If dropping by your local car wash makes you want to unleash your inner kidult, then you'd better get yourself to the National Gallery of Victoria's Grollo Equiset Garden from October 14. That's when M@ STUDIO Architects will be setting up a pretend car wash, which you'll be welcome to treat as one giant playground. Their brilliant idea is called Haven't you always wanted...?, it's the winner of the 2016 NGV Architecture Commission — and it's free to check out. You'll be able to find your fun easily — just look out for the old-school, glittering sign. Head inside to discover a true-to-size car wash replica, based on an actual existing one in Blackburn. But you can forget your run-of-the-mill cement and nasty fluoro lights. Instead, you'll be surrounded by walls of cricket netting, looking up at a pretty translucent ceiling, frolicking in bright pink AstroTurf and kicking back on rubber speed bumps. There'll be five 'bays' altogether, two hung with red plastic curtains and one equipped with a mist diffuser. So, though you probably won't be able to go for an all-out water fight, you won't escape totally dry (should that be your car wash wish). Plus, at night, the whole scene will light up, letting you have nocturnal adventures galore. To celebrate this epic creation, the NGV is organising a slew of events. In what seems similar to the Queen Victoria Gardens' MPavilion, this outdoor structure will host talks, live music and performances over both spring and summer. But, if you're not in the mood for shows, you can head along to hang out with friends anytime. "We are thrilled to be selected as the winner of the 2016 NGV Architecture Commission," said M@ STUDIO Architects. "Open competitions such as this provide a vital platform for architects to experiment and facilitate public discourse around the broader ideas that motivate the specific design explorations." The annual NGV Architecture Commission invites architects to come up with clever, clever installation ideas for the Grollo Equiset Garden. Entries are judged for their originality, their new ideas concerning architecture and design, and their innovation in material use, fabrication, sustainability and recyclability.
Melbourne likes movies. Melbourne likes rooftop bars. Little wonder then that the Rivoli Cinema in Camberwell is now serving cocktails at a slightly higher altitude. Now open on the roof of Hawthorn East's iconic cinema, nineteenforty is a garden-inspired rooftop bar that offers panoramic views of the surrounding suburbs. Named for the year that the now-iconic picture palace first began operations, the east side's newest watering hole sounds like an ideal date spot, with drinks and a movie all rolled into one. Designed by Hot Black, the rooftop bar's look is meant to complement the cinema's art deco trappings, with timber cladding, striped umbrellas, potted plants and festoon lighting. Food-wise they'll offer a selection of bar snacks including wedges, veggie spring rolls, and cheese and dip platters, along with pizzas and gourmet popcorn options like salted caramel, white raspberry, maple bacon cheese and pecan pie. As for drinks, moviegoers can pick between an array of wines, beers and ciders, or sample cocktails like the Athena (apricot brandy, cloudy apple and lime) and the South of the River (Star of Bombay, St Germain Elderflower, apple, lime and mint). "We've always been enamoured by the history of the cinema," said Rivoli site manager James Zwack. "The rooftop bar seems like the perfect way to invite guests to enjoy the space as much as we do." The Rivoli isn't the only cinema to look to the sky in recent times, with the recently opened Lido on nearby Glenferrie Road offering rooftop screenings throughout summer. Find nineteenforty on the top of Rivoli Cinema, 200 Camberwell Rd, Hawthorn East. Open from 5.30pm weekdays and from 2pm on weekends, subject to weather.
Portraits aren’t all regal furs and awkward “Oh, didn’t see you there,” poses. They can be weird, abstract, figurative, unrecognisable, or downright adorable. That last one sums up French-born Sydney artist Bruno Jean Grasswill's portrait of Australian actor and The Castle legend Michael Caton, winner of the 2015 Packing Room Prize and one of the finalists for the Archibald Prize, announced today. One of 47 artworks picked as Archie finalists in the Art Gallery of New South Wales' annual Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes, Grasswill's portrait of Caton took home a Packing Room cash prize of $1500, judged by the gallery staff who receive, unpack and hang the entries. There's no jousting sticks in sight, but we're pretty sure this one's going to go straight to a lucky gallery's pool room. Caton apparently congratulated the AGNSW packing room staff “on their excellent taste in art.” What a boss. After 832 Archibald, 653 Wynne and 518 Sulman entries, this year, these 47 Archibald finalists are the top tier of artists trying to make us wake up and pay attention (whether for great or WTF reasons) to Australia’s big ol’ faces. It's not an easy task; capturing a realistic, unrelentingly vulnerable likeness of your own reflection, someone you’ve just met or one of your oldest buds takes a fair few stories, maybe a few beers and a willingness to tackle the intimidating notion of thinking up something new after decades of Archie winners. There's a few standouts for us this year, which you can see when the exhibition opens to the public on July 18. There's this striking portrait of Australian fashion designer Jenny Kee by Carla Fletcher: This pretty damn impressive self portrait of Australian artist and political activist Richard Bell: Adam Alcorn's sharply figurative portrait of Sydney award-winning writer, comedian, podcaster and radio host Alice Fraser: Julian Meagher's candy-coloured portrait of Daniel Johns: And Stewart MacFarlane's got Corey Bernadi holding some kind of whip? The Archibald Prize exhibition opens to the public at the AGNSW on Saturday, July 18. To view all the Archibald, Sulman and Wynne finalists, head over here. Images: Archibald Prize, AGNSW.
If you find yourself in our fair capital this summer, don't leave without checking out Hyper Real at the NGA. Featuring nearly 50 extraordinary digital art and ultra-real sculptures by 32 international artists including Ron Mueck, Patricia Piccinini, Sam Jinks, John DeAndrea, Carole A Feuerman and Marc Sijan, you can expect to see everything from a frozen sculpture made from an artist's blood, a virtual journey through a human skull floating in space and a transgenic creature giving birth. An incredible opportunity to see sculpted forms so true to life you'll get goosebumps (prepare to suppress the urge to reach out and touch them), Hyper Real takes humanity and amplifies it, asking 'what makes us human?' whilst displaying the ever-expanding artistic potential of the genre itself. "Contemporary hyperrealism has pushed beyond static sculpture and into the digital realm. It is a shape-shifting genre, simultaneously traditional and innovative, familiar and provocative" says Jaklyn Babington, NGA Senior Curator of Contemporary Art. Trust us, you won't have seen an exhibition like this before. Image: Patricia Piccinini, The long awaited, 2008, silicone, fibreglass, human hair, plywood, leather, clothing, Collection of Detached Cultural Organisation and the artist, Hobart. Courtesy of the artist, Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery, Sydney, Tolarno Galleries, Melbourne and Hosfelt Gallery, San Francisco.
There's something about being served your dinner out of a giant wheel of cheese. If that sounds like your idea of a good time, head to Hawthorn's Vaporetto Bar & Eatery between July 2 and July 16, because the kitchen is launching its first-ever cheese wheel. Truly a milestone worth celebrating. If you haven't tried this before, here's how it works. You order the Italian classic cacio e pepe from the menu, and the Vaporetto team will assemble your dish in a giant wheel of parmesan cheese. The hot pasta and starchy water melt the cheese wheel, creating the most gooey, cheesy, eyes-roll-back-in-your-head-y cacio e pepe you've ever had in your life. Vaporetto owners, Omar, Giacomo and Donatello, are no strangers to the heady delights of the cheese wheel — they've previously tested it to great success at Vaporetto's sister restaurant, Cosi Bar in South Yarra. Vaporetto's giant wheel of cheese will be running between July 2 and 16, from 12pm to 3pm for lunch seatings (then again from 5pm till closing). A bowl of cacio e pepe from the wheel will set you back $36.90. You can book your table straight through the website. Images: supplied.
With the world still reeling after losing one of its most iconic voices, two of Australia's best repertory cinemas are paying tribute to his legacy. In the wake of Prince's sudden passing, both The Astor in Melbourne and the Hayden Orpheum in Sydney have announced upcoming screenings of 1984's Purple Rain, giving fans the chance to see the artist weave his magic on the big screen once more. The Astor will hold two screenings — one on the afternoon of Saturday, April 30 and a second (added due to the first selling out in record time) a week later on Saturday, May 7. What's more, $1 from each ticket sold going to Edgar's Mission, a non-profit sanctuary that provides assistance to rescued farm animals. More than 2,000 people have already expressed their interest on Facebook, so anyone hoping to attend had better snap up tickets fast. The screening at Hayden Orpheum will take place a few weeks later, on the evening of Friday, May 13. The cinema previously payed tribute to rock legend David Bowie and recently departed actor Alan Rickman with a special screenings of Labyrinth and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 earlier in the year. Prince's death has sent shock waves through popular culture and inspired countless tributes, from Spike Lee's massive Brooklyn block party to landmarks lighting up purple in cities around the world. US President Barack Obama described him as a "creative icon." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuXK8ZbTmLk Find out more about Purple Rain at The Astor here and The Hayden Orpheum here. Updated: April 26, 2016.
The sights, the sounds and – most importantly – the flavours of a Bangkok street kitchen are on their way to Melbourne. Set to open on Crown Riverwalk early in 2017, Long Chim Melbourne will be chef David Thompson's third Thai restaurant in Australia, following the super successful Long Chim Perth and the soon to open Long Chim Sydney. It's not often that Melbourne trails behind Perth in the world of fine dining. Still, we figure better late than never. Information about Long Chim Melbourne is still a little on the vague side, although that isn't stopping us from getting seriously worked up about it. Thompson is, after all, one of the biggest names in modern Thai cooking – his Bangkok eatery Nahm was recently ranked one of the 50 Best Restaurants in the World. Assuming Long Chim Melbourne is anything like its Perth counterpart, diners can expect a laid back atmosphere with a noisy open kitchen, plus a bar serving craft beer and wine along with a selection of Asian-inspired cocktails. Hopefully we can find a few more clues at Long Chim Sydney, which is set to begin service next month. In the meantime, you'll be able find us obsessively refreshing Long Chim's Instagram and scouring the web for cheap flights to Southeast Asia. perfect weekday lunch: #longchimperth tuck shop's pork curry with ginger and pickled garlic. mon – fri, 12-2pm. A photo posted by long chim (@long.chim) on Jul 5, 2016 at 2:21am PDT Long Chim Melbourne will open at Crown Riverwalk early next year.
Whenever Vivid takes over Sydney to kick off winter, the city instantly gets brighter. Unleashing a huge festival of lights and vibrant installations, live music, food and talks will do that, of course. Mark Friday, May 26–Saturday, June 17 in your calendars for 2023, with the annual festival returning with a typically massive program. One headlining event is an appearance from Mike White, creator and writer of HBO's The White Lotus alongside the hit show's star and entertainment icon Jennifer Coolidge. The duo is coming to the Harbour City's Aware Super Theatre at the ICC Sydney for an exclusive in-conversation session moderated by Benjamin Law as a part of Vivid Ideas. Lights-wise, more than 50 installations will be bringing bursts of colour to the Harbour City, with public installations, 3D projections and ticketed events all part of the lineup. The Vivid Light Walk is back with free public works inspired by nature popping up from over 100 light collaborators and 26 international light artists from 13 countries. First Light will also return, celebrating Australia's original custodians and opening the festival with a performance from Yolngu supergroup Yothu Yindi. Other notable installations include Written in the Stars, which will see over 1000 drones light up the night sky and a huge Tumbalong Park activation called Dance Together, which will have you shaking your hips underneath three giant floating rings suspended above your head. Plus, the previously announced Lightscape will also be a part of the program. The after-dark light festival will be taking over the Royal Botanic Garden from 5.30pm each night. 2023 marks the first time the festival has introduced Vivid Food, a dedicated lineup of culinary events, to the program. The next-level eats are headlined by a two-week residency from New York chef Daniel Humm f the three Michelin-starred Eleven Madison Park at Matt Moran's Aria. There will also be a range of collaborations as part of the Vivid Chef Series, a dedicated barbecue pop-up featuring Firedoor's Lennox Hastie, Chefs on the Harbour, a view-heavy overwater dinner on the luxury superyacht The Jackson with Nel's Nelly Robinson, plus popular chefs Khanh Ong and Mark Olive, and Mary's Group's one-day HERE NOW food, wine and music festival. Music is always a huge component of the festival, and this year's lineup does not disappoint. The Sydney Opera House has rolled out a predictably showstopping and diverse mix of artists, starting with Devonté Hynes (also known as Blood Orange) performing selected classical works with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. The bill also features José González celebrating the 20th anniversary of his album Veneer, Cat Power recreating and reinterpreting a 1966 performance by Bob Dylan, and appearances from the likes of Thundercat, Yaeji, Ella Mai, Weyes Blood, Hiatus Kaiyote, Ethel Cain, Sleaford Mods, Squarepusher, Iceage, Kimbra and Budjerah. Outside of the Sydney Opera House, Vivid's music lineup will include A Bend in the River: A Celebration of the Life & Music of Archie Roach at the Sydney Town hall with Paul Kelly, Emma Donovan, Dan Sultan, Kutcha Edwards and Becca Hatch among the friends, collaborators and contemporaries that will perform during the tribute. Tumbalong Park will again host 12 nights of free live music featuring Yothu Yindi, Hatchie, Kaiit, A.Girl, Ziggy Ramo, Cornelius and a celebration of 15 years of triple j's Unearthed High competition. And, Carriageworks has curated a genre-spanning lineup with the like soft Desire Marea, Flying Lotus, Molchat Doma, Liv.e, Floodlights and Soft Centre. [caption id="attachment_892843" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption]
The man who conquered Melbourne’s laneways has set his eyes on the sky. Co-creator of Laneway Festival and the man behind Thousand Pound Bend, Ponyfish Island and Sister Bella, Jerome Borazio will stake his claim to a prime piece of high-altitude Melbourne real estate, with an upscale camping ground on the Melbourne Central roof set to open on May 20. "I was literally just looking at the building, and I had this idea," Borazio tells us. "I’ve worked with Melbourne Central on and off on projects for five or six years now, and I know they’ve been trying to activate it, so I knew the space was available. But I wasn’t just going to put another pop-up restaurant or pop-up bar up there." Christening the project St. Jerome’s – The Hotel, Borazio promises "five-star intelligent design" and "high level personalised service" to go along with panoramic views of the Melbourne skyline. The accommodation consists of 30 canvas bell tents, with a combination of standard 'rooms' and suites. There's the 'Luxe' (a four-metre Homecamp bell tent) and 'Luxe Plus' (five-metre Homecamp bell tent, with mini-bar, electric blankets and heating) option to pick from, both fitted out with pretty stunning bed linen from Linen House's latest collection — and they'll provide you with one of their fluffy white robes too. Guests will have access to a range of amenities including 24-hour concierge service, free wi-fi, a guest-only communal lawn area, complimentary breakfast hampers, morning coffee by Plantation, goodies from the Swisse Body Care range and free Tai Chi and meditation sessions every morning. The St. Jerome’s – The Hotel General Store will be stocked up with everything from postcards to bed socks, amenities to Laurent Perrier Champagne, Victorian wines from Treasury Estate to Melbourne-based Fire Drum Vodka (yeah, not your average camping ground kiosk). The five-star trappings also mean a five-star bill, and Borazio says prices would start from around $330. That puts it about in line with other high-end CBD accommodation, but a tad more expensive than just pitching a tent in your own backyard. But this is a pretty unique stay in a significantly epic setting. The Melbourne Central rooftop has seen sporadic use over the years, and was recently home to a pop-up tennis court during last year’s Australian Open. The space is expected to open for business on May 20, and Borazio remains undeterred by Melbourne’s notorious winter weather. "We actually think it’s quite romantic," he says. "You’ll be in the tent, hearing the rain on the canvas. It's a pretty unique experience." St Jerome’s – The Hotel currently intends to occupy the space for a limited time only. St. Jerome's — The Hotel opens on May 20. Stay glued to their Facebook page for more updates.
