Although headlines spout statistics and assumptions about refugees, it's rare that we get insight into an individual's experience. But Melbourne-born doco maker David Fedele is changing that. His 2014 film The Land Between took audiences into the world of asylum seekers living in the mountains of northern Morocco and risking death to enter the Spanish enclave of Melilla. Now, he's collaborating with refugee Adama Konate to bring us a unique film, Clandestine Crossing. Konate, who lives in France, will be returning alone to his home country, the Ivory Coast, where he'll re-trace the journey he risked eleven years ago as an asylum seeker. This time, though, he'll be armed with a camera. So, through his eyes, we'll experience his dangerous flight across the Sahara Desert to Morocco, through seven countries and often in the hands of people smugglers. It's a path taken by thousands of asylum seekers every year. "As far as I know, it's never been done before," Fedele said. "When most people leave their country, the last thing they're doing is thinking of making a film… Yet, here is a refugee prepare to take a risk. Why? Why is this so strong for him? He obviously feels strongly about the issues. It's also really interesting, because he wants to tell his own stories. "Adama came up with this idea three years ago and hasn't been able to get it out of his head… Our intention is to start from a place of understanding and empathy. We want to film openly, to understand the reality of why people leave and the reality of the challenges the face." To make Clandestine Crossing happen, Fedele and Konate are running a crowdfunding campaign via Indiegogo. Throw a few bucks their way to score a reward — from a digital download to a Skype chat with the directors.
Rejoice, fans of excellent television, fried food and pop culture-themed pop-ups alike — Los Pollos Hermanos is coming to Sydney. Ever since the TV-viewing world was first introduced to Gus Fring's fast food chain, every fried chicken fiend has been hankering for a piece of their juicy poultry. Yes, we all know that it's a fictional chicken empire in a television show, but Breaking Bad was just that damn addictive. With Los Pollos Hermanos' head honcho once again crossing paths with Jimmy McGill/Saul Goodman (Bob Odenkirk) and Mike Ehrmantraut (Jonathan Banks) in the third season of ace Breaking Bad prequel spin-off Better Call Saul, subscription streaming video provider Stan is making everyone's dreams come true with two days of chicken goodness. The pop-up will take over Potts Point's Thirsty Bird for lunch and dinner on April 11 and 12 — and it that's not that's not exciting enough, good ol' poultry-cooking, drug baron Gustavo himself, aka actor Giancarlo Esposito, will be there. Is everything to your satisfaction? It's the event we've all been waiting for since the idea that Los Pollos Hermanos could actually become a real-life restaurant first came up, and it's timed to coincide with Better Call Saul's season three premiere on April 11. Attendees are encouraged to dress up in their very best Better Call Saul-themed outfit, so expect to see plenty of pretend dodgy lawyers around. No word yet if anything blue will be on the menu. Find the Los Pollos Hermanos pop-up at Thirsty Bird, Shop 3, 2-14 Bayswater Road, Potts Point from 11.30am-3.00pm and 5.00pm-8.30pm on April 11 and 12. For more information, check out the event Facebook page. Image: Robert Trachtenberg/AMC/Sony Pictures Television. Copyright: © 2017 Sony Pictures Television Inc. All Rights Reserved.
When The Afterparty arrived on Apple TV+ in 2022, riding a wave of revived murder-mystery comedy love that Knives Out and Only Murders in the Building had helped wash over screens big and small, it made one big risky move. Throwing a motley crew of characters together, then offing one? Tried, tested and a favourite for a reason. The ensemble cast attempting to sleuth its way through a shock death? Flawless. The genre-bending setup that saw each episode in the season parody a different style of filmmaking? Perfectly executed. Having the words "how great is this party?" uttered over and over again? That's what could've proven dicey if The Afterparty wasn't in fact great; thankfully, it very much was. There's a reason that phrase kept being uttered, because superfluous detail isn't this show's style: as in all great whodunnits, everything happens, is mentioned or can be spotted with cause. Creator Christopher Miller and his fellow executive producer Phil Lord, a duo with Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, 21 Jump Street and 22 Jump Street, and The Lego Movie on their resumes as co-directors, know the format they're working with. Crucially, they know how carefully their audience will scrutinise every clue and element. And, in the show's first season and now the just-arrived second season — which streams from Wednesday, July 12 — they also know how to equally honour and spoof. Fittingly, The Afterparty feels like a murder-mystery comedy party as a result. Affectionate, adoring, irreverent, willing to get loose and shake things up: that's the vibe and approach. In season one, the series' title was literal thanks to a high-school reunion with fateful post-soiree hijinks. In season two, a wedding brings a disparate group together — and, following the nuptials and reception, The Afterparty's moniker comes into play again. To the horror of the returning Aniq Adjaye (Sam Richardson, I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson) and his ex-classmate, now-girlfriend Zoe Zhu (Zoe Chao, Party Down), another body then puts a dampener on the festivities; however, this second go-around doesn't get a-solving just in one night. Aniq and Zoe have recovered from their last confrontation with a killing at a celebration by diving into their romance, but it's the latter's younger sister Grace (Poppy Liu, Dead Ringers) who's getting hitched. Her groom Edgar (Zach Woods, Avenue 5) sports both family money and a cryptocurrency-aided bank-balance boost, he's an all-work-no-play socially awkward type as a result and, when he's alive, he's more fond of his pet lizard than most humans. Then he's found face down after the afterparty, plus his reptilian friend as well. Experiencing a hefty case of déjà vu — season two's episode, which focuses on him, is even called 'Aniq 2: The Sequel' — Aniq calls in the also-returning Danner (Tiffany Haddish, The Card Counter). His plan: to get his now former-cop pal to help him find the culprit before the real police arrive. This season's suspect pool spans another murderers' row of talent. Liu is distraught as Grace, but perhaps not as upset as one might expect in the circumstances. Elizabeth Perkins' (Barry) Isabel is standoffish and snobbish before her son is dead, and doesn't improve amid her gin-sipping afterwards. As Edgar's adopted sister Hannah, Anna Konkle (PEN15) plays the family eccentric — and as his business partner Sebastian, Jack Whitehall (Jungle Cruise) trots out a charm offensive. On Grace's side, Vivian Wu (Irma Vep) and Ken Jeong (Community) dote as the elder Zhus, and also worry about their baobing business. John Cho (Cowboy Bebop) plays absentee uncle Ulysses, and Paul Walter Hauser (Bupkis) a pining ex. All could have motivation to help shuffle Edgar off this mortal coil. As is The Afterparty's template, all have different perspectives on his demise, as well as the events leading up to it and then following his next-morning discovery. Miller has set himself a trickier task with season two, since The Afterparty's debut run took most of the obvious genres, worked in a murder-mystery and got lampooning. Aniq's new dedicated chapter is a rom-com follow-up, which the cast and writers alike have a ball playing with. From there, everything from Wes Anderson flicks, period romances and black-and-white gumshoe noirs to Hitchcockian suspense, Jane Austen romances and melodrama get a spin. The perceptive thinking behind the show's gimmick remains astute, demonstrating how differently each and every one of us sees not just shared events, but our overall lives. The Rashomon effect, cycling through varying takes on the same incident, also muses cleverly on cause and effect. And the execution largely remains smart and savvy; having to dive deeper with its genre homages only sometimes dulls the series' usually sharp writing. Swapping and hopping between stylistic filters has helped The Afterparty counteract the threat of formula and familiarity, too. Each batch of episodes takes place in one setting, after all, and retraces the same death again and again. Even if flitting between erotic thrillers and heists (and more) wasn't on the agenda, season two's main players would be a treat together — and most make the utmost of their stint in the spotlight. Cho scores a glorious 'Careless Whisper' dance, Hauser is a comic delight in his hard-boiled spoof, and Konkle makes certain that following in The Royal Tenenbaums' footsteps doesn't feel like a social-media meme or AI copy. Still, as the mismatched duo going all Hercule Poirot and Captain Hastings, Richardson and Haddish are the show's MVPs — and hilarious. Odd-couple detectives are a sleuthing staple, but when they're done this well and with such fine-tuned performances, including in a caper comedy with Miller and Lord's penchant for mile-a-minute gags, they're the scaffolding that everything else hangs off. Richardson plays Aniq as sincere yet shrewd, fretting over impressing the potential future in-laws and doing everything he can to get in their good graces — and the Detroiters, Veep, Ted Lasso and I Think You Should Leave star is indeed the life of this party. Haddish's timing never falters, nor her pace and energy, nor her ability to ensure that Danner is never a stock-standard inspector in any way. Death at a Funeral has already been done, and twice, but a must-attend bash awaits however and wherever Miller reteams his two leads for a hopefully soon-to-be-greenlit third season. Check out the trailer for season two of The Afterparty below: Season two of The Afterparty streams via Apple TV+ from Wednesday, July 12. Read our full review of season one.
