Tokyo is a city of extremes. It has the physicality of a big city, which it is, yet the people are personable and warm. The toilets sing, the streets are immaculate and everything from dentist's surgeries to street signs is adorned with a cartoon character. This bite-sized whirlwind guide to Tokyo is here to give you a snapshot of what you should add to your trip list. Whether you're going to experience the breathtaking blooms of the cherry blossom season, to shop till you drop or to consume your weight in ramen, half the fun of exploring a new city is discovering your own favourite locations. Armed with a guide to Tokyo, you'll be set up to scratch the surface and carve out your own perfect-sized Tokyo trip. First, some general tips: walk everywhere (sneakers a must), explore a new district each day and do not commit to using a toilet unless you're 100% confident you know how to flush it. Trust us. ACTIVITIES Street Go-Karting What better way to explore this vibrant city – especially for Mario Kart lovers – than on a street go-karting experience? Discover downtown Tokyo including Asakusa, Ueno, the sky tower and more. Just don't forget your driver's licence. Top points on Nintendo won't count for squat when you're on the ground in the city. District: Akihabara Mori Tower Take in panoramic views of Tokyo from the Roppongi Hills Observation Deck in Mori Tower. This place is also home to contemporary art gallery Mori Art Museum — located on floors 52 and 53 — where exhibitions are varied and world-class. Head up high and take in both the art and spectacular views. District: Roppongi Cherry Blossoms You cannot think of Japan without the cherry blossoms — they are truly iconic and an absolute must-see if you're there. If you are lucky enough to be in Tokyo during cherry blossom season, there's everything from petal-filled festivals to optimal viewing spots in the city. So, no matter what you feel like doing in sakura season, you will be spoiled for choice. District: all over Shibuya Crossing There are countless things to see and do in Tokyo, but one of the greatest pleasures can be those brief moments when you are doing nothing but sitting and watching the crowds of fantastically dressed locals walk by. If you're after some truly spectacular people watching, head to the renowned Shibuya Crossing, and wonder at the flashing neon lights as throngs of people come and go. Want a bird's eye view? Head to Shibuya Sky and take in the city from the Sky Edge, the rooftop deck with glass railings. theLet the lights absorb you as you become one with the energy of Tokyo. District: Shibuya [caption id="attachment_893096" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Tsukiji Fish Market.[/caption] EATING Food Courts Apart from the toilet flushing thing, the other best practical Tokyo tip we can share is to explore the food courts below all major department stores. Descending into the midst of what is the most plentiful display of every food item ever created is akin to what it probably felt like for Augustus Gloop at Wonka's Factory. You can buy a salad and it can come with a mini ice pack to keep it cool. Pure genius. Hit up Tokyu Foodstore if you're near Shibuya Station, but you will find one of these food courts in the basement of any department store. District: all over Fish Markets Lovers of Japanese cuisine should not pass up the chance to visit one of the largest food markets of its kind and explore Tokyo's food culture and culinary history at the Tsukiji Fish Market and Toyosu fish market. Toyosu is the new inner market located in central Tokyo. Weave your way through the stalls, hear stories from the stall holders, and taste the authentic and fresh sushi. District: Tsukiji, Toyosu Izakaya Ism Izakayas have a casual bar-like atmosphere and also serve food. There are thousands of them in Tokyo. With a distinctly local vibe and with the addition of English menus, the food here is brilliant, the atmosphere energetic and the sake flowing. District: Shimokitazawa [caption id="attachment_893088" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Tokyo.[/caption] SHOPPING T-Site Tucked away in dreamy Daikanyama is T-Site, the architecturally stunning Tsutaya bookstore that demands hours of attention. A beautiful place to spend the afternoon pouring over the never-ending shelves of books that cover every conceivable topic, this huge double-storey space houses an incomparable selection of both English and Japanese titles. There's also a cute cafe on the second floor where you can rest your weary eyes. District: Daikanyama Dover Street Market Joined at the hip with the Uniqlo store in snazzy Ginza, Dover Street Market is an absolute must. Renowned for being the Comme des Garçon's mothership, IRL it's kind of like six super beautiful boutiques stacked on top of each other stocking many trendy designer labels (like Jacquemus, Ann Demeulemeester, Rick Owens and the entire Comme des Garçons range). District: Ginza Loft You cannot make it to the end of your trip without purchasing a sparkly sticker, glitzy notepad or wacky highlighter. Brighten up your office supplies at the stationary floor of Loft, where all your wildest kawaii organisation dreams become realities. Countless pens, stickers and colourful folders await you here. Multiple locations 1LDK Be the most well-tailored version of yourself at 1LDK, an amazing clothing and lifestyle store with locations in trendy Aoyama and Nakameguro. Stocking brands like Maison Margiela, Bless, COSMIC WONDER Light Source and Orphic, it's a real haven for high-quality everyday wear in a minimalist, timber-fitted space. District: Nakameguro, Aoyama Parco If you've come to Tokyo to indulge in some retail therapy, a great one-stop shop is Parco. The one-stop shop features all the classics, like Frapbois, Issey Miyake and Comme des Garçons, as well as a range of pop-ups and event stalls that can change overnight. Grab an onsite iced coffee to give you the energy boost you need to continue your Tokyo adventure. District: Shibuya Once you've booked your trip to Tokyo, Klook will ensure the rest of your trip is easy, affordable and full of all the highlights. To start planning, head to the website.
Melbourne's best bagel joints may not beat the likes of those in NYC, but they do a damn fine job at creating these delicious doughy rings of joy. Plus, they fill them with the greatest Aussie produce available. And while you can find bagels in cafes all over the city (and in supermarkets), this comprehensive list only includes spots that make or use authentic options — definitely boiled first to guarantee chewy goodness. You'll find Melbourne's best bagels in the CBD, inner burbs and further afield — but you have to know where to look. So, check out our list to find Melbourne's best bagels near you. Recommended reads: The Best Bakeries in Melbourne The Best Cafes in Melbourne The Best Bottomless Boozy Brunches in Melbourne The Best Coffee in Melbourne
Self-described "Larry Bird of pubs", the Prince Alfred Hotel is committed to doing simple things really well by mastering the fundamentals of what makes a good pub experience. It promises a wide wine list with vinos that are interesting but not intimidating, crisp cold beer — there are 12 rotating taps of independent craft beer alongside Carlton Draft of course — and food that looks as good as it tastes served by a welcoming and efficient team. The kitchen is open every day of the week from 12–9pm and until midnight on Friday and Saturday. Like any good neighbourhood gastropub, they have a schedule of events to suit everyone. Join them for Happy Hour from Monday—Friday from 3–6pm. Tuesday is burger day, Wednesday is steak night, Thursday is Parma Disco with $20 parmas and disco tunes from 6–9pm, and Sunday is roast lunch day from 12–9pm (or until sold out) where you're served beautifully cooked roast (cut rotates weekly) served with seasonal sides and house-made gravy. Not to be outdone, there's also live acoustic music every Sunday from 3.30–6.30pm, line up a roast dinner and you've got an ideal Sunday arvo in Port Melbourne. During the winter months, Prince Alfred Hotel opening hours vary during winter: Monday–Thursday 12–10pm, Friday–Saturday 12–1am, Sunday 12–10pm
Warwick Thornton, Cate Blanchett, Deborah Mailman, Nick Cave and Warren Ellis: name a better Australian quintet. The director of Samson & Delilah and Sweet Country, the two-time Oscar-winner and recent Tár tour de force, the local screen mainstay, and the Bad Seeds bandmates and seasoned film composers all combine not for the ultimate Aussie dinner party, but for The New Boy. None are debuting in their jobs. All are exceptional. They're each made better, however, by the luminous and entrancing Aswan Reid. As well as playing the titular part, the 11-year-old first-time actor lives it among such a wealth of acclaimed and experienced talent — and he's such a find in such excellent company, while saying little in words but everything in every other way, that Thornton's third fictional feature owes him as much of a debt as its applauded and awarded household names. There's a spark to Reid from the moment that he's first spied grappling with outback law enforcement under blazing rays as Cave and Ellis' (This Much I Know to Be True) latest rousing score plays. His sun-bleached hair couldn't be more fitting, or symbolic, but it's the confident way in which he holds himself as New Boy, plus the determined look on his face, that sears. Wily and wiry, the feature's eponymous figure is toppled by a boomerang, then bagged up and transported to the remote Catholic orphanage doted on by Sister Eileen (Blanchett, Nightmare Alley) in the 1940s. The cop doing the escorting notes that the kid is a bolter, but the nun is just as fast in her kindness. She sees what Thornton wants his audience to see: a boy that beams with his presence and through his sense of self, even though he's been snatched up, taken from his Country and forced into a Christian institution against his will. Sister Eileen is as drawn to him as the movie, but — and not just due to the red wine she likes sipping and the subterfuge she's keeping up about the resident father's absence — she isn't as certain about what to do. The path that any new arrival at the monastery is supposed to follow is preordained: uniforms, a dorm bed, porridge, helping in the fields, obedience and church. New Boy barely subscribes, donning only shorts, sleeping on the floor and cutting in front in the food line, which Sister Eileen permits. The abbey's two other adults, the nurturing Sister Mum (Mailman, Total Control) and farmhand George (Wayne Blair, Seriously Red), are welcoming yet know the reality that's facing all of the boys in their care, particularly the First Nations kids. In the priest's name, Sister Eileen might write letters to the government urging them not to send her charges away when they're considered old enough to work — the endgame to the state, especially with the Second World War impacting labour — but Sister Mum and George are lived proof that acquiescing and assimilating is the only outcome that will be accepted. There's a spark to the new boy, too, and literally. He's meant to pray away his Indigenous spirituality in the name of dutiful conformity, and in favour of Christianity, but the faith and culture that's as old as Australia's Traditional Owners glows. He's curious, though, including about the ornate, life-sized wooden cross that's sent from France for safekeeping during the war. He wants to undo its nails, free Jesus from crucifixion and give it the property's snakes as gifts. As Thornton peppers in religious imagery, New Boy displays more in common with its carved figurine than Sister Eileen knows how to handle. This is a tale of survival and, while always its namesake's story first and foremost, it also sees two sides to it: the First Nations lad ripped away from all he knows, as well as the nun that's gone renegade within a system that sees her as lesser because she's a woman. Writing and directing — as he did with Samson & Delilah, but not Sweet Country — Kaytetye man Thornton takes inspiration from his own experience as a child sent to a missionary boarding school ran by Spanish monks. In the process, he makes a moving and needfully blunt statement about the clash that's too often been enforced upon the country's First Peoples since colonisation. Indeed, simmering with anger but also hope, The New Boy is a clear, unshakeable rebuttal of the perennially ridiculous idea that only one faith, culture or way of life can exist. And, crucially, it feels as personal as Thornton's work gets; he isn't in front of the lens as he was with the also-remarkable The Beach, where he charted his own escape away from the incessant hustle and bustle of modern life, but the sensation that emanates from the screen is overwhelmingly the same. Thornton works as his own cinematographer on The New Boy, another trademark touch — see also: anthology film The Darkside, documentary We Don't Need a Map, plus the episodic Mystery Road and Firebite — which allows him to load every inch of every immaculate frame with deep and blistering emotion. There's no such thing as a passive image anywhere in any film by any director, but Thornton's beautifully shot movies ensure that his viewers can't evade the landscape that's been forever changed by white settlement. Here, he roves over the plains outside of South Australia's Burra, where every structure for the feature was erected from scratch, and where shimmering yellow fields of wheat grow atop the ochre earth that's been inhabited by Indigenous Australians for thousands of years. He sees how the terrain has been reshaped, but never forgets who was there first. With his oh-so-perceptive eye, Thornton's visuals stunningly do what New Boy does: expresses everything with little speaking necessary. In her first on-screen role in a solely Australian film since 2013's The Turning, Blanchett talks, of course. Where much of the picture around her bubbles with loaded patience, and Reid's innate naturalism, The New Boy's biggest star is the storm amid the deceiving calm. Consumed by her struggles with her own faith while tasked with instilling it into her charges, and also now challenged by the new boy that defies her sense of logic, Sister Eileen rarely stops moving, fretting, surveying, asserting, preaching and confessing — and Blanchett is magnetic to behold. That said, it's a performance with a needed counterbalance. Without Reid's serenity, Blanchett might've come on too strong. Without Reid, too, the fact that the eponymous character's quest to endure is tinged with hard-won optimism amid its palpable fury mightn't have shone through. No matter what happens, or how rarely he's accepted for who he is, New Boy always persists.
Belles Hot Chicken has spread its wings, adding a first Melbourne CBD spot to its ever-growing chook and natural wine empire. The Elizabeth Street digs is the fourth permanent Victorian store and seventh location nation-wide for Morgan McGlone's outfit— and, as well as serving the 'really fucking hot' chicken that Belles is well-known for, it'll be slinging chicken nuggets, too. Sorry, poultry fiends of Fitzroy, Richmond and Collins Square — if you'd like your chook in bite-sized pieces, you'll need to head to the new 100-seater. Opening at the Galleria on Monday, October 8, the Elizabeth Street store is the only Belles site selling the nuggets, alongside existing favourites such as tenders, drumsticks, wings, chicken sandwiches and chicken sliders. Like your chook with some extra zing? Spice fiends are able to ramp up the flavour thanks to a sixth heat level: 'sex panther'. After popping up at other stores, it's available permanently at Elizabeth Street — and on a scale that currently slides from the mild 'southern' to the famed 'really fucking hot', it takes the temperature to Homer Simpson eating a chilli level. Fitted out American diner-style with banquette seating, timber aplenty, mirrors and textured concrete, Belles' latest eatery has also launched with new tipple, dubbed the 'Party Blend'. A collaboration between group beverage director Christian Robertson and minimal intervention winemaker Rob Burley at Unkel Wines, it joins Belles' usual array of natural, organic and low-intervention tipples. Find Belles Hot Chicken on the corner of Elizabeth and Bourke Streets, Melbourne.
