No one makes neon-lit, red-hued, emotion-dripping tales of yearning and loneliness like Wong Kar-Wai, as everyone who has seen 2000's In the Mood for Love knows. It isn't the Chungking Express, Happy Together, 2046, Ashes of Time: Redux and The Grandmaster filmmaker's only masterpiece, but the 1960s Hong Kong-set romantic drama is utterly unforgettable as it unfolds its love story against a backdrop of festering societal tension. Viewers have fallen for the film for almost a quarter of a century now. Sydney Opera House clearly feels the same way. Back in 2020, it hosted and livestreamed dreamy song cycle In the Mood — A Love Letter to Wong Kar-Wai & Hong Kong, which delivered exactly what its title promised. Come 2025, the venue will also welcome in the Australian premiere of In the Mood for Love in Concert. As everything from Batman, Back to the Future, Home Alone and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse to The Lion King, The Princess Bride, Black Panther and Star Wars films has in the past — and plenty more — the iconic movie will return to the big screen while an orchestra brings its score to life. In this case, the film will flicker across Sydney Opera House's HD silver screen as conductor Guy Rundle leads a 39-piece group of musicians playing live. Ready to get audiences swooning, In the Mood for Love in Concert has locked in two shows on the one date, at 2pm and 7pm on Saturday, March 22. The BAFTA-nominated and César-winning film — which also picked up two awards at Cannes, including Best Actor — stars the great Tony Leung (Hidden Blade) and Maggie Chen (Better Life) as Chow Mo-wan and Su Li-zhen. In a complicated time and place, the two neighbours are drawn together when they begin to suspect that their partners are not only being unfaithful, but that they're having an affair with each other. While In the Mood for Love is rightly acclaimed for its affecting performances and evocative direction, as well as its gorgeously lush cinematography, its score is just as exceptional. Indeed, the filmmaker has called it "a poem itself". This is a stellar opportunity to find out why — and to discover why this movie, and Wong Kar-Wai, keep proving so influential. Check out the trailer for In the Mood for Love below: In the Mood for Love in Concert plays Sydney Opera House's Concert Hall at 2pm and 7pm on Saturday, March 22, 2025, with ticket presales from Tuesday, November 5, 2024 and general sales from Thursday, November 7, 2024 — head to the Sydney Opera House website for more details.
You may know Kieren Spiteri, Ben Argentino and Bec Moore as the names behind Northcote's Tinker, Collingwood's Terror Twilight and Smith Street sandwich spot Hi Fi. Well, from Wednesday, August 10, this little convoy of culinary favourites will have gained another addition, as the team unveils its latest venture in the heart of Moonee Ponds. A good 18 months in the making and built off the back of popular demand from regulars, Convoy has finally arrived — a bright daytime diner overlooking Queens Park. It's showing off a retro-leaning, timber-filled fitout by female-led practices Studio Esteta and My Friend Tom, with a spacious streetside deck and garden, and plenty of natural materials used throughout. [caption id="attachment_864355" align="alignnone" width="1920"] My Friend Tom[/caption] Executive Chef of Convoy's sibling venues, Dale Kemp, is also steering the food offering here on Pascoe Vale Road, plating up both familiar favourites and a crop of exclusive new creations. It's as creative and considered as you'd expect — mushrooms on toast with a Calabrian chilli butter and 'corn crackle'; a brekkie muffin sandwiching curried scrambled eggs and grandma ham; the steak frites roll and kewpie-topped prawn roll; and cinnamon scroll-inspired pancakes made with sweet potato. The kitchen's take on eggs benedict features fried milk bread and smoked pastrami with a pickled daikon and apple salad; the Turkish eggs are elevated with black pudding and a lemon yoghurt; and there's an okonomiyaki finished with miso mayo and a kimchi crisp. Along with your usual coffee options, you'll find a boba-style drink with sweetened coconut cream and tapioca pearls that have been soaked in cold brew. Or you can amp things up with a sip from the cocktail list, where classics like mimosas and bloody marias sit alongside a breakfast martini and the Melbourne Mai Tai — a blend of orange, pineapple, Amaretto and dark rum. [caption id="attachment_864358" align="alignnone" width="1920"] My Friend Tom[/caption] Find Convoy at 109 Pascoe Vale Road, Moonee Ponds, from August 10. It'll be open daily from 7am–4pm. Images: My Friend Tom.
At the beginning of 2012, when the world discovered that Channing Tatum was starring in a movie about male strippers — and that it was based on his own experiences working in the field — everyone was a little sceptical. Which was understandable. Magic Mike boasts a great director in Steven Soderbergh, and a cast that also includes Matthew Bomer, Joe Manganiello, Olivia Munn, Riley Keough and peak McConnaissance-era Matthew McConaughey, but, on paper, it was hardly a sure thing. Of course, once the film hit the screens, it was a hit. More than that — it was a smart and sensitive look at men chasing the American Dream by taking off their clothes. Sequel Magic Mike XXL, which released in 2015, not only repeated the feat but added more depth, and Tatum successfully turned what could've been a forgettable chapter of his pre-fame life into a successful big-screen franchise. Actually, he's turned it into a stage and screen franchise. Yes, Magic Mike was always going to go back to where it all began. In Las Vegas and London (and soon Berlin), Magic Mike Live has been steaming up venues and letting real-life male dancers strip up a storm for eager audiences. Not to be confused with Magic Mike the Musical — because that's something that's also happening — the "immersive" dance show is coming to Australia in 2020. Hitting Birrarung Marr in Melbourne from Tuesday, May 26 — then heading to Sydney, Brisbane and Perth — Magic Mike Live will unleash its stuff in a 600-seat spiegeltent called The Arcadia. It's the world's largest spiegeltent, because clearly this kind of show has plenty of fans. This is the first time that the performance will be held in the pop-up two-storey spot, which comes with 360-degree views of the stage, a glass lobby, custom bars, a mini food hall, and a lounge area both inside and out. And while it's blazing a trail venue-wise, on the stage, the Aussie show will combine elements of the Magic Mike Live's three other international productions. While Tatum came up with the idea for Magic Mike Live and co-directs the show, the Step Up, 21 Jump Street, Logan Lucky and Kingsman: The Golden Circle star isn't actually one of the performers. Instead, a cast of 20 — including 15 male dancers — will showcase a combination of, dance, comedy and acrobatics. Continuing her role from the films, stage show co-director and choreographer Alison Faulk is behind the sultry moves, drawing upon a career spent working with Janet Jackson, Britney Spears, Miley Cyrus, Missy Elliott, P!NK, Madonna, Jennifer Lopez and Ricky Martin. It probably goes without saying, but if you're already thinking about buying Magic Mike Live tickets, expect to have plenty of hens parties for company. [caption id="attachment_753643" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jerry Metellus[/caption] MAGIC MIKE LIVE AUSTRALIAN TOUR Melbourne — Birrarung Mar, from Tuesday, May 26, 2020 Sydney — Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park, from Thursday, November 19, 2020 Brisbane — TBC Perth — TBC Magic Mike Live tours Australia from Tuesday, May 26, 2020, when it kicks off its shows in Melbourne. For more information — or to buy tickets for the Melbourne and Sydney legs, or sign up for the Brisbane and Perth waitlists — visit the website.
Melbourne might be heading towards its cooler months, but we have an inkling there's still plenty more waterfront wining and dining to come. That's because the city has just scored a bumper new year-round floating bar, with Yarra Botanica making its permanent home atop the Yarra River beside Sandridge Bridge. Set to welcome punters from Wednesday, March 16, the two-storey pontoon bar and eatery is much more than just a pretty face and multimillion-dollar drinking destination. The brainchild of Australian Venue Co (Fargo & Co, State of Grace, Kewpie, The Smith), Yarra Botanica has made it a mission to champion Victorian produce and booze. Its entire drinks list is sourced from within the state and a good 90 percent of the food menu is following suit. The bar boasts space for almost 700 punters across its two open levels, which sport a lush collection of planter boxes, herb gardens and climbing vines. It's an aesthetic that reflects the venue's strong sustainability focus across waste minimisation, recycling processes and energy choices. If you've got chills just thinking about being on a openair river deck during deepest winter, you can breathe easy — the pontoon has been carefully designed to stand up to Melbourne's woolly weather, with oversized umbrellas, lattice pergolas and heaters aplenty. That locally-focused drinks offering is a bountiful one, promising plenty of exciting sips no matter your booze preference. A 12-strong list of tap brews runs from Stomping Ground's Big Sky park ale to a Hawkers hazy IPA, while Moon Dog and Wolf of the Willows headline the seltzer selection. A carefully curated vino list tours the state's leading wine regions and the botanically-charged cocktails and spritzes hero native ingredients, as well as makers like Autonomy, Grainshaker and Brogan's Way. Try a quandong sour made from gin and marmalade, or opt for a wattleseed-infused espresso martini. The matching menu is primed for snacking and sharing, starring smalls like the crispy mushrooms with koji mayo, savoury doughnuts stuffed with rainbow trout, and a pork terrine with wattle crackers. Sourdough pizzas showcasing local ingredients like Murray cod belly and Warrigal greens pesto will be on offer and there's a trio of loaded grazing boards to order by the metre. And if all that sounds like your ultimate brunch situation, you're in luck. Bottomless brunch sessions are set to run Saturdays and Sundays from March 26, clocking in at $69 for three signature sips, a brunch dish and a hemp soft-serve cone for dessert. Find Yarra Botanica beside Sandridge Bridge, Southbank, from March 16. It'll open 12–11pm Monday–Wednesday, 12pm–12am Thursday, 11.30am–1am Friday, 11am–1am Saturday, and 11am–12am Sunday. Bookings are open now via the website.
Christmas movies and daytime television may suggest pulling off the perfect (or near to perfect as humanly possible) Christmas dinner is one of the seemingly simplest tasks of the season. That, friends, is bullshit. But, on the flip side, these days you don’t need a managerially trained brain, a through-the-generations-tried-and-tested menu and days upon days of free time to ensure your St. Nick celebrations are just that: a celebration. If you’re leaving your plan of attack to the last minute, here’s how to hit the mark, in style. THE MENU We’re hoping you have at least 24 hours of preparation time with this one, as you probably shouldn’t be hosting a dinner if you think Christmas day is a suitable time to go shopping. But, saying that, it’s definitely a case of earlier the better when it comes to getting the good quality meat in. Hudson Meats (available in both NSW and Vic), have a super simple online ordering form that takes a few minutes to fill in and offers a whole range of their genuinely delicious produce. Christmas cut-off will be dependant on individual butchers (the Sydney Surry Hills store, for example, tells us they’ll take orders up until Monday 22nd), but definitely call ahead as they will be totes biz. Queenslanders out there will do well to get in touch with Jack Purcell Meats: these guys have special maple-infused hams and turduckens available too. If, however, you’re opting for the supermarket frozen bird or pig, then all you need is a decent recipe. Google comes up with some brilliantly simple ones, but in the name of tradition, sometimes it pays to get a little help from our neighbours. British culinary icon, Delia Smith, or Saint Delia to many, offers a fail-safe turkey recipe that not only addresses the potential trauma of cooking with an audience but also guides you step-by-step until serve-up. Her five-ingredient chocolate torte is also mind-blowingly rich and just as simple. For veg, this recipe from another Brit, Jamie Oliver, has a built-in Woolies app so you can shop for the goods at the same time. Too easy. THE DRINKS Of course no Christmas is complete without breakfast Champers and (responsible) drinking. Anyone stockless out there needs to turn their attention to WineMarket. This national wine producer specialises in all kinds of alcohol from top-of-the-range Penfolds to pale ales and mixed cases in the single-digit price range per bottle. Plus, these guys have just launched their FastCase shipping, which on certain selections means delivery in as little as one day or less for Sydney metro and two days for Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide. The Christmas Stock-Up packages are unsurprisingly your best bet, as not only are there gold medal winners in there to tipple on but you can also get a free bottle of Mumm Champagne or Johnnie Walker Blue Label all for less that $100. But don’t let us take all the fun out of booze shopping; there are heaps of decent offers available as well as individually presented gift sets so any unexpected visitors or forgotten recipients (hey, it happens to us all), can get something nice, already packaged (for delivery cut-off times, see their website). THE TABLE Now all that’s really left is the table, and mark our words, this is just as important as the food and drink. But you don’t have to have a passion for interior design or flair for festive macramé to ensure your guests feel at home and happy. All it takes is a little creative thinking. If you’re entertaining in the double figures and have to push tables together, think about a T shape instead of one long table, as this allows conversation to flow better. We also suggest keeping all the food in the kitchen and serving up buffet style (leaving more room for glassware on the tables). For décor, simple is the best, especially for the time poor, so try to keep the theme easy. Avoid Christmas-themed crap at all costs, saving both money and time, opting instead for an ironed tablecloth and a beautiful bunch of flowers in the centre of the table. If you have nice napkins, pour yourself a glass of bubbly and iron them too (from damp). This speeds up the pressing process and honestly, ironed Manchester speaks volumes about your hosting skills. Personalisation also rules so write down everyone’s name on those extra gift tags lying around. Then simply tie them to something delightfully Christmassy, like a tree decoration (warning, baubles will roll), and hey presto: cute little place tags. And finally, Christmas crackers are undeniably fun, but they’re always full of something cheap and nasty. Why not do something a little more meaningful this year, and before dinner, take it in turns to say something you love about each other? It might seem a little corny, but hey, is there really a better time to share the love than old Noel? Now all that’s left is to turn the Sufjan Stevens Christmas playlist on loop, throw some tea lights around and wait for the guests to turn up. Christmas dinner done, without the fuss.
While it may be a household name in Australian aviation, Jetstar hasn't exactly made waves within the LARPing community until now. Not sure what LARPing means? To get you up to speed, it's live-action role-playing. Similar to cosplaying, it involves dressing as historical or fictional characters with a fantasy theme, but it goes a step further by encouraging participants to play the role of their character as an actor would, often partaking in a friendly duel or battle. It might sound like a big commitment to get into this community, but with the oh-so-tempting offer of winning a share in a $50,000 flights voucher on the cards, now is the best time to give it a go. 21st birthdays often involve a lot more alcohol and live music than this, but historically, a 21st birthday marks a transition into adulthood and a time when a squire can earn the honour of knighthood. Jetstar isn't subverting expectations of birthdays with ancient traditions just to have a laugh — it's taking its 'Knights of the Skies' tournament on Sunday, May 25, very seriously. To put together this contest of champions, it's partnered with Swordcraft, Australia's largest LARPing organisation, who are lending trained LARPer warriors to bolster the ranks of the competition. And since every battle needs an overseer, radio host Liam Stapleton will play host… and a wizard, too. On the day, each participant will be divided into one of two teams. The last eight participants not to be felled by a mightier opponent will get the chance to claim a share in the prize: a $50,000 flight voucher, while runners-up can claim $1,000 vouchers. To enter, all you need to do is craft a medieval costume, the more DIY the better, and share it on Instagram, tagging @jetstaraustralia and #KnightsOfTheSkies, or sharing it via Instagram DM. The field of battle is yet to be decided, but will be somewhere within the kingdom of Melbourne, so keep an eye on Jetstar's social media to find out more. Jetstar's Knights of the Skies tournament will take place at an as-of-yet undecided location on Sunday, May 25. Follow Jetstar Australia on Instagram for more information.
Since Euphoria last hit screens in 2022, 2023 added Saltburn to Jacob Elordi's resume, then 2024 Down Under brought Priscilla. In 2025, viewers will be watching the Australian star in The Narrow Road to the Deep North. The Australian-made five-part miniseries was initially announced a couple of years back, then unveiled a few sneak-peak images last year. Now, Prime Video has locked in the show's streaming debut for April. Put Friday, April 18, 2025 in your diary, and consider your Easter long-weekend viewing sorted. The Narrow Road to the Deep North will premiere at this year's Berlinale first, getting a rare cinema showing, before bringing its page-to-screen tale to streaming. Before all of the above projects, and also before the three Kissing Booth films helped boost his career first, Elordi scored his initial on-screen acting credit beyond short films in Aussie movie Swinging Safari. Since then, however, the Brisbane-born talent has largely focused on working overseas. So The Narrow Road to the Deep North is a rarity of late on his filmography, with the actor returning home to make the drama. The series adapts Richard Flanagan's Booker Prize-winning novel of the same name. Also featuring among the show's starry lineup of talent: Olivia DeJonge (Elvis), her The Staircase co-star Odessa Young (My First Film), Limbo and Boy Swallows Universe's Simon Baker; Heartbreak High's Thomas Weatherall, Love Me's Heather Mitchell and Belfast's Ciarán Hinds — as well as Show Kasamatsu (Tokyo Vice), Charles An (Last King of the Cross), Essie Davis (One Day), William Lodder (Love Me), Eduard Geyl (Born to Spy) and Christian Byers (Bump) The project's impressive talent extend behind the camera, with The Narrow Road to the Deep North hailing from Snowtown, True History of the Kelly Gang and Nitram collaborators Justin Kurzel and Shaun Grant. Kurzel directs, while Grant is on adaptation duties — and both are also executive producing. [caption id="attachment_927127" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic for HBO via Getty Images, supplied by Prime Video.[/caption] Elordi shares the role of Dorrigo Evans with Hinds, playing the younger version of the character in a tale that jumps between different time periods. The Narrow Road to the Deep North's protagonist is a Lieutenant who becomes a prisoner of war on the Thailand-Burma Railway. His story encompasses becoming a surgeon and war hero, and a life-changing stint of falling in love with Amy Mulvaney (Young). DeJonge and Baker feature with Elordi and Young in the show's 40s-set segments, where World War II obviously casts a shadow. Hinds hops in when the series gets to the 80s, which is where Mitchell, Weatherall, Kasamatsu and An will pop up as well. [caption id="attachment_947836" align="alignnone" width="1920"] HBO[/caption] [caption id="attachment_919075" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Saltburn[/caption] The Narrow Road to the Deep North will stream via Prime Video from Friday, April 18, 2025. Images: Prime Video.
