Whether you're on a date, catching up with your friends, or just looking for a way to kill a few hours on a gloomy Tuesday night, there are few modern indulgences that beat settling into a dark cinema and letting your worries escape you as you slip into another world. Spies, superheroes, lovers, musicians, presidents, dictators, robbers and cops: you'll encounter them all as the lights go down and the projector begins to whir. There's plenty afoot a the pictures this month, so we're here to give you a little bit of help with choosing tonight's movie. See you at the candy bar. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWbk3-gEBRU GOLDSTONE Australian cinema has a new hero — or heroes, to be exact. In case 2013's neo-western crime thriller Mystery Road didn't make that apparent, Goldstone shouts it across the outback. On screen, Indigenous police detective Jay Swan (Aaron Pedersen) stalks through another remote desert town searching for the truth. Behind the camera, writer-director Ivan Sen guides another insightful examination of race, prejudice, inequality and exploitation inextricably linked to the Australian landscape. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5j2IBHNUl5I LIGHTS OUT If all a horror movie needed was a killer concept, then Lights Out would sit at the top of the spooky cinematic heap. At its core is an idea that's equally obvious, ingenious and universal: the unsettling feeling that springs in children and adults alike when a flick of a switch plunges a room into darkness. In fact, when Swedish filmmaker David F. Sandberg first toyed with the notion in his two-and-a-half-minute short film of the same name, it became a viral sensation, catching the eye of horror producer James Wan in the process. Three years later, Sandberg has fleshed out the attention-grabbing effort into his feature film debut. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAoEoWrOe8g MAGGIE'S PLAN In Frances Ha, Greta Gerwig became the on-screen embodiment of a predicament most twenty-somethings can relate to: knowing what you don't want out of life, rather than what you do. In Mistress America, she offered a different side of failing to achieve your dreams, this time from a slightly older perspective. Now, in Maggie's Plan, she grapples with the fact that you can't control everything, no matter how hard you try. Consider it the next phase in her ongoing examination of the idiosyncrasies of quarter-life malaise. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJyR3Atf5q8 SING STREET Who amongst us hasn't used music to process their thoughts and feelings? The right song can convey things that words alone cannot, as writer-director John Carney understands. In his films, moving ballads and catchy melodies intertwine with life and love, providing a killer soundtrack to memorable moments and an effective method of expressing emotions. When his characters pen lyrics, strum instruments and grab the mic, they're not just creating tunes and chasing dreams — they're helping make sense of everything around them. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRVD32rnzOw STAR TREK BEYOND Space, the final frontier. An infinite continuum capable of sapping morale and robbing voyaging crews of both purpose and progress since, by its very definition, there can never be an end in sight. Such is the existential crisis facing Captain James T. Kirk (Chris Pine) at the beginning of this third instalment in the revised Star Trek franchise – a notably low-key opening compared to its bombastic predecessors. Read our full review.
Team Zissou, pack your vintage suitcase and meet us in Italy. Wes Anderson has designed a bar/cafe in Milan. Snuggled inside Prada's new art and culture complex, Fondazione Prada, set to open this weekend, Bar Luce has been designed by the baron of twee himself — and it predictably looks straight out of one of his films. As if planning a theme park with Devo's Mark Mothersbaugh wasn't enough work. Resembling some kind of Grand Budapest Hotel lobby cafe, Anderson's cafe is filled with pastel Formica furniture, faux-cornice patterned wallpaper, veneered wood wall panels and terrazzo flooring — an attempt to recreate the vibe of a typical Milanese cafe. The aesthetic, according to Fondazione Prada, is reminiscent of '50s and '60s Italian popular culture; something Anderson actually employed for his Prada short film Castello Cavalcanti, starring (as always) the excellent Jason Schwartzman. Anderson's also given aesthetic nods to Italian neorealist cinema classics like 1951's Miracolo a Milano (Miracle in Milan) and 1960's Rocco e i suoi fratelli (Rocco and His Brothers), both set in Milan. But for modern Anderson fans, there's even a Zissou pinball machine. One to usually keep things symmetrical, Anderson told Fondazione Prada, "There is no ideal angle for this space. It is for real life, and ought to have numerous good spots for eating, drinking, talking, reading, etc. While I do think it would make a pretty good movie set, I think it would be an even better place to write a movie. I tried to make it a bar I would want to spend my own non-fictional afternoons in." The Bar Luce menu is yet to be revealed, but we're going to hope there's a few Anderson references in there; perhaps sweet lime drinks, Mendl's Courtesan au Chocolats, or Red Remarkable winter apples. If you're stopping Milan, Bar Luce is open to the public and can be accessed from Via Orobia, Prada. It's open from May 9, from 9am to 10pm. Via Wired. Images: Candy, Prada and Fondazione Prada.
In a matter of months, Brisbane has gone from a city with no Art Series Hotels to a place with two on the horizon. Following in the footsteps of The Johnson at Spring Hill, a second venue will form part of the Howard Smith Wharves Development. Just which artist the new boutique accommodation establishment will honour is yet to be determined — but with construction not expected to start until mid-2016, that's hardly surprising. That the five-star, 164-room hotel will be a tourist drawcard is easier to predict, particularly given that the proposed designs look out over the Brisbane River while blending into the surrounding cliff face. A 1500-square metre exhibition space, entertainment stages, a restaurant precinct and a craft brewery are also part of plans currently being considered by the Brisbane City Council, alongside grassy play areas, gardens, a walking track and dedicated cycle path. As anyone familiar with the existing location will know, the revamp presents quite a change for the 3.43 hectare site. Those not so well versed in Brisbane history might not realise the spot's significance, or why the buildings that remain have been heritage listed. Indeed, the area has remained vacant for the past half a century, and has barely been given a second glance by walkers strolling by or passengers on passing CityCats. Until the 1960s, the wharves were a key part of the city's shipping trade — and during the Second World War in the 1940s, they also became home to five air raid shelters. From 2017, they might just form part of a new precinct that opens up the New Farm end of the Story Bridge to the public. For more information about the Howard Smith Wharves Development, visit their website.
No, it's not surprising, but it certainly is exciting — after months of deliberation and speculation, Netflix has officially announced it will be launching in Australia and NZ this coming March. The wait is nearly over. In just a few months time you'll be able to stream the solid gold original programming of this American behemoth while being 100 percent within the confines of the law. Get ready for some epic marathons. You certainly have a lot to catch up on. The announcement was made initially this morning by this sneaky tweet: http://t.co/8kKEzEtyq8 ??pu?u?o?x?????N# u??? ???u? ¡ZN & sn? ????W u? no? ??S — Netflix US (@netflix) November 18, 2014 Scamps. The local TV markets have been in a total tizzy since rumours started circulating earlier in the year about this. It's thought that around 200,000 Australians already access the US version of Netflix via cheeky, semi-legal VPN software, and the thought of legitimate and widespread access to the service seemed all-round damning for local competitors. Though Australia has various streaming options like ABC's iView, Foxtel's Presto, Quickflix, and Channel Nine's promising yet decidedly poorly named Stan, none have the same hype or popular appeal as Netflix. But don't go crazy just yet. Though the platform is best known for its critically-acclaimed original shows such as House of Cards and Orange is the New Black, the full range of our access is not yet known. A press statement released this morning announced that we'd be getting a range of great movie options as well as exclusive Netflix shows such as historical drama Marco Polo and the Will Arnett-voiced cult favourite BoJack Horseman, but it was suspiciously quiet about the better-known flagship titles. In fact, there's not too much we know right now. Though the overseas service costs US$8.99 per month, we're yet to receive a price point either. We know there'll be an option for a one-month trial, but that's about it. You should also be tugging at your shirt collar if you're one of the tens of thousands currently accessing the US service — there's a good chance they'll stop turning a blind eye and pressure you to sign up for the (almost definitely limited) Australian alternative. Don't get us wrong — it's not all doom and gloom. With Netflix officially on the scene, there's bound to be some serious movement on important industry issues like local licensing, fast-tracking of overseas shows, and the quality and price of online streaming. With everyone stepping up their game to compete, we could even see a decrease in piracy and copyright infringement. Despite what George Brandis may say, there's a reason why Australians are among the world's worst offenders. Imagine how good binge-watching is going to be when you don't have to feel guilty about it?
Consider yourself quite the origami expert? Can you assemble an IKEA wardrobe with your eyes closed? Do cardboard boxes flood you with happy memories of making forts as a kid? Get excited, this guy has literally just manufactured a super sturdy bike — made entirely out of cardboard. The kicker? It costs roughly the same as your lunch to make — a minuscule $10 per vehicle. This cycling enthusiast/marketing genius is one Izbar Gafni of Cardboard Technologies, who's really putting the cycling into recycling. He cites his interest in cardboard utility developing as stemming from the invention of a working canoe made from the humble cardboard. After speaking to not one, but three engineers, Gafni was told it was impossible to apply this logic to a useable cardboard bicycle. Ignoring this advice, he pedalled on (sorry) and created the first eco-friendly, operative cardboard bike. How does one essentially craft a functional bike out of cardboard? Quite easily, according to Gafni. Using cardboard of varying degrees of thickness, he folds the cardboard on itself to increase thickness and durability — making it strong enough that it can actually support the average human weight (and then some). After he's fashioned the cardboard to the ideal shape and dimensions, Gafni applies resin to resist rain and other weather conditions and applies a coat of paint. For those who aren't content with mere feet pedaling, there's also the option of purchasing an attachable electric motor. Here's the building process if you don't believe us: It's an idea that avoids the pesky rusting of steel bikes. Riding on this cardboard contraption has taken recycling to the next level — all those discarded shoe boxes, all of those boxes used to move house, transformed into a mode of transport that does not harm the environment. For people who live in areas with high bike thievery rates, despair no more; the bike is so cheap it's probably not worth the energy deployed trying to steal it. The bike is not without its resistors — critics have asked why Gafni doesn't account for the manpower that has contributed to manufacturing process, only advocating the $10 worth of material used to make it. Questions of efficiency have been brought up, as the amount of time and manpower dedicated to the manufacturing of the bike being deemed as unnecessary. Qualified bike experts have also questioned if the single speed setting of the bike would be useful at all in difficult terrain. The bike has featured on the streets of New York as part of the bike sharing implementation. It's not quite on the market yet, but Gafni has indicated that it will retail for around $60 – 90. Via Inhabitat.
If you love surrounding yourself completely in Zara, you'll now be able to extend the Zara-love to your bedroom. Zara Home has opened its first Australian store at Melbourne's Highpoint Shopping Centre, with a flagship store set to open in Sydney in just a few months. The home decor arm of the Zara-owning Inditex Group, the Australian stores is home to Zara's gorgeous printed bedding lines, table and bath linens, decorative furniture (we're talking seriously cute lamps and rugs), tablewear worth investing in, cutlery and ornamental items, all based on seasonal fashion trends — so you might be able to match your handbag to your bedspread for an undeniably strong look. The brand new 310-sqm Melbourne store embodies the Zara brand in interior design — think elegant chestnut wood and marble floors, neutral paints and mother-of-pearl details, not to forget that epic gold logo. Coinciding with international Zara Home stores (now operating in 60 countries with 437 stores), the Australian stores will unveil two collections per year, with new items delivered every week. Along with the slick furnishings and oaky utensils you'll be visualising in your rich mahogany-smelling apartments, you can pick up the Zara loungewear/pyjama line and bath and body collection instore. With 13 Zara stores currently operating across Australia, it's safe to say we're pretty dedicated Zarans. The stores mark some of the first international brand openings this year, following hugely hyped openings H&M and Uniqlo last year. Zara Home opens in Melbourne's Highpoint Shopping Centre on February 12, head for 120 - 200 Rosamond Road, Maribyrnong. Sydney flagship date still to be confirmed.
As if alcohol alone doesn't do enough to unleash your inner, six-year-old self, you can now embrace it shamelessly — that's if you happen to be in San Francisco and anywhere near that city's latest thing: a pop-up ball pit in your local bar. Yep, you read that right. A brilliantly regressive-thinking organisation by the name of Forward Motion has turned every kidult's dream into a reality. The team is heading into willing bars and nightclubs, setting up enormous pits, and filling them to the brim with balls of all colours. And you're welcome to jump straight in — even if, or especially if, you're armed with a cocktail. Forward Motion held its first pop-up on Saturday, March 19 and Sunday, March 20 at San Francisco's Romper Room. "It took a little over a year to actually make it happen, as the biggest obstacle was trying to raise enough money to purchase 40,000 ball pit balls," Forward Motion founder Ryan Lum told Mashable. "After several failed crowdfunding attempts, I decided to just start selling tickets to [the] event that didn't even exist. It took a long time trying to raise the money but it was all worth it in the end." Not only did stacks of people attend, they made the most of it. Some dressed as brides and one as a kangaroo. There were ball fights, conga lines, limbo matches and Macarena displays. The bar staff got on the bandwagon, too, throwing a plastic green turtle into the pit and offering a free shot to the first person to find it. Forward Motion, you are hereby officially invited to Australia. In the meantime, readers can cry with envy at ball pits happening on the other side of the Pacific by following announcements on Facebook. Via First We Feast and Mashable. Images: Dollar Photo Club and Miracles Ramirez/Forward Motion.
Life moves very slowly on the Con Dao Islands. Lying just 45 minutes by plane from Ho Chi Minh City, the archipelago of 16 mountainous outcrops couldn’t be further away from the hustle and bustle of Vietnam’s frenzied capital. Our destination is Con Son, the largest in the chain, covering roughly 50 square kilometres. Once considered ‘the devil’s island of Indochina’, Con Son is ringed by golden sand beaches and covered in verdant rainforests, and looks anything but intimidating. Now, the island is better known as a luxury spa destination thanks to the arrival of Six Senses Con Dao, named by National Geographic Traveler as one of the world’s best ecolodges. ARRIVE AT THE END OF THE EARTH Described by chief designers Parisian architecture firm AW2 as ‘luxury at the end of the earth’, Six Senses Con Dao is first glimpsed across the waters of a large turquoise bay. Arriving at the property’s front gates, the sleek design lines and playful colour palette of the resort’s 50 villas becomes apparent, with swaying palms framing a scene that’s custom-built for Instagram. Reclaimed teak and sustainably-sourced materials abound but the aesthetic remains a contemporary one; less Robinson Crusoe than other Six Senses properties around the world. We’re quickly introduced to the effervescent Minh, our dedicated ‘Guest Experience Maker’ for the duration of our stay, before being whisked off to our villa in a golf cart. Minh insists that she unpacks our bags so that we can get straight down to relaxing, and we’re not inclined to argue. But with a host of activities, beachside restaurants and bars, an outdoor cinema, private infinity pools, a Vietnamese cooking school and a world-renowned holistic spa all waiting to be explored, it’s hard to sit still for long. SETTLE INTO YOUR BEACH VILLA Our room, the self-explanatory Ocean Front Deluxe Pool Villa, has an open plan layout that proves fluid and functional. Moving from the back to the beachfront, the villa contains a large private garden (complete with a mandatory outdoor shower), an enormous bathroom containing an oversized bath and multiple day beds, a large bedroom and sitting area, and an outdoor sun lounge area that overlooks the private infinity pool and ocean beyond. Rounding out the villa is a Bose sound system, a rather nifty espresso machine (that I have absolutely no clue how to operate), free and insanely fast wi-fi, tablets, and a well-stocked wine cabinet, ensuring that you want for nothing during your stay. All of the resort’s villas come served with stunning views of the sea, and are offered as single-level and duplex standalone structures containing anywhere from one to four bedrooms. An efficient timber frame construction means that each building operates at low energy levels, designed to maximise natural ventilation provided by the prevailing trade winds. Materials and labour for the property were locally sourced, as were more than a quarter of the resort’s employees. Even the drinking water is eco-friendly, bottled to the sound of classical music in a desalination plant on site. Yep, to classical music. PLAY 'FEED THE FISH' GOLF AND STUFF YOURSELF SILLY Minh works with the Experience Team to make sure that the coming days are as full as our oft-fed bellies, and some of the highlights on offer include fishing trips, kayaking, diving, snorkelling, sunset boat charters and ‘feed the fish golf’, a driving range that provides guests with biodegradable golf balls which dissolve into fish food in less than 24 hours. Myriad beach activities are available along the one kilometre stretch of sand too. The heart of the property was dreamt up by AW2, responsible for the design of some of the world’s more opulent hotels. Their intention was for the main collection of buildings to resemble a Vietnamese village-style market, complete with dining, drinks and shopping. The openair Vietnamese Kitchen quickly becomes a favourite pit-stop, where delicious pho, banh mi and rice paper roll creations are the order of the day. At night, we’re talked into the traditional hot pot for two, and we’re blown away by its rich flavours and spices. The transition from our table onto the designer hammocks placed in front of the outdoor cinema screen is not a complicated one, and as we sit back with home-cooked popcorn and freshly-made ice cream (which is on offer for free in the deli at all times of the day and night) the opening credits of Four Weddings and a Funeral start to roll. DISCOVER THE ISLAND'S DARK HISTORY Like much of Vietnam, history is all around you here, and the island is best explored on bike or scooter. We commandeer one of the resort’s bright red Vespas and navigate our way across most of Con Son, winding around spectacular hillside roads that drop hundreds of metres into the waves below. Of most interest is the island's dark military history. Con Son served as a prison island during the French colonial era, then later housed Vietcong political prisoners from the North during the Vietnam War, where inmates were imprisoned in infamous ‘tiger cages’ until 1975. Some 20,000 inmates lost their lives in custody here, and the jails and museums dotted around Con Son town prove at once interesting and eerie. A large group of ex-VC soldiers, on the island to pay their respects to fallen comrades, does little to lessen the intensity as we meander through Phu Hai, the largest of the island’s prisons. PREPARE TO TAKE YOUR NEWFOUND ZEN HOME Before we depart for the Vietnamese mainland Minh makes sure to book us into the Six Senses Spa, recently a winner at the 2014 World Luxury Spa Awards. Sculpted bamboo fences frame numerous indoor and outdoor treatment rooms, pools and salas, and the Six Senses spa menu provides endless ways to spend inordinate amounts of time and money indulging. We meet with Dr Aneesh, an ayurvedic consultant at the Six Senses Spa who originally hails from India, and he takes us through a 60-minute consultation to determine our overall ‘wellness’, providing some tips to help take the slower pace of Con Dao back into our everyday lives. LET'S DO THIS, GIVE ME THE DETAILS: To get there, fly to Ho Chi Minh City — Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), then take a 45-minute commercial or chartered plane to Co Ong regional airport (VCS) for a short transfer to the resort. The distance from Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao is around 230 kilometres or 145 miles. Rooms start at US$428/night and can be booked online at the Six Senses Con Dao website. The writer stayed as a guest of Six Senses.
