One of the most worthwhile things you can do when looking to start your own business is sit down with another small business owner and share your ideas, as well as take note on what they've done right (and wrong), what small wins they encountered that eventually led to bigger things. When it comes to opening a cafe specifically, successful venues like Three Williams in Redfern can be a great source of inspiration — especially considering that this particular brunch spot was once started by a first-time cafe owner, too. As running your own business can typically involve a lot of hard work and crazy hours, we've teamed up with MYOB to bring you some helpful hints from those in the know. Here are four ideas to get you started (whether you're looking to open a cafe, a shop or other small business), courtesy of Three Williams co-owner Toby Iaccarino. [caption id="attachment_683542" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Three Williams co-owner Toby Iaccarino.[/caption] DON'T BE AFRAID TO GET YOUR HANDS DIRTY Put yourself out there and get your hands dirty in a business that inspires you, says Toby. "Learn the ropes from cleaning drains to fine-tuning your customer service skills to honing the art of people management," he says. While there's much to be gleaned from research and study, nothing beats rolling up your sleeves and jumping in there yourself — whether it's through an internship or a few hours per week in a related side hustle. "I cannot stress how paramount raw experience is to your success in such a hands-on industry." LEARN THE RULES OF THE GAME Most new venues will require a spruce up, so make sure to run your plans through council first. "Council regulations raised a multitude of unexpected and untimely hurdles along the way that I wasn't necessarily financially prepared to accommodate," says Toby. "Regulations differ, sometimes significantly, from council to council. So do your research. Calculated planning and foresight can save you a wealth of not only time and money, but major headaches down the line. Familiarise yourself on what you can do, can't do and must do in order to operate in the capacity you are envisioning." MAKE SURE YOUR FINANCES ARE IN ORDER Having great staff — in this case, an excellent chef, barista and floor team — is obviously vital to a business's success, however, the importance of financial understanding cannot be stressed enough, says Toby. "The ability to get your head around GST, BAS, super and all the other cash flow and cash management requirements will be the difference between failure and success." While a few cents difference between shopping bags or sugar sachets may seem like small beans, keeping your eye on market prices can end up being paramount to profitability, and it's these small wins that help lead to bigger things. "Constantly tweaking roster costings, analysing suppliers and their pricing and keeping up to date with the cheapest energy companies makes all the difference." INVEST IN NEW TECHNOLOGY AND SMART BUSINESS SYSTEMS New business systems and smart platforms that allow you to monitor, track and manage your operations can help you run your business more efficiently, as well as free up your time for the jobs that really matter. For Toby, managing finance and compliance obligations had become overwhelming, so he decided to invest in cloud-based accounting software. "MYOB has been, and continues to be, such a practical way to manage our invoicing, payroll, reporting and finances. It makes everything from preparing BAS to managing financial year rollovers and keeping track of inventory a breeze." Planning to open your own business? Consider MYOB to help sort out all your accounting needs.
A crusty white roll, lashings of smooth paté, and a generous pile of fresh ingredients, pickled things and herbs — it's easy to see why Vietnam's gift to the sandwich world is well-appreciated here in Melbourne. The humble banh mi is a lunchtime favourite that's both affordable enough and healthy enough to feel like you could scoff one — or two — every day of the week. All across the city, old school bakeries and modern Vietnamese eateries alike are serving up top-notch iterations of the classic sandwich; ranging from the tried-and-true, to more contemporary reworkings. Whether you fancy yours loaded with roast pork, barbecue chicken or something altogether more creative, here's where to find yourself a beautiful banh mi in Melbourne. Recommended reads: The Best Pho in Melbourne The Best Ramen in Melbourne The Best Hot Pot Spots in Melbourne The Best Cafes in Melbourne N LEE, COLLINGWOOD Come lunchtime, the biggest queue on Smith Street is almost always the one snaking out the doors of this long-running Vietnamese bakery. Sandwich fiends flock to N Lee for its menu of traditional banh mi, crafted on fluffy rolls baked fresh in-house. The classic grilled pork is a firm favourite here, though the tofu roll and a pork belly number crowned with crackling also get a strong run. The wait is never too long, thanks to a bevvy of staff who work seamlessly behind the counter, grilling up meat and piling fresh ingredients into bread just as quickly as the orders come. It's also famously affordable — the change from a tenner will more than cover a few cheeky spring rolls as an entree. CA COM, RICHMOND Born out of last year's lockdowns, the Anchovy crew's genius pop-up banh mi window proved so successful that it spawned its own permanent space. These days, Ca Com — meaning 'anchovy' in Vietnamese — is slinging a tight rotation of innovative Vietnamese rolls, with a menu that's guided by the interesting ingredients the chefs get their hands on each week. Drop by for crafty creations starring the likes of Manchurian-spiced pumpkin, crispy fried tempeh and garlic, prawn mousse-stuffed garfish, and smoked mortadella matched with yellow mustard mayo. If you're willing to break from tradition, these sambos promise to rock your world. PHUOC THANH, RICHMOND, WEST MELBOURNE, CHADSTONE, CBD With four popular, long-running outposts, the family-run Phuoc Thanh bakery has earned plenty of fans for its freshly baked breads — and the menu of classic banh mi are the stars of the show. Here, crisp, fluffy-centred rolls are loaded with traditional filling combinations like roast pork with chunks of crackling, tender barbecue chicken and nem nướng (pork skewers) in a special house sauce. All are finished with a handful of lively veggies, chilli, pickled carrot and fresh herbs, of course. At the West Melbourne store, you'll even find a breakfast banh mi option, featuring fried egg and bacon to get your morning off to a solid start. head to any of these joints to find some of the best banh mi in Melbourne. SUNNY'S BAKERY, COLLINGWOOD Its queues might be slightly less hectic than that of its counterpart up the street, but Sunny's is still one of the leaders of the pack as far as Melbourne's banh mi scene is concerned. Decked out in a bold splash of orange befitting its name, the bakery turns out classic Vietnamese banh mi on light, crusty house-made rolls, with some very reasonable price tags to match. Fuss-free fillings range from thick-cut roast pork with crackling, to a spicy chicken, to some vegetarian-friendly tofu creations. Sunny's Bakery even offers a bacon and egg banh mi that proves especially effective at soaking up a hangover, or simply as a winning grab-and-go brekkie. [caption id="attachment_809834" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Julia Sansone[/caption] NHU LAN, FOOTSCRAY Perched across the street from the buzz of Footscray Market, Nhu Lan is a classic Vietnamese bakery serving flavour-packed eats with absolutely zero pretension. The pint-sized shopfront churns out its top-notch rolls swiftly and without fuss, so you're never queuing up for too long. Not that these beauties aren't totally worth a little wait. The traditional-leaning menu heroes favourites like barbecue pork, a chicken and onion combination, and ham and salad, with fresh ingredients and fluffy bread always a given. If it's a satisfying lunch for under six bucks you're after, this Melbourne banh mi hotspot is most definitely a goer. BUN BUN BAKERY, SPRINGVALE As the name suggests, this Springvale spot is slinging some top-notch buns — you'll find scores of fans who agree Bun Bun is a sandwich shop well worth crossing town for. The house-baked rolls hold their fillings in all the right places and pork crackling is available as a free add-on for all seven banh mi options. The menu features both hot and cold varieties of the Vietnamese sanga, with highlights including the roast pork in barbecue sauce, an even saucier meatball number and a lemongrass-roasted chicken. Expect a generous ratio of paté, too — no dry mouthfuls here. And in a win for your wallet, most items are priced at around $6. It's no wonder why this is regularly rated as one of the best Melbourne banh mi joints. PHO NOM, CBD Two bright, casual canteen-style eateries from celebrated chef Jerry Mai, Pho Nom are serving up Vietnamese street food classics with a fresh, modern twist — one at Emporium and the other on Collins Street. At both outposts, against a backdrop of bold wall art and playful pops of colour, you can tuck into primo banh mi varieties heroing top-quality ingredients, such as the crispy pork belly or tofu, and a grilled lemongrass chicken. There's also a crispy fried chicken creation finished with lashings of sriracha mayo if you feel like shaking things up. All four options feature silky house-made paté and a pile of salad as standard inclusions, clocking in at $12 a pop. Paired with a Vietnamese iced coffee — and lunch on the go is looking very good indeed at this Melbourne banh mi spot. SELINA HOT BREAD, SUNSHINE A long-standing favourite of Sunshine's multicultural food scene, Selina Hot Bread is a small bakery with a huge following. Look out for the bright green shopfront and venture in for a very good roast pork banh mi, packed with the traditional paté, mayo and fresh salad, and finished with a sprinkling of chilli and crispy fried onions. Other simple yet supremely satisfying options include a barbecue chicken and salad combination, a signature meatball roll, a handful of tofu sambos and a classic Vietnamese ham banh mi. No matter which you choose, it's delightfully cheap. So go on and add a couple of rice paper rolls or pork buns to your lunch order. MASTER ROLL VIETNAM, SOUTH YARRA, HEIDELBERG, RICHMOND, CARNEGIE, HAWTHORN For an authentic Vietnamese grab-and-go feed south of the river, people flock to this modern bakery serving up a refined take on traditional banh mi each day. At Master Roll Vietnam, neat, colourful piles of salad ingredients beckon from the front counter, but it's the hefty trays of roast pork and crisp crackling that'll really have you salivating. Master Roll's menu sticks to the classics but does them with a bit of modern flair, offering options like grilled chicken, grilled pork chop and quality cold cuts, alongside a vegetarian-friendly lemongrass and chilli tofu. At $10.50, they're a little pricier than that of your old-school suburban joint, but some top-notch house-made mayonnaise and paté help seal the deal, making this one of Melbourne's best banh mi destinations. BULLSEYE BANH MI, ST KILDA Bullseye Banh Mi is a contemporary, Vietnamese-run eatery in the heart of St Kilda, Bullseye is known for its colourful fit-out and generously loaded banh mi. Among the menu's many street food offerings, you'll find a solid lineup of rolls, starring classic-leaning fillings like barbecue chicken, crispy roast pork and braised pork topped with crunchy curls of crackling. Vegetarians can get their fix with the braised tofu number, and there's even a banh mi stuffed with a pork or veggie spring roll, for those after a little extra pizazz. At between $8 and $10, these beauties are up the higher end of the Melbourne banh mi price scale — if you can, make the most of the cheery restaurant space and enjoy yours dine-in.
Aptly given its title, new Apple TV+ sitcom Loot doesn't look cheap — or sound it. It's partly filmed in one of America's biggest private homes, an enormous mansion with 21 bedrooms, five pools, a bowling alley and a cinema. It's filled with well-known needle drops that come quickly and often, with one episode featuring three Daft Punk tracks alone. It couldn't scream louder or drip harder with excess; the series is about a mega-rich tech whiz's wife who gets $87 billion in their public and messy breakup, after all. And, it is inescapably made by a company that's a big technology behemoth itself, and has been splashing stacks of cash to build its streaming roster (see: The Morning Show, Ted Lasso, Severance, Physical, Prehistoric Planet, Foundation, The Shrink Next Door, Shining Girls, Slow Horses, Lisey's Story and more). Loot is also clearly a satire. Across its ten-episode first season — with the first three episodes dropping on Friday, June 24, and the rest following weekly — it parodies all that wealth, the people who have it and the lives lived in bubbles due to it. It also lampoons the idea that the lavishness that money can and does buy for the one percent can be balanced by giving a fraction of it to worthy causes. Yes, Loot is the latest entry in the eat-the-rich genre, alongside The White Lotus, Succession, Squid Game and Killing It of late. Hailing from creators Alan Yang and Matt Hubbard, both former Parks and Recreation writers, it also spins an immensely entertaining workplace sitcom around its pointed premise. The setup: amid being gifted a mega yacht for her birthday, then jumping to a party in that aforementioned sprawling home, Molly Novak (Maya Rudolph, Big Mouth) discovers that her husband John (Adam Scott, Severance) is cheating on her. Post-divorce, after that huge settlement and a stint of partying around the globe with her assistant Nicholas (Joel Kim Booster, Fire Island), she gets a call from Sofia Salinas (Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, Pose), the head of the foundation she's forgotten bears her name (and even exists). With Molly's drunken decadence all over the news, the charity is finding it difficult to do its work. So, the organisation's namesake decides to ditch the revelry — and her married moniker, becoming Molly Wells — and put all that dough to better use. She also commits to playing an active role in how her funds can truly help people. As workplaces in workplace comedies always do — Yang also has The Good Place on his resume, which became a workplace comedy in its own way; Hubbard has written for 30 Rock and Superstore as well — Molly's foundation is staffed by a motley crew. Sofia is tough and wholly dedicated to making people's lives better. Following Molly over to the new gig, Nicholas is cutting in his comments and cut about the change in his lifestyle. Then there's Howard (Ron Funches, AP Bio), the sweet and supportive cousin that Molly barely remembers at first; mild-mannered divorced dad and accountant Arthur (Nat Faxon, Our Flag Means Death), who starts to hope his boss will become something more; and Ainsley (Stephanie Styles, Bombshell) and Rhonda (Meagen Fay, Dopesick), the requisite TV office oddballs. Re-entering the working world after two decades is quite the culture shock for Molly, unsurprisingly, and so is being part of a team again. Loot is always the show it instantly seems it will be: a workplace sitcom with a clear target in its sights, and a comedy with as much warmth as humour. It directs its scathing digs towards moneyed indulgence and ridiculousness — in Molly's life and the attitudes that come with it, there's obviously plenty to poke fun of — and its heart towards her coworkers and their efforts. It tries to swing both ways with Molly herself, pointing out that the life she's become accustomed to is patently absurd, but also endeavouring to demonstrate how she's trying to learn and grow. Here, a running gag has David Chang playing himself as Molly's overworked personal chef, for instance. Also, when Rudolph breaks out her Beyonce impression again, it's when Molly couldn't be in a more inappropriate, tone-deaf and cringe-inducing setting. But Loot's protagonist is also never one-note; that she keeps swinging between cashed-up extravagance and genuinely attempting to do better makes her a far more fleshed-out character. Molly is also a showcase part for the always-wonderful Rudolph, who really should've had a sitcom like this on her resume by now. She's featured in a few in her post-Saturday Night Live career, but in supporting parts, including stealing every scene she's in in both The Good Place and Up All Night. She's also glorious in the exceptional Forever, the 2018 existential comedy that similarly stems from Yang and Hubbard, yet sadly only lasted one season. But while Amy Poehler had Parks and Recreation, and Tina Fey had 30 Rock, this kind of series has eluded Rudolph. TV has been worse for it — and Loot wouldn't have worked for a second without her. It already navigates such a delicate tightrope, satirising the ultra rich while embracing Molly's quest to be more than just an affluent caricature. Indeed, it takes Rudolph's adaptability, her willingness to play the joke and also unpack it, her presence, and her charm to anchor the show's parody and empathy in tandem. If this entertaining must-see returns for a second season, it might be a different program, though. That's also a great thing. Loot's initial batch of episodes is a little like a Rorschach test: some viewers will see what it's trying to savage while still being a warmhearted workplace comedy, others will mostly notice that it doesn't chomp down as hard as Succession and its wealth-eviscerating brethren. The show is happy to sit in the first category for now but, still with its upbeat vibe, it makes bigger moves towards the other camp by the time its debut run wraps up. Seeing how it builds is one of Loot's thrills — alongside the tour de force that is Rudolph, including in Molly's Hot Ones appearance; Booster and Funches repeatedly proving a joy, playing to their strengths separately and together; Scott at his smug best among a well-rounded ensemble; and the series' deeper skewering and throwaway gags alike, of course. Check out the trailer for Loot below: Loot is available to stream via Apple TV+.
