After a year full of lockdowns and restrictions, travelling around Australia is finally possible again. Now, the bumper-to-bumper summer season of the country's top galleries is within reach to out-of-town art lovers too. We've pulled together a taster of major exhibitions that span both new and recognisable art and will encourage reflection on this crazy year. Each state is offering something unique, from an expansive all-women artist exhibition in Canberra to shows revealing the diversity of contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art from across the country. Join us in celebrating culture and open borders with an Australian summer full of art, performance, community talks and tours.
As much as we like to pretend we are all digital natives who will soon have our consciousness transferred into a gel-like neural network and live forever on the I N T E R N E T, the truth is that underneath it allwe're just tactile creatures who can't help but cry at sunsets. There’s nothing we like more than having something we can hold in our hands – and the people behind the droPrinter know exactly how we feel. Developed in Melbourne(!) by Zhenxun Yu, the droPrinter is one of the first portable, wireless smartphone printers available on the market – and despite being new to the scene, it isn’t as prohibitively expensive as you’d imagine. Like all cool things these days, the production of the droPrinter is being funded via Kickstarter and has already raised $43,967 – nearly three times its initial target – since launching on July 7 (see, people really love tangible old-school paper). The device clocks in at a tiny 10cm wide by 2.5cm deep and is operated via an Android or iOS app. With a 120 hour battery life you can print out literal reams of information: anonymous love notes, shopping lists, lists of baby names, wanted posters or maybe just miles and miles of emoticons – the world is now your oyster. It can even be used as a mobile power pack to charge your phone. Best of all, the droPrinter is affordable. The printer is expected to retail for $99, but for a pledge of $80 or more you can reserve yourself a printer (with an expected shipping date of March 2016) and one roll of paper. Further proof that the droPrinter folk aren’t trying to steal your hard-won Simoleans is that the device takes standard thermal paper, which can be purchased cheaply in office supply stores or online. For more information, check out the droPrinter Kickstarter.
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 an Aussie South Side, topped with, y'know, a small serving of ants. Once you've crafted this gem, try making Stone's Native Spiced Bloody Mary (recipe's over here). MATT STONE'S AUSSIE SOUTH SIDE "A refreshing taste of Australia for a spring afternoon." INGREDIENTS Serves one ice 60 ml (2 fl oz/¼ cup) white spirit (gin, vodka or white rum) 30 ml (1 fl oz) freshly squeezed lime juice 10 ml (2 teaspoons) basic sugar syrup (see page 209) 7 Australian river mint (or regular mint) leaves small plate of ants and 1 lime wedge (optional) Fill a serving glass with ice and let it stand. Put the spirit, lime juice and sugar syrup, and all but one of the mint leaves, into a shaker, giving the mint a clap between your hands to excite its flavour before throwing it in. Fill the shaker to the top with ice, seal and shake vigorously for around 15 seconds. Discard the ice from the serving glass. If using ants, rub a wedge of lime around the rim of the glass. Gently press the rim onto your ants, twisting the glass so they stick all the way around the circumference. Put three to four cubes of fresh ice in the glass. Double-strain the liquid from the shaker into the glass using your Hawthorne and fine strainers. Stick the reserved mint leaf on top and serve. Note: There are specialist online shops where you can buy ants and other edible insects. 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.
Victoria is truly a cornucopia of earthly delights. Just a few hours from the centre of Melbourne lie some of Australia's lushest landmarks – the Grampians, the Great Ocean Road and Wilsons Prom, to name a few. And yet something often stops us from getting out of the city. Whether it's a lack of time, a private vehicle, like-minded friends or camping equipment, it's easy to not take full advantage of our location and get out into nature. Enter Hike and Seek, a boutique tour company that take small groups on day adventures from Melbourne. After launching in September last year, co-founders James McCleery and Mette Kortelainen quickly realised they were onto something amazing. "We started with two tours and now we're doing six tours on a weekly basis," says James. "Generally we book every tour out…it's been an absolute dream for us." McCleery and Kortelainen live and breathe an outdoorsy lifestyle. They imagined Hike and Seek several years ago while hiking in Wilsons Prom and now spend six days a week leading hiking tours. Unlike big tour companies, Hike and Seek is a little more personal. With just eight people on a tour, you'll be picked up by a Kombi van named Olivia from either St Kilda or the CBD. From there on out, Hike and Seek provide everything, from equipment and ethically-sourced coffee from Supreme to fresh vegan food and snacks throughout the day. So where do they take you? McCleery and Kortelainen run full and half-day tours to some of the best hiking spots around Melbourne — Wilsons Promontory, the Otways, Cape Woolamai on Phillip Island, Mt Buller, the Grampians and the Mornington Peninsula all make the list. As the tour groups are so small, they're perfect for solo travellers and anyone looking to make new friends. But this isn't some tourist activity full of visiting families and rowdy groups of backpackers. "We thought our target marketing was the travellers and the backpacker, but we realised quickly that 70 percent of our market is Melbourne-based," says James. "We actually get a lot of corporate people. We get Airbnb customers and Melbourne-based people, who've just always wanted to do it — they've heard of Wilsons Prom or the Grampians, but they've never been. Or their friends bail last minute, or they don't have a car or they wanna do it with a group." Hike and Seek also offer something else you won't find with most big tour companies: delicious vegan food. Before becoming a full-time hiker, Mette studied nutrition in Helsinki, so all the food you'll chow down on is super healthy and animal product-free, and bound to give you plenty of energy to tear through your hike. "We're not preachers at all but so many people are so intrigued by it [the vegan food]," James says "They're there to get active and healthy as well, so there's a like minded group of people there who're embarking on a journey together". Come summer, they'll even be expanding to two- and three-day camping tours for those who CBFed buying a tent but crave time out from the city. All you have to worry about now is finding a comfy pair of shoes. Hike and Seek run tours from Melbourne most days of the week. Tours book out fast so you'll need to book in advance at hikeandseek.com.au. Love a good hike? Here's eight one-day hikes that you can do on your own from Melbourne.
Imagine a rolling vineyard with free-flowing wine, entertainers and famous faces in attendance. No, this isn't a plot for a mystery novel or the latest escapades of a cinematic detective. This adventure is Comedy in the Vines. It's a huge three-day celebration in Nagambie (only an 80-minute drive from Melbourne) from Friday, November 8 and Sunday, November 10. How huge can it be? How about the largest comedy festival in Regional Australian history? And this year, the event is heading to Michelton Wines in the picturesque Nagambie wine region, which will play host to some serious (and hilarious) talent. [caption id="attachment_972455" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mitchelton Wines[/caption] The talent? Jen Brister, Lloyd Langford, Melanie Bracewell, Joel Creasey, Mel Buttle, Alex Ward, Gillian Cosgriff, Rove McManus, Dave Thorton and stacks more comedians will take to the main stage. Beyond that already very impressive lineup, you can watch live podcast recordings hosted by Claire Hooper, Luke Heggie and Nick Cody, sip and snack at the Oyster and Reisling Shot Bar, wander through the Mitchelton Gallery of Aboriginal Art, eat from a huge array of food stalls, and visit the R&R (rosé and relaxation) Station for massages, nail sculpting and rosé.
Despite having barbecued its first rib just eight months ago, Bluebonnet is a solid hit with Melbourne carnivores. And, with two venues already on-the-go, it's now arrived Geelong — specifically, The Workers Club. The Bluebonnet crew has teamed up with the Workers with two ideas in mind. The first is serving up the best American-style barbecue possible. To that end, a brand new, signature Bluebonnet smoker has been built for the new venue. Like its predecessors, the smoker’s been constructed by hand every step of the way, and boasts serious dimensions: 3.5 metres long with a 2000 litre capacity. The second idea is to bring live music to the meat. A genuinely solid lineup of local artists are already booked in, including British India, Northeast Party House and Jeff Martin. The space itself, which once served as an auction house, is an ideal live music space, featuring a bandroom, bar, dining area and outdoor seating. Governed by seasonality, the menu will be a little different every time you visit. If you’ve been festivalising this summer, there’s every chance you’re familiar with the Bluebonnet buns which, you’ll be pleased to know, are a regular fixture. Other staple hunger-busters include smoked Riverina Angus brisket, smoked porter braised beef cheek and Berkshire pulled pork. They're paired with some left-of-field sides, from guindilla, cheddar and confit garlic cornbread to apple and kohlrabi slaw. Both pre-gig snackers and platter-sharers are welcome. You’ll find The Worker’s Club at 90-92 Little Malop Street, Geelong. It’s open Monday to Thursday, 5pm till late, and Friday and Saturday from 12pm. We've picked Bluebonnet Barbecue as one of the Ten Best Barbecue Joints in Melbourne. Check out the list here.
Here, in a buzzy pocket of the Mornington Peninsula, Hotel Sorrento has sat for nearly 150 years boasting enviable bay vistas. Now, the historic sandstone building is welcoming an overhauled food and drink offering helmed by George Calombaris as part of the first stage of its redevelopment, including modern Cantonese diner Shihuishi. Shihuishi is the newest addition to the Hotel Sorrento family, nestled in the original, grand Hotel Sorrento ballroom. Head chef Junlin (Jerry) Yi (ex-Red Spice Road) is unafraid to stray from tradition, from prawn crackers paired with crème fraîche; to spanakopita dumplings that marry whipped feta and dill. Deeper into the menu, patrons will discover Australian-Canto cuisine that nods to the Chinese restaurant that stood onsite back in the 1980s. A prawn, lap cheong and onion stir-fry is a crowd-pleaser, along with duck pancakes and black pepper beef, served on a sizzling plate. Other classics run to the likes of steamed barra with soy, ginger and spring onion, or the ever-popular pork and prawn shumai. A generous list of cocktails, wine as well as beer and mocktails completes the offering. Don't miss the Dynasty Margarita, a playful mixture of tequila, green tea, honey, lime, jalapeños, Szechuan and rosemary salt. Images: supplied.