Something delightful has been happening in cinemas across the country. After months spent empty, with projectors silent, theatres bare and the smell of popcorn fading, Australian picture palaces are back in business — spanning both big chains and smaller independent sites in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. During COVID-19 lockdowns, no one was short on things to watch, of course. In fact, you probably feel like you've streamed every movie ever made, including new releases, comedies, music documentaries, Studio Ghibli's animated fare and Nicolas Cage-starring flicks. But, even if you've spent all your time of late glued to your small screen, we're betting you just can't wait to sit in a darkened room and soak up the splendour of the bigger version. Thankfully, plenty of new films are hitting cinemas so that you can do just that — and we've rounded up, watched and reviewed everything on offer this week. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQKaZS9bK5U BLACKBIRD Helming an English-language remake of 2014 Danish film Silent Heart, director Roger Michel realises a crucial fact: if you're going to amass a cast that includes Kate Winslet (Ammonite), Mia Wasikowska (Judy & Punch), Sam Neill (Rams), Lindsay Duncan (Made in Italy), Rainn Wilson (The Meg) and Susan Sarandon (The Jesus Rolls), you need to give every single actor something weighty to do. So, working with a script written by Christian Torpe (TV's The Mist), as the original feature also did, the Notting Hill, Le Week-End and My Cousin Rachel filmmaker ensures that his high-profile cast members all get their time in the spotlight in the dialogue-heavy Blackbird. Their lesser-known co-stars Anson Boon (1917) and Bex Taylor-Klaus (13 Reasons Why) are similarly given their moments. As an ensemble effort, this illness-driven family reunion drama makes the most of its on-screen talent — and that remains the primarily by-the-numbers movie's biggest achievement as it endeavours to balance its weepie premise with its increasingly heated war of words. Playing characters who have been brought together in immensely difficult circumstances, and who each weather a predictable grab-bag of troubles once they're all in the same place for a weekend, Blackbird's lineup does always stress its work (no one here is overly subtle here), but they also help breathe feeling into a feature that'd be a far lesser affair without them. Winslet's high-strung angst, Wasikowska's baked-in melancholy and Neill's calm facade come in particularly handy, with the trio playing Jennifer, Anna and Paul — the chalk-and-cheese daughters and doting husband of the ailing Lily (Sarandon). Along with Jennifer's spouse Michael (Wilson) and son Jonathan (Boon), Anna's girlfriend Chris (Taylor-Klaus) and Lily's lifelong best friend Liz (Duncan), they've all gathered for one last hurrah. Terminally ill with a degenerative condition and unwilling to endure the worsening effects that are still certain to come, Lily wants to spend a few days farewelling her nearest and dearest at the well-appointed family home. Whether relatives come together for Christmas or for teary goodbyes (both of which apply here in their own ways), films about the concept never miss an opportunity to let sparks fly. With such heightened emotions whirring around during Lily's last days, that's forcefully, noticeably the case here. Blackbird makes the astute point that everyone has pain and secrets, even when they're facing the loss of a loved one, but that observation has become well-worn by the movie's many predecessors. Also routine is the movie's magazine-style visual sheen. If it wasn't for the sharp performances, watching this sometimes-moving picture would largely feel like simply looking at famous faces workshop trauma in a scenic letting. The feature's visuals are meant to isolate its characters against their eye-catching setting, but often it just loiters rather than meaningfully lingers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqoyVcrX_lA BOSS LEVEL Being a fan of time loop films can sometimes feel like being stuck in one yourself, especially when the genre's overly derivative entries reach screens. At their best, movies about repeating the same events over and over again call attention to life's small joys, its pervasive chaos or a combination of both. At their worst, such flicks use the concept as an empty gimmick to prop up an otherwise flimsy narrative. Boss Level veers in both directions at times. There's a cannily cathartic bent to the onslaught of destruction that comes its protagonist's way every time he awakens, all thanks to a horde of bloodthirsty assassins intent on ending his existence. Like Groundhog Day's Phil Connors at his most nihilistic, the film embraces the fact that life is carnage, literalising the idea as action movies do. But, as directed by Joe Carnahan (The Grey, The A-Team) and co-written by the filmmaker with Chris and Eddie Borey (Open Grave), Boss Level also attempts to paper over a slight narrative with rhythmically choreographed punches, bullets, swords and stunts, plus greeting card-level life lessons. It's exactly as straightforward as it sounds, and as standard. And, even for viewers unacquainted with Source Code, Edge of Tomorrow, the Happy Death Day franchise and Palm Springs, the film always feels as if it's following in better footsteps, including via sci-fi decor that could've stepped right out of Stargate and fight scenes that've taken inspiration from the John Wick series. Indeed, the movie's titular reference to video games isn't its only overt nod elsewhere. An ex-special forces soldier who now counts drowning his sorrows and bedding women he meets in bars as his main pastimes, Roy Pulver (Frank Grillo, Jiu Jitsu) has endured the same day 139 times when Boss Level begins. Through pithy narration, he explains the ins and outs of his new routine, where a flying blade acts like an alarm clock each and every morning, and the murderous foes just keep coming from there. Although yet to ascertain why he's been forced into this brutal cycle, Roy is beginning to suspect that it's linked to his ex-wife Jemma Wells (Naomi Watts, Penguin Bloom), who oversees a shadowy project for a sinister corporation led by the ominous Colonel Clive Ventor (Mel Gibson, Fatman). Roy and Jemma have a teenage son (debutant Rio Grillo) together, which complicates matters — because the former has hardly been a doting dad, adding to his regrets; and because the video game-loving kid also gives him something to lose. Like the most formulaic of side scrollers, Boss Level's highlights stem from its action scenes, rather than any story that's meant to fill in the gaps around them. That said, all those frenetic fists, kicks and weapons are helped by the elder Grillo, who has long screamed for more big-screen attention. Indeed, in a cast that also includes Michelle Yeoh (Last Christmas) and Ken Jeong (Occupation: Rainfall), he's the only one that isn't just aping what the movie does more often than not and simply going through the motions. https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=95&v=sf2EzBQiTr8&feature=emb_logo BILLIE EILISH: THE WORLD'S A LITTLE BLURRY When documentaries such as Amy and Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck peered into the private lives of their very public central figures, they also gave rise to a clear realisation: without treasure troves of home videos and personal materials, all prophetically recorded and kept by their subjects and their loved ones long before they were stars, these films simply could not be made. That'll remain true of movies that look back at famous faces from times gone by (as seen in the recent Zappa), but Billie Eilish: The World's a Little Blurry definitely doesn't give off the same sensation. For today's top talents, the notion that it's lucky such footage even exists to give rise to a documentary has become out of date. It's now a given that almost anyone with even a sniff of fame — let alone musicians who've won five Grammys, topped Triple J's Hottest 100, notched up a number one album and single, and sung a Bond theme, all while still in their teens — will have recorded every aspect of their existence. And, it's also just a fact of life that such a tendency won't have begun with their ascending popularity. Accordingly, The World's a Little Blurry does indeed have a wealth of material at its disposal, but this latest addition to the ever-growing pop star documentary genre doesn't feel like a revelation, a peek behind the facade, or a rare candid look at someone usually seen through music videos, concerts and formal interviews. That's the other thing about celebrities today: their social media feeds already give fans a window into their worlds, and even helped catapult them to success, so the documentaries that inevitably follow can come across as more of the same. Starting with the recording of When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? — which, yes, happened in her brother Finneas O'Connell's bedroom — The World's a Little Blurry perfectly fits the now-recognisable musician doco mould. From the moment that 'Bad Guy' became the ubiquitous track of 2019, a movie about Eilish was always bound to find its way to audiences, and to play out as this RJ Cutler (The September Issue, Belushi)-directed effort does. Raw, frank, relatable, accessible and even playful, the film adopts the same tone that's become synonymous with pop star Twitter and Instagram feeds. With Eilish's record label among the feature's producers, it's as rubber-stamped and carefully constructed as celebrity social media accounts are as well. That doesn't make The World's a Little Blurry any less engaging, or strip away the power of watching Eilish be herself for 140 minutes, but viewers are always seeing the sanctioned warts-and-all version of the documentary's point of focus (and, when she feels like it, the hamming-it-up-for-the-cameras version as well). Even just spanning a couple of years, the feature nonetheless provides a thorough snapshot of its subject's life, including her dislike of songwriting, the process of finishing the album, multiple tours, her Coachella set and the Grammys, plus her around-the-house behaviour, her rapport with her brother and parents, her romantic ups and downs, and her quest to get her drivers license. What resonates strongest, however, is one of the other influences behind the film's existence. Eilish's well-known love of Justin Bieber provides the movie's most illuminating thread, especially seeing the former start sobbing when she meets the latter. She was a big fan of Justin Bieber: Never Say Never, too, as her mother explains — and now, she has a matching movie. Billie Eilish: The World's a Little Blurry is currently screening in select cinemas, and is also available to stream via Apple TV+. If you're wondering what else is currently screening in cinemas — or has been lately — check out our rundown of new films released in Australia on November 5, November 12, November 19 and November 26; and December 3, December 10, December 17, December 26; and January 1, January 7, January 14, January 21 and January 28; February 4, February 11 and February 18. You can also read our full reviews of a heap of recent movies, such as The Craft: Legacy, Radioactive, Brazen Hussies, Freaky, Mank, Monsoon, Ellie and Abbie (and Ellie's Dead Aunt), American Utopia, Possessor, Misbehaviour, Happiest Season, The Prom, Sound of Metal, The Witches, The Midnight Sky, The Furnace, Wonder Woman 1984, Ottolenghi and the Cakes of Versailles, Nomadland, Pieces of a Woman, The Dry, Promising Young Woman, Summerland, Ammonite, The Dig, The White Tiger, Only the Animals, Malcolm & Marie, News of the World, High Ground, Earwig and the Witch, The Nest, Assassins, Synchronic, Another Round, Minari, Firestarter — The Story of Bangarra, The Truffle Hunters and The Little Things.
You can never have too many occasions to eat cheese, but this returning Australian cheese festival isn't just keen to shower cheese fiends with creamy goodness. A collaboration between Bruny Island Cheese Co cheesemaker Nick Haddow and the organisers of Pinot Palooza, Mould wants dairy lovers to explore and devour the mild, hard and soft bites that Australia's best cheese wizards have to offer. Returning for a fourth time in 2022 — after a chaotic couple of years, as all fests have endured — the cheesy event will paint Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney yellow for a couple of days in each city this winter. And there won't just be a few cheeses on the menu. More than 75 artisan cheeses from around the country will be ready and waiting for you to devour, spanning dairy from 27-plus producers. That lineup includes Bruny Island Cheese Co, naturally, plus Grandvewe, Milawa Cheese, Yarra Valley Dairy and Stone & Crow. There'll also be wares from Section 28, Red Cow Organics, Nimbin Valley Cheese, and newcomers such as Dreaming Goat, Long Paddock Cheese and Second Mouse Cheese. The 2022 events will span multiple days in each stop — running over three days in Brisbane and Melbourne, and two days in Sydney. For the first time ever, Mould is also headed to Hobart in October, if you feel like a cheese-eating trip to the Apple Isle this spring (with exact festival dates still to be announced). Alongside unlimited tastings of Australia's best cheeses, Mould will also feature flavoursome fare from cheese specialists that've been created just for the fest, too. Think of it as a cheese tasting trip around Australia without leaving the city. Of course, snacking on samples and purchasing slices and slabs to take home with you are just two ways to enjoy cheese. The fest will have cooking demonstrations, masterclasses and talks so you can stretch your cheese knowledge as well as your cheese stomach. And it wouldn't be a cheese festival without beverages to wash it all down with, so expect a bar serving Aussie wines, whisky, vodka, gin, beer, cider, cocktails and sake — all of which match nicely to a bit of cheese. Unsurprisingly, Mould is rather popular. Last year, attendees tucked into a one million samples across the fest's three cities, and also took home over 3.5 tonnes of Aussie dairy products. So, if this the kind of event that your cheese dreams are made of, you'll want to nab a $45 ticket ASAP. MOULD — A CHEESE FESTIVAL 2022 DATES: July 1–3 — John Reed Pavilion, Brisbane Showgrounds, 600 Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills July 22–24 — The Timber Yard, 351 Plummer Street, Port Melbourne August 12–12 — Carriageworks, 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh October TBC — Hobart TBC Mould — A Cheese Festival tours Australia from July. For more information or to buy tickets, head to the event's website.
Bringing authentic(ish) Indian food to Gertrude Street, Ish fuses modern and traditional elements of the cuisine. The share menu is split between 'peckish', 'moreish' and 'famished' categories. Smaller plates include free-range chicken tikka with ginger and garlic, Indian scotch eggs with curried onion and pulled confit duck marinated in Indian spices. Also try the home made pan buns with a spiced potato fritter and mint and coriander chutney, a classic on the streets of Mumbai. Bigger plates feature the slow-cooked Kerala beef curry with Malabari paratha (flatbread), Punjabi style tick creamy butter chicken with cashew nuts, an eggplant moiled curry served with turmeric, coconut curry and mustard seeds or the Bengali lamb curry, flavoured with yogurt, cashew paste and poppy seeds. From the sea enjoy the island fish curry or the prawn and eggplant moiled with coconut and turmeric. The fit-out was designed by Melbourne's Studio Round and Indian interior designer Annu Bains, with all of the bespoke furniture imported directly from India, too. Stepping through the doors, you'll feel transported to contemporary India. Spread over two floors, the restaurant features leather banquettes, timber high tables and exposed brick walls downstairs, while upstairs boasts forest green accents, round tables and brass and leather seating. Grab a seat, get comfy and prepare to feast on all manners of tasty Indian treats. Images: Rhiannon Taylor.
Just when you thought Chadstone's Euro-inspired brasserie, Cityfields, couldn't get any bigger, they go and open a rooftop bar. It's called The Terrace, and it's been in the works for a while. The Cityfields crew decided to open the main 600-seat restaurant space while they were still finishing the upstairs build. Now, with The Terrace complete, Cityfields is firing on all cylinders: restaurant, long room, public bar, rooftop, the works. It's probably one of the most ambitious restaurant projects we've seen in the last few years. The Terrace will be focusing more on snack plates and alfresco drinks, but there is a second kitchen up here, and you can order basically the same menu as downstairs. Olive gildas, neatly skewered with guindilla peppers and anchovy sit alongside woodfired pizzas, whopping 1.2kg T-Bone steaks and the obligatory cacio e pepe (without which it's now illegal to open a restaurant in Melbourne). Considering the amount of office space in Chadstone these days, you can expect The Terrace to pack out on Friday nights. And with its west-facing location on the top of the Social Quarter, the views are pretty spectacular. Lift your eyes from the surrounding carparks and you get a panoramic vista stretching all the way to the CBD. Most of the new floor is undercover, too. Big folding doors allow some airflow, but you won't have to worry about rain and inclement weather. There's even a crackling firepit on the balcony during winter. For all the latest Cityfields news, specials and events, check out their Instagram. The Terrace is open seven days a week, 12pm till late. Images: Pete Dillon.
Mother's Day is already coming at us — Sunday, May 12 this year. It's like we blinked in January, and suddenly, we're in April. It's now time to start thinking of breakfast-in-bed menus, cute gift ideas and afternoon tea outings. Because mums deserve all the love. And this year, Piccolina is gunning for you to gift your mumma some of its limited-edition gelato-stuffed bonbons. The pastry chefs over at one of Melbourne's best gelaterias have chosen some of their favourite Italian gelatos and hand-dipped them into different chocolate coatings for Mother's Day. They're like the team's famed gelato Easter eggs, but bite-sized. Five flavour combos are up for grabs up until Mother's Day — although there is a good chance they'll sell out well beforehand. Piccolina founder Sandra Foti named each one after an Italian mother she admires. Maria is the bonbon filled with both a peanut gelato and caramel ganache, surrounded by a peanut glaze and milk chocolate shell. Assunta is for the pistachio lovers out there. It's made up of pistachio gelato that's been layered with toasted pistachios, dark chocolate and a pistachio glaze. There's also the Enza, which has cinnamon gelato, apple compote, caramelised white chocolate and a toasted almond glaze. These bonbons are next level — something we've come to expect from all the limited-edition items made by the Piccolina crew. The bonbons are sold in a set of five, each in a specially designed box. The Festa della Mamma bonbons retail for $45 and can be pre-booked now from the Piccolina website. If you think your mum will love these — or potentially share them with you — be sure to pre-order a box or two as soon as possible. They're likely to sell out fast. You can pre-order a box of Piccolina's limited-edition Mother's Day bonbons now via the gelato store's website.
Why serve sushi on a train when you can serve it on a plane? Okay, it's not exactly a plane, but it's pretty close. London's YO! Sushi, renowned for being the first sushi chain in the UK to provide its goodies via a conveyor belt, is now the first to deliver them with wings. Currently on trial at YO! Sushi's Soho restaurant, with a view to national roll out in 2014, the 'iTray' has been developed using sophisticated RC Drone quadicopter technology. Dependent on four propellers, and made of super-light carbon fibre, the 'flying waiter' is remote controlled with an inbuilt Wifi system, connected to an iPad. Two HD cameras enable the restaurant's kitchen staff to ensure that their creations experience a smooth and accurate arrival at their destination. Given that the iTray can travel at speeds of up to 40 kilometres per hour, and can make journeys as long as 50 metres, a crash landing could get kind of messy. In other air borne-cuisine related developments, attendees at South Africa's Oppikoppi Music Festival, happening August 8-10, will be able to use their mobile phones to order drone-delivered beer. [via Springwise]
Just a couple of weeks after Totti's opened the doors to its much-hyped Great Ocean Road outpost, another Sydney favourite has announced it's making moves down south. Odd Culture Group, the hospitality crew behind inner-city spots like The Duke of Enmore, The Old Fitzroy Hotel and namesake King Street venue Odd Culture Newtown, is gearing up to launch its first Melbourne haunt in Fitzroy this May. The team has snapped up the sprawling heritage site at the corner of Brunswick and Johnston Streets, with plans to install a local version of its aforementioned Newtown bar, complete with a strong retail booze offering. As the name suggests, Odd Culture isn't afraid to get a little weird and wonderful, which tells us it'll fit right in here in this neck of the woods. The group's earned a reputation for creating welcoming, experiential venues that are centred on top-quality food and drinks — and this Melbourne debut looks set to follow suit. Odd Culture Fitzroy will have a familiar local name at the helm, too, with the role of General Manager going to Gerry Nass, owner-operator of the former Robbie Burns Hotel. A bar and bottle shop rolled into one, the venue will be stocked with an easy-to-explore specialty array of wine, beer, spirits and cocktails, with an emphasis on wild brews and natural vino. You'll be able to browse and buy to take away, or select a drop to enjoy onsite, either settled in on the indoor banquet seating or out in the laneway beer garden. Meanwhile, Meatsmith alum James MacDonald is taking the reins as Executive Chef, serving a menu of bar snacks that showcases Meatsmith goodies alongside some of the best-loved plates from Odd Culture Newtown. [caption id="attachment_831649" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Odd Culture Newtown[/caption] Find Odd Culture Fitzroy at Shop 1/296 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, from May. We'll share more details as they drop.