You're trekking across Botswana and Victoria Falls, putting one foot in front of the other from Beijing to Shanghai, kicking off your shoes on the coast of Goa. First thing you do? Take an Instagram of your feet — it could win you the whole damn trip. Thanks to STA Travel, the popular act of taking a photo of your feet is now deemed a 'shoefie'. This new term isn't just for social media fun, but for charity. Instead of simply making your followers jealous with your toes in the sand, do some good with those kicks. STA Travel is teaming up with Soles4Souls Australia for #mynextstep, an unprecedented travel adventure coupled with a charitable cause. Enter and you could win a return trip to some of the world's most adventurous, beautiful locations. The shoefie gig is simple: take a shot of your feet and Instagram @statravel with #mynextstep and your dream destination. The most creative shot wins a return trip, an adventure tour and $2000 in spending money. All for taking a shoe pic. The catch? There isn't one. But since CP readers are decent people, we're betting you'll also follow through with the other half of the partnership — hit up an STA store and donate a nicely worn pair of shoes for a cause to Soles4Souls. The Australian charity raises more than just awareness for disadvantaged people, both locally and internationally. The partnership between STA Travel and Soles4Souls is a no-brainer, and them combining forces for a great cause is the icing on this sweet, sweet deal. At its core, this campaign is asking Aussies to 'put their best foot forward', both socially and charitably. And with the bonus possibility of winning tours that span sailing Croatia to an epic adventure from Delhi to Kathmandu, what better way to nab your dream holiday. STA Travel's #mynextstep promotion runs until 30 November, so get your shoefie on. To find out how you can enter the competition, head to the #mynextstep website.
It goes without saying, Melbourne's characteristically buzzing cultural ecosystem has thrived this year, with the city's most innovative, forward-thinking residents taking bold risks in their field. More inventive, forward-thinking and experimental than ever, Melbourne's event producers have found new ways to celebrate city life, reinvigorating dwindling or hidden spaces, taking the idea of 'immersive' happenings to another level, and taking us on wild adventures in our own home. At Concrete Playground we encourage exploration and showcase innovation in our city every day, so we thought it fitting to reward those most talented whippersnappers pushing Melbourne to be a better, braver city. And so, these six new events, opened in 2016, have been nominated for Best New Event in Concrete Playground's Best of 2016 Awards. Vote for your favourite.
Melbourne-based literary and art mag The Lifted Brow is ready to launch its 26th issue at Howler. It's not just any ol' quiet literary launch; there'll be live music curated by Bedroom Suck, featuring Free Time, Totally Mild, Empat Lima and Simona Kapitolina, alongside Lost Animal and Terrible Truths cranking DJ sets in the beer garden. Issue 26 is the second incarnation of The Lifted Brow's new format. It includes work from international contributors Wayne Koestenbaum and Hoa Nguyen, as well as a stack of home-grown talents, such as Briohny Doyle, Upulie Divisekera, Helen Addison-Smith, Samuel Wagan Watson, Michael Farrell, Jessica Yu, Sam George-Allen, Rebecca Harkins-Cross, Dion Kagan, Jana Perkovic, Nicky Minus, TextaQueen, Mary Leunig, HTMLflowers and Michael Hawkins. Since being founded in 2007, The Lifted Brow, a "quarterly attack journal", has become one of Australia's most respected literary publications. Numerous big names have featured, Christos Tsiolkas, Helen Garner, David Foster Wallace and Neil Gaiman among them.
If you think you’ve missed your chance to nab tickets to an epic New Years' music festival, think again. Jump across the Tasman and head to the unassuming vineyard city of Gisborne for three days of pumping beats and good vibes this December. Now in its 13th year, Rhythm and Vines has roped in some of the globe's best and brightest international and local artists to welcome in the first sunrise of 2016. From hip hop heavyweights to smooth electro sets, you’re guaranteed to be making at least one solid resolution after seeing this year's huge lineup. Heading up the bill on opening night, Pittsburgh-based rapper Mac Miller will be delivering tracks fresh from his latest record GO:OD AM after playing to sell-out crowds across the States earlier this year. Night two sees local rascals Sticky Fingers take the stage, along with iconic Canadian dupstep/house duo Zeds Dead. Throw in killer DJ sets by Grammy award-winning electro trio Nero and English producer Sub Focus and you'll be throwing shapes long into the night. Rounding off the festival, siblings Angus and Julia Stone will put their serenading skills to the test, before the ever-epic Pendulum kick things up a notch alongside NZ DJ Sir-Vere, plus many more legendary acts. Phew, it’s going to be a hell of a ride. If the thought of forking out the funds for an airfare is dampening your spirits, we’ve got some good news. Thanks to the crew at Air New Zealand, you and one lucky music-loving mate could be jetting off to Rhythm and Vines in A-class style. With return flights, a four-night stint at the Quality Hotel Emerald Gisborne and Vintage Club VIP access to the entire festival, you’ll be the envy of all your pals. Did we mention you’ll even score stageside access to Peking Duk’s opening night performance? Our Concrete Playground NZ team will host you on a backstage tour of the festival before getting side of stage to Peking's highly-anticipated set. Talk about a party to remember. To land a spot to this ripping NYE bash, click here to enter the Party with Peking competition. Image: Nick Gee/Paul Hoelen.
Kraków makes for an enriching stopover if you're travelling through Europe on an extended trip. Though the city carries a notoriously sombre history, Kraków is an endlessly charming and friendly place to visit with plenty to discover. On the long list of eye-opening sights, expect castles and churches in the medieval Old Town, lush parks and bike paths, as well as Oskar Schindler's famous Enamel Factory and the Nazi concentration camp at Auschwitz-Birkenau. There's no shame in following the well-worn tourist route — but when your feet are weary, the crowd fatigue starts to set in or you simply wish to do as the Cracovians do, consult this list of less obvious activities in Kraków. In partnership with Topdeck, here's the instalment of our Less Obvious city guides. Episode four: Kraków. SAMPLE LOCAL FOOD TRUCKS IN THE JEWISH QUARTERS Venture south of the Old Town and you will wander into Kraków's historic Jewish Quarters. Once an independent town, Kazimeirz is a bustling and bohemian neighbourhood packed with synagogues, bars, cafés, food trucks and street art. Sample some of the local food truck delicacies, like polish fries or pierogi (a type of Polish dumpling) and take yourself on a street art tour. In between cobbled laneways and quaint courtyards, the area has an eye-catching range of murals, some of which commemorate the displaced Jewish community and former inhabitants. HIDE FROM THE CROWDS AT MASSOLIT BOOKS & CAFÉ On the outskirts of the Old Town you will come across Massolit Books & Café, a cosy place to whittle away an afternoon. This English language bookstore is stocked with an impressive range of literature. Although they specialise in Eastern and Central European literature, you'll find everything from classic and contemporary fiction through to politics, poetry and philosophy. They also host events such as literary readings, lectures and political discussions (though these are mainly in Polish). Settle down with some baked goods and a cup of coffee and enjoy hiding from the crowds for a little while. [caption id="attachment_595236" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Pierogi (polish dumplings).[/caption] DEVOUR HOME-STYLE POLISH CUISINE IN THE CITY'S MILK BARS Poland's milk bars are an easy way to avoid tourist traps. These unique and unassuming cafés were established as early as 1897, but became popular as government-subsidised worker's canteens in the Communist era. Typically, the menu is short and simple, consisting of pierogi (those Polish dumplings again), omelettes, goulash and potato pancakes. It's deliciously hearty, authentic and affordable Polish fare. Some old fashioned milk bars have recently been revitalised, such as Milkbar Tomasza in the Old Town which has a more modern touch. On the other hand, Bar Mleczny in Nowa Huta hasn't changed since the '70s. TRAVEL BACK IN TIME TO NOWA HUTA For an alternative spin on the city, take the tram out to Nowa Huta in Eastern Kraków. Funded by the Soviet Union and built in the architectural style of socialist realism post WWII, the area was envisaged as a utopian testament to the humble proletariat. It was also the site of many protests and solidarity movements during the dying days of Communism. These days, you can find historical remnants, such as the Ludowy (People's) Theatre and the Arka Pana church. It's an interesting place to visit — just a short tram ride from Kraków's city centre, but what feels like a completely different place. GET CULTURED AT BUNKIER SZTUKI While the monumental Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCAK) is probably the cultural kingpin of Kraków, Bunkier Sztuki offers something slightly different. Burrowed in the lush gardens encasing the Old Town, this cutting-edge institution is fringed with a little café and publishing house. With a focus on innovative multimedia, the gallery spans three levels and features emerging and lesser-known artists, mainly from Poland and Eastern Europe. QUENCH YOUR THIRST AT HOUSE OF BEER While Poland is more famous for vodka than beer, House of Beer is a fun and relaxing place to sample a hefty range of brews, particularly after traipsing up and down cobbled streets. Many of the drafts come from small to medium-sized breweries across Poland, Germany, Lithuania and Ukraine. The knowledgeable staff will give you some pointers and knock together a tasting paddle. You can also curl your mitts around a mulled wine in winter. HANG OUT WITH HIPSTERS AT FORUM PRZESTRZENIE The Brutalist silhouette of the Forum Przestrzenie looms large over the Vistula River. Once a major drawcard, the Communist-era hotel has fallen into disrepair. However, it has been repurposed as a vibrant hub of cultural activity – there are a cluster of clubs, workshops, bars and art galleries surrounding it. As there's plenty of space for diversity and reinvention, it's always changing. Grab a beer and a deck chair by the river at dusk, and then explore some of the nightclubs once you're acquainted with the area. EAT ZAPIEKANKA IN KAZIMEIRZ This historic round building nestled in the heart of Kazimeirz (in Old Town) contains a number of food stalls. Built in 1900, Okraglak in Plac Nowy is a popular market square where many of the vendors sell zapiekanka, a Polish-style snack featuring your choice of topping on half a baguette. It's insanely cheap and filling, making for a satisfying stomach-liner before sampling some of Kraków's nearby nightlife. The locals have their personal preferences; however Endzior seems to be a firm favourite. ADMIRE AWARD-WINNING DESIGN AT THE MALOPOLSKA GARDEN OF ART This recent addition to Kraków's cultural landscape is renowned for its innovative architecture. Boasting a multifunctional space, the structure is sleek and skeletal – casting sharp, geometrical shadows across the street. Out the front you will see a garden with a scattering of benches and a maple tree in the middle. There's a theatre, library and exhibition centre to explore once you're inside, and plenty of festivals and events are hosted here, so you'll always have somewhere to go if you come across a spare moment on your Kraków adventure. Visit Europe (including Kraków) with a Topdeck trip and make 2017 a year to remember. Book early (that means now) and save up to $999.
Summing up the year is always reflective. But summing up a year of food? It's stomach rumbling stuff. In the last 365 days we've seen scores of restaurant openings, new seasonal menus and pop-ups, eaten around 1,095 square meals and squeezed in approximately 1 billion snacks. It's a lot to consider. But when we threw the question open to the Concrete Playground team, we got some swift responses. Because that's what it's all about, right? It's about those meals that stick in your sensory memory all year-round. The moment that melt-in-your mouth wagyu touched your tongue; the crack of a perfect creme brulee. So here they are, the tastes we've been thinking about all year and the dishes we dream about ordering again: our favourite meals of 2014. PEANUT BUTTER TOFU BAO AT KONG Did they say 2014 the year of the burger? Or the bibimbap? If you ask us, it was all about the bao. No matter what you wedge between those sweet fluffy bun pillows, with a little hoisin and coriander, it always tastes good. There are plenty of places to get them, but the best we've had this year would have to be at Kong. Taking leave from more traditional pork belly and brisket buns, these peanut butter crusted salt and pepper tofu buns take tofu out of bland territory and into the land of holy wow. These aren't cheap at $6 a pop and you'll have burnt chilli mayo running down to your elbows, but you'll still want a few more once you're done. GRADE 7 WAGYU BEEF AT LUCY LIU This dish is the not-so-silent hero of Melbourne CBD's new modern Asian eatery. Whispers of this succulent meat dish have been heard whistling through the wind since Lucy Liu opened its doors. Strips of juicy wagyu are accompanied by a delicious honey-soy BBQ dipping sauce (yakiniku) and fluffy, clear-your-nostrils mustard horseradish (which, if you're not careful, you might mistake for a perfect scoop of vanilla ice cream, it looks so smooth and creamy). The textures and flavours come together in such beauty and balance it's like a sophisticated BBQ-slash-wild party-slash-yoga session in your mouth. If such a thing was possible. CRAB SPAGHETTINI AT FATTO Arriving at your table perfectly twirled and perched in the centre of the plate, this spaghettini is that perfectly balanced dish that will win you over from the first mouthful. The sweetness of the crab is offset by a lemony tang and finishes with a touch of fresh chilli. Fatto Bar & Cantina is the cibarious diamond in the rough of Melbourne's theatre precinct, and this dish makes a perfect encore to a show or holds its own as the main event. CREMA CATALANA AT BOMBA A creme brulee is a creme brulee right? Nothing too fancy about it — not worth the hype? Wrong. A creme brulee can be done one of two ways: badly, or well. Like most things really. Bomba does it well. Very well. They also call it a Crema Catalana as they're using Spanish influences. Cream, milk, sugar, and egg yolks are a good start. The cinnamon, orange, and lemon really make it. Perfectly crisp on top and light, fluffy, sweet, and slightly tangy underneath. We'd be lying if we said we were able to hold a real conversation while eating this. TRUFFLED POLENTA AT STAGGER LEES We never thought polenta would make it onto a 'best-of' list, but here we are. In 2014 Melbourne, European peasant food is on the menu — and it's good. In fact, one of our favourite breakfasts this year was all about polenta: Stagger Lee's Shrooms 'n' Truffles. A big bowl of creamy, rich polenta, served with pine mushrooms, pecorino and topped with an egg yolk is the ultimate remedy for a chilly morning. We don't quite know how they get polenta to taste this good — all we know is we want to lick the bowl clean. WHIPPED COD ROE AT CUTLER & CO. Classified more as an appetiser but no less a memorable piece amongst the varied magic of Andrew McConnell, the whipped cod roe at Cutler & Co. lingers in our minds for its elusive flavour and moreish texture. Perfect slathered over crudites and bread, yet not too overpowering that it ruins the palette. We'd take it home with us if we could. Image credit: Delanie at And So I Don't Forget... SOUTHERN STYLE PORK BELLY CHOPS AT NIEUW AMSTERDAM It felt like Melbourne was moving on from their obsession with pork belly but, luckily, Nieuw Amsterdam kept the train rolling — and we guarantee this’ll be one of the most memorable dishes you'll eat. The Southern Style Pork Belly Chops are put together in a slightly deconstructed way with the melt in your mouth pork belly sitting beneath perfectly-crisped sheets of crackling. The dish is also served with a fresh sauerkraut that alleviates the all too common heaviness that can come with pork belly dishes. Nieuw Amsterdam has the 'wow' factor but is grounded in honest and comforting dishes like this one. Combined with the ambience of their Hardware Lane digs, it's definitely worth the trip. DUCK IN CHOCOLATE AT DUNORD On our visit to DuNord this year, the duck in chocolate had us immediately intrigued, as did the potato 'stones' that came with it. What we got was a large piece of juicy duck in chocolate covered with lingonberry and blood jus, and accompanied with boiled potatoes covered in a grey substance, making them look like little boulders — the presentation was gorgeous and incredibly detailed. Everything about this meal was magnificent: the flavour, the presentation, and the generous size. SLOW COOKED LAMB SHOULDER BASTILLA AT TALL TIMBER When it comes to a lunch break, Tall Timber is an oasis from the slim pickings on St. Kilda Road. The slow cooked lamb shoulder and caramelised onion parcel is melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The pomegranate yogurt dressing rounds the juicy flavours of the lamb out with a refreshing finish, making this dish a perfect selection for an autumn or spring day alike. Coffee isn't the most obvious beverage to complement, but we'd suggest you go for it anyway. It's the perfect meal to savour through the long afternoon of meetings ahead. Image credit: chefryan85 via Instagram. PEANUT BUTTER PARFAIT AT SUPERNORMAL This one's been around for a while. It's Andrew McConnell's Eureka moment. Well, it certainly was when Golden Fields was still sitting in St Kilda. But since moving the operation to the city and calling it Supernormal, he's had a few more of those moments. Admittedly, dessert is our preferred course of choice here — the miso and Pink Lady soft serve came extremely close to making this list — and you absolutely cannot go past the infamous peanut butter parfait. Topped with salted caramel, peanuts and a ball of soft chocolate ganache, this is the sweet course of choice for anyone that loves a rich finish. It's so good that, even after ordering it for the third time, it still sticks out as one of the best. Just like this list, it's the note you want to end on. Tried, tested and compiled by the Concrete Playground team.