Australia's most famous sporting arena will play host to a mini music festival as part of this year's Melbourne Music Week. The Delta Riggs and Pierce Brothers will headline a slew of local talent rocking out on the MCG. Let's just hope they do a better job than Meat Loaf. Set to take place on Sunday, November 13 — just a few short weeks after a Grand Final pre-show featuring Sting, Vance Joy and The Living End — the Love Live Music event will welcome the likes of Woodlock, The Pretty Littles, The Vanns and Brooke Taylor to perform on the stadium's hallowed turf. According to the MCG website, punters can expect "a mix of Melbourne musicians playing everything from acoustic tunes and smooth jazz to upbeat pop and indie rock". Tickets to the event will cost $55 (plus booking fee), with doors open at 2pm for a 2.30pm start. In between the acts, ticketholders will be able to tour parts of the 'G that are normally off-limits, including the player change rooms and the Robert Flower Terrace with views of the CBD. Love Live Music is one of a number of Melbourne Music Week headline events. Other highlights include a set by The Drones at the Melbourne Town Hall that will incorporate the venues' massive Grand Organ, as well as a showcase of women in music featuring Julia Stone, Ella Hooper, Mama Kin, Montaigne, Mojo Juju, Elizabeth Rose and more. The full program will be announced on October 4. Image: Sascha Wenninger.
Situated in the beautiful Baja Peninsula, Los Cabos is often most recognised for its high-end luxury accommodation (check out Corazon Resort and Spa), the place the Laguna Beach kids visited for Spring Break, and endless sunshine (and food and drinks if you stay at an all-inclusive hotel like Breathless Resort). But there's so much more to experience to make your visit to Los Cabos a truly exciting adventure. Beyond the joys of sunny days, exceptional food and an excuse to drink margaritas at any time of day, Los Cabos has experiences for all types. From swimming with whale sharks to off-road expeditions through the desert to the finest in farm to table dining… let's take a spin through three must-do adventures when you visit Los Cabos. [caption id="attachment_950073" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image credit: Emma Li[/caption] Swimming with Whale Sharks These glorious creatures are the gentle giants of the sea. As plankton-eaters, their focus is on food and not on the (comparably) tiny humans who are snorkelling nearby desperate to get a close look. And a close look you can get! The team at Cabo Adventures picks you up from your accommodation, taking you to Bahia de La Paz where the whale sharks like to hang out and feed – about two hours drive from Cabo San Lucas. Ask your nerdy nature questions to your heart's content on the way, and by the time you get there, you'll be primed and ready to roll. After a quick stop to fit your wetsuit, fins and snorkel enjoy a glorious boat ride on the sparkling water off to the protected harbour and home to the whale sharks. Once your friendly guides find you your fish, it's go time. Slip into the water then snorkel alongside these magnificent, gentle, chilled creatures and observe them doing what we all love best: having a great feed. When to go: November to April is the peak, but they can be seen all year round. [caption id="attachment_950080" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Whale shark street art on a wall in Los Cabos. Image credit: Elizabeth Tucker[/caption] [caption id="attachment_950082" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Flora Farms[/caption] Fantastic Farm-to-Table Fare Known for beautiful fresh produce, Los Cabos has a thriving agricultural industry and growing farm-to-table offerings. In the foothills of the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains, you'll find three beautiful destinations for eating, exploring and playing. Well-known Flora Farms is a 25-acre farm with largely hand grown ingredients, and is a wonderful place to visit for a cooking class. Their neighbour down the road, Acre, also offers boutique accommodation and a globally inspired menu using their freshly farmed produce. Finally, Los Tamarindos is a glorious outdoor setting, representing a traditional Mexican hacienda. Looking out over the farm with picturesque mountain views, sip on a smoky mezcalita and enjoy the incredible tasting and shared plates toasting a gorgeous Mexican sunset. [caption id="attachment_950083" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Beautiful rustic dining at Tamarindos. Image credit: Elizabeth Tucker[/caption] Off-Road Desert and Dust Derby Get the full desert and oasis experience on an off-road adventure like you've never experienced before. Wear your darkest clothes (because they're bound to get dirty) as you hop aboard a an ATV designed to hoon through muddy terrain and dusty dirt trails in the Sierra de la Laguna UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Encounter the region's unique endemic flora and fauna, gaining insight into its ecological significance. And once you've worked up an appetite, sit back and much on an amazing local ranch lunch, savouring authentic flavours and tranquil surroundings. This is another of Cabo Adventures' amazing offerings and one not to miss. For places to stay, there are endless resort and boutique offerings to suit your tastes. To find exactly what you're looking for, Los Cabos Tourism has a perfectly curated selection of accommodation for all travel tastes and styles. Concrete Playground travelled as a guest of Visit Los Cabos. Top Image: Jules Clark via Pexels.