One of the most stylish hotel chains there is has finally opened its doors Down Under, ready for sleek-as-hell winter Sydney staycations and interstate getaways. Ace Hotel has built itself up a cult following since opening in 1999, with the boutique chain going for a luxe-vintage vibe — and now, after announcing its first Australian site back in 2019, dropping a sneak peek in 2021, and revealing its food and drink lineup earlier this year, the brand's 18-storey Surry Hills outpost is open for business. This isn't just the US chain's first Aussie location. It's also its first in the Southern Hemisphere. The brand kicked off in Seattle, then spread to Portland, New York, Los Angeles, London, Pittsburgh, New Orleans and Chicago in the US, and opened its first international location in London in 2013. And, before the pandemic, it was probably on your must-stay list thanks to its great bars, pools, cool branding and merchandise, and quirky locations — such as a converted Denny's and a historic YMCA building. Each Ace Hotel is individually designed to reflect its surroundings. In Sydney, its new venue has been designed in partnership with Flack Studio — and it's making the most of its Surry Hills location. That spot: the site of Australia's earliest kiln discovery, where convict potter Jonathan Leak produced domestic pottery as early as the 1820s. It then became the Tyne Building, with the brick structure constructed in 1916 as the factory and distribution centre of Washington H Soul Pattinson Chemists. Decor-wise, think: minimalist designs, warm and earthy tones, and cues aplenty taken from them Australian landscape. Standout touches include an ochre-red marble staircase reaching up from the lobby, burnt orange and tan hues in the ground-floor sunken lounge and a heap of greenery. And, an impressive art collection. On display, you'll find pieces by everyone from Tony Albert, Sydney Ball, Glenn Barkley, Karen Black, Barbara Cleveland, Laith McGregor and Sanné Mestrom through to Julia Gutman, Nadia Hernandez, Joanna Lamb, James Lemon, Nabilah Nordin, Jahnne Pasco-White, Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran and Justene Williams. The venue also boasts an artist-in-residence program, which'll launch soon, as curated by Nina Fitzgerald of The Impact Lab. Ace clearly boasts plenty to look at as soon as you walk in its doors — and it's also home to a number of spaces to hang out in, too. Open now is the site's lobby cocktail bar in that aforementioned sunken lounge, plus ground-floor neighbourhood restaurant Loam. In the coming weeks and months, they'll be joined by laneway cafe and bar Good Chemistry; Kiln, a rooftop restaurant and bar by chef and partner Mitch Orr; and a wine program by P&V Wine's Mike Bennie. Obviously, staying in impressive surroundings is the main drawcard — and the cosy yet chic rooms here fit the bill. There's 257 of them, with some allowing pets. Among the features: custom lighting, furniture and fixtures; an in-room vinyl collection curated by Efficient Space's Michael Kucyk; Deiji Studios robes; and minibars packed with wares from local providers. Already planning for your first Ace Hotels experience? Under high-season rates, rooms start at $359. Find Ace Hotel at 47–53 Wentworth Avenue, Sydney.
Melbourne's urban landscape will be the setting for a dynamic celebration of country and creativity this month, as citywide First Nations festival YIRRAMBOI returns for its huge 2023 instalment. The multi-disciplinary fest will once again dish up a hefty, thought-provoking program of Indigenous arts and culture, running from Thursday, May 4–Sunday, May 14. Named after the word for 'tomorrow' in local Boonwurrung and Woi-wurrung languages, YIRRAMBOI will cast its gaze forward, showcasing the work of more than 300 First Nations artists and creatives. It's as fresh and exciting a lineup of talent as ever before, spanning everything from contemporary music and traditional dance to installations and stunning drag performances. Offering a snapshot of the genre-hopping offerings to come is jam-packed free event Barring Yanabul, which descends on multiple venues and spaces on Saturday, May 6. It's dishing up a diverse spread of goodness that includes gigs from the likes of Garret Lyon, Blanche and Leo; a pop-up exhibition by artist Malachai presenting contemporary works spiked with ancestral influence; and a shape-shifting dance performance choreographed by Brett Beckhurst. [caption id="attachment_899306" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Leonie Whyman and Jada Narkle, by Sapphic Flicks[/caption] The same day sees the Uncle Archie Roach Block Party take over Section 8, serving up tunes and performances from the likes of Kiwat, Yung Warriors, Kutcha Edwards, Kobie Dee and Amos Roach. Meanwhile, North Melbourne's Meat Market will be reimagined as this year's festival hub, named after the late Aboriginal actor and arts icon Uncle Jack Charles. Head along for a broad-ranging program of comedy, cabaret, contemporary dance, tunes and visual art. The space will also play host to opening night fiesta The Beginning, kicking things off with a star-studded musical lineup from 6pm on May 4. [caption id="attachment_899304" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Maylene Yinarr, by Jacinta Keefe[/caption] Among YIRRAMBOI's other highlights, you'll catch world premieres including singer-songwriter David Arden's powerful theatrical retelling of the story of his great-grandfather James Arden and the Gunditjmara People, and Alluvium by Stone Motherless Cold — a retro-futuristic drag cabaret show exploring a hopeful post-decolonlisation world. Music lovers are in for a busy ten days spent soaking up sonic treats from the likes of Maylene Yinarr, Philly, Crooked TP, Elijah Money, Brian Morley, Leonie Whyman and others. Renowned Gunai/Kurnai and Yorta Yorta artist DJ PGZ takes over the Melbourne Town Hall grand organ for a night of bass-heavy techno sounds, while queer celebration BLAKOUT will have Arts Centre Melbourne's State Theatre heaving with a dance-friendly serve of DJ tunes, cabaret and storytelling. [caption id="attachment_899303" align="alignnone" width="1920"] BLAKOUT[/caption] Catch a post-apocalyptic fashion runway showcasing designs by the likes of Haus of Dizzy, Paola Balla and Gammin Threads; be dazzled at a bottomless drag brunch hosted by a lineup of First Nations queens; and immerse yourself in cross-cultural connections at an exhibition series held in collaboration with Dark Mofo. And on Saturday, May 13, Sorbaes — the much-loved club session born from the mind of DJ and designer Soju Gang — will hit the festival hub for a thumping closing party, complete with a lineup of special guests in tow. [caption id="attachment_803730" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kimberly Lovegrove, by Jim Lee[/caption] YIRRAMBOI takes place at venues across Melbourne from Thursday, May 4–Sunday, May 14. For the full program and to buy tickets, head to the website. Top image: Darren Gill.
"We're in a war. You wanna fight?" If you've watched 2016's Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, then season one of Andor — the Disney+ prequel series to the big-screen spy thriller — then hearing those words uttered by Diego Luna (La Máquina) won't come as a surprise. Viewers know where this tale is headed, but watching the best small-screen addition to a galaxy far, far away lead us there has already proven gripping TV once. The show's namesake makes the above statements in the just-dropped first teaser trailer for Andor's long-awaited second season — and more rebellion and fighting for revolution awaits. Almost three years have passed since the Mouse House's streaming platform stepped into this story — three years that've been filled with Ahsoka, the sadly short-lived The Acolyte and Skeleton Crew. When it returns in April 2025, Andor will be just the second of Disney+'s live-action Star Wars shows to extend beyond a single season (the other: The Mandalorian), although Ahsoka is also locked in for more episodes. If you missed it the first time around, Andor takes a favourite big-screen character and steps back into their story before the events that viewers have already seen — so, like Obi-Wan Kenobi. As its title makes plain, the show focuses on its namesake, Cassian Andor, with Luna reprising his Rogue One role. Star Wars fans have already seen him as a Rebel captain and intelligence agent, and also watched how his story wraps up, hence the show's need to jump backwards. The focus: following Andor as he discovers how he can play a part in battling the Empire. Indeed, charting the rebellion, and how people and planets joined in, is the series' whole remit. In season two, as the end we all know is coming gets closer, expect higher stakes — and also Ben Mendelsohn (The New Look) as his Rogue One character Orson Krennic, plus Alan Tudyk (Grimsburg) as K-2SO. The first season of Andor saw filmmaker Tony Gilroy (The Bourne Legacy) — who co-wrote the screenplay for Rogue One — rejoin the Star Wars franchise as the series' creator and showrunner. He's back for season two. On-screen, so are Stellan Skarsgård (Dune: Part Two), Genevieve O'Reilly (Tin Star), Denise Gough (Who Is Erin Carter?), Kyle Soller (Bodies), Adria Arjona (Blink Twice), Faye Marsay (Ten Pound Poms) and Forest Whitaker (Emperor of Ocean Park) . Release-wise, the 12-episode season — which is not just Andor's second, but its final season — is being unveiled in four chapters comprising of three episodes a piece. A new chapter will hit your streaming queue each week from Wednesday, April 23 Down Under. Check out the first trailer for Andor season two below: Andor season two streams via Disney+ from Wednesday, April 23, 2025 Down Under. Read our review of season one. Images:©2024 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.
There are many things that the current situation is teaching us — one of the less-serious realisations being that we'll be spending more mealtimes at home. Some local eateries are still offering takeaway and delivery options, but with the government firmly advising Aussies to stay at home as much as possible, we're all going to become a lot more familiar with our kitchens. You may see this as an opportunity to crack out some of your favourite cookbooks, but with the restrictions on some grocery items, those elaborate 15-step recipes are probably going to be a little out of reach. Luckily, Queer Eye star Antoni Porowski has you covered. The Canadian, who is the food expert on the super-popular Netflix series, is hosting daily cooking tutorials on Instagram while in lockdown in Texas. The series, which he has dubbed Quar Eye, focuses on recipes that require only a handful of easily accessible ingredients with an aim to minimise waste. "It dawned on me that a lot of people in the country, and in the world, are actually going through this right now: when they go to the store and they can't find what they want. We're stuck at home so we might as well still be able to prepare good food that's good for us and makes us feel good," Porowski explained in his first video. https://www.instagram.com/tv/B90Oo5lHxYv/ Part one of the series saw Porowski create The Keep Calm-lette, an omelette served with a black bean salsa and, of course, avocado (fans of the show will know of Porowski's deep love for an avo). The punnily named dishes have continued from there, including Sequestered Salmon Squash, Cooped Up Chicken, Stripped of My Sanity Chicken Strips and Let Me Outside Leftovers. Porowski uploads his videos to IGTV and Facebook daily, so you can go back and watch them at any time. Image: Facebook
Immerse yourself in history and flora at South Yarra's iconic Como House & Garden with the launch of a new European-style dining venue, Como Lane. Led by the Scott Picket Group (Chancery Lane, Estelle, Longrain, Longsong), this community-driven space combines top-notch cuisine and cafe culture with a program of cultural activities and workshops, serving as an extension of the surrounding estate. Situated in the heart of Como House's grounds inside the former gardeners' sheds, Como Lane is reminiscent of storied Parisian cafes. It's set amid the property's botanical communal garden — which dates back to 1847 — and is a thoroughly charming addition to the estate, offering the ideal spot for meets with friends and family when the sun beams down. Split between an inviting indoor setting and an ample al fresco space, Como Lane forges a strong connection with its surrounds. A seven-metre green tiled counter is a striking centrepiece, and pistachio green and beige rattan chairs surround white marble-topped round tables. Yet this refined space has been conceived with flexibility in mind, featuring a market-style grab-and-go concept alongside a sit-down cafe experience. The menu is a nod to both classic cafe fare as well as Pickett's journey as a chef, with a number of dishes taking their cue from some of the chef's most well-known signatures. It's easy to imagine starting the day with breakfast highlights like buttermilk pancakes with stone fruit, whipped crème fraîche and lemon myrtle or chilli scrambled eggs with Longrain's signature XO sauce. For lunch, there's a thoughtful selection of fresh and toasted sandwiches alongside larger options like market fish with herb dressing; chicken schnitzel with celeriac and apple, horseradish and spiced butter sauce; and a classic Wagyu beef burger with fries. The menu showcases quality local produce, as well as ingredients from the surrounding garden. To drink, expect beans from Merchant Coffee Roasters alongside hot chocolate, chai latte, tea, and a selection of cold-pressed juices. Plus, a charming retail space offers the chance to stock up on fresh flowers, jams, preserves and provisions made in-house and by local producers — or even just a grab-and-go pastry and coffee. Operating in tandem with Como House & Gardens, Como Lane will also act as a community space throughout the year, with flower workshops, high teas and other community gatherings already on the agenda for the space. "We look forward to becoming part of the local community's daily routine," says Pickett. "Whether you're coming in for a takeaway coffee, a catered picnic in the garden, or settling in for a long lunch followed by a tour of the grounds, Como Lane will be a flexible venue with something for everyone." Como Lane is now open Monday–Saturday from 9am–3pm and Sunday from 10am–3pm at 20 Como Avenue, South Yarra. Head to the venue's website for more information. Images: Alex Squadrito.
There's nothing like escaping your neighbourhood and hitting the road to explore a new one with a great playlist pumping through the car speakers. One common journey is that from Melbourne to Sydney and, with so many places to stop off, it's clear why travellers choose to drive it. Plus, the Dog on the Tuckerbox needs a regular visit. We've highlighted ten country towns to visit along the way, so you can fill your journey with nature walks, wineries, the Big Merino and some of the best bakeries the country has to offer. Please stay up to date with the latest NSW Government health advice regarding COVID-19. [caption id="attachment_795806" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Yindyamurra Sculpture Walk, Destination NSW[/caption] CYCLE THROUGH AN OUTDOOR SCULPTURE GALLERY IN ALBURY Right on the border between Victoria and New South Wales, you'll find Albury. This vibrant city neighbouring Wodonga has plenty to explore. Stretch your legs by taking a stroll or hiring a bike and riding around the bends of the Murray River Precinct. By taking the Wagirra Trail, you can spot a string of sculptural works by local Aboriginal artists that portray the Wiradjuri peoples' connection with the river. Alternatively, grab some cheese from The Riverina Dairy and set up a picnic at one of the many riverside spots. For a more substantial meal, try out The River Deck, surrounded by the native trees, for some regional food. Spending the night? Book a room at the Astor Hotel, which was given a multimillion-dollar, Palm Springs-inspired revamp last year. [caption id="attachment_795807" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Courabyra Wines, Destination NSW[/caption] SIP ON COOL-CLIMATE WINES IN TUMBARUMBA Tumbarumba, locally known as Tumba, is a tiny town located on the western edge of the Snowy Mountains. It's known for its cool-climate wines and nature walks. Head to Courabyra Wines to pick up a bottle of chardonnay or pinot grigio — any passengers not sharing the driving can also enjoy a wine tasting — and, if you're feeling peckish, enjoy a seasonal produce platter on the balcony. Or, head to Nest to tuck into a dish made with local ingredients, take a look around the bookstore or catch a flick at the on-site cinema. This charming little cottage, located on the Johansen Wines vineyard, is the perfect little retreat for your overnight stay. [caption id="attachment_795792" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Batlow, Destination NSW[/caption] STOCK UP ON FRESH PRODUCE IN BATLOW Batlow is the apple of the Snowy Mountains region's eye. It's known for its apple orchards and bountiful produce, including cherries and pears. Grab some apples and local harvest from Wilgro Orchards' roadside stall and stop by Mouat's Farm for seasonal fruit, fresh apple juice and other goods, such as apple jelly and honey. And don't forget to take a photo at the Big Apple, too, just five kilometres north of the town. We suggest bunking down at art deco spot The Batlow Hotel for the night. [caption id="attachment_795793" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tumut, Destination NSW[/caption] CYCLE, HIKE AND SWIM YOUR WAY AROUND TUMUT If you like getting out in nature, you'll love what Tumut has to offer. Wander around the Tumut Wetlands or along the Tumut River Walk, hike one of the trails at Tumut State Forest or take a dip in Blowering Dam. Get to the know the landscape even better by heading to Kosciuszko National Park, which boasts plenty of wildlife, and take the Wiradjuri Aboriginal Cultural Tour to learn about native plants and bush tucker. The town is also home to plenty of country pubs, including The Royal Hotel and the Oriental Hotel, which offer great local feeds. Spend the night at heritage-listed luxury property The Monarch. [caption id="attachment_795809" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dog on the Tuckerbox, Destination NSW[/caption] VISIT THE LEGENDARY DOG ON THE TUCKERBOX