Meredith is a festival where you're guaranteed to have a good time, no matter what. But whatever your reasons for heading to the three-day December festival in central Victoria, you won't be disappointed with the acts Aunty Meredith has announced for this year's lineup. If you've seen their Letterman set (and who hasn't by now), you'll be chest-beatingly happy to know that Future Islands will be headlining the bill, bringing their empassioned live show to The Sup. Todd Terje will be bringing his space disco all the way from Norway to head up vibes on Saturday night, as Chicago's Noname — both are coming to Australia for the first time. Warpaint, Total Control, ESG and !!! are among acts to join NZ's already-announced Aldous Harding. And that's not even a half of it. Aunty has really covered all bases here. You're wondering how you can get tickets to this aren't you? Meredith tickets are only available by entering the ballot. You can still do so at here up until 10.27pm on Tuesday, August 15. Fingers crossed that we can all hang out in The Sup on December 8, 9 and 10. But we know what you're really here for. We'll cut to the chase. Here's the lineup — and we're promised a few more are still to be announced. MEREDITH MUSIC FESTIVAL 2017 LINEUP Todd Terje & The Olsens Noname ESG Total Control !!! Future Islands Warpaint Downtown Boys Mark Seymour and The Undertow Aldous Harding Harvey Sutherland & Bermuda Amyl and The Sniffers Big Thief Pissed Jeans Various Asses Japanese Breakfast RVG The Teskey Brothers DJ Jnett The Senegambian Jazz Band Rings Around Saturn Kikagaku Moyo
Pâtissier extraordinaire Adriano Zumbo has swung open the doors to his latest sugary venture, Fancy Nance. The renowned pastry chef, Tim Tam guest designer and MasterChef final boss cut the metaphorical ribbon on the South Yarra high tea salon and bakery cafe earlier in the week. In a related story, Melbourne’s most sadistic dentists have been seen cackling maniacally while rubbing their hands with glee. Located on Daly Street on the former site of ill-fated Le Grand Cirque, Fancy Nance will cement Zumbo’s dessert dominion over South Yarra, complementing his patisserie on nearby Claremont Street. The kitchens will be the stomping ground of head chef Daniel Texter, whose resume includes stints at Noma in Copenhagen and Le Amis in Singapore. The menu is an expectedly extravagant affair with a mix of sweet and savoury. The $45 high tea degustation includes a choux bun filled with tarragon ice cream, apple pie with cinnamon marshmallow, caramelised olives with smoked ricotta and pork rillettes on a pretzel bun. If that’s not quite decadent enough for you, they’ve also got a $65 version that features all of the above as well as a passionfruit curd and lemongrass panna cotta, grapefruit with white chocolate ganache and osso bucco with pea shoots. Beverage options include a wide variety of teas, from the relatively conventional Darjeeling and chamomile to more elaborate combinations such as ginger and liquorice, and Dragon Pearl jasmine. They also offer coffee, hot chocolate, beer, wine and cocktails. Sweetening the deal even further, Fancy Nance have struck up a partnership with chef Pierre Roelofs, who’ll use the salon to host his famous four-course dessert nights on select Thursday evenings throughout winter. If you’re interested in booking, head on over here. It's not all dessert onsite though. The converted warehouse space will also be home to the soon-to-open Little Frankie’s, which will serve simple Italian fare such as bread, pastries and gelato (to sweeten the deal further). Fancy Nance is located at 21 Daly Street, South Yarra, and operates Wednesday to Sunday from 11am to 6pm. For more information, visit them on Facebook. Via Good Food. View all Melbourne Cafes.
Spring is in the air and that means festival season is upon us. We've just wrapped up Fringe and already we're on to the next one. Spanning two and a half weeks, this year's Melbourne Festival lineup includes 70 events, including 17 Australian premieres, featuring artists, musicians and theatre makers from all around the world. Here are just ten of the festival events you should go out of your way to make time for.
Sydney-based singer-songwriter Elizabeth Rose is taking a stand on marriage equality, with a brand new single out today. Titled ‘Division,’ the pulsating electronic pop track tackles the issue of same-sex unions head on, with lyrics like ‘I got friends who need the satisfaction of equality,’ leaving little doubt on where the singer stands. Even better, the musician is putting her money where her mouth is, with sale proceeds being used to help fight discrimination. “Australia is tipped as the ‘lucky’ country, but reflecting upon what we stand for, I'm not sure that we are all that we’re cracked up to be,” says Rose. “Our peers fall victim to acts of discrimination and are denied the right to equality.” ‘Division’ is currently available to download from the singer’s website on a pay-what-you-want basis. The proceeds will be donated to Australian Marriage Equality. The single comes at a significant point in the national marriage debate. After Ireland passed marriage reform via popular referendum last month, Australia remains one of the few holdouts in the developed world. Polling suggests the Australian public is overwhelmingly in favour of marriage equality, but politicians continue to lag behind. Opposition leader Bill Shorten introduced a private members bill to a depressingly empty Parliament on Monday, with only five Liberal MPs bothering to attend. “We are moving towards this significant moment in Australian history,” affirmed Rose. “I urge people to accept and embrace this need for equality in our country.” To download ‘Division,’ visit Elizabeth Rose’s website. To learn more about the goals of Australian Marriage Equality, go here.
Hollywood's glitziest and most self-congratulatory night has wrapped up for another year. While the rest of us have been at work on a Monday, the who's who of moviemaking took their seats at the Dolby Theatre for the 89th Academy Awards. Leading the pack this year with a record-equaling 14 nominations was Damien Chazelle's musical throwback La La Land, which is either the greatest film ever made or completely overrated, depending on which person on the internet you ask. Warren Beatty read out La La Land for Best Picture (even though Moonlight won), lolly bags were parachuted into Hollywood hands, several stars wore blue ribbons in a subtle protest against President Trump, John Legend performed La La Land's 'City of Stars' better than Ryan Gosling, and Suicide Squad won an actual Oscar. Really. "Academy Award-winner Suicide Squad." Not easy to say. Anyway, here's the list of this year's winners, may you long debate the results at the pub. Watching the ceremony later? Pair it with Concrete Playground's Oscars drinking game, and check if we were right. Here's the full list of winners: Best Supporting Actor Mahershala Ali (Moonlight) — WINNER Jeff Bridges (Hell or High Water) Lucas Hedges (Manchester by the Sea) Dev Patel (Lion) Michael Shannon (Nocturnal Animals) Achievement in Costume Design Allied Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them — WINNER Florence Foster Jenkins Jackie La La Land Achievement in Makeup and Hairstyling A Man Called Ove Star Trek Beyond Suicide Squad — WINNER Best Foreign Language Film Land of Mine A Man Called Ove The Salesman — WINNER Tanna Toni Erdmann Best Live Action Short Ennemis Entreniers La Femme et le TGV Silent Nights Sing — WINNER Timecode Best Documentary Short Subject Extremis 4.1 Miles Joe's Violin Watani: My Homeland The White Helmets — WINNER Achievement in Sound Mixing Arrival Hacksaw Ridge — WINNER La La Land Rogue One: A Star Wars Story 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi Achievement in Sound Editing Arrival — WINNER Deepwater Horizon Hacksaw Ridge La La Land Sully Best Supporting Actress Viola Davis (Fences) — WINNER Naomie Harris (Moonlight) Nicole Kidman (Lion) Octavia Spencer (Hidden Figures) Michelle Williams (Manchester by the Sea) Achievement in Visual Effects Deepwater Horizon Doctor Strange The Jungle Book — WINNER Kubo and the Two Strings Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Best Animated Short Blind Vaysha Borrowed Time Pear Cider and Cigarettes Pearl Piper — WINNER Best Animated Feature Kubo and the Two Strings Moana My Life as a Zucchini The Red Turtle Zootopia — WINNER Best Production Design Arrival Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Hail, Caesar! La La Land — WINNER Passengers Cinematography Arrival La La Land — WINNER Lion Moonlight Silence Best Film Editing Arrival Hacksaw Ridge — WINNER Hell or High Water La La Land Moonlight Best Documentary Feature Fire at Sea I Am Not Your Negro Life Animated O.J.: Made in America — WINNER 13th Best Original Song Audition (La La Land) Can't Stop the Feeling (Trolls) City of Stars (La La Land) — WINNER The Empty Chair (Jim: The James Foley Story) How Far I'll Go (Moana) Best Original Score Jackie La La Land — WINNER Lion Moonlight Passengers Best Original Screenplay Hell or High Water La La Land The Lobster Manchester by the Sea — WINNER 20th Century Women Best Adapted Screenplay Arrival Fences Hidden Figures Lion Moonlight — WINNER Best Director Denis Villeneuve (Arrival) Mel Gibson (Hacksaw Ridge) Damien Chazelle (La La Land) — WINNER Kenneth Lonergan (Manchester by the Sea) Barry Jenkins (Moonlight) Best Actor Casey Affleck (Manchester by the Sea) — WINNER Andrew Garfield (Hacksaw Ridge) Ryan Gosling (La La Land) Viggo Mortensen (Captain Fantastic) Denzel Washington (Fences) Best Actress Isabelle Huppert (Elle) Ruth Negga (Loving) Natalie Portman (Jackie) Emma Stone (La La Land) — WINNER Meryl Streep (Florence Foster Jenkins) Best Picture Arrival Fences Hacksaw Ridge Hell or High Water Hidden Figures La La Land Lion Manchester by the Sea Moonlight — WINNER By Shannon Connellan and Tom Clift.
South Yarra's Lambs on Malvern is your classic souvlaki joint with a fun range of pizzas to complement it. With street-side dining, it's the perfect place to catch up with a mate over an easy halal snack pack and a can of coke and watch the world stroll by. It's open until 3am on Friday or Saturday to enjoy a late-night stumble with a falafel souvlaki — however, expect big lines as this place has built up a reputation over the years. The combos include a souvlaki combo with fries and a drink, as well as a halal snack pack, Hawaiian pizza or falafel souvlaki option. The souvlaki themselves are served with lettuce, tomato, onion and garlic sauce wrapped in pita bread. As well as Hawaiian pizzas, it offers classics such as margaritas, garlic, and barbecue chicken. The staff's special pizza has been expertly curated, featuring salami, capsicum, onion, olives, bacon cheese and marina sauce. For vegetarians, there is an option with mushrooms, onions, capsicum, olives, marina sauce and cheese. Rock up for lunch or a little tipsy at midnight and enjoy some of the best souvlaki in Melbourne. Images: Tran Nguyen
Break out the cheese, Wallace & Gromit fans, then put on the right trousers and prepare for what's bound to be a very grand day out indeed. As part of the Victorian Government's Melbourne Winter Masterpieces series, the Australian Centre for the Moving Image has announced a massive exhibition dedicated to everyone's favourite stop-motion-animated, dairy-loving inventor and his kindly claymation canine pal, as well as the broader Aardman world they hail from. Taking over ACMI from June 29 to October 29, 2017, Wallace & Gromit and friends: The magic of Aardman will showcase more than 350 items, spanning original artworks, sketches, storyboards, hand-made sets and set pieces, character studies, puppets and more. Specific items such as the flying machine from Chicken Run and the five-metre tall ship from The Pirates! Band of Misfits will also feature. In short, if it's related to the Oscar, BAFTA and all-round award-winning animation studio's beloved were-rabbit chasers, escaping chooks and swashbucklers — and their other flicks such as Flushed Away, Arthur Christmas and Shaun the Sheep — you'll find it here. Of course, ACMI being ACMI, you can expect to see bits and pieces of Aardman's shorts, television work, advertisements, music videos and movies too, though an accompanying big screen lineup hasn't yet been announced. And the timing really couldn't be better. While their highly anticipated next effort Early Man won't release in cinemas until 2018, the exhibition will include concept drawings from the Stone Age versus Bronze Age caper, which will feature the voices of Eddie Redmayne and Tom Hiddleston. Curated by Art Ludique-Le Musée, Paris, where the exhibition premiered in 2015, Wallace & Gromit and friends also marks more than four decades of Aardman goodness — and its Melbourne run will coincide with the 40th anniversary of the first Aardman short, 1977's Animated Conversations: Down and Out, in fact. With Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art opening its doors to a Marvel showcase in 2017, next year sure is shaping up to be a mighty fine time for pop culture-filled galleries — and for travelling around the country to peek behind the scenes of your favourite screen content, perhaps? Wallace & Gromit and friends: The magic of Aardman exhibits at ACMI from June 29 to October 29, 2017. Tickets go on sale from Monday, November 21, 2016. Visit the ACMI website for further details. Images: Aardman.