In real life, technology is bound to keep bringing out the worst in people, or vice versa, in 2024. If you want to see Charlie Brooker's take on how humanity's use of gadgets and innovations can go nightmarishly wrong, however, you'll need to wait until 2025. That's when Black Mirror will return for its seventh season, two years after 2023's sixth season. Given that there was a four-year gap after season five, that's positively speedy. Season seven's batch of Black Mirror episodes will also be bigger than the past two seasons, serving up six instalments — which only season three and four have done in the past. There'll be another link to season four, too, with one chapter in the seventh season set to be a sequel to its Star Trek-riffing USS Callister episode. Netflix confirmed Black Mirror's 2025 comeback, number of instalments and return dive into USS Callister's realm as part of the platform's unveiling of what's next set to hit its catalogue from the UK. If you're after more details about Brooker's huge hit, though, that's all there is for now. Cast members, other storylines, if any cast members from USS Callister — which featured Jesse Plemons (Love & Death), Cristin Milioti (The Resort), Jimmi Simpson (It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia), Michaela Coel (Mr & Mrs Smith) and Billy Magnussen (Lift) — will be back: that's all still unknown, as is whether Brooker took any inspiration from his headline speaker gig at the first-ever SXSW Sydney in 2023. Still, you can start preparing yourself for next year's dose of dystopian dread, and speculating about what might get the Black Mirror treatment this time. The show's sixth season pondered streaming algorithms with Salma Hayek Pinault (Magic Mike's Last Dance) and Annie Murphy (Kevin Can F**k Himself), true crime with Samuel Blenkin (The Witcher: Blood Origin) and Myha'la Herrold (Bodies Bodies Bodies), and an alternative 1969 with Aaron Paul (Westworld), Josh Hartnett (Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre) and Kate Mara (Call Jane). Also on its list: a paparazzi tale with Zazie Beetz (Atlanta), Clara Rugaard (I Am Mother) and Danny Ramirez (Stars at Noon) — and the first Red Mirror episode, going full horror, with Anjana Vasan (Killing Eve), Paapa Essiedu (Men), Katherine Rose Morley (The Syndicate) and David Shields (Benediction). Season seven has an announcement video, which you can watch below, alongside the trailer for USS Callister: Black Mirror season seven will stream via Netflix sometime in 2025, but doesn't yet have an exact release date — we'll update you when one is announced. Read our review of season six, and our interview with Charlie Brooker. Images: Netflix.
It's a tradition we all know well: go to IKEA with the intention of picking up some new water glasses, spend two hours wandering the labyrinth and filling a basket with tea light candles (you can never have too many), bath rugs (so soft!) and plants (you'll keep this one alive, promise), then sit down for a plate of delicious meatballs and mash. During COVID-19, IKEA has had to temporarily shut its in-store restaurants, in line with the government's closure of non-essential indoor venues. But, so you can get your fix at home, it has just released the recipe to its blessed meatballs. The Swedish flatpack experts are also now offering contactless delivery (in Australia) and have a podcast that reads through the IKEA catalogue, so you can really relive your time strolling through its endless corridors. But, we'll skip the smalltalk and get straight to what you're all looking for: the recipe. IKEA'S MEATBALLS Serves four 500 grams beef mince 250 grams pork mince 1 onion, finely chopped 1 clove garlic (crushed or minced) 100 grams breadcrumbs 1 egg 5 tablespoons of milk Salt and pepper to taste For the cream sauce Dash of oil 40 grams butter 40 grams plain flour 150 millilitres vegetable stock 150 millilitres beef stock 150 millilitres thick double cream 2 teaspoons soy sauce 1 teaspoon dijon mustard To make the meatballs Combine beef and pork mince and mix with your fingers to break up any lumps. Add finely chopped onion, garlic, breadcrumbs and egg and mix. Add milk and season well with salt and pepper. Shape mixture into small, round balls. Place on a clean plate, cover and store in the fridge for two hours (this will help them hold their shape while cooking). In a frying pan, heat oil on medium heat. When hot, gently add your meatballs and brown on all sides. Add to an overproof dish and cover with aluminium. Place in a hot oven (180°C conventional or 160°C fan) and cook for a further 30 minutes. To make the cream sauce Melt butter in a frying pan. Whisk in flour, stirring continuously for two minutes. Stir in vegetable and beef stock. Stir in double cream, soy sauce and dijon mustard. Bring to a simmer and allow sauce to thicken. Serve with your favourite potatoes — either creamy mash or mini new boiled potatoes.
Belles Hot Chicken has flirted with all sorts of chook-centric creations over the years, but, this time round, it's teaming up with a famed American chip for an extra-spicy limited-edition menu. Head Chef and Co-Founder Morgan McGlone has just gone and dropped the group's first-ever collab with Cheetos — and not just any ordinary Cheetos either, Flamin' Hot Cheetos. The red-hot menu is available for three weeks from Wednesday, August 28 and features three dishes all made with Flamin' Hot Cheetos: a Flamin' Hot chicken sanga ($13) with Cheetos-crusted chicken thigh, jalapeño and slaw on a toasted milk bun; the Hillbilly Taco ($12), made from white bread topped with Cheetos-coated Cloudy Bay clams, Alabama white sauce and pickled chilli; and Flamin' Hot mac 'n' cheese bites ($9) served with chipotle sauce. To drink, there are $10 Pabst Blue Tall Boys (473 millilitres), $10 glasses of BK Wines pét-nat and $10 alcoholic lemonades, too. While the menu will end after three weeks, Flamin' Hot fans will be happy to know that the spicy Cheetos are now available to purchase at Woolworths, Coles and some petrol stations and convenience stores. The Flamin' Hot menu is available at Belles Hot Chicken Fitzroy, Collins Square and Elizabeth Street, with the mac 'n' cheese bites exclusively at the Fitzroy store.
When Australia has just thrown one of the world's biggest LGBTQIA+ parties, what comes next? Incorporating hits from 2023's Sydney WorldPride into 2024's Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. For everyone who loved revelling on the sand at the fest's Bondi Beach Party, we come bearing excellent news: it'll be back next year for 15,000 attendees. Mardi Gras' full 2024 lineup spans 100-plus events across the Harbour City, taking place from Friday, February 16–Sunday, March 3. While 2023's iteration marked the 45th anniversary, don't go thinking that turning 46 isn't being taken just as seriously — all around the theme "our future". "For 45 years, the energy, vibrancy, and unity of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras has made it a globally significant event. And each year, our commitment to bringing forth an even more fabulous celebration grows," said Sydney Mardi Gras CEO Gil Beckwith. "In 2024, we embrace our roots and look forward with eager anticipation to our future. Our mission is clear: to echo the voices of our communities, to champion progress and instigate impactful change." "Beyond the individual events, and there are many, the 2024 festival underscores our commitment to inclusivity, unity and remembrance. The 2024 festival celebrates our past, our present and most crucially, the promising future we're building. Here's to another unforgettable Sydney Mardi Gras," continued Beckwith. As well as the return of Bondi Beach Party, Mardi Gras will also give Sydney WorldPride's Ultra Violet a second run, celebrating LGBTQIA+ women in an event that takes place as day turns to night at the National Art School. Similarly huge: a one-night-only special performance of musical & Juliet, which will occur just days after the production arrives for its Sydney season. Also on the lineup: the Welcome to Country via citywide event Festival First Light; floating venue Glass Island hosting trans and gender-diverse celebration Hot Trans Summer; and Diamond Dance, which will mark Pollys Club's 60th year. Or, there's talks and ideas series Queer Futures, the Marks Park Dawn Sunrise Service of Reflection to honour 70s- and 90s-era victims of homophobic and transphobic violence, two-week fringe fest Oxtravaganza in Darlinghurst and the boozy Darlo Big Drag Brunch. Yes, the parade is back — so mark Saturday, March 2 in your diary and prepare for a big night with 200-plus floats on Oxford Street. Plus, Mardi Gras' premium parade viewing areas will feature again to help the hundreds of thousands of folks heading along get a prime view of the 12,000-plus marchers. Throw in the also-returning Mardi Gras Film Festival, Progress Pride Flag Raising, Fair Day, Paradiso Pool Party, Kaftana Pool Party, Laugh Out Proud and Sissy Ball — and Queer Art After Hours as well — and Sydney will be jam-packed with things to do and ways to celebrate, as it is during every Mardi Gras. Other highlights include a dance party at ivy Pool Club, SEA LIFE Aquarium hosting drag storytime and a queer formal, with more events still to be announced as Mardi Gras gets closer. Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 2024 will run from Friday, February 16–Sunday, March 3, 2024. For more information, or for tickets, head to the event's website. Select images: Jeffrey Feng Photography, Lexy Potts