The Australian Ballet's Celebration Gala, bound for Arts Centre Melbourne, is such an excellent showcase of talent within the company, that it's impossible to resist hyperbole. If you are deeply into the ballet or simply have a minor appreciation for the artform of dance in any genre, the Celebration Gala is basically a greatest hits collection of solos and pas de deuxs that inspires you to dig into the superlatives. It's stunning. It's emotional. It's amazing what the human body is capable of! The lineup of dances includes evergreen blockbuster bangers like the White Swan pas de deux from Swan Lake and the iconic pas de deux from Act II of The Nutcracker, as well as contemporary pieces including the wrenchingly beautiful Clay — choreographed by brilliant Australian talent Alice Topp, and Chroma by trailblazing British choreographer, Wayne McGregor. The performances are accompanied by the Opera Australia Orchestra, live and in full flight. Next year, the huge 2022 program will be brought to stages across Australia under the meticulous and artful oversight of David Hallberg in his second season as Artistic Director. In the meantime, for the dancers' long overdue return to the stage, the Celebration Gala really is just that: a celebration. [caption id="attachment_834967" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Karen Nanasca and Nathan Brook, Australian Ballet[/caption] All images: Dan Boud.
As Victoria's COVID-19 cases have started to increase again over the past couple of weeks — with 233 new cases recorded since June 25, and 64 in the past 24 hours — the State Government has extended its State of Emergency for four more weeks, launched a suburban testing blitz and tightened some gathering restrictions for all Victorians. Now, it's reintroducing strict stay-at-home orders for ten Melbourne postcodes that are experiencing the worst community transmission of coronavirus. Coming into place at 11.59pm tomorrow, Wednesday, July 1 until least Wednesday, July 29, the new rules are very familiar. They're what were in place at stage three of the state's COVID-19 restrictions in late March. So, if you're in one of the "hot zones" postcodes, you'll only be able to leave your home for one of four reasons: for work or school, for care or care giving, for daily exercise or for food and other essentials. You won't be able to have friends and family visit either — unless it's for care — but the Victorian Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said a decision about whether or not you can visit your partner will be announced tomorrow (before the rules come into force). Plus, businesses in these suburbs will need to revert back to stage three rules, too. Which means, restaurants and cafes must offer takeaway only, and gyms, galleries, beauty parlours, swimming pools, libraries and theatres will need to close. These rules will also effect all Victorians who usually go into these suburbs — you won't be able to enter an impacted suburb, unless it's for one of the four aforementioned reasons. The ten postcodes that will be required to return to stage three stay-at-home restrictions tomorrow are: 3012: Brooklyn, Kingsville, Maidstone, Tottenham and West Footscray 3021: Albanvale, Kealba, Kings Park, St Albans 3032: Ascot Vale, Highpoint City, Maribyrnong, Travancore 3038: Keilor Downs, Keilor Lodge, Taylors Lakes, Watergardens 3042: Airport West, Keilor Park, Niddrie 3046: Glenroy, Hadfield, Oak Park 3047: Broadmeadows, Dallas, Jacana 3055: Brunswick South, Brunswick West, Moonee Vale, Moreland West 3060: Fawkner 3064: Craigieburn, Donnybrook, Mickleham, Roxburgh Park and Kalkallo Premier Daniel Andrews said the restrictions were reintroduced as the recent COVID-19 figures are "unacceptably high" and "pose a real threat to all of us". "I know this will be terribly disruptive and difficult but if everyone sticks to the rules and we see transmission come down, then in four weeks the restrictions can lift," the Premier said in a statement released today, Tuesday, June 30. The Premier also said that Victorian Police will be actively enforcing the suburban lockdowns and on-the-spot fines, as in the initial lockdown, will apply. It's also possible, that if cases continue to rise, other Melbourne postcodes will also need to go back into lockdown, too. Stay-at-home restrictions will come into force in the above ten suburbs at 11.59pm on Wednesday, July 1. For more information, head to the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services website.
Life-changing meals aren't just found in the hottest restaurants. Whether you're travelling on a budget or just want to find out what dishes locals actually hold nearest and dearest, looking beyond the standard menu ensures you encounter something a little more exciting. Luckily, taking your next culinary adventure off the beaten path is just a matter of opening yourself up to kaleidoscopic street food markets and tucked-away joints. Together with Intrepid, we've curated a list of epic food experiences that you can enjoy that aren't in a restaurant. Monjayaki You've probably heard of okonomiyaki, but what about its lesser-known cousin? Monjayaki sees fresh ingredients like cabbage, corn, kimchi and cod cooked on a piping-hot griddle, then shaped into a doughnut as rich dashi broth is poured into the middle. Once mixed and fried, it's similar to okonomiyaki, just with a runnier texture and more delicious caramelised bits fused to the bottom. Synonymous with Tokyo's Tsukishima district, monjayaki is the ideal Japanese street food to try on your next trip. Cao Lau Vietnamese staples like pho and banh mi are deservedly adored, but it's not every day you can enjoy a hot bowl of cao lau. The most beloved dish in Hoi An — a fascinating port city shaped by its merchant past — what makes this local meal so special is how its noodles are prepared. Soaked in wells where water is mixed with wood ash collected from the Cham Islands, this gives the noodles a smokey flavour and firm texture. Typically served with thinly sliced pork, greens and bean sprouts, plan your trip to Hoi An to experience the dish. Bindae-Tteok Travelling to South Korea means you're bound to encounter a myriad of mazey markets bursting with sumptuous dishes you won't likely find on any restaurant menu. In Seoul, the go-to destination is Gwangjang Market — a sprawling gastronomic haven made even more popular by Netflix's 'Street Food' series. Across 5,000 stalls, flavours that tantalise your tastebuds are around every corner, including the wonders of bindae-tteok. This street food favourite sees mung bean batter combined with cabbage, kimchi and pork, then deep-fried to perfection and served with condiments like soy sauce and vinegar. Chiles En Nogada Finding authentic Mexican cuisine in Australia can be tricky. So, if you're planning a real food adventure to experience the good stuff, setting your sights on the country's national dishes is a smart way to get your palate up to speed with what's what. Native to Puebla, chiles en nogada bursts with bright flavours, featuring stuffed chillies covered in creamy walnut sauce. Best eaten when pomegranates are freshest from August to October, the dish's patriotic red, white and green ingredients give every bite a little extra zeal. Medfouna Influenced by cultures from Europe to Asia, traditional Moroccan food is the amalgamation of countless flavours. Yet for a dish beloved for hundreds of years by the country's nomadic Amazigh people, medfouna ensures you discover the taste of High Atlas cuisine. Nicknamed 'Amazigh pizza', medfouna is a stuffed flatbread set atop hot stones and buried beneath the red sand to cook. Loaded with meats, nuts, vegetables, herbs and spices, it's soon dug up and cut into slices, resembling pizza as you've never seen before. Ambul Thiyal Every Sri Lankan food extravaganza needs an abundance of hoppers, sambal and lamprais. Yet being a tropical paradise, overlooking the region's seafood is a mistake. Ambul thiyal, a sour fish curry, is one dish that elegantly balances the cuisine's intense spices with tangy goodness. Commonly made with fresh tuna, a fragrant mix of aromatic spices brings this beloved curry to life with black pepper, cinnamon, pandan and turmeric adding more and more flavour. Served with rice, the secret ingredient is goraka — a tiny tropical fruit loved for its tartness. Baccala Mantecato Italian cuisine is found worldwide for good reason — it's fresh, fun and made to share. However, it's best not to lump the country's cuisine together as a monolith. When you're chasing the best Italian flavours, the region-to-region, town-to-town variations make all the difference. An essential Venetian dish, baccala mantecato, or salted cod, is a stellar example of this local heritage. Brought to Venice from Norway by 15th-century traders, the cod is soaked and whipped, then served on toasted bread or polenta — perfect when sipping on an aperitif. Malai Ki Sabzi It's hard to imagine food more flavourful than Mughlai cuisine. Renowned for its rich, colourful dishes, much of what you'll taste is packed with potent ingredients like saffron, cardamon, cream and butter. Malai ki sabzi is a traditional meal that captures the magic. Local vegetables are cooked with cream and given a pungent boost with the full-flavoured combination of garlic, turmeric, coriander and green chilli. Take a food adventure to India to learn how to make this incredible dish with help from a cook specialising in Mughlai cuisine. Pachamanca Based upon centuries of colonial rule and immigration, Peruvian cuisine is a melting pot of global influences. In fact, two of the country's most popular cuisines — 'nikkei' and 'chifa' — showcase how local flavours have merged with Japanese and Chinese culinary ideas. The cuisine emerging from atop the Andes mountains is just as special. Meaning 'earth pot', pachamanca is the ideal introduction, with scorching hot rocks used to cook pork, lamb or chicken seasoned with black mint and broad beans. Journey to Cusco to get a taste. Francesinha Toasties are still enjoying time in the culinary sun, so why not feast on the Portuguese version of a croque monsieur? Almost every cafe in Porto has its own version, but a tried-and-true francesinha sees layers of beef, ham and sausage stacked between two thick slices of toast. This decadent creation is next draped in melted cheese from top to bottom, then drenched in a traditional sauce made from tomato and beer. Served alongside a big portion of fries, a Portugal food tour will highlight how the 'little French sandwich' is really a fully-fledged meal. Get out, explore, dive into adventure and find your WOW with Intrepid Travel. Find out more on the website. Top Images: Gwangjang Market, Mike Swigunski
In Australia's music festival scene, 2022 has been a year of big comebacks — and when December hits, Meredith will join the list. On hiatus since 2019 due to the pandemic, the beloved three-day BYO camping festival in central Victoria will finally return across Friday, December 9–Sunday, December 11. Obviously, it wouldn't be another stint with Aunty Meredith if there wasn't a killer lineup. For its first fest in three years, Meredith will feature Canadian electronic producer Dan Snaith under both his guises — sitting at the top of the bill as Caribou, and also at the bottom of the list so far as Daphni. When you're not catching his sets, you can hit up the event's two big local headliners: Yothu Yindi and Courtney Barnett. Also on the lineup: The Comet Is Coming, Dry Cleaning, Sharon Van Etten and Derrick Carter from the overseas roster, spanning everything from post-punk and jazz through to house. And, among the local favourites, Tkay Maidza sits alongside Tasman Keith, SHOUSE and Private Function. [caption id="attachment_865436" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mia Mala McDonald[/caption] The stacked lineup goes on — and, if you're wondering how you can see all of the above, and more, across one huge December weekend, Meredith tickets are still only available by entering the ballot. You can do so at online up until 10.29pm on Monday, August 22. This year isn't just any old Meredith, either. It's the fest's 30th event, so prepare for quite the party in the Supernatural Amphitheatre. [caption id="attachment_847588" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ben Fletcher[/caption] MEREDITH 2022 LINEUP: Caribou Yothu Yindi Courtney Barnett The Comet Is Coming Dry Cleaning Tkay Maidza Sharon Van Etten Nu Genea DJ Quik Erika de Casier Babe Rainbow Derrick Carter Private Function SHOUSE CLAMM Minami Deutsch Tasman Keith Surprise Chef Our Carlson Darcy Justice POOKIE Rot TV OK EG Allara Rubi Du Daphni and more to come Meredith Music Festival will return to Meredith on Friday, December 9–Sunday, December 11. To put your name in the ballot to get your hands on tickets, head to the festival's website. Top image: Chelsea King.
Melburnians are pretty darn adventurous when it comes to food. They'll eat crickets on a salad, try salt-flavoured soft serve and even broccoli lattes. But, the city's new dumpling house takes things a few steps further. Setting up shop on Bourke Street, the neon-drenched Drumplings is the brainchild of Deon St. Mor, the mind behind beauty brand MOR Cosmetics and the now-closed rooftop glamping hotel St Jerome's. And it has more than a few surprises in store for local dumpling lovers, with a menu filled with some pretty wild, globally-inspired inventions. Here, classic Chinese creations like prawn and chive har gow, and soup-filled xiao long bao, sit alongside dumplings stuffed with fillings riffing on chilli con carne, cheeseburger, truffle mushroom and beef rendang. A chicken laksa version features braised meat, lemongrass, tamarind and coconut; while the 'fish n chips' number lists hoki, roasted chips, beer batter and vinegar salt among its ingredients. Team yours with a craft beer or alcoholic icypole, as you soak up the vibe of the equally bold space — think, palm fronds, hot pink floors and loads of high-energy prints. Drumplings is open at 227-229 Bourke St, Melbourne from 11am–8pm Monday–Wednesday, 11am–10pm Thursday–Saturday and 11am–6pm on Sunday.