Here in Melbourne, like most Aussie cities, Cambodian cuisine hasn't enjoyed anywhere near the representation of its more popular Southeast Asian cousins. But brother and sister duo Ivanra and Linna Hun are out to change that, making it their mission to acquaint us all with the bold flavours of their heritage. The pair is behind what's thought to be the city's first dedicated Cambodian restaurant, recently unveiling their debut venture Cambodia's Kitchen on Russell Street. For the uninitiated — and there'll likely be a few — Cambodian fare plays it subtle with the spice factor, packing its flavour punch with bold ingredients like lemongrass, lime leaf, garlic and galangal. There are influences from neighbouring Thailand and Vietnam, but the cuisine boasts plenty of its own personality, too. Here at Cambodia's Kitchen, the Huns' long-held family recipes and use of traditional techniques deliver an accurate reflection of what's being cooked up on the streets of Phnom Penh. Linna's menu draws plenty of inspiration from her own mother's and grandmother's cooking. The signature Cambodian rice noodle soup is the hero offering — a pork broth base loaded with minced and sliced pork, pork liver, and homemade beef balls, fish balls, fish cake and pork loaf. Elsewhere in the Cambodian classics lineup you'll find a thick beef noodle soup with stewed beef, tripe and beef balls; a dish of marinated fried pork or chicken, served atop rice with sliced omelette, pickled vegetables and a homemade fish sauce; and a beef drop noodle stir-fry. Soup-lovers have plenty of mix-and-match options, too, with a slew of broths, noodle varieties and toppings to customise their perfect bowl. Find Cambodia's Kitchen at 175 Russell Street, Melbourne. It's open daily from 11am–12pm. Images: Griffin Simm
Prepare to see some very fashionable pups strolling the streets of Australia, because instantly recognisable fashion label Gorman has launched its latest line of limited-edition dog coats. What's more — as part of a collaboration with PetRescue — those new threads will have their wearers looking good for a very good cause. All profits will go towards providing extra support and boost awareness for the life-changing organisation, which advocates for change around Australia's dysfunctional pound system and helps find forever hopes for lots of pups. The quilted dog jackets are available in three different exclusive Gorman prints — named Neighbours Garden, Walk It and Green Fingers — and four sizes, ensuring pups big and small can look the goods. Each features a polyester shell and lining and adjustable velcro straps for the perfect fit. [caption id="attachment_718376" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Harvey in Green Fingers.[/caption] Just imagine how many looks your fluffball will get down at the dog park. If you do want to snag one, however, we recommend you head in-store or online ASAP — these babies are known to sell out quickly. Gorman's PetRescue range of coats is now available online and at Gorman stores nationwide. Prices start at $39. Top image: Floyd in Green Fingers.
COVID-19 has made us put many things on hold: holiday plans, visiting the office, meeting with friends. And for those of us who are not isolating with our significant others, some aspects of our relationship have definitely changed, too. Has our generation moved on from online dating to remote relationships? Perhaps, but only for a little while. Being far apart will take some getting used to, and video calls can hardly compare to actually spending time together, but there's nothing stopping you from having a fun date night with your partner. With everyone locked up at home, conversation can run a little dry, or veer straight into the coronavirus anxiety realm. That's not very romantic. So get creative and try things with an open mind, so you and your significant other can enjoy some much needed quality time together. Here are just a few ideas to get you started. COOK THE SAME MEAL — AND DECIDE WHOSE IS BETTER With so much time on our hands, we can all take advantage of isolation to work on our cooking. And what's more fun than adventuring into the kitchen with your favourite person? First you need to agree on a meal you both enjoy and can manage to round up ingredients for. Here are some recipes that call for five ingredients or fewer. You can also order boxes of groceries from a heap of restaurants. Once you've got everything you need, FaceTime your partner, open a bottle of wine, and get cooking. While you cook, you'll be able to see your significant other in action, doing their own thing, which is quite rare these days of virtual convos. Once your gourmet creation is ready, sit down and enjoy it together while you determine who's the better cook. Who said MasterChef? START A TV SERIES TOGETHER While streaming through a screen share might be a little ambitious, the two of you can coordinate playing and pausing whatever you're watching while you video chat. Right now we recommend checking out Hunters on Amazon Prime if you're looking for an intense action drama, or taking a look at Tiger King on Netflix if you're in search of a bizarre docuseries. You can also turn to cult classics you never had time to watch, like Peaky Blinders and Breaking Bad on Netflix. Looking for something lighter? Check out these titles. If you end up deciding on a Netflix series, the streaming platform has a handy plug-in called Netflix Party that lets you stream with friends (or, in this case, your significant other). In times like these, it's good to get lost in the world of fiction occasionally, and watching together will also give you two a lot to discuss. GET FIT TOGETHER AND DO A WORKOUT (OR A FEW) Few things are funnier than seeing your significant other struggling in candle pose when you decide to take a break from the yoga flow you're doing together. There are many local studios offering online classes to pick from, with work outs varying from yoga to 80s-style aerobics and so much more. Try ClassPass, which has put together livestream classes in a variety of disciplines and levels, so you can stay in shape while supporting local businesses. You can also ramp up the comedy a little by dressing up for the workouts: cue leopard-print leotards and OTT leg warmers for aerobics. MASTER THE ART OF CROSSWORDS Waking up on Sunday morning, whipping up a nice breakfast and sitting on the couch with your partner to solve the Sunday crossword, just like in the movies. Isn't that a nerdy dream we all can get behind? But Sunday crosswords can be hard, so we recommend you start off with some easier versions, like those printed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Then, you can slowly level up until you two can master the Sunday crossword, hopefully by the end of this time of isolation, so you can do it right: over brekkie with sunshine beaming through the window, and of course, with both of you in the same room. You might want to try the classic New York Times Crossword, or these free puzzles from The Guardian. Whichever you choose, you can download Discord or Zoom to share your screen to work on the same crossword while video calling. LEARN A NEW SKILL OR TWO TOGETHER Have you two daydreamed about visiting Mexico together? Now is the time to sit down and learn Spanish. Always wanted to know more about wine, to go on that romantic wine tasting trip together? Enrol in an oenology course together, and get the wines you need to taste delivered to your home. With everything going on, universities and websites are offering a bunch of online courses. What better use of your time apart than getting smarter together, and perhaps preparing for something you can do in the future. This can also help you expand your shared interests, something that will help your relationship beyond quarantine.
Back in 1988, a heap of Australian galleries banded together to get everyone looking at and supporting art in Melbourne. That event wasn't just a once-off. More than three decades later, Melbourne Art Fair is marking its 17th edition in 2024, this time with 60-plus galleries and Indigenous art centres taking part. At Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from Thursday, February 22–Sunday, February 25, the numbers will paint their own picture. More than 100 artists are involved. Over 50 events are on the program. The lineup includes six performances, two major new commissions and four large-scale installations as well. And, it'll all fill 7500 square metres of space — which means art everywhere you look for four summer days. Focusing on the theme "ketherba/together", 2024's Melbourne Art Fair bill has been overseen by a group of female curators that includes Tamsin Hong, Exhibitions Curator at London's Serpentine Galleries; Shelley McSpedden from Melbourne's Australian Centre for Contemporary Art; and Performance Review director Anador Walsh — and will welcome its first commissioned contemporary dance work, with Lucy Guerin Inc's one-hour performance installation NEWRETRO among the event's must-sees. Also created specifically for the event is SOMOS (Standing On My Own Shoulders), a life-sized bronze sculpture by Julie Rrap, which features a cast of the artist's own body. After its debut, it'll make the Art Gallery of Western Australia its home. Expect to spend time exploring pieces by Melbourne-born artist Howard Arkley in another of Melbourne Art Fair's big 2024 highlights. The exhibition will hone in on rare works hailing from the 70s–90s, complete with Arkley's last painting — which the public hasn't ever seen before. Other talents featured include South-African multimedia artist Buhlebezwe Siwani, plus poet and artist Jazz Money — and galleries involved span not only a wealth of Melbourne sites such as Anna Schwartz Gallery, Void_Melbourne, Station, Sutton Gallery, Neon Parc and Gertrude, but also Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Hobart, Adelaide, Lisbon, and Singapore institutions. And if you're looking for more reasons to head along, an array of video works, honeycomb-esque paper sculptures, Melbourne performance artists pushing boundaries and a series of talks should do the trick — plus a pop-up whisky bar. Melbourne Art Fair 2024 takes place from Thursday, February 22–Sunday, February 25 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre — head to the event's website for more information. Melbourne Art Fair 2022 images: Marie-Luise Skibbe.
Wherever you are in Australia, you're never far from nature. But, when you really need to unwind, your best bet is to find somewhere remote — preferably, a place where emails, phone calls and bosses can't reach you. Plus, you should find some serious natural beauty on which to feast your weary eyes. To that end, we've taken a good look around the nation at some of the most spectacular spots — from the coral-filled waters of Queensland's Heron Island to the empty beaches of NSW's Mimosa Rocks National Park to the granite boulders of Tasmania's Bay of Fires. And just like us, Stoneleigh Wild Valley is all about celebrating the wondrous work of nature. The New Zealand winery follows a wild fermentation process for its wines resulting in flavours that are rich in complexity. So, together, we've scoped out five spots around the country where you can unwind — perhaps even with a glass of vino in hand. Next time you're planning a weekend getaway, make tracks to one of these beauties. Your overworked body and fatigued brain will thank you. [caption id="attachment_728904" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland.[/caption] HERON ISLAND, QLD 72 kilometres off Gladstone lies Heron Island, one of the Great Barrier Reef's most unspoilt islands. Just 800 metres long and 400 metres wide, it's mostly national park — fringed with white sands and, beyond that, coral reef. Between November and March every year, green turtles and loggerhead turtles (both threatened) nest here and you're welcome to watch them, as long as you stick to turtle watching guidelines. Any time of year, expect to meet seabirds a-plenty, plus many a sea critter if you go on a snorkelling or scuba diving excursion. There's just one place to stay: the eco-friendly Heron Island Resort, where you can choose from private rooms surrounded by pisonia forest, suites with incredible sunset views and a beach house with room for up to four guests. [caption id="attachment_728989" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Aragunnu Walking Track via Destination NSW.[/caption] MIMOSA ROCKS NATIONAL PARK, NSW Found on the NSW South Coast, around five-and-a-half hours' drive south of Sydney, Mimosa Rocks National Park is a land of empty beaches, rocky headlands and forests filled with wildlife. If you're keen to immerse yourself in nature, pitch your tent at a beachside campground, such as Aragunnu or Picnic Point. Prefer the comfort of four walls? Book the heritage Myer House. Either way, be sure to take a dip at Moon Bay, go for a stroll along Middle Lagoon Walking Track and check out the surf at Nelson Beach. [caption id="attachment_728931" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lisa Kuilenburg.[/caption] BAY OF FIRES, TAS Bay of Fires takes its name from its flaming colours. Granite boulders covered with bright orange lichen frame the coastline and, in contrast with the deep blue of the sea, create an extraordinary effect. The bay stretches for 50 kilometres along Tasmania's northeast coast, from Binalong Bay in the south to Ansons Bay in the north. Get back to nature in a tent at a free campground, sleepover at a luxe glamping site or sink into comfort at a B&B. Wherever you sleep, make sure you spend some time exploring on foot — whether you conquer the four-day Bay of Fires Walk or stick to day hikes. [caption id="attachment_688566" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Trevor King via Destination NSW.[/caption] LORD HOWE ISLAND, NSW Take some time off the mainland at Lord Howe Island, a rugged paradise that's a two hours' flight east of Sydney with a population of just 382. To spend your entire break wrapped up in nature, embark on the Seven Peaks Walk, a five-day, 45-kilometre hike that takes in banyan forests, coastal cliff faces and magical beaches. If that sounds too long, there's a bunch of day walks to try, too. Alternatively, go snorkelling in clear waters, laze about on beaches or paddle board around. And forget all about crowds: no more than 400 visitors are allowed on the island at once. [caption id="attachment_719735" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria.[/caption] THE GRAMPIANS, VIC Clear your head with some invigorating mountain air in The Grampians, a mountain range three hours' northwest of Melbourne dotted with waterfalls, wildflower meadows and dizzying peaks. Begin your adventures at MacKenzie Falls, one of Victoria's biggest waterfalls, before heading to mystical Silverband Falls, surrounded by lush ferns and flowers. For views that go on forever, drive to Boroka Lookout, Reeds Lookout or Mount William, which, at 1167 metres, is the highest peak in the range. Or, if you're keen to get moving, take a hike. A good place to start is The Pinnacle, accessible by a variety of walking tracks, which range from 2.1 to nine kilometres. Enhance your adventure through nature with Stoneleigh Wild Valley, whose 2017 sauvignon blanc recently won gold at the New York International Wine Competition 2019. Top image: Lord Howe Island.
When one of the biggest cultural events in the world is expanding Down Under for the first time ever, and the same year marks half a century since hip hop began, what's the best way to celebrate? With the debut SXSW Sydney welcoming Chance The Rapper to its stage to mark the occasion. The three-time Grammy-winner will have no problem reflecting on the milestone in Australia come October — and making an already-massive SXSW lineup even heftier. "As we celebrate 50 years of hip hop in 2023, I'm reminded of the transformative power this culture has had, not just on the world stage, but on the streets of Chicago's South Side," said Chance The Rapper, announcing his SXSW Sydney stint. "Hip hop has provided a rhythm to our stories and a canvas for our creativity. I'm really looking forward to joining SXSW Sydney as a speaker to expound upon hip hop's transcendent legacy." [caption id="attachment_917274" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Julio Enriquez via Wikimedia Commons.[/caption] The 'Hot Shower', 'I Might Need Security' and 'Do You Remember' singer-songwriter, aka Chancelor Johnathan Bennett, will hit Australia during the Sunday, October 15–Sunday, October 22 event amid global celebrations of hip hop's birth. It was in August 1973 that DJ Kool Herc first isolated percussion breaks, then repeated them — and made history. At SXSW Sydney, Chance The Rapper will chat about hip hop's immense impact, not just where the Chicago-born and -raised star grew up but also globally. [caption id="attachment_917272" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anthony Quintano via Wikimedia Commons.[/caption] "Chance The Rapper is renowned for both his chart topping and community advocacy. There's few out there like him, who take what they've made and use it to build the dreams of others," notes SXSW Sydney Managing Director Colin Daniels. "His genre-blurring sounds reverberate across generations, making him a powerful voice to reflect on the past 50 years of hip hop. His unique perspective bridges the gap between the genre's rich history and its dynamic future." [caption id="attachment_917273" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Julio Enriquez via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] Chance The Rapper joins SXSW Sydney's speakers lineup alongside Coachella CEO Paul Tollett, Queer Eye star Tan France, Future Today Institute founder and CEO Amy Webb, Layne Beachley, Osher Günsberg and plenty more — a 700-plus strong bill of talent so far, in fact, covering over 300 sessions. SXSW Sydney will also feature more than 300 gigs across 25 venues, and has been dropping its music highlights and must-attend parties since earlier in 2023. Its dedicated gaming strand will include a dedicated tabletop game expo. And, the SXSW Sydney Screen Festival will open with The Royal Hotel, and host the world premiere of Hot Potato: The Story of the Wiggles. The entire event — the festivals within the bigger fest, exhibitions, talks, networking opportunities and streetside activations — will happen within a walkable precinct in the Sydney CBD, Haymarket, Darling Harbour, Ultimo, Chippendale and more, with the SXSW Sydney's footprint operating as a huge hub. Venues named so far include Powerhouse Museum, ICC Sydney, UTS, Central Park Mall, the Goods Line Walk, The Abercrombie and Lansdowne Hotel. SXSW Sydney runs from Sunday, October 15–Sunday, October 22 at various Sydney venues — head to the festival's website for tickets and further details. Top image: Keeley Parenteau. If you're keen to make the most of Australia's first SXSW, take advantage of our special reader offer. Purchase your SXSW Sydney 2023 Official Badge via Concrete Playground Trips and you'll score a $150 credit to use on your choice of Sydney accommodation. Book now via the website.
