The team at Doughnut Time have been absolutely killing it. In the year since cutting the ribbon on their first permanent store in Brisbane, the hand-dipped artisan doughnut chain has become one of our favourite spots to indulge our overdeveloped sweet tooth. They've opened a dozen additional locations across Queensland, Sydney and Melbourne, and in the past week alone have launched both a vegan variety and collaborated on a glazed doughnut burger (no, really) with Brisbane burger joint Ze Pickle. But that's nothing compared to their latest announcement. Brace yourself. Doughnut Time now offer home delivery. If you're anything like us, you probably just fell out of your chair, spent the next few minutes twitching and drooling on the ground, before finally regaining enough motor function to type the words "want doughnut time now" into Google. Assuming that's the case, you'll now know that, at the time of this writing, the Doughnut Time online delivery page is currently down due to an excess in demand. Which, let's be honest, isn't really all that surprising. Sorry to get your hopes up. This has been a real roller coaster of doughnut-related emotion, hasn't it? Once they've replenished their stocks, Doughnut Time will offer delivery in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and The Gold Coast via Sherpa Couriers. For more information and to order a batch of your own, head to this link and just keep hitting refresh.
Public transport could be about to get a whole lot more delightful thanks to pioneering auto company Local Motors. After last year unveiling the world's first fully functioning 3D-printed car, the US-based startup has continued to innovate, and this week introduced the world to a self-driving bus named Olli. Rolling out across Washington D.C., the electric shuttle can transport up to 12 passengers at one time, and is capable of travelling at speeds of around 20km/h. Also, it's ridiculously cute. The autonomous, 3D-printed vehicles can be summoned by D.C. commuters using a mobile app. Moreover, thanks to IBM's AI Watson technology, they're also capable of understanding voice commands. So basically it's like Uber, except your driver is a computer. If your first thought after reading that sentence was to freak out over an inevitable Terminator-style robot uprising, don't worry. Although Olli drives itself – and is capable of making decisions much faster than human drivers – all vehicles are monitored by real people at all times. Y'know, just in case. Assuming things go well in Washington, Local Motors are hoping to bring fleets to Las Vegas and Miami by the end of the year. They've also outlined a number of other potential uses for Olli...which you can hear about, below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ymz4SYVr_EE Via Quartz.
Three and a half hours south of Perth, Margaret River can feel approximately a million miles from the grime and bustle of the city. It’s a famous wine region, with sandy, loamy soil and climactic conditions which have allowed it to rise from a completely unknown wine area to world renown in just a few decades. There are standouts to suit every mood and taste, though Cabernet Sauvignon is a particular specialty. Beyond the vineyards, it’s got plenty more to offer. You like sweeping coastlines and rugged natural beauty? There’s quite a bit of that. Cool cafes and relaxed yet modern outdoor dining? Not a problem. A sense that you’re somewhere quite special? Oh yeah, they’ve got that too. Can't wait to pack your bags? Enter WineMarket's West Coast Wine Adventure giveaway for the chance to win an indulgent trip for two to Perth and the WA wine country. FRIDAY 8am Breakfast at the Providore An organic hilltop cafe that grows much of its own ingredients and does a nice line in fresh, contemporary, seasonal fare, this is the ideal place to start your day. Pick up a couple of things (perhaps some olives from their own grove) for a picnic as well. 12pm Go vineyard hopping around Cowaramup You can barely throw a rock without hitting an outstanding vineyard here. Good options include Xanadu, which has some great reds and offers cellar door exclusives. McHenry Hohnen has won rave reviews for its cabernet blends and Voyager Estate is one of the region’s big names – you can’t go wrong with either a tour of their beautifully manicured site or an in-depth tasting featuring their Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot amongst others. 5pm Return to your accommodation for dinner Many of the best vineyards and restaurants in the region double as boutique accommodation, so you may as well make the most of it if you’ve snagged a spot at such a place. Leading lights include Windmills Break, a boutique B & B with on-site fine-dining, while the award-winning Forest Rise Eco Retreat offers not just airy chalets with sky ceilings in a stunning setting but a top-notch chef and gourmet hampers. If you want to save money for wining and dining, however, Margaret River YHA has everything you need and is centrally located. 8pm Wind down at the Muster Bar and Grill From the team behind popular Perth wine bar Must, the inspiration here is celebrating the region’s produce and championing local winemakers. It’s as good as that sounds, and you’ll find offerings from Margaret River vineyards like Lenton Brae and Fermoy Estate by the glass as well as everything from bar snacks to hearty dinner fare. SATURDAY 8am Margaret River Bakery Start your day at this small but buzzing cafe and bakery which boosts quirky decor. Grab something like a granola with fresh fruit or a pancake stack to fuel up for a trip to the spectacular south edge of the region. 10am Visit The Berry Farm In an area known for its beautiful produce, the Berry farm offers you the opportunity to taste some of the best. Enjoy brunch in a beautiful garden setting and stock up on the likes of boysenberry jam and whisky marmalade. 12pm Marvel at Caves Road This stretch of the Margaret River region is home to some of the most stunning limestone caves in the world. You can do self-guided tours at the aptly named Mammoth Cave and Lake Cave and then continue south to Jewel Cave. 3pm Climb the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse This is an absolute must. Climb the winding stairs and let the howling coastal winds ruffle your hair at the summit. It’s an interesting historical site and Australia’s most Westerly point, but above all else it’s just flat-out spectacular. 7pm Dinner at Leeuwin Estate After making your way back to the main strip, you can get dinner at this classy cellar door. Feast on tiger prawns, scallops, oysters and abalone, all locally sourced and delicious, and a perfect match for a bottle of their world-class Chardonnay. SUNDAY 8am Wander through the Margaret River Heritage Trail Get up close and personal with the area’s abundant natural beauty on a morning wander through this series of trails. You don’t need to be a seasoned hiker to tackle one of the paths. The River Walk, for instance, is a leisurely and scenic 2km stroll, while the slightly longer Bridge Walk offers the opportunity of a refreshing morning dip. 10am Brunch at Millers Ice Cream Farm Cafe Billing itself as a ‘cow to cone’ operation, this much-loved local offers sodas from Margaret River beverages, coffee from locals Yahava, breakfast toasties and two dozen flavours of ice cream that are literally produced from dairy down the road. An ideal, relaxed start to the day. 12.30pm Explore art and wine at Vasse Felix Head north to this award-winning Cowaramup hotspot. This was the region’s first commercial vineyard and it’s still going strong. There’s not only a cellar door and an art gallery here but an acclaimed fine diner (head chef Aaron Carr is the reigning chef of the year in the West Australian’s Good Food Guide) and a stunning location. Expect inventive and refined Modern Australian. 2pm Take in the vineyards of Yallingup and surrounds There’s another great cluster of vineyards in the pretty northwest corner of the region, many of which offer great Shirazes and cracking Semillon blends. Try Howling Wolves, red wine champions Windows Estate or the feted boutique Juniper Estate, where you can sample some of your purchases by the creek. For a change of pace, check out some of the area’s many small art galleries. 7pm Trust the chef at Knee Deep You’ve made enough gruelling decisions for one weekend with choosing wines to take home and whatnot, so why not put yourself in the hands of a two-hatted chef who takes the reign with a five-course tasting menu. The selections are constantly evolving to utilise the freshest produce but could include lamb breast or cured ocean trout. They're also a five star rated winery, so have one for the road. Then round out your weekend by making the quick trip down to the ocean, where you can watch the waves roll in and plot your return visit.
Western Australia is famous for its exports: gold, iron-ore, wheat and, of course, ‘I heart WA’ fridge magnets. Basically, what they've got we’ve gotta get it, and there’s no better example of that than West Australian wine. Because, let’s be honest: Australians love a good drop. Quite a few, actually, given the average consumer enjoys around 30 litres of wine each year. In all, that's 530 million litres the nation over, and while it’s an impressive number, it’s nothing compared to the 750 million litres we send off to the rest of the world. In fact, Australia is now the fourth largest exporter of wine globally, and while just 5% of that comes from West Australia, what those vineyards lack in volume they more than account for in quality, boasting 20% of the ultra-premium market. So how much do you know about WA wine? Here are all the facts you need to start 'researching' your new passion. WHERE IS WESTERN AUSTRALIA? West of the rest of Australia. This is called ‘easing you in’. HOW MANY WINERIES? WA is home to more than 150 wineries broken up into nine separate regions, almost all of which sit on the south-western tip due to its cooler climate and favourable growing conditions. The best known of these regions comprise: The Margaret River Perth Hills Swan Valley Coastal Pemberton and The Great Southern HOW OLD? One-hundred-and-eighty-six years. The oldest established winery in West Australia, the Olive Farm Winery, was established back in 1829 by Thomas Waters, an English botanist who kicked things off with an olive grove (hence the name) and then quickly moved to vines, because seriously, who drinks olive juice? WA’s PRETTY WARM, RIGHT? Damn you’re good. West Australia is indeed a ‘warm wine-growing region’, which in the simplest terms means the grapes are able to ripen more fully, allowing for a higher build up of sugars. The result is threefold: Lower acidity — the wines are sweeter, meaning less tongue tingling or the pulling of that ’sucked in / duckface selfie’ expression Heavier body — the sweeter the wine, the more viscous it’s likely to be Higher alcohol - you’re probably across this one, but just in case, the higher the alcohol, the warmer that feeling it enkindles all over the palate. ALL THIS KNOWLEDGE IS MAKING ME THIRSTY Okay okay, we’ll get into it now. We just didn’t want to jump right to the wine chat in case your emergence as a wine buff occurred a little too early, not unlike some early budding varieties of grape such as Chardonnay that can break bud prematurely during WA's warm winters on account of temperatures exceeding 10°C. SEE WHAT WE DID THERE? Your bluffing game just got stronger. But now, to the wines. MARGARET RIVER (Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon) Where else but ‘Margarets’ to begin any discussion of West Australian wines? Located about three hours drive south of Perth, the first of these now 100 or so vineyards were established in 1967, although it’s really only in the last 20 years that the region has come into its own and forged a reputation as home to some of the finest wines in the world. The Margaret River’s climate places it in a vinicultural bracket not unlike Bordeaux, only more attractive courtesy of a drier ripening period and low risk of frost. No surprise, then, that it’s best known for its prize winning cabernets, and you won’t do much better than the 2012 Cape Mentelle Trinders Cab Merlot. As you sip away, why not show off some of your newly acquired knowledge with: “Mmm, well obviously because of the warmer climate this cab merlot is well rounded and richly textured, and given its ability to ripen more fully, it’s punctuated with... I want to say... blackcurrant, cherry and hints of sweet vanilla". Fun Wine Fact: knowing about good wine is impressive, but knowing about good wine when other people haven’t even heard of it is even better. To that end, why not get a little more adventurous and try the 2013 Miles from Nowhere Margaret River Shiraz, a solidly built, handsome wine distinguished by red berries and spicy highlights that — unlike the Cape Mentelle Trinders — is designed to be consumed in its youth rather than cellaring. But there’s more to Margarets than just reds. This region offers some of the best conditions in the world for Semillon Sauvignon Blanc blends, and right now it’s hard to go past the dry, crisp and fruity 2013 Evans & Tate Semillon Sauvignon Blanc, or — if you’re again keen to sample one of the newcomers, the almost-tropical 2014 Catching Thieves Semillon Sauvignon Blanc. Another icon of this region is Leeuwin Estate with its famous 'Art Series Chardonnay'. Regarded by some as the best chardonnay in Australia, each Leeuwin Estate vintage comes complete with new paintings on the label from an Australian artist. The winery boasts a fantastic gallery to enjoy alongside the wine tastings, but if you can’t get there in person, then picking up a bottle and admiring the small-scale version is the next best thing. THE SWAN VALLEY (Fortified Wines, Verdelho and Chardonnay) The Swan Valley is a favourite of the locals, given its proximity to Perth (just a 25 minute drive, or 10 from the airport if you’re really in a rush). It's also the hottest and driest of all the Australian wine growing regions, making it an ideal location for fortified wines, Verdelho and Chardonnay. Last year the Swan Valley celebrated 180 years of winemaking, with many of the vineyards still owned by the same families that arrived as early European settlers (including the Olive Farm Winery from above). GREAT SOUTHERN REGION The Great Southern Wine region is the largest in Australia, and accordingly boasts the widest range of varietals from its 48 wineries, although the Rieslings are its most celebrated. This is also the coolest of WA’s wine regions, making it ideal for Chardonnays like the 2012 Byron & Harold Tandem WA Chardonnay. James Halliday just named Bryon & Harold one of his top ten wineries for 2015, and given the deliciously crisp lemon and peach flavours that burst from this particular drop, it’s not hard to see why. SO WHERE TO FROM HERE? Dive in, buy some WA wine and see what tickles your fancy. If you already have an inkling as to your preferred varietals, then keep an eye out for the regions from where they’re produced. Fancy a Merlot? Look for something from Perth Hills. Prefer a Pinot Noir? Hard to beat the ones coming out of Pemberton. You’ll also often see ‘best of’ bundles like this one around the traps, which can give you an excellent sampling across the board before you start to commit to the pricier individual bottles. If you’re lucky, they may even throw in an ‘I heart WA’ fridge magnet.
As if ringing in the new year isn't exciting enough, January, as always, will also bring with it the dazzling, vibrant carnival that is Sydney Festival. Turning the city into a creative playground for a full three weeks, the Festival brings a (very generous) dose of culture to the sizzling days and balmy nights of Sydney summer. The festival has unveiled its 2018 program — and it's an absolute cracker, packed with hundreds of events ranging from mind-boggling circus to cutting-edge theatre and awe-inspiring musical performances. Whatever art experience you're after, you'll find it in Sydney between January 6–28. While this year doesn't have an installation quite as interactive as Snarkitecture's giant ball pit or the House of Mirrors (which is currently on display in Melbourne), Sydney Town Hall will become a shrine to 50,000 of Japan's unwanted plastic toys with Hiroshi Fuji's large-scale work Jurassic Plastic. It looks like a kid's paradise but there will be adults-only nights too. Four Thousand Fish will be an immersive work where participants will help create ice sculptures of fish and then return them to the harbour to commemorate Barangaroo and the Warrane women. On stage, we ecstatic to hear that Tree of Codes will be coming to Sydney after performances at Melbourne Festival; the visually stunning ballet — which we really, really hoped would come to Australia — combines the talents of choreographer Wayne McGregor, visual artist Olafur Eliasson, musician Jamie xx and the Paris Opera Ballet. On the musical side of things, not only are Opera in the Domain and Symphony Under The Stars back for another year of dreamy music performed under the open night skies, there are also a host of gigs, most notably from NZ's Aldous Harding and Argentinian three-piece Fémina plus a tribute to The Go-Betweens' 16 Lovers Lane album and an otherworldly concert performed entirely underwater called Aquasonic. Five iconic Harry Siedler buildings will also host a series of talks and concerts, blending architecture and music on the program. Theatre buffs, meanwhile, should nab tickets for Barber Shop Chronicles. Offering a juicy peek into the vibrant life of barbershops across the world, this delightful show took British audiences by storm. Burlesque aficionado? Don't miss iconic Aussie boylesque troupe — and Syd Fest regulars — Briefs in all its glamorous, saucy glory in sci-fi spectacle Close Encounters. Don't miss My Name Is Jimi, where, Jimi Bani will call up four generations of his family to take you on an evening of music, dance and comedy at Belvoir. Head over to Parramatta's Circus City to catch the always-impressive Circus Oz in top form with Model Citizens, a satire that lampoons the suburban Aussie dream with impressive physicality and a foot-tapping soundtrack. Also in the environs is Highly Sprung, a soaring performance by Legs on the Wall, which tells the story of inner-city residents through the media of trampolines and other physical art forms. Punters will get a chance to have a go on the trampolines and even take part in an aerial workshop in-between shows — all for gratis. You can also sign up for a flying trapeze workshop for $49. In addition to the many ticketed events, there is also a panoply of free offerings, from art exhibitions and thought-provoking talks to interactive installations. As always the Meriton Festival Village will have heaps to offer between shows — dance to your fave song in a transparent, glitter-filled cube, swim in a shipping container pool, go for a spin on a karaoke carousel or join a 10-minute dance party in a shipping container. Whether you're in it for the inspiration, a shock, or just a whole lot of fun, this year's festival is sure to delight. Sydney, you're in for a summer treat. By Yelena Bidé and Lauren Vadnjal. Image: Jamie Williams.