Di and Will Keser are the proud owners of four very excellent things: two beagles, Moesley and Snoopy and two Melbourne cafes, Hardware Societe and Bowery to Williamsburg. And they’re soon to be adding another excellent thing to their rapidly growing set: a 50-seat restaurant at the steps of the Sacre Coeur cathedral in the beating heart of Paris. The Kesers have only recently arrived in Paris and are setting up shop in the suburb of Montmartre, the artists’ quarter, an appropriate choice for the prolific cafe mogul pair. Hardware Societe Paris is set to open in January 2016, so adjust your flights accordingly. We had a chat with Di about the practicalities of moving two beagles and a business to a bureaucratic country and the challenges that come with living between well-loved two places. While a lot of Aussie cafes head over to the US to make their international debut, you guys have chosen Paris. What inspired the choice? Actually, it was simply a personal decision. We own an apartment in the second arrondissement and really wanted an excuse to spend more time here, which is difficult when we have our roots truly planted in Melbourne with family, businesses and dogs (they come over early next year). But we adore Paris. The city has such life, no matter what time of the year it is. We just wanted to be part of that more permanently, rather than hoping off a plane every few months and living like tourists in our home here. I think we possibly picked the most difficult and bureaucratic country to open in. Nothing is easy, but I guess that is all part of the challenge right? Once we’ve pulled this off, I am pretty sure opening a cafe on the moon would be easier. Are you and Will living over in Paris to look after the cafe? Yes, we are here now. There is a lot to organise, particularly for a girl that speaks little French — partially because I am so embarrassed when I open my mouth, partially because I talk to Will all the time in English and partially because most people speak English. Our intention is to spend the next 12 months over here after opening, and then reassess things after that. Whether that is three months here, three months in Melbourne, time will tell. But it is difficult with our beagles, as Moesley and Snoopy are the main priority when it comes to returning home more permanently. I mean imagine if they prefer it here, then I guess we stay. Coffee, come to me #hardwaresocieteparis #parislife #obladi A photo posted by The Hardware Societe (@hardwaresociete) on Aug 26, 2015 at 12:57am PDT How do you think the Aussie flat white will land with espresso lovin’ Parisians? I think Parisians are very open to new things but why can’t they have a short black, if that’s what they want? It will just be a Melbourne bean on offer [Padre Coffee]. We’ll be appealing to a few different markets: Parisians seeking out brunch, the Australian tourist yearning for something beyond a humble but delicious croissant for breakfast, and of course, the expat community (I am one now, after all), and a surprisingly global Hardware Societe following. Would you believe I have had people say they will take the Eurostar over to Paris for brunch? That absolutely astounded me. Are you taking any other Aussie standards over with you or sticking with the French fusion fare? We are so excited to be bring Padre Coffee along for the ride, they are a huge part of who we are and it wouldn't have been the same if we couldn't offer Padre here. But apart from Padre coffee, no. Everyone knows Hardware Societe and knows what we do. What is interesting is that we are bringing our interpretation of a French brunch to Paris — think eggs en cocotte (our baked eggs), breakfast cassoulet (traditional bean stew with lyonnaise sausage, confit duck and pork belly), riz au lait (rice pudding), our infamous fried brioche (French toast) and of course our lobster benedict. Hardware Societe Paris will be no different to Melbourne, save for the staff. What's to become of Melbourne’s Hardware Societe and Bowery to Williamsburg while you’re away? Truthfully, apart from the friendships we have formed through running Hardware, most customers don’t know who we are and the Hardware team have been with us a very long time. The smiling and dedicated team crew are Hardware Societe, so nothing will change. As for Bowery, we have two awesome business partners, Shaun Williams and Gary Xue, (who is also our head chef at Hardware). They have been very generous, allowing us to take time out, and do this. Is this possibly the street that Hardware Societe Paris will call home? #parislife #hardwaresocieteparis A photo posted by The Hardware Societe (@hardwaresociete) on Aug 26, 2015 at 7:57am PDT Hardware Societe Paris will open in 2016, opposite Sacre Coeur, Montmartre. Image: Dollar Photo Club.
The NGV is pretty practiced in juxtaposing the classical and the contemporary, and the gallery is set to do it again with its winter exhibition celebrating acclaimed Chinese artist Cai Guo-Qiang and one of the world's most important ancient artworks: The Terracotta Army. And, as is now custom, with a seasonal blockbuster, so comes a brand new season of NGV Friday Nights. The gig series is now a quintessential way to end a chilly winter week in Melbourne. And, thanks to a slew of pop-up bars, you'll get to enjoy this after-dark art excursion with a cocktail in hand. It'll kick off on May 31 with a set from local indie folk band Husky and run all the way through to a Friday-Saturday finale with NZ's alternative pop band Yumi Zouma on October 11 and a Saturday party with Young Franco on October 12. As always, you'll get after-hours access to the gallery as well as the gigs. Rove between the current exhibitions and out in the garden to the soundtrack of local DJs and bands, who'll change every week. There'll also be lots of great food courtesy of Hutong Dumpling Bar, who'll be taking over the NGV's Gallery Kitchen and transforming it into a Shanghai-inspired dumpling bar. Expect all the bar's signatures — xiao long bao, spicy wontons, crab dim sums — as well as weekly specials. NGV FRIDAY NIGHTS WINTER 2019 LINEUP May 31 — Husky June 7 — Amaya Laucirica June 14 — NGAIIRE June 21 — Approachable Members of Your Local Community June 28 — Sloan Peterson July 5 — I Know Leopard July 12 — Sui Zhen July 19 — Adrian Eagle July 26 — Rainbow Chan August 2 — Kira Puru August 9 — Hobsons Bay Coast Guard August 16 — CLYPSO August 30 — Slum Sociable September 6 — The Audreys September 13 — Maribelle September 20 — LALKA September 27 — GRAACE October 4 — Thandi Phoenix October 11 — Yumi Zouma October 12 (special Saturday event) — Young Franco NGV Friday Nights run from 6–10pm.
Melbourne's famed floating bar is back for another summer season on the Yarra, this time promising to be bigger and better than ever before. Arbory Afloat, which made its debut in 2015, is being reimagined this year as a sprawling, 500-square-metre floating pontoon, installed on the river in front of sister venue, Arbory Bar & Eatery. And it's a monster. Open to the public from Wednesday, November 15, the temporary bar and restaurant clocks in at a whopping 50 metres long, with room for 407 guests. Design-wise, this year's bar riffs on the beach clubs of The Mediterranean, accented in eye-catching Klein Blue and boasting a central bar, with a mix of day beds, banquette seating and restaurant dining. The breezy Mediterranean influence extends to the food and drink offering, with Chef Nick Bennett's laidback menu featuring seafood aplenty, house-made gelato and Neapolitan-style pizzas from the woodfire oven. Sun-drenched drinking sessions here will feature fruit-driven cocktails from an extensive, Euro-influenced lineup, and bespoke gin and tonic creations, crafted on a range of small-batch tonics and clever garnishes. Meanwhile, National Good Food Guide 2018 Sommelier of the Year Raul Moreno Yagüe has worked his magic on the wine list to deliver an offering that's fresh, vibrant and geared perfectly to summer sipping by the water. Arbory Afloat will open 7am will 1am daily. Updated: January 14, 2018.
Death and vengeance are the common threads in Damián Szifron’s Wild Tales, one of the most deliriously savage black comedies to hit cinemas in years. Argentina’s nomination to the most recent Foreign Language Oscar race, the film consists of six separate vignettes, following six everyday people driven to the point of no return. The ensuing mayhem resembles the spawn of the Coen Brothers, Almodovar, Tarantino and Bunuel; a wicked tour de force as sharp as a corkscrew and every bit as twisted. Anthology films can be a risky proposition, particularly when one or more segments falls short. Thankfully, that’s not the case here. Yes, every viewer will have their favourite (personally, I loved the opener), but even the ‘weaker’ episodes are catapulted along by an almost maniacal sense of escalation. Whether it’s a wealthy couple trying to cover up their son’s indiscretions, a lowly waitress taking revenge on the man who ruined her family or just two drivers struck down by a serious case of road rage, every chapter in the film is propelled by a wonderful inevitability: eventually, everything will be thrown horribly, hysterically and often violently out of control. And believe it or not, there’s actually method to Szifron’s madness — an intelligence lurking beneath all that wonderful chaos. The cathartic pleasure we feel watching his characters rebel against what’s socially (and ethically) acceptable comes directly from our own frustrations with the everyday world. Bureaucracy, class inequality and male impotence are but a few of the film’s more pointed areas of exploration, and while we’re hesitant to suggest that the people in the film get what’s coming to them, poetic justice certainly tends to prevail. Many of the shorts also offer a thinly veiled criticism of the country’s endemic political corruption, although you certainly don’t need to live in Argentina for that to strike a chord. The script is matched by top-notch technical specs, with crisp cinematography and eye-catching production design along with some extremely memorable music choices. The cast is likewise terrific across the board, although particular praise must go to Rita Cortese as a burly cook and Erica Rivas as a seriously pissed-off bride. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTXKTj4XCs8
Every so often I find myself staring at my rug and thinking of Lebowski. Rugs really do tie a room together, and their absence can very easily render something like a living room nothing more than a collection of 'things' with no real connective tissue. In The Big Lebowski, of course, Jeff Bridges was that rug: a slovenly yet cohesive force of White Russian-fuelled lethargy who kept an otherwise sprawling and surreal piece of cinema from descending into incoherent nonsense. Central characters are always important, yes, but in specifically psychedelic cinema where style is often in equal or greater measures than substance, a well-defined, well-performed protagonist can be the single determinative factor between success and failure. Inherent Vice — the seventh film by Paul Thomas Anderson — is one such example. Based on the Thomas Pynchon novel, it is confusing and bewildering cinema at its absolute best, guided through the haze courtesy of Anderson's deft hand and another exceptional performance by Joaquin Phoenix. Phoenix plays Larry 'Doc' Sportello, a perennially stoned private investigator in 1970 California who's hired by his ex-girlfriend Shasta (Katherine Waterston) to track down her missing lover (Eric Roberts). In principle it seems largely straightforward, but the set-up alone contains so many twists, double crosses and tawdry affairs that within five minutes of the opening titles there's a sense of being overwhelmed in a manner that doesn't improve over the remaining 147 minutes. Though Doc shares your confusion, he never shows it. Instead, he cruises unflappably through every conversation and encounter, pausing only occasionally to jot down irrelevant one word notes in his flipbook. Imagine the Dude, only without the hobby or mantra to guide him: an underestimated sleuth combining the substance abuse of The Rum Diary's Paul Kemp with the quirky intuition of Columbo. Surrounding him, the list of cameos is both enormous and divergent, contributing in no small way to the film's labyrinthine plot. There's the strait-laced assistant DA with a secret, Penny Kimble (Reese Witherspoon); the tell-all nurse's secretary, Penny Leeway (Maya Rudolph); the drug-addicted dentist Dr Rudy Blatnoyd (an entirely lecherous Martin Short); Doc's mysterious lawyer, Sauncho Smilax (Benicio Del Toro); and Owen Wilson's Coy Harligen — a musician/heroin addict/missing person/cult spokesperson/political renegade. Even he doesn't quite know who he is. Finally, there's Josh Brolin as Lt. Detective Christian F. 'Bigfoot' Bjornsen — a hard-nosed, hippie-hating cop sporting a Dragnet crew cut and a penchant for sucking down chocolate-covered bananas on a stick. He and Phoenix put in the film's best performances, and it's their shared scenes that boast the most engaging screen time. "A hidden defect (or the very nature of a good or property) which of itself is the cause of (or contributes to) its deterioration, damage or wastage". That's the legal definition of 'Inherent Vice', and for Pynchon it represented the uncomfortable truth about America's decline. In the wake of the Charles Manson killings, the failings of the American Dream were to be found within the dream itself: corrupt, flawed and prey to the darker nature of man. That's what's at the core of this film (however difficult it might be locating it), and while it won't be to everyone's taste, Inherent Vice is an impressive piece of filmmaking that warrants your time and attention.
Sydneysiders have been pretty damn stoked with their lofty tourist attraction, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, since it opened on March 19, 1932. Then, in 1998, Bridgeclimb Sydney let keen beans walk all over it — bringing even more sweet, sweet tourist dollar to the city. Even we walked over it. Now, Melbourne wants a piece of the high-flying action, with a brand new attraction planned for the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Confirmed by Sports Minister John Eren on 3AW Breakfast and reported by The Vine, the Victorian and Federal Government are planning to spend $3 million on a 'tourist walk' at the MCG, built high above the hallowed turf. Apparently you'll be able to survey your crickety kingdom from 70 metres up — the ultimate spot for one heck of a Classic Catch. The best bit? There are reports of a flying fox or zipline to send you whizzing across the MCG. A ZIPLINE FLYING FOX. Official plans and dates haven't been revealed as yet, but we can dream. Via 3AW and The Vine. Image: Sascha Wenninger.