IN GUNDAGAI Home to the famous Dog on the Tuckerbox is Gundagai, a town just off the Hume Highway that has long provided weary travellers with a much-needed pee break, a spot for lunch and a place to stretch their legs. If you're in the mood for a hot pie, sausage roll, sandwich or sweet treat, head to Gundagai Bakery. If it's a good cup of coffee you're after, try The Coffee Pedaler along the main street. The town is also steeped in history, which you can learn about by taking the Architectural Heritage Walk, doing a tour of the Old Gundagai Gaol or stopping by the war memorial, ANZAC Grove. Kimo Estate has plenty of accommodation options for you, from luxury off-grid eco huts (complete with woodfired hot tubs and log fires), cosy cottages, the rustic six-bedroom Shearers Quarters and boutique hotel Flash Jacks. [caption id="attachment_795795" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Long Track Pantry, Destination NSW[/caption] STOCK UP ON LOCALLY MADE SNACKS IN JUGIONG Jugiong is a charming town just 20 minutes down the Hume Highway from Gundagai, sitting along the picturesque Murrumbidgee River. It features the award-winning Long Track Pantry, which boasts jams, relishes, chutneys, vinegars and sauces — all handmade in small batches — as well as olives, muesli and granola bars for the drive ahead. There's also the Jugiong Wine Cellar, sporting fine drops and beautiful artworks, and the Jugiong Country Experience where you can explore the town's history, heritage and rural allure after being 'held up' by a bushranger — who then becomes your tour guide. And every visit to Jugiong must include a visit to The Sir George. The local institution has a pub and an artisanal bakery, plus 19th-century former stone stables and modern barns, if you wish to spend the night. [caption id="attachment_795796" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Clementine Bakery, Destination NSW[/caption] ENJOY AN IMPROMPTU PICNIC IN THE PARK IN YASS Yass, a lively town right in the middle of sheep grazing country, offers a glimpse of laidback country living, scenic parks and plenty to eat and drink. Start by grabbing some handmade baked goods from the small artisanal bakery, Clementine Bakery, and finding a spot under a tree to eat them at Banjo Paterson Park, named after the famous writer and poet. Then, step back in time at Yass Railway Museum, which boasts a black 1307 steam locomotive, as well as the original loading bank, station building and station master's residence to peruse. This self-contained barn, based on a working cattle farm just out of town, hits the balance between luxurious and rustic country abode. [caption id="attachment_698049" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Big Merino, Destination NSW[/caption] SAY HELLO TO THE BIG MERINO IN GOULBURN Two hours shy of Sydney is Goulburn, known as the fine wool capital of Australia (and the world). This is proudly commemorated by the Big Merino — affectionately nicknamed Rambo by locals — standing over 15 metres high and 18 metres long. Suffice to say, it's hard to miss while passing by. The country city is also home to the historic 1830s inn Riversdale Homestead and the Rocky Hill War Memorial and Museum which remembers the locals who fought in WWI. After your dose of history, feed your appetite at Harvest, a charming eatery that fuses fresh regional produce with contemporary food trends. If you're keen to spend more time in the area, we suggest booking in to Towrang Farm Stay, which is 20 minutes out of town. The homestead is based on a working farm, complete with sheep, horse, geese and chickens. Guests are encouraged to collect eggs for brekkie, pick fresh fruit from the orchard and even fish for trout in the nearby dam. [caption id="attachment_795799" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bundanoon, Destination NSW[/caption] WANDER THROUGH BUSHLAND IN BUNDANOON Bundanoon, locally known as Bundy, is a small town in the Southern Highlands. Explore Fairy Bower Falls in Morton National Park, where a one-hour loop walk will take you past moss-covered rocks, small streams and to the top of a flowing waterfall said to sparkle in the sun. Or, take on the Erith Coal Mine Track, where a walk through heath, woodland and rainforest leads to an old coal mine, last in operation in 1915. After all that walking, stop off at Potter's Pantry for an award-winning coffee and bite of banana bread. A five-minute drive out of town is The Hut at Morton Ash Stable, a modern hut the owners built using timber milled from the property after the 2020 bushfires. [caption id="attachment_770408" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dirty Janes, Destination NSW[/caption] DO A SPOT OF BOUTIQUE SHOPPING IN BOWRAL Bowral is about 90 minutes southwest of Sydney, making it a perfect place to refresh and revive before making the last leg of your journey. The town is full of boutique shops, such as Barbara's Storehouse, which is full of vintage furniture and home decor, and Cookshop Plus, perfect for cooking enthusiasts. Corbett Gardens is another stop for the agenda — the beautiful park is full of colour thanks to tulips, trees and shrubbery. Then, grab a coffee from The Press Shop and head over to Glebe Park to take a photo with the Mary Poppins statue and enjoy a spot in the shade. If you want to extend your time and explore everything the Southern Highlands wine region has to offer, accommodation options abound in Bowral. Some of our favourites include the stylish Berida Hotel and five-star estate Milton Park Country House. Start planning your great escape to New South Wales this season by visiting the Visit NSW website. Top image: Bendooley Estate, Destination NSW
Tiamo has been serving pizza, pasta and coffee on Lygon Street for more than four decades. The super-popular family-run venture is cosy and comfortable, despite spilling over into the space next door and upstairs to a second level, making it the perfect spot for a big group affair. Grab a seat inside or out on the street and settle in for a classic Italian meal featuring antipasto, salads, pasta and simple (but delicious) pizzas. There is also a selection of mains available, all authentically Italian — think veal scallopine, osso buco and eggplant parmigiana. The clientele is a mixture of students, workers and northside locals after affordable, family-friendly eats. The fact that this Carlton restaurant is BYO (with an $8 corkage fee per bottle) is but the cherry on top. Images: Tracey Ah-kee
UPDATE: SEPTEMBER 16, 2020 — While this 400-person bar is closed, you can still pick up its easy-drinking draught and New England IPA from the onsite Froff Shop. Plus, on the weekend, there are takeaway tacos. Check out all the deets, over on the Instagram. If local beer label Bodriggy wasn't already on your radar, it sure will be now. Owners Jon Costello, Anthony Daniels and Peter Walsh have officially opened their mammoth Abbotsford brewpub. The sprawling warehouse space and one-time mechanics workshop has been home to Bodriggy's brewing operations for a while, but now also boasts a bar, pub and kitchen — with room for an impressive 400 punters. A striking fit-out has been headed up by builder, designer and co-owner Daniels, transforming the lofty building with a mix of reclaimed materials, natural finishes and considered industrial elements. Vintage-style timber panelling is offset by painted brickwork and exposed pipes, while big steel trusses curve overhead. You'll spy lamps recovered from the Palais Theatre, as well as a couple of vintage MCG balustrades, here edging the stairs down to the underground bathrooms. The brewery tanks loom large and shiny at the back of the room, while the front section is home to a dining room, complete with warm timber and plush green booth seating. But if you're impressed with the size of the pub itself, just wait until you get a look at the drinks offering. Bodriggy's beer is front and centre, of course, the light box menu above the bar sporting plenty of just-launched creations in celebration of the new digs. Mainstays include the likes of the Speccy Juice session IPA, the easy-drinking draught, or the newly-hatched New England IPA they've dubbed Cosmic Microwave. There's a handful of seasonal offerings, too – think, wine-beer hybrid Zooter Doozy. Or you can skip the decision making altogether, grab a tasting paddle and settle in for a sampling session. That said, the Bodriggy taps aren't solely for things fizzy and hopped — they're also pouring wild and natural wines from the likes of Quealy, Little Reddie and Garage Project, and a lineup of cocktails heroing native ingredients and South American flavours. Expect concoctions like the El Coco, blending coconut-washed Buffalo Trace bourbon with bitters and agave and the vermouth- and cherry-infused Cascara Spritz. More South American flavours feature throughout the food menu, which is crafted by Chef John Dominguez (Vue de Monde, Dinner by Heston) and working a huge offering of vegan and gluten-free options. You'll find Peruvian-style beef heart skewers, tacos loaded with achiote-marinated slow-cooked pork, and 'petacon' or fried plantains featuring a daily changing topping. Larger plates might include the likes of a beef short rib matched with bone marrow or a hefty 500-gram cauliflower steak starring chimichurri and crispy florets. Otherwise, go straight for the $55 feed me menu. But wait, there's more: Bodriggy is also set to open a boutique bottle shop at the front of the site and a private dining room upstairs – stay tuned for details. Images: Kate Shanasy
Our global plastic binge is creating some terrifying statistics. We're still going through 500 billion single-use plastic bags per year and using 17 million barrels of oil to manufacture enough plastic water bottles to meet annual demand. A team of Melbourne-based entrepreneurs have decided to combat our not-so-fantastic plastic obsession. They've come up with Australia's first ever 'Positive and Pure' paper water bottle, Do Water. It's made from paper that comes from Forestry Stewardship Council certified forests, which are managed sustainably and responsibly. The Do Water team discovered that, unfortunately, bottling water in 500ml paper packs is impossible in Australia. So they travelled far and wide, looking for an ideal location, which turned out to be an artesian well known as Acqua Smeraldina, located high in the mountainous region of Sardinia, Italy. There, purified by granite, the water has been gathering minerals and nutrients for hundreds of years. To maintain their stringent standards, the Do Water team lab-tests the site every two hours. The water, rather than being transferred to a factory for treatment, is bottled at the source, reaching the consumer's mouth just as it leaves its home. Of course, delivering the bottles from Italy to Australia poses a potentially not-so-green dilemma. So the Do Water crew transports them via container ships, the carbon impact of which is much lower than that caused by air miles. The hope is that, one day soon, they'll be able to conduct the whole enterprise on Australian shores. "We want to help reduce the overall lifecycle and footprint of plastic bottles in Australia by providing an alternative made from a natural and renewable resource," the Do Water site explains. "We couldn't find anyone offering such an alternative, so we decided to do something about it."
Once an alleyway where literal beans were sold, the Queen Victoria Market's String Bean Alley has today reopened as a bustling shopping hub home to 26 stalls. Making their homes in quirky and colourful shipping containers, the stalls are a combination of new and old, with 14 existing and 12 sparkly new shops. Wander through the fairy light-lit laneway on Friday, Saturday, Sunday or Wednesday nights (during the Night Market) and you'll find novels at Mary Martin (a 75-year-old bookshop), vintage cameras at the just-opened Retro Mamma, 90s fashion at Miss Brown Vintage and hemp skincare at The Hemp Superstore, as well as everything form Japanese homewares to Akubras, fresh flowers and vegan and organic skincare. [caption id="attachment_732059" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Market City[/caption] The little laneway isn't short on food and drink options either, with Melbourne Cocoa's truffles and hot chocolates, Market Espresso's cheesy toasties and buttery pastries, Little League's coffee and Ronnie Z's juices, acai bowls and soups. And, if you can't find something that'll quite hit the spot, you have the rest of the market's 600 retailers just next door to explore. The relaunch of the alley is part of the $250 million revitalisation of the newly heritage-listed market, which also includes a new $70 million community hub, replacing the current car park with a 1.5-hectare public open space and the restoration of existing structures, such as the food hall facade and sheds. You can read more about the QVM's makeover here. String Bean Alley is now at the Queen Vic Market on Friday–Saturday 8am–3pm, Sunday 9am–4pm and Wednesday 5–10pm during Night Market events.
Keeping your coffee at a drinkable temperature — in between keeping your boss off your back, doing chores and checking Facebook — can be a challenge. One minute, the stuff's suitably hot, straight out of the office coffee machine or your barista's hands; the next, it's a lukewarm milky soup. You're not the the only person in the world who experiences this problem. That's why Ember, which describes itself as a "design-led temperature control brand", has come up with a mug that keeps your beverage at the optimum temperature (70 degrees celsius) from first sip to last. Simply called the Ember Ceramic Mug, the vessel achieves this morning miracle via a convection current. Within the mug are elements with the power to both heat and cool. When hot liquid rises to the top, it is cooled until it starts to fall, causing warmer liquid to then rise and be cooled in turn. Once the tech was worked out, Ember joined forces with Ammunition, a design company based in San Francisco, to make sure the result looked good. Together, they came up with a classic-looking white mug — the only visibly techy thing about it is a small LED light. A charging coaster and an app are included. The latter allows you set the temperature remotely, preset temperatures for various drinks and swap between celsius and fahrenheit. At the moment Ember isn't shipping to Australia, although we have seen a few floating around on eBay.
Maybe you first heard of Peloton when US President Joe Biden took office, with his use of the company's technology-enabled equipment giving rise to questions about its potential White House security risks. Perhaps you've seen the mocking ad created by Ryan Reynolds' Aviation American Gin, or the Saturday Night Live spoof. Or, you could just really like expensive additions to your home gym setup, or getting guided through your workout routine by an instructor without having to leave the house. Whichever fits, Australians will soon be able to get their hands on the brand's indoor bikes — and, as of this week, you can now take part in its streamed classes as well. Back in March, the company announced plans to launch Down Under this year — and it's currently in the process of doing just that. First up: the Peloton app, which Australians can download now. It's where you'll find the company's popular workout content, including via a free trial for the next 90 days. After that, you can pay $16.99 per month to keep accessing its at-home exercise sessions via a digital subscription. On offer: instructor-led classes, motivational tracks and curated playlists, with the latter featuring the likes of Beyoncé and The Beatles. The sessions cover cycling, running, strength training, high-intensity interval training, yoga, barre, pilates, dance cardio, bootcamp and meditation. Time-wise, they span from five to 60 minutes in length and, in terms of skill, range from beginner to advanced. And if you'd like an all-access membership for your entire household — because your partner and/or housemates are keen, too — that'll cost $59 per month. Next, from Wednesday, July 14, Peloton will be roll out its physical equipment in Australia. Presumably, it won't be doing so by using its controversial 2019 TV commercial, which received considerable backlash and gave rise to the aforementioned parodies. Australians will be able to choose from two Peloton bikes to begin with, and neither comes cheap. The Peloton Bike will cost $2895, while the Bike+ will set you back $3695. If you're wondering what the difference is, the latter comes with a bigger screen that can rotate 360 degrees, and with a better sound system — because connecting to the Peloton app and streaming its workouts while you're hitting the pedals is all part of the process. The Peloton app includes material that doesn't require the brand's equipment, so you can give it a try without breaking your budget. Peloton is also setting up physical showrooms in Sydney and Melbourne, should you want to give its bikes a test run in person. The brand also makes treadmills, although when they'll be available in Australia hasn't yet been announced. Now that Peloton has arrived Down Under, it has set up shop in its fifth country worldwide, after the US, the UK, Canada and Germany. The Peloton app is now available in Australia, and the brand's bikes will be available from Wednesday, July 14. For further details, keep an eye on the company's website.
There is nothing quite like saluting the sun from a Melbourne rooftop. Taking full advantage its own high-flying, inner city location, Sky Park is hosting a series of free weekly yoga and bootcamp sessions from October 15–November 28. Beginners and well-practised yogis alike are invited to get bendy at the CBD's recently opened sky-high park every Tuesday morning. Run in collaboration with Bupa, the 60-minute classes kick off at 7.30am and mats are provided. Adrenalin junkies can also get their fix at a free weekly bootcamp class, too. Held every Thursday morning, the hour-long sessions include cardio, intervals and strength training. As you stretch, sweat and relax, you'll look out over the city's sweeping skyline — and both classes end with free snacks and drinks courtesy of Home Vegan Bar, so you can head off to work rejuvenated and recharged. If that's not motivation, then we don't know what is While sessions are free, you will need to sign up over here. Yoga runs every Tuesday at 7.30m and bootcamp every Thursday at 7.30am.