At first glance, this brand new cocktail created by Melbourne bartender Kayla Reid might look a little fancy for drinking at home on the sofa during lockdown, but that's exactly what it's made for. "I wanted people to be able to buy a few ingredients, shake it up at home and make themselves a delicious drink," says Reid, bar manager at Nick & Nora's on Collins Street. "All the ingredients are things you can find at a bottle shop, and I didn't want to create something that would be stressful for anyone to make at home." The Mi-To Shakerato is Reid's take on both a Milano-Torino (Mi-To) and a Shakerato. The Milano-Torino cocktail being an older sibling to the more commonly known Italian aperitif, a negroni. "I wanted to keep it as simple as a negroni, which is just three ingredients but still really complex," she says. "The Milano-Torino came before the negroni and it is just equal parts Campari and sweet vermouth. A Shakerato is essentially Campari and some people add saline solution, others add orange bitters. You shake it, then strain it out so it's nice and chilled, aerated and crisp." Reid's drink combines those two cocktails — with the classic negroni in mind — to make something altogether new: a rich but light aperitivo drink with a bubbly effervescent finish. The Mi-To Shakerato is one of 50 new takes on the classic bittersweet negroni featured in the new Negroni Cocktail Book, compiled by Campari for Negroni Week. Alongside other leading bartenders in Australia, Reid has played with the history and provenance of the negroni to craft something refreshing for Australians to make for themselves at home while bars wait patiently to serve customers again after lockdown. One of the ingredients likely to raise eyebrows is the Becherovka, which Reid says is "like a gingery, warm baking spice kind of liqueur" and it's nothing to fear. One other key difference is that you're shaking this cocktail, whereas you would traditionally stir a negroni. Her tip for home bartenders is that "anything that seals can be a shaker. You can use a tupperware container with some ice and shake it up." Though the drink is designed so that you don't have to work too hard to create it, one bartending tool that Reid recommends is a fine strainer. "You can use a lot of things to strain off ice in a drink, but if you want to have more clarity in your drink, without little shards of ice, it's good to invest in a fine strainer. Aside from that, if you've got a spoon and a glass to stir down ice, you don't have to spend an arm and a leg to get a good bar kit." For those without a decade of bartending experience under their belt like Reid, to make a saline solution, simply mix water and salt to your preferred ratio (80/20 is a good guide). Or, "just add a crack of salt to the cocktail and it'll give you a pretty similar outcome." To make it look as graceful as Reid's version, choose a coupette or stemmed glass for that golden era elegance. It's also a chic way to retain the bubbles in your drink for longer. HOW TO MAKE A MI-TO SHAKERATO 30ml Campari 20ml Cinzano Rosso 10ml Becherovka (herbal bitters) 3 small mint leaves 3 drops of saline solution 40ml sparkling wine Shake all ingredients (except for the sparkling wine) with ice. Strain into a coupette. Add sparkling wine. Express the essential oils of a lemon peel. Twist the peel into a fancy garnish. Best enjoyed as an aperitif. Negroni Week runs from September 14–20. Download the free Negroni Cocktail Book for 60 different negroni recipes to try at home. Remember to Drinkwise.
What makes for a great speaker at a music conference? Experience and insight, obviously, and also plenty of stories from their time in one of the most exciting creative industries there is. Unveiling the first folks that'll grace its stage in 2023, BIGSOUND knows this. When you enlist ROC Nation's Omar Grant, who was once the road manager for Destiny's Child and now shares the President role at Jay-Z's entertainment agency — and also helped Rihanna's album ANTI become the smash it is — you're after a whole heap of wisdom and tales. Brisbanites and music obsessives hitting the Sunshine State capital between Tuesday, September 5–Friday, September 8 can look forward to Grant's chat, which means listening to one of the top names in the American music industry. And if you're keen to show off your own musical talents, he will indeed be looking for new discoveries. "Australia is at an exciting place right now musically and I can't wait to head down under to discover some great new artists," said Grant. "Some of the most innovative artistry in the world comes from Australia — and in an industry that's often so caught up online these days, getting in a room with passionate music people and discovering real talent performing live is a true privilege." While the full speaker roster hasn't yet been revealed, let alone the music bill, Grant has company in this debut drop. Also coming to Brisbane: Michele Ronzon from Interscope/Geffen/A&M Records, Hazel Savage from Soundcloud, Flighthouse's Ash Stahl and JKBX's Scott Cohen. Ronzon has overseen talent including Machine Gun Kelly, YUNGBLUD and Alesso; the Australian-born Savage was behind music AI company Musiio; Stahl is CEO of quite the hefty TikTok agency; and with Cohen, BIGSOUND is bringing in a royalties technology expert. In what'll be its 22nd year, the event has also started revealing some of the decision makers visiting the River City in search of deals. On the list: Netflix's Manager for Soundtracks, Strategy and Operations Andy Kalyvas, who heads to the fest fresh from working on Oscar-winner All Quiet on the Western Front; Paramount Television Studios' Vice President of Music Vanessa Palmer; and Downtown Music Publishing's Director of Sync and A&R Cabrea Casey. [caption id="attachment_851422" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lachlan Douglas[/caption] In total, BIGSOUND 2023 expects to welcome in over 100 international and national buyers, agents, music supervisors, bookers and other industry decision makers, all taking over Fortitude Valley as the event always does. And yes, deals are firmly in the fest's spotlight. "We approached this year's BIGSOUND with a singular vision: deals mean meals," advises programmer Tom Larkin. "Every person we are bringing to Australia can further an artist's career immeasurably. Whether that's formalising a global partnership or simply giving them a piece of advice that could transform their ability to create a sustainable career, BIGSOUND 's focus is to provide real results for Australian artists." Elsewhere, the huge music-fuelled celebration will keep doing what it always does: showcasing impressive acts, artists and bands, which usually sees more than 150 talents hit its stages at 20-plus Brisbane venues. If you're a BIGSOUND regular, you'll know that this entails filling as many spaces as possible with musos, industry folks and music-loving punters, all enjoying the latest and greatest tunes and talent the country has to offer. Past events have showcased everyone from Gang of Youths, Flume, Thelma Plum, Tash Sultana, Sampa the Great, Courtney Barnett and Cub Sport to San Cisco, Violent Soho, Baker Boy, King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, Methyl Ethel, Tones and I, Spacey Jane and The Jungle Giants, so BIGSOUND's program is usually a very reliable bellwether. If your spring routine usually involves bar-hopping around Brisbane while listening to bands — whether you're a local or you head north for the event — mark your calendars accordingly. And if you're an artist looking to take part in the event in general, applications are now open until Tuesday, May 2. BIGSOUND 2023 will take place between Tuesday, September 5–Friday, September 8 in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane. For more information — or to apply to take part if you're an artist — visit bigsound.org.au. Images: Lachlan Douglas / Bianca Holderness.
Summer is coming — and it's about damn time we got back to living that rooftop-drinking, riverside-dining life. To celebrate the oncoming good weather, the friendly folks at Aperol are giving away 100,000 spritzes for the next two months. Yes, that's the correct number of zeroes. To help you take full advantage of this huge offer, we've rounded up the top sun-soaked spots in Melbourne where you can get your Aperol Spritz on the house. Whether you're in the CBD or partying it up at Fitzroy, the list below includes a carefully curated selection of bars that serve both great bevs and delectable dishes — guaranteeing you won't go home hungry (or wake up hungover) after spending the day drinking with your mates. PRINCE ALFRED HOTEL, CARLTON Carlton stalwart the Prince Alfred Hotel features a bar, beer garden, restaurant and function rooms where you can enjoy a chill catch-up session with friends. The menu is updated seasonally and sources some of the best local produce. In terms of its beverage offerings, the list boasts a selection of beers, cocktails, spirits and quality wines from Australia and New Zealand. But don't forget to try out some of the specials throughout the week: a classic pub roast on Sundays, half price pizzas on Mondays, $20 local dishes on Tuesdays, $18 parmas on Thursdays and happy hour from Monday to Wednesday. HOPSCOTCH, SOUTHBANK Hopscotch is all about the good vibes. Nestled in Southbank's urban backyard, the bar provides a plethora of beers on tap — 36 kinds to be precise — ranging from pale, stout, dark, lager, kolsch, wheat and more. But if beer isn't your thing, there are four taps dedicated to cocktails — and you can ask the bartender to try some out before you set your mind on one. You can also expect live music on the weekends, as well as sport on the big screens, as you soak up the last of the day's sun. HER ROOFTOP, CBD HER is an experience like no other. Conceptualised by the Arbory Crew — the brains behind Arbory and Arbory Afloat — HER Rooftop presents four floors of fun that will make you feel like you're in a different dimension. Start by dining in the Parisian-inspired restaurant and cocktail bar or the Thai canteen. Afterwards, you can make your way up to the music room for a little boogie. And you can end your evening at the rooftop garden bar, which stuns with spectacular views of the CBD. Aesthetically speaking, this one is an absolute stunner. We could certainly think of worse places to get an Aperol Spritz on the house. JOHNNY'S GREEN ROOM, CARLTON We all love a rooftop moment, especially during the warmer seasons, so be sure to pay Johnny's Green Room a visit for a gorgeous 360-degree view of the Carlton and the inner north. Located on the third floor of King and Godfree, Johnny's serves an impressive line-up of drinks such as classic and house cocktails, beer on tap and local and international wines. Conclude your night by indulging in a range of elevated bar bites, from pizza and burgers to gelato and cheese. This is an easy win. THE PROVINCIAL HOTEL, FITZROY Situated in the heart of Brunswick Street, The Provincial Hotel is a bit of a local institution — and a perfect spot to unwind after a hard day's work. Our tip: head straight for the rooftop, which offers impressive sunset views. If you're feeling peckish, order yourself a parma, burger or pizza to share with your mates while you try out some of the bar's classic cocktails, beers and wines. Other than happy hour, The Provincial Hotel has a $10 pizza and trivia night on Mondays, $15 burgers on Tuesdays, karaoke and $15 parmas on Wednesdays and 50-cent wings on Thursdays. Deals, deals, deals across the board. TETTO DI CAROLINA, SOUTH YARRA Take your tastebuds on a trip to London or Rome at Tetto di Carolina. Sip on an expertly made cocktail on the terrace or savour your glass of white or red wine in the breezy dining area. Commence your dinner plans with freshly shucked oysters, then opt for the 200g O'Connor grass-fed steak with peppercorn sauce. Dessert is also a must. Try the cannoli served with sweet ricotta, milk chocolate or pistachio or tuck into the famous tettomisu. For now, Tetto di Carolina is also extending a few promotions such as $3 Oysters and $18 Taittinger on Wednesdays and a $20 Sando and Americano combo on Fridays — seriously, how can one refuse? For more ways to elevate your summer with Aperol, head to the website.
What stars Selena Gomez (The Dead Don't Die), Steve Martin (It's Complicated), Martin Short (Schmigadoon!), the ageless Paul Rudd (Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania), and the one and only Meryl Streep (Don't Look Up)? What's arriving to add a bit of murder, a new mystery to solve and plenty of laughs to your winter? That'd be season three of Only Murders in the Building, which has locked in a date for its eagerly awaited premiere: Tuesday, August 8. "Is this really happening again?" asks Oliver Putnam (Short) in the first teaser trailer for the new batch of episodes. "Well, you know, who are we without a homicide?" replies his neighbour, fellow murder-mystery buff and co-podcaster Mabel Mora (Gomez). Clearly, this hit sleuthing comedy will be back doing what it's always done, and well, since season one made it one of the best new shows of 2021 and season two put it in the best returning category in 2022. This time around, Mabel, Oliver and Charles-Haden Savage's (Martin) will still be bantering while solving a murder. Given that season two ended with another big death, the latter won't come as a surprise — and neither will the victim. From the initial sneak peek so far, season three will devote a fair amount of its focus to working through the events leading up to that killing, piecing together what happened, why, how and who's behind it. Enter Rudd and Streep, because this series does love adding names to its on-screen roster. Over both season one and two, Tina Fey (Girls5eva) has been a significant presence, Sting and Amy Schumer have played themselves, and Cara Delevingne (Carnival Row) has also popped up. If you're yet to experience Only Murders in the Building's charms, it follows the odd trio of Charles-Haden, Oliver and the much-younger Mabel after they bond over two things: listening to a Serial-style podcast hosted by the show's own version of Sarah Koenig, aka Cinda Canning (Fey); and a death in their luxe abode. Of course, they did what everyone that's jumped on the true-crime bandwagon knows they would if they were ever in the same situation, starting their own audio series that's also called Only Murders in the Building. That's how season one kicked off — and continued, proving a warm, funny, smart and savvy series at every step along the way. In the show's second go-around, another death needed investigating. That time, it was someone the main trio were all known not to be that fond of, so suspicions kept pointing in their direction. Check out the first trailer for Only Murders in the Building season three below: Only Murders in the Building's third season will start streaming Down Under via Star on Disney+ from Tuesday, August 8. Season one and two are currently streaming. Read our full review of season two — and of the show's first season, too.
Melburnians, it's roadmap time — yes, again. It's also time to start getting ready to leave the house whenever you like. Today, Sunday, October 17, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced that the state's current (and sixth) lockdown officially has an end date. So, come 11.59pm on Thursday, October 21, the city's sixth stint of stay-at-home conditions will finally lift. In a press conference, the Premier confirmed that the state will hit the 70-percent double-vaccinated mark among over 16s earlier than expected, which is why lockdown will lift earlier than initially outlined in the state's previously announced roadmap. And, that's why the state's roadmap has been given a few tweaks, too, loosening a couple of extra restrictions at that 70-percent double-jabbed mark. "Today I am very pleased to announce that from 11.59pm this Thursday, when we get to the 70-percent mark, the lockdown lifts, there will be no restrictions on leaving your home or curfew. The roadmap will be delivered in full and there are a number of things we are adding to the road map as of 11.59pm this Thursday. Things we can bring forward, additional things, extra things we can do because the Victorian community has done so well in getting vaccinated so fast and in such great numbers," said Andrews. Bring forward the haircut and tell Mum you'll be round for dinner. Lockdown will end at 11.59pm on Thursday. 5 million Victorians have had a first dose, and we're well ahead of where we thought we'd be - meaning we can make the changes we promised in the Roadmap, and go further pic.twitter.com/17qohsFX6A — Dan Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) October 17, 2021 Accordingly, as already outlined in the original plan, the reasons to leave home and the nighttime curfew will be completely ditched. Plus, that'll now be paired with scrapping the travel radius, after the initial roadmap included a 25-kilometre limit. You won't quite be able to go wherever you like, however, with movement between metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria only allowed for permitted reasons. Also, having visitors over to your house will now be allowed, with up to ten people (including dependents) per day able to visit homes in both regional and metropolitan Melbourne. This is a big change to the initial plan, which didn't permit visitors to homes at all at this stage — and the new roadmap highly recommends that these visitors are all double-jabbed. Plus, 15 double-vaxxed people will be allowed to gather outdoors (up from the proposed ten), and pubs, clubs, restaurants and cafes can open to 20 double-jabbed folks indoors (up from zero) and 50 double-vaccinated patrons outdoors (which was in the original plan). Outdoors, that covers not just cafes and sports facilities such as pools, but also outdoor cinemas. Weddings and funerals will operate under the same 20-person and 50-person indoor and outdoor limits, and the five double-jabbed people cap at hairdressers will kick in as initially outlined. And, masks will still be required both indoors and outdoors at the 70-percent double-jabbed stage. With Victoria reaching the 70-percent double-jabbed threshold earlier than expected, it'll also hit 80-percent double-vaxxed among over 16s earlier than initially planned, too, which Andrews advised will happen sometime around Melbourne Cup day (Tuesday, November 2). Exactly when the next phase of eased restrictions will kick in around then hasn't been confirmed as yet, but everything already announced in the roadmap for that 80-percent mark is still earmarked to happen. So, that's when groups of 30 fully vaxxed people can gather outdoors. Dining indoors at hospitality venues will go up to 150 double-vaxxed folks, and the cap outside will go up to 500. Instrastate travel will be back with no limits, indoor community sport will return as well, there'll be no cap on hairdressing for the fully vaxxed, and all retail stores will reopen. Also, entertainment venues, plus weddings and funerals, will follow those 150 and 500 caps mentioned above. And, masks will only be required inside from this point. In the final phase of the roadmap — which is still expected sometime around Friday, November 19, when 80 percent of Victorians over 12 are double vaccinated — the state will align with the rules under Australia's new 'National Plan to transition Australia's National COVID Response' that was announced in July. That's when double-jabbed Victorians are expected to be able to travel overseas again without restrictions, when there's set to be no lockdowns, and when vaxxed Aussies will be free from domestic restrictions anyway. The Federal Government is still expected to fully flesh out these rules in the coming months. Also, Victoria remains committed to letting 30 people inside homes for Christmas, . Exactly when that'll kick in — obviously before December 25 — hasn't been revealed. Wondering where you can currently get vaccinated? There's a handy online map that helps you find your nearest clinic. Keen to keep an eye on vaccination rates? A heap of online resources will help you do that as well. Metropolitan Melbourne's lockdown will lift at 11.59pm on Thursday, October 21. For further information about Victoria's reopening roadmap, head to the Victorian Government website. For more information about the status of COVID-19 and the current restrictions, head over to the Department of Health website. Top image: Ponyfish Island, Julia Sansone.