Debauched banquets from Bompas and Parr, giant industrial fire organs and all the demon purging and ceremonial death dances you could want in a festival. Now in its third year, Dark Mofo continues to evolve to be darker, weirder and wilder than before. Aligned with the winter solstice and run from June 12-22, MONA’s annual June festival celebrated the Neolithic tradition over ten hedonistic days of eclectic and unpredictable art, performance, music and happenings around Hobart, concluding with the annual nude solstice swim at dawn after the longest night in Australia— yep, people actually swim nude in the bloody freezing Derwent River. Programming for Dark Mofo seems to be a deliberate descent from free-spirited, easily digestible art to uncontrolled, freakish insanity — from loveable Sydney fivesome The Preatures to Japanese eight-laptop conductor EYE. This year's citywide festival had thousands huddled ritualistically around fire bins in the waterfront arts precinct Dark Park, roasting giant marshmallows, chowing down on Pacha Mama wallaby burritos, Quiet Deeds Lamington Ale and Bruny Island oyster-garnished Bloody Marys at the Winter Feast and absorbing all the doom sludge metal, splintered electronic feedback ambience and Marina Abramovic performance art they could guzzle. We put our hands into mystery boxes at Hendrick's Gin's pop-up Parlour of Curiosities (which was wonderfully Sleep No More meets The Blair Witch Project), we made forcefields out of Anthony McCall's stunning Solid Light Works, avoided bodily injury by skipping Byron J Scullin and Supple Fox's Bass Bath and inhaled Aesop's olfactory soap-mist room — all while artist Rafael Lozano-Hemmer's beam of light towered over the city, pulsing with punter heartbeats. And then there's the event with a safe word (it was 'bananas'). Creative team Supple Fox created the mysterious, epic Blacklist party, a heaving, nightly end-of-the-world art rave taking over Hobart Town Hall until the wee hours. While most might want to abide by the rule 'what happens at Blacklist stays at Blacklist', we can divulge that there was more revolving pink Christmas trees made out of plastic bodies, silent drag shows, star sign-based floor huddles, melancholy poetry readings, Retrosweat-style dance demonstrations, silver balloon drops and car engine bonfires than we've seen at other, less apocalyptic parties. But the best bit about Dark Mofo? For an incredibly niche, dark and avant-garde festival that should be overwhelmingly pretentious, it's probably the most accessible and widely-attended (demographically) festival we've seen in many a day. Toddlers, nannas, teenagers, twenty-somethings, older humans; they all show up and have a grand ol' time. Maybe it's a Hobartian thing. Or maybe there's something about the end of the world that makes us lose our inhibitions and just run with it. Images: Andy Fraser. Words: Shannon Connellan.
If there's one place in New South Wales — well, besides Sydney — that's embraced the state's newly liberated small bar culture, it's Wollongong. Like that of the harbour city, The Gong's night life used to be all about rowdy pubs and dance clubs. Now, we're not saying there's anything wrong with that — sometimes, there's no better way to end a working week than sinking a few and tutting like you're Taylor Swift in utter anonymity — but, like the great Latin writer Publilius Syrus quipped: "The most delightful pleasures cloy without variety". And during the past decade Wollongong, which you'll find just a 90-minute drive south of Sydney, has diversified. In the city's easily walkable centre, you'll stumble across a bluesy whiskey den, a laneway warehouse plastered with street art, a pocket-sized wine bar with a giant-sized wine list, a hatted hideaway serving French degustations and a waterfront pub championing microbrews. And that's just the start of it. Beyond the streetscape, there are beaches, mountains and woodlands galore. In one weekend, you can ride a horse through rainforest, picnic by a waterfall, cruise clifftops on the back of a Harley, loop de loop in a WW2 biplane and, needless to say, take your pick of beaches to swim at. Speaking of which, Wollongong's sandy coastline gives you two options, north and south of Flagstaff Point. On one side, there's the calm, swimmer-friendly North Beach, while on the other is the wild, 3.1-kilometre long City Beach. For more, skip town to visit the string of seaside villages that make up the outer northern suburbs, watched over by the spectacular, 400-metre high, sandstone Illawarra Escarpment. Here's your guide to eating, drinking and adventuring your way through a Wollongong sleepover. [caption id="attachment_569010" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Sage Hotel via Wotif[/caption] STAY To wake up just a stumble away from a swim, check into the Sage. Once known as the Chifley and taken over by Silver Needle Hotels in 2015, this four star, 11-storey, 168 room hotel is across the road from City Beach. For fantasy novel-inspiring panoramas of a morning mist-enshrouded Mount Keira, ask for a north facing balcony room or suite. Wherever you are, you'll get invigorating ocean breezes, a super comfy bed, a 40-inch tele and cosy armchairs. When the surf's too rough for a dip, plunge into the spacious lap pool. Buffet brekkie — served on the hotel's Five Islands Terrace — comes with dazzling ocean views, while downstairs at Cold Water Creek Restaurant and Bar, you can slip into a red-cushioned booth anytime and build your own burger. [caption id="attachment_569278" align="alignnone" width="1280"] South Coast Bike Hire[/caption] DO To make zipping around town a cinch, rent a bicycle from South Coast Bike Hire, who'll deliver the bike to your doorstep. Stick to scooting from one bar to another or, if you're keen to counter your excesses with a workout, conquer the waterfront cycleway, which runs between Port Kembla and Thirroul, where you can cool off in a 1930s ocean pool, grab a coffee at Gidget's, browse local art or take a surfing lesson with Illawarra Surf Academy. All in all, Wollongong has 42 kilometres of shared paths. For more scenery (at a much faster speed) take a High Adrenaline Ride and Fly Tour. Just Cruisin' Tours' Steve Melchior will roll up at your hotel, pop you on the back of his Harley and lead you on a twisting, turning, coast-hugging journey along Grand Pacific Drive, which runs as far north as the Royal National Park. Hold on when you hit Sea Cliff Bridge, a dizzying series of curves suspended 665 metres above the ocean, backdropped by sheer cliffs. If you're travelling with a mate, book the Boom Trike. [caption id="attachment_569088" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Southern Biplanes[/caption] Afterwards — or perhaps before — Steve will transport you to Southern Biplane Adventures, where you'll jump aboard a fire truck-red biplane known as Lilly Warra. She's a bonafide World War Two veteran, built in 1943 to perform military aerobatics. Your pilot will strap you into the open-air cockpit and take you soaring hundreds of metres above the Illawarra coastline. Just how gnarly things get is up to you; settle in for a straightforward right-way-up joy flight or order as many tricks as you can handle, from a wingover (a steep climb followed by a sideways fall) to a loop de loop (a 360-degree, upside down turn). To see the Lilly Warra — and hundreds of other stunt planes — in action, head to Wollongong on the weekend of April 30 for the annual Wings Over Illawarra Air Show. And, for a journey through Australia's aviation history, swing by the nearby Historical Aircraft Restoration Society Museum, where you can sit in the cockpit of a Vietnam War fighter jet. [caption id="attachment_569102" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Otford Farm[/caption] Done with the adrenaline pumping? Make tracks to Otford Farm to explore at a gentler pace. This Lords of the Rings-esque property is home to 40 or so horses, who spend most of their time roaming freely across its 300 acres, but will cheerfully take you for a ride if you ask nicely. The three-hour Bald Hill Adventure trail ride is a magical journey through dense rainforest, alongside babbling creeks and across open woodlands. You'll stop at the hang gliding mecca of Bald Hill Lookout and the pretty Kellys Falls Picnic Area on the way. Short on time or not ready to commit to 180 minutes on horseback? Book a one- or two-hour stroll instead. [caption id="attachment_569091" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Caveau[/caption] EAT UK-born Peter Sheppard was just a kid when he decided to become a chef. Some years later, after training at Sydney's Banc, he moved to Wollongong, where he opened Caveau in 2004. In 2005, his French-inspired creations earned a Good Food and Travel Guide Chef Hat — and they've won one every single year since then. Any day of the week, plonk down on a turquoise polka dot chair in one of the hushed, dark dining rooms and work your way through a seven-course degustation. Like the furniture, the plates are splashed with bright colours, from brilliant purple baby beets to bright red heirloom tomatoes to vibrant warrigal greens. Sheppard sources local, organic produce and pursues a nose-to-tail philosophy, ensuring nothing is wasted. Vegetarians can expect to be treated with equal respect as carnivores; the meat-free degustation is not just an afterthought, but a masterpiece in itself. For a more casual chow down in an epic setting, there's Three Chimneys. Hidden down an alleyway and covered in street art, it's a former warehouse turned hospitality kingdom, incorporating not only a restaurant and bar, but also a coffee roastery, bakery and live music venue. Flop onto a corner couch and keep to yourself, get loud at a communal table or hit the dancefloor. The share plate menu is made up of tasty, tasty morsels in generous portions, from 12-hour braised lamb sliders to crumbed camembert with cranberry sauce. [caption id="attachment_569139" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Diggies[/caption] Several cafes serve up high quality breakfasts and lunches. To start your morning right — that is, overlooking North Beach — reserve a spot at Diggies. Local brothers Stan and Aaron Crinis have been feeding ravenous surfers in this airy, heritage-listed, former cottage for more than a decade. Dig into brioche toast with strawberry compote and mascarpone cheese or sweet corn fritters with a poached egg, sour cream, smoked salmon and a rocket and zucchini salad, and you'll be ready for anything the day throws at you. [caption id="attachment_569133" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Humber[/caption] At Humber, a three-level, triangular cafe-bar in an 80-year-old building, slide onto a jade banquette and tuck into a plate of slow-baked ocean trout with eggs, or a dish called Mushroom Thyme, which features five types of local mushies. At least 50 percent of all produce comes from within a 100-kilometre radius. On the third floor, there's a lovely, laidback rooftop bar serving cocktails and tapas by evening. Throughout April, the eatery will hold Humberfest, which will see a slew of special events, from yoga lessons to mixology classes to movie nights, come to life. [caption id="attachment_569143" align="alignnone" width="1280"] lee and me[/caption] Just down the road in an 1890s terrace house, you'll find lee and me, recognisable from the bicycle in the window. There's a cafe downstairs and a retail space called THE STORE upstairs. So, you can contemplate buying fresh flowers and cool furniture, in between nibbling away on a shredded chicken sub with pickled carrot, or a roast lamb toastie with baba ghanoush, onion jam and Gruyère. Owners Benny and Naomi Hudson have a second outpost in the form of laneway burger joint His Boy Elroy, which turns classics into fun new inventions. The Heisenburg-er, for example, is packed with southern fried chicken, iceberg lettuce, hot sauce and a secret blue sauce. Take the Grand Pacific Drive back to Sydney to stop in at Thirroul (we recommend Postmans Quarter in an old 19th century building that used to house a bank) and/or one of the most spectacularly-located pubs in Australia, The Scarborough Hotel. Passing by on a clear day? Bags a table on the top floor terrace, order a seafood plate and a bottle of sparkling, and don't make any plans to go anywhere else until sundown. Should you miss out on the terrace, a table in the vast, grassy beer garden is a happy second prize — and there are Pacific Island-style thatched huts for groups. [caption id="attachment_569136" align="alignnone" width="1280"] The Throsby[/caption] DRINK For a pre-dinner wine or a quiet chat, slip into The Throsby, a 50-seater bar that's been keeping locals hydrated since December 2014. Owners Erick Zevallos and Maddie Sullivan have taken care of every detail, from the Scandi-style high stools to the hanging plants to the 53 variety-strong wine list showcasing small winemakers from all over the world. Later on, venture to dimly-lit Howlin' Wolf to sample the ever-changing 100+ whisky collection — and if you visit on Thursday, Friday or Saturday night, you'll be able to kick back to live music. [caption id="attachment_569137" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Illawarra Brewing Co.[/caption] Meanwhile, you'll get a view with your brew with a view at The Illawarra Brewery, just opposite City Beach (and not far from the Sage Hotel). Claim an outdoor seat and work your way through a tasting paddle, which covers a handful of offerings from the Illawarra Brewing Company brewhouse. In-house bistro Smoking Barrels dishes up a stack of exceptionally moreish American-style creations, including a salt and chilli-fried soft shell crab burger and sticky barbecue hot wings with smoked mayo. If you're wondering why the meat's so full of flavour, it's all slow-cooked in their custom made, Texan-style smoker. To find out more about the brewhouse, drop by its headquarters in North Wollongong, where you'll meet brewer Dave McGrath, watch the brewing process in motion and taste to your heart's content. Walking in, you'll notice a basketball hoop — manage three slam dunks and you'll be taking home a free growler, filled with your beer of choice. The Chuck Norris is very, very hard to go past. [caption id="attachment_569280" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Jonathan Mueller via Flickr[/caption] LET'S DO THIS; GIVE ME THE DETAILS Wollongong is about 90 minutes south of Sydney. You can drive or take the South Coast Line train from Sydney's Central Station to Wollongong Station. Jasmine travelled as a guest of Destination NSW. Top image: Maksym Kozlenko via Wikimedia Commons.