Earlier this year, over a frosty July weekend, Spencer Tunick staged his latest mass nude photography work. After months of controversy, the New York artist snapped 860 naked Melburnians on Chapel Street, as well as in the rooftop car park of the Prahran Woolworths — with a brightly coloured series of images entitled Return of the Nude the end result. If you've been wondering what the finished product looked like, Tunick has now revealed the final four photographs. The Return of the Nude installations feature participants donning pink and red sheer sheets for separate shots — and, in another, wearing a vibrant palette of body paint. That's not all that Tunick has in store. Art fans will also be able to experience the installation via virtual reality, thanks to the release of a location-triggered VR app. Available from this weekend from the Apple and Google stores, it'll enable anyone visiting Artists Lane in Windsor — aka where some of the photos were taken — to not only feel like they're in the image, but like they're surrounded by 550 nude people covered in paint. Explaining Return of the Nude, Tunick notes that "my work has long brought out the common themes of community, individual identity, and the challenges of making the arts an inclusive experience rather than an exclusive experience. Working within the Chapel Street Precinct provides an amazing opportunity to let the citizens of Melbourne become the artist themselves. I believe these final images have captured an extraordinary moment in the timeline of Melbourne." The images and app come after after Tunick experienced quite the tumultuous journey in his efforts to stage the piece. First he was given permission to hold a mass nude photoshoot on top of the Prahran Woolworths car park as part of Chapel Street Precinct's Provocaré Festival of the Arts. But then the store said that it wouldn't like to participate. The supermarket then reversed its decision a week later after a petition spearheaded by the Chapel Street Precinct Association (CSPA), the festival's host organisation, gained some momentum in the community. Return of the Nude arrives 17 years after Tunick assembled 4500 naked volunteers for a snap near Federation Square as part of the 2001 Fringe Festival. It also comes eight years after he photographed around 5000 nude people in front of the Sydney Opera House during the 2010 Mardi Gras. Images: Return of the Nude by Spencer Tunick.
Honestly, how does this not officially exist already? Tokyo's seen its fair share of Hello Kitty pop-up restaurants in the past, but now China's making things permanent with Sanrio's feline monarch. The world's first Hello Kitty dim sum restaurant is about to open in Hong Kong, bringing with it possibly the most Instagrammable menu this side of a Pikachu pop-up. Set to swing open its adorable doors on June 1, Sanrio's first Hello Kitty restaurant would have presumably opened in Japan, Ms Kitty's birthplace. But restaurant owner Man Kwong told TIME that Hello Kitty was much more popular in Hong Kong. Kwong spent a year negotiating with Sanrio developing each adorable dish — that individually had to be given the thumbs up by Sanrio executives. So what's going to be filling Instagram feeds and HelloKitty-loving bellies? The menu includes 37squealworthy dim sum items, from Hello Kitty-shaped noodle dishes to shrimp buns, made from all-natural ingredients (Kwong is the founder of a Chinese health magazine, so he's practicing what he preaches). Just look at these outrageously cute buns (that have 17 steps each to make, including making the beetroot-coloured bow and dotting squid ink for the eyes): Kitty's first restaurant will open in the traditional Yau Ma Tei neighborhood on the Kowloon peninsula. Though we predicted a garish, cartoon-like interior, Kwongs' chosen a more modern, tasteful approach in theming. The pink-bowed mogul is splashed everywhere, from the teapots and chopstick holders to the restaurant mirrors and window panes — featuring Kitty as the Four Beauties of ancient China. Even Kitty's taken a modern revamp for the menu and website design, happy to serve her own face in a dumpling steamer, what a champ. The world's first Hello Kitty restaurant will open on June 1. Charge your phones and book that flight, Kitty fans. Via TIME. Images: TIME/Man Kwong.
If you're heading to New Zealand's Christchurch region for a short holiday, you can't leave without going bungy jumping. There are plenty of opportunities to get your adrenaline going, so why not live on the wild side of life? Experience breathtaking views of the Southern Alps, beautiful coastal vistas and lush green forest while you get reacquainted with the thrill-seeking side of yourself. If you're into the kind of fun that leaves your stomach in knots, then this guide will not disappoint. The adrenaline-junkie kiwis seem to know a thing or two about going on an adventure. TACKLE THE RAPIDS IN HANMER SPRINGS Drive for 90 minutes to Hanmer Springs and book yourself in for a white water rafting adventure. You'll find yourself situated within a stunning mountain range, with pink marble land formations heading all the way down the Waiau River canyon. The rapids are Grade 2 in Hanmer Springs, so expect medium-size rapids and low drops with waves less than a metre high. After all the twists, turns and drops you can still get your fair share of serenity — Hanmer Springs is known for its beautiful blue water and stunning scenery. Don't forget to pack something to swim in, there's no doubt you're going to want to relax with a swim at the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools after a day out on the rapids. Even adrenaline junkies need some time to chill out. GO JET BOATING IN WAIMAKARIRI GORGE The Waimakariri River, translating to 'cold water' in Māori, is the home of jet boating in Christchurch, with canyons, gorges, rock faces and native forest lining an adventure trail through the water. You can choose between a 30- or 60-minute jet boating adventure in the beautiful blue water — expect 360-degree spins, hairpin turns and a high-speed ride that'll get your heart racing. The Waimakariri river is 90 minutes from Christchurch, but Alpine Jet organises transfers that pick you up from the city and drop you back when the day is done. Because there are so many beautiful rivers in the Christchurch region, there are many places to go jet boating. Another option is at Hanmer Springs. Once you've tested the strength of your stomach there'll be plenty of opportunities to sit back and take in the fresh air in both locations — catch a glimpse of the snow-capped Southern Alps if you're lucky. BUNGY JUMP AMID STUNNING SCENERY You're heading to New Zealand, which means you're going to want to throw yourself from a tall structure connected to an elastic cord — this is the home of bungy jumping after all. Why not let yourself free fall from a bridge for 35 metres towards a surging river to get the blood pumping and the bones jumping? It's an adrenaline rush like no other and one that you're bound to get addicted to. The idyllic Hanmer Springs Bungy, 90 minutes from Christchurch, is the perfect spot for first timers who may need to distract themselves with stunning scenery before taking a leap of faith. MOUNTAIN BIKE THE EDGE OF THE CITY The Christchurch region's beautiful scenery and stunning mountains make it an ideal destination for avid mountain bikers. There are many cycling tracks to discover, but the Port Hills is one of Christchurch's best kept secrets and one of our favourites. With its dramatic landscape of tussock grasslands and rugged mountain terrain, it's easy to see why. Ten different trails in this area each have their own unique highlights — and they're perfect for both new and experienced riders. The new Christchurch Adventure Park is another mountain biking option. The huge trails inside range in difficulty — from beginner courses to those designed for experts only. If you're new to mountain biking and want to learn some skills in a safe environment, head here. It's the biggest mountain biking path in the Southern Hemisphere — you won't be short on space. FLY THROUGH THE ADRENALIN FOREST If you consider yourself to be a little bit of a George of the Jungle, here's your chance to prove yourself in the tree tops. A 20-minute drive from Christchurch is the Adrenalin Forest, a two-kilometre aerial obstacle course set in the beautiful Spencer Park. We can't promise you'll have the opportunity to hang from vines, but there's more than enough to keep you challenged with over 100 activities and six courses to sink your teeth into. If you're a real adrenaline junkie, tackle the high-wire course. It's not quite walking between the twin towers Man On Wire-style, but you're sure to get up to 20 metres into the forest canopy — that's at least two or three stories off the ground and more than enough to get you shaking in your boots. Maybe you've been to New Zealand's North Island, but have you ever ventured down South? Christchurch, and New Zealand's surrounding Canterbury region, is the perfect place for a quick holiday. Use our planning guide to book your trip, then sort out your itinerary with our food, nature and relaxation guides.
Somewhere in Los Angeles right now, there’s a pretty good chance that Johnny Depp is getting fitted for an elephant costume. Proving once again that nothing in Hollywood is sacred, Walt Disney Pictures has recently revealed that they’re working on a live action Dumbo remake, with director Tim Burton at the helm. For those of you who didn’t have a childhood, the original Dumbo tells the story of a young circus elephant whose oversized ears made him the subject of ridicule, until it was revealed that they allowed him to fly. Released in 1941 (really), the film was a major hit for the then-fledgling animation studio, and is regularly listed amongst the greatest animated movies of all time. The Burton version will be the latest in a string of Disney reboots, a trend that, fittingly enough, began when Burton’s own Alice in Wonderland grossed more than US$1 billion at the worldwide box office. Since then, the House of the Mouse has scoured its own back catalogue for properties to exploit, with recent releases like Maleficent and The Sorcerer’s Apprentice paving the way for further films including upcoming remakes of Cinderella, The Jungle Book and Beauty and the Beast. While we’re pretty sceptical about the idea of a new Dumbo film, we have to admit that if the movie has to happen, the man who made Edward Scissorhands and Beetlejuice isn’t necessarily the worst choice. Although his recent track record has been somewhat hit-and-miss, Burton certainly knows how to put an interesting spin on otherwise child-friendly material. And let’s not forget that the original cartoon contains some pretty out there stuff, including this amazing scene when Dumbo gets hammered and hallucinates dancing pink elephants. We're also interested to see what Elfman does with Dumbo's long-recognised and controversial racial stereotyping. No news yet on a release date or casting, although we’re willing to bet money that Danny Elfman will work on the score. Burton's most recent film, Big Eyes, hits theatres on March 19. Via WSJ.
Movie fans, prepare for your first wave of film envy for 2016. On January 21, the Sundance Film Festival kicks off its annual celebration of cinema in the snow — and that means a host of celebrities are headed to Utah to party with Robert Redford, and a new batch of indie titles are about to premiere. Last year, we were so consumed with excitement about the program that we outlined the ten flicks we desperately wanted to see on Australian screens — and with Mistress America, The End of the Tour, Dope, Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck and Sleeping With Other People on our list, we had a pretty good hit rate (if we do say so ourselves). So, what's got us buzzing this time around? Well, theres a few documentaries, a mermaid thriller and an all-star cast in a film named Wiener-Dog, to name a few standouts. Here's our picks of the films we hope Aussie audiences will get the chance to watch, either courtesy of a local release or a festival — plus a few more we've got our eye on. HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE There's plenty about this flick that appeals: its manhunt for a rebellious kid and his foster uncle storyline, and Sam Neil and Rhys Darby featuring among the cast, to name a few. However, most of our enthusiasm for Hunt for the Wilderpeople stems from the involvement of Taika Waititi. To date, the New Zealand filmmaker has brought us the charming Boy, directed episodes of Flight of the Conchords, and co-starred and co-directed one of the funniest flicks of the past few years, the vampire mockumentary What We Do in the Shadows. With Marvel sequel Thor: Ragnarok coming up next, he's clearly bound for bigger things, but this eccentric comedy sounds like vintage Waititi. Also watch out for: Sing Street, another music-focused flick from Begin Again director John Carney — this time about an Irish teen in a glam-ish band. LO AND BEHOLD, REVERIES OF THE CONNECTED WORLD More and more documentaries keep touching upon the topic of the technology we're all now unable to live without. The latest comes from none other than the great Werner Herzog, which marks his first factual effort since Into the Abyss five years ago. History and horror stories combine as he interviews a wealth of experts and tries to look at both the good and the bad of the online environment. And yes, the filmmaker provides the narration — because hearing his distinctive tones wax philosophical is all part of the Herzog doco experience. Also watch out for: Under the Gun, a dissection of the firearms debate that continues to divide America. WIENER-DOG When is a sequel not quite a sequel? When it takes one figure from a film and inserts them into a compilation of tales. That's the case with Todd Solondz's Wiener-Dog, with its title referring to the as dachshund at the centre of its stories, as well as the Welcome to the Dollhouse character of Dawn Wiener (then played by Heather Matarazzo, now by Greta Gerwig) it crosses paths with. If you're a fan of the director or the 1995 feature, this is all good news. Plus, there's the cast, with the ever-luminous Gerwig joined by everyone from Kieran Culkin and Girls' Zosia Mamet to Julie Delpy and Danny DeVito. Also watch out for: Maggie's Plan, also starring continued Sundance fave Gerwig, but this time contemplating marriage and children alongside Ethan Hawke and Julianne Moore. CERTAIN WOMEN Another film, another set of intersecting stories — however, don't let the format deter you from Certain Women. In one tale, Laura Dern is immersed in a hostage situation. In another, Michelle Williams copes with marital problems in her new home. In the next, Kristen Stewart plays a lawyer-turned-teacher. All three segments are tied to a vision of America's midwest that sees the women forge paths forward. If you're not already sold, knowing that the movie is directed by Kelly Reichardt — who previously worked with Williams on Wendy and Lucy and Meek’s Cutoff, and most recently helmed Night Moves — should take care of that. Also watch out for: Love and Friendship, which sees Whit Stillman reuniting with his The Last Days of Disco stars Kate Beckinsale and Chloe Sevigny for an adaptation of an unpublished Jane Austen novella. THE LURE If you think there's just not enough mermaid-related horror flicks, then The Lure should catch your attention. Aquatic sirens feature quite prominently in the feature debut of Polish director Agnieszka Smoczyńska, as does a tale of romance, some bloodlust and a neon-lit dance club. Yep, this is a musical affair as well as a scary one, coming together with what Sundance describes as "a knack for both burlesque and the grotesque". If it can live up to that description, consider us pumped. And even if it can't, it has to be better than one of the last films to chart this territory: the exactly-as-bad-as-it-sounds Killer Mermaid. Also watch out for: Convenience store clerks, Johnny Depp playing his character from Tusk, and plenty of silliness in the next Kevin Smith effort, Yoga Hosers. MANCHESTER BY THE SEA In 2012, Kenneth Lonergan's Margaret finally found its way to Australian cinemas. Problems and delays had plagued the film for years — the Anna Paquin-starring effort was actually made in 2007 — however if ever a film was worth the wait, it was this one. Thankfully, Lonergan's latest doesn't seem to be suffering the same fate — we're just hopeful that it will deliver. Here, a loner handyman has to take care of his teenage nephew and face a past tragedy. The underrated Affleck brother, Casey, leads a cast that also includes Kyle Chandler and Michelle Williams. Also watch out for: Belgica, the new bar-set, Soulwax-scored film from Belgian writer and director Felix van Groeningen, who was nominated for an Academy Award for his polarising The Broken Circle Breakdown. THE BIRTH OF A NATION If you know your film history, you should've already heard of a film with this title. Back in 1915, filmmaker D. W. Griffith made a silent, black and white chronicle of the American Civil War. The film is still considered ahead of its time in a technical sense, but was courted for its stance on race and depiction of the Klu Klux Klan. Now, actor-turned-director Nate Parker (Beyond the Lights) uses the same name for an effort charting a real-life slave rebellion in 1831 — and there's a statement in his choice of moniker, of course. He also stars on screen, alongside Armie Hammer as a slave owner. Also watch out for: The Office's John Krasinski steps behind the camera as director for The Hollars, a family comedy featuring Anna Kendrick, Margo Martindale, Charlie Day and Sharlto Copley. ALI & NINO He might be known for delving into the life and death of both Amy Winehouse and Ayrton Senna in two of the last decade's most powerful docos — that'd be Amy and Senna — however, Asif Kapadia also has a few narrative features on his resume. Ali & Nino marks his return to non-factual storytelling, adapting the novel of the same name. This time, he examines a clash of cultures in Baku between 1918 and 1920. Given that the film explores a romance that springs up between a Muslim Azerbaijani boy and Christian Georgian girl, expect plenty of tension between traditional and modern ways in this politically-charged love story. Also watch out for: Southside With You, a romance about a guy called Barack and a girl called Michelle. We know who you're thinking of — and yes, we mean those ones. HOLY HELL When Holy Hell was first announced in the Sundance lineup, it didn't list the director. Filmmaker Will Allen initially kept his identity a secret — which, considering the subject of his documentary, is more than a little understandable. For 20 years he lived inside a secretive spiritualist community led by a charismatic guru, filming everything that went on. That footage forms the basis of the doco, however Allen also shares his own recollections, and interviews fellow former members of the community. He ponders not only the organisation he devoted two decades of his life to, but the lengths people are willing to go to in search of happiness. Also watch out for: NUTS!, a doco that tells the so-crazy-it-must-be-true tale of the small-town doctor who tried to cure impotence by transplanting goat testicles into men. We're serious. THE INTERVENTION You've seen Clea DuVall in the likes of The Faculty, Girl Interrupted, Argo and TV's Carnivale — and now you can watch her directorial debut. In The Intervention, she stars as well as guides Cobie Smulders, Alia Shawkat, Natasha Lyonne, Melanie Lynskey, Jason Ritter and Ben Schwartz through a weekend trip that doesn't quite turn out the way everyone thinks it will. Four couples head away for what seems like the usual booze-soaked holiday, however, the apparently jolly jaunt also doubles as an intervention. Yep, this one is a dramedy, making the most of the dramatic and comic talents of its ensemble of performers. Also watch out for: Other People, which corrals Jesse Plemons, Molly Shannon, Bradley Whitford, June Squibb and Parks and Recreation's Retta into the big screen, feature-length debut of Saturday Night Live writing supervisor Chris Kelly.