Cinderella, Mary Poppins and Beauty and the Beast have all taken to Australia's stages in recent years, bringing beloved narratives that everyone associates with Disney movies from the cinema to the theatre. For the next show that falls into that category, no one needs to grow up. The inhabitants of Neverland, where Peter and the Starcatcher is set, certainly aren't known to. A five-time Tony Award-winner for its 2012 Broadway season, the production earned theatre's coveted accolades for its costumes, sound design, scenic design and lighting, and for Best Featured Actor in a Play — but the version that's coming to Canberra, Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney and Brisbane comes with a twist. For Peter and the Starcatcher's long-awaited Aussie debut, Dead Puppet Society (The Wider Earth, Ishmael) is reimagining the stage favourite, which is a prequel to JM Barrie's Peter and Wendy. Accordingly, from October 2024, expect puppets helping to spin a tale that features more than 100 characters, as well as live tunes. Originally based on Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson's novel Peter and the Starcatchers, then adapted for the stage by Rick Elice (Jersey Boys), the play heads to Neverland before Peter Pan visited — before Captain Hook inspired terror, too. So, it's an origin story, complete with an island, a moustachioed pirate, an orphan without a name and Wendy's mother Molly. "The initial production of Peter and the Starcatcher was a passion project — just a great group of artists and high expectations. To see the play come to life over and over again around the world is a joy I never expected," said Elice. "And to witness the marriage of this humble piece with the vast imagination and ingenuity of Dead Puppet Society is more than a joy, it's a privilege — and, for this playwright, an inspiration." [caption id="attachment_930290" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Scott Barton[/caption] "Nearly everyone knows the tale of Peter Pan, but Peter and Wendy's origin story has been a much more closely guarded secret. Rick Elice's incredible play takes the characters we know and love and charts the course they take to Neverland and into the classics when a group of lost orphans, moustachioed pirates, and Wendy's mother Molly collide over a trunk full of Starstuff, the most powerful substance on earth," added Dead Puppet Society's Creative Director David Morton. "This lightning-paced, whimsical show was a mega hit on Broadway. To have the opportunity to bring an all-new production to Australian audiences, reimagined with Dead Puppet Society's approach to design-led theatre and stagecraft, is both an honour and a dream come true." "Ultimately this is a story of villains finding their heroes, of timeless friendships and fates that can't be avoided. But don't be fooled... this isn't just a show for young people, it's for the young at heart, and anyone else who never wanted to grow up." PETER AND THE STARCATCHER AUSTRALIAN DATES: From Tuesday, October 15, 2024 — Canberra Theatre, Canberra From Friday, November 8, 2024 — Arts Centre Melbourne, Melbourne From Thursday, January 9, 2025 — Adelaide Festival Centre, Adelaide From Friday, January 31, 2025 — Capitol Theatre, Sydney From Friday, March 14, 2025 — QPAC, Brisbane Peter and the Starcatcher will tour Australia across 2024–25 — head to the production's website for tickets for Melbourne now, tickets for Canberra from Wednesday, December 13 and to join the waitlist for other cities.
Byron Bay might steal the headlines, but we'll let you in on a secret: neighbouring Brunswick Heads, just a 15-minute drive north of Byron, provides the truly serene beach holiday you've always dreamed about. Thanks to its location on the Brunswick River and among mangrove forests, this welcoming coastal community is teeming with spots for stellar scuba diving, hiking and dining. If you're ready to hit up the Northern Rivers, we've teamed up with Wild Turkey to present an alluring selection of activities that ensure your visit is simply unbeatable. Whether you prefer wildlife encounters or hanging out in celebrated restaurants, Brunswick Heads has both in spades. [caption id="attachment_745641" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Centophobia (Flickr)[/caption] GO WHALE SPOTTING The next whale-watching season is coming up fast, and Brunswick Heads provides the ideal spot to catch these majestic creatures cruising northbound from May to July. The team at Blue Bay Whale Watching has been leading on-water expeditions since 2011, meaning an incredible sighting of a majestic humpback whale or two is almost guaranteed. Each adventure only takes ten passengers on board the Bay Warrior, an 8.5-metre catamaran with 360-degree views of the ocean. There's plenty of shelter if the weather unexpectedly turns, too, so there are indoor and outdoor vantage points for you and your crew to get a glimpse of these magnificent creatures up close. [caption id="attachment_702566" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sebastian Pena Lambarri (Unsplash)[/caption] TAKE A DIVE A visit to this part of the world would not be complete without experiencing the striking underwater world that exists off the coast of Brunswick Heads. Julian Rocks is widely recognised as one of the region's premier dive sites, with this craggy outcrop providing several moorings that make reaching this location a relatively straightforward affair. There are suitable spots here for divers of all experience levels, meaning just about anyone can explore the surrounding waters frequented by manta rays, leopard sharks, and yes, the occasional great white, too. While this subtropical oasis certainly isn't for the faint-hearted, diving at one of Australia's top scuba locations will give you plenty of stories to tell. [caption id="attachment_805448" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sam Forson (Pexels)[/caption] PADDLEBOARD AT TORAKINA BEACH Torakina Beach should be your number one choice for stand-up paddleboarding. Set at the mouth of the Brunswick River, this sheltered paradise sees barely a ripple for waves, so pushing yourself along the crystal-clear waters is relatively hassle-free. You're also well within touching distance of Brunswick Heads, with the community's thriving cafe scene just a five-minute walk away for a post-paddle refuel. Want to keep it a bit more rustic? With picnic areas, barbecues and showers spread throughout the surrounding bushland, Torakina Beach is a truly dreamy spot for a day in the sun. [caption id="attachment_844191" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mia (Flickr)[/caption] TAKE A GUIDED KAYAK TOUR Brunswick Heads and its surrounds are renowned for kayaking — the series of creeks and tributaries ensures you can get up close with lush landscapes and native wildlife. If you're looking for an expert to give you the inside word, there's no shortage of guided kayaking tours available to book. Byron Bay Eco Cruises provides a comprehensive three-hour tour where you'll take part in a river cruise that delves deep into a rainforest before loading into kayaks to scout out local wildlife (with binoculars provided, too). Finally, there's the chance to stand-up paddleboard amid the Brunswick River's serene environment. [caption id="attachment_844211" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Christy Gallois (Flickr)[/caption] EXPERIENCE A LOCAL RITE OF PASSAGE It seems like every small town has a slightly hazardous rite of passage that provides endless stories — both good and bad. In Brunswick Heads, this initiation involves making the leap from the South Beach Road Bridge into Simpson's Creek about four metres below. With the creek providing a wonderful swimming spot at high tide, dozens of people, young and old, test their mettle on a hot summer's day. There's every reason to get involved, but do take caution if you decide to take the leap from this 85-year-old wooden bridge. DISCOVER BRUNSWICK HEADS' DINING SCENE Don't assume the pinnacle of Brunswick Heads' dining starts and finishes with fish and chips on the beach (though we would absolutely recommend doing this). The town has a growing reputation for fine-dining institutions that will knock your proverbial socks off. Fleet (pictured above) is one such venue, but with seating for only 14 guests, you'll have to book early to sample its award-winning hyper-local tasting menu. La Casita is another stellar example of the region's booming culinary scene. The team here works alongside the region's top makers and producers to create its mouth-watering dishes, which feature hearty Mexican flavours that put many city-centric options to shame. Plus, the boozy cocktails ensure you depart with an extra bounce in your step. [caption id="attachment_844194" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Elliot Kramer[/caption] TAKE A HIKE AND PICNIC IN THE RAINFOREST There are so many incredible vistas to enjoy throughout the Northern Rivers region, but you don't have to bust a gut to experience some of the best. The easygoing North Head walking track, located on the edge of town in the Brunswick Heads Nature Reserve, is a 30-minute trail guiding you through the coastal rainforest. As you break through the canopy and look down upon the Brunswick River, you'll find several spots perfect for unfurling a picnic rug and basket. Once you're back on your feet, the trail leads you through fascinating wildlife habitats and eventually out to the ocean beach. Find out more about Wild Turkey's Discovery Series at the website. Top image: Graham Cook (Flickr)
From start to finish, Challengers plunges into a tennis match. Holding the racquets: Art Donaldson (Mike Faist, West Side Story) and Patrick Zweig (Josh O'Connor, La Chimera). The pair were childhood roommates and best friends, then doubles partners on the court. Meeting Tashi Duncan (Zendaya, Dune: Part Two), a ruthless tennis prodigy destined for big things, changed everything when they were teens — and now 13 years after first crossing her path, Art and Patrick are facing off at a competition that's basically a warm-up for the former, a multiple grand slam-winner is now married to Tashi and also coached by her, but represents Patrick's best route to a chance at big-time professional success. The bout that bounces back and forth throughout Challengers isn't the movie's only bit of tennis, of course. The latest film by Call Me By Your Name, Suspiria and Bones and All director Luca Guadagnino flits between moments in its main trio's life leading up to the pivotal bout, too, games included. So, as Art and Patrick compete in the movie's showcase showdown, years of complexity are batted back and forth alongside the ball — mentally and emotionally for the pair, and for Tashi as she watches on, seeing her husband and her ex-boyfriend do battle, and wishing that her career hadn't been ended by injury; plus literally for viewers quickly hung up on every serve and return. "I felt like we were just shooting this sequence for so long. And you're like 'dang, did we, what day is it? Wait, how is the character feeling at this point?'. Because you're still wearing the same outfits and it's supposed to be one game, but it's like the next week," explains Zendaya in Sydney, where she visited in late March on a promotional tour for Challengers accompanied by O'Connor and Faist. "I remember we had a storm, some weather issues, which ended up prolonging the process and all these kinds of things, but it was really special and cool. Sometimes I'd feel left out because I was sitting on the side watching them play and I was like 'hey guys'. But it was fun." Both in that match and whenever else Tashi, Art and Patrick are donning white and standing on green, tennis isn't just tennis in Challengers, though. "The tennis is the sex scene," notes O'Connor about a film that brings one word to mind over and over: sexy. This is a movie about three athletes in a complicated love triangle who are yearning to connect as much as they're lusting for tennis glory, as set to a propulsive and slinky electronic score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross (Oscar-winners for Soul). Saying that Guadagnino laces the feature with desire is an understatement — and as anyone who has seen his work, especially both Call Me By Your Name and Bones and All starring Zendaya's Dune and Dune: Part Two co-star Timothée Chalamet, will know, it's also one of his talents. [caption id="attachment_951455" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Caroline McCredie[/caption] The result: one of 2024's must-sees, no matter how you feel about tennis going in. It's also a flick with much to discuss, as Zendaya, O'Connor and Faist did when they made the trip Down Under to screen the film, and also get talking at a press conference. Similarly covered: Zendaya doing double duty as a producer on Challengers, the complexity of Tashi as a character, playing such competitive parts, the picture's love triangle and queer themes, its immersive cinematography by Call Me By Your Name and Suspiria's Sayombhu Mukdeeprom, if KC Undercover helped Zendaya prepare for her performance and making "codependency the movie", as she dubs it — and more. On Zendaya's Working Relationship with Luca Guadagnino as an Actor as Well as a Producer Zendaya: "It was really, really special. Producing is something that I'm definitely not new to, but for me it's always been a way to be creative in a different sense. I was always a shy kid, and so the more I do this, the more I love moving behind the camera. I love being able to learn from people and and grow from different directors, whether I'm a producer or not. I just like being on sets and learning and asking questions —and problem-solving and figuring out how things work. And then also I think it's being able to have — I learned quite early, I think, when I was younger, being able to have a real title allows you to be able to protect yourself in a lot of different spaces. It allows for you to be like 'actually, this is what's happening and I can be part of this conversation'. So it also allows me to protect my work and myself and people around me." On Tashi's Complexity and What Zendaya Was Most Looking Forward to Tackling in the Part Zendaya: "I guess the obvious thing to read — I mean, many things these characters do, but to read Tashi, you'd be like 'she's unlikable'. You judge her immediately. You're like 'she's too much'. It's messy. It's whatever. And so I think my job was trying to find her gooey centre, and trying to find her empathy, and why she makes the decisions and what pain it's coming from. And I think ultimately while she's ruthless, which I love, there is something to her that is — I think it's grief, I think it's grief over a career and a life that she never got to live. And I think her true love, her one true love, was always tennis. And she is trying whatever she can to be close to it, to touch it, to do it. And so she uses people to get that feeling, because she can't do it anymore on her own. And she's never really had a moment to just sit with it, and I think that she's never allowed herself a moment to feel bad for herself. She's just like 'moving on, what's next?'. [caption id="attachment_951462" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Eamonn M. McCormack/Getty Images for Warner Bros[/caption] I think we're watching that become a very real thing for her once her tangibility or her closeness to tennis is threatened by the fact that her husband's ready to be done. And she's like 'what? What do you mean?'. So these people are lifelines for her. It's her holding herself up and keeping herself alive. So yeah, I think it was figuring out her nuance and not just make her just bitchy, because I don't think she is. I think there's a reason behind everything she does, I hope." On the Competitive Nature of the Film's Lead Trio Josh: "I think the competitiveness is also out of an obsession with each other. At the beginning of this film, in terms of the competitiveness, when they're younger that's there but — I don't want speak to their characters, but Art is is on the way of falling out of love with tennis. And I think Patrick is just desperate for connection. I think all three of them are desperate for connection, whether it's Art seeking to restore the the love in his marriage or Tashi to restore this three-way love affair. I think Patrick, likewise, the tennis to him is the the utmost connection. He's always searching for that with Art, and with Tashi, too. And so I think the competitiveness comes secondary to that. But then also there's…" Zendaya: "We're so competitive with each other." Josh: "We are very competitive, but when it comes to tennis, not that competitive because we can't compete. But we were competitive between takes in things like Rock, Paper, Scissors and mini tennis, which I'm actually…" Mike: "Very good." Josh: "…Phenomenal at. That was very competitive." [caption id="attachment_951456" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Caroline McCredie[/caption] On Whether This is a Film About Love, Tennis or the Love of Tennis Mike: "It's kind of this weird thing, because I think we naturally as humans bring whatever thing that we're trying to get out of our work — we fall in love with whatever we do, whether that's storytelling in what you guys do or storytelling in what we do. And we can't help but put a piece of ourselves into that, and we're trying to get something out of that as well at the same time. And so there is this kind of bleeding of lines of that. And so it's probably both, is the truth of the matter." Zendaya: "We say it's 'codependency the movie'. I think that's what it's about. I also think it's about a million things, and I think tennis is the metaphor in which they use, or we use, to express that. What I think is really enjoyable, I think people, I've watched it with family and people who are not tennis people or don't really understand how tennis work, and they still feel like they're like 'ohhhhh' inside the match. And there's something alive in them, they still like they can follow it and it makes sense to them. While hopefully people who do really care about tennis will not be distracted by any of our imperfect forms, and will also be able to enjoy it and feel connected in their own personal way. So I hope it's for everyone." [caption id="attachment_947834" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Euphoria, Eddy Chenn, HBO.[/caption] On Which of Their Previous Roles Helped the Cast Prepare for Challengers Zendaya: "KC Undercover. No, I'm kidding. No, listen, the Disney stuff really does — it's a good training ground." Josh: "I did one sports film a long time ago, very early in my career. I had like one scene with dialogue and then one scene cycling. It was called The Program. Stephen Frears [The Lost King] is the director, it was Ben Foster [Finestkind] playing Lance Armstrong. I did no training, and I was cycling up, I think it's called the 21 turns in the Alps. And I got two turns in, and I always remember Stephen Frears was in a golf buggy going past, and all the other actors had been training for months, like Jesse Plemons [Civil War] and all these guys, and they were way ahead of me. And I was like [gasps] dying, and I was supposed to be one of the best ones. So, that doesn't answer your question, because that didn't prepare me at all." Zendaya: "That trauma." Josh: "Exactly, the trauma, I guess it taught me that I do have to prepare if I'm playing a sports person." [caption id="attachment_951463" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Caroline McCredie[/caption] On Getting Into the Win-at-All-Costs Mindset Mike: "The thing is, that what drew me to the character of Art was this idea of falling out of love with your craft. It's kind of this thing, is this idea I think when you're in your twenties, at least for me, I can speak to myself, is that I'm I moved to New York to become an actor. And I'm just grinding. All you're doing is just working, working, working, working. You're hustling, hustling, hustling. And then you finally get to a place of somewhat success and you've kind of achieved what you thought was the thing, and then you're of left with that idea of 'well, now what?'. And it's that thing — you're damned if you do, damned if you don't. It's almost a curse, almost, that thing when you achieve that monumental moment of success. You start to wonder just for yourself 'well, where else can I actually go from here? What else is there in life? Is this all of who I am? What else does compile a life of a human?'. There's a lot of questions and existentialism that goes within that. And that's honestly what I just connected with, is the truth." [caption id="attachment_951457" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Warner Bros[/caption] On the Way That Guadagnino Portrays Romance and Desire On-Screen, Including Through Tennis Josh: "Luca's always had this eye for, or an instinct to push that desire, and how to tell desire in ways that are less than obvious — and intriguing. I feel like that's just the responsibility of cinema generally, is how do you show something that is going to resonate in a new way, in a way that we haven't seen before? And yet also, Luca displays really classic, inspired-from-classics ways of telling love as well. At the same time, he references other films a lot. And so, he's always pushing it that one step further, I think. It feels exciting. Yesterday we were asked in an interview about the sex scenes. And Z was like 'there aren't any'. It wasn't a stupid question. It was a reasonable question, because it feels so on the edge of that at all times — and actually the tennis is the sex scene. That's their intimacy, and when they're vulnerable." Zendaya: "I do want to chime in real quick and say for someone who had really no idea about tennis and how it worked — because I remember all of us sitting around, and Luca was like, 'wait, so what do the lines, where do they stand like, what is this?'. And we would write out little maps and be like 'okay, so it goes here, and the ball goes here, and what does that mean?'. So for someone who really started, he really, I think, very quickly understood how to capture the the game — really did it in a way that felt very emotional as well. We never are disconnected from any one of these characters throughout their match, and I think it was very exciting how he made us feel like we were sometimes the character. You know, sometimes the camera is the player, sometimes the camera is the ball, and you just feel immersed inside of this this game. You can feel the sweat and you can feel their heartbeat. I think that that was really, really special to watch him map out, really map out shot by shot — it was a long shot list — and figure out how to take an audience on a journey visually, but also emotionally, somehow too." On How the Film Tells Its Tale Visually Thanks to Cinematographer Sayombhu Mukdeeprom Zendaya: "Sayombhu is amazing. He's such a lovely presence to be around. I think also he's got such a calmness to him, and you can watch him, he'll sit down in his chair and he just looks around, and he's checking the light. Then he'll get up and he'll test something. He'll look, he'll fix it. Then he'll just go sit back down. He's so calm, and and masterful at what he does. Obviously, his previous work, we can see that. I know this is stupid to say, but like I felt like very, I don't know, like I felt like the light kind also played so much into how our characters — it's not stupid to say, I take that back — it played into our characters. He somehow gave us some kind of youthful glow, somehow, and was able to like make us look younger through his lights, and make us feel like we were in a different part of our life with the way that. He illuminated our, I don't know, our skin or colour. I'm not sure the specific technique in which he did so, but I felt like I could see a difference in tonality with the way he chose to to light us when we're younger versus when we're older. And I never actually asked him if he did anything different, or if that was a choice by any means, but I felt it at least watching it. Something feels like when they're younger, the colours feel richer or something, like there's just like the exuberance, and then something he did, he gave us, he contributed, I think, a lot that emotional arc of where the characters go." Josh: "He's also really like such a gift for a cinematographer to allow space, so that when you — it sounds really obvious, but it's actually such a talent, to make you feel like there's not a camera there. He was really good at that creating that environment. So Sayombhu, we saw him a lot in rehearsals, and he was the sweetest, most gentle guy. And then during filming, you just see him run past and be like 'what's he doing? He's doing some magic.'. But really, apart from in the tennis match with the cameras in your face, it generally really felt like we were in our world and left to it, if that makes sense." On Exploring the Film's Love Triangle and Queer Angles Josh: "In some ways, those conversations were never needed to be had, because really it's very apparent from the beginning that love and attraction and lust they have for each other is just unanimous. The point is that the three of them are bound together from the start. The three of us were talking about the first, one of the early scenes when Zendaya comes — oh, Tashi comes — to the hotel room and the three of them are sat there on the floor, which is such a teenage feeling. I think that's captured so well. But it's really funny as well. And I think from that moment on, the three of them are bound. And so that scene where it's a sort of three-way kiss, and then Tashi's enjoying the observation of the two of them, of Art and Patrick, I just think that puts them in this this tornado together — which allows for them to be incredibly nasty to each other, and act badly and act brilliantly, and compete and push each other. And so the undertones of relationships between all three of them go up and down at all times. So it's sort of unspoken, but yeah, I can see that that's that's very much there." Zendaya: "I agree. Also, just Luca is brilliant, and he knows how to carve things out that he wants more of, and nuance. And so much is done in things that I think aren't even on the page. You know, there's the scene that's on the page, and then there's another one that the characters aren't speaking, but they're saying to us and we can all very clearly read what they're saying. I think that's where he's so masterful. I mean, he knows what he's doing. So there's such a trust in in his taste, and what his vision is, also, for the characters. And that was apparent when I had my first meeting with him. He really understood them and their connection and their love and their lust and their everything in a deeper way than was just purely on paper. So yeah, it's definitely there." On Playing Someone Who Exudes Power — and Whether Zendaya Relates Zendaya: "I guess in some ways. I think she enjoys power in a way that I don't think I would ever be comfortable with. I think to me, I have an uncomfortable relationship with that idea. But her, I think it's very clear, I think, from when we first meet her that she's completely unafraid of her power and wielding it over other people, and playing with it and and toying with it, which is what I appreciated about it. It didn't take her injury to turn into this ruthless power whatever. She was like that as a teenager. She was already going into the game like this. She was like 'I'm a winner and I know that, and I know how to control people, through whatever'. It's clear from the beginning, so I appreciated that we weren't trying to reason her personality or trying to apologise for how she is. She just is this way, and we just see her, like I said, we see that strong veneer fall apart. The the decision-making gets a little messier, because I think it's now — when she was younger, it was fun, and now it's for survival. Before she was just toying with them because it was fun. And now it's like, 'no, this is my life now'. So I think the stakes became different. I don't want to relate too much to her now. But I say don't judge them, because I find that upon first viewing, you'll have an opinion — and then you watch it again and I guarantee that opinion will change. And then you watch it again, and it might change again. I feel like every time I watch it, I'm like 'ooh, Tashi girl, what are you doing?'. And then the next thing I'm like 'actually, she didn't do anything wrong and it was Art all along'. And then I'm like 'actually, Patrick, should have never said that'. So every time I'm angry at a different character, or I feel more passionate about a different character. I feel heartbroken for — it constantly changes. So I say don't judge because I feel like your opinions will change every time you watch it. And that's the fun part about the film. You just never really have the answers you want, and that makes you question everything and question yourself. And like 'who do I feel like?' It's just one of those those pieces. That was not to promote or anything — I genuinely mean it, every time I've watched it." Josh: "But also go at least three times. But, seriously, go four times." Challengers opened in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, April 18, 2024. Read our review. Challengers stills: Niko Tavernise / Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures © 2023 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc. All Rights Reserved.
