Cloud Control EP Review

Indie shoegaze bands abound in this country, as the 70s Renaissance reaches a head with the success of international acts like psych-tinged MGMT and pop-driven The Shins. So is there any place for a cute little group like Cloud Control in this already over-cluttered playing field? [Read more]

Indy’s new adventure goes from lackluster to ludicrous

We all longed for one more adventure from the iconic adventurer in the leather jacket, brown fedora and trusty bullwhip. Unfortunately, Spielberg’s latest film, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, offers none of the magic, wit or charm of the original trilogy.

By Ally Lois

The film is set in 1957 and a long time has passed since our hero last crusaded against the Nazis. Indy (Harrison Ford) has been kidnapped by Russian agents led by pseudo-psychic, Irina Spalko (Cate Blanchett). The Russians are searching for an artifact – the fabled “crystal skull” – integral to their quest for mind-controlling power. [Read more]

Bungabar, Bondi

As a child of the 80s I was told by television that the best way to quench a hard earned thirst was with a big cold beer. And, that big cold beer was VB. But since I was old enough to legally drink, I’ve never had the desire to reach for a cold can. Honestly, I only drink the stuff when there’s nothing else and if it’s free.

By Lizza Gebilagin

I’d rather drink cocktails in this warm weather. Ideally, on the beach served by gorgeous waiters – exactly what you would find on the Greek Islands. It might be a while until Australia takes on that concept, but until then Bungabar in Bondi will be suffice. It’s located only a short walk from Bondi Beach and has an impressive cocktail list, plus beer for those of you who were more susceptible to those early VB ads.

The cosy surf bar fits around 70 punters and features long tables that were purposely selected by owner Yossi Zamir to encourage people to make friends with strangers. The community vibe extends all the way to the menu: you can purchase jugs of alcohol and tapas to share. We start with the Jungle Juice ($20). Zamir stresses that this cocktail is the only one in Australia that is true to its original Balinese roots. He should know – he spent two years searching for the traditional recipe. He doesn’t reveal the secret ingredients, but says that the imitators use vodka, orange juice, lemonade and grenadine. The cocktail arrives at our table in a green and orange jug, accompanied by two shot glasses. My friend and I take a sip and it goes down so smoothly we argue about whether there is any alcohol in it at all.

Next up, we order tapas: garlic prawns and fiesta chicken in orange and tomato relish ($8 each). Both are delicious, but don’t go down well with the Jungle Juice, so we order a jug of Sangria ($20). After the round of Spanish cuisine and drinks, we decide to order Bungabar’s famous beef nachos ($14). Unlike your typical pub nachos, it is served with big chunks of meat and perfectly toasted chips. For desert we have a glass of the Wildberry Caprioska ($14.50).
In sporadic spurts between our gluttonous eating and drinking, we try to finish off the Jungle Juice. The attempt doesn’t go well, but I refuse to leave the bar with a half finished jug of alcohol on the table. We eventually stumble out of Bungabar, reluctantly leaving the undrunk Jungle Juice behind. But as bloated and tipsy as I feel, I’m glad we lined our stomachs with tapas and nachos because we’re now on our way to our second round of drinks at a beer festival – which thankfully is serving more than just VB.

Address: 77 Hall Street, Bondi NSW
Phone: 02 9300 6766
Web: www.bungabar.com.au

Photo by Andy Vermeulen