It's no secret that Melbournians love their craft beer, so when it comes time to visit the bottle-o we've always got our eyes out for something special. While craft beer selections are certainly expanding in most bottle shops, not all have as much variety as we would hope for. Well, fear not discerning beer fans: we've got your hit list sorted. MCCOPPINS Much loved by Fitzroy and Abbotsford locals, McCoppins has hundreds of different craft beers and a constantly rotating selection. Both international brands and homegrown heroes likes James Squire and Stone and Wood and are well represented here, so there's plenty to choose from. Another brilliant aspect of McCoppins is that they're open until midnight — the perfect saviour to every poorly-planned summer house party. 165 Johnston Street, Fitzroy (plus locations in Abbotsford and Hawthorn East — although HE's more food and wine-focused, not beer-focused), (03) 9417 5089, www.mccoppins.com.au BLACKHEARTS AND SPARROWS Although Blackhearts and Sparrows is best known for their excellent selection of wines, their beer fridges are also well stocked. The staff are incredibly helpful, even when you charge on in with no particular idea of what you want, they'll offer an expert opinion. We're yet to be disappointed with a single recommendation. They also have pretty solid relationships going with local breweries, so keep your eyes peeled for limited edition brews on their shelves. 113 – 115 Scotchmer Street, North Fitzroy (Plus locations in Windsor, East Brunswick, East St Kilda and Kensington), (03) 9486 8046, www.blackheartsandsparrows.com.au SLOWBEER The folks at Slowbeer are total pros — they run Australia's first bottle shop to be 100 percent dedicated to only selling craft beer. Slowbeer first opened in 2009 in Hawthorn and later moved to Richmond in 2012 to get closer to the action. Over 1000 different beer varieties have been sold at the shop over the years and, while they focus on local microbreweries, they also stock more obscure imports from breweries with cult-like followings from all over the world. They also do takeaway growlers full of fresh draught beer. Or, if you can't wait, you can even have a beer on premises at the Beer Cafe. 468 Bridge Rd Richmond, (03) 9421 3838, www.slowbeer.com.au VALLEY CELLAR DOOR Yes, another bottle shop that was once predominantly known for its wine selection. However, the popularity of craft beer has inspired Valley Cellar Door to dramatically expand their drinks range, and we're sure glad they did. We love this Moonee Ponds gem not only because of their excellent selection, but because you're welcome to stay and have a pint. They have five taps that rotate monthly and are usually determined by the climate. Right now, they have JP's Red Ale, 4 Pines Hefeweizen, Holgate 'Big Stein' Marzen and Red Hill Brewery Kolsch, but this lineup is likely changed by the time you've read this. Cheers! 18 Hall Street, Moonee Ponds, (03) 9370 2000, www.valleycellardoor.com.au. CARWYN CELLARS Specialising in small boutique producers, Carwyn Cellars is an excellent choice if you want something a little bit different. From Kooinda to Red Duck, they like to support local talent — we love Murray's Whale Ale for something seriously drinkable. They stock approximately 200 craft beers and, in case you were wondering, their beer of the month is Sideshow Brewers Ticket Booth Pale Ale right now. The good people of Carwyn Cellars are also very aware that summer festival season is right around the corner; they stock craft beer cans so you can enjoy the festivities in style. 877 High St, Thornbury, (03) 9484 1820, www.carwyncellars.com. HARVEST WINE AND LIQUOR Tucked away in Northcote, this little treasure is dedicated to finding and supplying delicious and interesting beer, wine, cider, and spirits. The staff are super friendly and keen to help you find the perfect brew to match your mood, your food, or the temperature outside. They stock Victorian brewers such as 3 Ravens, Temple and Red Hill, as well as Feral Brewing from Western Australia, Murray’s from New South Wales and Burleigh Brewing Company from Queensland. 207 High St, Northcote, (03) 9482 5868, www.harvestwine.com.au. TRU BRU If you like your beer super fresh and you're all about recycling, Tru Bru may be the one for you. Tru Bru only serve their stock in reusable, take-away growlers (two litres) or half-sized one litre 'squealers'. They stock a range of beer, cider and soda, and usually have 20 drinks on tap for you to choose from. They often favour local brews like those from Mornington Peninsula Brewery, and have even recently tapped limited releases from Hargreaves Hill Brewing Company and Brookes Beer. Bonus: they've also been known to give gluten-free beer a trial. 3/9 Yarra St, South Yarra, (03) 9826 6878, www.trubru.com.au. Want to brush up on a few craft beer basics before buying? Check out our Bluffer's Guide to Craft Beer.
Get outside for a little fresh air and exercise with a pack of marauding, flesh-eating zombies snapping at your heels. After pulse-racing chases around the US and Asia, undead obstacle course Run For Your Lives is headed to Sydney and Melbourne. Halfway between a marathon and a Romero movie, the rules for the event are relatively simple: participants navigate various obstacle, including a blood pit, a ropes course and even a Resident Evil-style 'laser grid', while trying their very best not to be eaten tagged. Every survivor gets three lives, represented by blood coloured flags tied to their waist. Lose all three lives and it's game over. You can also choose to play as a zombie, with a hair and makeup team on hand to help with your ghoulish transformation. Regardless of which team you’re on, don’t wear anything you won’t mind getting damaged, and make sure you bring a spare change of clothes, shoes... and a towel. And before you get any bright ideas, this is strictly a weapons free event, so leave the sawn-off shotgun at home. After the race, players will be able to attend an apocalypse afterparty, with dance music, live entertainment and zombie-themed activities. You'll probably need to let off some steam after this. Run For Your Lives hits The Dairy in the Western Sydney Parklands on Saturday September 5, before heading to a yet to be confirmed location in Melbourne on Saturday October 24. Tickets to the Sydney event are available now and start from $59. For more information, visit www.runforyourlives.com.au. View all Sydney Events.
One of the most underrated Japanese joints in the Melbourne CBD is trading its teppanyaki grill for a collection of cast-iron French cookware. From the beginning of next month, the owners of nearby Coda are taking over Yu-U, with plans to reopen the much loved Flinders Lane eatery as a contemporary French bistro early in 2016. According to Good Food, the team behind Coda will transform the underground space into a 30-40 seat restaurant, complete with bar and open kitchen manned by Frenchman Florent 'Flo' Gerardin. A veteran of such establishments as Pei Modern and Vue de Monde in Melbourne, 59 Poincare in Paris and L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon in Las Vegas, Gerardin told Good Food that the menu at the currently unnamed bistro would be comprised of "soul food" made using the skills he learnt from famed chefs Joel Robuchon and Alain Ducasse. In practical terms, that translates into simple French dishes such as beef cheek with onion and classic steak tartare, along with bar snacks and share dishes served hot and cold. No word on whether they'll be cleaning the graffiti off the location's hidden entrance – frankly that might take away some of the charm. Yu-U is located at 137 Flinders Lane, Melbourne. Via Good Food. Image: Coda
UPDATE, May 22, 2021: Black Panther is available to stream via Disney+, Google Play, YouTube Movies and iTunes. There is one dull moment in Black Panther. Exactly one. And the fact that it comes courtesy of Stan Lee's now-inevitable cameo speaks volumes about this rich and electrifying instalment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. When the man who ostensibly founded the franchise shows up, it feels like a predictable, obligatory inclusion in a film that runs from those labels every other chance it gets. Lee's presence nods to the usual formula that's been deployed for 17 big-screen chapters — but, coming in at number 18 in a series that shows no signs of slowing down, Black Panther refuses to stick to that template. It's one of the few comic book flicks in living memory that doesn't spend its time setting up the next movie or shoehorning in links to past titles. The film stands on its own merits, and it's absolutely glorious. Although viewers first met Chadwick Boseman's T'Challa, aka Black Panther, back in Captain America: Civil War, his debut solo outing is still something of an origin story. Despite this, in exploring who the newly crowned Wakandan king is, where he's from and the struggles he's facing, the film prowls down its own path. After the death of his father, T'Challa finds himself at a crossroads about the future of his nation — a place that has long chosen to hoard its considerable technological advancements, close its borders and hide its true nature from the world. Some close to him, such as his head of security W'Kabi (Daniel Kaluuya), support the insular status quo. Others, including his ex-girlfriend turned secret special forces operative Nakia (Lupita Nyong'o), advocate for helping those in need. A Marvel movie that weighs up the merits of isolationist policies versus social responsibility, all while grappling with race and class as well? With its eyes firmly on current world affairs, Black Panther certainly isn't afraid of getting topical. Directed and co-written by Ryan Coogler, the film blends the rousing politics of his debut, Fruitvale Station, with the earnest spectacle of his follow-up, the Rocky-spinoff Creed. It's a superhero flick with something to say and no qualms about saying it. At the same time, the ambitious effort nods effectively to Shakespeare in its family dynamics, and offers up smart spy action complete with its own gadget guru (Letitia Wright, a scene-stealer as T'Challa's younger sister Shuri). Packed to the brim (although it never feels overstuffed), the movie also makes a stand for formidable women through General Okoye (Danai Gurira), the king's loyal, lethal and highly memorable bodyguard. Marvel's last title, the wonderfully distinctive Thor: Ragnarok, successfully carved its own niche within the MCU's usual confines. While that film proved an impressive feat, Black Panther goes one step further, effectively smashing the standard mould to pieces. This shines through in two areas in particular. The first is in the film's treatment of its primary antagonist, with unruly weapons dealer Ulysses Klaue (Andy Serkis) a mere distraction on the road to the determined Erik 'Killmonger' Stevens (Michael B. Jordan). Villains aren't typically Marvel's strong suit, but here the fight between opposing forces feels refreshingly astute and even-handed. Casting assists considerably in this regard, with both Boseman and Jordan bringing considerable gravitas to their roles. Coogler also demonstrates an exceptional command of tone, delivering a film that serves up a few well-earned laughs, but takes its overall task seriously. In a picture positively teeming with highlights, however, Black Panther's greatest quality is its all-round embrace of African culture. In every aspect of its look, sound and feel, this chapter is like nothing else in the Marvel universe, and that's clearly by design. Twice during the film, outsiders enter Wakanda and try not to let their jaws drop to the floor — and it's easy to understand their reactions. Frankly, it's the same one we had as the end credits rolled. Coogler has crafted an entertaining, engaging and impassioned movie that is both proud of and confident in its differences, and is also committed to shining the spotlight on the people that blockbuster cinema so often ignores. What could be more awe-inspiring than that? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ph9_oITIefE
Ever driven across the Story Bridge and thought, "Wouldn't it be great to go to a market here?" We know, that might not have crossed your mind exactly. But it must've popped into the heads of the folks behind Hamilton's Eat Street Markets, because that's exactly what they're about to do. On July 5, the Brisbane landmark will be doing more than just linking Kangaroo Point and Fortitude Valley. In fact, cars will have to find an alternate route across the river, because a food market is taking over the entire bridge. Around 50 vendors have been invited to sell their delicious, delicious wares, so there'll be plenty of tasty treats on offer. A whopping 20,000 people are allowed on the bridge at a time, which sounds like a lot — but what Brisbanite would miss out on checking out this historic, ultra-novelty event? Indeed, given that everyone in Brisbane has already seen the bridge covered in fireworks many, many times, there's probably no better way to celebrate the 75th birthday of the heritage-listed icon. The bridge officially opened for business back on July 6, 1940 after five years of construction, and now sees an average of 97,000 cars zoom across it each day. While gathering for a bite to eat on the bridge might be something new, spending money there isn't. It was originally a toll road, with charges removed in 1947. Since 2005, people have been paying to scale its heights as part of the Story Bridge Adventure Climb experience. Now, for one night only, you can snack, browse and devour delicious local food with the best view in town. Brisbane's Story Bridge will closed to traffic for the food market for one night on July 5. Via Brisbane Times. Image: andzzz, judyvannorman and Tim Williams — Flickr via Wikimedia Commons and Eat Street Markets. View all Brisbane Events.
In the space once home to student haunt Bimbo, Australian Venue Co (Fargo and Co, State of Grace, The Smith) launched Kewpie back in 2021 — a laidback neighbourhood boozer with cheap pizza and a weekly roster of DJ-fuelled party sessions. Aesthetically, little has changed since the pub's last makeover, with low booths spread across the spacious ground-floor rooms, colourful posters across the walls, and a sunny bar and terrace offering prime position on the rooftop. From the kitchen comes an affordable offering of pizza and snacks, most clocking in at cheap cheap. Vegetarian options might include a caramelised onion and potato number, or the Mexican-inspired Poncho topped with corn chips and jalapenos. There's a peri peri chicken pizza, another loaded with Calabrese salami, and a garlicky marinara creation starring calamari, prawns and capers. Throw on a side of the onion rings if you're feeling snacky. Meanwhile, the bar's keeping things simple, with a mix of crowd-pleasing brews, craft tins, wines and classic cocktails. And soundtracking the Kewpie good times, there'll be a slew of music-focused happenings across the second half of each week. Top Images: Kate Shanasy
Our modern obsession with packing into cities means that increasingly massive skyscrapers are inevitable. After all, if we don’t head upwards, well, there’s only so much land. One of the problems with skyscrapers, though, is that their behemoth shadows seriously shorten the day of their surroundings. Even a spacious, sunny city like Sydney can feel cold and dark when you’re wedged between towers (just look at the long shadow Barangaroo's casino is expected to cast). Now imagine how gloomy things can get in densely populated metropolises like London and New York — if you've visited, you'll know how gloomy things can get in the financial districts. But a London-based architecture company by the name of NBBJ has come up with a solution: the 'No Shadow Tower'. The concept involves two twisting skyscrapers, to be built side-by-side, which redirect sunlight to the area around their base — right where dreary shadows are usually found lurking. The idea was developed with London’s North Greenwich in mind, at the request of New London Architecture, and was first published in New London Quarterly. "The algorithm design for the tower is based on the law of reflection," the design team told Dezeen. "Our facade has varying angles of panels that distribute light over a certain area at multiple times during the day." The algorithm works by recording the sunlight's angle every single day for an entire year. With this information, the team can predict how light will play on the building at various points during the day, and then construct the skyscraper’s facade to reflect it accordingly. The use of individual panels allows reflection on a pane-by-pane basis; creating circles of light, rather than a single, extremely hot area. NBBJ was motivated by its passion for the public and their environment-determined happiness. "One of [our] principle concerns is public space and the ways the public use and interact with these spaces," the designers explained. "The No Shadow Tower places public space at the heart of the project, along with human interaction and the impact of skyscrapers at street level... The research that we have undertaken could be applied in many locations in the world, each time creating a different form that would relate to its specific context and solar conditions." Where do we sign up? Via Dezeen. Images: NBBJ.
A rare combination of store, teahouse and Chinese restaurant, David Zhou's Oriental Teahouse is an interesting experience. Everyone knows that tea goes wonderfully well with a Chinese meal (and cancels out ALL the fats and oils at the same time, right?), but what would you say if we offered you a choice of 38 different varieties, including seven different flavours of iced tea? Of course, not all are meant for accompanying your dumplings. This is somewhere you could come simply for a tea-filled experience during the day, or as a pre-dinner treat. More complicated than a wine list, the tea menu is divided into eight categories — white, green, black, oolong, herbal, fruit, signature and iced — with tasting notes for each variety so you can try something new, and perhaps learn a few things about tea. Try them all if you are so inclined. Despite walking into what largely feels like just a tea shop with tasting area at the Little Collins Street outpost, this is a full-blown Chinese restaurant, with an extensive dumpling menu including surprising additions like chilli wagyu beef, ginger prawn and roast duck. There are even steamed white chocolate dumplings for dessert. With his string of teahouses, 'Dumpling and Tea Master' Zhou has managed to provide a new experience of dim sum to be consumed at any time of the day, with tea drawing just as much of the focus as the food. Just like meat and wine or tacos and cocktails, dumplings and tea is a fabulous combination.
