Have we hit peak luxury grill? It seems so, at the new restaurant by the Rockpool team
In The Dining Room, a sympathetic refit of The Argyle nightclub means comfortable booths and spotlit tables spaced among heritage pylons. If you can stop the sickly-sweet flashbacks to your early 20s and instead concentrate on the food and drink, there are wins from the get-go. A riff on a negroni subtly builds in layers of strawberry. Native citrus mayonnaise gives all kinds of edges to a one-bite abalone schnitzel. A fluted tartlet filled with parmesan cream, podded sugar snaps and a soft-set quail egg has lovely, lingering tang.
But what The Dining Room somehow manages is to mask truly complex and assured cooking behind decisions that strip it of the magic. Why pick a name so generic that it says nothing at all, one that's shared by the restaurant at the Park Hyatt down the road? Why pipe disco-pop through the speakers, then follow it with a live act that leaps into a half-hearted Michael Jackson cover backed by a drum machine?
Part of the thrill of eating at restaurants is that it happens in a room full of strangers, but the tables here are so generously spaced, the room so cavernous, that it struggles for energy. Sit near an exit, and a cool draught might blow in all night. Scan the menu, and 'Morton Bay' might raise an eyebrow, or the misspelling of 'Myer' lemon, or the absence of a vegetarian main other than a spin on mushroom risotto, which just feels lazy.
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News.com.au
29-07-2025
- News.com.au
What Michael Jackson's Neverland looks like now
It was the sprawling estate Michael Jackson called a 'dream', named after a fictional island where Peter Pan lives. Since the music icon's death in 2009, many have wondered what has happened to his former home, Neverland. Over the years, the property has undergone significant changes. 'Big allure': Secret MJ homes reveal sad life What happened to Michael Jackson's Neverland? Jackson purchased the property, originally named Zaca Laderas Ranch, and later known as Sycamore Valley, in 1988. He had discovered the property after Beatle Paul McCartney had stayed there while they were making the music video for smash hit 'Say, Say, Say'. The King of Pop renamed the estate Neverland, a nod to Peter Pan, the boy who never grew up. The musician splashed $US35 million ($A53 million) transforming the estate into a Disney-style amusement park, installing a train station, merry-go-round, arcade and ferris wheel. The property also had a zoo filled with tigers, crocodiles, elephants, giraffes, orangutans and a bear. Neverland included a 1200 sqm residence, 50-seat movie theatre building, guest quarters, barn and a pool house. The six-bedroom, nine-bathroom home spans a massive 1170 sqm and features an expansive master suite with private loft and two master bedrooms, as well as three separate guest homes. Other luxurious features include two fireplaces, a butler's pantry, spa bath, sauna, and breathtaking mountain views. It is also a short 8km drive to the nearest town, and two hours from LA. Jackson resided at Neverland until 2005. After he was acquitted of child sex charges, he moved out of Neverland and relocated to Bahrain. He transferred the property to Sycamore Valley Ranch Company LLC in 2008 to cover debts he had run up. In 2015, the estate was renamed Sycamore Valley Ranch and put on the market for $US100 million ($A128 million). Who purchased the Neverland estate? After five years and numerous price cuts, the sprawling property finally found a buyer. Billionaire and friend of the late pop star Ron Burkle purchased the 2700-acre (1092Ha) estate for $US22 million ($A28 million). A spokesperson who had also served as Jackson's financial adviser told The New York Times that Burkle had viewed the home as an investment. There was initial speculation that the Neverland estate would be memorialised in Jackson's memory, much like Elvis Presley's Graceland home, but was placed on the market in 2016. The house was originally listed for $US100 million ($A128 million). and dropped to $US67million ($A102 million) the following year, The Sun reports. Renovations finally began after over a decade in 2021, and supervising planner, Errin Briggs, told SF Gate in February 2022: 'Our staff has been out to the site multiple times for about the last four to six months. 'We don't yet have any permit requests for new structures, but they've pulled permits for roofing, existing structures, electrical — pretty minor stuff, but we can confirm work is being done.' Burkle made his fortune by flipping large estates including the house used in the 1982 film, Blade Runner, in 2011. He purchased the property for $US4.5million ($A6.9 million) and in 2019 it sold for a whopping $US18million ($A27 million). Transformation of crumbling Neverland Ranch Back in 2023, photos emerged showing the transformation of Neverland Ranch as the on-property rides were resurrected. At the time, it appeared Burkle was resurrecting pieces of the property – including some of the aforementioned attractions. While the property reportedly fell into chaos after Jackson sold it, it appeared that work had been done to restore the grounds. The photos showed fairground stands that appear to have been reinstalled, along with a playground of sorts and teepees. A new attraction called 'Hook's Revenge', featuring a broken pirate ship with Captain Hook and his rival crocodile. The petting zoo that was formerly onsite also appeared to have been reinstated and the train station and train tracks have remained intact. Giant swimming pools that were previously drained appear to be refilled as well. Neverland featured in upcoming biopic Last year, the Neverland theme park was brought back to life for an upcoming Michael Jackson biopic. Fairground rides appear to have been repainted and the lush landscaping restored at the private amusement complex. Jackson's nephew Jaafar Jackson plays the late King of Pop in Antoine Fuqua's 'Michael,' slated for release in April 2026.