'The Voice' is coming to Bluesfest. Not the Delta kind, the only kind. Bluesfest have announced their second artist lineup for the 2016 festival. Living legend and eternal Sexbomb Tom Jones sits at the top of the bill, alongside Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds. Memories will be flooding (along with Bluesfest, if it rains again) with the appearance of Jackson Browne, alongside the The Decemberists. Things are going to get real Byron when The Wailers perform all four of Bob Marley’s albums Exodus, Survival, Uprising and Legend in their entirety. Returning Bluesfester Steve Earle is back with The Dukes, alongside Tweedy, Jason Isbell and Grace Potter. Add this motley crew to the first Bluesfest cornucopia of The National, City and Colour and UB40? You've got yourself a humdinger of a muddy, muddy weekend. Enough chatskies, here's who's playing. BLUESFEST 2016 SECOND ANNOUNCEMENT: Tom Jones Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds The Decemberists Jason Isbell Sturgill Simpson Tweedy Steve Earle and The Dukes The Wailers Grace Potter Lord Huron Nahko and Medicine For The People Vintage Trouble Lucky Peterson Emdee Blackberry Smoke BLUESFEST 2016 FIRST ANNOUNCEMENT: The National City and Colour UB40 featuring Ali Campbell, Astro and Mickey Virtue Joe Bonamassa Tedeschi Trucks Band The Cat Empire Lukas Nelson & Promise of The Real The Word Rhiannon Giddens Janiva Magness St. Paul & The Broken Bones Allen Stone The Selecter Shakey Graves Songhoy Blues + more Bluesfest runs Thursday, March 24 – Monday, March 28 at Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm, Byron Bay. Tickets from Byron Bay Bluesfest. Image: Andy Fraser.
New York's champions of the age-old art of storytelling, The Moth, are headed our way. The podcasters, event organisers and general tale-weavers will appear at Sydney's Festival of Dangerous Ideas and the Melbourne Writers Festival and, following on from that, will be bringing regular, more intimate storytelling nights to both cities. In Melbourne, the beloved weekly podcasters are telling onstage tales around the theme of ‘Between Worlds’ at MWF. In Sydney, they'll be joined on stage by some seriously big brains for FODI. Creator of Bad Kid, Moth StorySLAM host and three-time Moth SLAM winner David Crabb will host a panel of mad chats with Korean-American author of the award-winning novel The Interpreter Suki Kim (also appearing at FODI), one half of The Wau Wau Sisters and brains behind international festival smash Asking For It Adrienne Truscott, and Sydney satirist and A Rational Fear nucleus Dan Ilic. But FODI and MWF isn't the last you'll hear from The Moth — the crew have confirmed they'll be creating an ongoing presence in Sydney and Melbourne. Expect monthly StorySLAM events, so you'll have plenty of Moth outside your daily commute. The first StorySLAM in Australia is happening on August 24 at Melbourne’s Howler and then in Sydney on September 1 at Oxford Art Factory. They're looking for storytellers — so you could be telling your tales as one of The Moth team. GET ON IT. “We already have a strong listener following in Australia for our podcast," says The Moth's artistic director Catherine Burns. "Having a permanent home in Australia is a ‘bucket list’ moment for everyone at The Moth, and we look forward to hearing all the true stories, told live from the amazing people in this part of the world.” SO MANY DATES, JUST TELL ME HOW I TRACK DOWN THE MOTH? Alright, let's break this down. The Moth: True Stories Told Live at Melbourne Writers Festival is happening at Athenaeum Theatre on August 27 at 7.30pm. Tickets from MWF. The Razor's Edge: The Moth is happening Sunday, September 6, at 6.30pm at Sydney Opera House. Tickets from FODI. The first StorySLAM is happening on August 24 at Melbourne’s Howler and then in Sydney on September 1 at Oxford Art Factory. Tickets via Eventbrite and Moshtix. Want more FODI and MWF? Get your nose in a few tomes with our reading lists over here and here. Image: David Crabb, by Christian Leonard.
We seriously hope you manage to sneak in a holiday in 2017, because boutique hotel curator Mr & Mrs Smith has compiled the votes from over 25,000 of its luxury-loving users and decided on the world's best accommodation options. These sensational hotels are not only in our most famous cities, but also in areas of remote paradise across the world. In partnership with Mr & Mrs Smith, here are 12 truly incredible, highly individual accommodation options. You'll find treehouses, old relics-turned-hotels and two boutique hotels on Aussie turf (oi, oi, oi!). BEST SMITH HOTEL: HALCYON HOUSE, AUSTRALIA Australia's very own Halcyon House has taken out the top spot in the awards, ushering visitors in with its coastal charm. Luxuriously sited on New South Wales' Cabarita Beach, the hotel opened in 2015 and has already made a name for itself simply by having rooms with stunning decor. Each is decked out in vibrant patterns, often featuring flashes of blue to honour the ocean. Restored vintage bicycles are available to hire, or guests can enjoy a calm afternoon playing croquet, unwinding on candy-striped day beds by the pool, or heading to the hotel's acclaimed restaurant and bar, Paper Daisy, for some "Australian coastal cooking". COOLEST CREATIVE HUB: FOGO ISLAND INN, CANADA Spectacularly perched on a cliff edge (we wouldn't expect anything less from a hotel in Canada), Fogo Island Inn is turning heads. If a wood-fired sauna, rooftop hot tub, art gallery and pastries delivered to your door every morning sounds enticing, then this inn is for you. Managing to pull off grandeur while exercising sustainability, there are rainwater catchment systems and renewable solar and wood-burning energy sources embedded in the inn. The 29 suites are classically and calmingly minimalistic, consisting of white walls, floors and bathrooms that are livened with colourful homewares and furniture made by local designers. BEST DRESSED HOTEL: PALAZZO MARGHERITA, ITALY Dense with soul, grace and opulence, Palazzo Margherita sits in the Italian town of Bernalda, at the arch of Italy's foot. It's fit for a king, and coincidentally restored by film royalty. Director of The Godfather, Francis Ford Coppola, sought to refurbish what was a decaying 19th century relic and turn it into a hotel. All nine suites in the palazzo are individually characterised, some with peachy walls and gold framing, others looking onto roof murals reminiscent of Catholic churches. Guests have the option to unwind at the warmly hued family bar, or the cinecitta bar where the walls are lined with glossy photos of Italian celebrities. For explorers, this accommodation could not be more perfectly placed. The Basilicata region is flush with ruins, including those of Metaponto and Policoro, as well as the cave dwellings of Matera. The deserted town of Craco is within reach, too. WORLD'S SEXIEST BEDROOM: KEEMALA, THAILAND You may find it hard to put your phone down and resist the urge to post on Instagram seventeen times a day at Keemala. It's Avatar meets a five-star resort. The pool villas, harnessed in generous, luscious rainforest, may send your followers into an envious spiral. Rooms are encased in woven wood cocoons and beds are gloriously draped with lavish curtains that you can close and shut off from the world. The resort offers an hourly shuttle to Kamala beach, a spa and fitness centre holding yoga and Muay Thai boxing classes, as well as tai chi on the beach. The pool bar whips up innovative cocktails such as a lemongrass-infused Tom Yum cocktail and bittersweet Martinis paired with raw cacao. Intimate dining options can also be arranged, in the resort's plentiful gardens, or on a rocky outcrop. BEST DATE-NIGHT BAR: THE LONDON EDITION, ENGLAND Behind a neoclassical, royal exterior lies the splendour of The London Edition. It's part of the larger group of boutique 'Edition' hotels headed by the Marriott International, which are also opening locations in Abu Dhabi, Reykjavik and Barcelona. At the masterfully designed London Edition though, guests are welcomed by an extravagant lobby made up of ceiling motifs and classic green velour couches, while the rooms mix old and new to create an aesthetically wonderful atmosphere. The rooms are made of entirely timber walls, with refreshingly white bathrooms to contrast. Visitors often flock to the hotel's dining room, Berners Tavern, which is superbly and absolutely packed with 19th Century gilt-framed paintings. Serving high-end comfort food, the tavern is not only popular among guests, but those outside of The London Edition, too. BEST GOURMET GETAWAY: THE OLD CLARE HOTEL, AUSTRALIA The Old Clare occupies the previous headquarters of the old Carlton & United Breweries in Chippendale. It's made up of 62 rooms, which still have their heritage ceilings and panelling. Modern in some places and retro in others, the hotel exudes personality in every crevice. The Old Clare also plays the proud host to two of Sydney's coolest dining institutions — Kensington Street Social, which has a menu that gives a contemporary tip of the to British cuisine, and the refined and brilliantly designed Automata. Both are gloriously sophisticated in their own right. Head to the other end of the hotel (the top) and you'll find a rooftop pool that coolly overlooks Chippendale. MOST SPOILING SPA: AMANEMU, JAPAN You may fall over looking at the entrance pavilion at Amanemu — it's a beautiful, Japanese building enhanced by stunning backdrop of Ago Bay. Fortunately, this spa hotel is built around natural hot springs that are incorporated into treatments and the suites themselves. The rooms are perfectly geometric, drawing on Japanese minimalism to calm patrons even further. Blonde timber is lit by generous rays of sunshine that arrive through the many windows of each room every morning. Step outside and you're treated to an incredible scene of trees and the hotel's spa terrace. If you seek healing and a pure escape, put Amanemu on your list. POOL WITH A VIEW: GRAND HOTEL TREMEZZO, ITALY This place is the epitome of la dolce vita. The Grand Hotel Tremezzo is one of the monstrosities gracing Italy's even grander Lake Como. The exterior of the hotel features what we call 'lakeception' — a pool situated on an actual lake. Behind that you'll find guests rejuvenating on sun lounges shielded by white umbrellas, before trickling back through the hotel, through regal red painted walls and embellished columns. Rooms are furnished with gold, paint-framed mirrors and plush furniture resembling that of Italian royalty. Imaginably, the rooms host ridiculous window views of Lake Como's emerald waters and the mesmerisingly large mountains that protect them. Waterside bars and in-house Italian dining top off the stay — anything more you want to ask for? ABOVE AND BEYOND: AWASI, CHILE Among pristine, untouched Patagonia are 14 luxury cabins unlike anything else out there. The Awasi resort champions its surroundings, fitting into vistas of lakes, snow-tipped mountains and forests as seamlessly as a Patagonian puma hiding in the hills. Each cabin is topped off with a hot tub, where guests can admire their unbelievable surroundings. Visitors are also well attended to, with a private guide assigned to customise their experience. That could involve running away to off-the-beat hiking trails that lead to the best wildlife viewing spots the area has to offer. Seclusion and serenity unite at Awasi to deliver an unforgettable Chilean experience. BEST FAMILY HOTEL: TREEHOTEL, SWEDEN If Tarzan opened a luxury group of treehouses, it would translate to Sweden's Treehotel complex. There's something addictively adventurous about hanging among the trees, even when you're an adult. And before you think you'll be doing it tough, know that the cleverly designed pods that clutch the forest trees are filled with stunning Scandinavian-styled interiors. You'll have to monkey down the trees to cook though. There's a restaurant, bar and shared kitchen area, as well as shared bathrooms with a sauna and whirlpool plunge bath. Alongside that is an open-air hot tub, ziplines and an abundance of forest to look at. Each room is accessible by either a ladder or stairs. HOTTEST HOTEL SOUNDTRACK: FAZENDA NOVA, PORTUGAL Fazenda Nova is the love child of London born Hallie and Tim Robinson, who holidayed in Portugal for three years before opening their own accommodation. The pair renovated a 19th-century farmhouse to create a stunning retreat, surrounded by almond, pomegranate and olive orchards. Fazenda Nova encompasses the exuberance Portugal is renowned for, but the Robinsons have slotted in international influences into the grounds including Balinese teak furniture and Moroccan doors that the pair collected during their travels. The restaurant, A Cozihna, preaches the glory of Portuguese cuisine, which is often shadowed by Spanish cuisine (note — the two are exceedingly different). Menu options rotate daily, but often honour local seafood, and dishes are made from the hotel's own produce. LOCAL HOTEL HERO: 11 HOWARD, NEW YORK The romantic 11 Howard hotel proudly resides in Lower Manhattan. You may recognise the 150-foot mural that graces the side of the building from Instagram, where it is shared endlessly. Made up of minimally beautiful rooms, it's not hard to assume that guests struggle to check out of here. Danish design rules the decor; rooms are made up of light oak floors, blush pinks and soft greys to create a calm ambiance. Le Coucou (the hotel's restaurant) is something out of a fairytale, partly evoked by the forest painted walls that surround diners. It's a NYC hotspot, not that we'd expect anything less from acclaimed chef Daniel Rose, who set up La Bourse et La Vie in Paris. After indulging there, trickle over to the hotel's bar, The Blond. By 9pm, the sensual space transforms into a nightclub. There's a strict guest list from Thursday to Saturday, but as a hotel patron you don't need to fret. You'll get in easily.
We don't know if you've noticed this, but Australians seem to really enjoy their cooking shows. Whether we're having an anxiety attack over a stubborn souffle on MasterChef, or scoffing about menu use of Comic Sans on The Hotplate, we're a nation who likes their telly cooked to perfection, ideally served by a photogenic or crazy, crazy chef. Luckily for us, the cordon bleu team at SBS have taken note of our gluttonous viewing habits, and are gearing up to launch Australia's first ever free-to-air food channel. We're already drooling. "The channel will take one of our strongest and well-known genres to new heights," said SBS managing director Michael Ebeid. "We know how much audiences love to be taken on a journey of culinary and cultural discovery with our food shows every Thursday night. This new channel is an opportunity to extend that offering with a world of food programming available all day, every day, for free." The new channel will launch in November on SBS 3, and will become the network's fourth free-to-air channel behind SBS, SBS 2 and NITV. According to their website, the lineup will include a mix of "food, cooking and travel programs inspired by food handpicked from around the world, alongside some of the networks much-loved, locally made shows." Key to the new channel's success is a licensing deal SBS has inked with American company Scripps Networks Interactive, whose portfolio includes high profile media and lifestyle brands such as Food Network, Cooking Channel, Asian Food Channel, HGTV, DIY Network, Fine Living Network, Travel Channel and Great American Country. The current lineup of culinary programming on SBS includes Nigella Express, Luke Nguyen's France and Kriol Kitchen. More information about SBS's new food channel, including a name, launch date and programming schedule, is expected to be announced in the coming weeks. Image: Luke Nguyen. UPDATE OCTOBER 22, 2015: SBS's new 24-hour food channel is called Food Network and will launch on November 17. Programming will include Destination Flavour, Rachel Khoo’s Kitchen Notebook, the Luke Nguyen series, several of celebrity chef Curtis Stone's shows like Kitchen Inferno and Surfing the Menu, Rachael Ray’s 30 Minute Meals, Giada at Home, Reza: Spice Prince of Vietnam, Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern, Diners, Drive Ins & Dives, Chopped by Ted Allen and more. The channel will air 24 hours a day and also through SBS On Demand. For more info, head to SBS's website.