Melbourne boasts a George Costanza-themed hangout, Ipswich recently welcomed a German restaurant with a Breaking Bad twist, and now Brisbane has a bar and eatery inspired by a '70s television sitcom. That'd be Ginger's Diner — and don't be concerned if you haven't picked the reference yet. The new addition to Petrie Terrace is more than a little fond of M*A*S*H, but it is being rather subtle about it. Think of Caxton Street's latest hotspot as the kind of place the classic TV show's characters would frequent if they were on a break from their mobile army surgical army hospital. Yes, Ginger's has styled itself after a Korean hole-in-the wall joint — and yes, if you can't remember from stumbling countless reruns, M*A*S*H is set during the Korean War. Cocktails such as Klinger's Closet and Seoul Sojourn keep the theme going, while the snack-heavy menu surveys the best of the country's cuisine. If wasabi peas and nuts, kimchi pancakes with sesame and soy dressing, fried chicken with hot-sweet sauce and and bibimbap get your tastebuds tingling, then you're going to love Ginger's food lineup. And, it's available until midnight daily. Other than its TV ties and Asian dishes, there's another reason that Brisbanites should get excited about the 65-seat venue: its pedigree. There's a reason Ginger's is located right next door to Lefty's Old Time Music Hall, after all. They're both owned by Jamie Webb, the man behind Sonny's House of Blues, Gordita, Peasant and Los Villanos — aka some of the city's favourite restaurants and hangouts. For more information on Ginger's Diner, keep an eye on their website. Via Good Food.
Love a cheeky G&T? You're probably someone who's noticed gin's undergoing a massive revival in Australia, with new gin bars seemingly popping up every other day, and local distillers pushing boundaries with bold, experimental flavours and colours, and all of it is thanks to those miraculous little things known as 'botanicals'. But what are they exactly? What are you even talking about when you're loftily referring to 'aromatic botanicals' in your nip of Tanqueray No.TEN? This iconic, award-winning gin, launched in 2000 as an evolution of the original Tanqueray, is handcrafted in small batches that combine the four botanicals of juniper, angelica root, coriander and liquorice. It's the only gin to be inducted into the San Francisco Hall of Fame — not too shabby. Every type of gin has a unique blend, but botanicals are the key in every bottle. Let's get to know them. [caption id="attachment_580018" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Jonas Tana.[/caption] BOTANICALS By EU law, all gin has to be made using a 96% ABV (alcohol by volume) highly rectified spirit, and must taste predominantly of juniper — the small shrub from the mountain slopes of Italy and Macedonia whose name itself is from where the word 'gin' is derived. Juniper's taste is one of bittersweet pine, lavender, and camphor, but it's from the other botanicals — those select natural additives with which the spirits are distilled — that we get the uplifting, complex and unique aromas of spicy, floral, woody and citrus. SPICE Key amongst the spicy botanicals is coriander, whose seeds are second only to juniper in terms of their importance to the process of gin distillation. Coriander is grown throughout southern Europe, southern Asia and North Africa, and its tiny fruits release spicy sage and lemon flavours that contribute a dry, peppery finish to your gin. The other major spicy botanical is ginger root, one of the earliest spices known in Western Europe. In its pure form, it's capable of raising your body temperature, and when distilled in gin it imparts a dry, spicy character. [caption id="attachment_580016" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Flickr.[/caption] FLORAL Chamomile is perhaps best known to tea drinkers and aromatherapists courtesy of its reputation for reducing stress and assisting with sleep. As a gin botanical, however, this creeping plant found throughout Europe, Asia, Australia and North America imparts distinctive light apple and faint straw aromas (indeed, its name means 'ground apple') as well as a sensation of dryness. Chamomile's most frequently used floral alternative is the leaf of the bay laurel tree, with its pungent, bitter taste and an aroma most closely resembling thyme. WOODY Amongst the earthy, woody botanicals, there is no greater ingredient than Angelica root. Once rumoured to cure the plague and stave off witchcraft, the angelica root from the subarctic regions of the northern hemisphere is renown for its medicinal purposes. Yet in gin, it's an indispensable component that not only makes it dry, but provides its typically earthy base. Liquorice root, too, is another woody mainstay that hails from southwest Asia, India and some parts of Europe, and whose sweet and bitter compounds produce similarly woody flavours. Liquorice root is responsible for adding length and base to your gin, softening and rounding out its 'mouth feel' or texture. CITRUS NOTES Finally, there are the citrus botanicals, led most famously by bergamot peel. Grown in Italy's southern Calabria region, bergamot orange peel is just as likely to turn up in perfumes and lotions as it is gin, possessing a distinctly bright, citrusy aroma and taste. More broadly, then, comes the conventional orange peel botanical, which — in dried form from both sweet and Seville oranges — is similarly used in gin to offer a light, citrusy note capable of balancing out the more pungent botanicals. Top image: Jez Timms.
Find true love without ever lifting a finger. A brand new smart watch app is eliminating the most physically arduous part of Tinder by selecting your matches for you based on the beating of your heart. Yep, it swipes right for you. This is isn't just like putting your Tinder profile on auto-swipe (actual thing). Developed by American creative agency T3, Hands-Free Tinder works by measuring your pulse rate. According to T3, "The heart doesn't lie." The display on your smartwatch will show you a potential date’s profile picture and then gauges your physiological reaction. If your heartbeat quickens, it may well be true love/casual sex time. If it slows, it clearly wasn’t meant to be. Check out their classy, classy promotional video, below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkVLJiJj7qQ We’re not buying the whole ‘always listen to your heart’ shtick, but you’ve got to give the company credit for really boiling Tinder down to its bare essentials. You literally have to press one button, and everything else is taken care of. This is especially great news for frequent and/or desperate Tinder users, many of whom have begun to experience the symptoms of repetitive strain injury as a result of too much right swiping. The hands-free functionality also has the added benefit of removing any lingering traces of guilt you might feel for snap-judging a potential match based solely on their physical appearance. After all, it’s not like you can control your heart rate. Just don’t use the app while you’re on the treadmill. Could lead to some pretty awkward, terribly-matched first dates. While the concept video makes specific mention of the Apple Watch, the agency claims the app will be available via both Google Play and the Apple App Store, although no word yet as to when. It’s also worth pointing out that the app isn’t actually affiliated with the creators of Tinder, so there may be some rebranding before it hits stores. In the meantime, we’ll be huddled around our phones, swiping like a bunch of soulmate-seeking Neanderthals. Via Mashable. Image: Dollar Photo Club.
Ōtautahi Christchurch is a nature lover's dream. As soon as you arrive you'll notice the crisp air, and you'll soon find out that you're surrounded by scenes of otherworldly, serene natural beauty that changes with the seasons but is ever-present. From some of the world's darkest winter skies without a hint of light pollution to the deserted beaches of the Akaroa Peninsula, you will no doubt find something that will take your breath away. Lean into the naturally cooler climate of Christchurch and visit during winter to experience the full extent of the region's charms. Venture just outside of the Christchurch city centre and it's almost as if you're in another world. Drive for ten minutes in almost any direction and you'll discover something unexpected. Adventurous souls and nature lovers will relish the chance to get in touch with the great outdoors — perhaps by peeling off the layers and relaxing in a natural hot pool or barrelling through the hills on a mountain bike. It was incredibly hard to choose, but here are our favourite cool weather experiences to take on when you're in Christchurch. [caption id="attachment_986567" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Miles Holden[/caption] Look Up at One of the World's Darkest Skies Mackenzie is home to one of the only International Dark Sky Reserves (IDSR) in the world — land which usually surrounds a park or observatory and is home to exceptional views of starry nights. The darkness of the sky in this region of New Zealand is almost unbeatable, and it's the perfect place for a bit of stargazing. At Big Sky Stargazing you'll sit down for an astronomy lesson at the planetarium and take a short drive to an outdoor stargazing area where you'll use telescopes, astronomy binoculars and your own eyes to look up at constellations and enjoy spectacular, peaceful views. Soak in Hanmer Springs' Geothermal Pools When the air has a crisp bite to it and you wouldn't want to be caught outside without being bundled up, that's how you know it's the perfect weather for getting into your swimwear and making a beeline for a hot spring. Don't settle for any run-of-the-mill hot spring either. Located just outside of Christchurch is the alpine village of Hanmer Springs, where 22 natural thermal pools sit surrounded by dramatic snow-capped mountains. If the prospect of a soothing soak isn't sufficiently appealing, there are also spa treatments and massages to really kick your relaxation up a notch. [caption id="attachment_986614" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Miles Holden[/caption] Wander Christchurch's Natural Landscape Lush rolling hills are surrounded by a crystal blue expanse of water on the edges of Christchurch. If you venture slightly out from the town centre, you can explore deserted beaches and dramatic landscapes that have to be seen to be believed. In the small town of Akaroa on the water's edge, you'll find a beautiful cluster of old English-style buildings. Whether you're after a short stroll or a day-long hike, the idyllic beaches, rough bush and winding tracks of this quiet little area will keep you more than occupied. If you need more convincing, take another look at the above photo. Paddle Through Pohatu in a Kayak Head to Akaroa and jump into a 4WD for a spectacular scenic safari that stuns year-round. Travel for just over an hour through the highest passes of the Banks Peninsula with Pohatu Adventures until you reach Pohatu Marine Reserve. When you arrive you'll discover the Christchurch region's most abundant wildlife ecosystem up close via kayak. Get ready to paddle alongside blue penguins, seals and Hector's dolphins. Depending on the timing of your trip, you might even catch a glimpse of the circle of life of the region's wildlife. As temperatures dip, you'll see penguins at their most social as they build homes, find mates and head out and about. If the water is calm, get ready to lose your breath — not because of the brisk air but because of the scenery — as you paddle out to Flea Bay Island where you'll discover a mass of land characterised by desolate beaches, sheer sea cliffs and mysterious caves. Find your very own Aotearoa New Zealand here.
With hard-hitting dramas, imaginative comedies and a retrospective tribute to one of the all-time greats, the latest edition of the Alliance Francaise French Film Festival doesn't disappoint. Lighting up the screen from March 1-24 in Sydney before heading out to Parramatta and Casula in April, from March 2-24 in Melbourne, and March 11-April 3 in Brisbane, the 2016 program features a diverse mix of titles showcasing the very best the French film industry has to offer. Cannes winners are set to be a highlight, with Rust and Bone director Jacques Audiard tackling the issue of asylum seekers in his new offering Dheepan, and Philippe Garrel's masterful romantic drama In the Shadow of Women. Legendary French filmmaker Michel Gondry's new film Microbe & Gasoline will also feature in the festival — which will be closed by Jean Luc-Godard's 1963 film Contempt. Here are our top five picks to see at the festival. But first, enter the comp for some sweet, sweet tickets. [competition]561842[/competition]
We knew it. We knew it. They'd never leave us. They'd never just go. James Murphy is dancing himself clean and reuniting All His Friends, LCD Soundsystem, to headline this year's whizzbanger of a Coachella festival. Oh, and Guns N' Roses. Yeah, they're playing too. Take a big ol' breath and let them squeals out. Every last trilby-wearing tween celebrity, President’s daughter and your smug, smug US-based friends will be rubbing their paws together after Coachella festival lineup, tweeted today. Running over two weekends from April 15 to 24, the Californian festival has delivered their usual jaw-dropper of a lineup. Where do we start? Ready to break hearts and take names, Sufjan Stevens is hitting the big stage with the loud, loud likes of M83, Sia, A$AP Rocky, Ice Cube (!), Calvin Harris, Disclosure, Ellie Goulding, Purity Ring, Run the Jewels, RL Grime, Rae Sremmurd et al. Homegrown folks like Flume (whose name is at least three font sizes bigger than Hudson Mohawke) and Courtney Barnett will be reppin' the motherland. Anyway, let’s be honest, you haven’t truly read any of those words — you’ll be wanting this.
We get it. Everyone loves an espresso 'tini. We've got a bar that even does them on tap — and Sydney recently got a whole venue dedicated to that God-sent concoction of chilled coffee and vodka. And now — not to be outdone by Sydney — Melbourne is getting the country's very first espresso martini festival. Sleep, who needs it? The festival, to be held on Saturday, November 5, is being gifted to our espresso-loving, cocktail-filled city by the fine boozehounds at Mr Black, a NSW-based cold-pressed (and damn fine) coffee liqueur. In short, they know how to capitalise on our weaknesses and we're not even mad about it. The affair will involve some of Australia's best coffee suppliers, cafes and bars, and will come together to create a beautiful array of alcoholic caffienated beverages. As with any festival of this kind, there will be an array of food trucks as well as a game or two of coffee pong (whatever that is). The festival is to be held at North Melbourne's Meat Market and tickets will set you back $25 a pop, which includes an espresso martini and a try of Mr Black's coffee liqueur (yum!), free tastings (yay!) and license to drink espresso martinis to your heart's content (yeah!). The Mr Black Espresso Martini Festival will take place on Saturday, November 5 at Meat Market in North Melbourne. For more info and to buy tickets, visit espressomartinifest.com. Image: Alana Dimou.