There is always one of two things that stick with you after a visit to Curtin House on Swanston Street — those stairs, or the inevitable hangover the next morning. By the time you get up a few flights — even before Rooftop — the drinks are well deserved. Found on level six, Mesa Verde is an open, wood-clad room filled with personality. A Mexican influence is heavy on the food and drinks front. A seriously curated wall of tequila is what you'll find behind the bar as you peruse the menu where you'll find that cocktails rely heavily on the Mexican spirit. For those in the mood for a cocktail try the margarita de la casa a classic mix of tequila, lime and agave or one of the concoctions inspired by Mexican figures like Frida Kahlo, El Santo and even El Chupacabra. If you're a group in the mood to party, go for a cocktail to share like the house sangria, with red wine, curacao, orange and jalapeno, or the lager-ita with tequila, grapefruit, lime, agave and Coronas. Cocktails at Mesa Verde aren't the only ones invited to the party. The taps pour a rotating roster of independent brews, while the wine list features a list of predominantly Australian wines, bar the Champagne and sparkling lists. To accompany the liquids, there is a pretty extensive food menu to sit alongside the drinks list. Keeping in theme, snack on things like Victoria-grown corn tortilla chips with guac or the hiramasa ceviche with lemongrass and salsa macha. For something more substantial, try the tacos with fillings like barbecued goat with salsa, onion and coriander or the braised ox tongue with fermented morita BBQ and grilled mustard greens. Sweet tooths will be happy to know there is a banging dessert menu. You can top off the evening with horchata ice cream with corn meringue, dulce de leche and soft chocolate, churros and mezcal hot chocolate sauce. Mesa Verde is adding something a little different to the already full Curtin House. It earns its place as a stopover to one of the many other venues, or as a destination in itself. [caption id="attachment_888764" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Chip Mooney[/caption]
Ronnie's prides itself as a vibrant Italian diner suited to any occasion and a place that exudes warmth and congeniality. Located inside a heritage brick facade in the heart of Melbourne, the interior is warm and airy with a relaxed and welcoming vibe. The staff here will serve you with a smile on their face while guiding you through the long list of pasta and unforgettable desserts. The starter menu includes dishes such as marinated olives, whipped cod and pickled mussels, while a serving of Adelaide Hills pork and fennel salami is not to be missed. For vegetarians, there's a roasted pumpkin salad with stracciatella and pumpkin seed dressing or their famous fermented potato focaccia. Pasta dishes include classics such as the spaghetti carbonara served with pancetta and the spicy fusilli alla vodka with whipped ricotta — this one is extra special. If you're after something more substantial then look towards the Southern Ranges eye fillet served with duck fat potato bake and green peppercorn jus. The dessert menu is especially impressive with choices including a baked cheesecake, chocolate torte, an affogato with Frangelico or Amaretto and limoncello float served with vanilla ice cream and lemonade. The wine list is another standout and easy to navigate, with a healthy list of wines by the glass including a Tuscan sangiovese, a Sicilian nero d'avola and some local favourites such as a Yarra Valley chardonnay. Images: Pete Dillon
In 1978 Robert Redford helped oversee the first Sundance Film Festival, an event originally designed to attract the cinema world to Utah. Four decades later, and that aim has well and truly been achieved. Come the end of January each year, the who's who of filmmaking rush to Park City for a feast of film surrounded by wintry snow. And, with good reason. Over the decades, Sundance has helped launch everything from Reservoir Dogs, The Blair Witch Project and Donnie Darko to Boyhood, Hunt for the Wilderpeople and Manchester by the Sea. In 2017, two movies that we were excited about after their Park City debuts — Call Me By Your Name and The Big Sick — ended up on Concrete Playground's best movies of the year list. So did Get Out, which premiered at Sundance as a secret screening, wowed viewers around the globe afterwards and recently picked up four Oscar nominations. In short, the fest's lineup usually offers a reliable roster of the flicks to look out for in the months afterwards. With 110 feature-length films on Sundance's 2018 program, as selected from 29 countries, including 47 first-time filmmakers and culled from 3901 full-length submissions, there's plenty to tempt cinephiles on this year's bill. One of them, the amusing National Lampoon insider effort A Stupid and Futile Gesture, is already screening on Netflix if you're keen to jump right in. Another, Australia's own stellar Indigenous western Sweet Country, just opened in local cinemas. As for the rest, here's our picks of the flicks we're hoping to see on our shores soon. SORRY TO BOTHER YOU Earning more than a few comparisons to Get Out thanks to its smart social satire, Sorry to Bother You marks the directorial debut of The Coup frontman Boots Riley. A workplace comedy set in the world of telemarketing, it's the tale of a black salesman (Lakeith Stanfield) who suddenly discovers magical selling abilities. As his career takes a turn for the better, his artist girlfriend (Tessa Thompson) has some concerns. Acclaimed for its distinctive voice, its no-holds-barred humour and its provocative absurdity, it's one of the most talked-about flicks of the fest, and also features Call Me By Your Name's Armie Hammer in a memorable supporting role. Also watch out for: Blindspotting, the hip hop-style comedy co-written by and starring Rafael Casal and Daveed Diggs, who play two Oakland pals trying to get their lives on the straight and narrow. DAMSEL Two of cinema's best current trends combine in Damsel — everybody's making westerns, and Robert Pattinson is making, well, everything. Trust the folks behind Kumiko, the Treasure Hunter to bring them both together; if brothers David and Nathan Zellner can turn a Fargo-inspired urban legend into a thoughtful and intriguing film, then they can remake the Old West in their own comedic way, and take Pattinson along for the ride. The former Twilight star-turned-indie darling features opposite Aussie actress Mia Wasikowska, veteran Robert Forster, and the writing, directing and producing Zellners themselves. Also watch out for: The latest effort from Aussie filmmaker Claire McCarthy, Ophelia takes on Hamlet in a fresh, female-focused way, with Daisy Ridley, Naomi Watts, Clive Owen, George MacKay and Tom Felton among the cast. THE MISEDUCATION OF CAMERON POST You have to admire Desiree Akhavan's Sundance record. The writer/director's second feature marked her second stint at the festival, and it picked up the US Grand Jury Prize: Dramatic for its troubles. Starring Chloë Grace Moretz, American Honey's Sasha Lane and The Revenant's Forrest Goodluck, and adapted from the novel of the same name, The Miseducation of Cameron Post follows a high schooler sent to a gay conversion centre. She might be stuck in a place of oppression and repression, but a sense of community springs among her fellow attendees. Four years ago, Akhavan's Appropriate Behavior proved astute, insightful and amusing, so expect good things. Also watch out for: Bisbee '17, the latest documentary from Kate Plays Christine's Robert Greene, this time exploring a different historical chapter: the Bisbee Deportation of 1917, where 1200 striking miners were taken from their home, banished from the town and left to die. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbiakAVaXgU TULLY After completely hitting it out of the park on their first collaboration, Young Adult director Jason Reitman, writer Diablo Cody and star Charlize Theron join forces again with Tully. Where their last effort was steeped in arrested development — the state of not quite growing up, not the TV comedy Theron once appeared on — this time around they're wading into the womb of motherhood. When Theron's stressed mother-of-three Marlo welcomes the titular night nanny (Mackenzie Davis) into her life, a bond blooms, as does an empathetic dark comedy anchored by two of today's best actresses. Your usual mum-focused movie, this is not Also watch out for: Laura Dern stars in The Tale, writer/director Jennifer Fox's handling of the tough topic of sexual abuse, following a journalist and professor forced to delve back into her childhood relationship with two adult coaches. KUSAMA - INFINITY Yayoi Kusama is everywhere. The Japanese artist's work is splashed across the walls of Australian galleries, she now has her own Tokyo museum, and she also features in a documentary at Sundance. Kusama - Infinity seems an apt title for many reasons, not only due to Kusama's famed mirrored 'infinity rooms', but also because the singular creative's adaptability, innovation and influence seems like it will go on forever. Understandably, writer, director and producer Heather Lenz spent years charting the course of Kusama's seven-decade career beyond the dots and pumpkins. Whether you're a fan or a newcomer, you're in for an informative ode to an artist like no other. Also watch out for: U.S. Documentary Special Jury Award for Breakthrough Filmmaking winner Mind the Gap, the personal documentary not only made by Bing Liu, but interweaving his return to Rockford, Illinois to reconnect with his childhood skateboarding buddies with archival footage of their younger heyday. LEAVE NO TRACE It's been eight years since filmmaker Debra Granik made one of the first great films of this decade, won Sundance's Grand Jury Prize and unearthed a star in the process. In Winter's Bone, the movie-watching world was gifted a tense family drama, as well as a career-making performance from Jennifer Lawrence — and Granik might've just done it again with Leave No Trace. Ben Foster features opposite acclaimed newcomer Thomasin Harcourt McKenzie, playing a father and daughter living off the grid until their cover is blown. If you're thinking that it has been too long between fictional films for the exceptional writer/director, then you're right. Also watch out for: In Shirkers, Sandi Tan hunts down her own film — one she penned in the '90s, was shot on 16mm, but disappeared along with her mentor, friend and director Georges Cardona. THE GUILTY Winner of the audience award in Sundance's World Cinema Dramatic section, The Guilty is the latest Nordic noir effort exciting cinema-goers. And, following in the footsteps of Alfred Hitchcock, recent films such as Buried, Locke and more, it's the latest single-setting flick as well. From first-time Swedish helmer Gustav Möller, the movie finds its story in the police emergency dispatch department, as a cop takes a call from a kidnapped women. Starring Jakob Cedergren (The Killing, Those Who Kill), it's a claustrophobic ticking-clock thriller that has already started buzz about an inevitable English-language remake. Also watch out for: Idris Elba steps behind the camera with Yardie, a gangster effort that's also a tense coming-of-age film, as split between Kingston and London in the '80s. SEARCH Another favourite with the Sundance crowd, this time winning the audience award in the festival's Next section, Search gives viewers what we've always wanted: a decent online-focused thriller, and a showcase starring role for John Cho. Sure, other films have unfurled their content via on-screen computer screens, but this debut effort from 25-year-old writer/director Aneesh Chaganty has been pegged as a potentially huge hit — and it's likely a case of when, rather than if, it'll make it to Aussie cinemas. Cho plays a father worried about his teenage daughter when she doesn't come home one night, and doing what everyone would do in that situation these days, aka taking to his computer and phone to look for answers. With that in mind, Search also won Sundance's Alfred P. Sloan Prize, which is awarded each year to a film focusing on science or technology. Also watch out for: Pity, directed by Greek filmmaker Babis Makridis, and co-written with Dogtooth and The Lobster's Efthimis Filippou, about a man who proves happy when his wife falls into a coma. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6wWKNij_1M HEREDITARY If it already sounds like this year's Sundance lineup has been doing what the festival always does best — that is, uncovering ace new talent — then Hereditary isn't going to change that perception. The first film from writer/director Ari Aster has been earning rave reviews for its take on haunting, grief-fuelled, despair-ridden horror, particularly in regards to its emotional depth and fleshed-out performances. Given the feature boasts an applauded turn by Australia's own Toni Collette, the latter is understandable. As for the story itself, it centres on a family's reaction after the death of their grandmother. Also watch out for: Nicolas Cage is back in the vengeance-driven Mandy, which sees Beyond the Black Rainbow director Panos Cosmatos dive head first into the pulpy genre realm. LIZZIE The story of Lizzie Borden has fascinated the masses for more than a century. Being accused and tried for the murder of your father and stepmother, but ultimately acquitted in a case that was never solved — well, that'll do it. Ballets, songs, operas, plays, novels, musicals, TV shows and films have all examined her story, with Lizzie the latest. Set in 1892 and starring Chloë Sevigny, it focuses on Borden's bond with her live-in maid, played by Kristen Stewart, while working towards the scandal that's now a matter of history. And if that doesn't intrigue you enough, it's billed as a psychological thriller, as well as a film that champions feminism and sexuality. Also watch out for: Four-time Independent Spirit Award-nominee The Rider, about a rodeo star yearning for the ring after suffering a head injury, from Chinese writer, director and producer Chloé Zhao. Images: courtesy Sundance Film Festival.