The world is still reeling from unexpected the death of the Thin White Duke. Many beers have been raised, many toasts have been spoken and many impromptu karaoke sessions have been belted out in cars, bedrooms and showers around the world all in celebration of The Man Who Fell to Earth and graced us with his magic sance for 69 awesome years. Over the next few weeks, official tribute events are happening around the country in droves. Here’s a breakdown of some of the best. SYDNEY Care?-E?-Okay! Six Decades of Bowie It’s exactly what it… sort of sounds like. A free karaoke event celebrating Bowie’s discography in Newtown, starting at 10pm and running til 6am the next morning. Rock on. Where: Tokyo Sing Song, basement 145 King Street, Newtown. When: Thursday, January 14 Vale to our hero: A tribute to David Bowie A free musical and visual event showcasing Bowie’s life and career in the Gallery Bar, kicking off at 10pm. Where: Oxford Art Factory, 38-46 Oxford Street When: Friday, January 15 A Special David Bowie Tribute Event The details of the event are still to be announced but in Bearded Tit tradition the event will be free and feature DJ Sveta and surprise guests. Where: The Bearded Tit, 183 Regent St, Redfern When: Sunday, January 17 MELBOURNE Let’s Dance and celebrate the life of Bowie Blasting Bowie classics from 10pm-1am. Entry is $5 or free if you come in dress-up. Where: Ding Dong Lounge When: Thursday, January 14 The Speed of Life: A night of Bowie at The Curtin An all-Bowie DJ set from 10.30pm til late. Free entry. Where: The Curtin, 29 Lygon Street When: Friday, January 15 David Bowie Tribute Screening A screening of Bowie’s 1986 class Labrinyth. The rooftop session sold out but an extra session has been added so get in quick if the Goblin King is your jam. Where: Lido Cinemas, 675 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn When: Thursday, January 28 BRISBANE David Bowie Video Tribute Night From 6.30pm, the New Globe Theatre will be screening a recording of Bowie’s final concert as Ziggy Stardust in 1973 followed by a 90-minute compilation of music vids, performance footage and doco bits and pieces. Free entry. Where: New Globe Theatre, 220 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley When: Thursday, January 14 REBEL REBEL David Bowie Celebration An all-vinyl dance party tribute to the “fallen alien rock god with a red mullet haircut”. The event starts at 8pm and features film and music, with all proceeds from the $10 tickets going to charity. Where: Beetle Bar, 350 Upper Roma Street When: Friday, January 15 Ziggy Played Guitar – David Bowie Tribute Night for Cancer Charity The lineup for this gig hasn’t been announced yet but will be a tribute to the life of David Bowie and feature a solid local crew. Tickets are $12 + booking fee or $15 on the door with proceeds donated to cancer charities. Where: The Foundry, 228 Wickham Street, Fortitude Valley When: Sunday, February 21
Not content with knocking out Brisbane diners with their Street Fighter-themed burgers, one of the masterminds behind Super Combo is cooking up another addition to King Street. From early May, Michael Nham will bring Banoi north, opening the first Queensland venture for his Melbourne-based Vietnamese restaurant. Banoi will take over the space next door to their burger joint, so if you've grabbed a Hadoken, Sonic Boom or Yoga Flame in Bowen Hills and noticed the adjacent construction zone, now you know why. With the eatery's name meaning "grandma" and its dishes based on Nham's grandmother's recipes, modern homestyle Vietnamese will be on the menu at the 85-seat venue, and plenty of it. Banoi will serve lunch and dinner for both dining in and taking away. As for the specific meals on offer, Nham and his Banoi collaborator Viet Nguyen will replicate their Melbourne lineup, so prepare for a tasty feast. Four types of spring rolls, six kinds of rice paper rolls with seven dipping sauces, six different banh mi and two phos covers the basics, but that's just the beginning. Banoi tacos feature steamed Vietnamese taco buns filled with pork belly, garlic and soy chicken, tempura soft shell crab, and barbecue pork patties, while the cold Cao Lầu noodles are infused with the flavours of Hoi An. Speciality dishes include pancakes of the steamed rice and crispy variety, with banana fritters and coconut tapioca on the dessert list. Find Banoi at King Street, Bowen Hills from early May. Keep an eye on their website and Facebook page for more information.
Debauched banquets from Bompas and Parr, immersive art sleepovers at Cradle Mountain and all the demon purging and ceremonial death dances you could want in a festival. Now in its third year, Dark Mofo continues to evolve to be darker, weirder and wilder than before. Aligned with the winter solstice and running June 12-22, MONA's annual June festival celebrates the Neolithic tradition over ten hedonistic days of eclectic and unpredictable art, performance, music and happenings around Hobart, concluding with the annual nude solstice swim at dawn after the longest night in Australia. Last year's festival attracted more than 130,000 Mofos over ten days, with about a third coming from interstate. Ever the supporter of bizarre extravaganzas, Hendrick’s Gin, an official partner of MONA, will bring its weird and wonderful flavour to Dark Mofo this year with the installation of its legendary Parlour of Curiosities in Dark Park. Here, festivalgoers will discover a treasury of tipples, daring and intimate performances, as well as an eccentric revelry of otherworldly wonders and delightfully dark surprises (we're not giving much away). Picture an abandoned circus situated in the depths of a forbidden forest, full of dark and mysterious wonders. Then find yourself a crispy beverage and lose yourself, off you go. Thanks to Hendrick's Gin, we are giving one CP subscriber the chance to attend Dark Mofo with a friend as VIP guests of Hendrick's. The prize includes: 2x tickets to Dark Mofo 2x return flights (departing Saturday, June 20, and returning Sunday, June 21) 1 night's accommodation at the 4 star Best Western in Hobart. To be in the running, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter (if you haven't already), then email us with your name and phone number. Sydney: win.sydney@concreteplayground.com.au Melbourne: win.melbourne@concreteplayground.com.au Brisbane: win.brisbane@concreteplayground.com.au The giveaway will be drawn at 10am on June 19, 2015, and the winner will be notified by phone.
By now you've probably heard the news that this morning we awoke to a world a little less wondrous. After a long battle with a form of Alzheimer’s disease, beloved fantasy author Sir Terry Pratchett has passed away at the age of 66. Best known for his ever-popular Discworld series, Pratchett published more than 70 books over the course of his lifetime, and won countless fans with his irreverent writing style and limitless imagination. With so much writing under his belt, there's a Pratchett line for seemingly any situation. In tribute to the well-lived author, we’ve collected some of our favourite Pratchett advice. ON OPTIMISM "There are those who, when presented with a glass that is exactly half full, say: this glass is half full. And then there are those who say: this glass is half empty. The world belongs, however, to those who can look at the glass and say: What's up with this glass? Excuse me? Excuse me? This is my glass? I don't think so. My glass was full! And it was a bigger glass!" – The Truth ON SEX “He'd noticed that sex bore some resemblance to cookery: it fascinated people, they sometimes bought books full of complicated recipes and interesting pictures, and sometimes when they were really hungry they created vast banquets in their imagination - but at the end of the day they'd settle quite happily for egg and chips.” – The Fifth Elephant. ON GENDER RELATIONS ON MARRIAGE “A marriage is always made up of two people who are prepared to swear that only the other one snores.” – The Fifth Elephant ON AMERICANS “A European says: ‘I can't understand this, what's wrong with me?’ An American says: ‘I can't understand this, what's wrong with him?’” ON DRINKING “Death: "THERE ARE BETTER THINGS IN THE WORLD THAN ALCOHOL, ALBERT." Albert: "Oh, yes, sir. But alcohol sort of compensates for not getting them.” – Death’s Domain ON FOOD “Sham Harga had run a successful eatery for many years by always smiling, never extending credit, and realizing that most of his customers wanted meals properly balanced between the four food groups: sugar, starch, grease and burnt crunchy bits.” – Men at Arms ON STYLE ON EDUCATION “Getting an education was a bit like a communicable sexual disease. It made you unsuitable for a lot of jobs and then you had the urge to pass it on.” – The Hogfather ON EXAMS “It is very important to be sober when you take an exam. Many worthwhile careers in the street- cleansing, fruit-picking and subway-guitar-playing industries have been founded on a lack of understanding of this simple fact.” – Moving Pictures ON HARD WORK “If you trust in yourself…. and believe in your dreams…. and follow your star… you’ll still get beaten by people who spent their time working hard and learning things and weren’t so lazy.” — The Wee Free Men ON GOD “God does not play dice with the universe; He plays an ineffable game of his own devising, which might be compared, from the perspective of any of the other players, to being involved in an obscure and complex version of poker in a pitch dark room, with blank cards, for infinite stakes, with a dealer who won't tell you the rules, and who smiles all the time.” – Good Omens ON EVIL “Evil begins when you begin to treat people as things.” – I Shall Wear Midnight ON DIFFERENCE ON LOVE “‘And what would humans be without love?’ ‘RARE’, said Death.” – Sourcery ON CREATIVITY "Stories of imagination tend to upset those without one." ON GETTING OLD “Inside every old person is a young person wondering what happened.” – Moving Pictures ON DEATH “It is often said that before you die your life passes before your eyes. It is in fact true. It's called living.” Image: Dementia Friends.
Forget stale chips and overpriced packets of lollies. Two Australian companies are looking to change the way you think about vending machines, with new, healthy options coming to Melbourne and Brisbane (Sydney, fingers crossed). First up, Melbourne's FüD vending machine, is officially up and running. Built out of recycled timber, the new automatic outlets dispense a variety of gourmet meals made using healthy, organic produce, including salads, falafel and even freshly-chopped celery and carrots. Best of all, unsold salads are donated to Homeless of Melbourne, ensuring that nothing goes to waste. Total legends. Jars of salad will cost you $10 a pop, and come in a number of different varieties including the ‘Pump It Up’ (pumpkin, roast shallots, beetroot chips and white bean mousse), the ‘Super Soba’ (green tea soba noodles, zucchini and carrot) and ‘Overnight Oats’ (organic oats soaked in coconut milk, with banana, hazelnut and rice malt syrup). Got dietary requirements? The FüD vending machine is stocked with a number of choices for people on paleo, vegan, sugar-free or gluten-free diets. All meals are made fresh and delivered daily, and the machine is refrigerated to ensure nothing spoils. Brisbane's taking the healthy vending machine thing one step further — to a 'self-service cafe'. That's not just marketing jargon, that's what health food merchants All Real Food are calling their automated eateries, and it's a name that fits. With no junk food in sight, what you'll find instead are delicious, healthy snacks and meals, all freshly packaged and stocked each and every day. Think ready-to-go breakfasts and sweets, and soups down the track. Their touchscreen machines also feature a vertical herb garden to bring you back in touch with nature, and a gratitude board filled with health tips and inspiring messages that change daily. Just where and when they'll start popping up all over Brisbane is yet to be determined, but one thing is certain: eating on the run has never been so appetising (or so good for you). For more information, visit The Fud Revolution or All Real Food's websites. Via Good Food. Words by Sarah Ward and Tom Clift.
UPDATE: MAY 24, 2018 — Brisbane City Council has officially approved plans for BrewDog's proposed development, meaning that construction will start on a the $30 brewery in July this year. If all goes to plan, construction should be finished by the end of the year, and the first Brissie-brewed beers will be pouring within the first few months of 2019. Watch this space for more information as we get closer to the opening. Brisbane's craft beer scene just scored itself a very high-profile new addition, with legendary Scottish brewer BrewDog announcing it'll build a state-of-the-art $30 million brewery in Murarrie. The city nudged out Newcastle to be chosen as BrewDog's first Australian home, following six months of public submissions, location scouting trips and feasibility studies. And the plans for these new riverside digs are nothing short of grand, incorporating a 3000-square-metre brewing and canning facility, as well as a visitor centre, taproom and restaurant. The brand's first brewery outside of the USA and the UK, the Brisbane operation will be crafting all of BrewDog's core beers — like the Dead Pony Club pale ale, the Jet Black Heart and the Punk IPA — alongside a selection of small-batch creations designed especially for local beer drinkers. It'll also showcase plenty of locally grown hops, from across Australia and New Zealand. "Australians are some of the most passionate and informed beer drinkers on the planet," said BrewDog co-founder James Watt. "I'm glad our Australian fans at home and in the diaspora were relentless in pushing for a brewery, and I look forward to sharing my first can of Aussie brewed Punk IPA with them." Construction on BrewDog Brisbane set to kick off in July 2018, with the first of the label's locally brewed beers slated to hit shelves in early 2019. For updates, visit brewdog.com.
Whenever the Biennale of Sydney hits town, it always makes a splash. Returning for its 23rd event in 2022, the Biennale's next huge celebration of art won't be any different. On the bill this year: portraits made out of grass, mirrored pavilions, a 600-square-metre bamboo structure and the sounds of 15,000 animals. The 23rd Biennale of Sydney unveiled its full lineup at the beginning of February. And as proves the case every two years, it's about to be a great time to be an art-lover in Sydney. Running from Saturday, March 12–Monday, June 13, the complete Biennale program will present more than 330 artworks by 89 participants, plus 400 events, all linked to its central concept — which means 'stream' in Latin. In terms of what you'll be able to check out at venues such as The Cutaway at Barangaroo Reserve, the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Circular Quay, Information + Cultural Exchange, Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, National Art School in partnership with Artspace, The Rocks and Walsh Bay Arts Precinct including Pier 2/3 across the city, it's a varied bunch. A huge inclusion on the program comes from multidisciplinary studio Cave Urban, with the Sydney locals creating a work called Flow — which happens to be one of the largest bamboo structures ever produced in Australia. It's the studio's biggest-ever project, and will span 600 square metres through The Cutaway at Barangaroo. If all things shiny and mirrored appeal to you, Irish artist John Gerrard will be displaying a six-by-six metre LED wall on a polished mirrored pavilion, also at Barangaroo. AGNSW will also play host to a wallpaper work in its entrance by Barkandji elder Badger Bates, which'll be based on one of his linocuts of the drying Lake Menindee; and to Naziha Mestaoui's One Beat, One Tree, which made its debut during the United Nations Climate Conference in 2015, and encourages folks engaging with the interactive piece to plant a virtual tree. At the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, there'll be large-scale tapestries from American artist Kiki Smith and the display of a 365-million-year-old fish fossil from Canowindra for the first time, while Pier 2/3 will feature 100 3D-printed replicas of Tasmanian stone tools thanks to Trawlwoolway artist Julie Gough. Entry to the Biennale is free — and the event also includes a program of talks and experiences, called The Waterhouse, at The Cutaway at Barangaroo.
One of those people who doesn’t care what your food looks like, as long as it tastes good and there’s plenty of it? Turns out you might be psychologically abnormal. If you’ve been wondering what all the fuss is about when it comes to 'plating' (i.e. how chefs in fancy pants restaurants arrange the food on your plate), new research has some answers for you. Chef and scientist Charles Michel has led a brand new study at the Department of Experimental Psychology at the University of Oxford, which shows that we react best to food when it's shaped in a triangle. Not just any old triangle, mind you, but one that points away from us (just like the image above). When this optimised arrangement turns up on our table, we’re willing to pay for more for it and we feel safer. Safer? Well, apparently a triangle that points towards us is perceived as threatening. Conducted in conjunction with The Science Museum, London, and published in Food Quality and Preference, the study drew its conclusions from the responses of 16,667 participants. "(Plating is) such a small detail of the dining experience — something people rarely think about — but it does matter," Michel told Vice. "It seems that many principles of visual aesthetics and art perception apply when it comes to food. "I guess my aim is to make people have more thought when it comes to placing the food on their plate, heightening awareness. At the same time, using modern tech and the internet to give tools to chefs and people serving a lot of food a way to enhance the enjoyment." Via Vice.
Art has prevailed in the battle to fill a Melbourne rooftop with naked people. Spencer Tunick has staged his latest mass nude photography work on the top of a car park in Melbourne's inner southeast. Seventeen years after assembling 4500 naked volunteers for a snap near Federation Square as part of the 2001 Fringe Festival and eight years after he photographed around 5000 nude people in front of the Sydney Opera House during the 2010 Mardi Gras, the polarising artist amassed another contingent of naked (and pretty brave — it was less than ten degrees in Melbourne this morning) folk for a new work titled Return of the Nude. The shoot saw a few hundred Melburnians grace the rooftop covered in nothing by sheer red sheets — from a distance, the participants looked like a little like hooded handmaids. Footage from the shoots shows the subject standing underneath the sheet and lying naked on top of it. This is what it looked like: A post shared by Will Pristel (@wpristel) on Jul 8, 2018 at 3:43pm PDT A post shared by C A R L (@car.carrr) on Jul 8, 2018 at 7:05pm PDT A post shared by Chapel Street (@chapelprecinct) on Jul 8, 2018 at 8:10pm PDT A separate shoot over the weekend saw people painted blue, yellow, orange, red, green, pink and purple. Tunick's newest work has had quite the tumultuous journey — first the New York artist 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. The official photographs of the shoot is yet to surface, but are expected to be be released by Tunick soon. Images: Munich by Spencer Tunick; Melbourne by Provocaré Festival.
One of the most significant works in the new Andy Warhol / Ai Weiwei exhibition will be staying in Melbourne permanently. Speaking at the opening of the exhibition on Thursday night, Ai donated the major installation Letgo Room to the National Gallery of Victoria. Made from more than two million Lego-like bricks, the piece pays tribute to Australian human rights activists who have become symbols for a broader movement – much like the artist himself. Constructed by a team of nearly 100 local volunteers and artists on directions from Ai, Letgo Room features portraits of 20 Australian activists who have fought for justice and equality on issues including asylum seekers, women's rights, social welfare and freedom of information. Among those depicted in the work are family violence campaigner Rose Batty, barrister Julian Burnside, indigenous activist Dr Gary Foley, journalist Peter Greste, transgender icon norrie mAy-welby and WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, who Ai met in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London earlier this year. A photo posted by Ai Weiwei (@aiww) on Sep 16, 2015 at 10:10am PDT The Letgo Room received considerable media attention ahead of its construction after Lego refused Ai's bulk order of bricks on the grounds that Lego "cannot approve the use of Legos for political works." Many saw the refusal as being itself political, with the artist pointing out that the company had just inked a deal to open a Legoland in Shanghai. The decision sparked outrage on social media, while many galleries and museums around the world set up Lego donation points, where art lovers could drop off their excess bricks for use in Ai's art. Andy Warhol / Ai Weiwei at the NGV is now open to the public.