Think about Broken Hill and movies, and one of three films likely comes to mind. Mad Max 2 is one of them. The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert is another. Wake in Fright should be the third. Before road warriors and drag queens helped bring the outback city to the big screen, this stone-cold classic got there first. It was back in 1971 that the iconic Australian page-to-screen thriller turned the remote patch of New South Wales — well, the fictional Bundanyabba in the narrative — into a hotbed of small-town small-mindedness, toxic masculinity and a dim view of outsiders. If you've never thought that ochre soil as far as the eye can see could be a vision of claustrophobia, then you haven't seen this, which sits on Canadian director Ted Kotcheff's extremely diverse resume alongside everything from First Blood to Weekend at Bernies. Here's your next change to redress that: a Hear My Eyes session at the 2024 Melbourne International Film Festival, where the movie-and-music series will give Wake in Fright a new soundtrack. For Hear My Eyes first-timers — so, those who've missed Hellraiser, Good Time, Pan's Labyrinth, Chopper, Two Hands, Drive, Girlhood and Suspiria sessions in the past, to name a few prior shows — the event brings a must-see flick back to the big screen accompanied by a live, all-new and completely original score that's played while film lovers sit, watch and listen. Doing the musical honours for Wake in Fright is Surprise Chef, who'll be playing to a freshly unveiled 4K restoration of the feature. Hitting up Hamer Hall at Arts Centre Melbourne on Friday, August 16, the MIFF Hear My Eyes screening will mark the world-premiere of the 4K version of the film. Whether they pop up as part of festivals or on their own — and no matter the movie, too — these events are always popular, so getting tickets quickly is recommended. There's no word yet if other cities outside Melbourne will get the chance to see Wake in Fright receive the Hear My Eyes treatment, so this is a prime excuse to head to the Victorian capital. So far, before it drops its full 2024 lineup on Thursday, July 11, MIFF has also announced Adam Elliot's new stop-motion animation Memoir of a Snail, which'll open the fest, alongside 23 other flicks — including Sundance sensation I Saw the TV Glow from We're All Going to the World's Fair's Jane Schoenbrun, Hunter Schafer (Euphoria)-starring thriller Cuckoo, the Sebastian Stan (Dumb Money)-led A Different Man and restaurant-set dramedy La Cocina featuring Rooney Mara (Women Talking), plus heaps more. [caption id="attachment_963205" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Simon Aubor[/caption] [caption id="attachment_963203" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Simon Aubor[/caption] [caption id="attachment_963204" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Simon Aubor[/caption] [caption id="attachment_963206" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Izzie Austin[/caption] Hear My Eyes' Wake in Fright screening with Surprise Chef will debut at Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne on Friday, August 16. Head to the Hear My Eyes website for tickets and further details. The 2024 Melbourne International Film Festival runs from Thursday, August 8–Sunday, August 25 at a variety of venues around Melbourne; from Friday, August 16–Sunday, August 18 and Friday, August 23–Sunday, August 25 in regional Victoria; and online nationwide from Friday, August 9–Sunday, August 25. For further details, including the full program from Thursday, July 11, visit the MIFF website.
More dogs. That's it, that's our wish list. There can never be enough dog-friendly bars, dog-centric events, creative food for dogs, doggo movie screenings or just good ol' dog parks, and there never will be. Also, as the ABC's new Tony Armstrong-hosted three-part doco series A Dog's World with Tony Armstrong clearly realises, there can't be too many shows about these four-legged cuties either. Netflix already gave us two seasons of the docuseries Dogs, recent big-screen release Stray spent time with puppers in Istanbul and there's even a whole streaming platform made for woofers — as every pooch owner knows, they like to watch TV, too — but none of them enlist the former AFL player turned ABC News Breakfast sports presenter to explore the world of canines. Obviously, given its title, A Dog's World with Tony Armstrong definitely does. Across the three-part series, he won't just be surrounded by canines, but will also interview top canine researchers, step into the evolution of dogs, explore their senses and help provide advice for your own barking bestie. "When I was approached about the possibility of being involved in A Dog's World, I don't even think I got to the end of the email before I was agreeing to take part," says Armstrong. "It was amazing being involved in the project, I learned a lot and I hope everyone who watches enjoys it as much as we enjoyed making it!" The ABC has just dropped a trailer for the series and, yes, it looks as super-cute as it sounds. The dogs featured even just in the 100-second sneak peek firmly fit that description. If you're keen to watch, add 8.30pm on Tuesday, March 22 to your diary — which is when A Dog's World with Tony Armstrong will start airing on ABC TV and streaming via ABC iView. Check out the trailer for A Dog's World with Tony Armstrong below: A Dog's World with Tony Armstrong will be available to watch via ABC TV and ABC iView on Tuesday, March 22.
Not too many people can say they've got an actual museum in their backyard. But local architect and art collector Corbett Lyon sure can. He and wife Yueji have just opened the doors to their new Housemuseum Galleries — a public exhibition space for contemporary art, architecture and design, built adjacent to the couple's Kew home. Their original Lyon-designed Cotham Road pad — called the Lyon Housemuseum — is famous itself as a fusion of private residence and private museum, open to the public for tours and events on certain days of the year. The couple built it back in 2009, as a platform for challenging conventional ideas about public and private space. The following year, this groundbreaking home even scooped Victoria's highest architectural design award for residential architecture, the Harold Desbrowe-Annear Award. [caption id="attachment_721048" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 'Enter' by Tobias Titz.[/caption] Now that the striking new gallery space next door has joined the family, it'll play host to regular local and international exhibitions, with a focus on pushing the envelope as to how art is displayed and experienced. Showing off more of Lyon's design prowess, it's a contemporary beauty, complete with soaring 5.5-metre-high ceilings and five dedicated exhibition spaces. It even boasts its own enclosed sculpture courtyard, as well as a cafe and retail shop. And it's open to the public six days a week. The Housemuseum Galleries are making their debut with inaugural show ENTER, which showcases new works by 16 contemporary Aussie artists, including hyperreal sculptor Patricia Piccinini (her immersive white 'field' is pictured above), audiovisual artist Kynan Tan, sculptor and visual artist Callum Morton (whose giant Donald Trump head you would definitely recognise) and painter Esther Stewart. The Housemuseum Galleries are open 10am–5pm, Tuesday to Sunday, at 217 Cotham Road, Kew. ENTER runs until July 21. Images: John Gollings, Diana Snape and Tobias Titz.
The two-kilometre coastal walk between Bondi and Tamarama is always a stunning Sydney sight no matter when you mosey along it, but it's especially impressive during Sculpture by the Sea. Once a year since 1997 — except during the pandemic's early days — the outdoor art event displays large-scale pieces with the ocean as a backdrop. Understandably, it isn't just one of the annual highlights of Sydney's cultural calendar, but of Australia's. That excuse to soak up the great outdoors in the Harbour City returns again in 2023, from Friday, October 20–Monday, November 6. On the agenda once more: 100-plus artworks by Australian and international sculptors, all along a two-kilometre walk. But this is the 25th Sculpture by the Sea, so it's celebrating notching up that milestone with pieces by artists who displayed at the event back at its beginning. Paul Bacon, Stephen King, Michael Le Grand, John Petrie, James Rogers and Margarita Sampson earn those honours, bookending a quarter-century run. Sculpture by the Sea 2023 will also feature works by Philip Spelman and Ron Gomboc, who reach double decades displaying at the event; Lucy Barker and Ayako Saito, who hit a decade; and Chinese artist Chen Wenling. Discovering exactly who'll be showing what and where is part of the fun of taking the spring stroll, but this year's event won't be short on talent. As always, the exhibition is set to draw a crowd. Each year, Sculpture by the Sea attracts approximately 450,000 visitors over 18 days, with the same number of art lovers expected this time around. The past few years have been particularly eventful for the exhibition, which had to sit out 2020 like oh-so-many festivities around the world, then tried to make a comeback in October 2021 but also had to scrap those plans due to the pandemic. It did successfully stage a CBD spinoff, Sculpture Rocks, in autumn 2021, however. Even before the current global health situation interrupted its annual plans, organisers were also at loggerheads with the Council over the construction of a new path back in mid-2019, and were scoping out alternative locations for the long-running art exhibition. In fact, it was only early in 2021 that the parties came to an agreement to remain in Bondi until 2030, with the organisers and Council agreeing to a ten-year deal. Amid all of the above, the Sculpture by the Sea team also branched in 2022, opening the Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail. It's a permanent 100-kilometre collection of outdoor art along the Snowy Valleys Way, passing through the towns of Adelong, Batlow and Tumbarumba, the hamlet of Tooma, plus the Tumbarumba wine region's cellar doors. Sculpture by the Sea will return to the Bondi–Tamarama coastal walk for 2023 from Friday, October 20–Monday, November 6. For more information, head to sculpturebythesea.com. Images: Charlotte Curd, Reni Indrawan, Clyde Yee, Jack Bett, Jarrad Seng, W Patino, G Carr and Samantha Burns.
Two years ago, a pop-up bar made of Lego descended on Australia. Now, in a time of social distancing and self-isolation, the country's next kidult-friendly, Lego-inspired experience is, of course, a subscription service. The Brick Box, as it has fittingly been dubbed, delivers a new box of bricks and building challenges to your door each month. You can sign up for one ($20), three ($50), six ($100) or 12 ($200) months, with the price getting cheaper as you commit to a longer period of time. There's no word on exactly what blocks, challenges and designs you'll be sent each month, but it's promising that "each box will give you ideas and different challenges to build whilst you're stuck in the house". And, if you're not a huge fan of the challenges they've suggested, you can always set your own. YouTube is filled with endless inspiration and tutorials, after all. If Lego isn't your thing, the same company also offers subscription puzzle boxes, board game boxes and soap boxes. Check out all of the options over here. If you're sick of being on your screen — sliding down endless Twitter holes and glued to live streams — this may be the perfect antidote. If you can't get enough of your screen, however, check out our round up of the best virtual events. You can sign up to The Brick Box over here.
For 89 years, Luna Park Sydney has been in the business of whisking attendees off to another world. Amusement parks do that. They cast away the daily grind, getting visitors enjoying rides and games instead — and, from Saturday, April 13, getting lit in a rave room-style immersive installation that's about to become the Harbour City tourist spot's latest attraction. At the end of 2023, Luna Park Sydney welcomed Dream Circus, which has been filling the Milsons Point site's big top with rollercoasters, hot air balloons, underwater creatures, fantastical critters, futuristic lights, skulls, eyes, spiders and geometric architecture ever since. The $15-million experience that uses 360-degree projections, holograms, motion-activated LED screens, lighting, surround sound and spatial audio mapping is just one of the park's new additions, though. Sonic Neon is the next, this time taking over the venue's Crystal Palace. Lasers, mirrors, 26,000-plus lights: they all await at this six-room attraction, as hailing from Luna Park Sydney itself and Mandylights — which is also behind Dark Spectrum, the soon-to-return one-kilometre labyrinth in Wynyard's railway tunnels that's part of Vivid Sydney's program again in 2024 after debuting in 2023. When Sonic Neon arrives before May hits, it'll also bust out neon galore, obviously, alongside UV lights, interactive elements and a fitting soundtrack. Expect to take up to half an hour to wander through the all-ages fun's 150-metre-long expanse, which will operate daily. By filling Crystal Palace, Sonic Neon will make a space that dates back to 1935 — and was constructed for Luna Park Sydney's grand opening, in fact — its home. The site has also featured dodgems, the penny arcade and a BMX track over the years. "Immersive experiences continue to dominate the global market, and Luna Park Sydney is committed to delivering world-class experiences to Sydneysiders and visitors to our beautiful harbour," said Luna Park Sydney CEO John Hughes. "Luna Park Sydney celebrates the best of the old and the best of the new. Housing Sonic Neon in our 1935-built Crystal Palace will be a spectacular collision of heritage and modern technology." "This immersive experience will offer the public a new way to enjoy Sydney's original, ever-evolving playground." Find Sonic Neon at Luna Park Sydney, 1 Olympic Drive, Milsons Point, from Saturday, April 13, 2024, with tickets on sale from 6pm on Monday, April 8 — visit the park's website and the event's ticketing site for more information.
It started back in 1956 as a singing contest between a mere seven nations. Now, more than six decades later, Eurovision is a glitter and spandex-fuelled global musical phenomenon. Forty-one countries not only in Europe but from elsewhere compete — hello Australia — and viewers tune in en masse each May to watch, sing along and add new pop tunes to their playlists. Well, they do most years. When the COVID-19 pandemic began last year, Eurovision didn't go on as planned. SBS hosted a week-long Eurovision festival instead — and Netflix released the Will Ferrell- and Rachel McAdams-starring Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga — but, thankfully, the beloved song contest is back in 2021. Come 5am AEST, Wednesday, May 19 Australian time, Eurovision will return to SBS as part of the broadcaster's usual celebration of all things Europop at this time of year. Getting up early to watch the first semi final is recommended, especially if you're keen to see this year's Aussie entrant Montaigne compete. She'll be up against performers from 15 countries — including Israel's first Ethiopian representative, Eden Alene — and will perform the song 'Technicolour' from home. That's just part one of this year's Eurovision fun. After Montaigne follows in Guy Sebastian, Dani Im, Isaiah, Jessica Mauboy and Kate Miller-Heidke's footsteps, the second semi final will air at 5am AEST on Friday, May 21. And, come the same time on Sunday, May 23, the grand final will hit the screen. For those who can't tear themselves out of bed before it's light, the first semi final will also screen in primetime at 8.30pm AEST on Friday, followed by the second semi final at 8.30pm AEST on Saturday — and the grand final at 7.30pm AEST on Sunday. You might not be able to avoid finding out the results by then, though, unless you veto the internet and social media for a few days. SBS' usual local hosts Myf Warhurst and Joel Creasey will be overseeing the show — and yes, if you're feeling a bit of deja vu, Montaigne was meant to represent Australia last year, before the contest was cancelled. And if you can't decide whether to beat the sun or wait and host a party at sensible hour, it's worth remembering that Australians can vote for Eurovision, but only during the live broadcasts. For the semi finals, you're limited to voting during the event that features Montaigne — and you can only vote in the grand final if the singer makes the cut. Also, there's another caveat: you're not actually allowed to vote for Australia's entry, which you can nonetheless check out below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bX_y759_F_U SBS' Eurovision 2021 coverage runs from Wednesday, May 19–Sunday, May 23. For more information, head to the broadcaster's website. Top image: Jess Gleeson.