Trippy Taco is quaint little Mexican eatery serving up mouth-watering tacos, burritos and quesadillas with vegan soy cheese. If you need a go-to for quick, filling, tasty vegan Mexican street food, this is it. If you'd like to sit and enjoy your feast with a Corona or two — just make sure you rock up at Trippy Taco before the crowds rush in. The no-frills cantina on Gertrude Street can only seat 45 amigos, and it can get a bit squishy. Its menu includes the Trippy's Original burrito with black beans, salad, salsa and mozzarella, the tofu asada burrito stacked with chargrilled tofu, goat's cheese and guac, and a range of tasty quesadillas including the special packed full of black beans, guac and salsa. For something more filling, give the nachos a go, while the breakfast burrito with scrambled eggs has all meals covered. Appears in: The Best Vegan Restaurants in Melbourne for 2023
With its festive yellow and blue interiors, and lively, region-hopping menu, The Happy Mexican is a restaurant that really lives up to its name. Pulling inspiration from his years spent in both Mexico and LA, owner and Colombian native Julian Romero has transformed an unlikely Hoddle Street site into a colourful eatery with a distinct Mexican flavour. The 55-seat space is low on fuss but high in energy, complete with hanging piñatas and mural-adorned side courtyard. Helmed by Mexican Head Chef Jesus Rios, the kitchen's celebrating traditional flavours without honing in on any one region. Rather, the menu is like a quick round-trip of Mexico that you can enjoy in the space of a couple of margaritas. Tacos ($6 each) might feature slow-cooked beef made to a classic Jalisco-style recipe or roast chicken in a guajillo and achiote chilli sauce with origins in the central state of Zacatecas. Burritos ($16) come loaded with a herb-flecked 'green rice' that's popular in northern Mexico while a signature dish of ceviche-style prawn tostada ($10.50) is a nod to the Sinaloa region. [caption id="attachment_760852" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tracey Ah-kee[/caption] A solid lineup of tacos features tortillas from Kensington's La Tortilleria, with fillings ranging from beer-battered flathead teamed with fresh slaw, pico de gallo and chipotle mayo to the tender ox tongue cooked in pasilla chilli sauce and finished with cubes of roast potato. Elsewhere, you'll find snacks like nachos ($13), quesadillas ($8) and the chicharron de queso ($8), slow-cooked pork rolled up in a layer of toasted cheese and served with guacamole. Burritos feature the likes of Sinaloa-style chilli-fried pork, matched with corn, black beans, chipotle mayo and that 'green rice', and you'll find a handful of tortas (a Mexican-style baguette) starring fillings like fried chicken ($14) or crumbed steak ($15). The lineup of weekly specials is just as cheery, with tacos going for $3 a pop each Tuesday and $10 margaritas on offer every Friday. And yes, the bar is worth a visit in its own right, pouring a range of imported beers, classic tequila cocktails and an ever-growing list of agave spirits. Try the signature mezcal margarita crafted on agave, fresh lime and fair-trade Oaxaca creation Mezcal Eterno Joven No 1. Images: Tracey Ah-kee
James Murphy is by no means losing his edge. The former LCD Soundsystem frontman is delving into Sophisticated Grown-Up territory, opening his own wine bar in the Brooklyn suburb of Williamsburg (where else?). To be dubbed Four Horsemen (although The New York Times reports Murphy was going to call it 'the Worst Idea Ever'), Murphy's new 40-seat bar will open at 296 Grand Street, Williamsburg. Teaming up his wife Christina Topsoe to create the bar, Murphy told the Times the bar is a deliberate challenge to his regular music escapades. "I need something with really low margins, high risk, brutal hours and which I have no experience at," he said. Design-wise, Murphy is predictably focused on the sound of the bar; bringing in his acoustics expertise to creat the perfect atmosphere. Think "mounting noise-soaking burlap on the walls and cedar slats, and sound absorption panels along the ceiling so that conversations can proceed at a civilized cadence." Civilised cadence. Murphy, you grown-up. Set to stock 160 wine selections (eventually growing to 350), there's going to be a strong focus on natural wines. Murphy has enlisted the help of wine consultant and buddy Justin Chearno (from Williamsburg's UVA Wine Shop and former guitarist for Pitchblende/Turing Machine) to help stock the bar with goodies, and Australian natural wine advocate Katrina Birchmeier as general manager. There'll be food too, with Murphy bringing in head chef Nick Curtola (from Franny’s in Brooklyn). "We keep calling it a wine bar because we want to underpromise and overdeliver," says Murphy. The former frontman's seen quite the smorgasbord of gastronomy and fine dining in his LCD touring times, from Copenhagen to Paris, Tokyo to Sydney, so he's working with Curtola to conjure up an apocalyptic menu of snacks and meals for the bar. Four Horsemen is set to open in early June. Via NY Times and Grub Street. Images: NY Times and Grub Street.
While we were pushing through our first autumn Monday — fittingly caffeinated to the nines — the best actors, directors, cinematographers and costume-makers were walking the red carpet leading to Hollywood's Dolby Theatre. And they were collecting a slew of well-deserved gold statues on stage, too. At the 90th Academy Awards, host Jimmy Kimmel didn't shy away from discussing #MeToo, Weinstein and last year's Best Picture fiasco, Jodie Foster took the stage on crutches (and blamed Meryl Streep) and Frances McDormand made a rousing speech, encouraging the telling (and funding) of more women's stories in Hollywood. On the awards front, some hot favourites battled it out for the 2018 titles. There were big winners — The Shape of Water, going in with a massive 13 nominations, took home four — and others you may believe were cheated (Timothée Chalamet is a winner in our hearts), but, regardless, this year's Oscar winners make for a stellar must-watch list. Here's who took home the gongs, and who you should be watching on the big (or little) screen. Some are still in cinemas, so hop to it tout de suite. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFYWazblaUA THE SHAPE OF WATER Won: Best Picture, Directing (Guillermo del Toro), Original Score (Alexandre Desplat), Production Design (Paul Denham Austerberry, Shane Vieau and Jeff Melvin) What our critic said: "Equally vivid and violent as it jumps between matters of the heart and moments of espionage, the film entrances with its sweet, soulful, delicate approach while never shying away from weighty themes of persecution or oppression." — Sarah Ward Where to watch it: In cinemas. Read the full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3aZ3r-84EQc THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI Won: Actress in a Leading Role (Frances McDormand), Actor in a Supporting Role (Sam Rockwell) What our critic said: "Packed with dark, hilarious, nigh-unprintable dialogue, McDonagh's script mightn't be subtle, but it is teeming with complexity... Taking his cues from gunslinging revenge tales gone by, the filmmaker crafts a complicated rumination on humanity's contradictions." — Sarah Ward Where to watch it: In cinemas. Read the full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpKvpSr7p1g DARKEST HOUR Won: Actor in a Leading Role (Gary Oldman), Makeup and Hairstyling (Kazuhiro Tsuji, David Mlinowski and Lucy Sibbick) What our critic said: "While both Churchill and Dunkirk are clearly no strangers to cinemas of late, Darkest Hour has one particular weapon all of its own: recent Golden Globe winner Oldman. The veteran actor gives a captivating performance, even coming hot on the heels of Brian Cox's excellent work in Churchill just months ago."— Sarah Ward Where to watch it: In cinemas. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJ9J1FgA0A8 DUNKIRK Won: Film Editing (Lee Smith), Sound Editing (Richard King and Alex Gibson), Sound Mixing (Mark Weingarten, Gregg Landarker, and Gary A. Rizzo) What our critic said: "Unrelenting from start to finish, there's never a moment that's easy to watch, but there's never one devoid of hope either. This is an astonishing feat of storytelling, aesthetics and emotion, one from which you will not be able to look away."— Sarah Ward Where to watch it: Rent or buy on iTunes. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DIm1PyBSwc COCO Won: Animated Feature Film, Original Song ('Remember Me') What our critic said: "Coco enchants with warmth and authenticity from start to finish. In fact, as bright as its images shine, as high as its heartfelt emotions soar, and as perfectly as its voice cast fill their roles — including Gael García Bernal stealing scenes as a dead prankster — it's the film's embrace of its setting and culture that truly makes it sing." — Sarah Ward Where to watch it: In cinemas. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCYB28iknIM PHANTOM THREAD Won: Costume Design (Mark Bridges) What our critic said: "Every textile metaphor you can think of applies to Phantom Thread. It's a film that's carefully woven from the fabric of human urges, teeming with hidden layers and positively bursting at the seams with emotional detail. It's also one made by the finest possible craftspeople, with Anderson and his three stars fashioning the cinematic equivalent of haute couture." — Sarah Ward Where to watch it: In cinemas (but the run is almost over). Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJHex4ZitgA A FANTASTIC WOMAN Won: Foreign Language Film What our critic said: "It can't be overstated how wonderful it is to see transgender representation on the big screen (no offence Eddie Redmayne, but this is how it should be). Vega's performance as Marina feels authentic, in no small part because it is authentic. Every movement, every delivery is subtle, considered and real." — Imogen Baker Where to watch it: In selected cinemas. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGa3M0hfTCo BLADE RUNNER 2049 Won: Visual Effects, Cinematography (Roger A. Deakins) What our critic said: "For a film that overwhelms with its extraordinary sights and echoing sounds, Blade Runner 2049 revels in the little things, and in the potent cumulative toll that they can have...Villeneuve achieves the cinematic equivalent, making each moment resound with meaning while honouring the legacy of the original." — Sarah Ward Where to watch it: Rent or buy on iTunes. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=AHEl7Pji0f8 GET OUT Won: Original Screenplay (Jordan Peele) What our critic said: "One of the most assured, astute, entertaining and intelligent horror movies to creep out cinemas in years." — Sarah Ward Where to watch it: Rent or buy on iTunes. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0UgXrhCPHo CALL ME BY YOUR NAME Won: Adapted Screenplay (James Ivory) What our critic said: "Weaved from quiet, tender, everyday encounters that pepper every love story, it swells and surges, taking both its characters and its viewers on an emotional rollercoaster ride. Think of it as perhaps the greatest example of cinematic show and tell there is: to watch it is to experience the same heady, heated feelings as its central couple." — Sarah Ward Where to watch it: In selected cinemas (but the run is almost over). Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXZQ5DfSAAc I, TONYA Won: Actress in a Supporting Role (Allison Janney) What our critic said: "I, Tonya seems intent on reversing the popular consensus around its title character. The real Harding appeared at premieres of the film in the US, standing alongside Margot Robbie on the red carpet. But while she might finally have gotten the chance to prove she's not just the butt of a joke, you can't help but feel that the filmmakers – intentionally or not – treat her abuse as exactly that." — Kat Hayes Where to watch it: In cinemas. Read our full review.
