson said.

“McIver’s Ladies Baths is located on Crown land and sub-leased to the Randwick and Coogee Ladies Swimming Association who are ultimately responsible for management and entry to the baths.

“It is our understanding the Association has always had a policy of inclusion and we have been in contact with the management of the baths to ask them to more accurately communicate this inclusive position on the issue on their website.”

This was not the first time McIver’s Bath had to deal with an issue on transwomen. In 2010, the Council received complaints when a bare-chested person in board shorts swam at the pool. His masculine appearance caused a commotion but his two female friends assured the other swimmers that he’s undergoing hormone therapy.

“The issue of allowing transsexual people, or people going through the process of a sex change, to use the McIver’s Ladies Baths at Coogee is extremely sensitive,” a Council representative said at that time. “Someone may still exhibit male characteristics, despite having had a sex change.”

Coogee Pavilion Has the Perfect Venue for Long Lunches at Mimi’s

“Let’s do lunch,” might have changed in recent times due to the looming public health crisis but Mimi’s, Coogee Pavillion’s new high-end seafood fine dining restaurant, has been holding it out as the perfect venue for long lunches despite opening during a pandemic.

Merivale did not scrimp on its multimillion investment on Mimi’s. It’s beautiful interiors, soft leather seats and large windows with the fantastic panoramic view of the Coogee beach convey luxury and extravagance.

Guests will spare no expense as well when they come to this opulent restaurant. Most diners will say that Mimi’s menu is quite expensive, with the mains priced at $40 and above.

But with carefully curated quality ingredients, creative presentation and attention to detail, a long lunch at this restaurant could be an excellent dining experience, especially if diners ask about the caviar trolley.

Executive chef Jordan Toft changes the menu frequently as well, giving diners more options to come back and try what’s new.

Drawing from his Mediterranean roots, Chef Jordan always infuses his ideas to appeal to the local diners, who won’t hesitate to pay for first-rate food.

Nearly a year in and Mimi’s has emerged as the newest cool hangout for many of Sydney’s social elite and a fresh crowd of Instagramming diners, whilst others have embraced the spot for its special celebrations and the occasional long lunches.

For booking and enquiries, phone Mimi’s at +61 2 9114 7324.

“First dinner out since lockdown! Lovely room in the Coogee Palace. The food was amazing and contrary to some other reviews there was plenty of it! Octopus for starters and excellent fish for main course. All washed down with excellent Chablis suggested by the Polish sommelier who we knew from before in his time at Est. Fine dining ain’t dead, it has just moved to Coogee!”
StephenT, TripAdvisor

“Most amazing service and atmosphere particularly by our sommelier and our gorgeous hostess Dominique…the menu was delicious, we ordered the lobster and caviar (we couldn’t get enough of those amazing potato dauphines, we ordered them twice) and not mention the piece de resistance the apple tatin. We definitely look forward to dining back at Mimi’s and seeing all the friendly staff and there outstanding customer service, it really made them stand apart, and importantly they really made our day enjoyable and memorable…Thank you.”
Heba Gattea, Facebook

“Beautiful dining experience. The venue has a relaxed elegance about it and the food is delicious, nothing fancy but just great quality ingredients and clean flavours. As usual with Merivale, staff are charismatic and exhibit the right amount of attentiveness. Yes it is expensive so save it for special occasions and catch ups!”
DM, Google Reviews