Nick Stanton, Guy Bentley, Mark Catsburg and Jon Harper made a splash with their much-loved South Yarra diner Ramblr...and even more of a splash when they announced its sudden closure earlier this year. But the Chapel Street space has just scored a fitting successor, reincarnated as the guys' latest venture, Leo's By The Slice. New sibling to fellow hits Leonards House of Love and Leonardo's Pizza Palace, the Chapel Street restaurant is an ode to the classic pizza slice shops of New York City. And, while it might share some DNA and name inspiration with the rest of the stable, Leo's is proving it's very much its own animal. In front, expect a cosy space that nods to the takeaway joints and Pizza Huts of your childhood, complete with familiar red laminate benchtops, chequered floors and group-friendly booths. Beyond, lies a moody back bar where you'll happily find yourself shooting pool and kicking back over a few post-pizza craft brews. [caption id="attachment_738002" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kate Shanasy[/caption] The menu is a short, sweet and simple lineup of eight pizzas, available only by the hot, cheesy slice. But don't go expecting anything too similar to that of Carlton sibling Leonardo's – here, it's all about that authentic New York-style pie, crisp-edged and pliable. You'll find the likes of a classic pepperoni, a loaded meatlovers and even plant-based options including the vegan Chinese bolognese (a nod to an old Ramblr signature). Swing by at lunch (12–4pm) and you can team a slice of margherita with a can of Grifter beer for an easy $9.99. The drinks lineup is concise, but interesting, with craft beers, natural wines and easy-drinking cocktails. A vending machine has more brews, alongside a tidy range of Leo's merch. Find Leo's by The Slice at 363 Chapel Street, South Yarra. It's open Wednesday–Sunday, 5pm–midnight. Images: Kate Shanasy
It's been a month since the George Calombaris-led Made Establishment Group went into voluntary administration and announced the closure of twelve of its Melbourne restaurants and eateries. And while the future still looks uncertain for most of those venues, five have already been snapped up by new owners, including the Jimmy Grants in Fitzroy and the CBD, which have been purchased by the owners of 24-hour Greek institution Stalactites. As well as its legendary Lonsdale Street eatery, the hospo group also owns takeaway shop Hella Good, with the first store opened along Elizabeth Street in 2017, which it plans to replicate at these newly purchased sites. Hella Good has a simple menu, offering just four souvas, including marinated lamb and chicken sliced from the spit, plus veg and vegan options. The shop also has a Coeliac Australia accreditation (and is one of the only Greek restaurants in Australia that does) and all sandos can be made using gluten-free pita. Diners can also tuck into various snack packs and house-made dips, including the requisite tzatziki and hummus, plus tarama, babaganoush and spicy feta and chilli. With all souvlaki coming in under $15, snack packs sitting at $16 and desserts (baklava and rice pudding) both $5, Hella Good is a pretty affordable dinner option — and a good post-drinks option, too. The Elizabeth Street store is also open till 5am on Friday and Saturday and we're expecting the two new ones will also open equally late. The Emporium location of Hella Good is set to open in mid-2020, while the David Street digs are slated for a late-2020 launch. The new owners plan to rehire many of the existing staff from each store, too. At present, five other Jimmy Grants, as well as Made Establishment's Elektra Dining in the CBD and Hotel Argentina in Williamstown, remain unsold. But, the former Kew and Brighton Hellenic Republic outposts and the short-lived, vegetable-forward Crofter Dining in Brunswick East (previously the site of the OG Hellenic Republic) all have new owners. The latter is set to become the new home of The Que Club — a barbecue-focused eatery, cooking school and retail store currently located in Fitzroy North. The Made Establishment closures come after wage scandals shook many of its restaurants, with the group admitting to staff underpayments of up to $7.8 million. KordaMentha also highlighted the resulting huge dip in patronage, as well as a dive in consumer spending, rising food prices and competition with food delivery services as reasons for the group's financial woes. The two new Hella Good outposts are slated to open in mid and late 2020 at Emporium, 287 Lonsdale Street Melbourne and 113 David Street, Fitzroy. We'll keep you updated with these opening, as well as the news on The Que Club and the new Kew and Brighton venues. Top image: Hella Good
A bottle shop, craft beer pub and beer garden all in one — and did we mention the food trucks? Thornbury stalwart Carwyn Cellars has been a Northside favourite for over a decade, and it's not hard to see why. Stop by this High Street hangout to browse a wide yet thoughtful selection of craft beer, wine and spirits. Beers range from locally made labels to hard-to-find and globally renowned ales, while the wine room features a constantly evolving selection of vintages tasted and handpicked by staff. The venue also doubles as a great spot to sit down over a frothie or two with mates, thanks to a rotating 28-tap craft selection and cosy, astroturfed beer garden. If you're after something a little stiffer, the back bar boasts over 300 whiskies, gins and more, while the wine list changes daily. You can enjoy your drink with a bite from the in-house food truck, which hosts an evolving roster of local chefs regularly. Carwyn Cellars also has a subscription service, which allows you to discover the ever-expanding local and international craft liquor landscape via curated booze packs categorised by frequency and your choice of booze. Images: Kim Jane
Hang out on Puffing Billy this winter and you'll be treated to something extra special — an immersive, illuminated light show spearheaded by the team that has led projections for White Night and VAMFF. Running from Friday, June 24 to Sunday, July 10, the historic steam train will be transformed with a first-of-its-kind light show, projected directly onto the Wright Forest. Dubbed Train of Lights, passengers will be immersed in colours, patterns and native wild animal projections that spectacularly leap from Puffing Billy onto timber trestle bridges, into trees and onto the distant open countryside. The Puffing Billy team has partnered with Resolution X to deliver the unique light projections. The acclaimed lighting company's little black book of clients includes White Night, Vivid events and Melbourne Fashion week runways. One of the best-preserved steam railway lines in the world, Puffing Billy departs Emerald Lake Park on a 24-kilometre journey through the Dandenong Ranges to Gembrook, before returning to Lakeside. A photographic art exhibition, visitor's centre and Railway Cafe are all available from the departure point if you want to extend your trip. 'Train of Lights' will run from Friday, June 24–Sunday, July 10. There are a limited number of tickets available, with many dates already sold out. Head to the Puffing Billy website to book a spot.
This article is sponsored by our partners, Rekorderlig. Longtime snow bunnies and powder purveyors know exactly what to throw in their duffle bags for a weekend away. But perhaps you've never trekked to the pearly white mountains, endeavoured to carve up snowfields, dangled your skis precariously from a lift only to reach the mountaintop and realise you've picked up the wrong skis. Never done it? Maybe your experience with snow looks like this: With the help of our seasoned snow enthusiasts Rekorderlig we're here to help the ski-pack go smoothly with our surefire list of winter essentials you'll be needing on your snow trip. If you're a seasoned snowgoer, perhaps we've nailed the missing element. From Cards Against Humanity to Out Cold on flickering VHS (all best fuelled with copious amounts of cinnamon-drenched hot cider), here's the ultimate list of what to pack when entering the realms of the White Walkers. Moon Boots Stomping and schlumping in novelty boots is half the fun of trekking to the snow. Bringing NASA to le neige, Moon Boots are just about the most fun you can have walking in a straight line. Tecnica created Moon Boots back in the early '70s, bringing technical finesse to snuggly footwear. They were coveted back then, they're still coveted now — with more ridiculous, customisable iridescent colours to choose from than ever. Even Dior makes Moon Boots. Rainbow Moon Boots are a favourite, also bright gold makes a Riff Raff out of any snowbound citizen. For post-carve-up downtime, whack on a pair of ugg boots. Hot tip, don't wear your uggs around icy areas if you want to keep your beanie-clad skull intact. Another hot tip, don't wear uggs as regular shoes. You may just have to rethink your life. Snuggly Threads Ah thermals, the unsexiest garment in anyone's wardrobe this side of Bridget Jones' nanna pants. But by the power of how unbelievably good a film Frozen is, they keep you mighty warm. Think '80s and look for either lycra or spandex thermals, they're the fabrics that keep the warmth in and let your sweaty ski body breathe. Hit up Uniqlo for the most acceptable of the cheaper thermal options, avoiding the cream lacy spencers of K-Mart. Keep your little paws toasty with some handwarmers and crank one of those ridiculous beard beanies — earning you the esteemed title of That Guy on the slopes for the season. Camera Strap a GoPro to your head, throw yourself down a mountain on a tiny, tiny strip of wood, upload it to YouTube. This is the quintessential essence of going to the snow. A Warm Winter Cider So your face froze off, huh? You've earned a good ol' defrosting session, kicking back with your fellow boarders in the lodge and mulling over the triumphs and epic fails of the day over a warm mug of cider. The Swedish legends at Rekorderlig make winter bearable, with their Premium Winter cider perfect when heated up and cradling in your frozen paws. This delicious apple cider, laced with cinnamon and vanilla, goes down super well at the end of a long, blizzardy, chairlifty day. Board Games If you're hauled up inside while blizzards shut down any lodge bar plans, what possible other way to spend the time than significant cider-fuelled boozing and old school board games — usually graduating from Balderdash to sexy Twister. Many a cold wintry night has been spent after a long, semi-successful black ski run unwinding with a bout of Mouse Trap, a spot of Scattergories or a lightning round of Battleship. There are certain so-called 'fun for the whole family' blatant lies to avoid — everyone knows Monopoly and Risk are ill-advised choices, unless you're up for a good ol' fashioned fallout with your mates. Perfect for a dark and stormy night, Cluedo usually starts out jovially and ends with someone's inevitable demise in the kitchen with the lead pipe. But if you're after the ultimate game to bring to the snow, Cards Against Humanity is your ticket to breaking the ice indoors. Offensive, yes. Inappropriate, yes. GUARANTEED-A-ONE-WAY-TICKET-TO-HADES-FUN, absolutely. Classic Snow Films Like watching the ever-genius Jingle All the Way only at Christmas time, cranking a good ol' snow-themed movie surrounded by the chilly stuff generates some kind of cheeseball magic. Start at the Empire Strikes Back, work your way to Dumb and Dumber and Edward Scissorhands, ice the cake with made-for-adult-viewing kiddie go-tos Frozen and Ice Age. If Cuba Gooding Jr's Snow Dogs just happens to accidentally play itself into your heart, that's cool. No judgement. Just don't let things get all Shining snow maze up in here. Fargo might be stretching the snowery a bit and Ethan Hawke's Alive might give you bad ideas, but if you're a James Bond fan check out On Her Majesty's Secret Service or For Your Eyes Only (plenty of sweet skiing chase scenes in which bullets ping off powder with physics-defying metally noises). Cool Runnings might get you to to the top of the bobsled course, while solid docos like Art of Flight will make you do dumb jumping-out-of-helicopter things the next day. But the most honorable of mentions goes to 2001's rambunctious screwball comedy Out Cold, best viewed on shitty VHS and only truly appreciated by Super Troopers fans. Oh yeah... one more thing. Skis. You'll probably need skis. Or a snowboard. Or the unbridled ability to personally roll down a hill at speed. At the end of the day (however dramatically you reach the base of the mountain) you're probably going to earn a snuggly defrost, a crappy movie and a mug of warm Rekorderlig. Happy packing.
Adulting is a real struggle lately, with not much relief in sight. Go back to a time when your weekends weren't all grocery shopping, never-ending loads of laundry and trying to afford a cocktail and reconnect with your inner (or actual) child at The Funderdome. Rediscover your sense of fun at a place where there's absolutely no pressure to be the best (or even remotely good) at it all — with activities such as mini golf, karaoke and arcade games, the home of unprofessional sport is about letting loose and embarrassing yourself in front of family and friends while you're at it. Whether you're there with the little ones or there to throw down with your mates, there are a range of affordable individual and group packages for kids and adults alike. You can even get $150 worth of games for only $49 with the All-Access Pass for your kids these school holidays, which includes all 18 holes of mini golf, 30 minutes of karaoke and a children's meal. Delight the whole family and ditch the responsibilities for an afternoon with a few (if not all) of the unprofessional sports below. PLAYAS CRAZY GOLF The star of the show at The Funderdome — you actually have to walk through a series of illuminated stars to get there — is Playas Crazy Golf. Spread across two levels, the mini-golf course was designed in collaboration with leading London-based architectural designer Zachary Pulman. Choose to start off tame with nine holes or go big with the full 18. Putt-putt novices and pros alike will be challenged by holes like 'I'm Stumped,' 'The Punisher' and 'Loop-the-Loop.' Keeping in line with the retro Coney Island theme, some of the trickier holes require manoeuvring around props such as a carousel horse, foosball table and even a rotating ferris wheel. BOOM BOX KARAOKE If you'd rather challenge your vocal range than your hand-eye coordination, jump into one of the two karaoke rooms. Each 70s-themed room is spacious enough for a large group and equipped with lounge seats, a sizable screen, a small stage area and even disco balls twinkling overhead, so you'll truly feel like the star of the show. Don't worry; both rooms are private, so no one will overhear you belting out your best ABBA or Beyoncé. And with food and drinks available in your room, there's really no excuse not to hit that high note. ARCADE GAMES Go from gaming OGs to cutting-edge virtual reality experiences at The Funderdome's two arcades. Relive your childhood and introduce your kids to pre-Mario Brothers gaming heroes like PacMan, Donkey Kong and Space Invaders. Then, you can test your reflexes with classic arcade games, including claw machines, pinball and Ice Ball. If you'd rather ditch the joystick, the New School Arcade boasts all the latest in gaming. Joining VR experiences like King Kong and Jurassic Park, the newest arrival is The XD Dark Ride — a 4D virtual reality game for up to eight people with motion seats, wind, immersive sound and 3D visuals on a curved screen. You won't want to go back to a Nintendo after this. THE CLUBHOUSE Need a break to tally wins? The Clubhouse is the heart of The Funderdome. Huddle up in a booth for a drink and much-needed bite, catch your breath by the fireplace, get inspired by real athletes on the big screen or keep up your winning streak at activities such as giant Jenga and Connect Four, Atari pong, shuffleboard, foosball or air hockey. Make the next round of games a little more interesting — and that kid's birthday party more tolerable — with a wine, beer or cocktail at the fully licensed venue. The kitchen serves diner favourites such as corn dogs, mac and cheese balls, buffalo chicken tenders and onion rings. More substantial offerings include clubhouse sandwiches, woodfired pizzas and hot dogs. There are chicken tenders, fish and chips, toasties or cheese pizza for the little ones. And in case you need a sugar high to get through another round of mini golf, there are churros, a warm cookie skillet or chocolate brownie for dessert. After 8pm, The Funderdome becomes an 18+ venue. The Clubhouse slings drinks with a DJ spinning until midnight on Fridays. Find out more and book your spot at The Funderdome's website. The All-Access Pass can only be purchased in-venue from Saturday, September 16, to Sunday, October 1.