Walking into Howler feels like stumbling into the urban backwoods or a giant industrial bird coop. Huge sculpted steel trees loom over lush ferns spilling out of floating planters. The open-roofed beer garden is fitted out with custom-hewn furniture, and padded booths glow with softly lit candles. The food here punches above its weight, with great snack options as well as mains, and plenty of thought given to vegans. If you're feeling a little peckish then try the fried calamari, the karaage chicken, the southern fried cauliflower or the vegan arancini with chimichurri sauce. If you fancy something larger, then spoil yourself with a chicken parma with Napoli sauce, mozzarella, a baby cos salad and plenty of fries. Elsewhere there's an eye-fillet steak, a range of burgers and a vegan parma. Beer takes centre stage here, as you might expect, with plenty of local and international drops on tap. There's a happy hour from Tuesday to Thursday, as well as cheap jugs for Friday knock-offs. There are weekly events like house music Saturday nights and classic hits on Fridays, as well as loads of gigs booked throughout the year. Howler is alive with plenty of character and flare, and makes for an awesome spot to rock out on the dance floor.
French filmmakers are a busy bunch. Every year, the country's cinematic talent pumps out nearly 300 new movies — enough to rank among the top five film-producing nations in 2016, behind only India, the US, China and Japan. It's no wonder, then, that Australia's annual Alliance Francaise French Film Festival is always jam-packed with flicks, spoiling viewers for choice when it comes to Gallic cinema's latest and greatest. The fest's team clearly has plenty of picks to choose from, with their 2018 event touring 47 features, two documentaries and one television series around local screens until mid-April. This year's fest kicks off with the laughs of C'est la vie! thanks to The Intouchables duo Éric Toledano and Olivier Nakache, ends with rom-com 50 Is the New 30, and features everything from multiple Isabelle Huppert appearances to multiple César Award winners among its lineup. In short: there's more than enough on offer to make you think you're on the other side of the world, and not just in your nearest cinema. And if you need some help deciding what to see, that's where we come in. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ietLhsUOuQ BPM (BEATS PER MINUTE) When last year's Cannes favourite (and award-winner) BPM (Beats Per Minute) didn't make this year's Oscars shortlist for the best foreign-language film category, it was considered quite the shock. Come French cinema's own night of nights, the Césars, and the AIDS activism drama fared much, much better, taking out best film, editing, screenplay, score, male newcomer and supporting actor. It's easy to see why, the latest from Eastern Boys' filmmaker Robin Campillo is both intimate and wide-ranging as it explores the efforts of a passionate group to fight for acceptance and affordable HIV treatment in the early '90s. The writer-director himself was a member of ACT UP, the organisation at the movie's centre, adding an extra layer of authenticity — something the film already oozes courtesy of its naturalistic style, personal approach and exceptional performances. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-haop2Ini0 LET THE SUNSHINE IN In Let the Sunshine In, Juliette Binoche plays a just-divorced 50-something artist attempting to find love again — and causing audiences to fall for the great French actress's many charms in the process. Take our word for it: if you weren't already a fan before seeing this thoughtful romantic comedy (and if not, why not?), then you will be afterwards. Headlining a distinctive change of pace from acclaimed filmmaker Claire Denis, Binoche glows even as her character struggles with re-entering the dating scene, navigating the ups and downs that go with it, and working out what she actually wants as she flits through a series of varying dates. When we saw and loved the feature at last year's Melbourne International Film Festival, we said it was "a smart, spirited and soulful exploration of affection and intimacy — as driven by Binoche's enigmatic candour — that cuts deep". We still think so. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1KzHPDN1JI MRS. HYDE Another year, another Isabelle Huppert film in the AFFFF program. Anything else really is virtually unthinkable. The adored French star actually features in two of this year's festival flicks, but if the prospect of seeing the inimitable actress in a version of Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde doesn't get you excited, then nothing will. Lighter in tone than Robert Louis Stevenson's literary classic, and filled with commentary about class clashes in contemporary French society as well as laughter, Serge Bozon's effort is set within a Parisian high school. It also features a pivotal lightening strike and sees Huppert's stressed teacher undergo quite the transformation. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXSnlxctWLY BARBARA French singer Barbara gets the biopic treatment in the film that shares her name, but it's also much, much more than that. The third feature directed by actor-turned-filmmaker Mathieu Amalric, it's a tale about an actress (Jeanne Balibar) preparing to play Barbara in a biopic, and a director (played by Amalric) who's obsessed with his subject. Yes, there's a film within a film, as well as archival footage of the real figure herself, just to keep things even more ambitious. Adding further layers to the flick, Balibar — who just won the Cesar for best actress for her excellent efforts — was once married to Amalric. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihiS-A8yT2c REDOUBTABLE What's the French Film Festival without a dose of French film history? This year, they're delivering it in biopic form, focusing on one of the country's great directors and pioneers of the French New Wave. In Redoubtable, Louis Garrel steps into Jean-Luc Godard's shoes, following his relationship with his Weekend and La Chinoise muse Anne Wiazemsky (Stacy Martin), his career in the late '60s, and the surrounding French political and social unrest. Plus, for director Michel Hazanavicius, it's a return to making movies about movies after his Oscar-winning The Artist. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iIkM6OvK78 CUSTODY The heartbreaking drama, anxiety and tension of a hard-fought custody battle sits at the centre of this aptly titled effort, which first premiered at last year's Venice Film Festival and has been garnering praise ever since. Actor-turned-writer/director Xavier Legrand plunges viewers into a social realist look at a divorcing couple and the 12-year-old son stuck in the middle, which might sound like a familiar situation. It is; however the first-timer favours naturalism and observation over heavy sentiment, and has earned many a comparison to the Dardenne brothers (Lorna's Silence; Two Days, One Night) as a result. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KK-uzPspoA DOUBLE LOVER Another AFFFF favourite — but behind the lens — François Ozon (Frantz) is back in psychological sexual thriller territory with Double Lover. Yes, as the name gives away, there's duplicity involved. It's rarely a good idea to fall in love with a psychoanalyst in these kinds of films, so when former model Chloé (Marine Vacth) does just that with Paul (Jérémie Renier), there's unexpected consequences. Fans of Swimming Pool, In the House, Young & Beautiful and The New Girlfriend will know just the mood, tone and simmering unease they're in for, as well as the all-round provocative air. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgHtE9OzrhU ISMAËL'S GHOSTS Films about filmmakers are a definite trend at this year's AFFFF. And not just that — films starring Mathieu Amalric as a filmmaker, too. The aforementioned Barbara director and star plays the titular Ismaël in Ismaël's Ghosts, who's just about to get immersed in his latest project when the past comes calling. Also featuring Marion Cotillard, Charlotte Gainsbourg and Redoubtable's Louis Garrel, the movie is the latest from My Golden Days' Arnaud Desplechin, and opened the Cannes Film Festival last year. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbsuPXa9KJA THE WORKSHOP Another effort with a connection to Cannes, The Workshop not only premiered there last year, but was directed by 2008 Palme d'Or winner Laurent Cantet (The Class) and co-written with BPM's Robin Campillo. The drama unfolds at a creative writing workshop, where participants clash over more than just writing, and their novelist teacher (Marina Foïs) doesn't quite know how to react. With Cantent known for his naturalism, like Campillo, a portrait of modern-day France emerges as the feature plays out, delving into fears, fractures and friction. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7nw6RhYwgI IF YOU SAW HIS HEART It mightn't be a French Film Festival without Isabelle Huppert, but it's often not a film festival at all without Gael Garcia Bernal. This time, the Mexican favourite stars in this French-language effort from first-time writer/director Joan Chemla. Taking inspiration from the work of Cuban author Guillermo Rosales, If You Saw His Heart follows a man holed up in a hotel and at a loss after the death of his best friend. The result promises a hefty dose of existential malaise, plus South of France scenery, all served up with Bernal's usual charm. The Alliance Française French Film Festival tours Australia from February 27, screening at Sydney's Chauvel Cinema, Palace Norton Street, Palace Verona, Palace Central and Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace from February 27 to March 27; Melbourne's Palace Balwyn, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Cinema Como, Palace Westgarth, Kino Cinemas and The Astor Theatre from February 28 to March 27; and Brisbane's Palace Barracks and Palace Centro from March 8 to April 4. For more information, visit the festival website.
Operator 25's stunning dishes first started flooding Instagram feeds and inspiring weekend CBD brunch trips back in 2013. Now, almost three years later, owners Randy Dhamanhuri and Valerie Fong are again wowing Melbourne café crowds with beautiful eats, opening the doors to their latest venture in Prahran, last Thursday. Located on High Street, Middletown packs a serious visual punch, from the chic, blue-and-white interiors, through to the artfully plated fare landing on the tables. The team have created a downright beautiful space in which to enjoy luxe food — all royal blue wall panelling, charming curves and Art Deco fixtures. This is brunching at its most sophisticated, Fong's menu marrying classic flavours and seasonal produce with her signature flair for technique. Each dish here is dressed to impress, and about as close as food can get to being too darn pretty to eat. The likes of a pork pastrami eggs Benedict, drizzled with aerated blood orange hollandaise, or coffee-laced waffles, scattered with strawberries and truffle honey, are as much a treat for the eyes as they are for the tastebuds. Of course, there's caffeine aplenty. A dedicated Brew Bar is serving up beautifully executed Code Black coffee and picture-perfect matcha lattes. Find Middletown at 229 High Street, Prahran. Open Mon to Fri 7am–4pm and Sat and Sun 8am–4pm. Images: Peter Clarke.