Nine floors above the bustle of Melbourne's Collins Street is Client Liaison HQ — an office filled to the brim with pastel jackets and patterned shirts that have been sourced from vintage stores around the world. The band — Monte Morgan and Harvey Miller — have just rounded off a string of tours across the country, and they're getting ready to release their first full length album, Diplomatic Immunity. The first video sees the boys cruising along Collins Street in the Client Liaison limousine. When you're in Client Liaison, there is no such thing as a half measure. We've partnered with Heineken 3 and spoken to a few of our favourite musicians, chefs and artists, to get their insight on what it takes to create the perfect summer afternoon. For summer fashion advice, there is no one more stylish to ask than Client Liaison. The prestige in their on-stage costumes carries through into their casual wear — so much so that in November, they're due to launch their own fashion line. The boys invited us into their band wardrobe and picked out three options for summer afternoon outfits. Take note — the next time you're with your friends sipping on a Heineken 3, you might need something to wear. A PASTEL SUIT IS PERFECT FOR A SUMMER GATHERING "The boys are running a little bit late. They're in a big white limousine and they're stuck in traffic", says band stylist Kirsty Barros before we meet the boys. Soon enough, they arrive dressed to kill in polished brown shoes and matching summer suits. These were the product of a recent costume sourcing trip to Bali. Client Liaison's signature peach and 'reef' colour variations are a palette developed from the vibrant bubblegum colours of Technicolor film. In the words of Barros, it's a "seamless blend of pop and prestige". Don't be afraid to show your feminine side, she says. "For a more formal summer soiree, pastels are a subtly unconventional way to subvert an 80s power suit." Wear these classic summer colours in cotton or linen — they offer a good alternative to the dull and predictable black suit you might be forced to bring out in summer. A GENTLEMAN SHOULD NEVER WEAR SHORTS, UNLESS IT'S FOR LEISURE OR SAFARI According to Monte, it's as simple as that. "It's still possible to look classy and respectable in the heat of summer, you just have to choose the right fabrics," he says. "You go to India and everyone's wearing long kaftans and light linens. Covering the skin can keep you cool. When people get into stubby shorts and a singlet — for me, that's too far". Barros adds: "We love a sunburnt country and we chose this print for it's fruity Australiana flavour. It's perfect for a summer sunset." Accessorise with a hat, a prawn cocktail, a dirty martini or a Heineken 3. ATTENTION TO DETAIL IS EVERYTHING For Client Liaison, detail is key. "All of our music is under the scrutiny of at least two sets of eyes. Two people have to love it," Monte explains. "For our clothes and costumes, we have three [Kirsty, their stylist]. "Generally, if it's two against one we'll move on, but if we need to explore something further, we will. It sometimes means that things take a bit longer, but generally it's a good way to finesse." For this outfit the details are in the fabric choice. "Linen is the number one fabric for deep heat and breathability," says Kirsty. "For summer colours, we chose the boldest of electric blue to pack a punch and married it back with flirty pastels in textured 80s cotton meshes and a fresh optical white." INTRODUCING: THE CLIENT LIAISON DESIGNER LINE This summer, Harvey, Monte and Kirsty as co-designer launch the Client Liaison Designer Line pop-up in Melbourne and Sydney. While the band have always designed their own merchandise, they felt the time had come to embark on something a bit more ambitious. The range features Client Liaison's signature peach and 'reef' variations, and keeps to a unisex beach theme, manifesting itself as jumpers, beach robes, t shirts, bumbags, visors and budgie smugglers. For Harvey, it's all about slip, slop, slap. "Sun protection is a big one — it's something everyone should remember. We have a rash vest incorporated into the Designer Line." When choosing a summer outfit, the Client Liaison Designer Line is a good place to start. "It's luxury at the beach," says Monte. "You're totally relaxed but retaining a level of class". Harvey adds: "At the beach you'll need a light bag to chuck your beach towel in, somewhere to store your sunglasses at night. Bring a jumper for the icy cold evening. Dressing for the summer is all about being prepared." Enjoy your summer afternoons with the new low-carb Heineken 3 — we're helping you make the most of them. Client Liaison first album Diplomatic Immunity will be out Friday, November 4 via Dot Dash / Remote Control. Images: Chris Middleton.
Fans of Roald Dahl who find themselves in London are in for a gloriumptious surprise. To mark the release of Steven Spielberg's adaptation of The BFG, giant six foot dream jars are popping up around the city, filled with the hopes and aspirations of famous human beans. The jars will appear at iconic landmarks around the British capital, from Trafalgar Square to St. Paul's Cathedral to the Tower of London. Inside, you'll find the childhood dreams of prominent artists and celebrities, including director Steven Spielberg, paralympian David Weir, Game of Thrones star Maisie Williams and The BFG illustrator Quentin Blake. The jars will be on display from July 8 until August 31, after which time they'll be sold at auction. Proceeds from the sale will go to Save the Children and Roald Dahl's Marvellous Children's Charity, which provides specialist nurses to seriously ill children. "I'm excited to join The BFG Dream Jar Trail so we can all share our dreams together," said Spielberg. "The best part of this project is its support of the valuable work that Save the Children does in giving kids across the world their own chances to dream big." For more information about The BFG Dream Jar Trail, go here. The BFG hits cinemas on June 30. https://youtu.be/VG5MtenlP-A
Danny Boyle’s iconic 1996 film Trainspotting is finally getting the sequel you kind of don’t want to see but can’t look away from. Boyle officially confirmed the news an interview with Deadline — the sequel has a script and is definitely going ahead. The only problem is coordinating the schedules of the now-famous OG actors. The sequel will be based on Irvine Welsh’s 2002 novel Porno, which was released six years after the film of Trainspotting. The film version of Porno will pick up eight years after Trainspotting left off, with the same crew. But the biggest difference is in the title — obviously, this one is about porn. While Trainspotting was perhaps the most effective campaign against shooting up heroin (and the need to learn the dialect and slang of Edinburgh youth), Porno may well do the same for the amateur porn industry. Don’t worry, there'll probably still be gratuitous drug use. Boyle told Complex that Porno will bring back the “four main actors” which the Internet has interpreted to mean Ewan McGregor, Jonny Lee Miller, Robert Carlyle and Kevin McKidd. Even John Hodge, the screenwriter of Trainspotting, is working on the sequel. There has been no confirmation whether Ewan Bremner or Kelly Macdonald will be included, however the plot of Porno has a sizeable role for Bremner’s character 'Spud', so we’re cautiously optimistic. For those of you wanting to read the book before seeing the film, be warned: the plot might be changed when it goes to the silver screen. The project has been in the works for the while now and author Irvine Welsh told The Big Issue two years ago that, "The sequel I wrote — Porno — is already ten years old, so I don't think you can just use the book as the source for the script. You need other stuff that makes it more fresh and contemporary. The porno stuff might feel a bit passé now after Fifty Shades of Grey." It would seem that Welsh and Boyle have some (probably not very) sexy surprises in store for us. Via Deadline and Complex.
Flying might be speedy, in terms of in-air time. But when you add airport transfers, check-in queues, security checks and boarding procedures, the hours start to pile up. A plane flies from Sydney to Melbourne in 90 minutes, but, for passengers, the journey can take up to four hours. Two Aussie aviation experts want to change all that. 28-year-old Luke Hampshire and 32-year-old Alexander Robinson are hard at work getting a startup off the ground, which will give members unlimited flights between Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra, for one (expectedly hefty) monthly fee. And you won’t be flying with Virgin, Qantas, Jetstar or Tiger Air, by the way, you’ll be on a dedicated private jet. The company is named Airly and here’s how it works. Members pay $1000 to join up and $2550 per month after that (yep, it's not cheap). There are no maximum rides per month and no minimums, either. You’ll be flying on one of three eight-seater King Air 350s, which will start with 54 flights per week between Sydney’s Bankstown Airport, Melbourne’s Essendon Airport and Canberra Airport. Once things are up and running, Airly intends to cover Adelaide and Brisbane, too. Queueing for hours will look so early 21st century. Instead, you’ll be checking in just 15 minutes before departure in the company’s private terminal, cutting two hours off an average journey with a commercial airline. Meanwhile, both on the ground and on-board, ‘first class’ service is promised, ‘everytime’. Sound like some kind of pie in the sky? Well, it’s actually been done before — and successfully. Over in California, a similar service, named Surf Air, is already flying between twelve cities. In fact, Surf Air’s founder, Wade Eyerly, helped out when Hampshire and Robinson were first getting moving. Six months ago, the two quit their jobs to work on Airly full-time. The first King Air 350 has already been ordered from the United States and Hampshire told the SMH, “We are working off a membership number. We have a lot of people showing significant interest in it now. Once we reach that break-even number, we launch.” Airly won’t own the aircraft — they’ll be acting as a service provider and dry leasing the King Air 350s from an Australian company, the identity of which remains anonymous for now. Not that Hampshire wouldn't be able to do the captaining — he's a former Royal Australian Air Force pilot. Via SMH. Image: Jordan Sanchez.
Prepare yourself for a serious case of food envy. After months of hype and speculation surrounding the menu, Noma Australia is officially open for business, and it looks totally out of this world. Popping up for a ten-week residency at Sydney Harbour's new Barangaroo precinct, Noma Australia sees head chef Rene Redzepi and his world-renowned team working exclusively with local ingredients. The menu includes Kakadu plum, pepperberry, wattleseed and kangaroo, along with a vast assortment of Australian seafood. "On my many trips around Australia I’ve seen a larder that is so foreign to me," says Redzepi. "Foraging for abalone, eating fresh muntries, nibbling on pepperberries and cracking open a bunya nut — these experiences are so wild compared to what we're used to in Europe." Redzepi has also been influenced by local cooking techniques. "Spending time with indigenous communities in places like Arnhem Land have left the biggest impact on me and the Noma team," he said. "For instance, seeing the use of fire as the main way of cooking ingredients inspired us. Most of what we’re cooking at Noma Australia will be cooked over fire." Standout dishes on the Noma Australia menu include dried scallop and lantana flower pie, abalone schnitzel with bush condiments, a seafood platter of pippies, sea bounty mussels, strawberry clam, flame cockles, oysters and crocodile fat, and — the icing on the cake — a lamington made with rum, dried milk and tamarind. Oof. [caption id="attachment_557122" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Wild seasonal berries flavoured with gubinge[/caption] [caption id="attachment_557123" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Unripe macadamia and spanner crab[/caption] [caption id="attachment_557124" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Rum lamington[/caption] Now for the bad news: bookings for Noma Australia have long been snapped up, despite costing a whopping $485 a head. Still, we can dream. Noma Australia will be serving lunch and dinner at the Barangaroo pop-up until April 2. If you're optimistic, you can put your name on the waiting list at noma.dk/australia. Images: Jason Loucas
Australian cinephiles, meet the cure to your yearly bout of Sundance and SXSW envy. Palace Cinemas has announced a brand new film festival dedicated to the American indie scene — i.e. the closest you can get to heading to Park City, Utah or Austin, Texas without actually heading overseas. Debuting in May 2016, and running two-week-long seasons in Palace's Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Canberra venues, Essential Independents: American Cinema, Now will showcase the past, present and future of US independent filmmaking. In a dedicated screen event, audiences will be treated to a snapshot of current creative directions in America, as well as an exploration of their impact throughout international cinema. Accordingly, expect new features, documentaries and shorts, retrospectives on important figures from both behind and in front of the camera, talks and masterclasses, and a few special guests, too. Basically, in a program overseen by former Australian Centre for the Moving Image Head of Film Programs and current Revelation Perth International Film Festival director Richard Sowada, expect American indie heaven in Australian movie theatres. Considering the wealth of talent that has emerged from the US indie realm — think Inherent Vice's Paul Thomas Anderson, Boyhood's Richard Linklater, Mistress America's Noah Baumbach, Selma's Ava DuVernay, Night Moves' Kelly Reichardt and Sleeping With Other People's Leslye Headland, just to name a few — there are plenty of reasons to be excited about an annual trip through the kinds of flicks that don't always make it to local screens outside of Sydney and Melbourne's major film fests. Indeed, while there seems to be an Australian festival dedicated to every other culture, style and theme, until now non-Hollywood US productions have proven an overlooked niche. Essential Independents: American Cinema, Now will tour Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Canberra in May 2016. For more information, keep an eye on the Palace Cinemas website.
Australians looking to travel to New Zealand must consider the current COVID-19 advice. For information on quarantine-free travel between Australia and New Zealand, head over to the NZ Government's COVID-19 hub. When the colder months roll around, it's natural to reach for anything that screams warm and comfort — even when you're on holidays. The trans-Tasman bubble is finally open, so you might be planning a midyear jaunt to New Zealand; however, don't think you have to spend your time away staying cosy inside. There's a time and place for that, of course. But NZ's winter festivals will give you a stack of reasons to get out and enjoy the crisp air. From slopeside music festivals to month-long food celebrations and kaleidoscopic light shows, here are ten festival across New Zealand that you should drop into your winter getaway itinerary. [caption id="attachment_720775" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Audiology.[/caption] MARDI GRAS, OHAKUNE/QUEENSTOWN Mardi Gras is arguably New Zealand's biggest winter party — and this year its spreading the fun over two weekends in two different locations. On Saturday, June 19, Ohakune is the spot to catch a lineup of dance floor favourites. Promoters Audiology have teased six international acts ahead of this year's first lineup announcement, including UK-based electronic producer Dimension, drum and bass DJ Culture Shock, Australian singer-songwriter Nyxen and trap producer Quix. They'll be joined by a monster lineup of local talent. The event in Queenstown on Saturday, June 26 comes with snow-capped peaks and an intimate capacity of only 3000. [caption id="attachment_624534" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Serena Stevenson.[/caption] MATARIKI FESTIVAL, AUCKLAND While we have to wait until next year for the first-ever Matariki public holiday, there are still plenty of ways to celebrate the beginning of the Māori new year in 2021. Every year Auckland Council's Matariki Festival consistently delivers a series of delightful events. The exact details are yet to be announced for 2021, but you can expect everything from street food and live performances, right through to light festivals, stargazing, Māori art workshops and film screenings. Matariki is seen as a time to reflect on Māori identity, as well as an opportunity to look to the future. The 2021 festival runs from June 19 to July 11 right across Tāmaki Makaurau. [caption id="attachment_797316" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Matt Wiseman.[/caption] SNOW MACHINE, QUEENSTOWN After making its debut in Japan last year, alpine music festival Snow Machine is hitting the slopes for four snow-filled days of music and adventure. Attendees at the New Zealand edition from September 8–11, 2021 will be treated to action-packed days on the slopes, aprés ski events on both Coronet Peak and The Remarkables and a lineup of international acts against the idyllic backdrop of Queenstown. A who's who of Australian electronic acts will warm up the frosty evenings, including headliners The Avalanches, Flight Facilities, Hayden James and The Presets. Tickets to Snow Machine 2021 are all-in-one, offering a variety of accomodation options and lift passes. VISA WELLINGTON ON A PLATE, WELLINGTON After being forced out of its usual slot in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Visa Wellington On a Plate is set to return for its 13th year from August 1–31, 2021. The huge event typically sees more than 100 flavour-packed events, special dining menus, burgers and craft cocktails take over the capital city. This year's edition will keep the three-tiered format — Dine Wellington, Burger Wellington and Cocktail Wellington — celebrating the immense depth of culinary talent within the region. Sibling events Road to Beervana and (August 6–15) and Beervana (August 13–14) are there, too, giving you plenty of reasons to drop by or hang around the capital. WINTER PRIDE, QUEENSTOWN Combining winter sports with community and inclusion, Winter Pride is all about locals and visitors embracing the cool weather and their diversity. The event is typically packed with dance parties, speed dating, skiing, boarding and all-round good times. There's a number of different packages to choose from between August 27 to September 5, including passes to all events and revolving door access. Stay tuned for the full lineup announcement. SNOWBOXX, QUEENSTOWN Typically held in the heart of the French Alps, Snowboxx is a multi-discipline winter festival that shines a spotlight on electronic music and snowsports. Previously expected to arrive in 2019 — and then 2020 — the event will finally slide Down Under this September for one week of international acts, slope-side parties and off-mountain experiences in the adventure capital. Landing between Treble Cone and Cardrona from September 7–14, Snowboxx will see Shapeshifter, Lee Mvtthews and Concord Dawn hit the stage. Attendees are also invited to enjoy on and off-mountain activities like bottomless disco brunches, igloo parties, sled races, comedy nights, snowball fights and aprés ski experiences throughout the week. [caption id="attachment_636636" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Simeon W.[/caption] LOEMIS FESTIVAL, WELLINGTON Lōemis Festival returns for its sixth year with a lineup of events celebrating the winter solstice from June 11–21, 2021. The winter solstice is marked by the shortest day and longest night of the year and has often been associated with regeneration, rebirth and self-reflection. Each year the festival aims to deliver an innovative program with a strong focus on the ritualistic, mystical and fantastical elements of the solstice. Previous ritualistic events have included spiritual dance theatre works, multi-course fish degustations and spooky storytelling cocktail evenings. It comes to an end with the burning of a massive art installation right on the harbour. LUMA SOUTHERN LIGHT PROJECT, QUEENSTOWN After pulling the plug in 2020, Queenstown's kaleidoscopic light festival will return for its fifth outing this Queen's Birthday weekend. Luma Southern Light Project brings together illuminated art, light sculpture, performance and community over four days from June 4–7, 2021. As the sun goes down over the long weekend, the Queenstown Gardens will be transformed into a creative outdoor stage of visual arts, performing arts, music, film and digital media. 500 local artists and contributors have contributed to this year's festival. As well as light installations dotted around Queenstown Gardens and shore of Lake Wakatipu, previous events have featured moving images projected right onto the lake, works created from recycled materials and roaming performers — from hypercolour fairies to acrobatic tree dancers. TAUPO WINTER FESTIVAL, TAUPO The sixth annual Taupō Winter Festival offers an action-packed program over two weeks in 2021. Running from July 9–25, you'll have the choice of hitting a lakeside ice rink, jumping in a giant inflatable snow globe with cold white stuff directly from neighbouring Mount Ruapehu, attending a mountain-themed film festival, catching live circus acts and downing free hot chocolates. What's more, most of the events are free to attend. [caption id="attachment_790171" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Vanessa Rushton.[/caption] WELLINGTON JAZZ FESTIVAL, WELLINGTON The capital's annual celebration of jazz music is set to return this June 9–13 with more than 100 free and ticketed gigs taking place over just five days. This year's lineup is bursting with fresh new music from around the country, including the likes of Opera House headliners Whirimako Black, The Nathan Haines Octet and Michael Houstoun with the Rodger Fox Big Band. Elsewhere, there'll be big bands, tribute gigs, world premieres and album launches. There really is something for everyone — as long as you can shake your jazz hands at it. Top image: Snow Machine, Zachary Zaza.