If you're due for your next Yarra Valley getaway, this might just be the weekend to do it. South Yarra's much-loved Leonard's House of Love is packing up its retro-tastic food truck, hitting the road and descending on Four Pillars' Healesville headquarters in a blaze of deliciousness. Camping out at the much-loved distillery on July 14 and 15, the burger maestros will be slinging an assortment of signature eats, from old-school cheeseburgers and mushroom burgers, to vegan classics. The team will also be serving up its new slaw and hot chips. And of course, at this spot, no one's going thirsty either. In at the bar, Four Pillars will have all your booze needs sorted, with gin tastings and flights, a range of house G&Ts, and a lineup of crafty gin cocktails to boot. The Leonard's House of Love pop up will run from 11.30am–7.30pm on Saturday, July 14, and 11.30am–4.40pm on Sunday, July 15.
Months of lockdown might have spelled the end of productivity for many — but that sure doesn't seem to be the case for Melbourne chef-restaurateur Joe Vargetto (Mister Bianco, Massi) and good mate Maurice Terzini, aka the Sydney-based heavyweight behind Icebergs Dining Room and Bar and CicciaBella. The pair have kept busy working on their new joint venture, Cucina Povera Vino Vero, which is gearing up to launch in Melbourne's CBD in mid-November. The project will see the site of Vargetto's existing venue Massi stripped back and reimagined as a cosy Italo-Aus diner that's a little bit punk and, as the name suggests, built on a simple 'less is more' approach to cooking. The vibe is inspired by the garages of suburban Melbourne and Sydney, with Terzini defining the style brief as: "Rick Owens makes passata". "We want this juxtaposition of these beautiful old traditions that we respect and this really old Italian peasant food, but brought into a really high contemporary punk setting," The restaurateur explained to Concrete Playground. "We always say, traditions are beautiful but it's time we create our own." [caption id="attachment_720794" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Massi[/caption] With front-of-house led by Terzini's son Sylvester and Vargetto heading up the kitchen, Cucina Povera is set to champion simplicity from its food right through to its styling. A minimalist makeover by multi-disciplinary firm Latitude will see the 52-seat space transformed, with various tones of grey and heavy timber swapped out for a cleaner, more contemporary vision. The equally simple menu is set to showcase a modern interpretation of Italian peasant food, while a short, sharp drinks offering will feature around eight wines sourced hyper-locally and served by the carafe. "Stuff that might not make the bottle, but makes the winemaker's table," explains Terzini. Meanwhile, Romeo Lane's Joe Jones is working on developing a short crop of fun, reimagined classic cocktails, all designed to be quaffed alongside good food. And guiding the sonic side of things is long-time Terzini friend and collaborator Mike Simonetti, of techno label Pale Blue, tasked with creating a soundtrack that sums up the restaurant's vibe. "We just want it to be really, really authentic in its approach to dining and to eating," says Terzini. "You don't have to be at the Icebergs all the time to have a great meal ... this one is no budgets, no forecasts — it's just a real gut feeling of this is just going to be really good, you know?" Cucina Povera Vino Vero will open at 445 Little Collins St, Melbourne, from mid-November.
Following the success of the Northcote original, All Are Welcome has expanded its baked goods empire to a second spot on High Street. If you have a craving for a carb, be it sweet or savoury, this is the place to go to fill it. The selection here is probably best described as pan-European, with the daily offer ranging from croissants and kouign-amann to khachapuri and one of the best sausage rolls in town. Seasonal treats — think hot cross buns and mince pies — are also available. In addition to its single-serve goods, All Are Welcome also offers impressive celebration cakes and excellent fresh loaves to up your daily bread game. Images: Julia Sansone
The Noosa Eat & Drink Festival is making its grand return in 2024 with a fantastic epicurean program worthy of a journey to the Sunshine Coast. There aren't many events that bring leading chefs, acclaimed restaurants, live music and beach parties together, but this event offers all that and more in one of the country's most picturesque coastal destinations across four days from Thursday, May 30 to Sunday, June 2, 2024. From multi-course lunches at Noosa's buzziest hotspots to celebrity chef masterclasses and sunset drinks on the beach, read on for the various mouthwatering ways to experience Noosa Eat & Drink in 2024. Festival Village The heart of the Noosa Eat & Drink Festival is the two-day Festival Village across Saturday, June 1 and Sunday, June 2. Grab your tickets for one of the interactive chef-hosted masterclasses including a Bandita Masterclass with Jason Jones and Seabourne Distillery, and a dessert masterclass with sweets superstar Anna Polyviou. Then grab a wine, beer or cocktail from world-class purveyors as you explore the Producers Pavilion throughout the day to procure local honey, condiments, ceramics and more. This year's Main Stage program at the Festival Village will showcase cooking demos led by notable foodie personalities and celebrity cooking competitions. Once the sun goes down, a lineup of entertaining performers will keep the crowds warmed up, from guest DJs to six-piece live band Bermuda Social. You can regularly recharge with a bite from one of the pop-up restaurants and stalls, or unwind in style at the VIP Lounge. VIP ticket-holders can enjoy a complimentary welcome drink of Chandon Garden Spritz and catering by Lanai Noosa in lounge seating on a private lawn. They'll also get front-row seating by the main stage and priority entry. Book your Festival Village tickets here. Beach Events The festival will take over Noosa Main Beach with back-to-back twilight events and a Sunday brunch from Friday, May 31 to Sunday, June 2. These sprawling oceanside shindigs are so sought after that one of them sold out within a couple of days of tickets going on sale. That's right, tickets for the official opening party on the Friday evening have already been snapped up entirely. However, the Sunday Festival Sundowner — the beach party that caps off the weekend with tequila, dancing and revelry — is now on sale so get in quick. Earlier on the Sunday, The Minuty Beach Brunch will take place with a menu curated by George Calombaris and MasterChef alumni Sarah Todd, paired to complement the flavour profile of Château Minuty rosé which will be flowing on the day. Book your tickets now. On Saturday, June 1 Noosa Main Beach will be taken over as the Saturday Beach Club where groups can book tables or picnic rugs and enjoy Italian-style grazing platters by Locale and drinks for a leisurely hang to make the most of the gorgeous setting. Rally your crew and book in for a session pronto. Restaurants It wouldn't be a spotlight on Noosa's food scene without the involvement of beloved local restaurants. Refined classics Locale, Noosa Waterfront and Season will join fresh favourites Seabourne Distillery, Mariella Mexicantina, Bandita Mexican and Sum Yum Guys for special menus and exclusive events. Among the highlights: The Locale Long Italian Lunch presented by Cloudy Bay for which the terrific Hasting Street Italian eatery is collaborating with visiting chef Will Cowper of Otto Brisbane for a traditional Italian-style feast paired with Cloudy Bay wines. Tickets go on sale from March 14. Another option is going down a little further south at the Peregian Beach Hotel for the Local Love Lunch where guests will enjoy a four-course lunch starring the best local and native produce with beverages courtesy of Seabourne Distillery and wines from Alpha Box & Dice. Get tickets here on March 14. If a Mexican feast with mezcal is more your speed, get on board for the Bandita Late Lunch, where the Bandita Noosaville team will join forces with Mextrade — Australia's top distributor of tequila, mezcal and Mexican craft spirits. Tickets will be available here from March 14. And one of the waterfront institutions of Noosa Main Beach, Season Restaurant, is hosting a lavish Asian dining feast at the Season Restaurant x Shaw + Smith Lunch with wines courtesy of the renowned Mclaren Vale winery at which winemaker Adam Wadewitz will be on hand to guide you through each pairing. Bookmark this link to secure your tickets. There's also a special collaboration between Khanh Ong and Betty's Burgers, a gin tour, a local craft beer tour, and a laneway party at Noosa Junction. There will also be a floating dining experience on the luxe Catalina Noosa and even an island takeover. Tickets are strictly limited and sold separately per event, so make sure to get in quick. Purchase tickets and find out more at the Noosa Eat & Drink Festival website.
The Prodigy, Basement Jaxx, Fred again.., Skrillex and Happy Mondays have played it. De La Soul, Aphex Twin, Carl Cox and deadmau5, too. For dance music fans, and just music fans in general, The Warehouse Project's fame extends far past its Manchester home. The event itself is now roaming further than Britain as well, including locking in its first-ever Australian visit. Yes, Manchester's rave scene is heading Down Under, with The Warehouse Project announcing a big weekend in both Sydney and Melbourne across Saturday, May 25–Sunday, May 26, 2024. It's busting out a heap of talent on both dates in both cities, swapping between Bonobo's Outlier series and Mall Grab's Looking for Trouble parties. Melbourne's PICA will get its The Warehouse Project experience started on the Saturday with Bonobo, while Munro Warehouse in Sydney Olympic Park will welcome Mall Grab to begin. Come Sunday, they'll swap. On both bills is plenty of company: HAAi, Kelly Lee Owens, Paula Tape, dj pgz and Krysko with Bonobo for starters; and Effy, Jennifer Loveless and DJ Dameeeela with Mall Grab, with more to come there as well. This is a two-city tour, so if you're keen on hitting up The Warehouse Project in Australia and you live somewhere other than Sydney or Melbourne, you'll need to plan an interstate trip. The Manchester institution's Aussie debut comes after initially going international in 2023 in Rotterdam and Antwerp. [caption id="attachment_868300" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mall Grab, by Rob Jones[/caption] It was back in 2006 that The Warehouse Project first unleashed its club nights on its birthplace, kicking off in a disused brewery and then moving underneath Manchester's Piccadilly station, in a space that's also been an air-raid shelter — and also to a warehouse that dates back to the 1920s. Now, it calls former railway station Depot Mayfield home when it's on in its home city. "Following the success of our first international editions in Rotterdam and Antwerp last year, we've been having great fun putting more international plans together. Australia has always been somewhere we've dreamed of hosting The Warehouse Project," said co-founder Sam Kandel, announcing the Aussie dates. "We are also so grateful to Bonobo and Mall Grab, and all the artists both international and domestic who will each play a special part of this WHP Australia debut." The Warehouse Project Australia 2024 Bonobo Presents OUTLIER Dates: Saturday, May 25 — PICA, Melbourne Sunday, May 26 — Munro Warehouse, Sydney Lineup: Bonobo (DJ set) HAAi Kelly Lee Owens (DJ set) Paula Tape dj pgz Krysko More to come Mall Grab Presents Looking For Trouble Dates: Saturday, May 25 — Munro Warehouse Sunday, May 26 — PICA, Melbourne Lineup: Mall Grab Effy Jennifer Loveless DJ Dameeeela More to come [caption id="attachment_943890" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mayfield Depot, Rcsprinter123 via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] The Warehouse Project will hit Australia for the first time across Saturday, May 25–Sunday, May 26, 2024, with presale tickets from 10am AEST on Tuesday, March 5 and general sales from 11am AEDT on Thursday, March 7. Head to the tour website for further details. Top image: Rob Jones for Khroma Collective.