It's that time of year again. Art works are literally spilling out of our city's theatres and galleries into the surrounding streets, laneways and bars. This year, Melbourne Fringe is densely packed with 400 events across 174 venues. From September 16 to October 4, don't expect a call back from any of your creative friends. They are deep in the land of Fringe. Unlike the upcoming Melbourne Festival, Fringe isn't the place to head out for a single show and make your way home again — it's a world unto itself. Catch a few works at a time, have a drink at the Fringe Club, or just drift through the night at the various satellite hubs. Whether it's mesmerisingly body-painted acrobats, Campbell Newman in Ancient Rome, the quietest poetry slam or truly out-of-the-ordinary parties, anything you stumble upon is sure to lead to some interesting stories to tell the next day. Want more Fringe? Check out a list of our ten best things to see.
Supplying drinks to an army of thirsty followers for a solid 11 years, it's easy to see why this Chinese communist themed bar is as popular as ever. Red and gold ornaments are lavishly strewn amongst propaganda posters and a few framed Chinese pinup girls. There is even a small shrine to Chairman Mao proudly displayed above a working fireplace for those cosy winter nights. The drinks list is solid with a strong Asian twist to their cocktails, many of which feature underlying flavours of chilli, coriander, ginger or lychee. Try their take on a margarita with the Communist Manifesto: tequila, tamarind, mandarin, lime and Szechuan salt ($17). The ever-popular bubble cup tea cocktails are a well-deserved novelty, complete with popping boba pearls. Though there are a few flavour options to choose from, it's the Bubble Cup #1 — tequila, black currant, passion fruit popping balls, lime and ginger beer ($15) — that really hits the spot. For those warm nights when only a beer will do there is a small but solid collection of Asian beers such as Bia Ha Noi ($9). Double Happiness is not a large bar and once it starts filling up you may feel the need to escape the crowds. If this is the case then head along to sibling bar New Gold Mountain, conveniently hidden away just upstairs. Double Happiness is the perfect bar for those nights when one dose of happiness is just not enough.
Out to bridge the gap between quickly-scoffed lunchtime sushi and expensive Japanese fare, best mates Edward Teh and Jason Tan launched Fremantle restaurant The Modern Eatery in 2014. Specialising in aburi sushi — that is, where the fish is partially scorched and partially raw — the Japanese-inspired haunt has since become a WA favourite, loved for its clever flavour pairings and dishes that are almost too pretty to eat. Having also added a Mount Lawley restaurant to the family, the boys now have their sights set on Melbourne, next week opening the doors to a Richmond outpost — and the first east coast edition of The Modern Eatery. The two-level, 90-seat Swan Street space has been designed by Studio Equator (who've previously lent their talents to Chalawan and Glamp), and its interiors offer a relaxed rendition of their signature Japanese sleekness. From the open sushi bar, diners can expect a similar food offering to the one winning fans out west, from classic uramaki rolls, melt-in-your-mouth sashimi and nigiri through to a range of hot dishes, and oshi (or compressed sushi). Meanwhile, a line-up of 'craft' rolls is more like edible art than anything else, featuring creations like the Chasing Sunset with garlic mayo, spring onion, and tiny sweet potato fries atop a mix of salmon, cucumber and egg, and the green leaf roll, which rocks a combo of deep fried zucchini, cream cheese and a lotus chip. While the restaurant will open officially on Monday, August 14, they'll be holding a soft launch this weekend (August 12 and 13) where they'll be doing all food at half price for lunch and dinner. The Modern Eatery opens on Monday, August 14 at 176 Swan Street, Cremorne. For more info, visit themoderneatery.com.au.
Soi 38 in Melbourne's CBD is an authentic Thai street food eatery, with an atmosphere that perfectly mirrors the vibrant hustle and bustle of a Bangkok market. With plastic stools and brightly coloured tables, this is the kind of place you come to experience classic yet tantalising flavours with genuine Thai ambience. The menu features several papaya salads, including Tum Thai Khai Kem with dried shrimps, peanut and salted eggs as well as Tum Phon La Man which is a seasonal mixed fruit salad. The raw menu includes black tiger prawns with a spicy chilli sauce and a king fish ceviche. If chilli isn't your thing don't be scared away, the Yum Salmon Zap with fermented fish sauce is probably the pick of the bunch. Then you've got grilled meats and seafood, soups (all spicy) and a deep fried selection of delicious marinated chickened pork knuckle. Soi 38 rounds itself out with a couple of hot pots featuring a mix of seafood, meat, vegetables and rice. The menu never seems to end at Soi 38, staying true to the inventiveness of Thai street food. Soi 38's beer list features favourites such as Chang, Singha and Leo, and they are basically mandatory for those over eighteen — considering the amount spice you're bound to ingest. Appears in: The Best Thai Restaurants in Melbourne for 2023
Have you ever watched Groundhog Day and found yourself thinking, "this is all ace and amusing, but I wish a masked murderer was running amok?" Have you ever settled down for Edge of Tomorrow and decided that the whole thing really could use some spooky college hijinks? If your answer to either of those questions is yes, then horror-comedy Happy Death Day just might be the film you're looking for. Here, reliving the same day comes with laughs, scares and a very determined killer. Sorority sister Tree (Jessica Rothe) is the character caught in a loop, but becoming a better person or stopping alien invaders isn't her aim. Instead, she just wants to work out why she keeps ending up dead — and, obviously, to figure out how to avoid it. Each day plays out the same way: she wakes up in the dorm room of a classmate, Carter (Israel Broussard), who she assumes she drunkenly hooked up with, before shuddering when her roommate Lori (Ruby Modine) tries to give her a birthday cupcake. Going to class, house meetings, ignoring her dad, getting ready for her own surprise party — nothing is particularly out of the ordinary. Or rather, it seems that way until she's brutally attacked, then finds herself doing it all over again. Given Hollywood's fondness for repetition, it's surprising that a film like Happy Death Day didn't happen earlier. There are plenty of elements here that movie fans will recognise — and that's not news to director Christopher Landon (Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse). This is a flick that's well aware that Groundhog Day exists, and that the slasher scenario has been done to death (note the sly references to "Monday the 18th"). It's also knows that the Scream franchise has already found the thrilling and funny side of calling out and exaggerating genre tropes. Still, don't underestimate how far a playful tone and knowing approach can go in this situation. Producer Jason Blum is something of a horror maestro these days, backing the Paranormal Activity and Insidious franchises as well as this year's hits Split and Get Out. Keeping that successful run going, his latest takes to its satirical task with glee — think slick, montage-heavy visuals, an upbeat vibe and soundtrack, and absolutely no misapprehensions about the sort of entertaining, tongue-in-cheek movie that it wants to be. Thanks to the great work of Rothe, Happy Death Day also boasts an impressive central performance. Focusing on an attractive young woman fending off a bad guy is hardly new territory given the picture's chosen genre, but the actress last seen in La La Land portrays her protagonist as more than just a victim in waiting. After starting in Mean Girls territory, her zest and take-charge attitude matches that of the movie. As such, audiences should have no qualms about watching her experience the same day again and again — even if the film itself doesn't necessarily warrant repeat viewings. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ENyivsLb_g
Most people dislike the daily grind, but can art tell us what sort of impact our professional lives actually have our psyche? That's what Mark All As Read sets out to explore at Blindside Gallery with the exhibition presenting a critical gaze into the physical and virtual space of the office and the world of productivity. Taking over both galleries at Blindside, local artists Nick Modrzewski, Nabilah Nordin and Katie Paine show through a variety of creative mediums and expressions the effect of work on the body, and what might be gained or lost from working within a professional space. Each artist offers their own perspective on the subject, with Modrzewski combining exploring power hierarchies through painting, sculpture, performance and more, while Nordin works with various found and discarded materials. Finally, Katie Paine's work features installation and collage to create immersive artworks reimagining the office experience. Mark As Read is on now at Blindside Gallery, showing until Saturday October 21.
Gauchito Gil is Argentina's Robin Hood. As such, it seems fitting that Australia's own Malbec World Day has been borrowed from the South American country, where the majority of the world's malbec comes from. If this day is a donation from the grape god, it's one we're happy to accept. After a successful four years, Gauchito Gil is once again bringing Malbec Day to Melbourne with a five-hour wine bonanza at North Melbourne's Meat Market on Sunday, April 23. The event comes from the organisers of the Pinot Palooza and Game of Rhones, and mirrors the free-reign tasting set up. Your $60 ticket will include a wine glass, and from there you'll be able to move around, sampling over 60 Australian, French and Argentine Malbec varietals. Other events have been known to get a little boozy, so to soak up all that wine there will be top-notch empanadas from Rockwell & Sons, San Telmo, The Mill House, Gertrude Street Enoteca and Alejandro Saravia's soon-to-open CHE — all vying for the prestigious Golden Empanada award. It really doesn't matter if you know everything there is about Malbec or if you don't know much at all, because Malbec World Day is about education and celebration of the Argentine grape. And what better way to celebrate than with an bottomless glass of wine?
My yoga studio has a basketball court below it. During a calming session of yoga, it is not uncommon to hear the piercing screech of a whistle, frequent cheering and the intermittent shrieks of "Great shot Mike!". One time, I kid you not, there was a marching band procession going down, and the instructor had to calmly try and talk over the incessant drumming. Quite un-zen. Flow After Dark Silent Disco Yoga seeks to give yoga enthusiasts the exact opposite experience. How exactly does one silent disco yoga? Quite easily with the introduction of wireless headphones. These bad boys give participants a one-on-one with instructor, Flow Athletic co-founder Kate Kendall, while simultaneously pumping out beats from Sydney DJ James Mack. Also, they're neon. This one-off, 90-minute Vinyasa yoga session will see a whopping 400 yogis come together at Melbourne Town Hall It's probably your best (possibly only) chance to show off your best warrior pose while simultaneously listening to some seriously smooth music. Silently.