Ah, markets. Vintage clothes like your granny used to wear. Fresh, ripe and delicious farmers' market produce. Sweets and treats and deep fried creations. The contents of someone's garage spilled onto a rug. Original Tupperware in almost as good as new nick. Exotic fruits and veggies that you're not sure whether to eat or to adopt as a pet. Artist creations and handmade wares. If you're sick of massive supermarket chains, retail garb and generic fluorescent-lit shopping centres, why not take an easy Saturday or Sunday stroll to one of Melbourne's best markets? As well as treating yourself to one-of-a-kind purchases you can feel warm and fuzzy for supporting local. Take your own enviro-bags and containers and you can add eco-warrior to the list. [caption id="attachment_568380" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Market Lane Coffee via Flickr[/caption] PRAHRAN MARKET Self-described as the 'food lovers market', the oldest continuous running market in Australia is your go-to place for gourmet delights and fresh, heritage fruit and vegetables, local fish and meat. While the marketplace is open during the week, the real bargains are on Saturday after 3pm when $1 bags of fruit and veg are up for grabs. The market also hosts regular demonstrations and food festivals, celebrating delicious edibles like cheese, chocolate, sausages and more. When? Every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 7am, and Sunday from 10am. [caption id="attachment_628755" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Simon Shiff.[/caption] SOUTH MELBOURNE MARKET For 150 years now, South Melbourne Market has been an integral part of the fabric of Melbourne's food culture. It's not only a very pleasant place to pick up fresh produce and top-notch seafood, but it's also a go-to for morning flat whites, afternoon pastries and paella at night. Like Prahran Market, this is a market for all things food — once you've visited the green grocers and downed a dozen oysters, grab some gozleme, get a takeaway coffee and doughnut from Clement Coffee and then wander through the surrounding South Melbourne shops. When? Every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 8am. CAMBERWELL SUNDAY MARKET In the leafy green eastern suburbs is the crème de la crème of secondhand clothing markets — with plenty of other bits and bobs to please the general market-goer too. Everyone's budget is catered for here. For a couple of coins you can pick up some snazzy threads with folk shedding their bulging closets, or you could invest in some designer fur jackets. Antique homewares, succulents, heavenly scented soaps and body lotions and even well-thumbed books are all up for grabs to the best haggler. All of which can be enjoyed with the background music of a warbling busker. When? Every Sunday from 6.30am. QUEEN VICTORIA MARKET When you say Melbourne market it's impossible to not to think of the most royal of all: the Queen Victoria Market. With 600 retailers sprawling across the centre of the city, it is a historical landmark, major tourist attraction and place of many happy people eating hot jam doughnuts from the van that's been parked there for eternity. While food is what it does best across the deli hall, meat hall and fruit and veg centre, there's also plenty of other general merchandise worth browsing,] — especially if you're after a cheap leather belt. The market is at its carnival peak on Sundays. When? Every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 6am, and Sunday from 9am. COBURG TRASH & TREASURE Like the name suggests, this market is for people who aren't afraid to roll up their sleeves and sort through another person's gear spilled out on a rug. Expect everything from toys, games, clothes, jewellery, homewares, records, plants and more. If you're excited by the prospect of finding a hidden gem (and actually willing to work for it) this mass Sunday garage sale at the Coburg Drive-In is for you. When? Every Sunday from 8am THE ROSE STREET MARKET On every weekend, you'l be constantly impressed by the emerging creative talent of Melbourne at this Fitzroy market — and you can support them by buying some of their creations. This well-known market in Rose Street is where you can pick up one-of-a-kind artworks, fashion items, collectables, hand-bound books, screen prints and more. And after you're all marketed-out, have coffee or brunch in one of the many fine eateries nearby. When? Every Saturday and Sunday from 11am. DANDENONG MARKET Ever been shopping for the ingredients for a delicious exotic dish at a supermarket and come up short with finding all you need? With 150 nationalities spread across 200 traders, the Dandenong Market is a multicultural melting pot that will have all your shopping needs — and most unique and hard to find ingredients — sorted in one place. It's a paradise for any food lover looking to find old favourite flavours or try something completely new, and there are also plenty of other stores worth a look-in too. When? Every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 7am, and Sunday from 10am. [caption id="attachment_568389" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Visit Mornington Peninsula[/caption] RED HILL COMMUNITY MARKET If you fancy taking a drive down the Peninsula, you may find yourself impressed and charmed by 300 creative stallholders at the Red Hill Market. Running since 1975, this market has developed a community-like hub for all things crafty and homemade, from dog beds to jewellery to delicate woodwork. The food is also pretty great — try the Red Hill Roast gourmet coffee and lightly battered seafood from The Flying Calamari Brothers. When? First Saturday of each month from 8am. FITZROY MARKET With a friendly atmosphere and good mix of homewares, clothing, jewellery, artisan designs and more, this local community-run gathering is a quiet market of 65 stalls. But however tiny it may be, it has a big heart, and raises funds for many organisations and charities. If you prefer smaller crowds to browse the makeshift aisles, you'll find plenty of space here, with all the regular options of delicious food available. When? Every third Saturday of the month from 10am. [caption id="attachment_568390" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Yarra City Council[/caption] GLEADALL STREET MARKET Tucked away off Bridge Road, this little Richmond street comes alive every Saturday morning with lively producers selling fruit and veg, artisans baked goods, free-range eggs, organics, seafood and meat, and the best homemade peanut butter you've ever had in your life. Arrive early to beat the crowds — and make sure to bring your own bags as this little market is plastic-bag free. When? Every Saturday from 7am. Top image: The Rose Street Market.
When the guy stirring up the drinks tells you that he makes his own bloody mary spice mix, and then lists more ingredients for the mix than you can count on all your fingers, it's safe to say that your drink is probably going to be pretty spesh. The Catfish have the bloody mary down pat. Just the right blend of warmth and spice without being too demanding on the palate, it's exactly what a poor, hungover soul needs. The blend is perfection, and because it's pre-mixed they can pump them out when they need to, which means that you won't be waiting 15 minutes for your drink. Plus, every time you get one it'll be just as amazing as the last time. You're a spice demon? No fear – they're happy to tailor the heat to your liking. It's not just bloody marys that The Catfish nails; its comedy club every Tuesday night has become legendary across Melbourne. With tickets sold cheap at the door, it features a rotating lineup of some of the country's best acts, as well as the occasional international comedian. Doors open from 7:30pm for a show at 8pm, but be sure to arrive a little before then as it regularly fills up. It also offers cheap pots and pints throughout the show, but as if you needed an extra reason to attend. As well as comedy, there are live music gigs held regularly at The Catfish, with some of the city's top acts gracing its stage. Keep your eyes peeled on its gig guide or Instagram for regular updates. If you're hungry after the gig, you're in luck as the food menu here has some killer options. With Philly-style cheesesteaks on offer, as well as a range of fried chicken, you won't be leaving the venue craving a kebab on the way home.
How much is too much to pay for a movie, particularly when you're watching it on your own couch? Film lovers have been asking this question since the days of VHS rentals; however the streaming revolution keeps bringing it up again and again. If you've spent the last year trying to work out whether forking out for Netflix, Stan or Presto is worth it, here's another service — and expense — to consider. No, we're not talking about the much-discussed Screening Room, which wants to charge a premium to stream first-release films at the same time as they're in cinemas. Instead, Sony's finally getting in the game, with a brand new service that's causing us to ponder our bank balances. Called Ultra, due to land in the US on April 4 on Android-compatible Sony 4K TV sets (yep, already niche), and kicking off with 40–50 titles such as The Walk, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Ghostbusters, the streaming platform will enable viewers to watch 4K-quality films in their own homes (something Netflix is already doing). But — and this is a very big but — it'll cost $30 per movie. Yes, if and when it comes to Australia (with details of local availability unknown at the time of writing), you'll need to lay down three tenners for every single flick — or the same amount it'd cost two people to see a film on the big screen. That's not much of an incentive to sign up, particularly given that cheap Tuesday tickets continue to excite cinema-goers in droves. On the other hand, $30 is the same price you'd pay for a new release DVD, and you do get to keep a copy on Sony's UltraViolet cloud storage solution. So, the real point of contention is: do you really want to pay extra for better streaming quality? As always, waiting and seeing is the only real answer, though we're not optimistic that anyone will rush to Ultra given the price. 4K content is already available on Netflix for $14.99 per month, after all — and even if you've lost your sneaky access to the US version of the service, their local range is still much larger than Sony's planned catalogue. Via The Next Web.
If you're keen to eat food that looks more like abstract modern art, Lume is the place for you. The restaurant, which is the brainchild of chefs Shaun Quade and John-Paul Fiechtner, opens tonight in South Melbourne and the menu is a doozy. The restaurant will be divided into two areas: a speakeasy style bar with a set menu and, for the brave at heart, an ambient restaurant with an 18- to 20-course tasting menu. And here’s the kicker: you won’t know what you’ve eaten until after you’ve eaten it. The unique tasting menu won’t be made available until after the meal. Yeowch. “We are creating an atmosphere for a completely interactive," says Fiechtner. "The tasting menu will be unpredictable — we want to play around with the palate, ensuring the meal ebbs and flows between size, appearance and flavour." Think of it as extreme gastronomic fine dining, a mystery for your tastebuds to work out. Quade and Fiechtner say they don’t want to courses to proceed in the traditional rhythm, with canapés leading to the protein main and rounding off with dessert and coffee. They want to surprise you and shake it up — what this means, we can only guess, but hopefully it will fulfil our childhood dreams of dessert coming out first. You can also put your detective skills to the test with the blind wine list, composed by maître’d Sally Humble and sommelier Brodie Comer. Find Lume at 226 Coventry Street, South Melbourne. Book your experience at Lume's website, 18-course tasting menu $140 per person. Images: Tom Ross, Brilliant Creek.
Summer is close, and so is the summer festival season. Now is the time to sit down and have a long hard think about where you're going to allocate the festival money you've been saving up this year. We reccomend the ten below. Whether you're in Victoria over New Years Eve for Beyond the Valley, or taking a trip to Tasmania later in the summer to Party in the Paddock, these festivals tick all the boxes when it comes to camping facilities, scenery, amenities, crowds and of course, music. Just so you know, we're running a competition with Teva where you can win yourself a pair of their Arrowood boots, a tent, water bottle and a whole bunch of camping things that will make your life easier. Pack your tent and your 24-hour deodorant — it's summer festival season. LOST PARADISE December 29-31 Glenworth Valley, New South Wales Lost Paradise, held in the picturesque Glenworth Valley an hour from Sydney, has upheld an image as one of the more wholesome Australian music festivals. This is its third year, and it's set to be a banger. Lost Paradise is renowned for its food line-up, but it's well catered for in the camping department too, with the whole spectrum of outdoor living arrangements available — from super luxe glamping to renting a basic tent, with many stylish options in between. The holistic vibe appears in attractions like yoga, massages, sound baths, and kayaking. We're mostly loving the 2016 lineup though — Flight Facilities, Fat Freddy's Drop and Hot Chip are on it. Kapow. SOUTHBOUND January 8-10 Busselton, Western Australia Western Australia's Southbound is popular with people who like tents. You can bring your own esky and food (not booze unfortunately), you can camp with your car and there are have loads of amenities available to use over the three day event. The festival takes place a few hours drive outside of Perth, make a trip out of it and go wine tasting, surfing and sky-diving. This year's line up has Hermitude, Drapht and Boo Seeka, among many others. PARTY IN THE PADDOCK February 10-12 Burns Creek, Tasmania Party in the Paddock is yet another reason to love Tasmania. The festival takes place in White Hills, which is 25 minutes outside Launceston. The range of artists is huge — there's Sticky Fingers, Sampa the Great and The Bad Dad Orchestra, and then there's a huge number of spots reserved for new and upcoming acts. You'll likely find your new favourite band at PITP. It's known as one of the friendliest festivals going around, and there's free camping with a first in best dressed approach. See also: beer gardens, general stores, bathrooms, food and juice bars a plenty. MEREDITH MUSIC FESTIVAL December 9-11 Meredith, Victoria Starting in 1991, Meredith Music Festival takes place in the country town of Meredith, Victoria. It's one of the longest standing festivals there is, and it is blissfully free of commercial intervention. It's finest feature is the fact that it's BYO. Yes, you may bring your own alcohol. Camping is free and self-allocating. Meredith is a nature-focused festival that marches to its own beat. Its extremely strict "no dickhead policy" should be instated at all festival across Australia. Right on. There are massages, Tai Chi and an 'Arch of Love' at Meredith, as well as an outdoor cinema. Also, Peaches is playing. We're in. BEYOND THE VALLEY December 28 - January 1 Lardner, Victoria Having an energy supply tent area is sure to make your festival popular with campers. Beyond the Valley has one, it's called Electric City, and it certainly makes it a popular place to spend New Years Eve. It's free to camp, and the area has a pretty lovely view of Lardner Park in Victoria. There's the basic camping option, the luxury option, and the bell tent option. This year's lineup is killer — it's got Ladyhawke, Jarryd James, The Delta Riggs and Emma Louise. [caption id="attachment_589321" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Zakarij Kaczmarek.[/caption] SECRET GARDEN February 24-25 Brownlow Hill Farm, New South Wales With a a big emphasis on fancy dress and high detail costumes, Secret Garden is a 48-hour forest disco, and it's one of the most popular festivals going around. For those who like a condensed party full of shiny, colourful characters covered in glitter that look like disco tree fairies — the Garden might be your festival camping pick. Camping is free, tent hire is available and an always joyous list of acts is only announced after the festival sells out. It sells every year. That's confidence. PARADISE MUSIC FESTIVAL November 25-27 Marysville, Victoria Rather than going for the big names, Paradise music festival focuses on getting the smaller acts, so it's one for the music connoisseurs. The three day event is held in Victoria, and has views over the Great Dividing Range. It's a pretty self-sufficient affair for campers — BYO pretty much everything, which is great news for those who like to do camping their own way. There's an emphasis on local and unsigned acts and a strong level of industry alliance at Paradise, it's not to be missed for devotees or those looking to discover their new favourite band. STRAWBERRY FIELDS November 17-20 Tocumwal, New South Wales A celebration of art, sounds and creative expression, Strawberry Fields is an all encompassing sensory experience. A few hours outside of Melbourne, stages, venues and pop ups are like the pirate ship above are design-focused and curated to showcase art and music. There are workshops, experimental sounds, emerging artists and decor displays — this is an artistic-muso-camper's dream. It's one of the few festivals that allow RVs, teepees, tents, and caravans inside. MOUNTAIN SOUNDS February 17-18 Mount Penang Parklands, NSW One of the more boutique music and cultural festivals near the Central Coast in NSW, Mountain Sounds scored RUFUS as headliners this year. Cars and camper vehicles are allowed on the grounds, and tents can be hired for the weekend as well. The amenities are basic, but abundant, and while it doesn't have some of the flashier conveniences of the others, it has a low-key and unpretentious vibe. FALLS MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL New Years Eve New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia The Avalanches are just one of the artists who have just been announced in the full 2016 lineup for Falls Festival this year, alongside Childish Gambino, London Grammar, Grouplove, Broods, Jamie T, Parquet Courts and heaps, heaps more. As always, Falls will be heading to Lorne in Victoria for four nights, and Marion Bay in Tassie and Byron Bay on the NSW coast for three nights over New Year's Eve. They'll also be setting up shop in Fremantle for the first time with Falls Downtown, a two-day city festival slated to take place over the weekend of January 7-8. We're giving away a whole heap of camping gear, in collaboration with Teva. A pair of hiking boots, a tent, water bottle and a whole bunch of extras will come in very handy this festival season. Head here to enter.
Au79 is the symbol (and atomic number) for gold on the periodic table, and it's the name of Abbotsford's much-loved cafe. When you name your cafe after such a covetable metal, you're making quite the statement — and the team behind this ambitious eatery have certainly gone for gold in every aspect of its production. It makes sense; owners Maggie Li and Julia Hou have a trail of café experience between them, with a pedigree that includes Addict Food and Coffee, Sir Charles, Liar Liar and Prospect Espresso. Au79 is bigger than Ben Hur. You walk in the door and it just goes back and back, and then it goes back some more. Previously an auto mechanic's garage, the 200-seat space has been radically transformed by Mim Design and now feels more like a large-scale conservatory or botanical garden fern house — it's loft and bright and filled with greenery. Despite its size, it isn't overly loud, and conversation doesn't compete with the excellent playlist coming from the well-placed Sonos sound system. The menu reflects an imaginative approach to food. Au79's take on the classic eggs royale strays from tradition, swapping out smoked salmon for butter poached prawns. You still get the classic poached eggs and a rich and creamy hollandaise, but the classic muffins are replaced with a charcoal brioche bun and a side of kipfler potato chips. Other standout dishes include the mango waffle with lime jelly, mango mousse, passionfruit curd, fresh blueberries and a big scoop of vanilla ice cream and the super rich seafood linguine with seafood bisque, scallops, clams, mussel, prawns, cherry tomatoes, zucchini and basil. In addition to the kitchen there's also a bakery and patisserie run by ex-Rustica head baker Isaac Kane, and a roastery that looks after all their Au79 coffee. So, you know that the cakes, tarts and breads are made in-house, as is the 24K house blend of beans from Brazil, Colombia and Guatemala. The team behind AU79 has clearly planned every detail of this mini village cafe. Neighbourhood cafes — and, more pertinently, good neighbourhood cafes — require an essential gold ingredient to survive, and that is damn good hospitality (with all that that the term encompasses). From a true welcome as you walk in, through to the setting, the produce and the food, Au79 has that substance in spades. Appears in: The Best Cafes in Melbourne Where to Find the Best Coffee in Melbourne
Ever been gettin' loose out on the town and thought, “I could destroy a round of mini-golf right now.” Procure an Argyle-patterned vest and beige slacks immediately, because the good folk at Howler are bringing us a custom-made nighttime mini golf course to conquer. The Howler Mini-Golf-O-Rama, which will feature nine holes each complete with a classic theme (think windmills, volcanos and jungles, classic mini-golf), is opening on Sunday, July 26 at Brunswick’s beloved bar and will run until August 3. To use the course, all you have to do is turn up to Howler after 5pm, buy yourself and/or your golfing buddies a drink and choose your putter. The course will be set up in what was once Howler’s bandroom, and to keep the good times flowing, guest DJs will pump up the jams (and hopefully play a non-stop dubstep remix of Lee Carvallo’s putting challenge. In fact, consider this an official request). The course will also be open from 1pm on Saturday 1 August and Sunday 2 August for those who enjoy a spot of weekend afternoon putting. Now, let's all dig out our Happy Gilmore VHS's and prepare to just taaaap it in. Find Howler Mini-Golf-O-Rama at 7-11 Dawson Street, Brunswick. Open from 5pm July 26 to August 3, and from 1pm August 1 and 2. Golfing is free if you buy a drink from the bar. Image via. Marcus Hansson.