On a vineyard in Moonambel, a picturesque town in the Victorian Pyrenees region, the Summerfield family grows grapes that are turned into richly hued, bold reds. In 1970, Ian Summerfield planted ten acres of mostly shiraz vines, and the wine has remained a family affair since, with the generations that followed taking over various parts of the vineyard's — and eventual winery's — operations. The family is now known for producing consistently delicious drops, while retaining a deep commitment to and respect for viticulture and winemaking practices. You can visit Summerfield Wines for world-class vino and woodfired pizzas — which is a truly delicious way to spend a day among The Great Dividing Range. Head to the website to make a booking at the cellar door. Image: Visit Victoria
New Zealand's South Island is home to some of the most beautiful sights one could ever imagine. There are some spectacular wineries, plus it's home to a burgeoning network of craft breweries and distilleries that are making beers and spirits to a remarkably high standard. So, where exactly are these innovators of imbibing located? Well, you can find them scattered all over the island — if you're planning a big trip around the whole South, we've found a spot for you. To help you on your drinking journey, we've crafted the ultimate brewpub itinerary. Let's start at the top and work our way south. BREW MOON BREWING COMPANY, AMBERLEY Established in 2002, the Brew Moon Brewing Company is a family-owned brewery and taproom in Amberley, North Canterbury. Brew Moon tinnies are available all over New Zealand, but visiting the Brew Moon site gives you the opportunity to try taproom-only seasonals and exclusives. The taproom holds 16 taps and pours beer straight from the brewery to your glass — doesn't get much fresher than that. The menu at Brew Moon only serves woodfired pizza to go with its craft beers, but really, it's a winning combination so there's no complaint here. THE FERMENIST, CHRISTCHURCH The Fermentist microbrewery in Christchurch is the newest craft kid on the block and aims to create great beer in a sustainable and environmentally friendly fashion. The brewery has implemented solar panels, composting, rainwater gathering, waste minimisation recycling and even tree-free toilet paper. The kitchen sources South Island hops and malt for brewing and local ingredients for the taproom kitchen. The Fermentist also has a female head brewer — which is not all that common in the craft beer community. The taproom is open daily and boasts an extensive menu of food and beer, as well as a fill-your-own station if you want to take home a growler of fermented delights. CARDRONA DISTILLERY, OTAGO A little further south in Otago, you'll find the Cardrona Distillery — a family-owned boutique distillery creating premium artisanal spirits. Situated within the remote Cardrona Valley, the distillery produces whisky, gin, vodka and liqueurs — all of which are handcrafted onsite. A tour of the facility costs $25 and takes 75 minutes, during which you'll learn about all aspects of spirit making — from grain to glass — and be treated to a guided tasting of each of the Cardrona spirits at the end. RHYME AND REASON, WANAKA While it's only been open for just over a year, Wanaka brewpub Rhyme and Reason is already a firm favourite in the region. Open daily from midday, it serves tasting paddles and pints from the ten taps, as well as 'hoppy' hour specials and cheese plates. The venue even allows BYO food if you're hankering for something specific to match with your beer. The team at Rhyme and Reason is all about creating a beer-loving community, best illustrated in the epic beer garden, which boasts everything from giant Jenga and foosball to the occasional food truck festival and even free community yoga on Sunday mornings. Tours are available but no set times exist, so just contact the brewery to book. WANAKA BEERWORKS, WANAKA Celebrating its 20th year brewing, Wanaka Beerworks knows how to please the people. Using the freshest ingredients and pure alpine water to create extremely tasty beer, this microbrewery produces small-batch brews under the brands Wanaka Beerworks and Jabberwocky with the flagship beers always available, alongside the occasional seasonal. Tours run Monday to Saturday, and take you through the entire beer-making process with, of course, the option to sample one or two at the end at the tasting room and bar. EMERSON'S BREWERY, DUNEDIN If there's a godfather of New Zealand craft beer it's Richard Emerson, who went from brewing beer in his parents' garage in Dunedin to owning his first brewery in 1993 and onto building Emerson's Brewery and Taproom in 2016. Emerson's boasts a restaurant, a bar with more than 20 beers (each matched to a menu item), and a 12-tap cellar door for your fill-your-own requirements. Tours of this state-of-the-art brewery run multiple times daily and include the opportunity to get your hands dirty in the workshop, a unique sensory experience and a guided tasting of six famous beers. Bookings are recommended. SPEIGHT'S, DUNEDIN So, it's not exactly a craft brewery, but no beer lover's trip to the South Island would be complete without visiting Speight's in Dunedin. Speight's is the epitome of the kiwi beer scene and has been brewing beer in the south since 1876 — this long and remarkable history is outlined during the tour which takes place at various times daily. The tour ends with not just beer tasting, but the opportunity to pour your own beer in the new tasting room and some great pub grub from the Speight's Ale House. The facility has just undergone a multimillion-dollar renovation to improve the visitor experience, so this South Island veteran is looking better than ever, even after 141 years. INVERCARGILL BREWERY As far south as possible lies the Invercargill Brewery, a place that's been applying new-world flavours to old-world beer styles since 1999. This brewery and taproom is dedicated to all things local, being sustainable and, most importantly, making amazing craft beers and ciders, both stalwarts and seasonals. The venue also has a newly opened events space called Asylum which hosts bands, comedy evenings and art exhibitions. Brewery tours are available on request. DANCING SANDS DISTILLERY, TAKAKA Run by husband and wife team Ben and Sarah Bonoma, Dancing Sands Distillery is situated in Takaka at the top of the South Island. The couple small-batch distil using a 150-litre copper still imported from Germany and age the spirits in a combination of French and American oak barrels. Dancing Sands' focus is on purity and sources its water from one of the clearest sources in the world, Pupu Springs. Ben and Sarah make vodka, gin and rum under the brands Dancing Sands, Sacred Spring and Murders Bay. And, the team is does some pretty innovative things, particularly under the Dancing Sands brand — wasabi gin, anyone? MCCASHIN'S BREWERY, NELSON Just down the road in Nelson, McCashin's Brewery has been brewing craft beer since the 1980s — long before it was trendy. McCashin's makes both beer and cider under brands Stoke and Rochdale, the latter of which is New Zealand's oldest cider. The onsite kitchen and bar serves food, coffee and, of course, beer and cider that can be enjoyed inside the brewery or sitting in the beer garden with that famous Nelson sunshine. Tours run daily, Monday to Friday, and cost $25 — that includes the guided tour, a post-tour beer and cider tasting and a souvenir glass which is yours to keep. Tour bookings are recommended. Start planning your trip to New Zealand's south with our guide to the South Island journeys to take here.
Adelaide has been getting a major dose of cool as of late. Though the small bar scene may be a Melbournian namesake, this SA sister city is in the midst of a rebirth and has all of the makings to become its own small bar mecca. If you're headed to Adelaide, you'll want to check out the East End, along with Peel and Leigh streets, which house many of the city's newer bars — many of which only opened in 2015. From underground speakeasies and sake bars to American style dives and even a bar fitted out to resemble a log cabin, Adelaide has it all and in partnership with the Hahn Brewers we're bringing you the best of it. MAYBE MAE The concealed entrance to this 1950s cocktail lounge is not easy to find, but Maybe Mae is well worth the extra effort. Hidden in a tunnel beneath the Bread and Bone Wood Grill, the timber wall has no signage or even a door handle — this spot is as speakeasy as it gets. The space, inspired by movie star and sex symbol Mae West, is marked by a glamorous, Hollywood interior of green leather booths and large brass mirrors. It only opened last year, but this throwback of a bar is already a favourite stop on a night out. 15 Peel Street, Adelaide. PINK MOON SALOON Pink Moon Saloon is possibly the coolest-looking bar in the city. Located in the site of a former service laneway, the space best resembles a log cabin set in between two tall city buildings. Opened in 2015, this newcomer is a perfect addition to Adelaide's blooming small bar scene. The vibe itself is worth the visit alone. The drinks menu is inventive and playful (you can still grab a beer) while the small food menu is well designed for drink-induced nibbling. 21 Leigh Street, Adelaide. BANK STREET SOCIAL For a busy local hotspot, the Bank Street Social is your go-to. Get your boogie on to DJs spinning funk and disco, or relax on one of their luxe, golden-clad booths. On the food side of things, the regional pizza bar is focused on fresh, local ingredients and keeps the post-dance hanger at bay. 48 Hindley Street, Adelaide. MR. GOODBAR The vibe at Mr. Goodbar is best understood by their shrine to Saint Amand — that is, the patron saint of bartenders. The joint is dedicated to good times and, in their own words, to "the best kinds of sin". The waistcoat-wearing staff serve up their drinks alongside a simple food menu includes a daily cheese and charcuterie selection ($16-18) and blue swimmer crab cakes ($16). Overall, the space has a emphasises the old-world chic to it and is well-deserving of its name. 12 Union Street, Adelaide. [caption id="attachment_589691" align="alignnone" width="1280"] @jenjen_fifinha via Instagram[/caption] BADDOG BAR Baddog is a grunge-lovers haven, with an interior combination of leather, concrete and steel that just works. The well-lit bar boasts an impressive selection of small batch, local and international liquor, but is a great spot to settle down with a beer. Their in-house piano is the centre for which their blues and roots live acts congregate and play most nights until late. 63 Hyde Street, Adelaide. BRKLYN Housed upstairs at 260 Rundle Street, BRKLYN pays homage to New York's most loved borough. The entrance to this hidden gem is styled to look like a NYC subway — complete with subway-style mosaic tiling — and one half of the bar has even been made to look like a Brooklyn street, with various shopfronts and even an in-house barber. To cap it all off, their menu pays homage to the Jewish-owned delis of NYC, serving up the classic Reuben pastrami on rye with house-made pickles and Old Bay popcorn. 260A Rundle Street, Adelaide. 55ML 55ml is an intimate hole-in-the-wall with a simple but top-notch booze list, board games and tacos — need we say more? It has all the makings of great night out and is an ideal location for getting stuck in. Patrons easily lose time in this dimly-lit small bar, where the relaxed vibe is matched with pickleback specials — and they're just a few reasons to check this place out. We suggest you settle in with a beer and some chorizo tacos, grab the Jenga and let the hours fly by. 55 Mill Street, Adelaide. THE QUEEN'S HEAD This gem is the oldest licensed venue in its original location in the whole of South Australia, it's been sitting pretty on the corner of Kermode Street and Abbott Lane for 175 years. Not only a sunny spot for an afternoon beer, the kitchen at Queen's Head has award-winning pizza, burgers, steaks and sides and each weeknight has its own food special. 2KW BAR When you want to go somewhere a little bigger (and a little fancier) than the above, which also has incredible views of Adelaide and is cool in summer and warm in winter, then head to 2KW Bar. Sit back in the privacy of perfectly manicured hedges and enjoy a drink and some fancy food (try the crayfish). GONDOLA GONDOLA Gondola Gondola is an Asian-inspired bar and bistro that serves up sake, Japanese whiskies and craft beer. The food menu is also varied, from Vietnamese lamb shank stew and banh xeo (savoury pancake) to some Thai-flavoured sashimi and lemongrass beef. Despite this variety, the space has an authentic vibe and is a must do on any boozy (or foodie) visit to Adelaide. 1 Peel Street, Adelaide. Sign up to Hahn Brewers and use your weekend to take a trip to Adelaide.
Opening quietly in the even quieter suburb of Mount Waverley, Son of Tucci has been warmly welcomed in the south east of Melbourne. Tucked between the ageing, pasty walls of Hamilton Place, this fresh-faced newbie is refreshingly modern and delightfully different in a precinct that could use a serious makeover. The second Melbourne venture for the Crea Siblings, Son of Tucci pays homage to their grandfather. "His surname was Santuccis," Massimo Crea says. "And he always wanted a son — so that's where it comes from." Fittingly, Massimo's grandparents also used to live in Mount Waverley. And even though they had to start from scratch — the space was previously a retail store — the Creas were determined to open in the area because, according to Massimo, there was nowhere for a younger generation to simply 'hang out' in Mount Waverley. Their clientele seems suspiciously well rounded, despite his sentiment. Between featured concrete walls and exposed brick, you can choose from a range of buttery sweets to go. Seasonal blends by Veneziano are the caffeinated base for your morning latte, with filtered coffee and an eight-hour cold drip also on offer. Order your coffee black (beans are by Small Batch), and you'll receive a card detailing the coffee’s origins. Teas are by specialist brand Larsen & Thompson. If you're planning to linger for longer, Son of Tucci's menu has everything you could possibly need for an extended family brunch. Traditional breakfast fare with contemporary touches rein supreme, like their smashed avo and Sriracha maple glazed bacon ($14), or pancakes with sweet dukkah and poached pear ($15). Nutella fanatics will adore their Nutella shakes ($4.50), while the espresso variety are the perfect caffeinated treat — and with polished concrete floors, the Son of Tucci team are more than ready to wipe up the occasional spill. The typical local cafe, Son of Tucci isn't a game-changer in Melbourne's mammoth cafe scene. But it's certainly a tasty choice for this little south-east suburb.
We're teaming up with Intrepid for a season of adventure throughout 2024, and we need your help to put it all together. If you've got a craving for a food-fuelled adventure and are pretty savvy with a camera and video tools, you could secure your place on a ten-day tour of Vietnam with Intrepid Travel as our newly-appointed roving reporter, capturing every moment of the experience and helping us share the wonders that travel has to offer. This adventure will take you from one end of the country to another, seeing famous sights like Ha Long Bay and the Mekong River Delta. Along the way, you'll sample the specialty cuisines the country is known for, seeing the sights fly by on an overnight train ride, explore quiet fishing villages and the busy streets of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City alike. Just remember, keep that camera charged and ready for the money shots and the little snippets you can't see coming. We'll need your footage and creative skills to put together a video to showcase the trip and others like it. To enter, you just need to fill out the form below and submit an original video entry to prove you've got what it takes to get behind the camera and shoot a video as a roving reporter for Concrete Playground. It doesn't need to be a travel video, just as long as it shows you've got an eye for good content and have the practical skills to film and edit footage. Good luck, winners will be contacted by midnight on Friday, August 30. [competition]965314[/competition] Images courtesy of Intrepid Travel
In 2023, IKEA celebrated 80 years of operation. To mark the occasion, it unveiled the Nytillverkad collection, which scours the company's design archives to bring back pieces that've proven a hit in the past, and also riff on its prior highlights in general. Like anyone commemorating a big birthday, the Swedish giant isn't done with the festivities yet. Just because it's now 2024, that doesn't mean that it can't keep dropping retro products. With the brand's lengthy history, there's a reason that almost everyone can't remember a time the chain was a homewares go-to. Started by Ingvar Kamprad, aka the IK in IKEA's moniker, it began in 1943 and moved into furniture in 1948. The company then opened its first store in Sweden a decade later — and came to Australia in the 70s. It's the decade of IKEA's Aussie arrival — and the 60s as well — that gets a massive nod in the Nytillverkad collection's latest drop, which hit stores and online on Wednesday, January 10. Think: shaggy rugs, bold patterns and swivel armchairs. Think bright pops of colour as well. Among the side tables, cushion covers and more, 12 of the newly available pieces are re-introductions, with IKEA's Karin Mobring and Gillis Lundgren reviving them from the brand's history. "Vintage furniture has made a big comeback lately, and there's been a growing demand for certain IKEA products that have become collector's favourites," said IKEA Sweden Global Design Manager Johan Eidemo. "That is why we decided to bring back a selection of our design icons, and we are excited to see interest coming from customers of all ages, especially young people who are discovering our design legacy and using these vibrant solutions to express themselves at home. To us, these products are the essence of democratic design, they are timeless, as they combine a beautiful form, a great function, sustainability, an affordable price, and quality that lasts long." Does your lounge room need a white and chrome two-tier side table that first graced IKEA's catalogue in 1971? A yellow-hued armchair from 1969? A black armchair that's designed to reduce stress from 1967? A pendant lampshade that debuted in 1979? They're part of the Nytillverkad range's current vintage focus. Prices vary from $5.50 for a cushion cover to $299 for an armchair — and like with all IKEA limited-edition drops, including its recent first-ever workout collection, you'll want to get in quick before everything sells out. IKEA's Nytillverkad collection is on sale now in Australia, in store and online, until stocks last. Head to the IKEA website for further details.