If you're sick of bringing crackers and dip to the party, but get cheese blind when faced with a fridge full of fromage, then read on. There's no need to taste everything in the deli (although that isn't ever a bad idea), and we've a little something for you to ensure cheese no longer becomes such a pandemonium requiring social etiquette. Soon you'll be able to tell everyone how nutty but sweet the prima donna is. The Dutch-style gouda, that is. So, fromage fans, listen up: here's Concrete Playground's bluffer's guide to cheese. 1. Cheese 101: How is Cheese made? Apparently, the process of cheese making was an accident. The story goes that milk overheated in a storage container of some sort, soured and created curd. Now don't squirm, but rumour has it that the said 'container' was either an animal's internal organ or an inflated animal skin. Nowadays, it's more of a civilised process. The milk (from a cow, sheep, goat or buffalo) is pasteurised (heated then cooled to remove harmful pathogens) then starter cultures and rennet are added. This causes the milk to coagulate into an attractive custard-like mess. Miss Muffet then separates the curds and whey (milk serum) and appropriately ripens to enhance the variety of textures and flavours. 2. Varieties So how can one identify all those cheeses at the deli? It is possible to judge a cheese's character by its rind; the texture, taste, strength of flavour, and even maturity. However, for us cheese novices, it's best to just remember these types to get the mozzarella ball rolling. Fresh cheese: feta, cottage, ricotta and cream cheese Soft white cheese: brie and camembert Washed rind (warning: stinky): tallegio and langres Blue: roquefort, gorgonzola, stilton Semi-hard: cheddar, manchego and gruyere; and Hard (robust flavour): parmesan. And lest we remind you that there's always the 'try before you buy' option. 3. Storing cheese The common rule of storing cheese is to store in its original wrapping. Failing that, plastic wrap is fine. If left unwrapped, the cheese will dry out and lose flavour. Harder cheeses have a longer shelf life than fresher types, such as a cream cheese or feta. These should be kept in their container with the lid on so no air can get in. If you start to smell something funkier than the cheese should, toss it. Make sure blue cheese and rind cheeses are kept tightly wrapped and separate to other food as their odour is quite strong. Again, you don't want your housemates to think something died in the fridge every time they open it up to get their milk. Mozzarella and bocconcini should be kept in their water, and don't get turned off if the water starts to get mirky coloured. It's just the milk in the water as the cheese releases its salt. But, as Stefano says, "to be honest, I never store. I always open and finish what I eat!" So shame on you if there are leftovers. 4. The perfect cheese board When preparing a cheese board, Stefano suggests not having more than three cheeses on offer and only one or two accompaniments per cheese. It's also best to bring the cheeses to room temperature in order to appreciate their full flavour. As a guide, you generally want a soft white cheese (such as brie), a blue (Ra Roquefort from France) and a firmer type (such as vintage cheddar). But don’t be afraid to ask your cheesemonger for recommendations. Encourage guests to cut wedges 'nose to tail' and cheese with rinds from centre to the edge. And don't forget to allow a few knives for cutting. You can't have the Stinking Bishop on the Jean de Brie. In terms of accompaniments, "definitely sliced pear, fig jam, quince paste or even orange marmalade, muscatel grapes and honey. And olives of course!" says Stefano. 5. Matching cheese with wine Cheese and wine. They're a perfect match. Complimenting the two requires a bit of time and experiment, but lest we forget to remind you that one without the other is a social faux pas. You can't go too wrong, however, if you follow the golden rule: the whiter and fresher the cheese, the whiter and crisper the wine; the darker and stronger the wine, the darker and stronger the cheese. For instance, brie is best matched with a dry sparkling or chardonnay; edam is great with a shiraz, grenache or pinot noir; and camembert's delicate 'mushroomy' character would be nicely offset with a sparkling white. Stefano highly recommends manchego for a dry white, and a simple cheddar for any red. He also emphasises that "any cheese will be good!" Cheese to that, we say. 6. Best melting cheese for pizza Mozzarella is originally from Italy, so it goes without saying that it would be the most ideal cheese for a pizza. "I love the buffalo mozzarella, just because of its white colour", says Stefano, "my pizza is just red and white. The tomato and the mozzarella." Bocconcini (any type is good) goes down a treat on pizzas too; its semi-soft elastic texture is mild, yet a little sweet. Stefano recommends cherry bocconcini. "The small balls are easy to slice and melt beautifully," he says. 7. European vs Australian ... similarities and differences With over 45 countries producing their own varieties of different cheeses, how on earth are we meant to decipher the difference ourselves? Basically, the flavour is affected by its origin. So essentially this comes down to what grass the cows or sheep are grazing on. For example, all blue cheeses are named so because of the mould Penicillin that is added, however, each has their own flavour and characteristic. A Bleu de Gex from Germany may be richer than a gorgonzola from Italy. The Greek's tend to add more salt to their varieties too. Think haloumi and feta (compared to a creamier Danish type). Most cheeses are named so after their place of origin. Fine examples include Gruyere, (Switzerland), Brie (region in France), Cheddar (England), Fontina (Italy), Havarti (named after a Danish farm called Havarthigaard) and Jarlsberg (Norway). 8. Cheese on a budget This can be done. Visit your local deli and suss out what's on special. Don't be shy to ask for a taste too. if you're going to be spending your pennies on cheese, it has to please. Stefano says that camembert, manchego, local vintage and smoked cheddar are generally going to be the more affordable varieties and "will always go down a treat no matter what". Pricier cheeses don't necessarily indicate that they will knock your socks off either, as it is a matter of preference. The price is just an indication that it's from a smaller farm and/or imported. Artisan cheeses are often more expensive as they are made by hand using traditional methods. 9. Talk like a pro Before you go forth and preach the gospel of cheese to your friends, brush up on these decorative phrases to raise a few brows ... "Wow, the camembert has a very pronounced, 'mushroomy' flavour." "This pecorino grated on the pasta is quite piquant and not too acidic. It’s not as strong as Parmesan Reggiano and seems to add a strong dimension to the dish." "I like semi-soft cheeses such as Monterey Jack, for its mild and buttery flavour. It goes perfectly with a good lager." "Epoisses is quite voluptuous with a well-rounded flavour." "I'm after something a little nutty, yet mild and pleasant. Nothing too earthy and pungent please."
Do you like scary movies? If your answer is yes — and that question has you itching to revisit Scream — then Jakop Ahlbom's Horror is for you. The acclaimed Swedish director and film aficionado has turned his love of all things frightening into an internationally acclaimed physical theatre production, and it's making its first trip to Australia Serving up spine-tingling thrills while nodding to everything from The Shining to Rosemary's Baby to The Exorcist, Horror blends black humour with the genre that gives the show its name, complete with a host of cinematic special effects that aren't usually used in live theatre. That means not just blood-splatter aplenty and slasher flick-style orchestral screeching, but swinging an axe through a wealth of classic movies and tropes in a head-spinning fashion. Expect more than a few chills when it heads to the Arts Centre Melbourne from September 18 to 22. Still game? The smart, sinister homage sets its creepy fun in a haunted house — where else? — where a young woman and her friends are forced to confront vengeful spirits still smarting from a traumatic family event. Trading dialogue for illusion, mime, movement and music, it'll make you feel like you're a mere few steps away from a real-life horror flick. And, thanks to Ahlbom's stage magic, you will be. Images: Sanne Peper.
The summer months are fast approaching, which means it's time to start planning a little getaway (or three). If your idea of a perfect escape is a remote cabin, surrounded by wilderness with no Wi-Fi, this news may have you hitting 'book' straight away. Unyoked, the Aussie startup with six tiny houses currently located around NSW and Vic, has just launched six more remote getaways. If you're one of the patient souls on the company's current 5000-long waitlist, this news will be doubly exciting. Founded and run by twins Cam and Chris Grant, the off-the-grid cabins bring you the convenience and comfort of four solid walls, alongside the adventure, spontaneity and closeness-to-nature of camping. With the help of Archemy Modular and Fresh Prince, the brothers have designed and built the 12 houses — all sustainable and solar-powered. All properties been placed in secret patches of wilderness on private properties, in the middle of nowhere. The three new NSW ones are located 90 minutes from Sydney's CBD, in the north and northwest, located on the Central Coast, in a private valley and in a forest. Two of the Victorian properties are a two-hour drive southeast, while the third is two hours north. These ones have popped up in Gippsland, the Pyrenees Ranges and a pine forest. [caption id="attachment_745748" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Luisa Brimble[/caption] The exact locations are still under wraps as Unyoked aims to make sure your stay is a bit of an adventure, by only revealing the address for your chosen house two days before you're due to set off. Bookings for the six new spots open today, Monday, October 18, so we suggest you hover over the website if you're keen to book one in. Once you've booked on in, all you need to do is jump in your car, disconnect and recharge. The six new Unyoked cabins are located across NSW and Vic and are available to book from today, Monday, October 14, via unyoked.co. Looking for more off-the-grid escapes? Check out our favourites in NSW and Vic. Images: Luisa Brimble
Back in April, when Melbourne's most recent COVID-19 case was reported, it came via a Victorian man who tested positive upon his return to the city after spending 14 days in hotel quarantine in Perth. Today, Tuesday, May 11, another new case has been identified in similar circumstances. This time, Victoria's Department of Health has announced that a man who has arrived back from overseas and undertaken hotel quarantine in South Australia has tested positive after subsequently returning to Melbourne. The man in his 30s arrived back at his home in Wollert on Tuesday, May 4, started experiencing symptoms on Saturday, May 8, got tested on Monday, May 10 and received his positive result this morning. As happens in these situations, the Department of Health has also released a new list of exposure sites — so, Melburnians, you'll need to take note. The Department of Health separates its list of exposure venues into tiers, with different actions required with each category. With Tier 1 sites, anyone present at the identified time and place is required to get tested for COVID-19 immediately, then self-isolate for 14 days regardless of their initial test result — which applies to folks who were at TIC Group's front office on Blackshaws Road in Altona North at any point on Thursday, May 6; Indiagate Spices and Groceries on High Street in Epping between 5–6pm on the same day; Curry Vault Indian Restaurant and Bar in the Melbourne CBD from 6.30–9.30pm on Friday, May 7; and Epping Woolworths, on the corner of Cooper and High streets, from 5.40–6.38pm on Saturday, May 8. Three venues are also on the Tier 2 list: TIC Group's rear warehouse section on Blackshaws Road in Altona North at any point on Thursday, May 6; 7-11 on High and Cooper streets, Epping, between 6.30–7pm on the same day; and the same 7-11 store, but from 11.10–11.40am on Sunday, May 8. Anyone who was also at these sites during the above timeframes must also get tested for COVID-19 immediately, and self-isolate until a negative result is received. https://twitter.com/VicGovDH/status/1391938437779836928 Melburnians can keep an eye on the local list of exposure sites at the Department of Health website — as it may change if more sites are identified. For those looking to get tested, you can find a list of testing sites including regularly updated waiting times also on the Department of Health website. And, has remained the case throughout the pandemic, Melburnians should be looking out for coughs, fever, sore or scratchy throat, shortness of breath, or loss of smell or taste, symptoms-wise. For further details on the latest exposure sites and updated public health advice, see the Department of Health website.
In a dream world, a new film pairing Emma Stone with Yorgos Lanthimos would hit cinemas approximately every six months. In this realm, that's happening at least once. Oscar-winner Poor Things reached picture palaces Down Under at the end of 2023, and now Kinds of Kindness, the duo's next collaboration, has a date with local big screens in mid-July. The Greek director has reteamed with Stone (The Curse) for their third feature, after The Favourite as well, with the end result first premiering at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. While Lanthimos' current favourite lead actor won an Academy Award for Poor Things, it was Jesse Plemons (Killers of the Flower Moon) who scored a trophy at the prestigious French fest, collecting the Best Actor gong. As both the first teaser and just-dropped full trailer for Kinds of Kindness show, Lanthimos and Stone have made a triptych this time, with the film featuring three fable-like tales. One is about a man who doesn't have any choice as he attempts to seize control of his existence. Another follows a policeman whose wife goes missing at sea, then returns but doesn't seem like herself. And the last charts a woman trying to find a person with a unique ability that's meant to become a spiritual leader. The initial glimpse at the movie spanned speeding cars, dragged bodies, slaps, dancing, dogs, licking and Stone talking about the moment of truth, all soundtracked by the Eurythmics' 'Sweet Dreams'. If you're thinking "isn't it wonderful" about this combination of elements, the movie understands — they're Stone's last words in the footage. The new trailer keeps the same soundtrack, and also some of the above details, but also comes with cryptic warnings, declarations of love, fainting, intimate anecdotes and dogs driving a car. On-screen, Stone — who also worked with Lanthimos on short film Bleat — has her Poor Things co-stars Willem Dafoe (Asteroid City) and Margaret Qualley (Drive-Away Dolls) for company. Joining them and Plemons: Hong Chau (The Menu), Joe Alwyn (Stars at Noon), Mamoudou Athie (The Burial) and Hunter Schafer (The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes). Lanthimos helms, co-writing the script with Efthimis Filippou (who penned the filmmaker's Dogtooth, Alps, The Lobster and The Killing of a Sacred Deer, too), on a flick that'll release Down Under on Thursday, July 11 — and play Sydney Film Festival before that. Check out the trailer for Kinds of Kindness below: Kinds of Kindness releases in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, July 11, 2024. Images: Atsushi Nishijima. Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures. © 2024 Searchlight Pictures All Rights Reserved.
The eighth movie in the Mission: Impossible comes with a loaded title: Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning. The film's trailers, both the first teaser in 2024 and the just-dropped full sneak peek now, also play up the idea that everything has been leading to this. Does Tom Cruise (Top Gun: Maverick) only have one more stint in Ethan Hunt's shoes left in him? That's the vibe that the promotional campaign for The Final Reckoning is aiming for. Whether or not that actually proves accurate, its star is doing what he always his in this action-packed spy franchise, ever since he stepped into it almost three decades ago: testing his limits through death-defying stunts. Initially, this new chapter was called called Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part Two, given that it directly follows on from 2023's Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One. But then the film was delayed during Hollywood's strikes, pushing back its release by almost 12 months. Now, your mission, should you choose to accept it, is getting ready for potentially seeing the last of Cruise as Hunt come May. The feature's two trailers so far traverse everywhere from snow and sky-high heights to under the sea and frozen in ice — and, as always, include plenty of Cruise running. Story details are sparse, however, but of course the film's star is seen hanging off of a plane. Another focus: that everything that happens to us, and Hunt, is the truly sum of our choices. Indeed, the franchise's protagonist isn't just sighted in the trailer, but discussed at length. Viewers can expect more world-hopping intrigue, explosions, chases and fights, though, as regularly occurs when Ethan Hunt and his Impossible Missions Force team return. Also back: a cast including Simon Pegg (The Boys), Ving Rhames (The Wild Robot) and Hayley Atwell (Heartstopper), Vanessa Kirby (Napoleon), Esai Morales (Crescent City), Pom Klementieff (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3), Henry Czerny (Zombie Town), Angela Bassett (9-1-1) and Shea Whigham (Lawmen: Bass Reeves) — and, behind the camera, director Christopher McQuarrie helms again after doing the same on Mission: Impossible — Rogue Nation, Mission: Impossible — Fallout and Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One. On-screen, Holt McCallany (The Lincoln Lawyer), Janet McTeer (The Old Man), Nick Offerman (Civil War) and Hannah Waddingham (The Fall Guy) feature, too. Check out the full trailer for Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning below: Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning will release in cinemas Down Under on Saturday, May 17, 2025. Read our review of Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One. Images: Paramount Pictures and Skydance.
After 2019's One Night Stand, music lovers in regional Australia waited till 2024 for the event to return. Thankfully, there's no five-year delay between festivals this time. The Triple J initiative is back in 2025, returning this autumn and boasting Spacey Jane as its headliner. You'll have to hang out a little bit longer to find out where it's taking place, however. As well as Spacey Jane, 2025's lineup includes LUUDE, Ruby Fields, 3%, Blusher and Velvet Trip. There'll also be a Triple J Unearthed winner, although exactly who is still to be announced. Whichever talent rounds out the bill, the full roster of acts is taking to the stage somewhere in Australia on Saturday, May 24. [caption id="attachment_996056" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cole Barash[/caption] With that May date, One Night Stand is returning just over eight months since 2024's festival, which took place in the Victorian town of Warrnambool in September with G Flip, Ruel, What So Not and Thelma Plum leading the lineup. The Aussie location doing the honours this time will be revealed on Thursday, March 27. While Victoria hosted the most-recent One Night Stand and also the first — 21 years ago, Triple J gave the town of Natimuk a day to remember when the spot 300 kilometres out of Melbourne welcomed its very own major music fest — it has been known to spread the love around destination-wise. When the ABC radio station put on the festival every year between 2004–2014, then again from 2016–2019, it hopped around states. Ayr, Dalby and Mt Isa in Queensland; Port Pirie, Tumby Bay and Lucindale in South Australia; Cowra and Dubbo in New South Wales; Collie and Geraldton in Western Australia; Sale and Mildura back in Victoria; Alice Springs in the Northern Territory; and St Helens in Tasmania: they've all enjoyed the One Night Stand experience. There's no prizes for guessing why One Night Stand pressed pause from 2020–23. It was true in 2024 and it remains the case in 2025: the all-ages event is returning at time when the Australian live music scene has been suffering, and after a spate of festivals have been cancelling or saying farewell forever, including both Splendour in the Grass and Groovin the Moo sitting out 2024 and 2025. Tickets for 2025's One Night Stand will cost $15 plus booking fee, and all proceeds will be donated to charity. One Night Stand Lineup 2025 Spacey Jane LUUDE Ruby Fields 3% Blusher Velvet Trip Triple J Unearthed winner to be announced [caption id="attachment_996060" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Savitri Wendt[/caption] 2025's triple j One Night Stand will take place on Saturday, May 24, 2025, with the town playing host set to be announced from 3.30pm AEDT on Thursday, March 27, 2025. Tickets will go on sale from 5pm AEDT on Thursday, March 27, 2025. For more information, head to the radio station's website. Top image: Mitch Lowe.
If you didn't see The Fall Guy, Twisters, The Substance, Kneecap or It Ends with Us on the big screen already in 2024, here's the perfect way to catch up with them: under the stars, while sprawled out on a picnic blanket or sat on a bean bed, at the latest season of Moonlight Cinema. And if watching Christmas films is one of your festive traditions, here's a scenic way to do that, too, with this annual opportunity to enjoy a movie outside packing its just-dropped first lineup for this year with seasonal flicks. As it does every summer, Moonlight Cinema is returning for another run of films in the open air, including at Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens from Friday, November 29, 2024–Sunday, March 30, 2025. Among the brand-new titles, Gladiator II and Wicked are also on the bill — and when an advanced screening of Paddington in Peru graces the screen, you'll want marmalade sandwiches in your picnic basket. The OG version of Mean Girls will grace Moonlight Cinema's screens, too. For a merry time at the movies — a jolly one as well — the roster of Christmas fare spans the new Red One, as well as classics Elf, Love Actually, The Holiday, The Muppet Christmas Carol, Home Alone and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. Come January, A Complete Unknown has your Timothée Chalamet (Dune: Part Two) fix covered and the OG Freaky Friday will give you a blast from the past before the sequel arrives later in 2025. Plus, We Live in Time, Heretic and Mufasa: The Lion King will also play under the stars. Other highlights include Gladiator II, Moana 2, Paddington in Peru and Sonic the Hedgehog 3, giving franchises plenty of love; Better Man joining the music-fuelled picks; the Jesse Eisenberg (Sasquatch Sunset)-starring, -written and -directed A Real Pain; and Conclave's tension in the Vatican. Among the retro fare, Bridget Jones's Diary, Shrek and The Princess Diaries will get you looking backwards. As always, the films and the setting are just two parts of the cinema's experience. Also on offer: the returning Aperol spritz bar. Nosh-wise, the event will again let you BYO movie snacks and drinks, but the unorganised can enjoy a plethora of bites to eat onsite while reclining on bean beds. There'll also be two VIP sections for an extra-luxe openair movie experience, a platinum package with waiter service and a beauty cart handing out samples. Plus, dogs are welcome — there's even special doggo bean beds. Updated: December 12, 2024.