Hitting New Zealand for the weekend isn't as much of a faraway adventure as it seems — the flight's just over three hours from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane. That's almost similar to visiting Canberra or Byron, and there's better wine at the end. New Zealand's capital is brimming with more contemporary, creative restaurants, microroasteries, buzzing cafes and of course, craft breweries than you can poke a wizard's staff at. Every (outrageously friendly) taxi driver will tell you that that city has more cafes, bars and restaurants per capita than New York City — and they're on the money. Hop an easy flight from Melbourne/Sydney to the Harbour Capital and spend an easy weekend on the waterfront, wandering through street art-filled laneways, tasting the world's most gloriously creative craft beer, learning up on ever-fascinating Māori history, and feasting on some serious food. EAT You'd have to try pretty hard to find a bad coffee in Wellington. The city runs rife with microroasteries and no-nonsense baristas churning out killer coffees by the minute. Wander down the street art-plastered areas of Eva Street and Hannah's Factory Laneway in search of a freshly brewed cup o' joe. Stop by Leeds Street Bakery, a teeny tiny glass-and-brick-walled joint for a piccolo from their mates Red Rabbit Coffee Co., and do not leave here without snapping up one of their famously insane salted caramel cookies. They're not pretty but they'll make you involuntarily make noises at strangers. Look at this: Locals will constantly send you to a formerly dreary multi-car garage that's now a bustling corner cafe, dubbed The Hangar. Run by local coffee roasters Flight Coffee, The Hangar serves up kickass coffee made from Costa Rican beans from the family-run Herbazu estate. Huddle over your own cup of joe and take in the ahmbiahnce, or get pesky and ask the crew about the roasting process. Ghuznee Street's Milk Crate and Customs Brew Bar are also worth visiting, as are our six favourite coffee bars on Concrete Playground Wellington. Now you're well caffeinated, let's head for something a little more hearty. Wellington has one heck of a dining scene, a combination of perpetually high quality produce and young, dynamic restaurateurs. Try your luck and wait for a table at Charley Noble in Post Office Square. A seafood bar and steak specialist with a penchant for woodfired cooking ('Charley Noble' was the sailors' name for the ship's galley chimney), this busy, busy restaurant has been the talk of the town since opening in 2014 — and features New Zealand's first Zesti woodfired chargrill and rotisserie. Looking for something a little more modern and fusion-based? Head for Egmont Street Eatery. Tucked down a regular ol' laneway off Dixon Street, this former carpark space does modern New Zealand/Asian fusion with a fresh, seasonal approach and casually excellent service — and they won Wellington on a Plate's highly coveted Burger Wellington comp in 2015. They'll happily match your lunch with one of Wellington's top notch craft beers or a slam dunk of a New Zealand wine. Try the miso salmon salad with cos, nam jim (a traditional Thai sauce) and herbs ($25), and wash it down with 'The Don', a hefty, sediment-filled white that your waiter will probably recommend you try before you buy. The Don doesn't suit every palate. Also worth visiting? Mark Keddell and chef Sean Marshall's The Matterhorn on buzzy Cuba Street, seasonally-focused (and wine-happy) restaurant Floraditas, wholesome, hearty brunch spot Loretta, award-winning chef Mark Limacher's Ortega fish shack, the Boon brothers' beloved Manners Street cafe/bar Crumpet, New York-inspired deli/diner Five Boroughs, and Eastern Asian modern dining spot and cocktail bar Ancestral. Eating on a budget? Check out our feature on seven days of cheap eats in Wellington. DRINK Let's test out that theory, the big bragging right that the city has more bars per capita than New York City. If you head into the city's nightlife/entertainment district, Courtenay Place on a Friday night, you'll find the area packed with young'uns heading to the area's rowdy Irish pubs, rock and roll bars and licensed late-night eateries. But Wellington's not just serving up any ol' tipples in its plethora of watering holes. Let's start with something for the beer lovers — Wellington is New Zealand's craft beer capital after all. Find your way to an old petrol station in Aro Valley that's now brimming with award-winning beer. You've found one of Wellington's very best craft breweries, The Garage Project. Since 2011, this well-publicised crew have gained the rep as the rock stars of the NZ craft beer scene. They gained quite the hype early on when they released 24 beers in 24 weeks, and have been working just as boldly and experimentally since. They opened their own cellar door within the brewery in March 2013, where you can have a mad chat and taste the latest batches on tap — everything from the best-selling (and bloody delicious) Garagista, to the out-there Umami Monster, Cereal Milk Stout and Ziggy's Carrot Cake. They've even just opened their own bar, GP 91 Aro, just down the road. To keep on the craft beer trail, head for the Parrotdog and Black Dog Brew Co. breweries or head for craft beer bars like Fork & Brewer, Little Beer Quarter, Golding's Free Dive, The Rogue and Vagabond, Bebemos, Hop Garden, The Malthouse or Hashigo Zake. [caption id="attachment_572288" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Hawthorn Lounge.[/caption] Finished your beer? Let's get a little more botanical with your next beverage. Wellington's home to one heck of a mixologist population, with some of the best cocktail bars in the global game. Head to Hawthorn Lounge if you really want to get straight to the good stuff. Managed by all round legend Peter Lowry, this cosy little '30s-style speakeasy is hidden away from rowdy Courtenay Place. Snuggle into a Chesterfield lounge by the fireplace, or pull up a pew at the dimly lit bar and choose from one of the bar's staples — up high for a Chocolate Negroni — or roll the dice on a special edition experiment — bar wizard Jamie co-curates this with Peter. If you're a cocktail fiend, also worth checking out are cocktail bar/alchemist den CGR (Cocktails Gin Rum) on Courtenay Place, Te Aro's award-winning Cuban bar and tapas hideaway Havana Bar, Tory Street's Spanish-inspired Poquito, and beloved Leeds Street cocktail haven Hanging Ditch. Wine runs rampant in Wellington, thanks to the world-famous wine regions surrounding the city — you'll find most Wellington restaurants brimming with local drops on the menu. If you're looking for something entirely non-alcoholic though, pay Six Barrel Soda Co. a visit in Hannah's Laneway. Want more? Check out our round-up of Wellington's best secret bars or best craft beer bars. DO Wellington's a highly walkable city, so lace up your booties and let's go 'sploring. Wandering along Wellington's straight-up beautiful waterfront is a must for first-timers, a stroll you can pair with a visit to the city's mighty Te Papa Tongarewa museum. It's been named one of Lonely Planet's 'Top 500 Places on the Planet' and for good reason. Over six floors, you can get a real sense of New Zealand's past, present and future, through gloriously well-curated exhibitions and a seriously epic collection. Follow NZ's passion for art around the city — there's a smorgasbord of street art and laneway murals around town (you just have to be ready to follow a boring looking backstreet every so often). For film fans, obviously New Zealand has its fair share of pop culture-related tourist Meccas. Let's face it, Wellington airport is home to giant, giant hanging statues of Gollum and Gandalf, so for Lord of the Rings fans, New Zealand is still the damn king of must-visit locations. Before you visit the home of the One Ring in Nelson, no self-respecting movie buff would leave Wellington without a visit to the Weta Cave and Workshop. One of the must-do film studio tours in the world, Weta will put you right up close to the props, costumes and hallowed halls of creativity behind The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Mad Max: Fury Road, District 9, King Kong, The Chronicles of Narnia, Avatar, District 9 and more. You might hold an alien assault rifle from District 9, swing an orc mace from The Hobbit, or hold incredibly detailed chain mail worn by Frodo Baggins. Shell out for a Prancing Pony fridge magnet and head back to the city with a hobbity spring in your step. If we told you that you could spend an afternoon in Wellington cuddling up to, say, four red pandas, would you pop this on your to-do list? Worth every dime of a on-holiday splurge, Wellington Zoo offers some pretty kickass 'Animal Encounters'. Being red panda enthusiasts, we skipped the cheetahs and the meerkats to snuggle up to the zoo's four straight-up adorable pandas. You can pat them. And feed them grapes. Because they're gods amongst men. Also recommended is a stroll around the Botanic Garden, and if you're looking for one of the best views in town, set aside $7.50 for a return trip on the Wellington Cable Car. [caption id="attachment_572305" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Intercontinetal.[/caption] STAY Depending on your budget, Wellington's got a pretty wide range of accommodation options. If you've got a little dosh to burn on your well-earned weekend away, we stayed right in the city at the Intercontinental Wellington. Sitting right near the harbour waterfront and a very easy walk to Wellington's main galleries and Te Papa, Courtenay Place, Cuba Street and Hannah's Laneway, this slick inner city hotel will make a Kevin Macallister out of you in minutes. Don a fluffy white robe and make yourself at home in one of 232 contemporary guest rooms, equipped with extra large towels, giant, giant shower heads and — wait for it — a pillow menu. For something equally opulent, check out the award-winning ten-room boutique hotel Ohtel, sitting in the swanky seaside neighbourhood of Oriental Bay. Each room looks straight out of a design magazine shoot, decked out by owner/designer Alan Blundell with his own collected treasures, clocks, ceramics and individual chairs. It's pretty close to Wellington's main entertainment precinct too. Rooms come equipped with two-person baths, podcast facilities, natural toiletries, free wifi and oversized showers. There's plenty of budget accommodation and B&Bs in Wellington too, check out WellingtonNZ.com for a bunch of great options. LET'S DO THIS, HOW DO I GET THERE? Flights to Wellington from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane are super short — around 3.5 hours on average. Jetstar have just launched a direct route from Melbourne to Wellington (from $159) and Queenslanders can fly direct from the Gold Coast (from $169). Air New Zealand fly direct from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to Wellington (from $297). Next weekend, we hop on a 45 minute flight out of Wellington to the pretty city of Nelson for some of New Zealand's best contemporary art, insanely good (and globally renowned) wine region and some of the world's most beautiful outdoor adventuring.> Shannon Connellan travelled as a guest of WellingtonNZ.com. Top image: Egmont Street Eatery. All other images SC unless otherwise specified.
American music legend Prince has just dropped word that he'll be touring around Australia and New Zealand in February. That's right, February. As in the month we're currently in. The shock announcement was made earlier today, with the recording artist sharing the news with fans via his Twitter account. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/WiOKCZtdw8 — Prince3EG (@Prince3EG) February 5, 2016 The 57-year-old recently serenaded audiences in Minnesota with a series of intimate shows dubbed 'Piano and a Microphone', a name that has been adopted for his tour of the southern hemisphere. He was originally meant to perform in Europe in December, but cancelled those plans in the wake of the Paris terror attacks. We're yet to see any details regarding exact dates or locations – the last time Prince visited Australia was in 2012, when he played shows in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. This will be his first visit to New Zealand. Whatever the plan is, presumably we'll find out soon. UPDATE – The dates and locations for the tour have been revealed. Prince will play four shows at Melbourne State Theatre on February 16 and 17, two shows at the Sydney Opera House on February 20, two shows at Sydney State Theatre on February 21, and one show at Auckland's ASB Theatre on February 24. Tickets for his Australian shows go on sale at midday (AEDT) on February 9, and for his New Zealand show at midday (NZDT) on February 11. For more info, go here.