Whether Idris Elba will ever get to slip into James Bond's tuxedo is still yet to be seen, but the British actor adds another prime example of why he'd be excellent as 007 to his resume with Hijack. He plays suave and smooth, calm and collected, and resourceful and reliable in the plane-set Apple TV+ thriller series — as well as enterprising and creative while endeavouring to save lives and bring down nefarious forces alike. He's also basically in Idris Elba on a Plane, sans slithering snakes; Idris Elba Cancels the London-Bound Apocalypse, but without kaiju and giant robots; Die Hard with Idris Elba, though never just crawling around in a singlet; and, given that the seven-parter unfurls in real time, 24: Idris Elba as well. Unsurprisingly, Elba is excellent in a taut, tension-dripping nail-biter that's easy to get addicted to. Fresh from battling lions in Beast, granting wishes in Three Thousand Years of Longing, returning to Luther in Luther: The Fallen Son and popping up in Extraction II, The Wire alum plays Sam Nelson, a seasoned negotiator on his way home to the UK from Dubai. It can't be underestimated or understated how crucial that Hijack's biggest star is here. Cast the wrong person as Sam, and the show might've plummeted. When terrorists take over the flight, the series' protagonist boasts the ability to get everyone from pilots and crew to agitated flyers, wannabe saviours and air traffic control on his side. Sometimes, the hijackers join in on following his lead and taking his advice. Even if action movies have long relied upon heroes with such swagger and sway, trying to pull it off here without someone of Elba's charm and confidence would likely struggle (see: the Liam Neeson-led Non-Stop, and recent Gerard Butler flick Plane). When he disembarks Kingdom Airlines Flight 29, Sam just wants to try to patch things up with his estranged wife Marsha (Christine Adams, The Mandalorian) and spend time with his teenage son Kai (Jude Cudjoe, Halo) — aims at the top of his list before he has any inkling that this won't be an ordinary journey. Then fellow Brit Stuart (Neil Maskell, Small Axe) and his gun-toting team (Here Comes Hell's Jasper Britton, The Duke's Aimée Kelly, The Souvenir: Part II's Jack McMullen and TV first-timer Mohamed Elsandel) seize control of the aircraft before the first hour of the flight has passed. To stay alive, and to also attempt to keep the other passengers safe, Sam has no choice but to step in. Action formula dictates that he does indeed have a particular set of skills that come in handy in the situation: his way with words. Onboard, anxiety spreads fast from the pilot (Ben Miles, Tetris) down. Tracking an hour of the ordeal per episode, Hijack gets its audience experiencing the stress, chaos and life-or-death stakes in tandem with Sam and the rest of the flight's hostages — and, crucially, establishing the in-the-air space and figures that the series has to play with. The show jumps between seating classes, exploring how the ordeal affects everyone from the comfortable to the crammed-in. It ensures that viewers understand who's sitting where, and how their different personalities might have an impact. The series stalks through the aisles, making sight lines and escape routes plain, and also hovers in crew areas. In other words, it puts its various pieces in place, proving expertly aware that suspense springs not just from waiting and anticipating, but from knowing which elements could factor in. Hijack makes slick and skilled use of its main setting, but it isn't a one-location-only affair. Also getting nervous: people on the ground across several countries, all attempting to work out what's going on. Marsha and Kai are among them; the former notes that "when it all kicks off, Sam's the best at handling it", but also asks her new cop beau Daniel O'Farrell (Max Beesley, Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre) to investigate after she receives a cryptic text from the air. The police officer enlists British counter-terrorism via his ex-partner Zahra Gahfoor (Archie Panjab, Snowpiercer), while various aviation bases also start realising that all isn't right, including at Heathrow where Alice Sinclair (Eve Myles, We Hunt Together) is a flight controller. Creators George Kay (Lupin) and Jim Field Smith (Litvinenko) are masterful with tone and twists, keeping the pressure up from go to whoa and never letting the plot cruise on autopilot. Together, Kay (who writes) and Field Smith (who directs) also created the interrogation-focused Criminal, and bring the same flair for teasing out pivotal details — not just in conversation, but visually as Hijack flits between the plane and terra firma. This isn't a whodunnit, put it does reward sleuthing, tasking its audience with puzzling together what's really going on, who can truly be trusted and how the show might land. Again, Apple TV+ is in its mystery element, as everything from Severance, The Afterparty, Black Bird and Bad Sisters to Servant, Hello Tomorrow!, High Desert and Silo keeps illustrating. In hooking viewers, and quickly, Kay and Field Smith are also well-versed in the kind of series they want Hijack to be. Pivotally, they're clearly familiar with the conventions and cliches that the show is leaning into, what's soared there before, and how to do it well. Having Sam rely upon the power of persuasion first and foremost might seem like a small touch, but it's an important one: Hijack wouldn't last seven hours, or keep watching eyes invested, if guns just kept blasting and fists flying. Even an aircraft-set John Wick instalment mightn't make that work ( although who wouldn't want to see that franchise — and only that franchise — try?). All the focus on talk also gives Hijack another vital angle: it sees its characters as people, rather than merely using them a means to move the plot along. Accordingly, it dives into their complications — some more than others, and no one more than Sam, but enough to examine the many complex ways that humans behave, especially in such high-strung circumstances. This is a show that's well aware that we all have baggage, and that it's with us at every turn. Thankfully, most of us aren't forced to work through it at 35,000 feet while being held hostage, but that exact scenario with Elba at its centre makes for riveting viewing. Check out the trailer for Hijack below: Hijack streams via Apple TV+.
Melburnians can now dine in at restaurants, cafes and pubs — but with restrictions in place around what you can and can't do when you get there, you may prefer to bring the experience home. If you're enjoying the comfort of your own space, with the freedom to cosy up to your loved ones, or to invite a bunch of friends over for a socially responsible dinner, you can still order from a number of excellent Melbourne bars and eateries that are happy to bring restaurant quality dining to you, or bottled cocktails if that's more your vibe. In partnership with Belvedere, we've found eight venues delivering quality meals and cocktails (as well as other celebratory drinks) so you can level up your next night in, and stay nice and cosy indoors.