Celebrate Mexican Independence Day in the heart of the city with great food, live music, and artwork. Despite being a world away from Mexico, Melbourne has some excellent Mexican cuisine aficionados, many of whom will be out in full force for the festivities. Grab a bite from the good folk at Mamasita, Paco’s Tacos, Mesa Verde, South American BBQ, Chilli’s Gourmet Mexican and Guzman y Gomez. Tacos, tostadas and tequila, sounds terrific! To get the party going, mariachi band Los Romanticos will take the Viva Mexico Stage, as will live salsa band Orchestra La 45, The Mexican Music Man & Sin Frontera Band, Mexican rock band Los Mas Altos and the traditional ceremony of ‘El Grito’ to celebrate Mexican Independence. In between sets, feel free to wander the markets filled with crafts and jewellery, as well as popping your head into The Atrium to browse the Mexican artwork display.
In many ways, this Brunswick Street terrace-turned-bar is reminiscent of a good friend's home, from the familiar, real vibe to the nostalgia-inducing knickknacks and design touches adorning the interior. Make yourself at home in the reclaimed timber-laden front bar or one of the many cosy nooks and crannies further in, and you'll find it easy to lose track of an afternoon or evening, sipping drinks and playing your favourite childhood board games. From Uno to Connect Four, they've got all of the classics. It's the kind of place that doesn't have to vie too hard for your affections; comfortably undone walls and shelves full of well-loved paperbacks will win you over easily, as will the gallery-style display of funky local art. On weekends, the secluded courtyard out back is an ideal spot to soak up some quiet summer rays and easy DJ beats, while the piano in the entrance gets a workout from 8pm every Wednesday, as jazz band, The Rookies, take over the lamp-lit front space and lure passersby with lively tunes. Behind the bar, you'll find a little something for every palate. The cocktail list runs from always-popular classics to creative seasonal creations, like the Spicy Mezcalita, based on mezcal, with jalapeno and lime. The trio of beer taps features a rotation of local craft labels and boutique ciders. Right now, for instance, they're pouring Moon Dog's subtly fruity Watermelon Weizen ($12 pint). Then, to back it up, there's a very reasonably-priced selection of Australian, European and South American wines, including an aromatic 2011 Tahuan Malbec ($9 glass). Alas, room is too tight for a kitchen here, but if you've worked up an appetite playing chess (or downing Picklebacks) they'll let you order pizza from nearby Shawcross — and even waive the delivery fee. They do enjoy the odd BBQ or foodie event out in the beer garden too. Add this one to your list of locals if you're after a watering hole with a bit of personality. It works just as well as a warm-up spot before a big evening, as it does for a relaxed, casual nightcap, accompanied by good mates, good tunes and a good game of Scrabble. Image credit: Ollie Belmont
Realising that Christmas is almost upon us again each year can happen in various ways. You might start hearing jolly tunes echoing in shopping centres. Those over-eager neighbours could've put their decorations up already. You may just notice that Halloween is over so festive season has begun. Or, your calendar might be filling up with end-of-year shindigs. Here's another: the release of Four Pillars' annual Christmas Gin, aka the one Christmas treat that no one ever minds arriving early. The latest iteration of the Healesville distillery's seasonal sip has hit shelves for the year. As always, it's the delicious result of a yearly tradition that sees a bunch of Christmas puddings handmade with distiller Cameron Mackenzie's mother's recipe — the 1968 Australian Women's Weekly recipe, in fact — and distilled with various festive botanicals to create a sought-after tipple that pretty much screams December 25. The flavours of an Aussie Christmas are captured in notes of cinnamon, star anise, juniper, coriander and angelica. The Christmas gin is then blended with some earlier gin that's been carefully ageing in 80-year-old muscat barrels. It's all finished with a hit of Rutherglen muscat for a bit of added richness and complexity. Each year, a new unique label is chosen to wrap up this Christmas creation, setting out to evoke that same festive spirit. The 2023's bottle design is the work of artist Jo White, who has combined nine appropriately themed artworks into the one label. The distillers always recommend that you sip the limited-edition gin neat; mix it with ginger ale, lime and bitters; or whip up a pavlova punch with the festive gin, passionfruit, muscat, berries and your choice of sparkling. As exciting as the gin is, it often has company — and 2023 is no exception. So, you can splash a bit of it on your own Christmas pudding, or or pair it with Four Pillars' own Christmas gin puddings. They come made with with gin-steamed oranges and a dash of Christmas Gin (naturally), and they're also available to buy now. This year, there's a gin ham glaze, too, which is again made with gin-steamed oranges (plus dijon mustard, sugar, salt and some spices). If you want to nab a bottle of Christmas Gin — or any of the above — you can hop online. Alternatively, stop by the Four Pillars HQ in Healesville, Victoria or the brand's Surry Hills shop in Sydney. Bottles are $100 a pop and would make stellar Chrissy pressies, if you're already thinking about that. The pudding will cost you $30 and the glaze $10. [caption id="attachment_924706" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Steven Woodburn[/caption] Four Pillars Christmas Gin is available to buy online, from the Healesville distillery and Surry Hills shop now.
It's been a busy first five months for Footscray's new temple to craft booze, Mr West. Since opening its doors in August, the venue's taps have poured over 250 different independent craft brews from across the globe, winning the affections of discerning drinkers the city over. The bar, lounge and pool room have become one of the west's best-loved new additions. And their offering has just got even greater, thanks to the launch of Mr West's next phase: an impressive new onsite bottle shop. This, my friends, is not a place for indecisive drinkers. Alongside a considered rotation of over 300 cold-stored craft beers, there's a solid selection of over 300 wines, with a focus on natural and minimal intervention drops. Also gracing the shelves, you'll find more than 150 spirits, including a good representation of homegrown sips and plenty of rare iterations from around the world. There'll be even more new tastes to sample by the end of the month, as the Mr West bar unveils its new seasonal cocktail list. Get ready for a mix of revamped classics and Aussie-inspired creations, shining the spotlight on native ingredients like rainforest cherries, blood limes, coastal rosemary, anise myrtle and cinnamon myrtle, as well as local spirits. Find Mr West Bar & Bottleshop at 106 Nicholson St, Footscray.
Along with Glastonbury, Coachella is one of the biggest, most famous and highly coveted music festivals in the world — the type of fest that everyone wishes they could nab a ticket to at least once. But 2020's eager revellers will need to wait a little longer to dance in a Californian field, with the festival joining the growing list of events changing plans due to the coronavirus. Originally slated to take place across two weekends next month — April 10–12 and 17–19 — Coachella 2020 has been postponed until October. If you've been preparing to head along, or you've just blocked out those dates to watch the always-popular livestream, you'll now be catching sets by headliners Travis Scott, Frank Ocean and Rage Against the Machine on October 9–11 and 16–18. Fest organisers haven't specifically commented on the lineup, but the event did post the full existing list of talent with its rescheduling announcement. So, for now, it's safe to assume that the same folks will hit the stage during the later timeslot — including Lana Del Rey, Flume, Calvin Harris, FKA Twigs, Run the Jewels, Charli XCX and Fatboy Slim. Announcing the shift of dates in a statement, Coachella's powers-that-be said "while this decision comes at a time of universal uncertainty, we take the safety and health of our guests, staff and community very seriously. We urge everyone to follow the guidelines and protocols put forth by public health officials". https://twitter.com/coachella/status/1237514789762416640 All ticket purchases for the original dates remaining valid for October — and for those no longer able to attend thanks to the postponement, refunds will be available. As COVID-19 keeps spreading around the globe, this kind of news is quickly becoming the new normal. Already today, Australian winter arts festival Dark Mofo has pulled the plug on its 2020 iteration. Coachella's delay comes hot on the heels of South by Southwest's cancellation this past weekend, less than a week before it was due to kick off for 2020. Last week, new Bond flick No Time to Die pushed back its release from April to November, too — and for upcoming events such as the Tribeca and Cannes film festivals, the Tokyo Olympics, Eurovision and the aforementioned Glastonbury, cancellations and/or postponements seem increasingly likely. Coachella will now run from October 9–11 and 16–18 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. To find out more information or register for the fest's waitlists, visit coachella.com. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website.
When it comes to visiting a new city, it pays to have local knowledge. Without it you usually end up paying tourist dollar for shitty hamburgers, line up for 3 hours at the Louvre and get tricked into buying Chinese-made 'authentic' souvenirs. While you've probably visited the fine state of Queensland before, I'm sure you were quick to overlook the beauty that is Brisbane. You likely got the wrong impression that life's only a holiday for those on holiday in Whitsundays, and only tourists frequent Surfers Paradise. It takes one to know one and, we'll tell you now, our Brisbane has been experiencing a coming-of-age and it's hard to keep up with what's new, what's hot and what's not from one week to the next – so let us point you in the right direction. And heed this warning, Melbourne, this underdog is ready to (sun)shine. CENTRE: CBD The CBD is north of the river and would be a great spot to base yourself. If you like old stuff, pop by City Hall in King George Square. It's just reopened and you can take a free ride up the clock tower in the 1920's original lift. On Wednesdays the iconic Jan Power Farmers' Markets pop-up in Reddacliff Place, spruiking top quality chocolate, cakes, fresh produce, popcorn and dumplings among other things. For lunch, veer off Queen Street Mall and into Burnett Lane where you'll find Brew — a cool, but not pretentious, laneway bar, cafe and everything in-between. This place has a real urban feel and has perfected the art of both caffeinated and alcoholic drinks. Further along Burnett Lane is Super Whatnot, an intimate bar with an Americana influence. Stop here and admire the letterpress coasters. If you want to avoid the predictable clothing chains, stick to the skirts of Queen Street Mall. The surrounding Adelaide and Elizabeth Street Arcade boast boutiques, designers and The Dark Chocolatier. Try the Turkish Delight hot chocolate, also good luck controlling your impulse here. Later on, walk down to Eagle Street Pier for views of the Story Bridge and dining like no other, stop for a drink by Riverbar, eat at Pony or hop a little further along to Customs House for fine dining. Go to: Eagle Street Pier, Adelaide Street, Reddacliff Place, King George Square See: Jan Power Markets, Queens Street Mall shopping, City Hall, Story Bridge Eat: Vintaged, Brew, Pony, Customs House Coffee: Brew, Pourboy, The Dark Chocolatier Something Stronger: Brew, Super Whatnot, Riverbar NORTH: Fortitude Valley, New Farm, Hamilton Further afield is what we locals fondly call 'the Valley'. While this entertainment precinct has a slightly seedy underside, it's also the place to catch a live gig, eat excellent street food and drink at some fine establishments. One bar to tick off the bucket list is Cloudland. This place has the wow factor, it's just like stepping onto a set of The Great Gatsby — the greenery and crystals of this massive venue scream opulence. From here bar hop your way through New York-style The Bowery, before ending up at Alfred & Constance. This award-winning bar/restaurant/cafe is more like five venues stuck together with a tiki bar upstairs, a New York-style subway bar in the bunker and restaurant, cafe and late-night dessert bar on the main level. Set across two Queenslander-style homes, this is the place to see and be seen. We hear its sister venue Limes Hotel has just added hot tubs to its rooftop bar ... better hit the gym now. Dining here can be cheap. For Chinatown classics head to The Vietnamese, Thai Wi Rat or King of Kings Seafood for a feast. For more variety try next door in New Farm, a hip suburb filled with 20- to 30-somethings at all hours of the day. It's also the perfect spot for breakfast — try Pablo or Shucked. Spend an afternoon at the Brisbane Powerhouse for a show and drink by the river. They have free comedy and resident bands every Sunday. The James Street precinct boasts great local designer shopping, a delicious gourmet food market and some great restaurants. Newcomer Gerard's Bistro was recently named in The Australian's Hot 50 restaurants and serves killer Middle Eastern-influenced cuisine. Another not to be missed is a cake from Jocelyn's Provisions, and the boozy high tea at Chester St Bread Co. If you want an adventure on the CityCat — and let's face it, taking a ride on the river is one of the best ways to travel the city — zip over to Brett's Wharf and visit Portside at Hamilton. After dark this complex has a cinema, handful of good restaurants and every Friday and Saturday night a street food market will be popping up based out of shipping containers. Go to: Chinatown, Brunswick Street, James Street, New Farm Park See: Local designers, Chinatown Mall by night, live music, Brisbane Powerhouse, Eat: The Vietnamese, Jocelyns Provisions, Gerard's Bistro, Harajuku Gyoza Coffee: Fifth Battery, Campos Coffee, Pablo, Shucked Something Stronger: Cloudland, Bowery, Alfred & Constance, Limes Hotel SOUTH: South Bank, South Brisbane, West End South of the river is home to our 'cultural centre'. We've kept it convenient with two galleries, two museums, the state library, digital hub and performing arts centre all in one place — surrounded by parklands, city views, stacks of good restaurants and our city beach to boot. Easy, huh? Californian Design has just opened at QAG, GoMA has the White Forest out again, The Illusionists are at QPAC and Afghanistan: Hidden Treasures is at the museum. With so much to see and do you can easily spend a day in South Bank, but you'll definitely need a pitstop. For lunch with a view, walk through the parklands to dine at Aquitaine. Closer to the arts hub, dine at Ole or South Side Diner and then cool off at Streets Beach (fake beach in the middle of a city, how Queensland) before calling it a day. Also on the south side is West End. You certainly won't find broadway here but you will find excellent Greek food and even better bars. For a cheap feed head to Little Greek Taverna — it might be worth booking as this place super popular. For finer dining stop by The Gunshop Cafe. West End is home is the very popular mega boutique beer bar Archive as well as smaller cocktail bars Lychee and Sling. Two fresh faces on the scene, The End bar and Jungle are proving their worth too, and Char Char Yiros does a mean late-night feed. If you walk by Avid Reader pop in for coffee and a browse, and Box Vintage and is renowned for good finds. Go to: Cultural Centre, South Bank Parklands, Grey St, Boundary St, Stanley St See: QAG, GoMA, QPAC, museum, Wheel of Brisbane, Streets Beach, Avid Reader Eat: Depo, Little Greek Taverna, The Meatball Co., Aquitaine, Ole Coffee: Merriweather, South Side Diner, Hoo Ha Bar, Two Trees Something Stronger: Archive, Lychee, Ole, The End, Jungle, Sling EAST: Woolloongabba, East Brisbane, Bulimba I'm sure you've all heard of 'the Gabba' but there's much more to this suburb than a few test matches in summer. Woolloongabba is both an antique hub and the place to come for breakfast on weekends. The closed-to-traffic street in the 'gabba five-ways' is home to top spots Pearl Cafe, The Crosstown Eating House and Baker's Arms, and, in the surrounding area, Brown Dog Cafe and Moose & Gibson also do great things with eggs. Besides the number of antique shops dotted throughout the semi-industrial area, the Woolloongabba Antique Centre is a hub of around 100 dealers with lots of retro goods and a cafe inside. Finish up with a fancy dinner at 1889 Enoteca — you won't regret the gnocchi. A little further east, Oxford Street in Bulimba is worth a stroll. When you're not dodging sporty mums with strollers there are a bunch of boutique shops and cute cafes to pop by. Further along from the main village, The Hawthorne Garage is the cutest grocer you'll ever see – with special logo trolleys and baskets to boot – and Bungalow 4171 do a sweet all-day breakfast. Go to: Logan Road, Oxford Street See: Woolloongabba Antique Centre, antique shopping Eat: Pawpaw Cafe, The Crosstown Eating House, Moose & Gibson, 1889 Enoteca Coffee: Pearl Cafe, Brown Dog, Pawpaw cafe, Baker's Arms Something Stronger: Foxy Drop, Canvas WEST: Paddington, Rosalie, Red Hill, Milton Paddington is a quaint inner-city suburb that feels anything but inner-city. Perching on the top of a hill, Latrobe Terrace boast a string of great shopping – op shops, vintage, antiques, boutiques, designers – with great cafes in between. The suburb, and, more importantly, the main street, is made up of Queenslanders — wooden weatherboard houses with verandas, usually on stilts — that make this place iconic. Cafe-wise, and therefore breakfast-wise, you'll be spoilt for choice. Try Kettle + Tin, Hamptons Home Living or Little Brew. For the twilight hours head to Caxton Street, it's fairly easy to stumble upon the city's sportsmad bogans here but, as with every coming-of-age, this street (Suncorp Stadium's favourite drinking hole) is going through its own renaissance period too. Statler and Waldorf has only just opened to rave reviews as our first gastro pub and next door is Lefty’s Old Time Music Hall. Order the house specialty – whisky and fresh juiced apples – start tapping your knees and enjoy the saloon atmosphere with chandeliers, velvet and taxidermy bears. Go to: Latrobe Terrace, Caxton Street See: Queenslander homes, boutiques, op shops, vintage clothing, cute cafes Eat: Kettle + Tin, Le Bon Choix, Hamptons Home Living, Coffee: Little Brew, Small Talk, Black Cat Books Something Stronger: The Walrus Club, Lefty’s Old Time Music Hall, HANDY HINTS Buy a Go Card: they cost $5/10 for the card and you add credit. This gives you cheaper access to the bus, train and ferry network and every trip after your 9th is free every week. The card will allow you to catch the train to the Gold Coast, its theme parks or the Sunshine Coast too. In summer, bring a light jumper just in case but ditch the rest. In winter, perhaps pack one pair of jeans and a jacket. Look at Concrete Playground Brisbane's bar and restaurant directories for more eating and drinking.