Convincing people to eat their daily dose of fruit is about to get a whole lot easier. In the single greatest agricultural triumph since Nick Offerman opened that pizza farm back in July, Australian supermarkets will soon be stocking fairy floss flavoured grapes. And who said you can't improve on nature? Officially trademarked as Cotton Candy Grapes, the variety was developed by Californian grape growers Grapery, who created it accidentally while cross-pollinating different breeds. The result is an extra sweet grape that reportedly tastes uncannily like everyone's favourite school fete treat — although Grapery CEO Jim Beagle assured The Huffington Post that they have "basically the same nutritional content as almost any grapes in the grocery store." Cotton candy grapes please never go away.???? I may or may not buy 2 bags at a time whenever I see them at the store.? #tiumeals #tiuteam #fitforfall #charitychallenge @toneitup #cottoncandygrapes A photo posted by Lyndsay (@lyndsayruns) on Sep 14, 2015 at 1:32pm PDT Unsurprisingly, the grapes have proven a major hit in the United States, blowing up on social media and warranting mentions on both The Today Show and Good Morning America. If that wasn't enough, they've also been given the official Ryan Seacreast seal of approval — a sure-fire sign of quality if ever there was one. Cotton candy flavored grapes exist. There is hope http://t.co/qVUXXy3GjJ — Ryan Seacrest (@RyanSeacrest) August 9, 2013 Australia, meanwhile, will be getting its first taste of these little miracles come February next year, after Grape Co. Australia secured the license from Grapery to grow and sell the variety down under. Of course, the question on everyone's lips is whether or not you can turn them into fairy floss flavoured goon. Because that would be a gamechanger. Cloudy? Worry not, there's candy cotton grape gelato. I mean, cotton. candy. Grape. Cotton candy grape! (one of those silly saturday today, definitely :D ) A photo posted by Rebecca M (@reblondonfridge) on Sep 12, 2015 at 4:10am PDT Via Good Food and The Huffington Post. Image: Dollar Photo Club.
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, 2020 has thrown up plenty of films that tick all of the above boxes. Even with theatres closing for a significant portion of the year so far, that still proves the case. And now that 2020 is just approaching its halfway mark, it's time to look back. Maybe you missed one of this year's great flicks when it was in cinemas. Perhaps it's showing again now that picture palaces are reopening, and you haven't quite made it along yet. Indeed, it could be on your must-see list when you next sit in a darkened theatre. Or, of course, there might be a few gems that have just slipped your attention. Plus, there are always the ace movies you saw, loved and want to see again. Whichever category fits, here are 12 films from 2020 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=RE7YVZA5YVc TRUE HISTORY OF THE KELLY GANG What our critic said: Made for a world where 'such is life' tattoos commit Ned Kelly's purported last words to slabs of Aussie flesh, this gritty, galvanising film sets fire to Australia's national identity and stares at the ashes of the country's troubled history — all by re-interrogating a man inescapably engrained in our iconography over the past century and a half... A visually, emotionally, thematically searing movie that strides across the screen like an outlaw, aptly. True History of the Kelly Gang is available to stream via Stan. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CELbK9q_ZeA A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD What our critic said: A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood remembers a man who considered himself ordinary while having an extraordinary effect on others. You could say the same about Tom Hanks, which is what makes his casting as Mr Rogers so sublime. His is a superb, deservedly Oscar-nominated performance that's never an act of simple mimicry, but that he's as revered — and has been a reliable screen presence for decades, too — is never forgotten. A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood is available to stream via Google Play, YouTube and iTunes — and is currently screening in some Australian cinemas. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJXmdY4lVR0 A HIDDEN LIFE What our critic said: As a renowned lover of rolling hills, scenic greenery, constantly roving camerawork and breathy voiceover that borders on whispering, Terrence Malick recreates the Second World War with splendour. Although its conflict remains spiritual, philosophical and existential rather than physical, A Hidden Life is as weighty as any blood-soaked account of combat — and as affecting. A Hidden Life is available to stream via Google Play, YouTube and iTunes. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gOs6gKtrb4 THE LIGHTHOUSE What our critic said: After watching Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson fart, fight, guzzle too much rum, growl at seagulls, masturbate and go steadily mad in one of the titular buildings, you might never look at these oceanside staples in the same way again... The more this powerhouse duo snipe and snarl back and forth, the more they lure viewers into The Lighthouse's fever dream like a glowing beam — or like the tentacles that help make this already out-there movie even more eccentric, outlandish and utterly mesmerising. The Lighthouse is available to stream via Google Play, YouTube and iTunes — and is currently screening in some Australian cinemas. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLmvs9Wrem0 COLOR OUT OF SPACE What our critic said: Whenever Nicolas Cage keeps things quiet and normal, he evokes the unnerving sensation that perhaps everything is too quiet and normal. When he's letting loose, there's really no telling what could happen next. A film about a glowing meteor that crashes on an alpaca farm and not only forever changes a family's existence, but their entire grasp on reality, Lovecraftian horror adaptation Color Out of Space needs both Cage's unsettlingly calm and brain-bogglingly over-the-top sides. More than that, it thrives on them. Color Out of Space is available to stream via Google Play, YouTube and iTunes. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLAJyugYEiY THE INVISIBLE MAN What our critic said: Great horror movies have always reflected and responded to the times they're made in and, in the same vein as Jordan Peele's Get Out and Us, Leigh Whannell's The Invisible Man helps lead the charge as the 21st century reaches its third decade. This is a socially conscious, savagely creepy, supremely clever reinterpretation of a classic scarefest that takes every part of that equation seriously. The Invisible Man is available to stream via Google Play and YouTube — and is currently screening in some Australian cinemas. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srPas4PqCkw BEATS What our critic said: Based on the play of the same name, this black-and-white gem is set in the Scottish electronic music scene in the early 90s — just as the UK government was passing legislation to effectively ban raves. Following two teenagers desperate to attend what might be their first and last dance music festival, and featuring a thumping soundtrack of old-school tunes, the result is an insightful exuberant coming-of-age film, as well as a as a thoughtful and reflective social-realist drama. Beats is available to stream via Google Play, YouTube and iTunes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hroo3-sKc0w HONEY BOY What our critic said: A Vietnam veteran and ex-rodeo clown who treats his pre-teen son more like a buddy than a child, James Lort is the role that Shia LaBeouf was born to play... Basing Honey Boy on the latter's years as a child actor, and on his father's involvement, the result is an astonishingly personal and revelatory film that continues the American Honey and The Peanut Butter Falcon star's recent stellar streak. Honey Boy is available to stream via Google Play, YouTube and iTunes — and is currently screening in some Australian cinemas. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dii0FMXXVvA&feature=emb_logo HONEYLAND What our critic said: In Honeyland's opening moments, Hatidže Muratova performs feats that wouldn't be out of place in an action blockbuster... In this intimate observational doco, she's worlds away from cinema's big-budget spectacles — but she's still a daring superhero. Dedicated to traditional apiary methods, Hatidže is the last female wild beekeeper in Europe. That mightn't mean much when audiences start watching Tamara Kotevska and Ljubomir Stefanov's debut feature-length film, but it will when the credits roll. Honeyland is available to stream via Movie Night, At Home and iTunes — and is currently screening in some Australian cinemas. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBGi3SzxkKk&feature=share DARK WATERS What our critic said: Dark Waters doesn't shy away from or try to reinvent its genre. Any move in that direction wouldn't do its real-life details justice. But this is definitely a Todd Haynes movie in the way that matters most: its emotional impact... Haynes hasn't just brought an essential story to the screen (and inspired his audience to start questioning all the chemicals in their lives), but crafted the ideal movie for a world where the entire planet is increasingly at the mercy of corporate giants. Dark Waters is available to stream via Google Play, YouTube and iTunes — and is currently screening in some Australian cinemas. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRMPdhQBlWs QUEEN & SLIM What our critic said: The debut feature by music video director Melina Matsoukas — a Grammy-winner for her work on Rihanna's 'We Found Love' and Beyonce's 'Formation' — Queen & Slim wears its nods on its sleeves, and its topicality as well. Combining an all-too-frequent real-life situation with cinema's "lovers on the run" genre, it's a statement piece that not only conveys an attention-grabbing story, but explores the constantly relevant issue of race relations in America. Queen & Slim is available to stream via Google Play, YouTube and iTunes — and is currently screening in some Australian cinemas. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biHUTtV4K40 IN FABRIC What our critic said:Peter Strickland is one of cinema's inimitable auteurs, not only conjuring up narratives that no other filmmaker ever would or could, but bringing them to the screen with a distinctive sense of style and mood. That remains accurate with In Fabric — the lauded writer/director's haunted dress movie. In a London clothing store, bank teller Sheila (Marianne Jean-Baptiste) finds the perfect red frock for her first blind date; however, she soon discovers that the fabulous outfit has quite the dark side. Also starring Games of Thrones' Gwendoline Christie, this fashion-focused horror-comedy is lurid and intoxicating. In Fabric is currently screening in some Australian cinemas. Read our full review.
UPDATE, February 5, 2021: Thor: Ragnarok is available to stream via Disney+, iTunes and Amazon Video. How many clues did you need before you knew that this one was going to be different? The choice of director alone ought to have gotten you most of the way there. New Zealand's Taika Waititi (Hunt for the Wilderpeople, What We Do in the Shadows) doesn't do conventional. Then there was the trailer: a neon-infused, synth-rock-pumping Flash Gordon throwback that favoured humour over action. As it happens, so does the film – and it's a delight from the first frame to the last. Thor: Ragnarok is the third picture to focus on the eponymous God of Thunder, and the 17th in the so-called Marvel Cinematic Universe. Led by Australia's Chris Hemsworth, it also stars Cate Blanchett as the Goddess of Death, Tom Hiddleston as the God of Mischief and Jeff Goldblum as the Oh My God He's Just Fabulous. Mark Ruffalo also returns as The Hulk, having not been seen since The Avengers: Age of Ultron. Rounding out the cast are franchise regulars Idris Elba and Anthony Hopkins in small but affecting roles. With Waititi at the helm, Ragnarok has a distinctly casual, cheeky and irreverent feel compared to Marvel's previous offerings, as well as a noticeable 80s aesthetic in both its style and soundtrack. It's a genuine breath of fresh air in a franchise within a franchise, and something that the MCU sorely needed. Waititi is obviously known for his sense of humour, yet what truly distinguishes him as a filmmaker is a pronounced absence of cynicism. No matter the theme or story (Wilderpeople dealt with some tragic issues amidst all the chaos), the overwhelming sensation upon leaving a Waititi movie is optimism. For Marvel, whose movies have grown darker as they hurtle towards the up and coming Infinity War, the contrast is as noticeable as it is necessary. Like a Roger Moore Bond film, Ragnarok still has its action and moments of gravity, but above all else it's fun. You can see it in the performances. Hemsworth's obvious comedic abilities – which were also on display in Paul Feig's Ghostbusters reboot – are given ample room to breathe in Ragnarok right from the opening scene. A significant portion of the film's dialogue was reportedly improvised, resulting in a free-flowing and naturalistic feel that also serves to accentuate the fractious relationships between the various lead characters – most notably Thor, Loki and Hulk. Then there's franchise newcomer Tessa Thompson as Valkyrie. Most recently seen in HBO's Westworld, Thompson proves a genuine scene stealer, which is no small accomplishment given hers is an almost exclusively human performance in a movie jam-packed with special effects and CGI-characters. Through Valkyrie we see Marvel's ability to create lethal, confident, independent, wise-cracking female heroes who are every bit as capable (if not more-so) than their male counterparts. There are shortcomings, of course. For all its strengths, Ragnarok is not a perfect film. Blanchett and Elba are both seriously under-utilised, Hopkins comes face to face with some bewilderingly bad special effects, and Karl Urban's character has a clunky pro-gun schtick that feels entirely out of place with the rest of the film. The humour is refreshing, but comedy is not every actor's greatest strength, and at times Ragnarok feels too heavily skewed towards laughs when instead the scene calls for something a little meatier. Still, what Waititi and his team have crafted here is a remarkable reimagining of the MCU, one that is at once respectful of its place in the world, but still self-aware enough to never take itself too seriously. It's a big movie that somehow still feels small and intimate, and a near-perfect example of a blockbuster done right. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ue80QwXMRHg
After almost two decades in the political wilderness (and also briefly prison), ultra-conservative politician Pauline Hanson has once again been elected to the Australian Federal Parliament. Thanks a bunch, Queensland. While we can't say we're looking forward to having Hanson back in the public arena, we think we may have at least found a bit of a silver lining to the whole shemozzle, in the form of a new Pauline Hanson-styled poutine at Belleville in the Melbourne CBD. Fittingly inspired by the flavours of her less-than favourite meal, the Halal Snack Pack, the 'Pauline Hanson' consists of beer battered chips topped with cheese, chilli sauce, mint yoghurt and rotisserie lamb. According to a post on Belleville's Facebook page, the dish will be available from this week until it finishes with a Royal Commission. So there you go. At least now you've got something delicious to eat as you watch the country collapse around your ears. Democracy, hurrah!
Fancy grabbing a bite to eat at the Brisbane Showgrounds — and not just a strawberry sundae or a showbag filled with Bertie Beetles when the Ekka is in town each August? Well, soon you can. Come July 2017, a new food-centric boutique laneway called Kings Co-op will make that dream a reality. Taking over the space on the northern corner of King Street, Kings Co-op will transform a number of the site's long-standing buildings into a new food, retail and creative community hub, with opening up the facilities all year round and breathing life into historic structures among the project's main aims. With that in mind, prepare to spend a whole heap of time at the Royal Snack Bar. It'll form the centrepiece of the dining precinct, replacing the set-to-be-demolished RNA Snack Bar. Nearby, the Sugar building and Dairy Industry Hall will also be revamped. As well as more restaurants, bars and outdoor eating, the iconic buildings will accommodate studio spaces for the creative industries, as well as proposed health and wellbeing facilities and stores, plus a multi-level carpark. Kings Co-op is just the latest phase in the 15-year, $2.9 billion regeneration project, which has been underway for the past six years. As you've probably noticed, the revitalisation of the Fortitude Valley area has already seen a new hotel, residential complex and commercial development open their doors, and an initial dining precinct pop up. The latter features The George Bar and Bistro, GG Espresso and Fat Dumpling, with Italian restaurant Il Verde set to join them in September. For more information about Kings Co-op, visit livekingstreet.com.au.