Chef Matt Stone wants to you to make a bar out of your own backyard. Really. Melbourne's young gun head chef of Victoria's Oakridge winery, Stone made his industry name as head chef of Joost Bakker's Greenhouse, Silo and Brothl, then as the culinary brains behind IconPark's Sydney pop-up Stanley Street Merchants and a MasterChef regular. At his core, Stone's a stickler for ethical and sustainable cooking, so he's just released his first cookbook The Natural Cook to help fuel some of that philosophy in everyday Aussie kitchens. The (extremely well photographed) cookbook's brimming with recipes meant to make you rethink food, bring you back to basics, try traditional techniques, adopt new sustainable cooking habits and make the best of the bounty of native ingredients Australia's got going on (one of the most sustainable ways Australians can cook). Of course, the book champions Stone's infamous 'zero-waste' philosophy, whether you're making yoghurt, pickling things or making a Bloody Mary. We've taken a couple of recipes out of of Stone's book, to show you how easy it is to incorporate native Australian ingredients into your everyday — well, into your cocktails in particular. Here's a little humdinger of a recipe for a Bloody Mary using native Australian spices — a truly homegrown breakfast of champions. Once you've crafted this gem, try making Stone's ant-rimmed Aussie South Side too (recipe over here). NATIVE SPICED BLOODY MARY "For a fresh kick, you can also add finely chopped veggies such as tomato, cucumber, celery and chilli. Hangover be gone!" INGREDIENTS Serves one ice 3 dried bush tomatoes 60 ml (2 fl oz/¼ cup) vodka 15 ml (½ fl oz) lemon juice 6 dashes of Worcestershire sauce 5 dashes of Tabasco sauce (or other hot sauce) 2 large pinches of ground pepperberry, plus extra to garnish 2 large pinches of Australian Seven Spice (recipe below) (see page 211), plus extra to garnish 1 pinch of pink salt, plus extra to garnish 125 ml (4 fl oz/½ cup) tomato juice celery stalk or cucumber slice, to garnish Fill a serving glass with ice and let it stand. Muddle the bush tomatoes, and any other vegetables you feel like, in your cocktail shaker. Add all the other ingredients except the garnishes to the shaker and fill with ice. Slowly 'roll' your shaker end over end to mix and chill the ingredients without frothing things. Taste-test with a straw and add additional Tabasco if you'd like it spicier. Discard the ice from the serving glass and replace with fresh ice. Single-strain the liquid into the serving glass. Add the celery stalk or cucumber slice and finish with a pinch of salt, pepperberry and Australian seven spice. Note: Online bush food specialists offer a variety of Aussie fruits, herbs and spices, including bush tomatoes and pepperberries. HOW TO MAKE MATT STONE'S AUSTRALIAN SEVEN SPICE This is my version of Chinese five spice and it's perfect on barbecued meats, vegetables and fried bugs. If you don't feel like eating bugs with your beer then perhaps try it rubbed into barbecued chicken wings or slow-cooked beef ribs. The individual spices can vary due to season, availability and personal taste, so think of this as a rough guide. Use double the amount of mountain pepper if you like your spice mixes hot. 1 tablespoon ground bush tomato 1 tablespoon ground lemon myrtle 1 tablespoon ground wattleseed 1 tablespoon ground pepper leaf 1½ tablespoons ground mountain pepperberries 2 teaspoons ground aniseed myrtle 1 tablespoon ground mangrove myrtle Note: While most of the Australian ingredients used in this book can be substituted with something non-native, this is the one recipe I urge you to stick to (otherwise it will become 'mostly Australian seven spice'). Mix all ingredients. Store in an airtight container or jar. Recipe and image from The Natural Cook by Matt Stone (Murdoch Books). Photography by Mark Roper RRP $39.99 available now in all good bookstores and online.
Gringlish. That's how chef Philip Vakos describes the cuisine at Bahari. A fusion of Greek and English, it's a concept that's certainly drawing crowds to their humble Swan Street restaurant. So don't let the seemingly modest space fool you — the food is anything but. Designed for sharing, the menu is best left in the hands of the staff who will guide you through from start to finish and won't let up until you're happily sinking into a food coma. The chargrilled octopus with ouzo, lemon and oregano is a succulent starter and if you're lucky, the specials for the day might permit a serving of prawn stuffed zucchini flowers: a clear standout. Moving through to the main course, the slow-roasted lamb shoulder with lemon, rosemary and garlic does what any good lamb shoulder should do: it falls apart at the nudge of a fork and then proceeds to melt in your mouth. The fasolakia — traditional Greek beans with onions, dill and tomato — is a welcome and tasty side, while the cauliflower and pomegranate salad is an appropriate nod to currently trending flavours in the Melbourne food scene. Dessert should also be on your radar when visiting Bahari. If you can pronounce it, the traditional galaktoboureko is the way to go. Think creamy semolina custard infused with lemon and vanilla, sandwiched between flaky sheets of filo. It's good, authentic food coupled with service from genuine people who just know that the best way to anyone's heart is through their stomach. The dishes are heavy but in that satisfying, full-to-the-brim way — although, we'll be impressed if you can walk after this kind of Gringlish feast at Bahari.
Melbourne lead Australia into this awesome craft beer age we've found ourselves in, and there are so many great breweries in the city that we're truly spoilt for choice. But we bet you haven't even considered how many more craft brewbars there are all around Victoria. Jonesing for a road trip? What better trip to take than one that lands you with a fresh beer in hand. Here are ten Victorian breweries worth road tripping for. BRIGHT BREWERY Bright Brewery is a mountain town brewery, and so, naturally, they use only fresh mountain water in their brews. Being able to say your brews are 'mountain crafted' is pretty badass, not to mention extremely picturesque. The brewery door is open daily and features a 24-tap bar, which is especially impressive — even for a brewery. The Fainters Dubbel or Razor Witbier are our recommendations. The brewery's proximity to Mount Buffalo and Alpine National Park also means you can make this one a double road trip and sneak in a hike between pints. 121 Great Alpine Road, Bright. BRIDGE ROAD BREWERS Bridge Road Brewers is located in the historic gold mining town of Beechworth, which is a town stuck in the 19th century in the most picturesque of ways — a reason for a visit in itself. Another is the Austrian/Italian-inspired pizzas and daily baked pretzels by co-owner Maria Frischmann. Of course, the biggest draw to Beechworth is the beer, and Bridge Road is constantly turning out something new. While visiting, seek out the Chevalier series and the Mayday Hills collection — this new line of barrel-aged and wild-fermented farmhouse beers are the best to come out of the brewery yet. 50 Ford Street, Beechworth. BLACKMAN'S BREWERY Blackman's Brewery is located in Torquay, just off the Great Ocean Road and back from the beach — an ideal location for a surfer's brewery Apart from the location, the Wildcard series is the main draw here, their single keg batches that you can only get at the cellar door. It doesn't get more small batch than that. The kitchen is open until late, with a share plate grazing menu that is crafted around the brews. If you're in Geelong, they've also got a small brewery bar in Dennys Place. 26 Bell Street, Torquay. RED HILL BREWERY Red Hill Brewery doesn't just invite you to stop on by for a beer, they invite you to stay the night too. The Brewer's Cottage is a three-bedroom house located on the grounds, the self-contained unit features an open fire, barbecue area and even a trampoline. You can join the brewers for Friday arvo brews and really get the full Red Hill experience. The brewery focuses on European styles and their farmhouse-esqe cellar door has the range, including the scotch ale and Belgian blonde that we especially recommend. 88 Shoreham Road, Red Hill. BAD SHEPHERD BREWING CO. Bad Shepherd Brewing Co. is run by husband and wife duo Dereck and Diti Hales. They've mastered the cellar door technique with one of the best combos out there: good ol' beer and barbecue. Of the brews, the ESB and hazelnut brown are especially tasty, while the menu is a mix of smoked meats and comfort food, from mac and cheese ($5), texas brisket sandwiches ($12) and the all-mighty meat platter for two ($53). It's a brewpub done right. 386 Reserve Road, Cheltenham. HARGREAVES HILL BREWING COMPANY The Hargreaves Hill Brewing Company is set in a charming colonial building rather than the industrial warehouses that so many other breweries operate out of. It makes sense, considering their restaurant is a destination in itself, serving up proper New Orleans-style southern fried chicken ($22) on its menu. While you dig in try their beers in the form of a flight, and make sure the ESB and Abbey Dubbel are among those tasters. The best bit is that they're open every day of the week, so you can stop by anytime and grab a fresh pint or two. 25 Bell Street, Yarra Glen. HOLGATE BREWHOUSE Holgate Brewhouse is one of the most popular craft breweries to come out of Victoria and their brewhouse is the spot to taste their award winning brews. Situated in the village of Woodend (about an hour our of the city), the brewery has been around since 1999 and was set up in Paul and Natasha Holgate's backyard. The bar is very much a country corner pub, with eight taps, classic pub grub and live music every Friday night. If you've overindulged, no worries — grab a room upstairs for the night, with a dinner and beer tasting package while you're at it. 79 High Street, Woodend. MORNINGTON PENINSULA BREWERY Mornington Peninsula Brewery's symbol is derived from a medieval alchemy sign for 'drinkable gold' — and they go to great lengths to fulfil that promise. As they're so focused on their brews, it's a no-frills roller door situation, and they're slinging simple yet tasty pizzas to accompany your brews. If you hit the brewery bar when the Russian Imperial Stout is on tap, don't miss it (or any of their Imperial series beers, for that matter). For the non-beer drinkers among you, you won't be shunned — they have a range of local wines and ciders as well. Mornington is also the only brewery we know that offers free brewery tours every Friday, which includes tastings of their core range. 72 Watt Road, Mornington. DAINTON FAMILY BREWERS After being gypsy brewers for three years, 2016 finally saw the Dainton Family Brewers open their own brewhouse. The taphouse has three separate areas, including a dining room featuring rotating food trucks, a mezzanine overlooking the brewhouse and, most importantly, a beer garden — the perfect spot to enjoy their sours and summer pale ales this summer. The bar also offers snacks, chips and pies from a local bakery, so you'll have plenty to wash down with beer. 560 Frankston-Dandenong Road, Carrum Downs. PRICKLY MOSES Prickly Moses uses only pure Otway rainwater in their brews, and being able to say your brews are made with ingredients from a lush rainforest is pretty epic— as is their location. Set on Otway Estate, you have the option to stay in their spa accommodation and double whammy a trip to the vineyard, brewery and cidery. Among the many beverage options, or favourite is the new Raconteur IPA. The estate is also dog-friendly, so you really can't go wrong here. 10 Hoveys Road, Barongarook.
The Harbour City doesn't lack art highlights all year, every year, but every two years the New South Wales capital plays host to the Biennale of Sydney. 2024 is one such year, with a hefty lineup taking over the city from Saturday, March 9–Monday, June 10 under the theme Ten Thousand Suns. White Bay Power Station is opening to the public for the first time in over a century for the Biennale, which is a huge highlight of the program. Of course, so are the 96 artists and collectives contributing 400-plus pieces across the event. Australia is represented, naturally, as is everywhere from Aotearoa New Zealand, Indonesia, India and Japan to Ukraine, Brazil, Mexico, the UK and the US. International talents include Andrew Thomas Huang, Adebunmi Gbadebo, Pacific Sisters, Martin Wong, Frank Moore, Maru Yacco and Anne Samat. Among the Aussies: Gordon Hookey, Tracey Moffatt, Serwah Attafuah, William Yang, VNS Matrix, Kirtika Kain, Joel Sherwood Spring and Juan Davila. Also, 14 First Nations artists have been commissioned by Fondation Cartier pour l'art contemporain, one of the Biennale's partners, to make new works just for the event: Mangala Bai Maravi, Doreen Chapman, Megan Cope, Cristina Flores Pescorán, Freddy Mamani and Dylan Mooney, as well as Orquideas Barrileteras, John Pule, Eric-Paul Riege, Darrell Sibosado, Kaylene Whiskey, Yangamini, and Nikau Hindin in collaboration with Ebonie Fifita-Laufilitoga-Maka, Hina Puamohala Kneubuhl, Hinatea Colombani, Kesaia Biuvanua and Rongomai Gbric-Hoskins. [caption id="attachment_945078" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Citra Sasmita, Timur Merah Project X: Bedtime Story, 2023, acrylic on traditional Kamasan canvas, oak dowels. Commissioned by the Biennale of Sydney with generous support from the Australia-Indonesia Institute. Timur Merah Project IV: Tales of Nowhere, 2020, acrylic on traditional Kamasan canvas, oak dowels. Commissioned by UOB for Children Art Space MACAN Museum Jakarta, Indonesia 2020. Courtesy the artist and Yeo Workshop, Singapore. Photo by David James.[/caption] Expect to enjoy Mooney's mural tribute to Malcolm Cole, the queer queer First Nations dancer and activist who created history by leading the first-ever Aboriginal float at the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade in 1988 — and also Sibosado's riji (aka pearl shell) designs in neon. Both feature at White Bay Power Station, as does VNS Matrix's exploration of women and technology via banners. Chau Chak Wing Museum joins the Biennale of Sydney footprint for the first time, which is where Mangala Bai Maravi and Wong have pieces — one continuing to preserve tattooing patterns used by her people, India's Baiga group; the other being celebrated posthumously with nine paintings that focus on queer sexuality, as well ethnic and racial identities. At White Bay Power Station and Artspace, Indigenous weaving and jewellery making are in the spotlight via Riege. Also at the latter venue, Gbadebo is displaying new ceramic works that continue her interrogation of her family's past and America's history of slavery. And over at the Art Gallery of NSW, Hookey and Yacco will have works on offer. The lineup also spreads over to the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, which is where pieces by Moore and Kain feature — and to UNSW Galleries, where Sherwood and Elyas Alavi will be found. Whoever is showcased where, they're pondering heat, power, light, summer, joy, strength, the changing climate and everything else that the sun brings to mind. And, they're part of a lineup that also includes artist talks, art tours, workshops, music and more. [caption id="attachment_945080" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Daniel Boud[/caption] Top images:Installation view, Ten Thousand Suns, 24th Biennale of Sydney 2024, Art Gallery of New South Wales, featuring art by Pacific Sisters (foreground) and Robert Gabris (wall) photo © Art Gallery of New South Wales, Christopher Snee // Daniel Boud.