Odds are you might not have heard much about director Meera Menon's latest film, Equity. It's a story about the plight of women on Wall Street, written by and funded by women. It's not as glamorous as The Wolf of Wall Street, nor as dramatic as Wall Street. But then again, maybe that's the point. Anna Gunn plays Naomi Bishop, who is basically just Skylar White if she was on Wall Street instead of the Albuquerque 'burbs. The story begins just after Bishop botches a major IPO ('initial public offering' for your info – don't be that guy, Googling during the movie). Bishop is a ball breakin', money lovin' banker who needs a big win to secure a promotion and gain back her colleagues' confidence. Her specialty is finding Silicon Valley tech start-ups and hand holding them through their IPO. It's slow burning narrative, with a focus on the developing relationship between Bishop and her protégé Erin Manning (Samantha Megan Thomas). All the while the fabric is being poked by Samantha Ryan (Alysia Reiner), a detective looking into allegations of insider trading. Don't be deceived by the Wall Street veneer. At the heart of this film is a tale as old as time – women getting dicked around at work. The story is about gender politics, morality, feminism and the difficult paths that women tread while navigating a world dominated by men. It's gritty in the sense that it's often ugly and mundane. Anna Gunn is great – although not particularly sympathetic – as the picture's driven protagonist. The rest of the cast, meanwhile, offer subtle and realistic representations of womanhood that are so sorely lacking in other films. With an all-female production team, including its trio of writers, Equity circumvents other problematic patterns too. You won't find any romantic dramas at the centre of the female character's lives. There's no pointless nudity, and we're glad to say that the film passes the Bechdel test with flying colours. But perhaps most refreshing, Equity doesn't use the female cast and crew angle to drum up any brownie points. Instead it just walks the walk, unapologetically giving jobs, screen time and funding to a mostly female cohort. It's a feminist film in every sense of the word. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xg2TSp5tJy4
With a lot of the shows at Melbourne Festival, it's hard to get an idea what to expect from the name alone. But that's certainly not the case with Haircuts by Children, in which brave volunteers (if you're one of them, you can register online) will be placed at the mercy of pre-teens with scissors. Conceived by Canadian artist Darren O'Donnell, the work explores the extent to which we are willing to trust and empower future generations. Held over two weekends, the first pop-up haircut station will be held at Razor Dolls in Windsor on October 15 and 16 before it moves to Fur Hairdressing in Fitzroy for October 22 and 23. The upside? You get a free haircut. The downside? There's no guarantee it'll be any good. Image: John Lauener.
Contemporary dance meets figure skating in this critically acclaimed show from Canada's Le Patin Libre. Five skaters will take to the rink at the O'Brien Group Arena (aka that ice skating rink in Docklands), where they'll trade sequinned outfits for streetwear and a pulse-pounding soundtrack. On ice from October 15, Vertical Influences shapes up as one of the most intriguing dance works on the program at this year's Melbourne Festival. Just make sure you bring a coat, because things could get a wee bit chilly. Image: Zoé Anne.
Join the salami army at the 2016 edition of this gastronomic gathering at Northcote Town Hall. Now in its fifth straight year, think of the Melbourne Salami Festa as Woodstock or ComicCon — but for salami. So way better, is basically what we're saying. Running from 10am until 10pm on Saturday, October 8 and 10am to 6pm the next day, the event — a bona fide cured meat carnival — will include workshops, demonstrations, DJs and bands, as well as a Grand Salumi Hall featuring dozens of producers from far and wide. Meatsmith and D.O.C. are just a few of the locals who'll be carving up their wares. Wander between the stalls and sample what's on offer, before returning on the Sunday to cast your vote in the highly coveted People's Choice Awards. Image: Brown Shoes Productions.
To celebrate the launch of their brand new exhibition Fashion Artists — which features more than 35 of their most iconic haute couture creations — master fashion designers Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren will appear in the flesh for one night only at the National Gallery of Victoria. Set to take place at 6.30pm on the evening of Friday, October 21, Victor&Rolf in Conversation will see the Dutchmen weigh in on their work in a discussion with the exhibition's guest curator, Thierry-Maxime Loriot. Expect the conversation to cover the duo's passion for 'wearable art' as well as some of their most memorable shows from the course of their illustrious two-and-a-half decade career. Tickets to this exclusive event will include entry into the exhibition itself, which runs from October 21 until February 26.
Towards the end of Victoria and Abdul, Judi Dench's face fills the frame during an extended speech. For the second time in her career she's playing Queen Victoria in a film about the British monarch's relationship with a servant. Whereas 1997's Mrs Brown saw her bonding with Billy Connolly, this time the 19th century sovereign has forged a strong platonic bond with Indian Muslim clerk Abdul (Ali Fazal), but her son (Eddie Izzard) and staff are none too happy about it. Cue a memorable dressing down delivered by a figure well-aware of her power and responsibilities, as well as the type of scene designed to garner awards nominations. That's Victoria and Abdul in a nutshell. The latest regal flick from The Queen's Stephen Frears, it's the kind of film that knows where its strengths reside, and how viewers are likely to react. That's not to downplay Dench's formidable talents, or her ability to inhabit Queen Victoria's many shades and depths. Indeed, she's the best thing on screen. But there's no ignoring the fact that Frears has plunged the beloved actress into a decidedly average historical drama that isn't always worthy of her talents. Despite taking its inspiration from real life, Victoria and Abdul sticks closely to a familiar culture-clash formula. Typically, one of two things happen when folks from different stations in life meet in a movie. Either they get along nicely, but their connection isn't met with the same fondness by those around them, or, after a rocky start, they're forced to learn from their differences. When Abdul is picked to journey to Britain to present the queen with a ceremonial coin during her Golden Jubilee celebrations, the film seems destined to take the second path. Then he breaks protocol by making eye contact with the monarch, she's intrigued by the good-natured newcomer in her midst, and before long they're facing off against institutionalised racism. While Dench plays Queen Vic with considerable texture and nuance — more than early scenes seem to indicate, in fact — the feature around her doesn't share the same fortune. There's a difference between probing engrained prejudices and just presenting a scenario filled with them, with Victoria and Abdul taking the easier, latter option. Adapting the book of the same name by Shrabani Basu, screenwriter Lee Hall (War Horse) keeps things light and simplistic when it comes to scheming naysayers, cultural disharmony and Abdul himself. Given that the film supposedly sets out to dispel racist stereotypes, the fact that Abdul is portrayed as a jovial, exotic outsider who helps Victoria get her groove back is more than a little bit troubling. Where the film succeeds is as a misty-eyed ode to friendship. As Rose-tinted as much of the lavishly shot movie proves, it thoughtfully and tenderly conveys the effect that having someone to talk to, and to listen back, can have. The rapport between Dench and the spirited Fazal helps, ensuring that Abdul remains an engaging presence, even if he's flimsily written. Their time together mightn't delve deep into the intricacies surrounding their characters, but Victoria and Abdul is at its best when its stars share the screen. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtC8jNHSxgQ
Victoria has a brand new winter festival — and it'll deliver both brightness and darkness. The first comes courtesy of the town of Bright and its source of tasty brews, Bright Brewery. The second stems from dark beers, their beverage of focus on July 1. At Darker Days, you'll head to one to enjoy the other. Enjoying the best tipples the craft brewers of the High Country Brewery Trail have to offer is the aim of the afternoon festivities, running from 1pm to 10pm, with Black Dog Brewery from Taminick, Blizzard Brewing from Dinner Plain, Bridge Road Brewers from Beechworth, Sweetwater Brewing Co from Tawonga South and Nightingale Alpine Cider all be in attendance. As well as bringing together quite the range of beverages, there'll also be warm foods, roasted chestnuts, gooey marshmallows, live music and maybe even ghost stories. Plus, making sure everyone is really feeling toasty, there'll also be a ceremonial bonfire, burning a giant wooden structure in the shape of the brewery's logo.
Looking for new threads? Sure, you can head to plenty of markets around town and trawl through food, homeware and other objects, or you can mosey along to Melbourne's dedicated ladies fashion get-together. Round She Goes does one thing, and it does it well. If it's clothing, accessories and jewellery you're after, you'll find it here. Filled with preloved designer and vintage fare, the one-day happening will take over Coburg Town Hall from 10am on June 4. This edition will boast 60 stalls, all specially curated by organisers to deliver reasonably priced, high-quality bits and pieces, and ranging from beloved brands to handmade items to clear-outs by some of Melbourne's most fashionable women. Entry costs $2, and when you're finding that shiny gold coin to get you in the door, make sure you did up some other cash as well. Cold, hard currency is preferred here, and parting with it will be worth it. Your wardrobe will thank you for it.
In 1947, one country became two and the world was forever altered. Following centuries of governance by the British, India was divided into distinct, independent territories along religious lines. One would still be known as India. The other would become Pakistan (and later, Bangladesh as well). Unsurprisingly, it was a massive task requiring significant contemplation and causing considerable repercussions, both for the officials charged with overseeing the partition, and for the locals who would be forced to live with the change. Such a chapter of history seems an obvious candidate for a dramatic film treatment — and that's just what Bend It Like Beckham's Gurinder Chadha delivers, stepping through the upheaval and exploring just how the two groups coped in such a turbulent period. But while she focuses firmly on the emotional toll of the partition, it's hard not to think that the director has actually missed the best story. Viceroy's House concludes on a rather touching personal note, explaining that Chadha's own grandmother lived through the events depicted on screen. Frankly, you could be forgiven for wishing she'd told that tale instead. Instead it's the last British head of India and his staff that drive the narrative of Viceroy's House. Accompanied by his wife Edwina (Gillian Anderson) and daughter Pamela (Lily Travers), Lord Louis Mountbatten (Hugh Bonneville) tries to negotiate an arrangement for the future of the sub-continent that keeps the various conflicting parties and his English superiors happy. Meanwhile, within Mountbatten's luxurious Delhi mansion, servant Jeet (Manish Dayal) yearns for his childhood sweetheart Aalia (Huma Qureshi), a situation complicated by the fact that he's a Hindu and she's a Muslim. Accordingly, a quest to determine the shape of two nations and a Romeo and Juliet-style affair combine, albeit somewhat awkwardly at times. Jumping between bureaucratic manoeuvring and matters of the heart isn't always packaged with the smoothest transitions, and doesn't give either side of the story much depth. Nevertheless, Chadha's main aim, of examining the ramifications for the country as well as its people, is successfully achieved. The film wrings most of its feeling from its many contrasts, be they ideological, political, religious or romantic. Standard as it all might be, Viceroy's House still proves a handsome effort. Think lush visuals and a rich score, plus fine performances. Downtown Abbey's Bonneville stays nicely in familiar territory, while Anderson couldn't be more enjoyable to watch. She mightn't be the movie's main star, but she's given the job of embodying its chief message of rising above prejudice and finding the right path in times of turmoil. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4ZnofZJCD8
Burgers. Giver of life. Mana from heaven. We're pretty keen on this most glorious of food groups – and given how many new burger joints we've seen pop up around town, it seems like you are too. Hell, last year Hank Marvin Market's first ever Burger Biannual drew more than 5000 hungry punters. So, really, it's little wonder they're gearing up for round two. Firing up from 11am on the Monday, March 13 Labour Day public holiday, this year's event will feature more than a dozen of Melbourne's best burg merchants, including Fancy Hanks, Kustom Burgers, Mr Burger, Brother Burger, Gorilla Grill, Sliders on Tyres and Burn City Smokers. They'll even have a vegan burger courtesy of the crew at Rawbeet. Burgers truly are for everybody. Assuming you have room for dessert, you'll also have the run of a number of sweet options from the likes of Little Big Sugar Salt, Whoopies Cookies and Pop-Up Crepes. Collingwood's Stomping Ground will be pouring beers and Canine Wellness Kitchen will make sure your pooch is fed too. Point is, you probably won't need to eat for the rest of the week. Image: Shara Henderson.