Christmas is arriving early at QV Melbourne. Until Tuesday, January 6, QV Square will transform into a festive destination built around a towering 11-metre industrial-inspired Christmas sculpture. The installation features neon lights, oversized baubles and a statement-making design that is guaranteed to become one of the city's most photographed holiday spots. Alongside the sculpture, QV will play host to the Qris Qringle gifting activation; from 4pm each day (Friday, December 12–Sunday, December 21), visitors who spend $100 or more at participating QV retailers can show their receipts, join the QV E-List and select a mystery gift box from the Qringle hub. With 80 prizes to be revealed on QV Melbourne's Instagram, expect plenty of anticipation among shoppers and content creators. Forming the substantial prize pool are a host of QV retailers. That includes sneakers from Hype DC, featuring brands such as Salomon, Puma, adidas, New Balance, and Nike. High-end accessories from Incu, A.P.C., and Anine Bing, Jacquemus bucket hats from Marais, Foot Locker gift cards, beauty tools from Hairhouse, July luggage and family passes to Strike Bowling. A wide range of additional surprise gifts will also be available throughout the activation period. Beyond the giveaways, QV Square will be filled with a festive atmosphere throughout the season. The neon-lit sculpture, the bustling gifting hub and the crowds moving through the vicinity offer a mix of colour, movement and celebratory energy. Together, it's expected to be one of Melbourne's most popular locations for end-of-year social content, especially for those looking to capture the height of the season in the CBD.
Mere days in and 2023 is already starting off in an exciting — and extremely delicious — fashion. Each month, Melbourne and Brisbane's Lune Croissanterie unleashes a fresh range of menu specials, spanning new and beloved creations. To kick off the new year, that means the return of quite the Frankenstein's monster of baked goods: the Iced Vovo cruffin. Back in 2022, the cult-favourite bakery began the year with lamington cruffins. 2023's choice is clearly just as tasty. The words you're looking for? Yum and yum. It's exactly what it sounds like, stuffing a cruffin with coconut custard and raspberry jam, dipping it in raspberry glaze, sprinkling coconut on top and adding another button of jam as well. Fans of Kate Reid's pastry haven can pick up a pink-hued treat at Lune's Fitzroy and Armadale stores in Melbourne, as well as at its South Brisbane digs in Brisbane — and you can order them online in Brissie, too. In the tastebud-tempting stakes, it also has company, spanning both sweet and savoury dishes. Also on the menu: a coconut rough pain au chocolat, the OG Lune twice-baked pain au chocolat. It includes a chocolate coconut frangipane filling, plus large coconut flakes and drizzled chocolate on top — and it's on offer at all Lune locations, and online from South Brisbane and Burnett Lane. The January specials list also boasts twice-baked almond frangipane and vanilla crème croissants, which are topped with a slice of raw honey; mixed berry danishes, highlighting summer fruits; and pineapple upside down cakes, for a retro bite. And, the savoury special is spanakopita as an escargot, as filled with a spinach, ricotta and feta mix, then seasoned with lemon and herbs. Different specials are on offer at different stores, and only the Queensland venues also do pre-orders. Lune's January specials menu runs from Tuesday, January 31, with different specials on offer at Fitzroy and the CBD in Melbourne, and South Brisbane in Brisbane. In Brisbane only, you can also order them online. Images: Peter Dillon.
Wake up, Prime Video viewers: in 2023, your streaming queue is getting nostalgic. If The Wiggles can top the Hottest 100, take their rainbow-hued skivvies to Mardi Gras and make a date with Falls Festival (and maybe Little Nas X), then of course they can be the subject of a new documentary that'll hit the online service next year. Hot Potato: The Story of The Wiggles will tell exactly the tale you think it will, following the group's career over more than three decades, including the new levels of fame and popularity that 2022 has thrown their way. Sure, Dorothy the Dinosaur mightn't need an origin story, but OG Wiggles Anthony Field, Murray Cook, Greg Page and Jeff Fatt are getting one, with Sally Aitken (Valerie Taylor: Playing with Sharks, David Stratton: A Cinematic Life) directing. Prime Video is promising never-before-seen behind-the-scenes footage, too, as part of the feature-length film. "When we first formed The Wiggles more than three decades ago, our aim was to educate and inspire children through music, and that continues today," said Field. "Looking through the archives has brought back so many incredible and emotional memories, from our first shows for 30 children to touring America and the world, playing to arenas. It's been such an incredible and evolving journey and we can't wait to share our story with everyone." Hot Potato: The Story of The Wiggles forms part of Prime Video's 2023 slate of original Australian content, with the streaming platform running through all the Aussie-made efforts you'll be able to watch next year — some newly revealed, others already announced. Sitting in the latter category but certain to be a must-see is Deadloch, the latest series from The Kates. This time, The Katering Show and Get Krack!n's Kate McLennan and Kate McCartney are writing, executive producing and showrunning a mystery-comedy starring Kate Box (Stateless) — yes, another Kate — as a Tasmanian cop. When a local man turns up dead on the beach, the sleepy titular town is thrown into chaos. (And no, it won't be by accident that Deadloch subverts the usual dead girl trope that's such an engrained part of these kinds of TV series.) Also on Prime Video's 2023 list: five-part doco series Dance Life, following students at Brent Street; plus movie The Defenders, a documentary about Bahraini footballer Hakeem al-Araibi's arrest while honeymooning in Thailand, and former Socceroos captain Craig Foster's efforts in response. And, similarly among the highlights, there's Class of '07, about the mayhem that follows when an apocalyptic tidal wave hits during an all-girls college's 10-year reunion; and The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart, an adaptation of Holly Ringland's debut Australian novel starring Leah Purcell (The Drover's Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson), Asher Keddie (Nine Perfect Strangers), Alycia Debnam-Carey (Fear the Walking Dead), Tilda Cobham-Hervey (Hotel Mumbai), Alexander England (How to Please a Woman) and none other than Sigourney Weaver (Ghostbusters: Afterlife). Comedians Joel Creasey, Rhys Nicholson, Dave Hughes, Tommy Little and Lizzy Hoo will score specials, too. And if you're wondering exactly when you can get watching, release dates for the whole slate still to be revealed. The just-announced titles Prime Video's 2023 Australian slate don't yet have exact release dates. Keen an eye out on the streaming service itself for further details.
Of all the things available to watch on YouTube, IKEA's new contribution to the online platform might just be the most leisurely. Jumping on the slow TV bandwagon (or ship, to be more accurate), the huge furniture retailer is currently streaming a watery boat journey between Sweden and Australia — the voyage that brings its Billy bookcases, Kallax shelves, Ektorp sofas and more to our shores. That trip takes a whopping 14 days — or 336 hours — and it's playing on IKEA's new Slow TV YouTube channel in full. The stream started on Thursday, September 12 and will run through until Thursday, September 26. And while it's designed to look like it's all happening live, IKEA has specifically called it a "real-time representation". Those keen to tune in will see plenty of the high seas for much of the stream's duration. Later, when the vessel reaches Australia, you'll be able to watch as the ship pulls into port, then keep viewing as its shipping containers are unloaded, and then witness their journey to stores. You'll also be able to see IKEA boxes arrive at the back of one specific shop, then make their way to the warehouse, with its products unpacked and ready to be sold. Whether it sounds like riveting viewing or not will depend on your threshold for the slow TV trend. Based on how many folks watched SBS' forays into the genre over the past couple of years — first by airing a 17-hour documentary about The Ghan and it's train trip across the country, and then by doing the same with the Indian-Pacific — it seems there's a sizeable audience for simply watching the world go by. IKEA's venture into the slow TV fold has a purpose. Yes, it's trying to get you into the company's stores. The chain is holding a Festival of Sleep on the stream's final day, because this 14-day video is also designed to help viewers relax, feel calm and get some shut-eye. It follows IKEA's Sleep Podcast earlier this year, which attempted to entice listeners to nod off by reading a list of Swedish furniture names. The podcast's narrators, Kent and Sara Eriksson, are also doing the same job here — this time rattling off products from IKEA's 2020 catalogue. Check out IKEA's Slow TV YouTube channel below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSZBjFzq3Ng IKEA's Slow TV YouTube Channel is screening until Thursday, September 26.
There's less than a month left of winter. If that's reason enough to get you planning your next holiday, Virgin Australia understands. The airline is starting August 2024 with everyone's favourite excuse to book a getaway — yes, that'd be a flight sale — but you've only got three days to nab the 500,000 discounted fares. This new 72-hour sale runs until midnight AEST on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, unless sold out earlier, and focuses on domestic flights. You'll be travelling between Tuesday, September 3, 2024–Wednesday, April 30, 2025, so you'll be taking a spring, summer or autumn vacation, with prices starting cheap at $45. Where can you head? To Byron Bay, Launceston, Hamilton Island and Uluru, for starters. By now, everyone knows that the Sydney–Byron Bay route always has the lowest cost, which is $45 one-way this time around. From there, other discounts include Melbourne–Launceston from $59, Sydney to the Gold Coast from $65, Sydney to the Sunshine Coast from $69, Melbourne–Hobart from $75, Brisbane to Cairns from $89 and Melbourne to Hamilton Island from $129. Among your other options, Sydneysiders can take a trip to Cairns from $115, Melburnians to Uluru for the same price, Brisbanites to Uluru from $119 and also to Darwin from $169. This sale kicked off on Monday, August 5, 2024 — and the cheap fares, which cover both directions between each point in the discounted route, start with Virgin's Economy Lite option. With the travel periods available, all dates vary per route. Inclusions also differ depending on your ticket and, as usual when it comes to flight sales, you'll need to get in quick if you're keen to spend some, part or even most of September–April anywhere but home. Virgin's '72-hour Flight Frenzy Sale' sale runs until midnight AEST on Wednesday, August 7, 2024 — unless sold out earlier. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
If you're looking for a 'gouda' time with charcuterie boards, thick slices of cheese and generous pours of wine, then this limited-time Melbourne high tea experience is made for you. From now until Saturday, October 25, The Westin Melbourne's Allegro Restaurant is serving up a moreish High Cheese in collaboration with The Studd Siblings and Zonzo Estate. For $89-$110, you get a three-tiered selection of cheese-filled sweet and savoury bites, making for one indulgent evening of fancy feasting. Put together by The Westin Melbourne's Executive Chef, Apoorva Kunte, the menu is a feast for the senses packed with cheeses sourced by cheese connoisseurs The Studd Siblings, so you can rest assured you're only getting the tastiest varieties. Expect pairings like Aphrodite Barrel Aged Organic Fetta with tomato and lychee tartare, or baked le conquérant camembert with thyme and garlic. You'll then finish with decadent desserts such as a chocolate basque cheesecake with blistered padron pepper and Tasmanian pepper berry salt. The High Cheese experience is available from Wednesday to Saturday from 5-9.30 pm. Wednesday to Friday sittings are $89pp, while Saturdays are $110pp. Make sure to book ahead of time, as walk-ins are not welcome.