The Advertiser
24-07-2025
- The Advertiser
Michael Jackson biopic release date moved to April 2026
The Michael Jackson biopic Michael will open in cinemas worldwide on April 24 next year, moving from its earlier October date. Michael's nephew Jaafar Jackson confirmed the release date. Deadline reports that a second movie about Jackson remains in development. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and produced by Graham King, the biopic is 27-year-old Jaafar's first major acting role. While Michael had been the main focus of Lionsgate's 2023 CinemaCon presentation, no footage was shown at this year's event. The film's initial release was planned for October 3. But Variety previously reported the project may be split into two parts, contributing to the postponement. Filming for Michael wrapped principal photography in May 2024, but the script, written by John Logan, then underwent revisions ahead of planned reshoots. In addition to Jaafar, the cast features Colman Domingo and Nia Long as Michael Jackson's parents, Joe and Katherine. Miles Teller plays John Branca, the artist's longtime lawyer and adviser. Larenz Tate will appear as Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown Records, while Laura Harrier plays Suzanne de Passe, a pioneering female music executive and Kat Graham portrays Diana Ross. The ensemble cast also includes Jessica Sula as La Toya Jackson, Liv Symone as Gladys Knight, Kevin Shinick as Dick Clark, KeiLyn Durrel Jones as Bill Bray, and Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones. The Michael Jackson biopic Michael will open in cinemas worldwide on April 24 next year, moving from its earlier October date. Michael's nephew Jaafar Jackson confirmed the release date. Deadline reports that a second movie about Jackson remains in development. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and produced by Graham King, the biopic is 27-year-old Jaafar's first major acting role. While Michael had been the main focus of Lionsgate's 2023 CinemaCon presentation, no footage was shown at this year's event. The film's initial release was planned for October 3. But Variety previously reported the project may be split into two parts, contributing to the postponement. Filming for Michael wrapped principal photography in May 2024, but the script, written by John Logan, then underwent revisions ahead of planned reshoots. In addition to Jaafar, the cast features Colman Domingo and Nia Long as Michael Jackson's parents, Joe and Katherine. Miles Teller plays John Branca, the artist's longtime lawyer and adviser. Larenz Tate will appear as Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown Records, while Laura Harrier plays Suzanne de Passe, a pioneering female music executive and Kat Graham portrays Diana Ross. The ensemble cast also includes Jessica Sula as La Toya Jackson, Liv Symone as Gladys Knight, Kevin Shinick as Dick Clark, KeiLyn Durrel Jones as Bill Bray, and Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones. The Michael Jackson biopic Michael will open in cinemas worldwide on April 24 next year, moving from its earlier October date. Michael's nephew Jaafar Jackson confirmed the release date. Deadline reports that a second movie about Jackson remains in development. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and produced by Graham King, the biopic is 27-year-old Jaafar's first major acting role. While Michael had been the main focus of Lionsgate's 2023 CinemaCon presentation, no footage was shown at this year's event. The film's initial release was planned for October 3. But Variety previously reported the project may be split into two parts, contributing to the postponement. Filming for Michael wrapped principal photography in May 2024, but the script, written by John Logan, then underwent revisions ahead of planned reshoots. In addition to Jaafar, the cast features Colman Domingo and Nia Long as Michael Jackson's parents, Joe and Katherine. Miles Teller plays John Branca, the artist's longtime lawyer and adviser. Larenz Tate will appear as Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown Records, while Laura Harrier plays Suzanne de Passe, a pioneering female music executive and Kat Graham portrays Diana Ross. The ensemble cast also includes Jessica Sula as La Toya Jackson, Liv Symone as Gladys Knight, Kevin Shinick as Dick Clark, KeiLyn Durrel Jones as Bill Bray, and Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones. The Michael Jackson biopic Michael will open in cinemas worldwide on April 24 next year, moving from its earlier October date. Michael's nephew Jaafar Jackson confirmed the release date. Deadline reports that a second movie about Jackson remains in development. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and produced by Graham King, the biopic is 27-year-old Jaafar's first major acting role. While Michael had been the main focus of Lionsgate's 2023 CinemaCon presentation, no footage was shown at this year's event. The film's initial release was planned for October 3. But Variety previously reported the project may be split into two parts, contributing to the postponement. Filming for Michael wrapped principal photography in May 2024, but the script, written by John Logan, then underwent revisions ahead of planned reshoots. In addition to Jaafar, the cast features Colman Domingo and Nia Long as Michael Jackson's parents, Joe and Katherine. Miles Teller plays John Branca, the artist's longtime lawyer and adviser. Larenz Tate will appear as Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown Records, while Laura Harrier plays Suzanne de Passe, a pioneering female music executive and Kat Graham portrays Diana Ross. The ensemble cast also includes Jessica Sula as La Toya Jackson, Liv Symone as Gladys Knight, Kevin Shinick as Dick Clark, KeiLyn Durrel Jones as Bill Bray, and Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones.
Perth Now
24-07-2025
- Perth Now
Michael Jackson biopic release date moved to April 2026
The Michael Jackson biopic Michael will open in cinemas worldwide on April 24 next year, moving from its earlier October date. Michael's nephew Jaafar Jackson confirmed the release date. Deadline reports that a second movie about Jackson remains in development. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and produced by Graham King, the biopic is 27-year-old Jaafar's first major acting role. While Michael had been the main focus of Lionsgate's 2023 CinemaCon presentation, no footage was shown at this year's event. The film's initial release was planned for October 3. But Variety previously reported the project may be split into two parts, contributing to the postponement. Filming for Michael wrapped principal photography in May 2024, but the script, written by John Logan, then underwent revisions ahead of planned reshoots. In addition to Jaafar, the cast features Colman Domingo and Nia Long as Michael Jackson's parents, Joe and Katherine. Miles Teller plays John Branca, the artist's longtime lawyer and adviser. Larenz Tate will appear as Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown Records, while Laura Harrier plays Suzanne de Passe, a pioneering female music executive and Kat Graham portrays Diana Ross. The ensemble cast also includes Jessica Sula as La Toya Jackson, Liv Symone as Gladys Knight, Kevin Shinick as Dick Clark, KeiLyn Durrel Jones as Bill Bray, and Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones.