What is personal style? For many of us, it's about the clothes we wear or the accessories we pick — the impression we give of ourselves when heading out the front door each day. But for many creatives, it's about all that alongside the personal artistic expression they reveal to the world through their work. This concept has been captured by Danish jewellery design house Georg Jensen in its new campaign Art of Style, giving insight into how some of our favourite creative personalities let their style trickle into their artistic process — and vice versa. One such featured personality is Australian artist Amanda Shadforth, who revealed in a video for the campaign that she unleashes her creativity both in her art studio and through her chosen jewellery. She even created a bespoke art piece inspired by the retailer's collection. The two go hand-in-hand — similar to Georg Jensen's core design values, Shadorth's style is classic and understated, and her artistic inspiration comes from nature. In collaboration with Georg Jensen, we've delved deeper into some of the key characteristics of Shadorth's style and handpicked some of our favourite pieces from the Offspring, Mercy, Reflect and Curve collections that work together to reflect it. EMBRACE THE IMPERFECT Any fan of Shadforth's work knows she has an eye for organic shapes drawn from nature — her bespoke art piece for Georg Jensen does away with traditional fine art techniques and digital influences. Shadforth says that's one of the main things that draws her to the design house: the perfectly imperfect, organic shapes that feel like they're a natural expression of the human body. "Some of the pieces actually feel like they could have been part of nature once," says Shadforth. If you're also a fan of wearing pieces that reflect the calm dynamism of nature, opt for Georg Jensen's Mercy collection. This range, by acclaimed American designer Jacqueline Rabun, uses sterling silver and 18k gold to create unique pieces reflecting the shifting sculptural forms of nature and the human experience. Our pick: The Mercy Double Ring in sterling silver. This piece at first gives the appearance of two rings, but on closer inspection reveals itself to be one continuous, flowing shape. The curve of this double ring almost appears like ocean waves or the essence of time, captured on the wearer's fingers. RRP: $475 Pair it with: The Mercy Earrings in 18k yellow gold Another Rabun design, these striking earrings are made from one organic flowing shape, twisting through the ear hole and hugging the lobe — almost acting as an extension of the ear. According to the designer, the strands are inspired by the twists and turns of time. RRP: $1175 DON'T BE AFRAID TO MIX AND MATCH Shadforth reveales she uses everything from giant stainless steel trowels to tiny delicate brushes to create depth and texture in her artworks — she even makes her own equipment when she needs a particular way of applying paint. Her affinity for mixing and matching is echoed in her favourite pieces from Georg Jensen's collections, where style 'rules' are made to be broken. If you've previously considered yourself a solely silver or gold girlie, change things up and create a fresh, contemporary look by mixing metals, stacking and layering pieces from different collections — perhaps a mix of delicate understated pieces and striking standouts. The classic chain designs seen in Rabun's new Reflect collection for Georg Jensen can be paired with her larger statement forms of the egg-shaped Offspring collection, or Regitze Overgaard's bold and sculptural Curve bangles, earrings, pendants and rings. Our pick: The Large Offspring Ring in sterling silver: an eye-catching conversation starter in the Offpsiring collection's signature oval shape, this chunky piece lends itself perfectly to stacking with more delicate shapes and offsetting with different metals. RRP: $345 Pair it with: The Medium Curve Bangle in 18k yellow gold and sterling silver. The line dividing the gold and silver in this statement bangle contrasts with its soft, organic shape — and proves that any outdated rules you might have about mixing gold and silver can be nixed. Instead, combining different metals creates a look as individual (and striking, of course) as the wearer. RRP: $7700 PAIR FEMININE AND MASCULINE STYLES Again showing that mixing and matching is key, Shadforth describes her style as a paradox between masculine and feminine. She has a "tomboyish" tendency to gravitate towards trousers and blazers, which she pairs with classic, understated pieces. Jewellery is an effective way to achieve such a mix — since the dawn of civilisation, it's been used as a tool by both sexes to embellish and stand out. Achieve it yourself by taking classically unisex shapes like the chains and striking rings from Georg Jensen's Reflect collection and pair them with the feminine shapes celebrated in the Curve collection or the egg-shaped Offspring collection. Our pick: The Reflect Ring in sterling silver. Designed by Rabun and formed by two ends of a piece of sterling silver wrapped around each other, this striking unisex ring can be a bold statement piece or used to stack with other forms. RRP:$375 Pair it with: The Offspring Bangle in sterling silver. Delicate silver bangles are, of course, always in vogue, but this one adds a modern, feminine twist on a classic shape thanks to its wave-like curve. Combine it with the Reflect Ring for a contemporary mix of thick and thin metals. RRP:$475 SHE'S SO GOLDEN There's no doubt that chunky gold jewellery is having a moment — but loyal fans of this glittering shade know that it never really goes out of style. Shadforth opts for gold in both her artistic and fashion expressions — her art piece in collaboration with Georg Jensen uses a thick application of dark ochre, amber and gold tones that give the piece real warmth. And you only have to take a look at some of Shadorth's other stunning works to know it's a theme that carries through much of her oeuvre. If you're keen to give gold a go, opt for timeless pieces in yellow gold that can be easily stacked with other metals and shapes. Our pick: The Mercy Earrings in 18k yellow gold with diamonds — because when is that combination ever not fabulous? Inspired by the passage of time, these delicate twisted hoops manage to be both classic and contemporary — and can be passed down through generations. RRP: $3350 We'd pair them with: The Large Reflect Bracelet in 18k gold. The classic link bracelet has been given a modern and luxurious makeover with this Rabun-designed gold chain piece. With a bit more 'tude than other chain bracelets tanks to its interlocking links, it definitely doesn't come cheap, but again is timeless enough to be passed down from mother to daughter over many years. RRP: $14,000 Feeling inspired? You too can express your own art of style through Georg Jensen's Mercy, Reflect, Curve and Offspring collections — the pieces are designed to be layered and stacked together, across collections and combined with different metals. For more information, head to the website.