Why spend just over a week worshipping the silver screen, as most film festivals do, when you can stretch the in-cinema celebration out to more than a fortnight, and throw in over a week of online viewings as well? That's Melbourne International Film Festival's approach. In 2023, now that the event's full lineup is newly here, it's also asking another question: why just have Tilda Swinton star in a film as one character when she can play two, and a mother and daughter at that? The movie in question is The Eternal Daughter, Swinton's latest collaboration with filmmaker Joanna Hogg after the sublime The Souvenir and The Souvenir: Part II, and it's one of MIFF's big 2023 highlights. Yes, there's more — much, much more. This year's fest will screen 267 films to Melbourne and Victorian movie buffs, in fact, plus a selection of picks virtually and nationally via the returning MIFF Play. 2023's festival footprint mimics the setup that worked so well for the film feast in 2022, which was its first proper year back after the pandemic began. So, it's gracing cinemas in Melbourne from Thursday, August 3–Sunday, August 20; hitting the big screen in regional Victorian locations from Friday, August 11–Sunday, August 13 and Friday, August 18–Sunday, August 20; and also going digital from Friday, August 18–Sunday, August 27. Shayda, a Melbourne-set drama that won an Audience Award at Sundance, was revealed as MIFF's 2023 opening-night flick back in May. The world premiere of Ego: The Michael Gudinski Story, paying tribute to the Australian record executive and promoter with help from Kylie Minogue, Dave Grohl, Sting, Ed Sheeran, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel and Jimmy Barnes, was also announced then, taking the fest's centrepiece slot. Now, they're joined by Theatre Camp among MIFF's high-profile sessions, with closing night scoring the Aussie debut of a crowd-pleasing comedy about loving the stage, as starring and co-written and co-directed by Booksmart and The Bear's Molly Gordon. Other standouts include Anatomy of a Fall, a drama about an author (Sandra Hüller, Toni Erdmann) accused of her husband's murder, which won French director Justine Triet (Sibyl) the French festival's top prize back in May; May December, which hails from Carol director Todd Haynes, is led by Natalie Portman (Thor: Love and Thunder) and Julianne Moore (Sharper), and dives into a scandal; Certain Women's Kelly Reichardt reteaming with Michelle Williams again with Showing Up; and Biosphere, about the last two men on earth, with star and co-writer Mark Duplass (The Morning Show) coming to Melbourne in-person with the film. Or, there's the Josh O'Connor (Mothering Sunday)-led La Chimera from Happy as Lazzaro's Alice Rohrwacher, Catherine Breillat's (Abuse of Weakness) return with Last Summer, Paul Schrader's (The Card Counter) Master Gardener starring Joel Edgerton (The Stranger), and Hirokazu Kore-eda's Monster — the prolific helmer's latest on a lengthy resume that also includes Shoplifters and Broker. Keen to settle in for the long haul? Still on big-name filmmakers, Nuri Bilge Ceylan's (The Wild Pear Tree) latest About Dry Grasses clocks in at 197 minutes. In 2022, MIFF launched Bright Horizons, its official competition — and the titles vying for glory in 2023, all from either first- or second-time filmmakers, are impressive for the second year running. Among 11 films, Shayda fits the bill, as does Cannes Un Certain Regard Prize-winner How to Have Sex, about three British teen girls on a boozy getaway; Earth Mama, an A24 release by Grammy-nominated music video veteran Savanah Leaf; and Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell, which follows a musical journey across the Vietnamese countryside. Also, the star-cross'd lovers-focused Banel & Adama plays direct from Cannes, Disco Boy stars German talent Franz Rogowski (Great Freedom) and Animalia explores an alien invasion in Morocco. Elsewhere, Cobweb stars Parasite's Song Kang-ho and is helmed by I Saw the Devil director Kim Jee-woon, the prolific Hong Sang-soo (The Novelist's Film) returns with Walk Up, and four-time British Independent Film Award-winner Blue Jean focuses on a lesbian teacher in Thatcher's England. Oscar-winning Amy and Senna filmmaker Asif Kapadia takes cues from Woyzeck and Frankenstein with the expressionistic dance-filled Creature; 2023 Sydney Film Prize-winner The Mother of All Lies heads south; You Can Call Me Bill pays tribute to the inimitable William Shatner; and Soda Jerk's first film since Terror Nullius, Hello Dankness, offers a chaotic yet cutting survey of US politics from 2016 onwards. MIFF 2023 will also feature eerie fare in the form of Sleep, by Bong Joon-ho protégé Jason Yu; birth/rebirth, which also riffs on Frankenstein; Perpetrator with Clueless favourite Alicia Silverstone; and Australia's own Godless: The Eastfield Exorcism. And, no strangers to showcasing giallo, including running a retrospective on Italian horror before, the fest is going all in on Suspiria, Tenebrae and Deep Red director Dario Argento. Among MIFF's shorts are Pedro Almodóvar's (Parallel Mothers) queer western Strange Way of Life starring Ethan Hawke (Moon Knight) and Pedro Pascal (The Last of Us), and also Trailer of the Film That Will Never Exist: 'Phony Wars', the last film by iconic French director Jean-Luc Godard before his passing. All of the above — and a whole lot more — joins previously announced titles such as The Rooster, starring Hugo Weaving (Love Me) and Phoenix Raei (The Night Agent); Celine Song's debut feature Past Lives, a bittersweet romance about two childhood friends (Russian Doll's Greta Lee and Decision to Leave's Teo Yoo) who briefly reunite after decades apart; Bad Behaviour, the feature directorial debut of actor-turned-filmmaker Alice Englert (You Won't Be Alone) starring Jennifer Connelly (Top Gun: Maverick); BlackBerry, which delves into the smartphone's rise and fall — and satirises it — with Jay Baruchel (FUBAR) and Glenn Howerton (It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia) among the cast; and The Kingdom Exodus, Lars von Trier's latest followup to 1994's miniseries The Kingdom and its 1997 second season. The 2023 Melbourne International Film Festival runs from Thursday, August 3–Sunday, August 20 at a variety of venues around Melbourne; from Friday, August 11–Sunday, August 13 and Friday, August 18–Sunday, August 20 in regional Victoria; and online nationwide with MIFF Play from Friday, August 18–Sunday, August 27. For further details, including tickets from Friday, July 14, visit the MIFF website.
This March, Melbourne has been inundated with margarita specials, from discounted margs at Mamas Group to unlimited late-night margaritas at George's Social Club and bottomless margaritas and margheritas at Culprit. Whoever made margarita month a thing has well and truly succeeded in convincing local restaurants and bars to jump on the bandwagon. But we aren't complaining. Who doesn't love a discounted cocktail? The latest spot to join in the marg madness is Flour Child down in St Kilda. But instead of offering discounts or free-flowing drinks deals, the crew is giving the cocktails away for free. From Monday, March 18–Sunday, March 24, the Flour Child team is serving up free Patrón margaritas to the first 50 people who come in and have an F1 ticket each day. Yes, this is especially for the motor heads or new racing fans who were won over by the Drive to Survive doco and decided to attend this year's F1. Flour Child is just a 15-minute walk from the racecourse so it really isn't a bad spot for a Grand Prix pre-game. Particularly when it's free.
One of the most spectacular must-sees on any Tokyo trip will soon be back on every tourist's itinerary: digital-only art gallery teamLab Borderless. When it opened in 2018, the stunning spot instantly became one of Japan's top destinations. Since mid-2022, however, the venue has been closed while it shifted to a new site. Thankfully, wandering through its dazzling array of artworks is about to become a reality again from January 2024. Breathtaking, kaleidoscopic, glorious, delightful, worth a trip to Tokyo all by itself: all of those descriptions apply to teamLab Borderless, which became the most-visited single-artist museum in the world during its first year of operation. Expect all those gushing terms to flow again when it reopens at Azabudai Hills in central Tokyo, relocating from its past Odaiba base. [caption id="attachment_912403" align="alignnone" width="1920"] teamLab, Sea of Clouds © teamLab[/caption] First, the bad news: to get there, you'll no longer be crossing over Tokyo's gorgeous Rainbow Bridge. That's the only negative aspect of move, however. Among the excellent news, the new teamLab Borderless will feature both evolved and brand-new artworks. So, even if you've been before at its old digs, you won't just be seeing the same things — even though they're definitely worth enjoying more than once. [caption id="attachment_912401" align="alignnone" width="1920"] teamLab, Microcosmoses (tentative title) © teamLab[/caption] If you were lucky enough to mosey around the OG spot before the pandemic, you'll know that the Borderless experience involves vibrant, constantly moving, always-changing interactive digital art keeps that keeps glowing and rearranging before your eyes. As the name makes plain, nothing is fixed or static here. Pieces move from one space to the next, and interact with other works. Sometimes, several different projections and installations mingle together. For attendees, peering at the end results isn't merely a passive experience, with the venue encouraging patrons to "wander, explore and discover". While the full list of works that'll feature at teamLab Borderless 2.0 hasn't yet been revealed, the pieces announced so far include the jaw-dropping Light Sculpture series — which cycles through an array of light formations and colours — as well as an eye-catching mirrored infinity room-style space that's tentatively been titled Microcosmoses. teamLab might be best-known for its Tokyo site, but it doesn't only operate in Japan. A second teamLab Borderless has already been open in Shanghai since 2019, and others are slated for Jeddah in Saudi Arabia and Hamburg in Germany — the former without an exact opening date, the latter slated to launch in 2025. The organisation also operates a different museum in Macao, and has its first teamLab Phenomena on the way for the Saadiyat Cultural District in Abu Dhabi, again targeting a 2024 launch. The list goes on, with teamLab's works a drawcard wherever they pop up. [caption id="attachment_868130" align="alignnone" width="1920"] teamLab Borderless: MORI Building DIGITAL ART MUSEUM, Azabudai Hills, Tokyo © teamLab[/caption] [caption id="attachment_912400" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Birth © teamLab[/caption] [caption id="attachment_912402" align="alignnone" width="1920"] teamLab, Microcosmoses (tentative title) © teamLab[/caption] teamLab Borderless Tokyo: MORI Building Digital Art Museum will reopen at its new location at Azabudai Hills, Garden Plaza B B1F, 1-2-4 Azabudai, Minato-ku, Tokyo sometime in January 2024 — for more information, visit the museum's website. Top teamLab, Universe of Water Particles, Transcending Boundaries; teamLab, Flowers and People, Cannot be Controlled but Live Together © teamLab.
Go on, give yourself a holiday — or gift your loved ones a getaway as a present. It's peak season for flight sales, thanks to Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Christmas. After dropping two big rounds of discounted fares in November, then, Jetstar is in festive mode with its latest batch. Prices start at $35 for domestic trips and beginning at $149 if you're holidaying internationally, and there's 140,000 cheap seats on offer. This time, you have a few days to grab a bargain — until 11.59pm AEDT on Sunday, December 15. As always, the cheapest route within Australia is Sydney to Byron Bay and Ballina, which is where the $35 price comes in. Overseas, that $149 fare will get you from Perth to Singapore. And yes, these dollar amounts will be familiar if you were scouting airline discounts just last month. Prices obviously vary depending on where you're flying from and to, as per usual, but other domestic options include Melbourne to Hobart from $49, Brisbane to the Whitsunday Coast from $54, Sydney to Uluru from $94, Melbourne to Hamilton Island from $114, Sydney to Busselton Margaret River from $139 and Perth to Melbourne from $174. Going global, overseas bargains span Darwin to Bali from $164, Sydney to Nadi from $199, Brisbane to Seoul from $269 and Melbourne to Phuket from $275, Brisbane to Tokyo from $329 — and plenty more. You'll be travelling within Australia from mid-January to early April 2025, and from late-January to mid-September 2025 if you're booking an international fare. The caveats: all prices apply to one-way fares; checked baggage is not included, so you'll want to travel super light or pay extra to take a suitcase; and dates vary according to the route. If you're a Club Jetstar member, you can score even more discounts, starting with Sydney to Byron Bay and Ballina from $29. Jetstar's 2024 Christmas sale runs until 11.59pm AEDT on Sunday, December 15 — or until sold out if prior. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
The Adelphi Hotel's culinary offering, Om Nom, has switched gears this year. Shaking off its former identity as a dedicated dessert bar and reemerging as a wine and cocktail destination, the venue has reopened the doors following an extended pandemic-forced hiatus. It now boasts a new Head Chef in John Law (Entrecôte) and a broadened food offering championing local produce. Open Friday and Saturday nights, the reimagined Om Nom is a primo spot for snack-matched drinking sessions, especially if you're in the mood for some Victorian wine, and grazing boards loaded with the likes of Milawa Blue and free-range mortadella from Ballarat's Mr Cannubi. Small bites might include options like the chicken liver parfait ($16), cheese croquettes ($16) or a beef tartare ($16) while toasties feature fillings such as Six Farm triple cream brie with Quattro Stelle nduja ($25). Every Friday, Sydney rock oysters are going for just $2 a pop, from 4–7pm or until sold out. Signature cocktail favourites like the Salted Caramel Cracking Espresso and the Make The Call (served in a tiny red telephone booth) will return to star alongside a handful of new creations. [caption id="attachment_810364" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Om Nom's Salted Caramel Cracking Espresso[/caption] Of course, Om Nom hasn't surrendered the sweet stuff entirely — you'll now find a rotating offering of one fruit and one chocolate dessert dish on the regular menu. The renowned weekend high teas have also returned, hosted across two daytime sittings every Saturday and Sunday (12pm and 2.30pm).
Melbourne's inner west will soon be home to a brand new, community-owned, queer-friendly bar, exhibition space and performance venue. Coming soon to the eponymous suburb, Pride of our Footscray, aka POOF, aims to provide a safe space for LGBTIQ folk eager for a drink, keen to catch a catch show, or just looking for a friendly place to kick back and watch the footy. And if you're interested, you can get in on the ground floor. For a $500 investment, punters can become part owners of the business, which should be up and running very, very soon. "We're in negotiations [to take over] an existing venue in Footscray," Chief Bar Officer Mathew O'Keefe tells Concrete Playground. "If that plays out, we're talking about like a late June opening. So that's pretty close." In addition to the warm feeling you get from supporting a worthwhile endeavour, investors will be receive invitations to special members events, and enjoy discounts at the bar. Not to mention that when the money starts pouring in, you'll be entitled to a cut. Sounds like a win-win-win. As the name Pride of our Footscray suggests, the venue will have a distinctly local flavour. "The working idea is that there'll be four different restaurants on the menu each month that you can choose from," says O'Keefe. "Maribyrnong is one of the most ethnically diverse council areas in Victoria, and we want to properly reflect that." "At the same time we're talking to breweries, having conversations with performers and people who can do art for us," he continues. "We'll have a space for artists to display their work. I've got a theory that drunk people buy art more readily than sober people, so I hope that some of the art on the wall will sell." As for entertainment, O'Keefe says punters should expect a mix of speakers, live music acts, drag shows and comedians. "It'll be quite vibrant," he tells us. "But we also need to have in another room a pool table and a screen where you can watch the football... this is a coincidence, but a group of Western Bulldogs supporters are looking at establishing Bulldog Pride, which just goes so well with what we're doing. We'd love to have that group have functions here." Talking to O'Keefe, it's clear that community, whether it's the LGBTIQ community or the Footscray community, is an integral part of what the venue will be about. "Rather than three rich people owning it, there'll hopefully be up to 100 people involved," he enthuses. "The difference in the people who have come to us interested [in investing] is quite remarkable… people from all across the board." As such, it's expected that investors will respect that sense of community as well. "You've got to sign a pledge saying in effect that [you] respect other cultures and other sexualities," warns O'Keefe. "We really want to make it clear that this is a very inclusive venue, and you can't apply to own shares in this business unless you're respectful of difference and diversity." For more information about Pride of our Footscray, check out their Facebook page. If you interesting in buying in, you can also find their investors pack here.