UPDATE, March 8, 2021: Hidden Figures is available to stream via Disney+, Foxtel Now, Google Play, YouTube Movies and Amazon Video. Every parent tells their child to dream big. Unfortunately, for many people, a world of factors conspires to stop their hopes and aspirations from coming true. For the three women at the centre of Hidden Figures, the forces blocking them from fulfilling their potential aren't just obvious — they're quantifiable. Faced with both institutionalised sexism and institutionalised racism, friends Katherine (Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy (Octavia Spencer) and Mary (Janelle Monáe) know exactly what's holding them back. But, as smart, savvy human computers at NASA's Virginia headquarters in the segregated 1960s, they're also driven to find a solution. Based on a real-life tale that most won't have heard before, and sending its spirited leading ladies on a fight for equality, Hidden Figures is exactly the kind of movie that you think it is. It's warm, broad and certain to please. It's designed to rouse and entertain as it sheds light on an overlooked part of history, with soft colours and an upbeat soundtrack. It brings together an engaging cast who prove endearing individually and even more so when their affectionate rapport is in the spotlight. Most of all, though, it combines all of the expected elements together just as anyone could easily predict, and still manages to be a thoroughly good watch. Katherine, Dorothy and Mary crunch numbers in the same department, share rides to work and spend time together with their families after hours, but it's ambition in the face of oppression that truly unites them. On any given day, they're expected to be grateful for their jobs, while constantly being underestimated, undermined, ignored, overlooked, and made to use separate bathrooms and even coffee pots. That's a struggle, especially in a place that wants to defy the accepted order by putting a man on the moon. Each of the three have their own goals: Katherine wants credit for her crucial efforts when she's moved into the team trying to send an American beyond the earth; Dorothy seeks the supervisor title and pay raise that goes with the tasks she's already doing; and Mary is trying to take the classes she needs — at a white's-only school — to become an engineer. There's not much surprising about the way that writer-director Theodore Melfi (St. Vincent) brings Margot Lee Shetterly's non-fiction book to the screen, but honestly that's fine. In fact, it's rather apt. It's the sparkling individual components that comprise the ideal equation here, rather than any attempt to craft a new formula. Besides, just the fact that this story is being told at all is kind of revolutionary. Space movies and films about maths geniuses are a dime a dozen, but they're usually about one type of person: white men. Not here. A few pop up — Kevin Costner is memorable as Katherine's boss, while Big Bang Theory's Jim Parsons plays the colleague constantly putting her in her place — but, refreshingly, this isn't their movie. Instead, it belongs to the women of colour at its centre. Played with vibrancy that matches the feature's own mood, there's nothing hidden about the core trio of black female mathematicians. Their real-world determination, infectious spirit, and the fine performances behind them, ensures that Hidden Figures adds up to something really special.
Mindfulness practice — achieving the mental state of focusing on the present moment — is gaining popularity as people attempt to regulate their stressful lives. People have turned to everything from meditation to colouring books to achieve mindfulness, but perhaps few people would think of doing a triathlon to achieve inner peace. Take three activities that promote mindfulness — specifically running, yoga and meditation — and you've got yourself a 'mindful triathlon'. Wanderlust 108 has been running these triathlon festivals since 2014, and the standard day has a few main components. First, there's the five kilometre run, although the site reassures you that you can walk instead of running — or even "prance, skip, stroll or strut" — as long as you reach the finish line. After that, theres 75 minutes of yoga accompanied by a DJ set, and finally 30 minutes of meditation to round out the whole-group activities. Once the structured section of the day has wrapped up, participants can also head to activities such as aerial yoga, acroyoga and hooping, or to lunch. It's part exercise, part dance party, part fest — and 100% focused on helping attendees feel great inside and out. Also on the agenda: walking meditation, essential oil classes and the Mindful Marketplace, which will help you take your new blissed-out state home with you. By Siobhan Ryan and Sarah Ward.
Peel off your socks — it's grape-stomping time. The crew at Noisy Ritual, Melbourne's first urban winery, are celebrating the start of another wine season with their very own festival. We're talking five straight weeks of eating, drinking, live music and winemaking, otherwise known as four of the great things life has to offer. From Saturday, March 4, Noisy Ritual HQ in Brunswick East will throw open their doors to the wine-loving public. Join founders Alex and Cam for a free hands-on tour between 6pm to 8pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays or Fridays throughout the festival, when you'll be able to help out with the winemaking process. Then swing by Saturday night for live music acts including Jess Ribeiro, Jess Cornelius, Leah Senior and Davey Lane. They're also extending their cellar door opening hours, giving you extra time to knock back the 2016 vintage. As for food, you can order pizza courtesy of Mankoushe up the road, or feast on cheese until you can barely get out of your chair.
Catch all seven-and-a-half hours of the newly minted Best Documentary Oscar winner on the big screen at ACMI this weekend. Screening just once, at 2pm on Sunday, March 5, as part of this year's Australian International Documentary Conference, O.J.: Made in America has been called "a masterwork of scholarship, journalism and cinematic art" by the LA Times. Directed and produced by Emmy Award winner Ezra Edelman, the ESPN documentary chronicles the rise of fall of O.J. Simpson, from his legendary career as a quarterback to his notorious murder trial, while also exploring what his life meant for race relations and celebrity culture at the tail-end of last century. Better yet, the screening is absolutely free and Edelman will appear in person to introduce the film. To secure your seat, go here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrB3rOcrJxg
You could probably make a mildly amusing SNL skit out of the idea behind The House. A full-length movie? Not so much. It's safe to say that no one wins big in this decidedly unfunny comedy, which marks the directorial debut of Bad Neighbours writer Andrew Jay Cohen. Not stars Amy Poehler, Will Ferrell, Nick Kroll and Jason Mantzoukas, and definitely not the audience. Poehler and Ferrell play Kate and Scott Johansen, proud parents to college-bound teen Alex (Ryan Simpkins) — until a town-sponsored scholarship falls through, that is. When their recently-separated gambling addict pal Frank (Mantzoukas) suggests turning his home into an illegal casino to cover Alex's tuition fees, they're wary. But helping their daughter pursue her dreams soon wins out, even with a suspicious local cop (Rob Huebel) and city councillor (Kroll) wondering just what it is they're up to. As anyone who's ever seen Parks and Recreation knows, Poehler is a comedic treasure, who frankly should be on our screens much, much more often. Ferrell's movie track record mightn't be stellar as of late, but when he's at his Ron Burgundy best, it's easy to forget his less successful efforts like Get Hard and Daddy's Home. Kroll and Mantzoukas, meanwhile, were both great on The League. The point is, if you're a fan of any of these funny folks, you'd have hoped that together they could deliver at least a handful of chuckles. On paper, it doesn't seem like much of a gamble. Sure, watching middle-aged suburbanites behaving badly doesn't sound particularly new or exciting, but skilled performers can make anything better, right? Yet, in a breezy, montage-heavy flick that thinks overt nods to Casino, The Sopranos and Terminator 2 are enough to garner giggles, there's little they can do. A hip hop heavy soundtrack can't liven things up, and neither can YouTube-like sketches or a big-name cameo in the final act, no matter how much the movie tries to prove otherwise. At one point in The House — immediately after the main trio ponders "what if we were the house?", in case the premise wasn't already clear — a character makes a speech about clichés. Unfortunately, it doesn't do anything to make the ones in the film any less obvious or infuriating. It's never a good sign when a movie's best moments come during the obligatory over-credits blooper reel, as viewers are left to wonder why the stuff that did make the cut was so routine and uninspired. Maybe the producers made a bet that they could squander their cast with as bland a so-called comedy as possible? If that's the case, then they've really hit the jackpot. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gx9s-jbSG2s
Looking for new threads? Sure, you can head to plenty of markets around town and trawl through food, homeware and other objects, or you can mosey along to Melbourne's dedicated ladies fashion get-together. Round She Goes does one thing, and it does it well. If it's clothing, accessories and jewellery you're after, you'll find it here. Filled with preloved designer and vintage fare, the one-day happening will take over Coburg Town Hall from 10am on August 13. This edition will boast 60 stalls, all specially curated by organisers to deliver reasonably priced, high-quality bits and pieces, and ranging from beloved brands to handmade items to clear-outs by some of Melbourne's most fashionable women. Entry costs $2, and when you're finding that shiny gold coin to get you in the door, make sure you did up some other cash as well. Cold, hard currency is preferred here, and parting with it will be worth it. Your wardrobe will thank you for it.
Cold weather and decadent cuisine go hand in hand; there's a reason the term "winter feast" just rolls off of the tongue, after all. With the middle of Melbourne's frosty spell fast approaching, The National Hotel are celebrating in seasonal style by putting that popular phrase into action. On July 20, the Richmond hangout is hosting a Winter Feast to end all winter feasts — or, to end your hunger for the evening, at least. The six-course banquet will take your tastebuds through a showcase of Asian eats, with each dish highlighting a variety of textures and flavours, all while you get toasty by the fire. Places are limited, so it's a get-in-quick affair — and two types of incredibly reasonably priced tickets are available. Munch your way to warmth for $45, or add matched wines as well for $95.
When you've already mined the funny side of Irish law enforcement and contemplated the impact of religion, what comes next? If you're John Michael McDonagh, director of The Guard, Calvary and now War on Everyone, you take aim at crooked cops in the United States. Specifically, you focus your third feature on a duo who enjoy their rule-breaking ways, venture into bigger, badder territory than they're used to, and subsequently — surprisingly — start to feel a little conflicted about it. Terry Monroe (Alexander Skarsgard) and Bob Bolano (Michael Pena) are the pair in question: one quick to violence and happily single, the other somewhat contemplative and married with kids. They both like each other, cracking wise, the corrupt niche they've carved out for themselves, and little else ("you can shoot people for no reason," Terry explains when asked why he joined the force). First introduced running down a cocaine-dealing mime, they're soon trying to shake off scrutiny from their boss (Paul Reiser) while attempting to steal cash from a new group of criminals. Alas, as they beat and blackmail their way around Albuquerque — and to Iceland and back as well — their plan unwittingly places them in the path of a far-from-forgiving British aristocrat turned kingpin (Theo James). Spouting dialogue that eagerly, indiscriminately insults any group you can think of, Terry and Bob's war really is on everyone — including, in an extension of their self-destructive ways, themselves. Cue a film that combines irreverent misanthropy, a raft of cop clichés, and a partial journey of self-discovery. Thanks to McDonagh's dripping satire and cynicism, plenty of laughs spring from their antics, but the end result remains hit-and-miss. Think Starsky and Hutch remade for the post-True Detective age, complete with the back-and-forth banter and philosophising the blend suggests, and a dash of awkwardness too. When War on Everyone is good, though, it's very good. It's strikingly shot, energetically paced and extraordinarily well cast as far as its leads are concerned. Indeed, while co-stars such as Caleb Landry Jones and Tessa Thompson are asked to either rely upon caricature or given too little to work with, Skarsgard and Pena enliven every scene they're in, and even make their unsympathetic-on-paper characters somehow likeable. Viewed simply as a collection of buddy cop scenes written and directed by someone who has obviously watched a sizeable serving of '70s American cinema, and starring two actors with a clear feel for the material and a rapport with each other, War on Everyone entertains more often than it doesn't. Where the film struggles, however, is in piecing together anything substantial or cohesive beyond its stylish sights, spiky lines and impressive leads. At times, it plays like the kind of wannabe Quentin Tarantino flick that might have dropped in the mid-'90s. Fun, funny, but nothing to write home about.