Melburnians who've been itching for a taste of Sydney's 'viking-luxe' bar and eatery will soon find it right here in their own backyard, with owners The Speakeasy Group (Eau de Vie, Boilermaker House) announcing plans for a Melbourne outpost to launch early 2018. Co-owner Sven Almenning said the aim will be "to keep the experience between the two venues as similar as possible". Named after Thor's hammer, the space will be decked out tastefully with viking swords, helmets and Scandi-style furniture, and with plenty of whisky on display. Mjølner Sydney's recent gold medal for International Hospitality Design at the New York Design Awards should give you some idea of what we're in for. It's also one of our favourite Sydney openings of 2017. One main difference will be the venue's size, with two levels providing scope for a heftier bar area than its Sydney sibling. Melbourne's friendlier licensing laws will also mean extended opening hours, with plans to trade until 1am through the week and 3am on weekends. The kitchen will be plating up a similar style of food to the original, albeit with a few venue-specific dishes, so expect a fine dining experience across a top-notch meat-focused menu. No doubt hits like the braised short rib, the aquavit-cured gravlax and the roasted bone marrow will all be making their way south. The Sydney venue allows patrons to choose their own custom knife from a leather pouch and drink mead out of horns — so here's hoping those features come to Melbourne too. Mjølner will take over the Hardware Lane site that was, until just recently, home to Nieuw Amsterdam. We're sad to see that bar go, but at least glad another late-night venue will be replacing it. Mjølner's Melbourne outpost will open from February 2018, at 106-112 Hardware Lane, Melbourne. For more info, read our review of the Sydney venue and visit mjolner.com.au. Images: Mjolner Sydney by Steven Woodburn.
Wednesday nights in Melbourne mean one thing: hitting up the Queen Victoria Market 's usual midweek — and after-dark — offering. During winter, it celebrates the frosty season with an appropriate spread . Across spring this year, it teamed up with the Melbourne Fringe Festival . With the warm weather upon us for another year, QVM is bringing back its legendary Summer Night Market. Just like last year's Summer Night Market, the event is returning every Wednesday from November 20, 2024–, March 12, 2025 (excluding December 25 and January 1). Melburnians can look forward to a fresh 15-week run and to a heap of places to browse, buy from, eat at and sip drinks from, with over 100 different shops, stalls and bars on the lineup. Each week, the Summer Night Market will feature an impressive lineup of food vendors slinging street eats from every corner of the globe. We're talking Filipino skewers from B-Boys BBQ, pita pockets from The Cypriot Kitchen, Japanese pancakes from Kicca Okonomiyaki, meatball subs and loaded nachos from Mr Baller, lamb jollof from Ama's Delight, and fried chicken and spicy buffalo wings from For Fried Sake. Dessert warriors should also hit up Lickt for decadent brownie gelato sandwiches and Casa Nata for traditional Portuguese custard tarts. This short list of things to eat at the market only skims the surface of what's on offer, so be sure to take your time exploring each of the stalls before deciding what to get. Then for booze, you'll find beers from Brick Lane, wine from Rewine, and a bunch of summery spritzes from Bella Spritz — think limoncello, grapefruit, lime and elderflower. The Happiness is Mojito Bar is also setting up at the night market every Wednesday night, serving up watermelon mojito slushies right by the Margarita Station, Beach Bar and Schweppes Caravan. As always, you can fight it out over seats — either getting in early or hovering over punters who look like they're about to leave — or you can try the new VIP area. Here, you can score a seat for $10 per person when booking a table for two, four or six people. We prefer the everyone is an equal situation (that's kind of the point at a public market), but plenty of folks will be happy to have this option. As always, there'll be a program of live, local tunes to soundtrack your food-focused wanderings, including DJ sets and roving performers. Through December (except for Chrismtas Day), the Queen Vic Market's Summer Night Market will also be going full Christmas with roaming Santas and hourly snow fall by the Queen Street Christmas tree. And, for a little midweek shopping action, see the diverse range of artisan stalls, which will be brimming with an array of handmade gifts, homewares, fashion and more.
Throw us Melburnians a hint of sunshine and we'll take just about any inside activity to the great outdoors. Open-air moviegoing, however, is a clear favourite. Each year we inevitably see our favourite outdoor cinemas return for the summer and a couple of newbies pop up too. From films overlooking the Melbourne CBD to movies nestled in the Dandenongs, these cinemas showcase the best new releases and cult favourites under the stars. So pack a snack basket of wine and cheese mandatory, some Aeroguard and get your butt on a picnic rug for the evening. It's a perfect date idea or a great way to spend an evening with mates. MOONLIGHT CINEMA, ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS The sun is staying out longer, and it's time to start utilising all our glorious parkland again. Whip out the picnic rugs and get the wine cooler at the ready — Moonlight Cinema is Melbourne's original outdoor cinema. Kicking off in the first week of summer in Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens, this year's setup boasts all the regular features that make this one of the country's most popular summer events. Big screen shimmering beneath the stars? Check. Food trucks serving the ultimate movie munchies? Check. Letting super-organised patrons BYO their own snacks? Check. A huge lineup of new releases and cult classics? You betcha. Expect all the big summer releases, like sci-fi thriller Passengers, the much-anticipated La La Land with Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, and Lion, based on the true story of Saroo Brierley who found his birth mother in India via Google Earth after 25 years of separation. Naturally, they'll also be playing Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (which was released today) as well as the yet-to-be-released Star Wars: Rogue One and game-turned-film Assassins Creed. As always, they'll also throw in a few cult favourites — this year it's Grease and Back to the Future — and some Doggie Nights, which will kick off with The Secret Life of Pets. Gates open at 7pm and screenings kick off at 8.30pm when the sun goes down. Make sure to bring your own picnic blanket — and a full picnic while you're at it. While the cinema is totally BYO, there are often food trucks on-site. When? December 8, 2016 – April 2, 2017. ROOFTOP CINEMA, CBD Some think summer arrives when the mercury finally soars past 30 degrees, others are convinced it's the day you muster the courage to throw yourself in the ocean but, if you ask us, summer starts the moment you know Rooftop Cinema is cranking back into gear. The programmers have long since nailed the balance between big new releases, old classics and super relevant tie-ins with other events. Kicking off on December 3 and running through until April 2017 (with the second half of the program still to be announced), there's plenty more movie fun where that came from. Haven't had a chance to catch up with Marvel's latest superhero, Doctor Strange? Keen to revisit this year's lady-centric version of Ghostbusters? Want to take the ultimate US road trip with American Honey? You'll find them all on the lineup. Amy Adams-starring duo Arrival and Nocturnal Animals, amusing action hit The Nice Guys and a dose of the skux life courtesy of Hunt for the Wilderpeople also feature among the more recent portion of the program. So do two music offerings sponsored by Levi's: Nick Cave doco Once More With Feeling, as well as a look at the fab four in The Beatles: Eight Days A Week. Don't forget that checking out classics on the big screen is all part of the Rooftop Cinema experience as well, though. When? December 3, 2016 – April 16, 2017. CAMEO OUTDOOR CINEMA, BELGRAVE If you're looking for a brief sojourn from the bright lights of the big city, the Cameo Outdoor Cinema in Belgrave is worth the half-hour drive from Melbourne. Flush out your dirty, city-dweller lungs, breathe in the fresh air of the Dandenong Ranges and take in the truly spectacular views while enjoying a selection of mainstream releases in the magical forest setting. Each moviegoer is provided with a set of Dolby Digital headphones for an intimate and high-quality experience, so the sounds of Bambi and his forest friends won't interrupt your move watching. From mid-November until April 2017, audiences will get the chance to nestle down in deckchairs and beanbags, with craft beer, homemade choc-tops and freshly popped popcorn in hand. The season begins with a midnight, moonlight screening of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Remember: if you don't come dressed as a wizard, you're doing it wrong. Other titles include new Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds doco One More Time With Feeling, the much-anticipated Trainspotting sequel, British Film Festival fave A Monster Callsand based-on-fact film Lion. There are 150 comfortable deckchairs, and the seating operates on a first-in, first-served system. They've got craft beer and boutique wines, edamame, and lollies from The Sassafras Sweet Co. Alternatively, you can also BYO blanket or rug if you want to picnic and chill out on the grass. When? November 17, 2016 – April 16, 2017. LIDO ON THE ROOF, HAWTHORN Perched atop the eight-screen picture house overlooking Glenferrie Road, the outdoor screen on the Lido rooftop in Hawthorn will light up with a selection of new release movies in the open air. The Lido on the Roof season kicks off on Thursday, October 27, with a screening of contemporary western Hell or High Water complete with western-themed party. Bring your boots, your bolo ties and your ten gallon hats, and knock back bourbon cocktails on sale at the bar. It's one of a number of special events on the Lido Rooftop program, which also includes a Halloween screening of Rob Zombie's 31, a midnight showing of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, and a throwback screening of 1992's Death Becomes Her presented by Taste of Streep. Other titles to make the journey skyward include Marvel movie Doctor Strange, ensemble comedy Office Christmas Party and Mel Gibson's new WWII movie Hacksaw Ridge. When? October 27, 2016 – April 16, 2017. SHIMMERLANDS, PARKVILLE Just as uni students across the country start to finish their last exams for the semester and high five each other as they realise they don't have to step foot on campus for the next few months, the team from Shadow Electric decide to throw a huge two-month summer festival — at uni, of all places. The organisers — who are known for their summer outdoor cinema at Abbotsford Convent, among other events — will take over the University of Melbourne's impressive Parkville campus for two whole months of music, film and, of course, food and drink. Dubbed Shimmerlands, the festival will run both day and night throughout January and February. Making the most of the ghost town that is a university during summer, they'll turn the campus into a veritable feast of cultural delights. There'll be an outdoor cinema, two performance spaces (an indoor concert hall and outdoor music amphitheatre), multiple bars and a pop-up collection of 16 of Melbourne's best restaurants. The 45 title-strong film program has been developed by Lauren Valmadre, director of the Human Rights & Arts Film Festival. It will include the Australian premiere of The Rolling Stones Ole, Ole, Ole!: A Trip Across Latin America, as well as the new Nick Cave documentary One More Time With Feeling, Tom Ford's Nocturnal Animals and the much-anticipated La La Land. When? January 1 – February 26, 2017. BEN & JERRY'S OPENAIR CINEMA, ST KILDA Located right by the water on St Kilda Beach, Ben & Jerry's Openair Cinema is one of our favourite summer hangouts. This year's program kicks off in late November, with recent releases including The Accountant, Nocturnal Animals and Arrival alongside a smattering of classics such as Elf and Love Actually. Festivities start while the sun is still shining, with live music squeezed in before the film (plus plenty of time to suss out the bar and stock up on snacks). Head along to one of their Sundae Sessions (you guessed it, on a Sunday) to enjoy a great film, live music, and free Ben and Jerry's. No, you didn't hear wrong, that's free ice cream. The Ben and Jerry's Open Air Cinema has a much shorter run than Melbourne's other outdoor cinemas, so if you're keen on catching great film and indulging on some Peanut Butter Half Baked heaven, make sure you lock something in by December 18. When? November 26 – December 18, 2016. QV OUTDOOR CINEMA, CBD Usually the realm of hectic shopping sprees, QV Melbourne last year launched its own openair cinema, and it will return with summer screenings running every Thursday to Sunday night from November to February. It's an intimate 80-seat deckchair cinema on the astroturf outside the Queen Victoria Women's Centre, and the whole program is curated by Melbourne filmmaker and film programmer Gus Berger, who runs Red Hot Shorts at ACMI. Expect festive films in December (think Bad Santa, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Elf), an Australian film on Australia Day (The Sapphires), a focus on Melbourne independent films, alongside '80s favourites and selected special event films. There'll also be three dog-friendly Doggie + Deckchair screenings, starting with a doggy red carpet before Lady and the Tramp on December 10. All proceeds from ticket sales going to non-profit animal charity Lort Smith. With tickets at $12 (and $14 for the dog screenings) each, it's a pretty budget-friendly date option for the summer. When? November 30, 2016 – February 26, 2017. BARKLY SQUARE OUTDOOR CINEMA, BRUNSWICK Barkly Square in Brunswick will run a pop-up cinema throughout December and January. It'll go down in the laneway of the shopping centre and unlike other outdoor cinemas, this one has a difference: it's silent. Kind of like when you go to the drive-in and attach the speaker to your car, they'll be transmitting the film's audio through dedicated headphones. The best part is that all proceeds from the event will be donated to the Victorian Deaf Society. And even better, tickets are only a tenner. Take that Hoyts. There's only 60 seats per screening though, so be sure to book early — especially for the spesh Christmas screenings. On the whole, the lineup is pretty decent and eclectic, with everything from Donnie Darko to Home Alone to Whiplash. When? December 16, 2016 – January 28, 2017. COBURG DRIVE-IN, COBURG Coburg Drive-In first opened in 1965, and despite threats of closure over the years, is still kicking around. It comes complete with three screens, 850 car spaces and a diner-esque Candy Bar, and jumping in the car with a couple of doonas and homemade portion-controlled lolly bags is still just as fun as when you were seven years old. Potentially more fun. Showing a small range of current cinema releases with two session times a night, the Coburg Drive-In remains true to the original, Grease-style experience. When? All year-round.
If you're a regular coffee drinker, no doubt you've been caught up in the recent push towards recyclable or reusable coffee cups. And for many of us, drinking the sweet nectar from a one-use, environmentally-unfriendly takeaway cup is just not the same as a weighty, handmade ceramic cafe cup. But who has the time to stop and sip? Where can you find a fusion of both? Thanks to a talented Queensland couple, you can now have your ceramic-bound coffee and drink it (on the go) too. Queensland potter Renton Bishopric and partner Clare Botfield have recently launched Pottery for the Planet — a series of limited edition pottery pieces that raise money and awareness of environmental issues. "If we want to continue living in a beautiful clean country and world, we have to make some serious changes and that starts with the choices of each individual," says Bishopric. In an effort to make this choice a little more design-savvy, the duo has begun making what customers have dubbed 'Planet Cups', bespoke ceramic coffee cups that reduce paper cup wastage, one coffee at a time. Bishopric and Botfield make each 8oz or 12oz cup by hand on the pottery wheel, drying and firing them in the kiln before glazing in a selection of colours. The intricate process by which they are made means each Planet Cup is unique. "With a handmade product there are so many variables starting with the hands of the person that threw the pot, down to the firing environment in the kiln. So no matter what, each cup is unique from its brothers and sisters," says Bishopric. Each Planet Cup comes with a silicone lid and the option of a heat band so extra hot coffee drinkers can protect their fingers. Due to the incredible popularity of the Planet Cups, an online shop is set to be launched soon. In the meantime, the colourful creations can be purchased through the pair's Sunshine Coast retail store, Cinnabar Soul. You can also check out the Pottery for the Planet website for a list of local stockists. If you live in Hobart, you're going to need one very soon. Image: Renton Bishopric Ceramics.