Shopping for wine can be a complicated, overwhelming experience. There are often just too many shelves, labels, varieties and styles to choose from. When you don't know a lot about wine (or even when you do), picking a good bottle is a difficult job. We asked sommelier and wine expert Eddie Schweitzer from online wine store Vinomofo for some advice. How do you find out what style of wine you like? How do you get a decent bottle at a reasonable price? When is a bottle worth more than $100? And most importantly, should I be swirling the glass? Hi Eddie, I know nothing about wine — how do I shop for it? "Taste a few wines until you find a region or variety that you know you like, then take little steps to try new things. If you like a Pinot or a lighter-bodied red, ask the bottle shop what other wines they have in that style. If you can find somebody in a good wine store that you trust, that's fantastic because you can ask them for advice. Don't just go in and say, 'I want a good wine at this price,' or just buy what's on special for the sake of it — work with what you know you like." How do I buy a decent, relatively cheap bottle? "Australian consumers are shy of blends for some reason, we really like having one variety on the label. But often at a lower price point, you can get much better wine that's a blend of different varieties. A GSM — a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre — is a fantastic, crowd-pleasing, easy drinking wine that a lot of people don't pick up because they think winemakers are just putting the cheap bits together, but that's very rarely the case. Steer away from anything that says 'Wine of Australia' or 'Wine of South Eastern Australia' because Southern New South Wales all the way through to South Australia is a big area. It's big, bulk wine that's very commercial. Instead, get a wine that has a specific region. If you like bigger, richer reds, go for a wine from a warmer climate region. Lighter-bodied reds, like a Pinot, should be coming from a cooler climate region." Is bulk wine automatically of poorer quality? "It doesn't mean it's not a good quality wine, but people drink wine because it has personality. That's what makes wine different from a VB or a Carlton, it's talking about a vintage or a specific place. If you buy bulk wine, it could be fine, but it will usually be pretty boring and bland. A $6 bottle might be fruity and drinkable, but it's not going to give you much of an experience. We don't sell anything 'Wine of Australia' because it usually lacks any interesting flavour." What's worth paying a little more for? "Pinots and Chardonnay are only made well in cool climates, are a little harder to grow and are in high demand. If you want a good bottle of either of these types you'll have to spend a little more — probably about $15-25. Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz on the other hand is made in much bigger volume, and has a lower production cost, so you can get a good value wine in a lower price range." When is a bottle of wine worth more than $100? "There are a few things that can make a bottle of wine expensive. The first is the cost of production. Some wines are expensive because the vines only produce a few grapes, and the grapes are really sought after. Other production costs like how long it spends in oak and how long it's aged for can affect the price. Tasmanian wine tends to be a little bit dearer, because they don't produce a lot of grapes, and they're doing great things with food and wine at the moment so they're in demand. You'll spend a little bit more, but whether it's worth it or not is up to you." So if I buy a Pinot Noir in Tasmania that costs $100, and one in South Australia for $30, there's no guarantee that the more expensive option is going to be better? "No. It's about the enjoyment you get out of the bottle, not the price. At Vinomofo we're all about connecting people to really good wine, and good wine is personal. First and foremost, it's about what you find enjoyable to drink." I'm scared of wine tastings — how do I do one properly? "When I taste wine, I'm tasting it so I can describe it to people, so I'm paying attention to acid levels and alcohol percentage and other things. But you should be just smelling and tasting the wine to see if you enjoy it. Most of your perception of flavour comes through smell. Your brain puts the smell and taste of the wine together and decides if you like it or not. Have a smell, and a taste and think 'Hey, do I like this? Or don't I like this?' Then you can ask, 'Why do I like this? What is it about this wine that I'm liking?' Maybe it's a little bit lighter, or fruitier, or maybe it's got this really interesting herbal flavour. Or maybe it has something that you don't like. The more you pay attention to what you're tasting and what you like, the easier it will be to shop for wine." Should I be swirling the glass? "Yes. While the wine is in the bottle think of it like it's in bed, asleep. Giving it a swirl is like throwing it in the shower and waking it up, so then it can really come to the party and let you know what it's all about. On a technical level, by taking the wine out of the bottle and swirling the glass you're exposing the wine to oxygen, which releases the aroma of the wine. Then you can taste the wine properly." Any final advice? "Wine is a very personal thing. Just because someone says a wine is really good, that doesn't mean you're going to like it. Get a mixed case from Vinomofo and sample a bunch of different wines to find out what you like. Don't be scared to ask for advice — ask someone at a boutique bottle shop, or give us a call and tell us what you like and what you don't and we'll help you out." Visit Vinomofo and delve into a world of wine. Use the code 'CONCRETEPLAYGROUND' at checkout to receive $25 off your first order. Images: Chris Middleton.
Superheroes are taking over Brisbane — and if you're a fan, it's marvellous. Between May 27 and September 3, Marvel: Creating the Cinematic Universe brings caped crusaders, their costumes, props and the artistry that makes them soar — both on the page and on the screen — to the entire ground floor of the Gallery of Modern Art. Featuring more than 500 objects (including more than 60 costumes), the exhibition provides a peek behind the scenes of one of the biggest film franchises ever made. In fact, it's the largest amassing of Marvel movie artefacts of its kind in the world, ever. You could dub it a blockbuster, and you'd be right. Launching the exhibition, QAGOMA director Chris Saines was eager to explain that some of the items on display have Chris Hemsworth's DNA on them; however getting up close to objects touched and worn by Thor — including on the forthcoming Thor: Ragnarok, which was shot on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane last year — is just part of the fun. Casting your eyes over original and concept artwork, exploring the interconnected realm that has been splashed across cinemas for the past decade, and playing with the pre-and post-production techniques behind the movie magic are also on offer. Indeed, Marvel: Creating the Cinematic Universe endeavours to show that popular mainstream entertainment and art can be one and the same, especially given the level of detail that goes into both comic books and their movie adaptations. Walking through areas dedicated to the exhibition's three key themes — 'The Cinematic Assembled', 'Decoding the Universe' and 'Behind the Scenes' — delves into both individual and interconnected narratives, and highlights the creativity involved on a movie as well as an overall cinematic universe level. Along the way, you'll say "I am Groot" to giant humanoid trees, pretend you're a smart-talking racoon, peer into a yet-to-be-seen planet and star in your own Marvel poster too. Discovering the full collection is something best experienced for yourself, and, if you can make it to GOMA before September, here's five things to look out for. THE ASGARDIAN THRONE ROOM The eagerly anticipated Thor: Ragnarok mightn't hit cinemas until October; however Marvel: Creating the Cinematic Universe offers a glimpse of just what's in store (don't worry, there's no plot spoilers). You can't miss the giant, gleaming throne room that takes centre stage in the exhibition, and nor would you want to. Just look at it! Costumes and weaponry from 2013's Thor: The Dark World also feature. HULK'S BED Speaking of Asgard and its famous warrior, he's not alone in his next cinema outing. The giant green mass of muscles that is the Hulk is set to tear things up on screen — and, as you'll see here, take a rest as well. What kind of bed does the Hulk sleep on? This one. Saying that it's huge is an understatement — this photo really doesn't do it justice. Also on display are his weapons, which make Thor's mighty mjolnir seem absolutely tiny in comparison. IRON MAN'S SUITS He's the reason the Marvel Cinematic Universe even exists, and, in typical Tony Stark style, he gets his own room. It was back in 2008 when Iron Man demonstrated that the world wanted more superhero movies, and one of the suits from that pioneering flick lines GOMA's walls — alongside versions from 2010's Iron Man 2 and 2013's Iron Man 3. As you can see, over the years he's had quite a few upgrades. THE FIRST APPEARANCE OF SPIDER-MAN Spider-Man just keeps slinging his way into cinemas, but 57 years ago, he was only starting to crawl his way across paper. With the initial movie in what will be his third film series in the past 15 years due to drop in July, checking out the first piece of artwork to feature his image proves quite a timely experience. It might seem amazing now, but these kinds of things were usually thrown away back in the day — no one knew just what a big deal they'd become. DOCTOR STRANGE'S MIND-BENDING WORLD Every one of the 15 films that comprise the Marvel Cinematic Universe to date is represented in the exhibition — and, thanks to the forthcoming Spider-Man: Homecoming and Thor: Ragnarok, the 16th and 17th flicks too. Doctor Strange mightn't get quite as much space as some of the bigger titles, but the GOMA folks sure know how to make the movie's costumes stand out. With Inception-like visuals playing a bit part in the flick, expect to witness them in person thanks to some mirrored fun. Marvel: Creating the Cinematic Universe is on display at Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art from May 27 to September 3. For more information, visit the exhibition website. Images: Sarah Ward and Marvel: Creating the Cinematic Universe' Gallery of Modern Art, Brisbane, 2017 / © 2017 MARVEL.
Whether you have a vendetta against overpriced wine menus or are simply a grog-snob, there's three lovely letters that can be a night out's saviour: BYO. Brisbane dining can be expensive enough without the addition of $8 stubbies and $9 glasses of house white/vinegar. Being able to BYO gives you the free range to to sip on your own store-bought favourites and chow down without a worry about where the next is glass is coming from (and how much you'll be forking out for it). To save you few bucks, we've exercised our stomachs and livers to find the best BYO spots in Brisbane. Cheers. DEER DUCK BISTRO, AUCHENFLOWER Since opening in late 2011, Deer Duck Bistro has been receiving rave reviews from every which way — it even received the Dan Murphy's award for BYO Restaurant of the Year in 2012. It has proved a much-needed addition to an otherwise low key Auchenflower dining scene, bringing charm and elegance to the shop front that formerly housed Cava Cava Italian restaurant. With the eight-course dinner (from $95 per person) you'll feast on the likes of tuna with pesto, white fungus, edible sand and sea shell, Balinese duck breast, and nitro banana with salted caramel, peanut butter ice cream and coconut biscuit. BYO wine has a $10 corkage charge. THE LITTLE LARDER, NEW FARM If you live by the closet alcoholic's adage, "It must be 5pm somewhere in the world," then you and Little Larder might get on quite well. Possibly the only breakfast joint in Brisbane to offer BYO, this Newstead cafe is happy to bring the brunch so long as you bring the booze. Host your own champagne breakfast over a couple of glasses of sparkling, or kick things off early with a six-pack of beer. The pulled pork burger paired proves love has no time constraints. PUBLIC, CBD Public isn't just the post-5pm, lawyer-type drinking hole the CBD scene can tend to lean towards. In fact, on Tuesdays it's quite the opposite with its one-day BYO deal filling the restaurant with a flock of new faces, wine coolers at foot. Tuesday makes dining at Public quite reasonable, with alcohol suddenly emitted from the bill (minus the $5 corkage). Bookings are essential and to keep things classy it's BYO wine only, but we're sure you can manage that. LITTLE GREEK TAVERNA, WEST END Such a list of BYO joints in Brisbane would be nothing without Little Greek. For years it's been one of the busiest BYO spots in West End — it seems waitstaff are exhausted from the amount of times they've been asked where the nearest bottle-o is (it's just across the road by the way). It's $2.50 per person for BYO beer and wine, and if you're stuck on what to order, their spicy moussaka and spanakopita can do no wrong. THAI WI-RAT, FORTITUDE VALLEY The top strategy of any money-strapped, avid Valley goer is to pre-drink as close to Brunswick Street as possible before a big night out. And those with basic knowledge of open container laws will know affordable, tasty BYO restaurants can prove lifesavers — and Thai Wi Rat is no exception. It's cheap, cheerful convenience is paired with a delicious selection of curries, stir fried dishes with rice, soup noodles and salads. Save a couple of bucks (and your stomach the next morning) and check in here first before a wild night on the town. MORAY CAFE, NEW FARM Not only does New Farm's Moray Cafe sport one of the best brekky menus around, they're also BYO for lunch (for just $5.50 corkage). Nice one. Brother-sister team Dylan and Stefanie have recently been joined in the kitchen by French chef Jeremie. Therefore, you should be eating the way the French intended — with a fork in one hand, and a glass of vin in the other. MINTS VIETNAMESE, PADDINGTON Mints Vietnamese in Rosalie kicks goals from every angle. It's cheap, it's fresh, it's super yum and it's BYO. It's usually packed on the weekend, as is the rest of the Rosalie foodie strip. But if you've got a weeknight free and hankering for some bun and beers, Mints can certainly deliver. HUONG'S, WEST END Since 1977, Huongs has been one of the top South Brisbane go-to Asian restaurants — ask any local. Its large upstairs dining room feeds anything from 40 plus parties to first date couples. Huongs is a great place to eat and drink before a night out in West End, and on weekends it can get a little rowdy with drinkers doing just that. It's centrally located, with delicious nosh and staff who are honestly very tolerant of those who think that downing a six pack has no effect on their dining etiquette.
One of the most buzzed about titles of this year’s Cannes Film Festival has just dropped its first official trailer. Adapted from Shakespeare’s seminal play, with Michael Fassbender in the title role and Marion Cotillard as his ambitious wife, Macbeth has been described in early reviews as “towering,” “haunting” and “intensely compelling.” If this first glimpse of footage is anything to go by, the critics appear to be right on the money. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgH_OnrYlCk Turns out when you take two of the greatest actors in the world and give them one of the best scripts ever written, the results tend to look pretty impressive. Getting a definite Game of Thrones vibe from this one, although to be fair, when it comes to sword and sorcery scheming, William S. pipped George R. R. Martin by a margin of about 400 years. Still, what’s perhaps most impressive about this trailer are the visuals. Australian director (represent!) Justin Kurzel has made just one feature film prior to this — in the form of 2011’s highly disturbing true crime thriller Snowtown — but his work here looks extraordinarily polished. Directors that have previously tackled the Scottish play include Roman Polanski and Orson Welles. Talk about big shoes to fill. Macbeth is yet to receive an Australian release date, but should hopefully be in cinemas by the end of the year.
We thought Pikachu-themed pop-ups were the pop culture pinnacle for Japan. But once again, the country's beating us all at the cool, novelty shit game. This one truly levels things up, with a new pop-up inspired by Super Mario Bros.. To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the immortal video game, Tokyo is getting an adorable Mario-themed pop-up restaurant. Running June 22 to July 5 and run by Tower Records, the pop-up will serve up a menu inspired by our plumbing video game hero and his crew (yep, even that dastardly Bowser). Punters can chow down on Peach Panna Cotta, a Piranha Plant Soda, Bowser Castle Drink or Ground Stage Waffle, all of which are guaranteed to double your size and allow you to jump on Goomba heads like a boss. But no giant mushrooms to eat? Come on guys. Anyway, let's peruse the menu shall we? First, pick up your Super Star Omelette (and run madly around the pop-up for ten seconds): Slam a cap with Mario latte art: Give it back to the Koopa Troopas with whatever comes out of this Question Block Tiramisu: You could battle it out with Bowser Taco Rice: And finish things up by rescuing the Peach Panna Cotta from going uneaten. The Mario-themed pop-up restaurant runs June 22 to July 5 in Tokyo. Via Grub Street and Rocket News24. Images: Tower Records.
How much is too much to pay for a movie, particularly when you're watching it on your own couch? Film lovers have been asking this question since the days of VHS rentals; however the streaming revolution keeps bringing it up again and again. If you've spent the last year trying to work out whether forking out for Netflix, Stan or Presto is worth it, here's another service — and expense — to consider. No, we're not talking about the much-discussed Screening Room, which wants to charge a premium to stream first-release films at the same time as they're in cinemas. Instead, Sony's finally getting in the game, with a brand new service that's causing us to ponder our bank balances. Called Ultra, due to land in the US on April 4 on Android-compatible Sony 4K TV sets (yep, already niche), and kicking off with 40–50 titles such as The Walk, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Ghostbusters, the streaming platform will enable viewers to watch 4K-quality films in their own homes (something Netflix is already doing). But — and this is a very big but — it'll cost $30 per movie. Yes, if and when it comes to Australia (with details of local availability unknown at the time of writing), you'll need to lay down three tenners for every single flick — or the same amount it'd cost two people to see a film on the big screen. That's not much of an incentive to sign up, particularly given that cheap Tuesday tickets continue to excite cinema-goers in droves. On the other hand, $30 is the same price you'd pay for a new release DVD, and you do get to keep a copy on Sony's UltraViolet cloud storage solution. So, the real point of contention is: do you really want to pay extra for better streaming quality? As always, waiting and seeing is the only real answer, though we're not optimistic that anyone will rush to Ultra given the price. 4K content is already available on Netflix for $14.99 per month, after all — and even if you've lost your sneaky access to the US version of the service, their local range is still much larger than Sony's planned catalogue. Via The Next Web.