We love wine and we know you do too, and the quality and variety of wine being produced locally in Australia has, arguably, never been at a higher level. Now there's a new way to get your hands on delicious, drinkable, interesting drops made in our myriad wine regions — and you'll be buying direct from the source. iHeartWine is a new first-of-its-kind marketplace that connects winemakers and grape growers directly with the wine-loving public, which means you can shop bottles from Australia's best independent and boutique wineries without the markup you pay from a retailer, while putting the lion share of every sale directly back into the producer. Win-win. This idea for iHeartWine, which exists as an app, was conceived by wine writer and aficionado, Marc Malouf, as a way to support winemakers amid the knock-on effects of COVID and the tourism industry essentially bottoming out. Marc explains: "Hard working wineries who would usually be thriving from tourism, are struggling. Less people are able to visit, taste and buy wines from family-run wine producers … 2021 is set to be an abundant year for grape production and smaller winemakers need a channel to get their wine out there." The curation of the producers and winemakers included in iHeartWine's shop is very much informed by quality stuff that you can't just pluck off the shelves of your local bottle-o. "Every winery on iHeartWine makes wines from a place of truth, passion and obsession," says Marc Malouf. "These are the wineries and winemakers we should be paying attention to and celebrating... but they often suffer from the same fundamental flaw — they are somewhat invisible to wine drinkers. Unless you stumble across a wine on a restaurant list, or take a wrong turn on a trip through a wine region, chances are you will never come across these hidden gems and I think it's time we changed this." And as you load up your cart, you can feel good knowing that most of what you spend is going straight back to the producers. All wine sold on iHeartWine comes directly from the wineries themselves, which means the winery earns 90% from every bottle. We'll drink to that. The iHeartWine app is available for download here.
What is it about treehouses that fire up even the most uninspired of imaginations? The promise of adventure, escape or retreat? Nobody ever really grows out of wanting a treehouse. The team at American based O2 Sustainabilty certainly haven't. They have dedicated their lives to designing and building some of the world's most innovative, beautiful and liveable treehouses — turning childhood dreams into adult spaces for work, rest and play. Based on geodesic design principles, these treehouses are both aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound, not to mention environmentally sensitive. Not only does the design of each treehouse take into account the growth and health of the 'host' tree, but they also insist on using only sustainable materials. And 5 percent of O2's profits from commercial builds are donated to local community and environmental groups. As part of their dedication to sustainable design, the 02 team have also built a series of luxury treehouse in eco-minded resorts around the world. So even if having your treehouse is out of the realm of possibility at the moment, you may want to think staying in one on your next holiday.
What had you done with your life by the time you were 22? For most of us, it didn't include training abroad, publishing a best-selling cookbook, opening multiple businesses and competing in a huge televised competition. But it is just some of what Morgan Hipworth has already achieved before even getting close to his mid-20s. What an overachiever. The Aussie-born, French-trained pâtissier already has two Morgan Bistro sites in Melbourne selling his famed doughnuts alongside a heap of other sweet treats. Last year, he starred in Dessert Masters, competing with some of the country's top pastry chefs. And now, he's tackling the all-day dining scene in Fitzroy with his new restaurant Maven by Morgan. For this venture, Hipworth is joined by co-head chef Daniel Neytha (ex-Lona Misa), who he's worked with to create an all-day dining menu that champions both European and South American cuisines. All the Aussie brunch favourites feature on the menu from Friday–Sunday, including avo on toast, eggs benny and chilli eggs. But standing out among these options is the duck and waffle. Hipworth and Neytha put a crispy duck leg, fried egg and fermented ginger and honey glaze on top of a crunchy sweet potato waffle for those seeking something a little different for brunch. Come dinner time, from Tuesday–Saturday guests can get around a selection of small and large dishes made for sharing. Neytha's South American touches shine through in dishes like the slow-roasted lamb shoulder paired with roasted eggplants and a vibrant salsa verde and the market fish ceviche served with potato puree and corn salsa. More Euro-centric bites include the pork cotoletta and the pistachio and zucchini pesto pasta that comes with squash and stracciatella. Pair these with a tight selection of European and Aussie wines, some signature cocktails and a stack of spirits and beer. And this wouldn't be a Hipworth venture without banging desserts. There's a classic Basque cheesecake and roasted fig and apple frangipane tart, plus a decadent tableside-served Biscoff tiramisu. But Maven by Morgan highlights how Hipworth has no desire to be seen as purely a pastry chef. At 22, he's already looking to the future and expanding on his brand. We're intrigued to see what he's got up his sleeves for us next. You'll find Maven by Morgan at 402 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, open for brunch from Friday–Sunday and dinner from Tuesday–Saturday. For more details, head to the restaurant's website.
Since the first Fast & Furious film back in 2001, cars that can cover a quarter mile in a mere ten seconds have been Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel, The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special) and his crew's holy grail. Well, that and Coronas — and family. So of course the just-dropped first trailer for Fast X, the tenth instalment in the Point Break-inspired saga, starts with Toretto's chosen brood sitting around a table drinking the series' favourite beer and listening to Dom's grandmother (Rita Moreno, West Side Story) talk about the franchise's most-beloved F-word. It takes a mere 11 seconds for the Toretto matriarch to say "family", in fact — and it isn't the last time it gets a mention in the near four-minute debut sneak peek. As the series has done since film one, Fast X's plot revolves around Dom, his relatives and the friends that he's welcomed into his family, with new nemesis Dante (Jason Momoa, Dune) going after them to avenge his own blood. Something else that all things F&F loves: new ride-or-die chaos that disrupts the Toretto crew's idyll, can only be solved by high-action stunts and ties back to past movies in this pedal-to-the-metal saga. As the Fast X trailer explains, Momoa's Dante is on a quest for revenge because he's the son of Fast Five's drug kingpin Hernan Reyes (Joaquim de Almeida, Warrior Nun). Also, as the whole Shaw-family antics have shown — aka the crusade for vengeance involving Jason Statham's (Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre) Deckard Shaw — threatening the F&F's main family as payback for slights against other families is also a series go-to. Accordingly, Dom faces off against Dante — but no one actually swaps faces Face/Off-style, at least in the trailer, although F&F should definitely work that in at a later date — and Statham does indeed make an appearance, as he's done since Fast & Furious 6 and in spinoff Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw. Also featured are a whole heap of franchise regulars, such as Michelle Rodriguez (Crisis), Jordana Brewster (Who Invited Charlie?), Ludacris (End of the Road), Tyrese Gibson (Morbius) and Sung Kang (Obi-Wan Kenobi) as Dom's wife Lottie, sister Mia, and pals Tej, Roman and Han. And, Nathalie Emmanuel (The Invitation) returns as Ramsey, Scott Eastwood (I Want You Back) as government operative Little Nobody, John Cena (Peacemaker) as Dom's brother Jakob (see: Fast and Furious 9), Helen Mirren (1923) as Deckard's mother Queenie and Charlize Theron (The School for Good and Evil) as criminal mastermind Cypher. Every F&F flick also throws new famous folks onto its road — and while Nicolas Cage hasn't popped up yet to really help nudge the saga in Face/Off's direction, or Keanu Reeves to cement the Point Break ties, or Channing Tatum in a Magic Mike/F&F mashup that'd be a ridiculous dream, Fast X adds Momoa, Moreno and Brie Larson (Just Mercy). And, while not a household name by any means, Leo Abelo Perry (Cheaper by the Dozen) joins the series as Brian Marcos, Dom's young son. You'd better believe that the Fast X trailer also finds room for footage from past flicks featuring the late Paul Walker as the OG Brian, too. As for how it'll all turn out when Fast X hits cinemas in mid-May — in what's meant to be the first film in a two-part finale for the franchise, and what feels like it'll have to be a five-hour movie itself just to fit the entire cast in — the preview is filled with OTT chases and aerial feats, all those mentions of family, twist reveals and glorious F&F vehicular mayhem in general. Now You See Me and Grimsby filmmaker Louis Leterrier directs, fresh from helping make TV series Lupin such a hit, and also reteaming with Statham after The Transporter and The Transporter 2 back in the 00s. Yes, we'll count that as another F&F instance of family ties. Check out the first Fast X trailer below: Fast X releases in cinemas Down Under on May 18, 2023.
Most of Australia's cinema industry has earmarked July as its relaunch date, aiming to reopen in time for the planned release of Christopher Nolan's Tenet. But if you're a film fan keen for some big-screen fun before that, the country's drive-in theatres are filling the gap — and, given that their whole concept involves folks watching flicks in cars, social distancing is already part of the experience. At the beginning of May, Queensland's Yatala Drive-In welcomed movie buffs and their vehicles back through the doors. After a successful return over the state's Labour Day long weekend, the site halfway between Brisbane and the Gold Coast has worked its way up to screening films seven nights a week across its three fields. Run by the same team behind Brissie's New Farm, Elizabeth and Red Hill cinemas, Yatala is playing a mix of classics and recent releases. Viewers can pick from retro titles like Shrek, Dirty Dancing, The Princess Bride, Jaws and Toy Story, or opt for newer fare such as Jumanji: The Next Level, Bad Boys for Life, The Gentlemen or Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn). In Sydney, Blacktown's Skyline Drive-In quietly relaunched over the weekend of May 23–24, selling out its two sessions quickly. It's now officially reopening for regular showings from today, Thursday, May 28, screening from Thursday–Sunday each week (plus a Monday night session on the Queen's Birthday public holiday, too) — with four flicks playing each night. Films on the bill include The Invisible Man, IT: Chapter Two, Spies in Disguise, Joker, Grease and Knives Out, with horror-themed Friday nights and retro programming on Saturdays also on the agenda. Its diner is also back in business, serving burgers, hot chips, choc tops and other snacks. [caption id="attachment_622465" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brook James[/caption] Melburnians looking to catch a flick in their car under the stars will need to wait until 11.59pm on Sunday, May 31 — so, Monday June 1, effectively — which is when Victoria's next stage of eased restrictions kick in. Drive-ins will be allowed to reopen then, with Dandenong's Lunar Drive-In relaunching on that date, Village Cinemas Coburg Drive-In doing the same on Wednesday, June 3 and the Dromana Drive-In restarting is projectors on Thursday, June 4. On the various cinemas' lineups: The Fast & the Furious, Shaun The Sheep: Farmageddon, 1917 and Bloodshot at Lunar; Cats, Mad Max: Fury Road, Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction at Coburg; and Sonic the Hedgehog, Back to the Future, Ferris Bueller's Day Off and Muriel's Wedding at Dromana. Each of the reopening drive-ins is implementing additional social-distancing measures, ranging from the provision of hand sanitiser stations to asking attendees to take their rubbish home with them. Online bookings are required in some cases and recommended in others, while bathrooms at some sites are only available in emergencies — and candy bar and diner patron limits are being enforced, with some venues delivering snacks straight to vehicles. For more information about each drive-in, or to book tickets, visit the websites for Yatala in Queensland, Skyline in Sydney, and Lunar, Coburg and Dromana in Melbourne. Top image: Yatala Drive-In and Skyline Blacktown
Somehow music artists seem to look even cooler in their music videos than they usually do - which is saying something. Their level of chic can seem daunting to us fans, mere mortals that we are. Regardless, online fashion retailer SSENSE wants you to buck up and give the whole rockstar thing a go. With their new 'shoppable music video', SSENSE makes that unattainable level of swagger...well, attainable. Collaborating with Iggy Azalea, Diplo, and FKi on their latest video 'I Think She Ready', the retailer breaks down the outfits of each artist for potential buyers. When the artist appears on the screen, a small 'S' logo will hover over their outfit. Click on it, and a new page will open, complete with information on each component of the outfit. Each featured piece is from the Spring/Summer 2012 collection of a variety of high-end designers. Whether you are lusting after Iggy's Alexander Wang cat-eye sunglasses, or envying her J Brand snow leopard jeans, simply click and purchase. SSENSE CEO Rami Atallah says, "The integration we are introducing between technology, entertainment and retail with this video not only creates a unique experience for the audience, but also has utility." Watch, sing along, and shop like a rockstar? All from the comfort of our desk? We're in. [via PSFK]
It's been a heck of a long time between drinks, but iconic container bar Section 8 is back and ready to party. And to celebrate its return, it's firing up your Melbourne Cup Eve with a good old-fashioned, tune-filled laneway shindig. From 6pm on Monday, November 1, the beloved bar will be cruising into the public holiday with some sonic treats, cool drinks and general good vibes in abundance. Taking over the decks, you'll catch a lineup of musical mates, including Mrs Wallace, Naoto and Kgomotso, spinning through until 1am. The bar will be slinging its usual selection of liquid treats to match. And as always, Section 8 will be taking walk-ins only, with free entry — so you don't even need to worry about wrangling a booking. Images: Julia Sansone
The next dancefloor filler from 'Love Tonight' favourites SHOUSE is on its way, but it needs your help in the best possible fashion: by taking part in a huge music party that'll fill Melbourne's St Paul's Cathedral for RISING 2024. The Victorian capital's major annual arts festival has announced its first commission for next year, with Ed Service and Jack Madin overseeing Communitas — where hundreds of people will make tunes, then a single will be released. Free to attend, Communitas wants its participants to form a choir; however, not only using their voices but dancing and making sound vibrations will be on the agenda. Think of it as a huge gathering that's also a jam and a ritual, composing collectively and spontaneously as everyone parties and communes. There's no audience here, just folks joining in, connecting and chasing shared joy. The date to pop in your diary: Saturday, June 15, for what's certain to be a standout event on the full RISING lineup. Nothing else has been announced for the fest so far, but the entire program of art, music, installations and performances for its third year will run from Saturday, June 1–Sunday, June 16. Jon Madin is creating handmade instruments for participants to use, while Deep Soulful Sweats is in charge of the choreography. While the end result is something to experience, the single that springs will give everyone who is there a songwriting credit as it aims to share the fun beyond Communitas' one massive night. "Communitas is more than a musical event; it's a collective celebration of the human spirit, a symphony of shared joy that transcends boundaries," said Service. "We're thrilled to collaborate with RISING, and invite hundreds into the heart of St Paul's Cathedral to join us in forging connections through the language of music. Join us in the beat of drums, a chorus of voices, a mass of humanity, finally together in space and time." Getting its audience participating en masse, and not just passively watching, is one of RISING's focuses, including at 2023's fest when 11,000 people formed a kazoo orchestra. RISING 2024 runs from Saturday, June 1–Sunday, June 16 across Melbourne, with Communitas taking place on Saturday, June 15 at St Paul's Cathedral, Flinders Street. Head to the festival's website for further information and to register to take part in Communitas.