Don't work at Freddy Fazbear's Pizza. That's the message at the heart of video-game franchise Five Nights at Freddy's, and has been since 2014. The folks earning a paycheque at the fictional joint, particularly the unlucky night-time employees, tend to get some rather unpleasant company: the restaurant's animatronic animal mascots turning murderous. In the button-mashing space, the concept has unsurprisingly proven a hit. So far, nine games have brandished the Five Nights at Freddy's name in the franchise's main series, plus a range of spinoffs. Next, however, it'll be cinemas that are splashing that moniker around. Joining The Super Mario Bros Movie and Gran Turismo among 2023's big-screen game-to-film releases, a feature version of Five Nights at Freddy will hit picture palaces in October. Josh Hutcherson (The Disaster Artist), Matthew Lillard (Good Girls), demonic robots: they're all in the just-dropped full trailer for movie take on the horror favourite. Hutcherson plays a security guard clocking in for this first night on the job, then discovering what's really in store. And those animatronics Freddy Fazbear, Bonnie, Chica and Foxy? They're courtesy of Jim Henson's Creature Shop. Also appearing on-screen are Elizabeth Lail (You), Piper Rubio (Unstable), Kat Conner Sterling (We Have a Ghost) and Mary Stuart Masterson (Blindspot). Putting Scream star Matthew Lillard in any horror movie is always a nice touch, too. Emma Tammi (The Wind) directs, while prolific horror producer Jason Blum is behind the movie via his company Blumhouse, adding it to a roster that's also given us The Black Phone, Freaky, Black Christmas, the Happy Death Day flicks and the most recent Halloween trilogy in the past few years. And, yes, Blumhouse just brought M3GAN our way as well, because 2023 is clearly the year of the unhinged machines. Also, Willy's Wonderland riffed on the same concept a few years back, if you're not a gamer and you're wondering why the concept sounds familiar. That movie's highlight: starring the one and only Nicolas Cage. Check out the trailer for Five Nights at Freddy's below: Five Nights at Freddy's releases in cinemas Down Under on October 26.
Everyone deserves a hefty dose of Steve Buscemi in their lives and, across five seasons and 56 episodes, Boardwalk Empire delivers just that. The beloved actor plays Enoch 'Nucky' Thompson, a corrupt politician who is also a gangster kingpin in Atlantic City during America's prohibition era. The character is fictional, but it's based on non-fiction book Boardwalk Empire: The Birth, High Times and Corruption of Atlantic City, which focuses on comparable real-life figure Enoch L. Johnson. Created by The Sopranos alum and The Wolf of Wall Street screenwriter Terrence Winter — and executive produced by Martin Scorsese, with the iconic filmmaker also directing its pilot — Boardwalk Empire charts Nucky's ups and downs, including the government investigation into his activities. While Buscemi is the obvious star of the show, both Michael Shannon and Kelly Macdonald are top-notch, as is this weighty drama all-round.
Well folks, it looks like the future is here — the world's first commercially available flying car is on the market. As CNBC reports, Dutch company PAL-V unveiled its very nifty design at the Geneva International Motor Show and is already taking pre-orders from keen (and cashed-up) potential owners. What's more, it'll start delivering the goods as early as 2019, once the vehicle passes all the necessary safety certifications. According to PAL-V, the two-person car can hit 160 kilometres per hour on road and 180 kilometres per hour in the air, reaching a maximum height of 3352 metres. It takes less than ten minutes to transform the vehicle from car to aircraft, and you'll need to have both a pilot's licence and access to a small airstrip to fly it. Of course, a machine like this doesn't come cheap and you can expect to fork out a cool €499,000 (that's $792,000 Australian dollars) to own the limited edition model. A cheaper model will be available later for an expected €299,000 ($474,000), plus a reservation fee of $10,000 USD ($13,000) if you fancy pre-ordering. Handily enough, the price includes a series of lessons to help you get the most out of your new toy. Start saving now and you might just be able to afford one by the time you're too old to drive. Via CNBC.
Architects across the world are adopting the idea of exhibitionism in their design of some very ‘open’ houses. Not leaving much to the imagination, people who live in these see-through structures obviously aren’t shy about exposing their true selves. Ranging from a three level, blue-tainted glass box set in snowy Milan, to an oversized toy house in the middle of Tokyo, these houses are perfect for the eccentric exhibitionist looking to reveal some of their quirkiness to the outside world. The Glass House by Philip Johnson — New Canaan, Connecticut Farnsworth House by Mies van der Rohe — Plano, Illinois Glass House by Unit Arkitektur AB — Träslövsläge, Sweden Glass House by SANTAMBROGIOMILANO — Milan, Italy Glass House by JM Architecture — Lake Lugano, Italy House NA by Sou Fukimoto Architects — Tokyo, Japan Jodlowa House by PCKO — Krakow, Poland The Sebastopol Residence by Turnbull Griffin Haesloop Architects — Sebastapol, California
So maybe your boyfriend/brother/father takes a bit of pride in his appearance — ain't no shame in his game, girlfriend. NOAH Barber on Collins Street is the go-to for manscaping, whether it's to keep up that beard maintenance, shave it all off or soften the skin that surrounds it. They stock high-quality shaving, skincare and haircare products, as well as fragrances and other accessories to turn any lad into a dapper gent. If you're not sure where to start, NOAH offers excellent gift ideas to suit any age, style and budget. Guys can even come in and get their locks chopped by the in-house barber.
Of the official seven natural wonders in the world, Australia has one: the Great Barrier Reef. But there are loads of others that haven't made the formal ranking. Next time you're planning a holiday, consider turning it into an adventure and tick off one of these gems — from stepping on the pristine white shores of the biggest sand island in the world to scaling the highest peak in the country. We've scoped out five spots around Australia that boast spectacular natural sights. From pristine beaches and bountiful wine regions to alpine hideaways and bustling country towns, Australia has a wealth of places to explore at any time of year. We've partnered with Tourism Australia to help you plan your road trips, weekend detours and summer getaways so that when you're ready to hit the road you can Holiday Here This Year. Some of the places mentioned below may be operating differently due to COVID-19 restrictions. Please check the relevant websites before making any plans. [caption id="attachment_728425" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Queensland Tourism and Events[/caption] K'GARI (FRASER ISLAND), QUEENSLAND Welcome to the biggest sand island in the world — its 184,000 hectares are made of sands of 72 colours. If your weekend dreams are made of beaches, beaches and more beaches, then World Heritage-listed K'gari (Fraser Island) is the place to go. Spend your weekend lazing about in a four-star eco resort, complete with a day spa and pool, or pack your tent and go wild. If you're feeling especially adventurous, there's also the K'gari (Fraser Island) Great Walk — a 90-kilometre adventure that'll take you via crystal clear inland lakes, across sand dunes and through lush rainforests. It'll take around six to eight days to complete. [caption id="attachment_770906" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Australia[/caption] NITMILUK GORGE, NORTHERN TERRITORY Nitmiluk means 'cicada place' in the language of the Jawoyn and Dagomen peoples, who have maintained cultural connections to the area also known as Katherine Gorge for thousands of years. There are 13 separate gorges that make up Nitmiluk Gorge, and its sandstone rock reaches heights of up to 70 metres in some parts. One of the most spectacular sights in the national park is when the rock appears to change colour as sunlight hits the cliff face, and you can take tours at dawn and sunset to capture the moment. Nitmiluk Tours (which is a 100-percent Indigenous owned and operated tour company) run comfortable, 12-person trips on intimate cruise boats. If you prefer to explore the area via helicopter, canoe or on foot, you can do that, too. You'll find the entrance to Nitmiluk National Park 30 kilometres northeast of Katherine. [caption id="attachment_658500" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Snowy Mountains[/caption] KOSCIUSZKO NATIONAL PARK, NEW SOUTH WALES Kosciuszko National Park's claim to fame is Mount Kosciuszko, the highest peak in mainland Australia. While a climb to its summit is mandatory, there are plenty more adventures on offer, too. During winter, you can conquer the Crackenback Supertrail — the longest downhill run in Australia — on your skis or snowboard and take a dip in a piping-hot thermal pool at Yarrangobilly Caves. Come summer, explore stunning glacial lakes, spectacular wildflower meadows and magical snow gum forests on foot or by mountain bike. NINETY MILE BEACH, VICTORIA Along the southeast coast of Victoria runs Ninety Mile Beach. The 151-kilometre (or 94-mile) stretch of golden sand is the second longest beach in Australia, behind Coorong in South Australia (which is a whopping 222 kilometres). Ninety Mile separates the Bass Strait from Gippsland Lakes, so you can spend your getaway hopping from wild surf to dreamy still water. In between sunbaking, swimming, surfing and fishing, take a wander through the coastal villages of Woodside Beach, Seaspray, Loch Sport and Lakes Entrance. WINEGLASS BAY AND THE HAZARDS, TASMANIA This world-famous bay gets its name from its perfect curves and crystal-clear waters. You'll find it on Tasmania's east coast within Freycinet National Park and not far from the Hazards — pink granite mountains that rise dramatically from the water. To see both in one fell swoop, catch a scenic flight. Alternatively, follow the steep, three-kilometre hike to Wineglass Bay Lookout and then, if you have the stamina, continue along the Hazards Beach Circuit. There's also a bunch of luxe stays that offer panoramic views, so you can see everything without leaving your bed. Whether you're planning to travel for a couple of nights or a couple of weeks, Holiday Here This Year and you'll be supporting Australian businesses while you explore the best of our country's diverse landscapes and attractions. Top image: Nitmiluk Gorge via Tourism Australia.
Running off to a tropical island is one of the ultimate getaway dreams. When the beach surrounds you — and plenty of greenery, too — how can everyday life's troubles cause any bother? On Hook Island in The Whitsundays in the near future, cabin stays will do their part to help you escape your normal existence. So will dining atop a cliff, hanging out at a beach club and swimming in forest pools. A yoga pavilion will assist as well, as will a lounge telling the island's history. If everything goes to plan, come 2027 you'll be able to head to the Great Barrier Reef to relax at the just-announced Hook Island Eco Lodge. More than a decade has passed since the landmass in the Coral Sea boasted its own place to stay, with the former Hook Island Wilderness Resort closing in 2013 after weathering damage from 2011's Cyclone Anthony. A group led by Epochal Hotels' CEO Glenn Piper is setting out to change that. Both sustainability and luxury will sit at the heart of the new eco lodge; indeed, setting a new standard for luxe sustainable travel for Australia is one of the venue's goals. After nabbing the leasehold in 2022, Piper and his team — working with design firm Luxury Frontiers — are also keen to revive the locale following several cyclones, and get visitors enjoying its 9.3-hectare expanse again, including by using Hook Island's natural features as the resort's inspiration. To slumber in, there'll be 39 cabins spanning six different types of accommodation (some at the beach, some in the forest). Multiple eateries will also be part of the site, including a fine-diner atop a cliff that'll pair dishes made with local produce with views out over Stingray Bay. For ocean swims, that's where the beach club will come in — complete with all-day dining, a bar, a pool, a lounge deck peering across Hook Passage and, for evenings, an outdoor firepit. Or, opt to take a splash in leafy surrounds thanks to the eco pools, which'll be among a forest spa. When travellers hit the island, they'll be welcomed at the arrival pavilion. For finding out more about the destination, the Explorer's Lounge will be your go-to. It's obvious what's on offer at the yoga pavilion — and there'll also be a family-friendly lounge, plus an adventure club for kids. Drawing from experience working on the Four Seasons' Naviva in Mexico, Nayara Tented Camp in Costa Rica and Madwaleni River Lodge in South Africa, Luxury Frontiers is set to deck out the eco lodge's interiors with brown, blue, green and coral hues, alongside other tones, that match the island — and design cyclone-resistant buildings made with sustainable materials. Ensuring that the resort settles in harmoniously with the landscape, including its plants and habitats, is also a key component of the plan. "Hook Island is a truly spectacular part of the world — its raw beauty deserves a sanctuary that both preserves and celebrates every facet of its charm. Our vision is bold: to create an experience that redefines luxury travel through a deep, authentic and wild-spirited connection to nature," said Piper. "This project has been a labour of love; we've poured our hearts into blending thoughtful design with a profound respect for the island's heritage and delicate ecosystem. After being closed for more than a decade, we can't wait to soon welcome overnight guests and day visitors alike to experience its magic firsthand." [caption id="attachment_807810" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] [caption id="attachment_604486" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Pierre Pouliquin.[/caption] Hook Island Eco Lodge is expected to open on Hook Island in The Whitsundays sometime in 2027 — we'll update you with more details when they're announced.
For cinephiles who like their movies dark, twisted, offbeat and out there, Monster Fest has been a beloved name on Australia's festival circuit for more than a decade. The event started back in 2011 as a Melbourne-only showcase of weird and wild cinema, and has expanded to hit up Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide, too — because everyone deserves a strange and surreal (and sometimes chilling and horror-fuelled) night or several at the pictures. In 2022, Monster Fest is back for another whirl, although you're forgiven if that idea sounds familiar: earlier in the year, it hosted weekender mini fests to sate movie buffs' appetites. Now, it's time for the full festival experience, which unfurls over 11 days in Melbourne and four days at its other stops, all highlighting the latest and greatest in genre filmmaking. If it's a horror, sci-fi or thriller movie and it's destined for a cult following, you'll likely see it here first. When it gets things started at Carlton's Cinema Nova from Thursday, November 24–Sunday, December 4, Monster Fest 2022 will kick off with the Yuletide terrors of Christmas Bloody Christmas, which features a robotic Santa malfunctioning, then going on a murderous rampage. 'Tis the season and all that. In fact, the film will launch the fest countrywide, including when it runs at Event Cinemas George Street in Sydney, Event Cinemas Myer Centre in Brisbane, Event Cinemas Marion in Adelaide and Event Cinemas Innaloo in Perth between Thursday, December 8–Sunday, December 11. From there, other standouts include Stephen Dorff- and Emile Hirsch-starring The Price We Pay, which begins with two criminals on the run and gets deadlier from there; The Offering, about a family battling an ancient demon; and Swissploitation flick Mad Heidi, which has its namesake fight fascist rule in a grindhouse frenzy. Or, there's On the Edge, the latest from American Mary filmmakers Jen and Sylvia Soska; Subject, the sophomore release by Australian Watch the Sunset filmmaker Tristan Barr; and Ribspreader, another Aussie effort, this time about getting rid of smoking — and smokers. Closing night features Kids vs Aliens, a coming-of-age sci-fi/horror effort that sees a house party gatecrashed by visitors from another galaxy as directed by Hobo with a Shotgun's Jason Eisener. Elsewhere on the lineup, even though the idea of people fighting to survive their way through a building isn't new by any means — see: High-Rise, Dredd and The Raid, for starters — French film Lockdown Tower is giving it another go. Different cities have different exclusives, too, with more movies on the bill in Melbourne given the longer season. A must-see for everyone, however, is the special presentation of Friday the 13th Part III to celebrate its 40th anniversary, as screening in 3D and 4K. A word of warning: if you like your movies happy and chirpy, this clearly isn't your kind of festival. For everyone else, settle in. MONSTER FEST 2022: Thursday, November 24–Sunday, December 4 — Cinema Nova, Melbourne Thursday, December 8–Sunday, December 11 — Event Cinemas George Street, Sydney Thursday, December 8–Sunday, December 11 — Event Cinemas Myer Centre, Brisbane Thursday, December 8–Sunday, December 11 — Event Cinemas Marion, Adelaide Thursday, December 8–Sunday, December 11 — Event Cinemas Innaloo, Perth Monster Fest runs across late November and early December around Australia. Head to the festival's website for further details. Top image: Photo courtesy of Shudder and RLJE Films.