Handheld camerawork can be a gimmick. It can be distracting, too. When imagery seems restless for no particular reason other than making the audience restless, it drags down entire films. But at its best, roving, jittery and jumpy frames provide one of the clearest windows there is into the souls that inhabit the silver screen in 90-minute blocks or so, and also prove a wonderful way of conveying how they feel in the world. That's how Compartment No. 6's cinematography plays, and it couldn't be a more crucial move; this is a deeply thoughtful movie about two people who are genuinely restless themselves, after all. Finnish director Juho Kuosmanen (The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Mäki) wants what all of the most perceptive filmmakers do — to ensure his viewers feel like they know his characters as well as they know themselves — and in his latest cinematic delight, he knows how to get it. How Kuosmanen evokes that sense of intimacy and understanding visually is just one of Compartment No. 6's highlights, but it's worthy of a train full of praise. With the helmer's returning director of photography Jani-Petteri Passi behind the lens, the film gets close to Finnish student Laura (Seidi Haarla, Force of Habit) and Russian miner Ljoha (Yuriy Borisov, The Red Ghost). It peers intently but unobtrusively their way, like an attentive lifelong friend. It jostles gently with the locomotive that the movie's central pair meets on, and where they spend the bulk of their time together. It ebbs and flows like it's breathing with them. It rarely ventures far from their faces in such cramped, stark, 90s-era Russian surroundings, lingering with them, carefully observing them, and genuinely spying how they react and cope in big and small moments alike. Pivotally — and at every moment as well — it truly sees its key duo. With their almost-matching names, Laura and Ljoha meet on a train ride charting the lengthy expanse from Moscow to Murmansk. She's taking the journey to see the Kanozero petroglyphs, ancient rock drawings that date back the 2nd and 3rd millennium BC, and were only discovered in 1997; he's heading up for work. Laura is also meant to be travelling with Irina (Dinara Drukarova, The Bureau), her Russian girlfriend, but the latter opted out suddenly after an intellectual-filled house party where mocking the former for her accent — and claiming she's just a lodger — threw a pall of awkwardness over their relationship. Making the jaunt solo is still sitting uneasily with Laura, though. Calls along the way, answered with busy indifference, don't help. And neither does finding herself sharing compartment number six, obviously, with the tough- and rough-around-the edges Ljoha. It's been 71 years now since Alfred Hitchcock gave cinema the noir thriller Strangers on a Train. It's been 27 years since Richard Linklater also had two unacquainted folks meeting while riding the rails in Before Sunrise, which started a terrific romance trilogy starring Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy. Accordingly, the idea behind Compartment No. 6 is instantly familiar. Here, two strangers meet on a train, a connection sparks and drama ensues. Kuosmanen, who nabbed an award at Cannes for The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Mäki and then earned the 2021 competition Grand Prix, which comes second only to the prestigious Palme d'Or, for this, is clearly working with a well-used setup. But even though this isn't a movie that's big on surprises, it's still a stellar film. It's also a reminder that a feature that's personal and raw, also attuned to all the tiny details of life in its performances, mood and style, and firmly character-driven, can make even the most recognisable narrative feel new. Laura and Ljoha are a chalk-and-cheese pair. He gets drunk almost instantly; is crude and rude to his unimpressed fellow compartment dweller from the get-go; and his hunched, agitated, me-against-the-world posture seethes with boorish anger. But the duo are also virtually trapped in close confines — wandering the train's corridors and using its bathrooms are hardly escapes, even for a few minutes, on a trip that takes several days. They're both lost, lonely and yearning, too, in their own fashions but also in a more similar manner than they each initially expect. So, they rub each other the wrong way at first, then settle into chilly animosity, then begin to thaw. Schnapps plays a part, as does the dining car. Pitstops along the way, stolen possessions and language trickery do as well. Needing love and companionship, even just fleetingly, has the biggest influence. Kuosmanen cowrote Compartment No. 6's screenplay with Andris Feldmanis and Livia Ulman, co-scribes themselves on Estonian TV show Kättemaksukontor — and adapts Rosa Liksom's novel of the same name. In the process, the director and his collaborators move the story by around a decade from the end of the USSR to the end of Boris Yeltsin's time in power. That means that Laura and Ljoha follow in Before Sunrise's Celine and Jesse's footsteps by mere years on-screen (Titanic gets a mention, helping anchor the movie in time), but they're always roaming and locomoting through their own film. Compartment No. 6 is that lived in, that astutely drawn and that naturalistically played, as aided immensely by its meticulous production design. Just as the handheld camera places viewers in the characters' headspace with precision, the immaculate like-you're-there touches that fill every frame are equally as immersive. It's easy to see Hollywood wanting to hop on Compartment No. 6's tracks, riding its way to an English-language remake. If that happens — probably more like when — good luck to whoever's behind it in repeating such casting perfection. All of the expertly and expressively deployed cinematography in the world, or even just across a 35-hour-plus trip to the top of Russia, can't bond an audience to fictional characters if they don't already feel so real that you could be them; the latter springs from extraordinary performances, of course, which Kuosmanen guides out of Haarla and Borisov. In their time together, Laura and Ljoha shift, ruminate and open up, including to themselves. That's a delicate journey, as relatable as it is, and also immensely complex to portray with emotional resonance, honesty and nuance. Compartment No. 6's untethered imagery sees that. It revels in it. That's what two strangers on a train enjoying an unexpected bond en route do with each other's company, eventually — and, again, this unconventional love story has everyone watching share the same sensation.
When 2023 arrived, it marked two decades since composer Stephen Schwartz and playwright Winnie Holzman took a book inspired by The Wizard of Oz, put it to music and turned it into one of Broadway's biggest hits of the 21st century. Next, when 2024 rolls around, it'll give Melbourne musical theatre fans their latest chance to see that very show right here at home — because Wicked is flying into the Victorian capital from March. Even if you haven't seen the blockbuster show before, including on its past Aussie run from 2008–11, then you've likely heard of it. Following the Land of Oz's witches — telling their untold true tale is the musical's whole angle, in fact — Wicked has notched up more awards than you can fit in a hefty cauldron over the years. That includes three Tonys from ten nominations, a Grammy, an Olivier Award and six Drama Desk Awards. Also huge: its worldwide footprint, playing in 16 countries around the globe since its 2003 debut. And, when it makes its way to the Regent Theatre for its second stop on its current Aussie run, following its present Sydney season, it'll do so after enchanting itself into fourth place in the list of longest-running Broadway shows ever — even surpassing Cats. Story-wise, Wicked starts before The Wizard of Oz and continues its narrative after Dorothy Gale lands, adapting Gregory Maguire's 1995 novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. The text itself has sold 5.5 million copies, including five million since the musical first opened. Here, before Dorothy blows in, two other women meet in the Land of Oz: Elphaba and Galinda. One will later be known as the Wicked Witch of the West, while the other will become Glinda the Good Witch. Exactly why that happens, and how, and the pair's relationship from rivals to unlikely friends to grappling with their new labels, fuels the show's tale. Popping on your ruby slippers, clicking your heels three times and defying gravity at the Melbourne stage show means seeing Courtney Monsma in her debut lead role as Galinda/GLinda, Sheridan Adams as Elphaba, Robyn Nevin as Madame Morrible and Todd McKenney as the Wizard — plus Liam Head as Fiyero, Adam Murphy isasDr Dillamond, Shewit Belay as Nessarose and Kurtis Papadinis as Boq. Wicked has been brought back to Australia by John Frost for Crossroads Live Australia, Marc Platt, Universal Pictures, The Araca Group, Jon B Platt and David Stone — and is taking to the stage again before the in-the-works two-part film adaptation starring Cynthia Erivo (Pinocchio) as Elphaba and Ariana Grande (Don't Look Up) as Galinda, and directed by Jon M Chu (In the Heights, Crazy Rich Asians), is due to start reaching cinemas in 2024. Wicked will play Melbourne's Regent Theatre from March 2024. For more information or to join the ticket waitlist ahead of sales — with pre-sale tickets from Monday, October 16 and general sales from Friday, October 20 — head to the production's website. Images: Jeff Busby.