No doubt you're pretty busy keeping up with Australia's gangbusters craft beer scene. Whether your go-to is Four Pines, Young Henrys or James Squire, our local brewers are always on-the-go with cracking new ideas — from beer that tastes like Anzac biscuits to a porter that lives up to any chocolate dessert you can throw at it to a drop that doubles-up as breakfast, made from banana bread and coffee beans. As it turns out, our international beer-worshipping brothers and sisters are far from dragging the chain. Here are ten of the best craft brews you'll find outside of Australia right now. FUBAR BY TINY REBEL (WALES) Introducing the 2014 Champion Beer of Wales. This unique brew, first released in February 2012, arrives on your tongue with a floral, hoppy blast and leaves with a satisfying, spicy aftertaste. FUBAR is the flagship for Tiny Rebel, a craft beer company started in 2008 in a Welsh garage, where founders Brad and Gazz would home brew for fun on the weekends. Last year, the duo opened Cardiff's first craft beer dedicated bar and, in August, followed up FUBAR's triumph when their red ale, Cwtch, was named 2015 Champion Beer of Britain. PELICAN NOIR BY PELICAN BREWING CO. (US) Pelican Noir's cinnamon-chocolate flavours and caramel-raisin aromas inspired a Gold Medal win in the Belgian-Style Dark Strong Ale category at the 2015 North American Beer Awards. Three sources of hops go into its creation: Aramis, Goldings and Nugget, as does a trio of malts, giving it a delicious, well-rounded taste. Pelican Noir is made by Oregon's Pelican Brewing Company, which has won literally hundreds of national and international awards in its 14-year lifespan. BOURBON COUNTY BRAND STOUT BY GOOSE ISLAND BEER COMPANY (US) Bourbon County Brand Stout offers one of the densest, darkest, foamiest stout experiences on the planet. And you know it from the moment the bottle opens, releasing a heady mix of charred oak, chocolate, vanilla, caramel and smoky goodness. It's made by Chicago's Goose Island Beer Company, which a man by the name of John Hall started 25 years ago after a brew-focused journey through Europe. “America deserves some damn fine beer like this, too,” he thought to himself, and set about making it happen. Bourbon Country Brand Stout won gold at both the 2006 World Beer Cup Awards and the 1995 Great American Beer Festival. BEER GEEK BREAKFAST BY MIKKELLER (DENMARK) This beer single-handedly gave Mikkeller legendary status. Back in 2006, maths teacher-turned-brewer Mikkel Borg Bjergso came up with the ingenious idea of adding French press coffee to oatmeal stout. And Beer Geek Breakfast was born, shooting straight to first position on global beer popularity platform ratebeer.com. Since then, Mikkeller has used the recipe as a base for all manner of craft beer wonders, like Beer Geek Breakfast Brunch Big Blend and Beer Geek Vanilla Shake. THE VANDAL IPA BY PANHEAD (NEW ZEALAND) According to the Society of Beer Advocates, this was the best beer made in New Zealand in 2014. It's a potent 8% Indian Pale Ale (IPA) made with a serious dose of hops from Kohatu, Riwaka and Nelson Sauvin that tastes like tropical fruit. The Vandal is made at Panhead Custom Ales, a brewery housed in a former tyre factory in Upper Hutt, Wellington, established in 2013 when brewer Mike Neilson quit his full-time job at Tuatara Brewery to go solo. AMA BIONDA BY AMARCORD (ITALY) Italy might be traditionally known for wine, but microbreweries are on the up. One of the best is Amarcord, located in the medieval village of Apecchio, which is close to both the Adriatic Coast and the Appennini Mountains. Amarcord's AMA Bionda is a Belgian pale ale, made with Sicilian orange blossom honey, spring water and three types of hops. It's complex, floral and fruity. HOMMAGE BY DRIE FONTEINEN (BELGIUM) Made of 30% raspberries and 5% cherries, this sour beer is dark red in colour, big on flavour and heavily carbonated. It's definitely not for drinkers looking for something light. Drie Fonteinen, a brewery in Beersel, near Brussels, has made just two batches — the first in 2007 and the second in 2013 — and released only 5,000 bottles globally. So the only catch is that it's not easy to get your hands on. Image: 3 Fonteinen Hommage 2007 via photopin (license). YUZU WHITE ALE BY MINOH (JAPAN) Most wheat beers (like Hoegaarden, for example) are brewed with orange peel. But a couple of years ago, Minoh, a family-owned and operated microbrewery in Japan's Osaka prefecture, came up with a twist, instead using a local citrus fruit named yuzu and adding a dash of coriander. Their experimentation paid off — in 2012, Yuzu White Ale won gold in the fruit wheat beer category at the World Beer Cup. DOREE BY BOREALE (CANADA) This smooth, easy-to-drink beer is made with tasty Quebec honey and a decent dose of malt. In 2012, Doree topped the specialty honey beer section at the World Beer Cup and won silver in the special honey category at the Canadian Brewing Awards. Its home is Les Brasseurs du Nord, a microbrewery in the Lower Laurentians, where the brewing ethos is all about keeping things natural. OLD FREDDY WALKER BY MOOR BEER CO. (ENGLAND) This old ale has won no fewer than 20 prizes, a run that began back in 2004 when it took out CAMRA supreme champion winter beer of Britain. It's so rich and dense that you can drink it like a vintage wine. It is made at the Moor Beer Company in Bristol by an ex-soldier who hails from California.
It's the yearly exhibition that leaves us with jaws on the floor; the 59th annual World Press Photo exhibition is coming to Australia for another year. Beating 97,912 submissions by 5692 photographers from 131 countries, Denmark's Mads Nissen took out the top spot for 2014 Photo of the Year for his intimate, poignant portrait of Jon and Alex, a gay couple in conservative St Petersburg, Russia. After almost six decades of beautiful and devastating photojournalism, the WPP contest continues to be one of the world's most important platforms for art, journalism and humanising the headlines. The World Press Photo exhibition can be seen at Sydney’s State Library of NSW, May 23 - June 21; WA Museum in Perth, July 4 - 26; and Brisbane Powerhouse, August 8 - 30. Before the exhibition makes its way to Australia, take a look through some of the landmark images that caught the eye of the WPP judges; from an orphaned rhino in Kenya to Lionel Messi at Brazil's World Cup, Istanbul's anti-government protests to a young Kamilaroi girl in Moree, New South Wales. With many of the photographs documenting the more saddening news headlines, they're often not easy images to look at, but it's the work of these photojournalists that wakes up an otherwise ignorant world. Jon and Alex (St Petersburg, Russia) — Mads Nissen 2014 Photo of the Year and First Prize Contemporary Issues, Singles "Jon and Alex, a gay couple, share an intimate moment at Alex’s home, a small apartment in St Petersburg, Russia. Life for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people is becoming increasingly difficult in Russia. Sexual minorities face legal and social discrimination, harassment, and even violent hate-crime attacks from conservative religious and nationalistic groups." Istanbul Protest (Istanbul, Turkey) — Bülent Kiliç First Prize Spot News, Singles "A young girl was wounded during clashes between riot police and protestors after the funeral of Berkin Elvan, a 15-year-old boy who died from injuries suffered during anti-government protests. Riot police fired tear gas and water cannons at protestors in the capital Ankara, while in Istanbul, crowds shouting anti-government slogans lit a huge fire as they made their way to a cemetery for the boy’s burial." Laurinda (Moree, New South Wales, Australia) — Raphaela Rosella First Prize Portraits, Singles "Laurinda, a young Kamilaroi girl, plays with her dress as she waits for the bus that will take her to Sunday school. Many disadvantaged communities in Australia face entrenched poverty, racism, trans-generational trauma, violence, addiction, and a range of other barriers to health and wellbeing." Monkey Training for a Circus (Suzhou, Anhui Province, China) — Yongzhi Chu First Prize Nature, Singles "A rhesus macaque cowers as its trainer approaches, while training for a circus act, in Suzhou, eastern China. Performing animals in circuses and zoos are enormously popular in China. After years of pressure from animal-welfare groups, the Chinese government has banned animal circuses, and implemented regulations to stop abuse at state-owned zoos, but many trainers say they have not heard of the ban, nor have any intention of stopping. Authorities in Suzhou, which with its 300 troupes is known as the hometown of circus in China, have announced plans for developing alternative circus entertainment, without performing animals." The Final Game (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) — Bao Tailiang First Prize Sports, Singles "Argentina player Lionel Messi faces the World Cup trophy during the final ceremony at Maracana Stadium. His team lost to Germany 1-0, after a goal by Mario Götze in extra time." Mindsuckers (Santa Barbara, California, USA) — Anand Varma First Prize Nature, Stories "When a male sheep crab (Loxorhynchus grandis) is infected by Heterosaccus californicus, a parasitic barnacle, it stops developing fighting claws, and its abdomen widens, providing a womb for the barnacle to fill with its brood pouch. Nurtured by the crab, the eggs hatch. Thousands of baby barnacles disperse to infect anew. Many parasites not only feed off their hosts, but appear to manipulate the host’s behavior in a way that is advantageous to the parasite’s life cycle." The Beckham Catch (East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA) — Al Bello Second Prize Sports, Singles "Odell Beckham (#13) of the New York Giants makes a one-handed touchdown catch in the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium." Blue Sky Days (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA) — Tomas van Houtryve Third Prize Contemporary Issues, Stories "People exercising in central Philadelphia. Drone operators may consider such ‘signature behaviors’ as evidence of the existence of a training camp. Since 2002, the United States has used unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs, or drones) to collect intelligence and carry out airstrikes in Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia. The aircraft are guided via satellite by distant operators. The attacks have resulted in a large number of fatalities, including hundreds of civilians. The photographer bought a small drone, fitted it with a camera, and flew it in the US over the sorts of gatherings that have become habitual targets for airstrikes abroad—weddings, funerals, groups of people praying or exercising. He also used it to photograph settings in which drones are used to less lethal effect, such as oil fields, prisons, and the US-Mexico border." Orphaned Rhino (Kenya) — Ami Vitale Second Prize Nature, Singles "A group of young Samburu warriors touch a black rhino for the first time in their lives, at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, in northern Kenya. Black rhinos are almost extinct in Kenya. This young calf had been orphaned when poachers killed its mother, and was hand-raised at Lewa. Most people in Kenya never get the opportunity to see the wildlife living around them, especially at such close quarters. Attention is often given to the effect of poaching on wildlife, but there is little focus on indigenous communities, who are on the frontline in the clash between poachers and armed game wardens. Birthday Chocolate (Baroncea, Moldova) — Åsa Sjöström Second Prize Daily Life, Singles "Igor whispers into his friend Renat’s ear, at school in northern Moldova. It is Igor’s birthday, and his grandmother has given him chocolate to hand out to his classmates. Moldova is Europe’s poorest country. In the past ten years, one third of the working population has gone abroad in search of better-paying jobs. Children often find themselves looked after by elderly relatives, or left in orphanage boarding schools. Igor has a twin brother. They do not know their father and their mother died soon after leaving to work in Russia, when they were two years old." Cadets (Koninklijke Militaire Academie (Royal Military Academy, Breda, the Netherlands) — Paolo Verzone Third Prize Portraits, Stories "Portraits of cadets in some of Europe’s most prestigious military academies." Rescue Operation (Mediterranean Sea, Italy) — Massimo Sestini Second Prize General News, Single "Refugees crowd on board a boat some 25 kilometers from the Libyan coast, prior to being rescued by an Italian naval frigate working as part of Operation Mare Nostrum (OMN). The search-and-rescue operation was put in place by the Italian government, in response to the drowning of hundreds of migrants off the island of Lampedusa at the end of 2013. The numbers of people risking their lives to cross the Mediterranean Sea rose sharply in 2014, as a result of conflicts or persecution in Syria, the Horn of Africa, and other sub-Saharan countries. OMN involved the Italian Red Cross, Save the Children, and other NGOs in an effort not only to rescue lives, but to provide medical help, counseling, and cultural support. Naval officers were also empowered to arrest human traffickers and seize their ships. In its one year of operation, OMN brought 330 smugglers to justice, and saved more than 150,000 people, at least a quarter of which were refugees from Syria. The operation was disbanded in October, and replaced by Triton, an operation conducted by the EU border agency Frontex, focusing more on surveillance than rescue." The Bull Market (Niuniuba, Sichuan, China) — Cai Sheng Xiang First Prize Daily Life, Singles "Yi villagers hold a cattle market in a forest outside the town of Niuniuba, near Liangshan, in Sichuan. The Yi ethnic minority live largely by agriculture, livestock herding and hunting. There are around 7.5 million Yi in China, concentrated principally in Sichuan and Yunnan provinces." The 59th annual World Press Photo exhibition can be seen at Sydney's State Library of NSW, May 23 - June 21; Perth's WA Museum, July 4 - 26; and Brisbane Powerhouse, August 8 - 30. Check out all the 2015 winners and runners up here.
You might be familiar with Lululemon from that one time you were convinced to give bikram yoga a go, and its logo on that super fit girl’s yoga pants was in your line of sight while you were swearing this would be the last time you touched a yoga mat, and then you went straight home and had a drink. Next time that happens, take comfort in the fact that your beverage can be Lululemon too. Step out of downward dog for this one: news has dropped that the yoga giant is brewing its own craft beer. In addition to their frequent, high-profile publicity gaffes (like the time its CEO said making yoga pants for plus-sized people was too expensive), Lululemon is well-known for the cult-like devotion of its inner circles and weird in-lingo. (They also do a bunch of wacky brand promotions, which is why this new ‘Lulu goes to the brewery!’ thing might not seem so bizarre to the initiated.) Called Curiosity Lager, the beer is a “crisp, bold session lager” (4.6% ABV), featuring lemon drop hops and chinook hops — but you’ll have to plan a trip to Canada to get a taste. It’s the official beer of SeaWheeze, a half marathon and yoga festival produced by Lulu that happens in Vancouver in August, and just 80,000 cans will be sold in liquor stores around the city. But the question still stands. Why? Speculation is that it’s a move intended to draw in a larger male crowd. But who knows if that will work, as Lululemon doesn’t believe in market research. They’re very future driven, you see, and apparently interviews and focus groups draw too much on the past. Which leaves us wondering, how did they come up with this one? You can almost see the thought process. "Big Manly Men not buy Lulu. Manly men want beer. How get them?" … "Lulu beer!" Good. Via Yogadork.
It's been 14 years since Derek Zoolander turned left and saved the Malaysian prime minister. But the ridiculously good looking male model made his comeback on Tuesday at Paris Fashion Week, taking a powerful stroll down the catwalk at the end of the Valentino AW15 show —thus dramatically announcing the long-awaited Zoolander sequel for February 2016. Bringin' that Blue Steel to the Fashion Week stage, Ben Stiller reconnected with his old pal Owen Wilson to send Zoolander and still-hot-right-now Hansel down the catwalk to the Human League's 'Don't You Want Me'. Hansel even dropped his cape. Hansel. So hot right now. Hansel. DOES THIS VALENTINO FINALE MEAN ZOOLANDER 2 IS COMING!?!?!?!?!?!? A video posted by Man Repeller (@manrepeller) on Mar 10, 2015 at 7:05am PDT But why male models? Paramount Pictures confirmed the publicity stunt on Twitter, announcing the release date for Zoolander 2 as February 12, 2016 — that goes for Australia too. Time to throw back an Orange Mocha Frappucino and enjoy this little blast from the past in the meantime. Via TIME.
West End and watering holes go hand-in-hand. Pubs, bars, cafes that serve booze — throw a stone in the inner west suburb and you'll hit one. But there's always room for more, with The Montague Hotel adding its own blend of brews and food to the mix come the end of April. Setting up shop on the road that shares its name, The Montague Hotel — or the Monty, as the pub has nicknamed itself — will boast plenty on both the drinks and the dining front. Enough to encourage both West End residents and those who find themselves in the vicinity to drop by more than once. Indeed, that's their aim — in a place filled with spots to have a sneaky sip or two, the 80-seat restaurant and 400-capacity premises wants to become the suburb's new go-to drinking spot. Showcasing local creatives, as seen in the venue's wall mural by street artist Stewart Shuker, is also on the cards. Beverage-wise, copper beer tanks above the bar will pump out CUB brews, while the Montague will also pour craft tipples from the likes of Newstead Brewing, Green Beacon and Fortitude Brewing, helping to tempt thirsty patrons. In total, more than 17 beers will be available on tap, alongside a wine list spanning over 19 vineyards and suppliers, as well as eight straight-pour gins, eight classic cocktails, six house signatures, six martinis and six share jugs. With ex-Bavarian Beer Cafe, London Fields and The Charming Squire chef Enda Gaffey in the kitchen — and with a charcoal rotisserie on the premises, too — the food menu falls on the substantial side to help soak up all of those drinks. Think haloumi fries, fish tacos and crispy buffalo wings to snack on, alongside an 11-strong selection of burgers (ranging from Swiss beef to crab), and a choice of chicken, lamb or pork from the rotisserie. There'll also be the usual pub faves of schnitzels, pizzas and steaks, and dessert will feature 'espresso martini' ice cream sundaes. The Montague will be open for lunch too, which could prove a nice time to try their 'superfood' menu with items like mushroom burgers and 'detox' salads, though those healthier options will be available all day. Find The Montague Hotel at 363 Montague Road, West End from the end of April. Keep an eye on their website and Facebook page for further details.