Chinatown's Punch Lane is getting some serious action this month, first with the opening of Joseph Abboud's modern Middle Eastern restaurant Bar Saracen, and now with the group behind the Hotel Windsor launching a new Southeast Asian eatery, Sunda. It opens Tuesday, April 3 in the block behind Longrain, which was previously an empty lot used as a car park. The Halim Group has recruited chef Khanh Nguyen to oversee the kitchen — he hails from Sydney, where he's completed stints at Cirrus Dining, Mr Wong, Bentley and Noma Australia. The menu will focus on Indonesian, Malaysian and Vietnamese cuisines, combining rich, bold flavours and some lesser known ingredients with Australian produce and modern cooking techniques. Think share dishes like Vegemite curry (yes, we had to double-check that too, and, no, we don't know what it tastes like yet) served with crispy roti, grilled baby corn served in the husk with fermented beancurd, or cured kangaroo tartare that combines elements of Thai-style larb with a Vietnamese bò tái chanh (rare beef salad with lime dressing) — it's served with smoked egg yolk over butter lettuce and toasted rice. Nguyen's unusual take on the Indonesian specialty otak otak combines silky parfait with spiced crab meat and is served with finger lime, chilli and sambal condiments and homemade puffed rice crackers. On the drinks side of things, sommelier Brad Hammond has curated a concise wine and cocktail list that can stand up to the menu's bold flavours. The list favours smaller winemakers and more aromatic wines that pair with Nguyen's fragrant spices. "We have worked closely to complement the distinct flavours on the menu," says Hammond. "The modern take on the cuisine has allowed us the opportunity to pair unique beverages other than the lighter, aromatic ones that you usually associate with Asian flavours." An eatery at this address has been a long time coming — it was previously announced, way back in 2016, that chef Adam Liston would open Honcho in collaboration with the Halim Group, but the venture was then scrapped due to ongoing building delays. Designed by award-winning architect Kerstin Thompson, the fit-out transformed the former car park by taking inspiration from the streets of Southeast Asia. Standout design elements including a woven, steel mesh exterior that filters sunlight by day and seems to glow by night. The two-level venue centres on an open kitchen bar surrounded by small, intimate dining spaces. Sunda opens on Monday, March 26 at 18 Punch Lane, Melbourne. It'll be open Tuesday through Thursday 6pm till late, Friday from noon till late and Saturday from 5.30pm till late. For more info, visit sunda.com.au.
One, two, three, four: Sex Bob-Omb! are back, and everything Scott Pilgrim with them, thanks to upcoming Netflix animated series Scott Pilgrim Takes Off. First announced earlier in 2023, the new take on a bass player fighting the object of his affection's seven evil exes is hitting the small screen as a streaming series, with the entire Scott Pilgrim vs the World cast returning to their roles. And if you're wondering what that all looks like, the show has just dropped its first teaser trailer. Obviously, a lot can happen in 13 years — and for the cast of 2010's page-to-screen favourite Scott Pilgrim vs the World, much has before Scott Pilgrim Takes Off reaches screens. Michael Cera kept returning to Arrested Development's George Michael, made a stunning appearance in the Twin Peaks revival and featured in Barbie. Mary Elizabeth Winstead added everything from Fargo and 10 Cloverfield Lane to Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) to her resume. Chris Evans became Captain America, Kieran Culkin killed it with insults in Succession and Anna Kendrick had the whole Pitch Perfect franchise. Brie Larson slipping into Captain Marvel's shoes, Aubrey Plaza's The White Lotus stint, Jason Schwartzman still showing up in Wes Anderson films aplenty — that's all occurred as well. Now, more Scott Pilgrim has come all of the above actors' way, too. The movie that started off as a series of graphic novels by Bryan Lee O'Malley, and also hit video games, will live on again from Friday, November 17. And, once more, Scott (Cera) will fall for Ramona Flowers (Winstead), and face off against her past loves. When a film becomes a streaming series, that doesn't always mean that the OG stars return with it — but it does in this case. As well as Cera and Winstead, Scott Pilgrim Takes Off boasts Culkin as Wallace Wells, Kendrick as Stacey Pilgrim, Larson as Envy Adams and Plaza as Julie Powers. And, yes, Evans, Schwartzman, Satya Bhabha (Sense8), Brandon Routh (The Flash) and Mae Whitman (Good Girls) are all back as Ramona's evil exes. The list doesn't stop there. Alison Pill (Hello Tomorrow!) as Kim Pine, Johnny Simmons (Girlboss) as young Neil, Mark Webber (SMILF) as Stephen Stills, Ellen Wong (Best Sellers) as Knives Chau are reprising their roles as well. While Scott Pilgrim Takes Off still sees its namesake swoon over Ramona, then tussle with her former paramours, this is more than just a do-over. "I knew that a live action sequel was unlikely, but I would usually defer by suggesting that perhaps an anime adaptation was an interesting way to go," the original film's director Edgar Wright told Netflix back when the series was first announced. "And then, lo and behold, one day Netflix got in touch to ask about this exact idea. But even better, our brilliant creator Bryan Lee O'Malley had an idea that was way more adventurous than just a straight adaptation of the original books," Wright continued — and he's back as an executive producer. Check out the first teaser trailer for Scott Pilgrim Takes Off below: Scott Pilgrim Takes Off will be available to stream via Neflix on Friday, November 17.
We're going back ... back to see Back to the Future, this time as a musical on the Sydney Lyric's stage. First floated 20 years ago by the big-screen trilogy's screenwriter Bob Gale, then finally premiering in 2020, the song-filled take on Marty McFly and Doc Brown's exploits has proven an award-winning success in London's West End and on Broadway. In 2025, the DeLorean has finally arrived in Sydney. The power of Back to the Future isn't really a curious thing. As viewers have known since 1985, the Michael J Fox (The Good Fight)-starring sci-fi/comedy is a timeless delight. But as well as making film lovers weep with joy for almost four decades, the iconic movie has been making other folks sing — the casts of the Olivier Award-winning Back to the Future: The Musical, that is. Aussie audiences can now experience the award-winning musical at the Sydney Lyric. Exclaiming "great Scott!" is obviously the only fitting response to this development, and to the production in general — and there's clearly plenty to get excited about. Since initially racing towards clocktowers onstage in the UK since early 2020 (around a pandemic hiatus or two, of course), Back to the Future: The Musical has picked up the Olivier Award for Best New Musical, and then was nominated for two Tony Awards in 2024. And yes, the show does indeed follow the Marty McFly and Doc Brown-led story we all know and adore, but with songs, including renditions of Chuck Berry's 'Johnny B Goode' and Huey Lewis and the News' 'The Power of Love' and 'Back in Time', naturally. [caption id="attachment_1049421" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Daniel Boud[/caption] Australian fans will now want to speed at 88 miles per hour towards the Harbour City, given that it is the only Aussie city where a season of Back to the Future: The Musical has been announced so far, so bookmark a trip to the Harbour City to see it — or pop on your own white lab coat, start tinkering around with electronics and whip up your own time machine to try to make it happen. Also featuring music and lyrics by OG Back to the Future composer Alan Silvestri and acclaimed songwriter Glen Ballard (Jagged Little Pill the Musical), plus a book by Gale — who co-penned all three Back to the Future film scripts with filmmaker Robert Zemeckis (Here) — Back to the Future: The Musical was nominated for seven Olivier Awards. It only won the big one, but emerged victorious over heavy-hitters and fellow screen-to-stage shows Moulin Rouge! The Musical and Frozen. Tickets are on sale now. For more info, head to the website. [caption id="attachment_1049422" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Daniel Boud[/caption]
It's been just over two years since Barry Susanto (former sous-chef of Navi) and Erwin Chandra shook up Richmond's sandwich game with the arrival of their Indo-inspired eatery Warkop. Now, it's the CBD's turn, as the duo gears up to open their second outpost on Little Collins Street next week. Incoming Tuesday, May 2, Warkop's city iteration will celebrate the same fusion of familar flavours and inventive spirit that's made the OG such a hit. Here, however, you've got an entirely new menu of breakfast goodies, hefty sandwiches and house-made pastries to look forward to. Both Indonesian, Susanto and Chandra met working together at Duke's Coffee Roasters in Windsor, sparking initial plans to open their own establishment. Fuelled by a touch of homesickness, some lockdown experimentation and a desire to offer locals a broader, more authentic taste of their homeland, they turned that plan into a reality in 2021. And now, they're doubling down. Here, a simple yet inviting fitout by Sonelo Architects draws inspiration from the warung kopi (Indonesia's café-style street stalls) that also gave Warkop its name. A splash of colour, woven rattan finishes and lots of raw timber combine to lend a welcoming edge. Come breakfast time, you've got a range of sweet and savoury bites to choose from, with the likes of bacon and egg muffins dressed with black garlic sauce, sambal matah (a Balinese raw sambal) crullers, and sweet crullers finished with a kaya glaze. Plus, you can match your morning feed with an espresso or cold-brew made on beans by Dukes. Sandwich fiends are in for a real treat, whether they're after something fresh, toasted or even fried. Flavour combinations might include rare roast beef with pickled bean sprouts, salted egg and Thai basil in a soft potato roll, a brisket rendang number on rye, or a gado gado-inspired focaccia toastie with tofu and peanut sauce. Fried sangas include a crispy chicken and kohlrabi creation with the house Bazzinga sauce, and Warkop's answer to the Filet-o-Fish done with sambal matah, sprouts and tartare. There's also a daily-changing salad offering, plus freshly-baked sweet treats courtesy of Pastry Chef Audita Bisma; ranging from a burnt Basque cheesecake reimagined with palm sugar, to rum and vanilla-infused cream puffs. Find Warkop CBD at 13 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, from May 2. It'll open from 7am–3pm weekdays and from 8am–3pm on weekends.
Forget grey. Come October-November, the Northern Rivers of New South Wales will be covered in 50 shades of purple when the historic town of Grafton gives off big main character energy through its annual showcase of violet-hued blooms. With roots as the oldest floral festival in the country, the Grafton Jacaranda Festival really knows what it takes to celebrate one of Australia's most-loved flowers. And, for one week between Friday, 27 October and Sunday, 5 November, visitors and locals alike will line the main street of Grafton to watch the annual float parade, settle in for a round of drag queen bingo (complete with lavender eyeshadow), enjoy a lazy long lunch underneath a floral lilac canopy or watch the beautiful trees of See Park illuminated as the sun goes down. While the fest will feature a mix of ticketed and free activities, if there's one event which we recommend committing to, it's Jacaranda Thursday. On this day Grafton's main street will close down as people meander throughout the CBD, soak up the atmosphere and simply stop and smell the jacarandas. The Grafton Jacaranda Festival will run from Friday, 27 October and Sunday, 5 November 2023. For the full event program visit their website.
Vegan? Gluten free? Intolerant of basically everything? Wattle Park Green Grocer has your back. As well as all the fruit and veg you'd expect to see at your local supermarket, Wattle Park specialises in ready made meals (including gluten free and low FODMAP options), organic produce boxes and gourmet food hampers. You'll find vegan dips and pestos, fair trade coffee and chocolate from local producers, organic Australian sauces and condiments, a big selection of mueslis and a room dedicated to bulk-buy wholefoods like nuts, seeds, dry fruit, legumes and hard to find flours. BYO containers and reusable shopping and produce bags. Images: Tracey Ah-kee.
It's been a busy 12 months or so for Qantas. The Australian airline launched 17-hour non-stop flights from Perth to London, started eyeing off even lengthier trips direct from the east coast to the UK and US, and introduced biofuel into its jaunts from Melbourne to Los Angeles. Now the carrier is kicking off the new year by earning a highly sought-after accolade, being named the safest airline to travel on in 2019. It's not the first time that Qantas has achieved the feat. In fact, the Aussie carrier has topped AirlineRatings.com's list for six years in a row. Entering its 99th year of operation, the airline emerged victorious from a pool of 405 carriers from around the world, with Virgin Australia and Air New Zealand also making the site's top 20. The other 17 airlines — which aren't ranked by number — span Alaska Airlines, All Nippon Airways, American Airlines, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific Airways, Emirates, EVA Air, Finnair, Hawaiian Airlines, KLM, Lufthansa, Qatar, Scandinavian Airline System, Singapore Airlines, Swiss, United Airlines and Virgin Atlantic. If you're a budget-conscious flyer, the website also outlined the ten safest low-cost airlines. Jetstar is one of them — and it's joined by Flybe, Frontier, HK Express, Jetblue, Cook, Volaris, Vueling, Westjet and Wizz. Factors that influence a carrier's placement on the two lists include crash and incident records, safety initiatives, fleet age, profitability, and audits by aviation governing bodies, industry bodies and governments. At the other end of the scale, five airlines received the lowest rankings: Ariana Afghan Airlines, Bluewing Airlines, Kam Air and Trigana Air Service. Via AirlineRatings.com.
Lined with leafy streets, Kensington's quiet village-like atmosphere belies its proximity to Melbourne CBD. Yet this peaceful pocket makes the neighbourhood prime for top-notch cafes rich in community spirit. While there's no shortage to choose from, Local Folk has become a beloved favourite in the area. Although the constant throng of customers highlights Local Folk's credentials, the cafe recently received the VIC Toby's Estate Local Legends 2024 award. Established by the coffee roaster to give communities the chance to vote on their favourite cafes brewing Toby's Estate beans, Ashley and his wife Belinda are chuffed to claim the title after a decade in business. With Ashley plying his trade in hospo venues across Melbourne since he was a teenager, this on-the-job education helped ready him for owning his own spot. With his family having roots in Kensington for years, it was the ideal choice to build something that could become a long-standing member of the community. Serving incredible coffee alongside modern cafe cuisine, a morning flat white or espresso goes down sweet with the brekky gnocchi or a spring salad. To celebrate Local Folk's award, we've chatted with owner Ashley to get to know his cafe better and what the Kensington community means to him. Tell Us About the Inspiration Behind the Name 'Local Folk' came from the Kensington community's interest in our business from the early days of renovating the premises. We had lots of families, dog walkers, and community members keen to hear what we were up to and planning. The local community showed us kind support and encouragement from the beginning. Given this was our first business, the name seemed to suit the local people and what we hoped to achieve. How Did You Get Into the Hospitality Industry? I've worked in the hospitality industry as a chef since age 17, starting as an apprentice in a French restaurant where I developed a love of cooking and hospitality. After working in various restaurants and cafes across Melbourne, I took the plunge in opening my own business in 2014. What's Your Go-To Coffee Order? A soy latte brewed with fresh beans (Toby's Estate, of course!) and Bonsoy Milk. From Your Menu, What's the Perfect Pairing With a Morning Coffee? Our Kenso brekky roll. It's our most popular menu item for on-the-go customers. Made with egg, bacon, house-made relish, jack cheddar and spinach in a toasted pide – delish! What Made You Choose to Open in the Area You're in Today? We had family connections to Kensington, as my father grew up in the area and attended the local primary school across the street from Local Folk. My brother also lived in the area a few years ago, so I know it well. We love the village feel of Kensington with its community vibe and felt that the weatherboard charm of our former corner store was the perfect site for a local cafe. What Future Plans Do You Have in Store For Your Cafe? We would like to continue to improve the facilities for our customers. In particular, we are meeting with our local council regarding our outdoor dining area and hope to make the area more comfortable in summer. We might even open on some summer nights. Where's Your Favourite Local Spot to Grab Dinner and a Drink After Work? Being a busy family with kids in school, going out for dinner and drinks after work is rare these days. However, when we have time, we try to support other local venues like Hardimans Hotel. What are Some Other Local Small Businesses You Think People Should Support? I believe in supporting local businesses, especially the Flemington & Kensington Bowling Club. They have hosted our staff Christmas parties on many occasions and we appreciate how they sponsor local sporting teams. Why Do You Use Toby's Estate? We chose Toby's Estate because of their ethical standards when sourcing beans from around the world. It's important to support the origins of the beans for sustainability and longevity. Toby's is a great coffee partner for their passion for quality coffee and support for small business. What's Your Favourite Toby's Estate Roast? Brunswick blend is our go-to roast. We love it for its dark chocolate and toffee notes. It's a blend perfect for Melburnians and is unique to the area. Local Folk is the Toby's Estate Local Legends winner for VIC in 2024. For more information on it or other cafes that serve Toby's Estate, visit the website.