In Spider-Man: No Way Home, everyone's favourite friendly neighbourhood web-slinger still does whatever a spider can. (Don't expect the catchy cartoon theme song, though.) To be precise, Spidey's latest outing — starring Tom Holland (Chaos Walking), as every live-action film in the ever-sprawling Marvel Cinematic Universe that's featured the superhero has — sees him do whatever spider-men have for decades. The masked crusader shoots webs, flings them about New York and swings around the city. He helps people, battles crime, literally hangs out with his girlfriend MJ (Zendaya, Dune) and saves the world, too. As the movie's trailers revealed, Spider-Man also fights whoever his on-screen predecessors fought. The twist that isn't a twist because it's part of the flick's marketing: that villains from Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield's stints as Spidey show up here. Those familiar faces, including Willem Dafoe (The Card Counter) as the Green Goblin, Alfred Molina (Promising Young Woman) as Doctor Octopus and Jamie Foxx (Soul) as Electro, aren't Peter Parker's initial problem, as viewers of 2017's Spider-Man: Homecoming and 2019's Spider-Man: Far From Home will already know. No Way Home picks up immediately after the latter, after Spidey's secret identity has been blasted across the internet by online conspiracist J Jonah Jameson (JK Simmons, Ride the Eagle). The media swiftly make Peter "the most famous person in the world", the public get hostile and his college prospects — and MJ and Ned's (Jacob Batalon, Let It Snow) as well — take a hit. The only solution he can see: asking Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch, The Power of the Dog) to cast a spell to make everyone forget who he is. With drastic magic comes drastic consequences, hence those recognisable nefarious folks who know Spidey — and definitely know that he's Peter Parker — yet don't recognise the MCU's version. Marvel's next flick after this one is Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, so the franchise is about to go big on alternate worlds, but No Way Home still doesn't actually jump into that domain first. It's a curious choice on the whole huge saga's part to take cues from the animated delight that is Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, which relished having multiple spider-realms, got inventive with both its concept and visuals, won an Oscar and is easily the best spider-flick to-date, all without sitting within the MCU itself. Indeed, the live-action franchise's third stand-alone Spider-Man movie can't shake the feeling that it's playing catch-up. Directed by Jon Watts, as all three recent web-slinging films have been, No Way Home does more than give flesh, blood and spandex to an ace idea already brought to the screen a mere three years back. It also delivers the heftiest helping of fan service that the Marvel Cinematic Universe has ever dished up. The franchise has long enjoyed hitting all the obvious crowd-pleasing notes, but Martin Scorsese's 2019 comment that compared MCU fare to theme parks rings particularly true here — unsurprisingly given this Spider-Man outing wants to elicit the loudest of screams and shouts from its audience. Buy the ticket, take the cinematic ride, ooh and aah over every clear spin and foreseeable twirl: amid the stock-standard CGI-packed action scenes and triple-layered Spidey nods to iterations past, not all that long ago and present, that's what No Way Home seeks from its viewers. And, it takes the rollercoaster approach to evoking that reaction, rolling its story down the most glaring of tracks. You can anticipate each jolt and shake on any given amusement ride, see every up and down coming, and still relish the experience — and that's what No Way Home is hoping for. It wants to be the fun flick that gleefully makes Spidey fans' dreams come true, and to coast on the buzz of all those fantasies fulfilled. That's all busy and nostalgic and undemandingly entertaining but, even though No Way Home isn't short on twists that haven't been laid out in the trailers, this is one of the least surprising MCU films yet. Three-time Spider-Man screenwriters Erik Sommers and Chris McKenna make every expected move they can with this greatest hits package, both within the usual Marvel formula and with the parts of their script that are meant to startle and astonish. As a result, No Way Home's best moments swing in one of two directions: weighty or silly. Much of the movie hovers in the middle, resembling the empty space between an arachnid's silky threads, but when it either burrows deep or keeps things goofy, there's enough that sticks. Pondering the cost of being Spider-Man, the film doesn't fling itself into new territory — and yet it manages to add extra strands to the 'being a superhero is tough' scenario by recognising how such woes keep recurring. Finding laughs in the whole situation isn't unique either, and No Way Home isn't as funny or as loose as Homecoming or Far From Home. Still, that's the vibe that suits Holland; in his stretch in the red-and-blue suit, he's always played Peter like an excited, awkward and overwhelmed teen who's daffily grappling with what it all means, which is particularly pivotal here. There is one brief glorious moment during No Way Home's climax — a trio of shots, all edited together rapidly and framed to match each other — that perfects what Watts is aiming for overall. It's astute, amusing, enjoyable and, although still undeniably obvious, thoughtfully taps into the existential Spidey struggle while simultaneously proving loving and playful. It's the full web, even spanning just seconds, but that term doesn't fit the bulk of the feature that sprawls around it. No Way Home isn't without its charms — Holland and Zendaya's chemistry still sparkles, it's a definite treat to see Dafoe and Molina back in the fold, and, as blasts from the pasts keep popping up, Watts cleverly juggles the varying tones of all three different web-slinging franchises — but this spider-sequel is always happiest when it's trying to catch the audience's claps and cheers just like flies.
When it comes to renting, things are rarely positive. But, in some good news for renters — which may or may not make up for all the times your landlord has refused to fix your broken shower head — the Victorian Government looks set to introduce a swathe of rental reforms into parliament. And, if passed, they could make renting a fairer playing field for Victorians. After initially announcing the reforms back in October last year, Premier Daniel Andrews has now — in the lead-up to the November state election, no less — unveiled 130 reforms that will aim to increase renters' rights and protect tenants in vulnerable positions. According to Fairfax, the reforms may be introduced into parliament as early as this week and, if passed, it would be the most substantial change to the Residential Tenancies Act since it was introduced over 20 years ago. The reforms will see updates to existing legislation to better reflect the current market and make it easier for people to enter into it — a problem that isn't just exclusive to first home buyers. Anyone who's recently had to fork out a small fortune to pay bond will be happy to know that, under the proposed changes, bond amounts would be capped at four weeks' rent and landlords would be prevented from hiking up your rent more than once a year, too. The Andrews Government's reforms would also give you more freedom to make a house into a home — you'd be able to make small modifications such as nailing hooks into the wall. Though minor, perhaps nothing says "this feels like home" than finally being able to hang up that festival poster you've been hanging onto since 2011. And it'll be way harder for landlords to ban pets, too — they'd have to get an order from VCAT, so it's likely you'd be able to add a fur baby to your fam if you so wish. In addition to all that, there are also a variety of further reforms to do with right of entry and leftover goods from renters at properties. And, on recommendation of the Royal Commission into Family Violence, tenants will be able to terminate rental agreements in a situation of domestic or family violence, with victims not being held liable for debts that aren't their own. Of course, the reforms won't be reforms until they are passed through both houses of parliament — the government needs the support of both the opposition and the Greens to get them through the Upper House. Stay tuned. Image: Donaldytong via Wikimedia Commons.
Flinders Lane has long been a hotbed for some of Melbourne's most creative (and most talked-about) kitchens, from Coda and Cumulus Inc. to Chin Chin and, for those of us with longer memories, the avant-garde Verge. So it makes sense that when Sri Lankan sensation Ministry of Crab was looking for a permanent Melbourne site, the crew looked to the buzzy thoroughfare. The team found a home in the century-old and recently restored Invicta House and, as well as opening the ninth branch of the celebrated crustacean-centred restaurant, it also promised a second restaurant to open in due course. That time is now, with the bold arrival of II.II.VI. Pronounced 'two two six', a riff on the restaurant's street address, the moody, fire-driven restaurant has taken over the basement of Invicta House, with the Roman numerals in the name nodding to the ancient tradition of wood- and charcoal-fuelled fire cooking. [caption id="attachment_1008095" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tim Sonmez Photography[/caption] A sculptural bull guards the dramatic tunnel that leads into a subterranean dining room that's heavy on the moodiness. Ambient lighting, plush oxblood leather banquettes, deep blue accents and custom art deco-inspired lighting provide a contrast to textures that evoke fire, meat and smoke, as well as the raw industrial bones left over from the building's past life as a silk factory. At the heart of the room, a theatrical open kitchen puts a custom parrilla grill, robata and charcoal oven at centre stage, highlighting the restaurant's 'flame-first' philosophy. Leading the charge in the kitchen are Executive Chef Kerry Lam (Koko at Crown, Calia Group) and Head Chef Haitham Richani (Gradi Group, Barmah Park Restaurant & Cellar Door, Hopetoun Tea Rooms; pictured below). Their menu draws from Japanese robatayaki, South American asado and Basque grill traditions — all delivered through a contemporary Australian lens. For the opening period, only a bar menu is available — this serves as a good hint at what's to come when the full menu launches. The tight, ingredient-focused selection features bites like blistered cast iron bread, smoky skewers and prime cuts of steak from Westholme and Mayura. The main event, however, will be the two- or three-course dining experience still to come, featuring premium ingredients like Abrolhos Island scallops and dry-aged MB9+ wagyu, as well as decadent desserts like a flamed and spiced rum baba. It's food that's both thoughtful and visceral — and a worthy new addition to Flinders Lane. [caption id="attachment_1008096" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tim Sonmez Photography[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1008094" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tim Sonmez Photography[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1008092" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tim Sonmez Photography[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1008091" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tim Sonmez Photography[/caption] II.II.VI is now open at 226 Flinders Lane, Melbourne. It's open Wednesday–Saturday, 5pm–midnight. For more information, head to the venue's website. Top image: Tim Sonmez Photography.