With a steady string of new live venues opening across the east coast lately, seeing doors opening – rather than closing – has happily become the status quo. Alas, every now and then some bad news reminds us of the opposite extreme that we’d much rather forget. And when it comes to bad news, this could be right up there. The Music is reporting that the company behind The Hi-Fi has been placed into external administration over a dispute with a major creditor. Unable to resolve their differences with The Hi-Fi Group, the creditor has taken over running the business while a new buyer is sought. All three Australian venues have been affected, meaning Brisbane’s West End mainstay, Melbourne’s Swanston Street spot and Sydney’s recently revamped former Forum Theatre location as well. It was due to almost two decades of success in Melbourne that the company branched out into Brisbane in 2009, with Sydney following in 2012. All signs point to the venue remaining open and running — for now. "It's business as usual, see you at the gig," said a post on the venue's Facebook page. Shows are slated from now until June – including The Smith Street Band, Sticky Fingers, Seth Sentry, DJ Shadow & Cut Chemist, and the only just announced debut album tour by Courtney Barnett, depending on the city, so current ticket holders should be taken care of. As for what happens after then: watch this space. Via The Music.
Hey there, lonely freelancers working in cafes, on couches and in front of Netflix worldwide. Want some company? We've got a big ol' warm fuzzy home for you. Well, someone else’s home to be specific. Meet Hoffice, the social site dedicated to connecting you with people who've turned their houses into fun, creative workspaces. Whether you've only just quit your nine-to-fiver or you've been cruising solo for quite some time, chances are you're familiar with the challenges that come with the crazy world of freelancing. On one hand, taking charge of your career gives you loads of freedom — you can work in your pyjamas, clock on and off when you want to, and enjoy strictly virtual relationships with your bosses/clients. On the other hand, it's not all strawberries and cream. Unless you became a freelancer mainly because you hated group work at school (and you’re a misanthrope), you might feel a little lonely every now and again. You're productive, sure. But you probably look as relaxed as this: That's where Hoffice steps in. If you’re a freelancer, simply register and start searching your area for a host, who’s set up their home as a place for you to treat as your office. As far as we can see, this new service only has limited Australian/NZ options but we're sure there'll be a few as Hoffice picks up. While some hosts have an open policy, inviting everyone in, others just accept newbies every now and again. If you’d like to offer up your home, find out how right here. On top of mediating between space owners and freelancers, Hoffice also suggests a schedule. Designed to help you get the most out of your workday, it includes time for meeting and greeting, taking breaks, eating and partying. Of course, you don’t have to stick to it if you'd rather not — or you're between projects. Right now, Hoffice is operating in Europe, the States, Brazil, India, China, Japan, Singapore, New Zealand and Australia (Melbourne). No network in your area? Start one yourself. Via PSFK.
She became the Queen of France at the age of 18, is famously associated with the phrase "let them eat cake", and got the biopic treatment courtesy of Sofia Coppola and Kirsten Dunst. Now, Marie Antoinette has her own bar. Not bad for someone who lost her head, literally, back in 1793. No, you won't need to travel back in time to check out the long-deceased monarch's new digs — but you will need to head to New York. Brooklyn restaurant Chez Moi has converted the basement space beneath their French eatery into a decadent lounge bar fit for royalty, using Antoinette's own bedroom in the Palace of Versailles as inspiration. Adorned with all things velvet and vintage as far as the eye can see, Le Boudoir endeavours to recreate Antoinette's inner sanctum, complete with reproductions of 18th century oil paintings, sconces sourced from actual French castles, an exact replica of her private powder room and an original monogrammed doorknob from Versailles. Plus, patrons enter through a secret passageway hidden behind a bookshelf — just like the Queen's had in her personal library. It's a very lavish, rouge-laden, late-night version of the royal boudoir. Here's Sofia Coppola's pastel-happy interpretation: And here's Brooklyn's: The theming doesn’t stop there, courtesy of snacks ranging from French fries to crispy frog's legs to truffle mushroom croquettes, and a drinks list boasting plenty of wine from the Austrian-born Antoinette's adopted country. Alas, cake isn't on offer — but cocktails served in silver-plated and crystal goblets are. With concoctions such as the 1793 (with toasted sunflower seed-infused rye and oloroso sherry) and the Guillotine (mescal, blended scotch, banana liqueur and honey), you'll want to have a tipple and drink it too, of course. Book that airfare and this'll be you: Via Travel and Leisure. Images: Nicole Franzen, Le Boudoir.
Because you're reading this, we know you're not someone who received a pet for Christmas, only to decide it wasn't for you. We know you're one of the good folks. You're probably wishing that you did receive a loveable animal as a gift, even if you already have one — or several — that you adore. We understand your yearning, and so does the RSPCA. And, to find permanent homes for pups, cats, bunnies, guinea pigs and ponies surrendered into its care from all over the state, it's lowering the adoption fee to $29 this weekend. The weekend-long initiative is called Clear the Shelters and will run from Friday, February 23 until Sunday, February 25. Although you can't put a price on the happiness a new four-legged friend will bring, it's hoped that the low adoption fee will encourage people who have been thinking about adding a pet to their fam (and have considered it thoroughly) to make the commitment this week. Last year, the RSPCA found new homes for 793 pets in NSW through the campaign. This year, Clear the Shelters will run across Australia in all states except WA and Tasmania. The adoption fees — which usually range from $20–600 — help cover some of the costs of vaccines, training and microchipping for the animals. Whether you're in NSW, Victoria or Queensland, there are hundreds of animals that need a new home full of love and pats. There's more to pet adoption than overdosing on cuteness, of course, with making the commitment to care for an animal is serious business. For further information, read RSPCA's FAQs and head to a shelter this weekend.
Five generations back, the Hamilton family planted some of the first vineyards in South Australia. It was 1837, a mere year after the arrival of European settlers in the state, and to this day they continue to produce top-quality, award-winning wine under the name Hugh Hamilton Wines. Mary Hamilton, Hugh Hamilton’s daughter, has been the CEO for the last seven years and explains that her father has always been considered the black sheep of the Hamilton flock. “He was a very spirited young boy and got up to a fair bit of mischief," she says. "He was never going to be corralled into anything and has always remained an elusive character.” Hugh’s lively sense of humour and his ability to march to the beat of his own drum has never wavered, so it makes sense then that the wines have names such as The Scallywag Chardonnay and The Scoundrel Tempranillo. Quality, flavoursome wine is the number one priority for Hugh Hamilton Wines and they have ensured this by sourcing grapes from their three vineyards. McLaren Vale hosts perfect conditions for ripening grapes and viticulture, as it’s located between the Adelaide Hills and the coast. “Most people are not aware of this, but McLaren Vale has the most diverse geology of any wine region in the world,” explains Hamilton. Each of the three vineyards have very different soil types which greatly influence the flavour of the grapes, from the black clay at their cellar door vineyard, producing darker-style shiraz (think bitter dark chocolate and black olives) to their next vineyard 500 meters down the road that produces more red-fruit flavours due to a different soil type and climate. Hamilton refers to this as their "big comfortable red velvet chair" with a generous and juicy yield. As part of the FreeWines app, Hugh Hamilton Wines have contributed two of their expert drops; 'The Trickster' Pinot Grigio and 'The Rascal' Shiraz. The Trickster is made from grapes sourced from the Adelaide Hills and came about due to Hugh’s love of freshly shucked oysters and his desire to create a wine that would pair with it perfectly. Described as “racy, upbeat and brisk,” Hamilton would recommend pairing this wine with seafood dishes such as salt and pepper squid, prawns and, of course, fresh oysters. The Rascal, described as “the quintessential McLaren Vale Shiraz, with lots of fruit ripeness but also elegance,” goes beautifully with a scotch fillet or beef casserole. When it comes to selecting a wine for herself, Mary is often influenced by her mood first, rather than having a constant go-to drop. At the moment Hamilton is particularly taken with the medium-bodied 'The Mongrel' Sangiovese, “It’s got lots of lovely, juicy cherry-flavoured fruit, and it tends to be a great partner with the food I cook, which is often Mediterranean or Middle Eastern.”
Australia has been responsible for many important inventions. The black box flight recorder. The ultrasound machine. Even the electric drill. Yet one Aussie contraption towers above the rest. We’re talking, of course, about the goon bag. A simple silver sack in a durable cardboard exoskeleton, for decades this unsung alcohol container been a symbol of our fair country’s greatest attributes: innovation, inclusiveness and fiscal responsibility, as well as our overwhelming desire to get pissed as quickly as humanly possible. In celebration of this national icon, The Lord Gladstone Hotel in Chippendale, Sydney is hosting its very own goon bag festival. Boxfest: A Festival of the Goon Bag kicks off at 2pm on Sunday, July 5, and will feature top vintages from such box wine all-stars as Yalumba, Stanley and Berri Estates. There will also be food available throughout the day, including a killer selection of cheese and cabanossi plates. Classic. This being a classy affair, you’ll obviously want to pair your food and drink appropriately. For brie we recommend a nice chardonnay, while sauvignon blanc goes best with a gruyere. And of course we don't have to tell you that, to guarantee that traditional heady sensation, the goon should be consumed straight from the bag. Music will be handled by Money for Nothing DJs, who’ll make sure that you’ve got something fun to stumble around the dance floor to as the afternoon wears on. And before you assume that this whole event is just one big excuse to get sloshed, we should point out that money raised from tasting tokens throughout the day will be donated to charity. So basically the more goon you inhale, the better you are as a person. If that’s not a philosophy to live your life by, then we don’t know what is. Boxfest: A Festival of the Goon Bag kicks off at 2pm on Sunday, July 5 at the Lord Gladstone Hotel, 115 Regent Street, Chippendale. Via The Brag. Image: 8 Tracks.
New South Wales' Three Blue Ducks is crossing state borders and laying down roots along the Brisbane River. The eatery has just been announced as the signature restaurant at the soon-to-launch W Brisbane this April. Set in the luxury hotel, the design will hone in on Queensland's laidback vibe and complement the brand's paddock-to-plate ethos by featuring earthy tones, hanging greenery and the use of raw materials. The restaurant is part of the lush new Brisbane Quarter development, which is slated to include an office tower, apartments and two levels of retail. Famed chefs Darren Robertson, Andy Allen and Mark LaBrooy will be serving up their signature menu of sustainably and ethically sourced eats all day, with the seasonal menu featuring local produce from both Queensland and northern New South Wales. The kitchen features a woodfired oven, a rotisserie and charcoal pit, along with a cold seafood section with Moreton Bay bugs, spanner crab and oysters on offer. Many of the venue's much loved dishes will also make an appearance, including the coal-roasted lamb with parsnip puree, burnt shallots and fresh peas; the crab scramble with green mango, bean shoot salad, house-made Sriracha and cashews; and the corn fritters with guacamole, fermented cabbage, herb salad, labneh and poached eggs. For drinks, they're slinging original cocktails, local craft beers and top-notch coffees, just like they do down south. "When approached by W Hotel to embark on a Three Blue Ducks venture in Brisbane, it was important to us to ensure that we shared the same values and sustainable business practices," says the brand's co-owner, Jeff Bennett. "Although our current venues greatly differ in aesthetic, our philosophy and ethos remain very much the same and we can't wait to work alongside W Brisbane with views over the Brisbane River." W Brisbane is set to open at 81 North Quay, Brisbane on March 15, with Three Blue Ducks opening in April. For more info on the hotel, visit the website.
Whether you're heading to the cinema with friends or curling up on the couch with your significant other, a night watching movies remains a fantastic source of entertainment, enjoyment and escapism. Sitting in the dark, switching your mind away from your regular worries and slipping into another world — if you're catching the right flick, few things can top it. Cinema-wise, 2019 has thrown up plenty of films that tick all of the above boxes — and now we're just past the halfway mark, it's time to look back. Maybe you missed one of this year's hits when it was in theatres. Perhaps it's still showing and you haven't made it yet. Or, there could be a few gems that just slipped your attention. Of course, there's always the ace movies you saw, loved and want to see again. Whichever category fits, here's 12 films from 2019 that you you need to catch up on. Head to the cinema and grab a choc top or organise your streaming queue and cook up some popcorn, as we've sorted out your viewing for the near future. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZoxKy3d7Wno EIGHTH GRADE What our critic said: As effective as every narrative beat, probing shot and well-deployed blast of Enya (yes, Enya) proves, writer/director Bo Burnham's savviest move is also his most straightforward. Actually casting a teenager in a movie about a teenager is much more rare than it should be, and Eighth Grade wouldn't be the success it is without Golden Globe nominee Fisher as its star. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XhsuT0xctI FREE SOLO What our critic said: As well as chronicling an awe-inspiring story, every frame of Free Solo offers a palpable, visceral reminder of life's enormous risks and immense rewards — and to the filmmakers' credit, you're all but certain to feel the impact in your constantly sweaty palms. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8qbq6Z6HYk IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK What our critic said: Black lives devastated by discrimination, young lovers braving seemingly insurmountable obstacles: both tales have played out across countless pages and screens before, although not as they do so here. There's a bewitching alchemy to the combination of James Baldwin's words and Barry Jenkins' direction — never shying away from the despairing truth of the situation, but never wallowing in inescapable bleakness either. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMCYE9hKP68 VOX LUX What our critic said: In Vox Lux, the difficulties and complexities of success slash savagely and hack furiously, with Brady Corbet writing and directing a blunt yet brilliant onslaught of a movie. As he did in The Childhood of a Leader, the actor-turned-filmmaker relentlessly charts the ascension of an influential fictional figure who owes their rise to struggle and trauma. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcKinfILGDk DESTROYER What our critic said: Conflicted cop Erin Bell could walk alongside any of noir's dogged investigators and hold her own. Stepping into the character's shoes, Nicole Kidman could do the same among any of the genre's best stars. Destroyer lives and breathes through its complicated protagonist and phenomenal lead performance, with each putting on a stunning show. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bavqDA_3vIo US What our critic said: Us is a creeper in multiple senses of the word. It's disquieting from the outset (even more so when it spends its opening credits staring at caged rabbits), but Jordan Peele knows how to let that unease fester and grow. While the 'master of suspense' label was bestowed decades ago, the comedian-turned-filmmaker is just as devastating at cultivating distress as Hitchcock or any other iconic horror or thriller director. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eI9UYcEwUYA BURNING What our critic said: A ruminative mystery, a fine-tuned character study and an intricately observed examination of human relationships all at once, one of the joys of Burning is its wholesale aversion to simplicity. Here, as in reality, nothing is straightforward. Indeed, Lee Chang-dong takes life's enigmas and puzzles, thrusts them into view and forces the audience to ponder along with him. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hA6hldpSTF8 AVENGERS: ENDGAME What our critic said: There's very little that's simple about this picture, marking as it does the extraordinary culmination of several dozen intricate and intertwined story arcs that extend all the way back to 2008... Where Infinity War was all bombast, Endgame offers reserve. Where Infinity War wrought intergalactic devastation and destruction, Endgame delivers intimacy and an examination of grief, loss and very private regret. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQ5X75F1YJw LONG SHOT What our critic said: After a five-year stretch that's included Mad Max: Fury Road, Atomic Blonde and Tully, Long Shot is the latest example of its star's chameleonic talents — a political rom-com that's as irreverent (and often inappropriate) as you'd expect of a flick that also features Seth Rogen, and genuinely heartfelt and hilarious as well. Charlize Theron, romantic-comedy standout? You'd better believe it. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BULB0aX4lA JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 3 — PARABELLUM What our critic said: Cinematic beauty comes in many forms, and the John Wick franchise perfects one of them. The term 'balletic' couldn't better describe the series' hypnotic action sequences, with its array of frenetic fights and carnage-dripping set pieces all meticulously choreographed like complex dance routines. In fact, when ballerinas actually pirouette across the screen in John Wick: Chapter 3 — Parabellum, they seem bland in comparison. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZeIHrx7Oyc HIGH LIFE What our critic said: While shooting into the stratosphere to ponder what it all means has become a genre of its own, High Life proudly stands in its own space boots. Perhaps that's why both the film and Robert Pattinson seem like such a perfect fit, and why the final product both soars high and burrows deep: you won't catch either meekly treading where everyone else has before. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_0KJAzyUJc PARASITE What our critic said: Parasite proves exceptional in every single frame and detail that it flicks onto the screen... Internationally renowned and beloved as the auteur behind The Host, Snowpiercer and Okja, Bong Joon-ho has crafted a bleak, twisty blend of black tragi-comedy, pulsating thrills and socially relevant horror — a movie that's such a phenomenal example of all that cinema can and should be that you'll want to high-five the filmmaker after watching it. Read our full review.