St Kilda's newest hospitality addition will quickly make you forget that we're deep into another icy Melbourne winter. Overlooking the beach from the ground floor of The Esplanade's new Saint Moritz precinct, LOTI leans into its seaside location with breezy looks and a fire-driven Mediterranean-inspired offering. The moniker is an acronym for Lady of the Ice and a nod to the neon signage of a female skater that stood atop the nearby St Moritz ice rink until 1981. But unlike its namesake, there's nothing frosty about LOTI. Statement curves are a staple of the Mitchell & Eades interiors, backed by natural materials, and soothing hues of sand, peach and soft green. It's a warm, serene space, imbued with the energy of a coastal holiday. With a resume that includes names like Lûmé , NOMA Australia, Aria and Quay, Head Chef Elijah Holland is heroing the art of cooking over flames, along with ancient techniques like curing, fermenting and preserving. Native ingredients star throughout a seafood-heavy menu that's largely inspired by the local coastline. Down the lighter end, you'll spy bites like scampi skewers — butter-poached, grilled and finished with a kelp glaze — along with house-made seafood and meat charcuterie, yellowfin tuna mousse cornettos, and an artichoke tarte tatin. Barley-fed beef tartare features Davidson plum molasses, river mint and mustard greens; wild venison is matched with juniper and mountain pepper; and the rigatoni pasta with baked clams, bower spinach and gruyere promises one heck of a side dish. Led by co-owner Cameron Northway (founder of Cocktail Porter and owner of Bondi's Rocker) and developed in conjunction with World Class Bartenders from his drinks agency Sweet&Chilli, the drinks offering is equally strong. A cocktail lineup focuses on locally-accented interpretations of the classics — think, the Dirty Martini with uni butter vodka and vermouth, and the Cooler pairing cacao and white rum that's infused with river mint. Meanwhile, the wine list showcases a wealth of biodynamic and organic Aussie producers, giving special love to those making varietals that hail from the coastlines of Europe. Find LOTI at 14 The Esplanade, St Kilda. It's open 11am–late Wednesday to Sunday. Images: Parker Blain
One of the best restaurants in Australia will be immortalised in print, thanks to a new book by chef Dan Hunter. Brae: Recipes and Stories from the Restaurant will showcase the history, philosophy and food of the iconic eatery in country Victoria, and is shaping up as one of the most salivating reads of the year. Due to hit shelves on May 1 thanks to Phaidon Press, the 256-page hardback will explore the early days of Brae, while also charting Hunter's journey from kitchen porter to celebrated chef. Personal essays will explore Hunter's ethical vision and strong preference for local ingredients. It's an approach that saw Brae rewarded with the number two spot on the list of Australia's Best Restaurants last year. Amateur cooks will also be keen to get a glimpse of Hunter's recipes, a number of which will be included in the tome. Finally, the book will feature more than 150 of artist Colin Page's photographs, detailing the food, the kitchen and breathtaking Australian landscape that surrounds the restaurant on all sides. Brae: Recipes and Stories from the Restaurant hits bookshelves and online stores from May 1 with a recommended retail price of $75.
Is the 21st century Middle-earth's golden age? For viewers, that keeps proving the case. The 00s had barely begun when The Lord of the Rings franchise started its journey to becoming one of the global box office's biggest-ever film sagas — it currently ranks 12th — by first arriving between 2001–2003 as Peter Jackson's initial trilogy based on JRR Tolkien's beloved and iconic fantasy novels. After The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers and The Return of the King met such adoring cinema audiences and earned accolades, of course The Hobbit next made the leap to the silver screen under Jackson's direction, from 2012–2014 and again as a trio of flicks. A decade has now passed since An Unexpected Journey, The Desolation of Smaug and The Battle of the Five Armies as 2024 wraps up. The lack of Middle-earth at the movies also comes to an end via The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim. Jackson has focused on documentaries since The Hobbit films, courtesy of the First World War-centric They Shall Not Grow Old, plus TV series The Beatles: Get Back and accompanying movie The Beatles: Get Back — The Rooftop Concert. Since becoming almost as synonymous with all things LoTR as the author who created it, however, he's still attached to the saga. In the live-action realm, planned Andy Serkis (Venom: The Last Dance)-directed and -starring 2026 release The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum boasts Jackson as a producer. First, though, he has executive-produced The War of the Rohirrim, the franchise's new anime instalment. One of his greatest choices from The Two Towers and The Return of the King still echoes here, too, and literally, with Miranda Otto reprising her role as Éowyn. The 21st century's original LoTR pictures were a massive deal everywhere, but the wealth of Australian actors among the cast didn't go unnoticed across the ditch from where New Zealand's green hills earned their most-famous movie use yet. While Otto, David Wenham (Fake), Cate Blanchett (Disclaimer) and Hugo Weaving (How to Make Gravy) weren't strangers to the screen by any means at the time, The Lord of the Rings remains one of the projects that they'll each forever be known for. Playing elves, Blanchett and Weaving were each able to return for The Hobbit flicks, but popping up at different times in the saga isn't as easy when you're portraying a human. In Otto's case, The War of the Rohirrim has found a way to bring her back as Éowyn. Like streaming series The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, but unrelated to it, the new film is set before the events of the LoTR movies, but is told as a tale relayed by Rohan's best-known noblewoman and shieldmaiden. Imagine Éowyn "coming back and telling this story to her children"; that's what Otto did, she tells Concrete Playground. The narrative that the character unfurls from 183 years prior to her time has another Rohan heroine at its centre, explaining why she's someone that Middle-earth's kingdom of men, as well as its famed horsemen, should champion — even if her deeds don't furnish Rohan's songs and haven't been mentioned to audiences before. Héra (Gaia Wise, A Walk in the Woods) is the daughter of king Helm Hammerhand (Brian Cox, Succession), whose reign and house are threatened by a marriage proposal. When Wulf's (Luke Pasqualino, Rivals) hand in matrimony is rejected, so sparks the battle that gives filmmaker Kenji Kamiyama's entry into the LoTR franchise its moniker. With episodes of Blade Runner: Black Lotus, Star Wars: Visions, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex and Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045 on his resume, Kamiyama is well-versed at stepping into existing and already-adored worlds, and at giving them the anime treatment — a task that awaited with The War of the Rohirrim, and that the director handles with ease. That said, in connecting a tale that wouldn't be so resonant if viewers weren't familiar with Éowyn paving the way in the saga first with its on-screen past, Otto's voicework couldn't be a more crucial part of the movie. Returning to the role, she understands how the pair are mirrored, and also Éowyn's impact on the page and on the screen so far. "This character was really significant to a lot women growing up," she notes. Reteaming Otto with Philippa Boyens — who shared a Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar with Jackson and Fran Walsh for The Return of the King, then penned the story for The War of the Rohirrim's script and also produces the new film — the latest LoTR movie adds to a busy few years for an actor who last graced cinemas in 2023 hit Talk to Me. On the small screen, she's also brought her talents to everything from Wellmania and Koala Man to The Clearing, Ladies in Black and Thou Shalt Not Steal of late, expanding a filmography that has taken her through War of the Worlds, Cashmere Mafia, Blessed, South Solitary, I, Frankenstein, The Homesman, Rake, The Daughter, Homeland, 24: Legacy, Annabelle: Creation, Downhill, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, True Colours, Fires and more in the past two decades. We also chatted with Otto about what excited her about a Lord of the Rings comeback, reprising the role solely as a voice actor and the responsibility of portraying Éowyn — as well as whether the diversity of parts that she's been enjoying was the original dream back in her pre-The Two Towers days in The Last Days of Chez Nous, The Nostradamus Kid, Love Serenade, The Well, Doing Time for Patsy Cline, What Lies Beneath and Human Nature, plus what she makes of her journey across her career so far. On What Excited Otto About Returning to the World of The Lord of the Rings, and to Playing Éowyn, But This Time in an Animated Film "I was really excited by the idea that it was anime. I thought it was so interesting to go back into this world of Lord of the Rings and Tolkien and tell the story as an anime, and all the things that that gives you licence to do. The films have always done so well over there, and I feel like there's something in Japanese mythology that really has some kinship with Tolkien's mythology in some ways. So it just sounded like a great fit. And the idea of coming back as a narrator was really lovely. It made utter sense to me the way that Philippa put it forward to me when she wrote to me about doing it. I could understand the concept, that it was Éowyn coming back and telling this story to her children. I just really liked that idea." On How Otto Approaches Not Only Reprising the Role of Éowyn, But Solely Doing So as a Voice Actor "The first time I came back to do the recording was, I think, in 2022, and I'd just had COVID and my voice was croaky — and I thought 'oh they'll like it, because I sound kind of husky and deep and mature'. And then they were disappointed because they wanted me to have the same voice. They really very much wanted to hear the Éowyn voice from 20 years ago. So when we came to do the second recording in Wellington, it was great to actually be in the studio with Philippa and with Kenji, and to actually get to see more of the film. And I worked with Roisin [Carty, The Agency] again, who had done a lot of the dialect work on the original films. So that was a great way of really fully getting back into the character. And just being back in Wellington, and being back with a lot of the same people, really took me back to that feeling of Middle-earth." On Whether Returning to Éowyn Was Something That Otto Could Imagine Two Decades Ago When She First Played the Part "It's just amazing — you think 'my gosh, that much time has passed, wow'. No, I never. I very much knew when we made the films, I remember the first time coming over and seeing some of the footage, and going to the costume fittings and seeing the footage, I remember that night I did not sleep because I was so excited to be a part of it. I felt like I knew in that moment that these films would last a really long time, and it's exciting as an actor to be a part of something that will actually last for people. But I never thought at the time about being able to come back in any way. I know when they made The Hobbit, many of the Elvish characters got to come back. But me being a mere human, I wasn't involved in that story. So I never envisaged that I would get the call, but it was very lovely." On Héra's Story Following in Éowyn's Footsteps, Even If the New Tale Is Set Before the Original Films "I think it's really lovely that there's that mirroring of those two characters. To me, it also felt like in Lord of the Rings, Éowyn holds this legacy of the women of Rohan, the shieldmaidens. And she speaks about the women of Rohan, and you get a sense that there's this this lineage of women who have come before her, the people she looked up to and formed her. So when you go into this film, you get to see the women that she admired. She is telling the story because she admires Héra and finds Héra inspirational, and so it's really lovely to get a sense of that history." On Otto's History of Playing Influential Women Beyond Éowyn "I think it's the way the interesting roles have come my way. I think I just gravitate to women like that. It's really to do with the writing of the character, and whether it speaks to me — like sometimes I can read something and think 'that's really good, but I don't have any emotional connection to it' or 'I haven't got that spark'. In a rational sense, I know it's really good, it's probably going to be a great project, but I just don't have that launch point within myself in my gut that tells me 'I want to do this'. So I think I just respond to what's on the page. I don't make tactical choices of thinking 'I need to play influential women' — it's more just that I'm drawn to those characters. They're interesting to me." On the Sense of Responsibility That Comes with Playing Éowyn "It does come with responsibility. When you're a returning to a film, I think you have the responsibility, you're carrying the mantle of the history of those trilogies into this film. And I certainly feel when I meet people who are huge fans of film, that this character was really significant to a lot women growing up. Really, really significant, Éowyn's story. And I'm just the person holding that role. The character was written by Tolkien, invented by Tolkien and brought to the screen by Peter Jackson, and I'm just the conduit of it. But it is a responsibility when I meet people to understand their stories and how significant Éowyn was to them." [caption id="attachment_983393" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Thou Shalt Not Steal[/caption] On Whether the Diversity of Otto's Roles From the Past Few Years, Including Talk to Me, The Clearing, Thou Shalt Not Steal and Ladies in Black, Was What She Hoped for When She Was Starting Out "I definitely hoped that I didn't get stuck in the girlfriend roles. I sensed, in the scripts I would read along the way, there was a lot of female roles where you were just the girlfriend and they didn't have a lot of character written on the page. I prefer playing characters that are strongly written on the page, that I can leave myself and become someone else. And it's not just relying on my personality — that I can be somebody else. So I definitely didn't want to, from the beginning, be typecast into any particular thing. I really didn't want to be boxed in. And that's probably why I do tend to choose really different things, because I just don't want to be in any kind of cage, I guess." On What Otto Makes of Her Journey as an Actor So Far, Including Returning to Lord of the Rings "I feel really lucky. I have to say, Lord of the Rings was a really significant part of my career because I think it's given me that longevity in some ways. To have been a part of something that was so beloved has definitely helped my career. I feel really lucky that that I'm working, and that I still get to work with really interesting people. I've worked with a lot of younger, like first-, second-time directors in recent years, which has been really great. I feel really blessed. It's been really nice coming back to Australia, where I've felt like I've been able to jump around and do lots of different things. I've felt like in recent years in Australia, in film and particularly in television, there's a lot of different genres happening now, a lot of different styles, which has been so great and so inspiring to see. Dylan's [River, Robbie Hood] work in Thou Shalt Not Steal is so different to Gracie's [Otto, Seriously Red] work in Ladies in Black, and they're so different to Danny and Michael's [Philippou] work in Talk to Me. So it's just been really nice to work with all those different energies, I think." The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim opened in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, December 12, 2024.
Audrey Hepburn. Federico Fellini. Woody Allen. Names and faces synonymous with film history, they'll now be the subject of a series of free Sunday night screenings at the National Gallery of Victoria, presented by academics from the University of Melbourne. The six-week program includes a combination of classic and contemporary films designed to tie in with the NGV's Italian Masterpieces season, on display until the end of August. Split into two parts, the series begins with images of the region as shot by foreigners, starting with William Wyler's Roman Holiday followed by a pair of Woody Allen films in To Rome with Love and Vicki Christina Barcelona. Then in mid August, Federico Fellini's La Dolce Vita will kick off a trio of critically acclaimed Italian films. Fellini will be followed by Giuseppe Tornatore's love letter to cinema in Cinema Paradiso, before the series concludes with the most recent winner of the Best Foreign Language Oscar, Paolo Sorrentino's The Great Beauty. https://youtube.com/watch?v=fJfvX6zPAuQ
If you test positive for COVID-19 or have symptoms and are awaiting test results, you must isolate. It's not a new rule. But, the Victorian Government has just introduced new penalties for those who aren't following these isolation orders. If you're caught out and about, not isolating in your home, you could now be hit with a $4659 on-the-spot fine — or, if you repeatedly break the rules, sent to the Magistrates Court and fined up to $20,000. The Victorian Government announced the new penalties, which are up from the current $1652 on-the-spot fines, after discovering that about 27 percent of Melburnians have not been following the state's isolation rules. At a press conference today, Tuesday, August 4, Premier Daniel Andrews said that the Australian Defence Force conducted more than 3000 door-knocks checking on people who were meant to be in isolation and found more than 800 people were not at home and "could not be found". "That is completely unacceptable," the Premier said. Because of this, the Government is not only increasing the penalties for breaking the rules, but banning those in isolating from exercising. Until now, you could go outside for socially distant exercise if you were in isolation, but moving forward you must remain on your property. "You will need to stay in your home or on your property. Fresh air at the front door. Fresh air in your frontyard or backyard or opening a window. That's what you're going to have to do," the Premier said. "Apart from getting emergency medical care... there is literally no reason for you to leave your home." As well as for those who've tested positive or are awaiting test results, isolation may be required if you've come in close contact with a confirmed case or have been to an 'exposure site' named by the Department of Health and Human Services. Returning international travellers must also go into mandatory hotel quarantine. The DHHS has outlined all the rules of isolation and quarantine over here (but it has not yet updated the rules surrounding exercise). "We will do everything we possibly can to support people, but you have got to be isolating when you are directed to do so, for a close contact or for a positive case and, of course, we want people who have been tested and awaiting results, we want you to isolate as well," the Premier said. "If there are any insecure work issues, if there are financial issues, then there is that $300 payment." The Federal Government also yesterday announced a $1500 payment for those who do not have sick leave and must self-isolate. If you're not isolating, but are in metro Melbourne, you are still allowed to exercise once a day, for an hour, within five kilometres of your home, under the new stage four restrictions. Regional Victoria is now under stage three restrictions. For more information about the status of COVID–19 in Victoria and the rules around isolation, head to the DHHS website.
There's never a bad time for gelato. There's never a special occasion that couldn't use it, too. That's all in Gelato Messina's wheelhouse, with the chain mighty fond of releasing limited-edition treats to make holidays even tastier. The latest example: its Easter 2023 offering, which brings back its gelato-filled chocolate eggs. Dessert heaven? This is it. Also, if you've always wanted to smash open a Messina Easter egg, that's on the menu as well. Either way, you'll be tucking into an egg handmade out of Messina's milk chocolate — and it'll be filled with frosty, creamy goodness or six rocher balls. First, the gelato-packed eggs, aka a dream for gelato and chocolate lovers alike. That's tasty news as it is but, in even better news, these goodies come in a trio. So, you'll get the Ménage Egg Trois, as Messina has dubbed it, all for $95. The gelato chain says the three eggs can feed between six and ten people, but it's obviously up to you how much you share them On the menu: a custard and shortbread gelato number, with the chocolate egg also featuring strawberry jam yolk, and then dipped in strawberry white chocolate; and an egg packed with vanilla and coconut gelato, mango sorbet, mango gel yolk and baked cheesecake, then encased in white chocolate and desiccated coconut. And, rounding out the pack is a pretzel and milk chocolate-coated egg featuring chocolate gelato with peanut fudge, chocolate brownies and peanut butter caramel. Your tastebuds might already remember that Messina did gelato-free chocolate Easter eggs in 2022, too. This year's version sprinkles its shell with chopped roasted hazelnuts, and boasts two waffle cone and white chocolate rocher balls (filled with waffle cone cream), two 65-percent dark chocolate and salted peanut rocher balls (filled with peanut cream), and two milk chocolate and hazelnut rocher balls (filled with Messinatella cream) inside. That'll set you back $70, and apparently will keep two-to-four people (or just you) very satisfied. As a bonus, Messina is also making golden versions of both Easter sets — and the difference isn't just in the appearance. If your milk chocolate gelato-filled eggs happen to be gold on the outside, you've won a year's worth of Messina. If your giant chocolate egg has a golden rocher inside, same deal. You will need to take a photo, then email hello@gelatomessina.com to claim your prize. Messina's Easter kits can only be ordered online on Monday, March 20 for collection over Easter — of course — between Thursday, April 6–Sunday, April 9. Messina now opens its orders at various times for various places, so you'll want to hop online at 9am for Queensland and Australian Capital Territory stores, 9.15am for Victorian shops, and at either 9.30am, 9.45am or 10am depending on where you are in New South Wales. Gelato Messina's Easter eggs are available to order from Monday, March 20 for pick up between Thursday, April 6–Sunday, April 9 — head to the Messina website for further details.