It's not your imagination — there really has been a heap of stunning new hotels open in Australia this year. Australia's hotel scene is already stacked with some remarkable stays, both in the major cities and in the regional corners of the country. And as our tourism economy has continued to boom, the last six months has seen more boutique and luxury chain hotels open on our shores. From boutique hotels with lush gardens to a wine lovers' dream stays or vibrant 'choose-your-own-adventure' lodgings, there are some seriously impressive (and incredibly designed) new hotels awaiting your arrival — whether on an interstate trip or a sneaky staycation. Read on to find out which 2018 hotel openings to pencil into your travel calendar as soon as possible. [caption id="attachment_671141" align="alignnone" width="1920"] W Brisbane[/caption] W BRISBANE, BRISBANE Brisbanites should be well aware of the CBD's riverside stretch that's synonymous with bland buildings and a hurried expressway. But with the arrival of W Brisbane — marking W Hotels' first foray back into Australia before it opens hotels in Sydney and Melbourne — the northern bank has received a much needed spruce. Offering views across the water to Queensland Museum, the State Library of Queensland and GOMA, the five-star hotel boasts 312 designer rooms equipped with ten-gallon drum baths and in-suite cocktail stations. On the fourth-level, you'll find a pool with some funky geometric décor. There's also a 150-seat restaurant from celebrated restaurateurs Three Blue Ducks. Looking out over Brisbane River, guests can enjoy signature dishes like spanner crab scramble, congee with pulled pork and hay smoked salmon kedgeree. W Brisbane is location at 81 North Quay, Brisbane. Make a reservation here. [caption id="attachment_660519" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sharon Cairns[/caption] PARAMOUNT HOUSE HOTEL, SYDNEY When Paramount House Hotel was first announced back in August of 2017, the hotel promised it wouldn't be your standard luxury hotel, but rather an immersive experience that would embed patrons into the culture of Sydney's inner city suburb of Surry Hills. All we can say is that it's delivered on that guarantee. Set in a 1940s warehouse above Paramount Coffee Project, the 29-room hotel features soaring ceilings with exposed brickwork and rafting and even has a rooftop gym and cafe. And while there's luxury copper finishes, Jardan sofas and premium kilim rugs from Pakistan, the appeal of the place is less tangible in its nature. It's both the vibe and history of the surrounding community that make Paramount House Hotel special. Paramount House Hotel is located at 80 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills. Make a reservation here. UNITED PLACES, MELBOURNE Positioned opposite the Royal Botanical Gardens, United Places' remit was to create a home away from home. And its success is immediately apparent, with the outside greenery extending into the 12 luxury suites, creating a space that you'll never want to leave. Each offers hardwood floors and polished kitchens, while terraces with sweeping city and parkland views round out the cosy living spaces. While you're there, you'll get to have a taste of Melbourne chef Scott Pickett's latest restaurant, Matilda. Pickett's contemporary Australian cuisine is produced entirely over open flames and hot coals — and you won't have to leave your room to enjoy it, with the high-end meals delivered directly to your suite. Dining at the restaurant is an experience in itself though, so we'd recommend heading in one night, too. United Places is located at 157-159 Domain Road, South Yarra. Make a reservation here. THE COLLECTIONIST, SYDNEY From rooms inspired by wine vintages to rooms that a spy might book for the night, Camperdown's The Collectionist is set on offering patrons something different. The place has a rather unique approach, in that it lets you pick which one of its 39 rooms you want to spend the night in when you check in. Billed as a 'choose-your-own-adventure' hotel, it's meant to be a highly individualised experience, with patrons touring the rooms and getting their access code via SMS. The hotel has collaborated with seven designers and 13 artists to create the innovative experience and each space features its own distinctive colours, textures and mood. While there's no restaurant on-site, the lobby hosts daily social drinks from 4–8pm. The Collectionist Hotel is located at 9–13 Marsden Street, Camperdown. Make a reservation here. OVOLO INCHCOLM, BRISBANE If you're the type who appreciates a bit of old-world glamour, then Brisbane's new Ovolo Inchcolm is the hotel for you. A former residence and medical centre, the 1930s building has been returned to its roots — albeit with a distinctly modern twist — presenting a charming art deco fit-out. But the hotel doesn't get lost in the past in every aspect. The addition of Salon de Co, a sprawling bar and restaurant, serves up modern rhubarb martinis or goji berry and vodka combos. Meanwhile, chef Anthony Hales' menu adds a bit of mystique with a sparse list of ingredients to keep diners guessing. The rooms, suites and a split-level loft dial back the theme a touch, but with a free minibar, and bookshelves loaded with timeless novels, you might find yourself dreaming of a simpler time. Ovolo Inchcolm is located at 73 Wickham Terrace, Spring Hill. Make a reservation here. WILLIAM INGLIS HOTEL, SYDNEY Named after Australia's renowned thoroughbred company, William Inglis and Sons, Western Sydney's latest hotel is a sure thing if you're after a mini Sydney staycation. As part of the Sofitel's MGallery collection of boutique hotels, the William Inglis Hotel's centrepiece is its fresh rooftop bar boasting a pool and stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Warwick Farm. Once you've built up an appetite, head downstairs to the Newmarket Room, a paddock-to-plate restaurant led by chef Sercan Kesici. Whisky fans will be at home here, too — the mezzanine's 1867 Lounge serves high-end cocktails and boutique wines. William Inglis Hotel is located at 155 Governor Macquarie Drive, Warwick Farm. Make a reservation here. MITCHELTON HOTEL, NAGAMBIE Set in the scenic Goulburn Valley wine region in Victoria, this recently opened accommodation is as good as the on-site winery. Featuring a palette of moody, rural tones designed by acclaimed architectural practice Hecker Guthrie, the Mitchelton is a wine lover's dream escape. Chef Daniel Hawkins (POW Kitchen, Newmarket Hotel, Stokehouse) helms restaurant The Muse, which serves ethically farmed produce found throughout the Nagambie Lakes district. Boutique chocolate producers The Ministry of Chocolate run the decadent café, while Mitchelton Gallery of Aboriginal Art displays works from 15 Indigenous communities from across Australia. If you're lucky enough to stay here, you'll get a full selection of Mitchelton Wines as soon as you step inside the door. Mitchelton Hotel is located at 470 Mitchellstown Road, Nagambie. Make a reservation here. FELIX HOTEL, SYDNEY Airport accommodations are normally pretty drab, but the lively Felix Hotel is bucking this trend with a truly first class stay. Inspired by the 1960s Golden Age of air travel — that is, before budget airlines made you pay for water — the seamless experience starts from the get-go with guests heading straight to the top-level penthouse to check-in. From here, overlooking the runway, guests can enjoy the rooftop cinema, a 24-hour general store and a colourful cocktail bar that'll undoubtedly be a departure from the monotonous airport hotels that you've grown accustomed to. Felix Hotel is located at 121 Baxter Road, Mascot. Make a reservation at here. THE BYRON AT BYRON, BYRON BAY While The Byron at Byron may not exactly be new, this year's massive revamp makes it worthy of a place on this list. Having shut up shop for six weeks to undergo the renovations, renowned interior designer practice Luchetti Krelle — and executive chef Matthew Kemp — led the extensive face-lift of the restaurant, bar and accommodations. Working closely with a range of local artists, the enhancements manifest themselves quickly. There's a fancy copper island bar and a verandah that blends into the lush surrounding forest. Kemp's restaurant serves seasonal cuisine with Asian, modern Australian and European flourishes, while the rooms and suites are warmly furnished making for a homey resort stay. The Byron is located at Byron at 77-97 Broken Head Road, Byron Bay. Make a reservation here. WEST HOTEL, SYDNEY It's hard to ignore the West Hotel's 'Chanel handbag' façade, which according to designers Fitzpatrick + partner, was the visual representation of the hotel's entire space and vibe. Set on the Darling Harbour waterfront, the 182 designer rooms feature bold furnishings aimed at judicious travellers who seek out luxury. With botanical motifs abound, there's also an openair atrium serving as an oasis from the busy city streets below. The restaurant, Solander Dining, embraces sustainable seasonal produce from across New South Wales, while the accompanying bar is the perfect spot to enjoy some boutique drops while seated at a mesmerising emerald-green terrazzo marble counter. West Hotel is located at 65 Sussex Street, Sydney. Make a reservation here. And there are more where those came from, too. Melbourne is set to score a new luxury Jackalope Hotel on Flinders Lane, a new Art Series hotel will open at Brisbane's new Howard Smith Wharves precinct, and W Hotels will be opening hotels in both Sydney and Melbourne in 2020.
Renowned Melbourne street artist Rone is no stranger to the intersection of beauty and decay, and you'll find this theme tying together much of what he puts his hands to. But his latest work really slaps you in the face with it — part exhibition, part installation, the artist's newest large-scale works are located inside an abandoned weatherboard house in the Melbourne suburb of Alphington. Dubbed The Omega Project, Rone has transformed each room in the house — including the kitchen, dining room and bedroom — into haunting mini installations. He spent weeks working his magic within an actual demolition zone, given free reign by developers to transform the last remaining house on the former Amcor paper mill site from an early-1900s weatherboard cottage into what he describes as 'a fantasy film set'. In striking contrast with the surrounding destruction, the space features the artist's signature Jane Doe portraits adorning the walls, while interior stylist Carly Spooner has gone all out with the chenille bedspreads and wood-grain telly sets to recreate the look of a classic, mid-century suburban Aussie pad. This isn't Rone's first time at the demolition zone rodeo, either — last year he held a solo exhibition Empty in Fitzroy's about-to-be-demolished Star Lyric Theatre. And, adopting the transience of the street art you spy splashed across the urban landscape, this exhibition isn't sticking around for long at all — catch it from Saturday, July 22 until Sunday, July 30 before it, too, meets the demo crew. The Omega Project by Rone will open to the public from July 22–30. RSVP to have the exhibition's exact location revealed to you via email. Find more info here.
Traditional gardening takes time, effort and a propensity for getting your hands dirty. Saving you on every count, a team of art students from the University of Maribor in Slovenia have developed a CNC (computerised numerical control) machine that lets you print your own garden and pot plants, because art. And because environmental awareness. And because seeing grass grow from a mud outline of your own face is peak eerie. Called PrintGREEN, the printer pipes out a mixture of soil, water and grass seed onto a felt-covered sponge surface in sophisticated shapes — think typography, intricate mandala-like designs and yes, even human faces. For extra cool factor, it can also print along the z-axis, forming three-dimensional mud pots that sprout their own grass. [embed]https://vimeo.com/68193572[/embed] The world needs more greenery. Leaving aside the fact that if we don’t have enough of it life on Earth will literally collapse, studies have shown that trees are nature’s valium and an extra ten on every block can actually calm us down. And they're pretty. PrintGREEN is so far just an art piece, but it’s not the first venture 3D printing has made into the horticultural realm. Thanks to the wonders of technology, you can print your own grow box valve, your own urban farm, and your own hanging window garden. (That last one is also designed by a college student, this time from Philadelphia University. Kids these days.) This kind of technology has been touted as the future of manufacturing. See 3D-printed clothes, 3D-printed furniture and this 3D-printed 80s Knight Rider car. Sigh. We get these little glimpses into the future and it’s scary but beautiful. Via Mentalfloss.
The Negroni: traditionally equal parts Campari, sweet vermouth and gin. Around 100 years old, this bittersweet, boozy dark horse of a drink has rampaged back onto drinks menus worldwide over the last decade. It may be a cocktail of acquired taste, but it's been acquired by the masses, securing its place as a facet of any good cocktail list. This beloved beverage even has a whole week dedicated to it, celebrated in Negroni-loving cocktail bars around the globe each year since 2011. But where did this conspicuous drink pop up from? We've been asking ourselves that exact question. In honour of Negroni Week 2016, we've hit the books to put together a brief history on where the drink came from and how trends have brought it back into the spotlight. This is the boozy version of Stephen Hawking's A Brief History of Time for all you imbibers out there. [caption id="attachment_573530" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Flickr.[/caption] STATE OF ORIGIN Like many cocktail histories, this one is filled with myths and legends — always a fun start. A few books have even been published on the topic, including British bartender Gary Regan's The Negroni: Drinking to La Dolce Vita and Italian bartender Luca Picchi's Sulle Tracce del Conte: La Vera Storia del Cocktail Negroni. They've each traced the drink back to Florence in 1919, at a neat little place called Bar Casoni — the site still exists, but now houses the Caffè Giacosa pastry shop. According to dependable folklore of the day, the cocktail was born when one Count Camillo Negroni demanded a much stronger version of the Americano — an easy drinking cocktail of Campari, sweet vermouth, and club soda. There is evidence that the Count had recently spent some years abroad in the US, with some saying he was a bit of a rodeo clown, while others document his profession as a cowboy in the Wild West. Either way, he was reported to be a BAMF. Regan's book does admit some grey area, though, and this story isn't agreed upon exclusively. An individual named Noel Negroni disputes the above version, claiming that his relative, General Pascal Olivier Count de Negroni, is actually the man who came up with the recipe. Whatever the case, we like the idea of any Count being involved in the creation of a classic. FROM BLACK HOLE OBSCURITY TO A COCKTAIL FOR THE CLASSY So how did such a hard man's drink become a classy night time affair? Even as recently as the '90s, the Negroni had remained a quiet backgrounder that was only ordered by the very few in the know. While the exact moment that the drink went from obscurity to a cocktail list staple is unknown, there are a few contributing factors. The slow rise in worldwide Negroni interest has been suggested by many, including Conde Naste Traveller, as partly due to the resurgence in the popularity of gin and bitters around the globe. Even on a local scale, small-batch producers of gin (Distillery Botanica, Archie Rose, Poor Toms, Four Pillars, Young Henry's Noble Cut Gin among them), have helped the recent gin obsession in Australia, which ran hand-in-hand with the trend toward 'keeping it local'. On the bitters side, Angostura started this push, Australian Bitters joined the party, and many bars now make their own. With two-thirds of the cocktail's ingredients riding a popularity wave worldwide, the next step — a full-fledged menu invasion by Negroni — was a simple one. When the 'new age' Negroni was reintroduced to world by Campari in 2011, patrons were used to seeing gin and bitters in their drinks and their taste buds were more than ready for it. [caption id="attachment_573513" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Heartbreaker, Melbourne.[/caption] THE BIG BANG OF NEGRONIS The rise of the Negroni took place nearly a century after the drink was christened. Italian liquor company Campari pulled the pieces of the puzzle together in 2011, declaring it 'The Year of the Negroni' and widely distributing the recipe. Their celebration included the creation of the world's largest Negroni at the annual Tales of the Cocktail festival in New Orleans. The year-long focus rooted the drink in the minds of bartenders and, subsequently, drinkers everywhere. While the inaugural Negroni Week included only 100 Stateside bars, the 2015 Negroni Week expanded to 3500 venues across 42 countries — including Australia. The drink itself has evolved in the last few years — from barrel aged and Negroni on tap to entire bars dedicated to the stuff, but the photogenic cocktail doesn't seem to be fading from menus anytime soon. From Italy to Australia, bartenders are coming up with new and better ways to serve you this classic. You can get a salted caramel and coffee Negroni, a Negroni made with juniper or burnt orange, and even a "cheeky" Negroni that uses an Aperol and Lillet Blanc reinvention. We'll leave you with this apropos statement by Orson Wells about Negronis, as quoted in the The Coshocton Tribune, which we think best sums up the drink: "The bitters are excellent for your liver, the gin is bad for you. They balance each other." We'll cheers to that. Negroni Week 2016 runs from June 6 – 12. Check out our list of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane's best Negronis to get you ready for a week's worth of goodness. Via Conde Naste Traveller and Town&Country.
Throw on your robes, whip out your wand and fly your pet Hippogriff down to the BrisCentre in Paddington, where Pastel Palace will be hosting an enormous Harry Potter themed market. On Saturday March 26, Brisbane will be bustling with all manner of magical folk, selling everything local witches and wizards could possibly need. Even your Muggle mates will be welcome. Just nobody bring any trolls. The entrance to this pop-up Diagon Alley will be open from 1:30pm. Vendors will include Pastel Pixie, Kareki Art, Bonnie's Bathhouse, Enchanted Light and Ruby Kawaii, who'll be selling Potter inspired art, candles, soaps and accessories, as well as merch and memorabilia from the movies. There'll also be magical trivia and a costume competition, to help separate the wizards from the squibs. We just hope someone is stocking Bertie Botts Every Flavour Beans. Most vendors on site will have credit card facilities, but maybe bring a sack of galleons just in case. And if you're busy on the day, don't worry – unsold items will be made available for purchase online after the event. For more information about Pastel Palace's Evening at Hogwarts, go here.