It has been a sparse year for Melbourne movie buffs, with the city's cinemas closing down not once but twice in 2020 due to COVID-19. But projectors have started whirring again around town, and soon cinephiles will have a brand new picture palace to frequent, with Palace Cinemas opening a new 15-screen site at the former Pentridge prison in Coburg on Friday, December 11. Pentridge Cinema was originally announced back in 2016. Back in October, it was advised that it would open before Christmas this year, too. But an exact date wasn't able to be given at the time, due to Melbourne's lockdowns. Now, though, movie buffs know exactly when those new silver screens will be getting a workout. And, Palace has advised just what you'll be able to watch, too. The cinema will open with a big premiere session of Australian crime drama The Dry, and also has titles such as The Witches, Wonder Woman 1984, High Ground, Penguin Bloom, Promising Young Woman and Nomadland on its lineup. Of course, movie release dates are constantly subject to change in 2020, but you'll have plenty to watch nonetheless. When the doors open, Pentridge Cinema venue will seat 1100 film fans across its various auditoriums (before taking social-distancing into account via a chequerboard seating arrangement). Each individual theatre will be fitted out with reclining seats with individual tables and footrests, too — and film-goers will have access to a menu of food and booze as well. There's no word yet regarding screenings of famed prison-set movies — think The Rock, Escape from Alcatraz or The Shawshank Redemption — but it sure does seem like the place for that type of retro program. The $2 million cinema isn't the only new addition to the Coburg spot, with the overall precinct officially opening on Thursday, November 26. It spans 6.7 hectares, and has undergone quite the revamp. On offer: shops, dining, entertainment spaces and public areas, including a 6500-square-metre piazza. Some heritage elements from the prison have been retained, and the site will also showcase stories about its former life in its design. Palace's new Pentridge Cinema will open at 1 Champ Street, Coburg, on Friday, December 11.
This chat about Talk to Me was meant to be with both of Australia's now world-famous filmmaking twins. But amid a whirlwind past year that's taken Adelaide-born pair Danny and Michael Philippou from a hometown premiere to an international debut at Sundance, then saw their first-ever feature part of a bidding war won by A24, Michael might've accidentally slumbered through our planned rendezvous. The energetic, eager-to-natter Danny is apologetic, and also notes that Michael was a week late to Talk to Me's pre-production, after "he got COVID in Hawaii or something, so he was held back and he couldn't get on the plane". When it comes to getting some shuteye, Michael obviously hasn't watched his own movie lately. There's little snoozing done after seeing this deliciously creepy new Aussie horror standout that's rightly getting the globe's genre lovers buzzing. Now helming 2023's eeriest flick, the Philippous cross over from making viral YouTube videos like Harry Potter VS Star Wars and Driving the World's First Underwater Car as RackaRacka, achieving a dream they've had since they were nine and getting filming in the backyard with their mates. Initially, those aspirations were fed by Goosebumps books, then by getting taken to MA-rated horror flicks. "I remember Michael being really terrified and scared of the remake of Texas Chain Saw Massacre — like he ran out of the cinema, he was so scared," Danny shares. Talk to Me spins its terrors around a helluva concept: an embalmed hand passing dead-and-hating-it spirits into the living's bodies as long as they're giving each other some skin. The film's Aussie teens oblige, including 17-year-old Mia (Sophie Wilde, The Portable Door), her best friend Jade (Alexandra Jensen, Joe vs Carole) and the latter's 14-year-old brother Riley (Joe Bird, First Day). More than that, they get high on the experience, turning it into a party game. And, they're as savvy about internet eyeballs as their directors, also turning their possession party footage into social-media content. The movie's irresistible underlying idea initially came from a short film script by Daley Pearson, executive producer of Bluey and Content, although the hand wasn't initially a part of the story. Danny, who co-wrote the feature script with fellow first-timer Bill Hinzman, grasped onto the disturbing limb as a symbol of connection — and it's now impossible to imagine Talk to Me without its cursed appendage. As the film has hopped around the globe leading up to its theatrical release — the Berlin International Film Festival and fellow Germany festival Fantasy FilmFest also screened it, as did South by Southwest in Austin — the response has been anything but damned. Sitting in A24's catalogue alongside The Witch, Hereditary, Midsommar and In Fabric, plus X, Bodies Bodies Bodies, Pearl and Beau Is Afraid as well, is no minor feat, either. "The whole thing has just been so crazy and overwhelming, and feels so unbelievable. It's so odd. It just still feels like we're dreaming. It feels so surreal," Danny advises. With Talk to Me opening in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, July 27, Danny also chatted with Concrete Playground about wanting to direct movies since the twins were kids, crafting a film about connection, the concept of getting possessed to get high, making the leap from YouTube and crew gigs on The Babadook to the big screen, and whether there's more of Talk to Me's nightmares in horror fans' futures. ON THE ORIGINAL FILMMAKING DREAM — AND MAKING IT HAPPEN "It was always our goal from from nine years old, ever since we started making stuff — we always wanted to make films and television. That's always been our dream and our goal and, yeah, you always just picture it and envision it. But it's just happening on such a massive scale now that it still feels unbelievable. I remember we were making stuff all the way through our childhood, and we had this series that we were doing with our best friends. We just did that all the way through high school, like 13 to 18 years old, about ten seasons of this show — and we ended the last couple of seasons with these big movies. On the sixth and final film of this series that we're doing, everyone was losing interest and growing up, everyone was getting jobs, getting girlfriends, doing this, doing that. And then we were just still wanting to do this stuff, and we could only get together on the weekends — and everyone's like 'hey, we don't really want to do this anymore'. So we still needed to find a way to express ourselves creatively, and then we started the internet stuff. Within the first year of RackaRacka, we somehow we we got a million subscribers in the first year, and it just became our careers. But we got carried away doing that. It was so much fun because there's instant gratification of shooting, uploading, shooting, uploading. But we always wanted to return back to the film stuff, and it just happened. In 2018 or 19, we decided to sit down and actually focus on trying to get a film made." ON RECEIVING DALEY PEARSON'S SCRIPT, THEN COMING UP WITH THE HAND "He gave us a short film. It was a comedy-horror about these kids that were having fun with possession, and it was so cool. So I did a pass and made it a bit more serious, and then I inserted the characters that I really loved that I was working on for another project, which was Mia and Riley and Jade. Once I started writing, I couldn't stop — and it was like 80 pages within five days. I sent it over to my co-writer Bill Hinzman. He went through, we started like bouncing back and forth. Probably around the second draft, we found the hand as the device that they're using. Hands and the connections between people was always such a strong motif in the film already, and it fits thematically. I remember this story from when I was 16, and I was in a really bad car accident, and they thought I might have broken my spine. And I had this big cut on my face, I was bleeding everywhere — and I was in hospital, and I was shaking and shaking, and I couldn't stop shaking. And they're putting the heaters on. They're giving me all these blankets. But I just couldn't stop shaking. Then my sister came in to visit me, and she held my hand and the shaking just stopped. It wasn't because I was cold, with the shaking. It was because I was in shock and the touch of someone I loved brought me out of it. And so that always stuck with me, that experience — there was just something powerful to me about human connection. So that was just all the way through the script already, like I'd written so much of it in there. Then we just found that device, in that second pass. It just felt strong." ON THE CONCEPT OF GETTING POSSESSED TO GET HIGH, AND FILMING IT "Another big inspiring point for me was these neighbours we watched grow up. Then one of them, as he was getting older, was experimenting with drugs — and he was on the floor convulsing and having a really negative reaction. And the kids he was with were filming him and laughing at him. I remember seeing that footage, and it really freaking me out. I just tapped into that when I was writing — like, when I saw that footage, that was all the way through this film. And it just feels like what would actually happen. Everyone has such a morbid curiosity and obsession with true crime and the paranormal. People want haunted experiences. They want to do the Ouija board and film it — everything's recorded now. So it just makes sense to me." ON DIVING INTO BUSY HORROR TERRITORY, YET MAKING A MOVIE THAT STANDS OUT "I think that not being scared of the tropes is one thing. And not being ashamed that we're making a horror film — like embracing the horror of it, and embracing the tropes of certain elements and scenes. But also just writing a story that wasn't trying to be a big Hollywood movie, or trying to be like other films. It's writing something that's just personal to me, and to my experience, and my friends' experiences or family's experiences. It's tapping into stuff like my family's history of mental illness, and then exploring that. It was always about writing things that scared me personally. And so that was the way of expressing it, at the table with co-writer Bill Hinzman, it was just tapping at the things that scared us personally. It has to feel unique because it's your own story. And then it has to feel unique with the actors that we got because they were able to put themselves into their characters and completely embody it. It can't feel like anything else, because it's unlike anything else, because it's so personal." ON LEANING INTO SOME HORROR TROPES BUT AVOIDING OTHERS "Even things like their voices changing and and being in a body with someone else, I really love that in in horror. It's even small things like the animal — there's like a trope in horror of the dead animal on the side of the road, and I liked doing our Australian spin on it. And I also like that it just tied so well into the things that we're playing with already. So that's an example of a trope that we embraced. And a trope that we avoided — I didn't want it to get too big and crazy. I didn't want all the lights to go too crazy, be flashing and stuff, be flying around the room, and everyone's hair be blowing everywhere. I wanted the possessions to still be grounded in some sort of reality." ON RACKARACKA AND THE BABADOOK AS PREPARATION FOR MAKING A FEATURE "We had so much experience with so many things, even the makeup effects. Bec Buratto, who would help us with all of our Racka stuff for free, we got on to be the head of department in the film. So it was bringing those people with us as well. But each of those videos, and every project that you do, your experience grows and you learn from everything. So we just learned so much that when it was time to do the film, we'd done VFX before, we'd done special effects makeup, we'd worked with actors, we'd built sets. We know how to communicate what we want to do, and we'd developed our own style. So we weren't going in there not really knowing what we're doing — we'd worked on film sets before, and we'd worked on so many Racka productions that we had a clear voice. We used to do so much work experience and volunteer work on a bunch of different films just to be on set, because we were so obsessed with it. And so when Mike was 19, he'd done a whole bunch of jobs for free, and the producer, one of the line producers, was like 'I'm going to get you a paid job — you can't keep doing this for free'. So he got him his first paid job, which was The Babadook. It was the runner on there, so he drove around Essie Davis and Jennifer Kent. And he was able really able to be on set, and listen and learn, and just to see how sets are navigated and run. Then I was on set just helping out the lighting department. We both, Michael and I, could see how passionate Jen was. And it was one of the first directors, I think the first director that we saw, that cared so much. This wasn't just like a job or just making something to make something. She was making art. And she was putting her soul into it. So that was so inspiring to see someone so passionate, and to live and breathe their project. That rubbed off on us for sure." ON SPENDING MORE TIME IN TALK TO ME'S WORLD "It's so funny — we've written such an in-depth mythology bible about the backstory of the hand, the spirits that are possessing the kids, and there's just so many seeds that we planted. Even when we're writing the first film, I was writing scenes for a second film — and me and the other writer were always discussing it and talking about it. The idea of franchising or doing a sequel is so exciting to us. I'd love the opportunity to do that — that be so, so cool." Talk to Me opens in Australian and New Zealand cinemas on July 27. Read our review.
It's television's greatest tragedy, and one that's been more than a decade in the making. Watching Better Call Saul, it's impossible not to think about the route its protagonist takes through Breaking Bad. We already know how Saul Goodman's (Bob Odenkirk) story ends, so as we explore his pre-Walter White life — when he was known by his birth name of Jimmy McGill and genuinely wanted to be a legitimate lawyer — the feeling is bittersweet, to say the least. The same sensation applies to former cop Mike Ehrmantrout (Jonathan Banks), whose Breaking Bad fate is also already known. Before getting caught up with Gus Fring (Giancarlo Esposito), he first crossed Jimmy's path as a car park attendant at the Albuquerque court house — and Better Call Saul tells his tale as much as its namesake's For four seasons since 2015, the Breaking Bad prequel has stepped through the earlier existence of these two characters, as well as others in their orbit — such as Jimmy's successful older brother Chuck (Michael McKean), his girlfriend and fellow lawyer Kim Wexler (Rhea Seehorn), and Mike's widowed daughter-in-law Stacey (Kerry Condon) and granddaughter Kaylee (Abigail Zoe Lewis). As the episodes pass, the two central figures slowly start inching towards their Breaking Bad lives. Familiar faces, such as Gus and Hector Salamanca (Mark Margolis) also pop up. The result: a series that's as excellent as its predecessor, and one that provides another excuse to spend more time in Breaking Bad's world. After last airing episodes in 2018 — and leaving 2019 to El Camino — A Breaking Bad Movie — it's returning for a fifth season this year. And if you can't wait until February 24 to see what comes next, or you weren't quite satisfied by the season's first couple of sneak peeks, a new trailer has just dropped. This new trailer is still brief, like its predecessors, but it does offer a glimpse at all the familiar players. Jimmy, Mike, Kim, Gus and Hector are all accounted for, as is gangland figure Nacho Varda (Michael Mando). That said, the biggest revelation is the return of a Breaking Bad character who hasn't been seen in Better Call Saul just yet, but was always going to pop up eventually. No, it's not Walt (Bryan Cranston) or Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul), but DEA agent and Walt's brother-in-law Hank Schrader (Dean Norris). The trailer follows a big Better Call Saul announcement a few weeks back, with US network AMC announcing that the show will wrap up after its sixth season. Work on the last batch of 13 episodes will begin this month, and will presumably air in 2021 — ending your chances to hear Jimmy tell everyone "s'all good, man". Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLOgEMxt-yM&feature=youtu.be Better Call Saul's fifth season starts streaming on Stan from Monday, February 24.
In self-portrait after self-portrait, Frida Kahlo was no stranger to giving the world a window into what made the artist tick. The Mexican painter didn't just create art — she bared her soul, especially in pieces where she stares back at audiences. Frida Kahlo: In Her Own Image has a similar intimate aim in mind, as aided by some of the icon's depictions of herself, as well as a treasure trove of her personal belongings. This is Australia's latest celebration of Kahlo after the Art Gallery of South Australia's 150-work Frida & Diego: Love & Revolution showcase of Mexican modernism in 2023, and also Sydney Festival's multi-sensory Frida Kahlo: Life of an Icon the same year. That's quite the spread of places around the country that've been dedicating walls and halls to the artist, with Bendigo now joining them. Frida Kahlo: In Her Own Image displays at the Bendigo Art Gallery from Saturday, March 15–Sunday, July 13. Many of the artworks and items that feature have never been seen in Australia before. In fact, some were sealed for 50 years in her family home when Diego Rivera ensured that the site would become a museum after Kahlo passed away in 1954, and that her most-personal items were stored in the bathrooms away from public eyes. Objects such as clothes and makeup have made the journey to regional Victoria, as have mementoes and photographs. Accordingly, attendees can peer at traditional Mexican garments, including a headdress from the Oaxaca region, that were worn by Kahlo; Revlon cosmetics, such as lipstick, nail polish and an eyebrow pencil; and hand-painted medical corsets that she donned following spinal surgeries. Appearances Can Be Deceiving, a self-portrait drawing that provides a view through her clothing to her corset x-ray style, is also a highlight. Arriving direct from the Museo Frida Kahlo in Mexico, Frida Kahlo: In Her Own Image is exclusive to the Bendigo institution, so you'll need to make the trip if you're keen to explore what the artist's belongings and style says about her art. Updated: Monday, March 24, 2025. Images: Bendigo Art Gallery.