Leaving the safety net of university life can be daunting. Taxes, health insurance, budgeting and eating greens are all tricky requirements of adulting, not to mention trying to get a job ("Graduate position, minimum two years of experience required..." what is this madness?). But fear not, there is hope. We've profiled five young go-getters who hit the ground running after uni and achieved their success through unconventional means. They did it and you can too (stop that, yes you can). [caption id="attachment_562120" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Image: @sedgebeswick.[/caption] SEDGE BESWICK, 26, GLOBAL SENIOR SOCIAL MEDIA AND COMMUNITY MANAGER AT ASOS For most of us, using social media is just that a social activity. For others it’s a way of life and a strategic marketing tool; when wielded properly can elevate a start-up and polish a personal brand no matter how small. Sedge Beswick is one such social media maven and part of a young generation of digital natives that are coming up through volunteer positions and internships to absolutely kill it at the media game for big companies. That playful tone you adore on ASOS social media? That’s Beswick. And while managing the global social media for ASOS, she’s also racked up a neat little 11k on her personal Instagram, written a book about using Twitter strategically and designed a line of t-shirts emblazoned with social media slogans. She’s literally #killingit. BECKY SUI ZHEN, 31, MUSICIAN Sui Zhen is one of the many monikers of Melbourne-based musician Becky Sui Zhen who has risen through the ranks of the music scene to be hailed as a 'social media musician' due to her pristine and eye catching artistic vision. She’s put in the hard yards over the years, studying graphic design and Japanese, winning grants, releasing EPs in Japan and doing overseas residencies and all while playing prolifically around Australia. She also produces and edits the iconic film clips for Sui Zhen and has collaborated with artist and photographer Phebe Schmidt. She’s poised to take over the world in 2016 following the late-2015 release her first Australian LP ‘Secretly Susan’. The LP caught the attention of FADER who clocked her as one of 25 international artists to watch and she’s supported Toro Y Moi in Melbourne on his 2016 Aussie tour. We imagine 2016 is only going to get better for this kawaii gem. GERMAINE STATIA, JAMAL OULEL + AYOUB AOURAGH, 23, 25 + 24, FOUNDERS AND DEVELOPERS AT REFUGEE HERO When the Syrian refugee crisis peaked in 2015, Dutch trio Germaine Statia, Jamal Oulel, and Ayoub Aouragh, responded with a contemporary and altruistic solution. Refugee Hero, hailed as the Airbnb for refugees, is a platform that allows people to offer their spare room up to refugees who have just arrived in their country. “We want to give back humanity to mankind,” says Statia. The service is 100 percent free and mobile-friendly. It allows individuals or institutions to offer help and shelter whether or not their government is pro-refugee. The team hopes the service can one day expand to cover all elements of resettling, from applying for passports to finding a new school for children and is a shining example of how modern technology can be used for good in the face of adversity. EMMA MULHOLLAND, 27, DESIGNER There’s something about Emma Mulholland that Australia is crazy for. The young designer hit the ground running after graduating from TAFE in 2010 and hasn’t stopped since. Her latest project, a collaboration with iconic Aussie label Mambo, proves that in a few short years, she’s explored, honed in on and defined exactly what makes her work so popular. The garish '80s and '90s themed prints and icons of our childhood combined with a(h)ctivewear references hit the nostalgia nail right on the head and the collection has resonated with Aussie kidults who grew up wearing bike shorts and climbing trees. Far away from the catwalks of Paris and Milan, Australia often struggles to define itself outside of a European reference and it’s no easy feat to export a uniquely Australian line, but Mulholland has done so with aplomb, straight outta TAFE. [caption id="attachment_562121" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Image: @louislazarus.[/caption] LUKE HAMPSHIRE AND ALEXANDER ROBINSON, 28 AND 32, AVIATION ENTERPRENEURS AT AIRLY In January, the Australian aviation scene had a sorely need shake up. Two young guns, 28-year-old Luke Hampshire and 32-year-old Alexander Robinson announced their airline company Airly which completely turns air travel on its head. Airly members pay a fee of $2550 (minimum) per month to fly as much as they like on the company’s private jets which operate between Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney. For frequent fliers, the minimum waiting time and luxury service is a tasty drawcard. Hampshire, a former Air Force pilot, recognised a gap in the marketplace and despite the pair’s youth, turned an insight into an industry shake-up and paved the way for more options and versatility in air travel. Top image: Sedge Beswick.
People in New Zealand's South Island are generally an active bunch. There is so much adventuring to do that your visit to the Christchurch region will most likely be packed with hikes, fishing trips, seal swims and mountain biking trips. After all of that, you're going to want to wind down, soothe your nerves and relax a little. Luckily the Christchurch region has just as much to offer to those who want to take life a little slower, and enjoy the creature comforts. Whether you're soaking in the warmth of the region's natural hot springs, glamping in luxurious nature at Lavericks Bay or sampling a couple of cheeky vinos at Black Estate, it's easy to kick back and relax in Christchurch. We've shouldered the heavy burden and picked five of the region's most relaxing activities — so you can take it easy. RIDE THE SCENIC TRANZALPINE TRAIN If you're looking to relax and explore at the same time, board the TranzAlpine train at Christchurch and wind your way through towering beech forests, over the Southern Alps and across the sweeping Canterbury Plains. You'll feel at ease in the comfort of the on-board cafe and cabins which are fitted with wide wall and ceiling windows, through which you can enjoy the views of majestic snow-capped mountains. Take the day trip returning from picturesque Arthur's Pass to Christchurch, or ride the whole way and several hours later you'll arrive at unspoiled Greymouth on New Zealand's West Coast, the ideal base from which to explore the world-renowned Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, or perhaps hide away and relax somewhere beautiful and isolated. TASTE TEST LOCAL WINE AT BLACK ESTATE Black Estate has rustic, locally-sourced food, wine made on-site and good times guaranteed, all in a picturesque vineyard setting. Less than an hour drive from Christchurch's city centre, you'll know you've arrived when you see Black Estate's minimalist, black barn cellar door. It's set at the foot of a burnt orange hill covered in dry grass and bordered by acres of lush vines. All wine is made on-site by a fella named Nicholas, who believes in simple winemaking using organic locally sourced ingredients free of unnecessary additives. Nicholas's wife Penelope takes care of the business and restaurant, where they serve rustic country cuisine like Canter Valley duck and organic greens, or Akaroa salmon caught just down the road. Pop in, stay a while and indulge in the best cuisine, wine and hospitality that the Canterbury region has to offer. WARM UP AT THE HANMER SPRINGS THERMAL POOLS A quick 90-minute drive from Christchurch you'll find Hanmer, a small alpine town rich with character. This little region is like the setting of an adventure film, with old Victorian cottages set against a backdrop of rugged mountains and towering pine trees. The town's main attraction is Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa — the ultimate in slow paced, remote relaxation. Dip your tired body into naturally heated water and soothing rock pools, or perhaps treat yourself to a day of pampering at the premium on-site spa. SPEND THE NIGHT IN A PRIVATE GLASSHOUSE If you fancy spending a night stargazing and surrounded by nature in your own private glasshouse, then the completely isolated, sustainable PurePods that are scattered around New Zealand are perfect for you. Each PurePod has walls, a floor and ceiling made of heavy-duty glass, so you can see everything from the stars above you to the nature beneath your feet. The PurePod in Little River (just over an hour out of Christchurch) is a ten to 15 minute bush walk away from reception, so you're sure to get some peace and quiet for a night. Food packages can be ordered when you book, so you won't need to leave for a whole 24 hours — you'll only need to sit back and immerse yourself in the 360-degree views of the beautiful New Zealand landscape. CANOPY CAMP IN LAVERICKS BAY Under the clean white folds of a spacious tent, look out over the lush farmland and rolling waves of Lavericks Bay. This is glamping how it should be, with your own private black sand cove to relax in that's only an hour and 40 minute drive from Christchurch. Bathe and sunbathe at the same time in the outdoor bath on the campsite, or relax with a book on your own private deck. There are exposed rockpools at low tide and the appearance of Hector's dolphins and seals is not uncommon around your 'campsite'. 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, adventure and nature guides. Top image: Black Estate.
For those of you who don’t know/have more important things to worry about, the Pirelli calendar is a yearly project by the Pirelli Tyre company that collates sexualised photos of the world’s 'hottest' models (shot by the world’s 'hottest' — read: mostly male — photographers) into a calendar, so that you can feel strange arousal every time you glance at your schedule for the month. This year however, they’ve taken a different tact and we don’t think it’s too much to burl yasssss queen! from every balcony we can find. The 2016 calendar features figures from the other 99.99% of the population that aren’t supermodels but are damned fine, including Amy Schumer (patron saint of the everywoman), Serena Williams, Patti Smith, Tavi Gevinson and Fran Leibovitz among others — and yes, they could choose to be clothed (what a world we live in). The portraits have been making headlines not just for the obvious departure from Pirelli calendar tradition but because the images themselves, shot by none other than Annie Leibovitz, are powerful and refreshing in a mediascape of so often saturated in airbrushed Kardashians. Beautiful, gross, strong, thin, fat, pretty, ugly, sexy, disgusting, flawless, woman. Thank you @annieleibovitz pic.twitter.com/kc0rIDvHVi — Amy Schumer (@amyschumer) November 30, 2015 Amy Schumer is grabbing headlines for her choice to get raw and nekkid. Schumer posted her images to Twitter with the caption “Beautiful, gross, strong, thin, fat, pretty, ugly, sexy, disgusting, flawless, woman.” The general Internet consensus has been one of frenzied, supportive agreement. Serena Williams also opted to go nude, probably to show off the fact she could break your neck (and heart) with her general power. Other women featured include Yoko Ono, film mogul Kathleen Kennedy, Melody Hobson, Yao Chen, Agnes Gund and Sadie Rain Hope-Gund, artist Shirin Neshat, director Ava DuVernay and Natalia Vodianova. Pirelli has been applauded for celebrating ‘real’ women this year, but corporeal semantics aside, the overwhelming response to the calendar has been positive: a joyful celebration of women of all ages, races, religions and professions and we simply cannot wait to get out hands on one. Via SMH.
It's Australia's longest and biggest international film festival, spanning 18 days and 358 titles, and it's quite the cinephile endurance test. Yes, we're talking about the annual Melbourne International Film Festival — the place where scampering rodents, a deadly game of picking family favourites, making fun of Jared Leto and giant faces pasted across historic French buildings all came together. David Lynch waxing lyrical about a tortoise, teenage terrorists roaming around a department store and not your usual type of superhero flick all made an appearance too. They're just some of the standout moments from this year's program, the ones that stuck with our film critics Sarah Ward and Tom Clift after they stepped out of the festival's cinemas (and, most likely, just before they stepped into another one). Thanks to bleak Russian dramas, mind-bending time loop trickery and harrowing real-life retellings, there's more where they came from — including our rundown of the best, strangest and most surprising movies of MIFF 2017. (And if you're wondering why Call Me By Your Name, Good Time, Ali's Wedding, A Fantastic Woman, Brigsby Bear and The Square didn't make our MIFF picks, that's because we saw and loved them at the Sydney Film Festival. These are ten newbies.) BEST https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQFdGfwChtw THE KILLING OF A SACRED DEER Greek weird wave pioneer Yorgos Lanthimos follows up his first English-language feature The Lobster with this equally bizarre offering — an uneasy, unpredictable, darkly funny moral thriller that will make viewers laugh and then feel awful for doing so. Colin Farrell stars as a cardiologist with skeletons in his closet, who is forced to make an impossible decision after his family finds itself plagued by a mysterious affliction. Make no mistake: the stilted line delivery, not just from Farrell but also Nicole Kidman as his wife, is very much by design. Lanthimos' films are designed to make you feel unsettled, and none have done it better than this one. — Tom Clift https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9chFxUNB7o NOCTURAMA If consumerism and nihilism often sit side by side, then so do anarchy and apathy — in Nocturama's view of the world, at least. Indeed, if writer/director Bertrand Bonello achieves one thing with his mesmerising and provocative film, it's forcing the viewer to question, well, everything. With a simply stunning command of his visceral visuals and unnerving mood, he charts the actions of seemingly ordinary Parisian students who care about everything and nothing, who want to improve the world around them and see it all burn, and who are driven to act in a devastating way and then happily frolic through their department store hideaway. Here, painstaking tracking shots through the streets, the most unexpected use of 'Whip My Hair' you're ever likely to come across and a calculated kick of a final act all come together to make for a movie that won't be forgotten easily. — Sarah Ward https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KLLkj84GAo LUCKY As well as being the best thing to reach screens this year, Twin Peaks has gifted viewers with the joys of plenty of Harry Dean Stanton and David Lynch. Don't worry, there's more where that came from, and it's just as wonderful. The veterans — one a 91-year-old actor with 199 credits on his resume, the other the inimitable filmmaker who has directed him five times — join forces again in Lucky, which thrusts the former to the fore as a small-town loner forced to face his mortality. The landscape of Stanton's face pairs perfectly with the arid dessert surroundings, while his specific brand of cantankerous charm finds its match in Lynch (who acts, rather than directs) as his monologue-spouting, tortoise-loving pal. — SW https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLegoO4NdD8 LOVELESS Dissecting a society infected by oppressive politics, Russian filmmaker Andrey Zvyagintsev captures modern life in his homeland in bleak slices, whether exploring brothers reunited with their absent father in The Return, a woman forced to do whatever it takes for family in Elena, or a family taking on a corrupt mayor in Leviathan. Stark and stunning from start to finish, Loveless is no different. Here, a squabbling couple on the brink of divorce discover that their largely neglected 12-year-old son has gone missing — and there's no one like Zvyagintsev at taking an already tense and heartbreaking situation into formally composed, emotionally brutal, absolutely astonishing territory. — SW https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFVDyWBBiuA LET THE SUNSHINE IN Love and loneliness are two sides of the same coin in Claire Denis' light but insightful Let the Sunshine In, which finds empathetic comedy in the romantic escapades of Juliette Binoche's newly divorced 50-something artist. A sophisticated and seductive look at the ups and downs of dating and desire it may be, but as the film flits through a series of affairs, it's never afraid to reveal both the disarming delights and devastating lows of putting yourself out there. Laughs follow, and so does a smart, spirited and soulful exploration of affection and intimacy — as driven by Binoche's enigmatic candour — that cuts deep. — SW https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvWwnZeUHeI ABACUS: SMALL ENOUGH TO JAIL You wouldn't have thought that a film set in the shadow of the global recession would make you root for a bank. And yet, that's exactly what viewers will find themselves doing during Abacus: Small Enough to Jail. The latest film from Hoop Dreams director Steve James, this compelling documentary follows the legal struggles of the only financial institution to be charged by the US Government in the wake of the GFC. But it wasn't a giant multinational. Rather, New York prosecutors went after, a small, family-owned bank with deep connections to the Chinese immigrant community. Abacus interrogates questions of responsibility, scapegoating and prejudice, while doubling as a thrilling courtroom drama. — TC https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fybwL9tY9qY FACES PLACES If everyone in the world looked at strangers in the same manner as Belgian-born filmmaker and French New Wave icon Agnes Varda, we'd be living in a much, much happier and kinder society. The almost 90-year-old's empathy, enthusiasm and understanding drives Faces Places in two ways: in the photographs that she takes with street artist JR, and in the film that chronicles their snapping — which is then followed by printing out giant versions of their pics, and plastering them on the walls of rustic, historic buildings. In fact, her attitude towers over the film in the same way her artworks loom over villagers below, and the impact is just as enchanting. Accordingly, love, life, creativity, connection, accepting others and acknowledging that nothing is permanent are all a part of this charming documentary. Oh, and goats as well. — SW https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kw1NwnFXaVk THAT'S NOT ME Some of the best comedies find their laughs from relatable drama. And, while we all haven't watched our twin sister live out our wildest dreams of becoming a successful actor (and date Jared Leto), we have seen hopes and wishes fall by the wayside, taken leaps of faith that haven't paid out, and had to redefine our idea of a happy ending. That's the tale of low-budget Aussie comedy That's Not Me, the first feature from writer/director Gregory Erdstein and writer/star Alice Foulcher, and an earnest, astute, insightful and thoroughly amusing exploration of making it, faking it and the fact that life usually exists somewhere in between. — SW THE WEIRDEST https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-EMPii8TCQ RAT FILM There are few movies out there like Rat Film. Plenty of other animals have clucked, purred, barked, splashed and scurried their way through cute critter-focused documentaries, but not in this fashion. Trust us. Taking on the creatures humanity usually kills rather than celebrates, director Theo Anthony wanders from filming a rat trapped in his own rubbish bin, to exploring society's ways of dealing with rodents, to stepping from their prevalence on Baltimore's streets to a whole host of class, racial and economic divisions — and throwing more than a few existential musings in as well. It sometimes comes across as disjointed, but it's never less than fascinating and illuminating, complete with Werner Herzog-like observations as narration. — SW https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXB0DK3upGY THE ENDLESS On paper, The Endless might sound like the sum of its intriguing but far from unusual parts, with creepy cults, temporal trickery and sibling struggles all fairly common film fodder. On the screen, however, the latest film from director/actor duo Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead proves anything but standard. In fact, it's the kind of sci-fi/horror flick that will floor you with its ingenuity, make you want to watch it again immediately afterwards, and inspire you to check out the filmmaker's first effort, Resolution. Imaginative, enthralling, astute with its aesthetics and atmosphere, and insightful in contemplating both human and supernatural drama, this account of two brothers returning to the close-knit camp they used to call home is the whole weird and wonderful package. — SW THE MOST UNEXPECTED https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nc7m7lpSbkE DEATH IN THE TERMINAL On October 18, 2015, a gun-toting terrorist stepped inside a bus terminal in the Southern Israeli city of Beersheba. 18 minutes later, three people were dead as the authorities reacted, people on the ground turned into an angry mob and blood soon smeared white surfaces. Watching these events unfold through security video and mobile phone footage is as unsettling as it sounds, with to-camera chats from people who were there helping to fill in the gaps. Directors Tali Shemesh and Asaf Sudry immerse viewers in a situation that's both horrifying and harrowing — not to mention confrontingly revealing about human nature in times of extreme crisis, as well as in the current international political climate. — SW https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-H8AK4FtLQ8 JUPITER'S MOON Religious allegory meets arthouse flick meets action movie meets cry for compassion in Jupiter's Moon, a strange, vaguely satirical, occasionally stunning film about a Syrian refugee who is shot by a twitchy border cop only to discover he can fly. Hungarian director Kornél Mundruczó has crafted an incredible-looking piece of work, full of breathtaking long takes that recall Alfonso Cuaron's Children of Men (as does some of the subject matter). Not everything about the movie is a success — it's fairly heavy-handed, and runs more than a smidge too long. But went it works, it soars. — TC By Sarah Ward and Tom Clift.
First an app, now virtual reality. Icelandic queen of raising the bar Bjork has announced plans to pair her newest video with virtual reality headset, Oculus Rift. Working with longtime collaborator and director Andrew Thomas Huang, Bjork has made her new video for 'Stonemilker' — from latest (and leaked) release Vulnicura — available to view through the headset. If Bjork's bookshelf of previous videos is anything to go by, this is going to be one wild world to explore with the Rift. Bjork is no stranger to harnessing new forms of technology to complement her work. The singer released a special app in conjunction with her 2013 album Biophilia. Bjork's upcoming retrospective at New York's Museum of Modern Art, opening March 8, is sure to contain some pretty interactive elements with predictably mind-blowing technology. So why Oculus Rift, why now? In a recent interview with Fast Company, Bjork chatted about the OR endeavour, explaining apps are "punk", Oculus Rift takes things next level. "It can’t just be working with the gadget for the sake of the gadget. But also it’s about budgets," Bjork told FC. "You can do apps cheaply. Apps was kind of punk, actually. It was like starting a punk band again. Filming for Oculus Rift is not." So, will you be able to watch Bjork's new video on the Rift? Business Insider predicts Oculus Rifts will be available to consumers in 2015, and Oculus VR CEO, Brendan Iribe, told Dublin's Web Summit 2014 that a consumer-version of the company’s Rift VR headset is "close"; so you could be forking out your salary for one in mere months. Release dates for the 'Stonemilker' video are yet to be announced. Via The Verge.
Brisbanites, prepare to take your love of the outdoors to its fanciest extreme. You'll get some fresh air, party by the river and swing a mallet. That's right — the Royal Croquet Club is about to make its Queensland debut. After wowing Adelaide since 2013 and Melbourne earlier this year, November 6 marks Brisbane's turn to enjoy an all-ages festival dedicated to the pastime many might associate with cult '80s teen flick Heathers. That said, while it may boast four playing pitches spread across South Bank's forecourt, the Royal Croquet Club isn't just about whacking balls around. Think 17 days of food, drinks, music and more summer vibes than you can shake a croquet club at — which is an option here, clearly. The dining lineup offers a fabulous fusion of Asian, all-American and Mexican cuisine. Your stomach will delight at delicious fare from Sin Vida, Miss Kay's, The Defiant Duck, Bao Down Now, The Doughnut Bar and Mighty Mighty, plus La Macelleria gelato and Street ADL bringing their Moroccan-Malaysian tastes up north. Beverage-wise, unique spaces such as the Champagne Bar and Pimms Garden have those particular beverages covered. And then there's the entertainment, including local, interstate and international artists and musicians showering attendees in performances, with details still to be announced. Honestly, even without knowing the full lineup, the Royal Croquet Club already seems to have everything we could want in a late-spring hangout spot: games, sun, shade, tunes and cocktails that won't stop flowing. We'll see you there. The Royal Croquet Club hits the South Bank Forecourt from November 6 to 22. For more information, visit their website and Facebook page.
Looking for an opulent, world heritage-listed B&B stay in Paris that'll make you feel like a pre-Revolution French monarch? The Palace of Versailles is opening a hotel and restaurant, where you can have your cake and eat it too. According to The Age, the world-famous 17th century palace has hit a spot of financial trouble, and is opening a hotel on the premises to raise much-needed funds. With more than seven million people wandering through the iconic grounds every year, it sounds like they're doing okay. But the state-owned palace has seen funding cuts from €47.4 million (around $70.7 million) in 2013 to €40.5 million (around $60.2 million) in 2015 — a hefty decrease when you're trying to renovate palatial Rococo apartments. Enter LOV Hotel Collection. The French-based hospitality group have just won the tender to transform the three 17th century buildings in the palace grounds right next to Louis XIV's beloved Orangerie into commercial accommodation. The Grand Controle, Petit Controle and Pavillon buildings — former treasurer and officers' mess buildings just 100 yards from the main palace — will be converted into 20 luxest of the luxe boutique hotel rooms. What's more, the 'hotel' — if you can call it that — will also house a world-class restaurant. Renowned Michelin-starred French chef Alain Ducasse is locked in to open a fine dining venue on the premises. Exactly what the restaurant will be like remains to be seen, but we're thinking levels of opulent cakery like this: "There will be no other hotel in the world like this one," according to a Versailles palace spokesman. "This is an emblem of French history and a cultural landmark. It will be an authentically royal experience." Guests will apparently be able to eat cake, drink French champagne and generally live like a House of Bourbon monarch during their stay. One thing you can probably expect? One heck of a price tag, and a tidal wave of cashed-up honeymooners. Renovations are expected to cost upwards of €14 million (that's $20 million plus), and should be finished sometime in 2018. Stay tuned. Updated: April 11, 2016. Via The Age and CTV News. Top images: Dollar Photo Club.
Virtual reality may finally be about to hit the mainstream, with Sony announcing that PlayStation VR will be on the market by the end of the year. Compatible with the PS4, the long-awaited virtual reality headset will go on sale in October, and is now available for preorder from the PlayStation website for the surprisingly accessible price of AUD $549.95. Expensive gimmick or the future of gaming? Suppose we'll have to wait and see. The company made the announcement at the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco this morning. According to Sony Computer Entertainment CEO Andrew House, more than 230 developers are working on VR games, including a VR version of Star Wars: Battlefront. House expects there will be more than 50 games available by the end of the year, many of which will incorporate both the VR headset and a TV screen, allowing for multiplayer experiences that don't require multiple headsets. While there are still some doubts about the mass marketability of VR technology, Sony's announcement undoubtedly marks a significant step forward — not least because of its relative affordability. When accounting for shipping, both the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift — which both require a high-powered desktop computer to operate — are expected to cost more than double that of the PlayStation headset. Although, as the guys at Lifehacker have predicted, to use PlayStation VR to its full capabilities you'll probably need to purchase a PlayStation Camera and a Move controller or two, which will bring the price closer to $700. Those after a bargain basement alternative can always go with Google Cardboard, but we suspect that won't be compatible with your PS4. Via Wired.
A step into The Gresham is a step back in time. Its home — the heritage-listed National Australia Bank building — is drenched in history, and rather than change the face, the owners have worked with the grain to create a space straight from 1881. Picture three-storey high walls adorned with photographs and works of yesteryear, a pressed tin ceiling and one ornate 20-bulb chandelier. The old wooden floorboards are topped with large rugs, custom-made Chesterfield couches, cedar tables and red leather bar stools. If this were back in the day, we're certain the room would be filled with cigar smoke. It just has that feel to it. Above the marble fireplace, you'll also find a portrait of Edward Robert Drury (1832-1896), the soldier and banker that commissioned and oversaw construction of the original building. Drury took chances, taking out massive loans and making risky acquisitions (without asking his directors) to create this architectural gem which became known as Drury's Temple — in celebration of his achievements, everyone is encouraged to dedicate their first drink to Drury. And after seeing the drinks list, good luck stopping at just one. Whiskey is the name of the game here, with more than 100 on the menu. Have a few drams of your favourite before asking the bartenders (who have an almost encyclopaedic knowledge of whiskey) to show you something new. Besides the whiskey selection, The Gresham's bartenders have mastered the art of cocktail making. For pure nostalgia, we recommend The Sunny Boy — made to taste like the old-school icy treat. It consists of Ketel One vodka infused with coconut & butter, pineapple, passionfruit and vanilla. And for something whiskey based, try the Terry's Best Kept Secret. It's made with Talisker 10-year-old, Amaro Nonino, coffee liquor, orange glaze and black walnut bitters. Think of it as The Gresham's take on a whiskey espresso martini. Besides superb cocktails and an ornate interior, The Gresham has perfected the small touches – 'G' stamped stirring sticks, unique coasters, free peanuts and boxes of matches for business cards. The Gresham also swings its window open at 7am weekdays to the aroma of coffee beans for CBD workers. Those wanting a different type of poison need wait til noon for the towering cedar doors to open up yesteryear. Updated February 1, 2023 Images: Millie Tang
Film festivals don't just happen all the time — they happen all over the place, too. Yes, Brisbane plays host to more than its fair share of cinematic celebrations; however it's not the only spot in Queensland to showcase movie gems from around the world. Since 2002, the Gold Coast Film Festival has also been serving up an annual feast of film, with everything from Pan's Labyrinth and The Cabin in the Woods to The Grand Budapest Hotel and Ex Machina gracing its screens over the last thirteen years. They're quite the nice flick picks — and their 2016 program also offers up its fair share of gems from March 31 to April 10. Take these five, for example. If anything's worth making the drive down south — and hitting the beach beforehand to make a day of it, of course — it's these movies. SCARE CAMPAIGN Winking, nodding, all-knowing meta-textual horror efforts have been all the rage for more than a few years now; however the Cairnes brothers' follow-up to 100 Bloody Acres is a welcome addition to the fold. Named after a fictional TV program that pranks unsuspecting people by placing them in frightening situations, the movie follows the show's attempts to boost scares and ratings to compete with a new, gorier web series. To say that the aftermath of their efforts boasts quite the body count is an understatement. Expect plenty of blood, just as many screams, and a film that works through a checklist of genre staples but never feels like it's just ticking the usual boxes. GIRL ASLEEP If Wes Anderson made an Australian-set, 1970's era film about the trials and tribulations of being a teenage girl — and the dream world its 15-year-old protagonist needs to escape into to find the strength to cope with problems such as dorky parents, bullying peers and a best friend who wants to be something more — there's no doubting that it would look like Girl Asleep. This stage-to-screen production is as inventive as it is insightful, and as heartfelt and hilarious too. And, the Aussie treat comes to the Gold Coast after opening the teen-oriented section of the 2016 Berlin International Film Festival. MR RIGHT We've all been there: recently single, looking to mingle, and falling for someone new. Luckily, unlike Anna Kendrick in killer comedy Mr Right, few of us have found out that the object of our affections is also a hitman. That the assassin in question is played by the ever-charming Sam Rockwell is certain to soften the blow, and to make the amusing action effort that results an irreverent affair. Plus, with this likeable twosome as the leads and their antics falling into both the shoot-em-up and screwball categories, this really is a film that should appeal to absolutely everyone. DRAMA Who said the French were the only ones that could make Paris-set romantic comedies? Aussie writer, director and star Sophie Mathisen tries her hand at a relationship drama set in the city of love, playing a struggling actress pining after her ex while worrying about her future. That might sound like a conventional tale, but given the film's atypical off-screen story, we're guessing it'll prove anything but. At a time when the Australian screen industry is finally thinking about gender equality, Mathisen is leading the charge, ensuring 50 percent of her movie's crew were women. MUSTANG We've been raving about this Turkish movie since last year, but with good reason. First-time filmmaker Deniz Gamze Ergüven tells the tale of five sisters struggling with their strict family's expectations — particularly their uncle's determination to marry them all off — and finally driven to do something about it. If you missed Mustang at November's Brisbane Asia Pacific Film Festival, don't make the same mistake twice. And if you're wondering why it sounds familiar, other than effusive enthusiasm and its seeming narrative similarities to The Virgin Suicides, that's probably because the feature was nominated for best foreign language film at this year's Academy Awards. The Gold Coast Film Festival runs from March 31 to April 10 at the Gold Coast Arts Centre and Birch Carroll and Coyle Coolangatta. Visit the festival website for the full program.
Sure, it's only January — but if you're a beauty product buff, it's about to feel a lot like Christmas. Sephora, aka the French-based perfume and cosmetics chain that has won fans the world over, is finally making its way to Brisbane. Just where they'll be setting up shop is yet to be announced, but expect to find them in the CBD. Yes, browsing for your favourite makeup, skincare and other beauty buys during your lunch break is about to become a reality. It's good news for everyone, except for your bank balance. If you haven't jumped on the Sephora bandwagon yet — and given that they only launched their first Australian premises in Sydney in December 2014, and then opened up their online store to Aussie customers in November 2015, that's understandable — then prepare to enter a beauty product wonderland. All those prestige international brands you can't get elsewhere, like Marc Jacobs, Kat Von D, Formula X and their own Sephora Collection? Well, you'll find them here among more than 1500 different lines, as well as in-store services and demonstrations. Sephora might be known for setting trends in the beauty industry, but in opening up a store in Brisbane, it's actually following one. In the last year, Zara and H&M have made their presence known, with Uniqlo about to do the same. For more information about Sephora's Brisbane store, keep an eye on their website and Facebook page. Via The Courier Mail.
Caffeine fiends, the days of drinking your favourite cuppa are over. It seems that, like revenge, coffee is a dish best served cold— and not just cold, but frozen. Of course, long black, cappuccino and mocha-flavoured popsicles are the perfect treat for Brisbane, the city where eating ice cream is a year-round thing. Peter and Penny Wolff of Dandelion and Driftwood certainly think so, which is how Queen of the Pops came to fruition. Not a coffee fan? You can still get your fix of warm drinks turned into frozen treats, with chai latte and hot chocolate flavours also available. And for those who prefer everything in normal ol' liquid form, the usual beverages are on the menu, including on-tap nitro cold brews to keep with the chilly theme. Queen of the Pops' cafe-slash-concept store is little more than a cute, retro-styled hole in the wall, but with cafe food on offer in addition to the icy, buzz-inducing snacks on a stick, it's one that Brisbanites should both rush to and get a rush from. And yes, the popsicles are made with fresh roasted, barista-made coffee, should you need any more convincing. They're also sold in take-home packs, because you won't want to stop at just one. Find Queen of the Pops on the corner of Bayview Terrace and Drane Street, Clayfield, or check out their website and Facebook page. Image: Ariana Gillrie via the Queen of the Pops Facebook page.