It may get passed over for some of its more glamorous neighbouring towns on the Mornington Peninsula, but Cape Schanck is a great spot to check out for your next road trip. The charming seaside region is located at the southernmost point of the Peninsula and is home to great food, excellent wine, idyllic coastal scenery and even a cool old-timey lighthouse, making it a perfect base from which to access all the wonders of the region. We've teamed up with our Victorian road trip partner RACV to bring you a selection of incredible ways to experience Cape Schanck and its surrounds. And don't forget: if you're planning on having a drink, make sure there's a designated driver to keep you safe on your travels. [caption id="attachment_845440" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Peter Tarasiuk, Visit Victoria[/caption] VISIT THE CAPE SCHANCK LIGHTHOUSE RESERVE That old-timey lighthouse we mentioned? Well, it's one of the main landmarks of this part of the Peninsula, so if you're visiting make it an essential stop. While you might not find RPatz and Willem Dafoe in a brain-bending psychological thriller inside, there's plenty of rich history to be discovered. The dressed limestone and sandstone structure that was built in 1859 still has its original mechanisms in place so it's a bone fide architectural relic. Learn more about its significance and history at the on-site museum, then stick around for a stroll of the grounds — the lighthouse is situated at the edge of a stunning national park full of walking tracks, breathtaking coastal views and endemic plants. [caption id="attachment_845442" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] WALK THE BUSHRANGERS BAY TRACK Bushrangers Bay is a quiet, secluded beach that offers a contrasting beauty to the brooding, craggy headlands, thick banksia groves that envelope it and the wild crashing waves that break on the shores. Due to the latter, swimming is strongly discouraged here, but the stunning walk and bewitching scenery more than make up for that. There are two walking tracks that you can take to access the wild beauty of the bay, either from the Cape Schanck car park, or the Boneo car park along Main Creek, both of which are less than three kilometres long. [caption id="attachment_845455" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] RECHARGE AT THE PENINSULA HOT SPRINGS All that walking got you feeling the need to relax? Then make a beeline to the award-winning, naturally forming Peninsula Hot Springs. With its series of pools and private baths filled with natural geothermal mineral waters, this renowned wellness centre has everything you need to relax and recharge, right down to the idyllic background of gently rolling green gardens. Dining and accommodation options are also available if you find yourself wanting to extend your stay — and you might just want to, thanks to the retreat's excellent range of spa and wellness treatments. [caption id="attachment_760242" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Fred Laures[/caption] SAMPLE LOCAL PINOT AT NAZAARAY ESTATE The Mornington Peninsula happens to be home to one of Victoria's best wine regions, with the cooler climate offering and especially perfect conditions to nurture pinot noir varietals. The picturesque Nazaaray Estate, owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Param and Nirmal Ghumman since 1991, is the place for cracking drop of pinot, with a number of vintages and varieties to sample (with lovingly prepared Indian tasting plates to match) at the charming cellar door. Honourable mention must also be given to the estate's chardonnay which blends bright fruit notes with subtle but complex oakiness. [caption id="attachment_845444" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Derek Ross, Visit Victoria[/caption] PLAY A PICTURESQUE ROUND OF GOLF AT THE NATIONAL GOLF CLUB Golfer? Be sure to check out The National Golf Club, with scenery so heavenly you might just forget how bad your short game is. The grounds here encompass four world-class courses (including one designed by Greg Norman), with the sprawling greens and fairways punctuated with thickets of local foliage which give way to awe-inspiring coastal views. There's only one catch: unless you're a member, Victorian visitors need to be invited by a current member if they wish to play (interstate and overseas members of other clubs can book via the website). After a turn around the course, though, you'll more than likely be looking to apply for your own membership. EXPLORE THE PENINSULA'S STELLAR DINING SCENE It's not just wine that the Peninsula does well — the food in this part of Victoria is some of the best in the state. Start your day at bona fide McCrae institution Merchant & Maker, an award-winning cafe that features an in-house roaster to prepare ethically sourced, sustainable beans from sibling store Commonfolk Coffee. Pair your brew with a selection from the stellar brunch menu, which includes dishes like the Porky Pork Benny with bacon coffee jam, seeded mustard hollandaise, green apple and pickled fennel, a vegetarian okonomiyaki or a dark chocolate and coconut panna cotta. The Peninsula is also home to a number of terrific fine diners. In Flinders, Moke is all about super-fresh, local and seasonal produce creatively served up in a relaxed setting. The menu changes weekly, sometimes even daily, depending on the spark of inspiration that might seize head chef Michael Cole when scouting for the freshest produce. You can pair your tasting menu with a drop from the impressive wine program curated by Redhill Wine Collective, or a sturdy selection of local beers and spirits. The nearby Donna Maria, as the name might suggest, serves up cleverly contemporary Italian in a stylishly laidback setting. Dishes here — which include beef carpaccio with black garlic aioli and charred eggplant with a raisin and oregano braise, pine nuts and ricotta — are complemented by a foolproof wine list, divided into sections with names like 'chardonnay would go well with what we're eating' and 'I love medium bodied reds like valpolicella'. [caption id="attachment_845445" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Peter Tarasiuk, Visit Victoria[/caption] CHECK OUT SOME LESSER-KNOWN BEACHES As the annual summer influx of city-dwellers attests to vividly, the Mornington Peninsula is home to some of the best (and most easily accessible) beaches in Victoria. Our tip: make a pitstop at one of the more expansive (and far less crowded) beaches in the region. With its nearly four-kilometre stretch of idyllic white sand and calm, crystal-clear waters, Capel Sound, set between Rosebud and Rye, is perfect for a relaxing dip against the backdrop of colourful beach boxes. Ocean beach Gunnamatta, meanwhile, is far more exposed and boasts deep blue cascading waves (with an average height of nearly two metres) perfect for surfing. Still ocean-side, Rye Ocean Beach is another favourite for experienced wave riders, and features natural sand dunes, walking tracks and opportunities to encounter native wildlife. [caption id="attachment_845448" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mattyv.au (Flickr)[/caption] SEE THE NATURAL WORLD AT ITS FINEST AT THE DRAGON'S HEAD AND FLINDERS BLOWHOLE While The Dragon's Head sounds like a brilliant name for a pub, the natural phenomenon is arguably more impressive. The seaside formation is named for what it resembles: a jagged pile of rocks rearing out of the sea atop a shelf that has been mostly worn away, in the shape of, you guessed it, a dragon's head. Completely naturally formed, this spot is just one of many fascinating formations that call Number 16 Beach home — though this one looks particularly impressive as the white waves crash around it. So if you're after a great photo op — or if you've always fancied yourself a Daenerys Targaryen type — then this is a must-visit. Similarly impressive is Flinders Blowhole (which, we admit, would also make quite a good pub name). This geyser, located at the end of a winding wooden boardwalk, puts on a show when the sea shoots up through it as the waves strike the headland. The area also home to some amazing birdlife — on certain days, you may be able to catch glimpses of mighty sea eagles soaring majestically through the skies. UNWIND IN STYLE AT RACV CAPE SCHANCK RESORT With its easy access to and from the city, the Mornington Peninsula is a day-trip favourite for many a Melburnian. But with so much to do, it's well worth a full weekend. Rest up in style at RACV Cape Schanck Resort, a luxurious retreat that's home to a spa, golf course and a number of top quality restaurants and bars championing regional produce. It's right in the heart of Cape Schanck, too, making it the ideal location from which to set off on your adventures. Planning a road trip? Get RACV Emergency Roadside Assistance before you head off. Top images: Visit Victoria
It used to be said that the kitchen was the heart of the home — these days, though, it's the living room. Whether you're cheering (or jeering) your team, cueing up a playlist or exploring new worlds as you settle in for a movie or gaming marathon, the TV is now the heart of the action. And with a few smart upgrades, you can easily transform your setup into a home theatre that rivals the real thing. Upgrade your screen The foundation of any great home theatre is the display itself, but not all screens are created equal. TCL's new C8K QD Mini LED TV makes a strong case, with ultra-vivid picture quality, sleek border-free design (no blocky borders around the screen, just pure pixels from edge to edge) and immersive Bang & Olufsen sound that keeps the focus squarely on what's on screen. Whatever the occasion, a top-rate screen undoubtedly elevates the entire experience. Layer your lighting Gone are the days of all or nothing when controlling the lighting. Rather than just flicking off the ceiling light, use dimmable sconces or softly glowing lamps, LED strips behind the TV or smart bulbs that shift colour to match what you're watching. Or, go old school — lighting a candle or two also keeps things cosy. Ambient lighting doesn't just set the mood, but it also reduces eye strain and keeps you immersed in the action. Invest in soft furnishings You don't need to be an audiophile to appreciate cleaner sound. Soft furnishings are a simple fix to absorb echoes and stop audio bouncing around the room. And while integrated speakers like the C8K's Bang & Olufsen set do a lot of the heavy lifting, a plush rug under the coffee table or heavy fabric curtains can instantly make dialogue clearer and explosions punchier — not to mention they help dial up the comfort factor. For that authentic theatre vibe, swap out sheer curtains for blackout drapes to block out glare, improve on-screen contrast and give your living room that same feeling of anticipation when the lights lower in a cinema. Set the scene Cinemas have décor, so why not your living room? Frame your favourite movie posters, add a neon sign or even make a mini marquee on a blackboard listing that night's feature. Touches like these make the space feel more intentional and turn a regular movie night into an event. Hide the mess A tangle of cables and remotes can ruin the illusion. While not all TVs can be wall-mounted, hiding cords under cable covers and keeping devices in one console is an easy and surefire way to make the experience more immersive. Some TVs like the C8K have a built-in Google TV interface, meaning you can even cut down on boxes altogether. Level up your home viewing experience with the TCL C8K QD Mini LED TV. For more information, head to the TCL website.
Melbourne's north doesn't have enough late-night wine bars serving oversized slices of pizza. At least, that's what Sam Peasnell and business partners Adam Goldblatt and Tom Peasnell think. They're the talented trio behind Preston hotspot Dexter Meat & Buns and they've just opened a casual pizza joint directly across the road. "There aren't too many places in Preston that are open later and doing drinks so we thought a couple more bars would be nice," says co-owner Sam Peasnell. "It's somewhere for our staff and customers to go after dinner." It's called Takeaway Pizza and it's a concept the boys have wanted to explore for a while now. "Adam [initially] wanted to do pizza at Dexter, but Tommy's plan to do barbecue won so we've sort of been waiting for an opportunity to get back to it." The way it works is pretty simple: out front is a takeaway pizza joint where you can order 12-inch American-style spicy pizzas through a small window, while inside is a fully stocked cocktail and wine bar. It's the kind of place you can duck in for a quick beer while you wait for your pizza, or roll into for a few kick-ons after a dinner over the road. It's what the boys are describing as a northside take on a southside-style wine bar. "Rather than have an amazing glass of wine with a charcuterie board, you'll be eating it with a spicy slice of pepperoni pizza — we think that's kind of the way the north would do a wine bar," says Sam. Images: Frances Parker
After years selling their delicious delights at Night Noodle Markets all over the country, the geniuses behind Hoy Pinoy’s much-loved Filipino BBQ are setting up a permanent restaurant and bar. It's called Frankie Says and you'll find it tucked behind an apartment building complex in an obscure part of Richmond. The hidden-away location has some cracking advantages. First up, it's right on the Yarra River, so you get serene water views and bush vibes with your feast. Secondly, it's just over the road from IKEA. And it's way less crowded and frenetic than most other spots in the city — at least for now. Founders Megan Phillis and James Meehan designed the eatery to make diners feel like they're walking into a private kitchen. "Opening Frankie Says is like inviting people into our home," Megan says. "This is how we love to eat, with flavour, sharing and laughter turned up high." "We want Frankie Says to be somewhere people can feel totally relaxed as they enjoy a champagne brunch, catch up with friends over an afternoon antipasto, or simply take a moment to themselves in the leafy surrounds with a cup of coffee." The cheery, light-filled, high-ceilinged venue features solid timber pillars and glass walls, which open onto a vast, sunny, outdoor area overlooking the river. Inside, the feel is chic but informal, with hardwood floors, rendered concrete walls, mosaic tiles and pendant lighting. Meanwhile, the menu is designed to encourage repeat visits. Its ever-changing selection of yumminess include antipasto boards, house-made stone-oven pizzas and tasty breakfasts, like a deep dish pancake and truffle eggs with artichoke paste. They also have their own table wines: a 2013 sauvignon blanc and a 2012 cab sav, both from South Australia. You'll find Frankie Says at 15 Acacia Place, Abbotsford. It’s open seven days a week for breakfast and lunch, from 7am - 4pm on weekdays and 8am - 5pm on weekends. Keep an eye out for dinner, which is set to happen soon.
Located just off Collins St in the heart of Melbourne's CBD, Curry Vault offers modern Indian dishes with a special attention to its wine list. It's the perfect place to kick back for a long lunch (Monday-Friday) or a special dinner (Monday-Saturday). Inside, expect a mix of casual art gallery, classic Indian diner and local bar. This is somewhat formal dining but not at the price of fun. There's a casual and relaxed atmosphere where you can easily spend a few hours like they were minutes. The menu kicks off with a handful of hot appetisers, including traditional Nepalese momo made with minced chicken or seasonal vegetables and served with chutney, and govi pakora – deep-fried cauliflower in a chickpea flour batter. Inside the tandoor, king prawns, chicken, lamb cutlets and fish are cooking. Opt for the mixed platter if you can't decide which you'd prefer. The selection of vegetarian dishes runs from the spicy paneer chilli through to the mild and creamy malai kofta. Or if meat is more your thing, there are seafood, chicken, beef and lamb specials to suit everyone. The prawn malawari stands out, a generous serving of king prawns in a coconut cream sauce. As well as being an Indian restaurant, Curry Vault is also something of a wine bar, specialising in pairing your order with a glass of wine. Their list includes a large selection by the glass or bottle and there is something to complement every dish. Top drops include Castelforte Soave from Veneto in Italy and the Argyle Heathcote shiraz. While they offer up serious food and wine to match, Curry Vault is the kind of place to come in and relax. There's no hurrying you out the door here, and there is always another wine to sample.
If you're a true-blue Aussie KFC fan, you've probably felt a little miffed by the fried chicken empire's decision to completely overlook us when doling out its unique merch. Our mates in New Zealand got KFC candles, the USA scored chicken-scented sunscreen and Japan lucked out with fried chook-inspired bath bombs. Well, now it's finally our turn for a piece of the finger lickin' action, as KFC launches what might just be the most Aussie merchandise collection ever. Dropping as part of a month-long fundraising initiative by the KFC Youth Foundation the limited edition goodies will be up for grabs online from noon tomorrow, Thursday, August 16. All profits from merch sales will go towards supporting local youth-focused charities, including Youngcare, StreetWork and ReachOut. The unique haul includes cotton trackies in that famous KFC print, racy red KFC-inspired budgie smugglers, printed socks, a necklace and a '100% Original Recipe' tee. You'll also be able to get your mitts on the world's first-ever KFC-scented surfboard wax and — if you're extra quick and willing to part with $3000 — the single-edition 'Harland' surfboard, emblazoned with the Colonel's face. If subtlety's more your style, nip into any KFC restaurant across the country to show your love with one of their limited run enamel badges. The five-strong collection features a mini nuglife box, the Colonel's iconic black tie, an Original Recipe bucket, a tie-wearing chicken, and a tiny homage to the KFC drumstick. Catch the collection from 12pm, Thursday August 16, right here.
Set within the very heart of Camberwell, close to the suburb's iconic junction, one music store has built a stellar reputation over the last 50 years. That would be Music Junction, a specialist in all things instruments and the go-to store for much of Melbourne's music royalty over the previous decades. It doesn't matter whether you're an experienced muso or just looking to learn a new skill, inside you'll find a massive variety of musical instruments and equipment that spans guitars, pianos, percussion and more. Meanwhile, the in-store repair service is there to give your instruments a tune-up if you decide to give something you already own a much-needed dust off. Images: Tracey Ahkee.
Dessert fiends love Christmas. If you have a sweet tooth, December 25 is just as exciting for the treats as for the presents. And since 2017, celebrating the occasion with something sugary and edible has also included Gelato Messina. That's when it launched its own version of a certain quintessential Australian dish: the trifle. In 2023, The Christmas Coma will return again — and this one is a blast from the past. Messina is throwing it back to its first-ever version of the dessert by bringing it back this year. Trifles are already about layers, but this one just earned a few more that aren't in the bowl. So, 2023's Christmas Coma will once again feature level upon level of everything that is good about Christmas — but instead of being soggy and slightly regrettable, this one will have you licking the glass container. What's in it? Well, Messina is going with strawberry and marsala jelly, vanilla chantilly cream and raspberry swiss rolls, as well as vanilla custard gelato, blood peach sorbet and passionfruit gel. There's also raspberry meringue, plus chocolate versions of cherries on top that come stuffed with amarena cherry ganache. The trifle will come with some Messina brandy custard, too, to douse all over the mess. And, it all serves 20–30 (or less if you really commit). All of the above is available in a Christmas Coma mega pack, which can be pre-ordered from Wednesday, November 1 — with times varying depending on your state, as the gelato chain has does with its specials now. Accordingly, folks in Queensland and the ACT are able to purchase at 9am AEDT, then Victorians at 9.15am, with New South Wales customers split across three times depending on the store (from 9.30–10am). You'll then be able to pick up your Christmas Coma between Thursday, December 21–Sunday, December 24, all within regular store opening hours — and from all Gelato Messina stores across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. It comes in a Messina cooler bag and, if you keep it in there all sealed up, can survive for up to one hour. In each of the last few years, the trifle sold out ridiculously fast, so we suggest you don't wait on this one. Gelato Messina's 2023 Christmas Coma will be available to order from Wednesday, November 1. Head to the Messina website for further details.