Fancy spending some time in Latin America? Don't we all. It's not quite the same as a holiday but, thanks to the brand new Cine Latino Film Festival, getting immersed in the sights, sounds and stories of everywhere from Mexico to Puerto Rico is as easy as heading to the movies. Throughout August, the latest addition to Palace Cinemas' ever-growing festival calendar brings the best films from the region to Australian screens, celebrating not just excellence but variety. Come for cinematic poetry from master filmmakers and stay for Peruvian horror efforts — they're just a few of our five must-see pics of the festival. Plus, if you scroll down to the bottom, you can go in the draw to win a double pass to see one of them. NERUDA Curbing one's excitement for Pablo Larraín's latest feature is close to impossible. The Chilean filmmaker hasn't even reached the age of 40 yet, and he already has a number of features under his belt that any writer/director would be envious of. After wowing the Aussie festival circuit with his first collaboration with Gael Garcia Bernal in 2012's political drama No, Larraín tasks the charismatic actor with once again exploring the difficulties of restrictive societies — this time through an examination of the life the poet that gives the movie its name. That Neruda has been called gripping won't surprise anyone, in yet another stellar work from a director on the rise. ENDLESS POETRY When it comes to Endless Poetry, knowing that it is directed by Alejandro Jodorowsky should be more than enough motivation to send you rushing towards your nearest Palace Cinema. After breaking a 23-year directing drought with 2013's The Dance of Reality, the 87-year-old filmmaker behind such brazen, mind-bending cult classics as El Topo and The Holy Mountain offers up another cinematic memoir. In the second of a planned five-feature series, he moves from his youth to the formative experiences of his 20s, chronicling his efforts to become a poet against the wishes of his family. THE WOMB If sitting in a darkened room, staring at a big screen and getting scared is your idea of a good time at the movies, then The Womb should be your type of film. If the fact that it is being billed as Peru's first bona fide horror flick doesn't get your pulse racing, then perhaps its unsettling tale of several layers of motherhood struggles will. Sure, you've probably seen plenty of frightening fare about being a parent lately, but there's a reason filmmakers keep returning to this tried and tested topic. HOW TO WIN ENEMIES You can never have too many offbeat comedies, right? Finding amusement in the quirks of everyday life is always going to strike a chord, with How to Win Enemies the latest Argentinian effort to give it a shot. Focusing on a young lawyer with a fondness for detective stories, it's a love story, a family drama and a mystery all in one. Yes, the sleuthing angle has seen Gabriel Lichtmann's film compared to TV's Bored to Death — so if you're a fan of that show, it can only be a good thing. I PROMISE YOU EVERYTHING Combine a skater film, a crime drama and a queer love story all into one, and the result is I Promise You Everything. Weaving through the streets of modern-day Mexico City, the feature tells the tale of Miguel and Johnny, their stumbling upon a get-rich-quick scheme supplying blood to drug traffickers, and the tumultuous results. If it sounds a little like the early work of Oscar-winning director Alejandro González Iñárritu, that's not a bad thing. One review has even mentioned the film in the same breath as The Godfather — and while they're awfully big shoes to fill, discovering how it tries to achieve that feat should be intriguing at the very least. The Cine Latino Film Festival screens at Sydney's Palace Norton Street and Verona from August 9 to 24, Brisbane's Palace Centro and Barracks from August 11 to 24, and Melbourne's Palace Como and Westgarth from August 17 to 31. For more information, visit the festival website. [competition]583085[/competition]
Getting away from it all — it's the dream, right? Who doesn't want to escape from the daily grind, kick back in a relaxing setting, and dedicate their time to cold beverages and green sights aplenty? Before you go wallowing over the fact that you don't have a holiday on the agenda, we have some great news: you can do all of the above without leaving the city. Because not all bars are created equal, some inner-city watering holes can make you feel like you've been whisked somewhere far, far away just by filling their space with oh-so-soothing flora. In partnership with the Hahn Brewers, here are ten bars around Brisbane where you can find a haven away from the hustle and bustle. THE PINEAPPLE HOTEL Getting a dose of greenery couldn't be more simple at The Pineapple Hotel. The historic Woolloongabba mainstay is in the ideal place for it — that is, right next door to a sprawling, grass and tree-filled park. Unsurprisingly, that makes the pub's seats with an outdoor view highly sought after; however, they're worth hanging around to nab. Many a day could be whiled away just sitting, snacking on Szechuan chicken wings and sipping on beer here. In fact, many have. THE TRIFFID When Newstead scored a new live music venue — owned by former Powderfinger bassist John Collins, no less — gig fans rejoiced. Since it opened its doors in 2014, everyone fond of just sitting around outside with a beer in hand has too. Boasting more than just a couple of token trees and plants, The Triffid's beer garden delivers both key elements, with the drinks flowing and the flora plentiful. Dropping by even if you're not seeing a show isn't just acceptable; it's encouraged. THE BRIGHTSIDE Good ol' Brighty, as we're sure you've called this Warner Street hotspot before, really does offer a space for every occasion. Indoor gigs, carpark parties, eating chicken, chilling near some plants: it has it all. In fact, there's a reason that plenty of the venue's many, many shindigs happen in the beer garden — everyone wants to hang out there. Whatever night of the week you choose, there's probably something happening, too, be it trivia, themed get-togethers or just sitting around with a brew in hand. DARLING & CO You don't always have to venture outside to find yourself a patch of plant life. And, you don't always have to look down to spot some either. Whether you're standing near the bar or sitting near one of the sizeable windows, you'll spy yourself something botanical in this Paddington bar. There's plenty hanging around, literally — which will probably make you want to hang around too. PIG & WHISTLE RIVERSIDE In the CBD, it's easy to feel like you're surrounded by concrete as far as the eye can see. And, often, you are. Indeed, there's plenty in the vicinity of Pig & Whistle Riverside, but the English pub helps liven up all of that grey with some bursts of green in its beer garden. No wonder it's a popular after-work go-to if you're in the area, and has been since it opened in 2002. A word of warning: if there's a sporting event on TV, the crowds will multiply, so consider this a busy and buzzing oasis, rather than the quiet kind. SHADY PALMS Sometimes, the secret to a bar's success really is all there in its name. If Shady Palms didn't have a couple of the trees that inspired its moniker, there'd be trouble. Don't worry, there's more than that. Also on offer in Stones Corner is an array of eating and drinking options for both day and night, whether you're after a lunchtime escape or an evening beverage. Making you feel like you're in someone's backyard is the main aim here, and it's a successful one. CANVAS Size doesn't matter when it comes to finding the perfect green haven. Like The Castle, it's all about the vibe, really. With that in mind, what Canvas lacks in space, it makes up for in atmosphere. Out the front, you'll find plants brightening up the street-side sitting spots, while venturing out the back reveals everyone's favourite kind of botanical sight. Yes, that'd be hanging plants, which can add a splash of nature to any space — and do just that here. THE WICKHAM Fortitude Valley doesn't always feel like the greenest place (wall-to-wall buildings will do that). Consider The Wickham the green oasis you're searching for, thanks to a savvy choice as part of the pub's last revamp: turning an abandoned space into a garden bar and container lounge. In the former, you'll find living, thriving plants adding a splash of colour and vibrancy. In the latter you'll find them coming down from the ceiling. With beers and doughnuts also on offer, what more could you want? HOPE AND ANCHOR English-themed bars aren't unique in Brisbane, and nor are quaint little spaces that show that good things come in small packages. Making its home on Latrobe Terrace, Hope and Anchor ticks both boxes — but, it also offers something different. That'd be a greenhouse, aka a plant-filled respite from the gloriously dark and inviting interior. Yes, that means that you can enjoy the best of both worlds here, hopping from greenery and slivers of sunshine to the dimly lit main room whenever you feel like it. AT SIXES AND SEVENS Giant trees? Check. Shrubbery galore? Check. Astroturf to both walk and sit on? Check again. At Sixes and Sevens offers up both real and fake forms of greenery, and doesn't stop the theme there. Log stools, plant wallpaper and cushions, emerald tiles and tones, green beverages — someone really wants the concept to hit home, and thankfully it does. In fact, you'll forget that you're on James Street pretty quickly. Sign up to Hahn Brewers and head out for a drink this weekend.
Vincent Corneille and Rubin Utama are the excellent gentlemen behind Son Valise, the company that builds the adorable and awesome JukeCase. You might have seen them at various markets, walked past their Collingwood store, or eyed one off with envy at your mate's place, either way, they're everywhere at the moment and not only they look great, but also the sound quality is top-notch. Vincent and Rubin recently launched a Pozible campaign to create a smaller version of the JukeCase, appropriately named the JukeCase Mini. As of Monday they reached their $16,000 goal and the JukeCase Mini is going ahead. (If you're pretty keen on these wonderful musical contraptions you can still pledge up until December 16 and receive a JukeCase Mini for below the RRP.) To celebrate their Pozible win, and the gorgeous summer that awaits us all, we asked Vincent and Rubin to compile some kick-arse playlists that are perfect for warm weather activities. Whether you're heading to the beach, getting out of town for a few days, or throwing a house party of epic proportions, here are a few tunes the Son Valise lads can recommend. Road Trip Songs A road trip playlist needs to cover a lot of ground. For starters, you need enough sing-along songs that your carload of people can scream along to that it keeps morale high. You also need songs that compliment your surroundings. A good way to do this is play artists who come from your destination of choice to get you in the mood. Finally, road trips are excellent introversion time, so if you're travelling solo, sometimes quieter, thinking music is best. Vincent and Rubin have covered all bases here, so grab your bags and let's hit the road. VINCENT Jackson Browne - Running On Empty: In the middle of the desert when you've been on the road for eight hours straight, this song propels you to keep on moving. The Doors - LA Woman: No road trip is complete without The Doors blaring out of the stereo (or JukeCase). This song has great pace and always gets you focused on the drive. Bruce Springsteen - I'm On Fire: Really chilled out and great for those really late nights in the middle of nowhere. Gorillaz ft. Little Dragon - Empire Ants: An amazing and powerful crescendo. The Chemical Brothers - Star Guitar: Seeing the sunrise over the ocean and this playing in the background is a truly wonderful experience. RUBIN Kanye West - POWER: Always a good pump up if driving is getting a little dull. Dr Alban - Sing Hallelujah: '90s sing-along. Cake - The Distance: The title is self-explanatory I think. Time to drive! Todd Terje - Swing Star, Pt.1 & 2: Sometimes when you get in the zone it's good to listen to a bit of "in the zone" music that develops. No lyrics. Just a musical journey. Kitty, Daisy and Lewis - Don't Make a Fool Out of Me: A good sunny-day, window-down tune to sing along with. House Party Boogie Nights Whether it's a housewarming, Christmas party or NYE festivities, you can bet that there will be some banging house parties over summer. If you're planning to throw your own, make sure you pack your playlist with dancefloor-fillers from the now and yesterday. Old school hip hop and disco are excellent choices and have been favoured by Vincent and Rubin, as well as few saucy ones for a cheeky make-out sesh. You're welcome, future summer lovers. VINCENT Rick James - Give It to Me Baby: I'm a big Rick James fan and this one always sets the scene. Prince - Erotic City: Sleazy funk from the master himself. Talking Heads - Girlfriend Is Better: Unrelenting party jam Hot Chocolate - Heaven Is in the Backseat of My Cadillac: The name says it all really. The Whispers - And the Beat Goes On: Try to not dance. I dare you. RUBIN Oliver Cheatham - Get Down It's Saturday Night - Because that's what you should be doing on a Saturday night. Chic - The Chic Minimix: The best of Chic all mixed into one seven-minute ultimate minimix. Young MC - Bust a Move - Old-school hip hop song/dance-along. Michael Jackson - Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough: What's a house party without a little Michael? Thundercat - Oh Sheit It's X!: Upbeat, high energy, ridiculous bass line. Sure to get you moving in ways you never knew you could. Beach Time Chill Out Tunes It's time to kick back and let the hours pass you by with a blissed out soundtrack. Embrace the lazy, hazy days of summer either crashing amongst the waves or swinging in a hammock. Classics like The Beatles and The Beach Boys get a look in from Vincent's list, while Rubin has gone with local legends The Avalanches and the always perfect Will Smith. Surf's up, dude. VINCENT The Beatles - Side Two of Abbey Road LP: It doesn't technically count as one song, but they all intertwine without stopping so I can never bring myself to stop the music. Beach Boys - God Only Knows: Try and hunt down the a cappella, moving stuff. Cornelius - Beep It: One of my favourite artists, and it has such a beautiful melody. Daft Punk - Fresh: It starts with waves gently breaking and builds a chilled out groove. Fleetwood Mac - Albatross: Feels like you're sinking into the sand. RUBIN Will Smith - Miami: Will Smith, that's why. Air - La Femme D'Argent: Think dusk, hanging out in a hammock watching the orange sunset over the rolling sea. Washed Out - Feel It All Around - Poolside, ice cold drink. Maybe a Mojito. With a little umbrella in it. The Coasters - Down in Mexico: Drinking rum at a little bamboo beach shack. If that's not what you're doing then you should be. The Avalanches - Since I Left You: A feelgood song that makes you think of bright flowers and sunny days. Happy times.
Victoria's newest boutique hotel is set to take a weekend on the Mornington Peninsula to a new level of luxury. Opening to guests on Saturday, April 1, Jackalope Hotel is smack-bang in the middle of the Peninsula's wine region in Merricks North, just next to Red Hill. The hotel is the 'passion project' of 28-year-old entrepreneur Louis Li, who worked with architecture firm Carr Design Group and Fabio Ongarato Design studio to design the hotel, which is his first. From what we've seen, the exterior is quite impressive and maintains a modern austerity while naturally fitting into the rolling landscape. At the entrance to the hotel, guests will be greeted by a seven-metre-tall sculpture of a Jackalope, the mythical horned rabbit of North American folklore the hotel is named after, which does seem overdone — but then, that also seems to be the point of the hotel's 'extravagance to surreal proportions' mindset. The 46 rooms offer terrace or vineyard views, with their double-the-size 'lair' suites offering the best views in the house. Each room boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, private terraces and hand-crafted bespoke furnishings. If you're one for a good bath, the deep-soak, black Japanese tubs and exclusive Hunter Lab bath products will keep you utterly relaxed while you admire your fabulous self in the double vanities. It's a bathroom well deserving of a nice glass (or bottle) of local wine, that's for sure. If your private bath isn't quite enough, the landscaped gardens include a black 30-metre infinity pool with an adjacent pavilion for spa treatments. The hotel also houses an extensive art collection, commissioned and installed specifically for the space for anyone looking to soak up some culture instead of sun. Yes, it's incredibly luxe. And to be certain they are not outdone, Jackalope is also home to not one, but two restaurants, headed by chef Guy Stanaway. The fine dining option, oddly named Doot Doot Doot, centres around a menu of seasonal, local produce, while the cellar door, Rare Hare, is set amongst the hotel's winery and offers the requisite wine and food pairing. If you somehow get bored in this lap of luxury, the Peninsula is already home to over 50 cellar doors and restaurants, not to mention golf courses, natural hot springs, national parks and bay beaches. You can use our weekender's guide to the area to navigate. Of course, all this will cost you a pretty penny — rooms start at around $650 and go up to over $1000 per night. But for those looking to give themselves a little (or a lot) of pampering, Jackalope sounds like it'll be the ideal spot for it. Jackalope Hotel will open on Saturday, April 1 at 166 Balnarring Road, Merricks North. For more info or to book a room, visit jackalopehotels.com.
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.
When is a vending machine not just a vending machine? When it's a self-service cafe. That's not just marketing jargon — that's what health food merchants All Real Food are calling their automated eateries, and it's a name that fits. But you won't find the usual chips, chocolate and cans of soft drink on their shelves. With no junk food in sight, what you'll find instead are delicious, healthy snacks and meals, all freshly packaged and stocked each and every day. All Real Food is known for their green-lidded jars filled with salads and smoothies, and that's exactly what their vending machines will be serving. Customers at That Little Place in Mount Gravatt East and Flannerys Natural and Organic Supermarket in Taringa should already be familiar with the Brisbane-based business's range, which also includes ready-to-go breakfasts and sweets, and will soon boast soups, too. The idea to make their nutritious treats available in more locations and at the press of a button is a stroke of genius — and one that anyone who's ever had the hankering for a healthy snack while they're out and about will be grateful for. Their touchscreen machines also feature a vertical herb garden to bring you back in touch with nature, and a gratitude board filled with health tips and inspiring messages that change daily. Just where and when they'll start popping up all over Brisbane is yet to be determined, but one thing is certain: eating on the run has never been so appetising (or so good for you). For more information about All Real Food's self-service cafe, visit their website.
Running is a sport that serves a variety of purposes depending on the individual. For some it is a therapeutic journey for clearing the head; for others, a necessary part of a daily ritual; and for many, it is a struggle to keep on moving and lose those extra kilos. Whether you are running for need or desire, one thing that all runners, novice or expert, can agree on, is that a run is always made better by a scenic view keeping you motivated, captivated, and entertained on your journey. MT COOT-THA Mt Coot Tha provides a beautiful view overlooking the city stretching from Moreton Island, Stradbroke Island, and the southern ranges. Journeys to reach the top begin at the J.C. Slaughter Falls picnic area. You can park your car there and head up the Summit Track, investigating local wildlife on your way. There are many other trails in the Mt Coot Tha reserve that can be found here. Once you reach the top, feel free to reward yourself with a delicious ice cream and take in the view. UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND The University of Queensland in St Lucia boasts a beautiful campus with classic sandstone buildings, flourishing gardens, and a large pond that houses many ducks and (slightly evil) geese. Built along the river, there is a lengthy footpath that lines the river and makes for a scenic and flat running track. For a longer run, you can head over the Eleanor Schonell Bridge, more commonly known as the Green Bridge, and make your way along the Corso in Yeronga. SOUTH BANK South Bank is the home to Brisbane's cultural centre, including the Queensland Performing Arts Complex, the Gallery of Modern Art, the Museum and a bevy of restaurants, bars and shops. Beginning at the River Quay end of South Bank, you can take a loop route, running down past the cultural centre, across the Kurilpa Bridge, along North Quay and back over the Goodwill Bridge. [caption id="attachment_668860" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] via Brisbane City Council[/caption] NEW FARM / TENERIFFE New Farm Park is the city's most prized park with its exquisite rose gardens, extensive river frontage, and countless shady fig trees. While a run around the park is beautiful, for more distance you can follow the river path beginning at the Powerhouse heading towards Teneriffe, Newstead, and the Breakfast Creek Bridge. THE RIVER LOOP This is the most popular loop for CBD workers. Clocking off at 5, you can head down to the Eagle St Pier, where you begin your run along the boardwalk heading towards the Story Bridge. Race to beat the peak hour traffic crossing the bridge then head down to Kangaroo Point past rock climbers at the cliffs and back around via the Goodwill Bridge and the City Botanical Gardens. If you can't head out for a run now (like the rest of us at a desk), check out The Athlete's Foot range — online and in stores now. Don't let the "my shoes hurt me" excuse stop you from stepping out on these awesome runs around Brisbane.