It's time to make the pilgrimage to the Supernatural Amphitheatre once again, because Golden Plains has announced its 2019 lineup — and the ballot is still open. Taking place over a long weekend, Meredith's other beloved festival returns from March 9–11, 2019. And heading the bill are beloved acts the Beach House, Four Tet, The Internet and Marlon Williams. As always, all musicians will appear on one stage in the Supernatural Amphitheatre, so no frantic timetabling needed, and Aunty has just released the bulk of her star-studded lineup. Leading you out through the stratosphere is psychedelic soul collective Acid Mothers Temple & The Melting Paraiso UFO. One of the more obscure acts on the bill, the Japanese rock band is joined by a slew of big names, including American dream pop duo Beach House, New Zealand balladeer Marlon Williams and trailblazing R&B band The Internet. Also on the program is Detroit funk sing Amp Fiddler, electronic musician Four Tet, Brisbane electro pop band Confidence Man and legendary Scottish rock band The Jesus and Mary Chain. Through all these epic sets, Golden Plains is set to be the same festival you know and love — no dickheads, no need to hide your goon sacks, no commercial sponsors. Tickets are $399.30 for everyone, and including camping and parking. If you can't wait until next year, best get yourself a ticket to Meredith in December as well. GOLDEN PLAINS 2019 LINEUP Beach House Happy Mondays Four Tet Confidence Man The Internet The Jesus and Mary Chain DJ Harvey Marlon Williams Magic Dirt Acid Mothers Temple & The Melting Paraiso UFO Liz Phair Khruangbin Amp Fiddler Rhyne Millú & Pjenné Gregor Hatchie Hieroglyphic Being Honey Raw Humps Horatio Luna DRMNGNOW Flohio The Living Eyes Danny Krivit Shannon & the Clams Golden Plains will take over the Supernatural Amphitheatre in Meredith on March 9, 10 and 11. The ballot for GPXI is open now until 10.13pm on Tuesday, October 23. Visit goldenplains.com.au for details. Images: Theresa Harrison
Two years after The Mandalorian gave the Star Wars franchise its first live-action TV spinoff — and a year after the show's second season hit streaming — The Book of Boba Fett is about to deliver a new dose of bounty hunter thrills. This time, Disney+'s latest addition to a galaxy far, far away will focus on the famed eponymous character that dates back to the 70s, with New Zealand actor Temuera Morrison (Occupation: Rainfall) donning Boba's helmet and armour in the new streaming series. Morrison played the role in The Mandalorian, too, after initially joining the franchise back in 2002, in Star Wars: Episode II — Attack of the Clones, as Jango Fett — the OG bounty hunter who provided the genetic template for Boba. So, this is a series with a history in multiple ways. Set to start streaming on Wednesday, December 29, The Book of Boba Fett will follow its namesake and mercenary Fennec Shand (Ming-Na Wen, Mulan) as they head to Tatooine. There, they're trying to control the territory once overseen by Jabba the Hutt and his crime syndicate. Unsurprisingly, that requires navigating the galaxy's chaotic underworld — and, as the just-dropped trailer for the series shows, that whole process isn't going to go smoothly. If you watched The Mandalorian, you should already be primed to spend more time with Boba. If you're just a dedicated Star Wars fan in general, clearly that's long been the case. And while this will only mark Disney+'s second jump into the Star Wars realm, plenty more is in the works. So, in the next few years, you can look forward to another season of The Mandalorian, a prequel to Rogue One: A Star Wars Story focusing on Cassian Andor (Diego Luna, If Beale Street Could Talk), a series about Obi-Wan Kenobi starring Ewan McGregor (of course), and other shows about fellow Star Wars characters Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson, Zombieland: Double Tap) and Lando Calrissian (as initially played Billy Dee Williams, and also by Donald Glover in Solo: A Star Wars Story). There's also a new mystery-thriller from Russian Doll's Leslye Headland on the slate, too, called The Acolyte. Check out the trailer for The Book of Boba Fett below: The Book of Boba Fett will start streaming via Disney+ on Wednesday, December 29. Top image: © 2021 Lucasfilm Ltd.
No one watched Breaking Bad and felt the urge follow in Walter White's footsteps, but we just might get the chance anyway. The acclaimed TV show is returning with a leap into virtual reality. Prepare to put on a headset, enter a crime-filled world and get your New Mexico-set drama fix. Thank Sony PlayStation's push to expand their VR realm beyond gaming, and thank Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan for continuing to keep adding to the series — first Better Call Saul, and now this. Alas, don't go expecting to step into Albuquerque, Los Pollos Hermanos or an underground lab just yet, with the project still in its early stages. A release date hasn't been announced, but it won't be coming to a console near you this year. So, just what a Breaking Bad VR experience actually entail? Will you be throwing pizza onto a roof? Riding around in a campervan? Trying to pick non-poisoned packets of Stevia? Details are yet to be revealed — including whether it will recreate something from the show, or add to it — but it's safe to say you'll probably exclaim "yeah science!" at some point. Via Polygon / Variety.
It might've hit our streaming queues way back in mid-2019, but we all remember how Stranger Things wrapped up its third season. Change swept through the 80s-set Netflix sci-fi series in a big way — seeing multiple characters head out town and venture towards several destinations will do that — leaving us all wondering how things will play out in season four. In 2022, we'll finally find out after a hefty delay due to the pandemic. And to help fill the gap, Netflix has dropped another teaser trailer that offers a glimpse of what's to come. Yes, another one. This time around, the brief clip heads to California, which is where Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown, Godzilla vs Kong), Joyce (Winona Ryder, The Plot Against America), Will (Noah Schnapp, Waiting for Anya) and Jonathan (Charlie Heaton, The New Mutants) have washed up. Eleven is settling in as well as she can settle in anywhere, as she explains in a letter to Mike (Finn Wolfhard, The Goldfinch) — but she also can't wait until she can see him in person again. It's the latest Stranger Things season four trailer in a long line of them, starting back in February 2020. Since then, a couple more teasers dropped in May this year, then another one back in August, followed by yet another in September. So, we've now caught a glimpse of what happens to beloved police chief Jim Hopper (David Harbour, Black Widow) after season three's big cliffhanger and Russian-set post-script, and spent time with Steve (Joe Keery, Spree), Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo, The Angry Birds Movie 2), Lucas (Caleb McLaughlin, Concrete Cowboy) and Max's (Sadie Sink, The Last Castle) in a haunted house in Hawkins. We've also headed back to Hawkins Laboratory and its whole eerie setup and, now, seen a new Californian future as well. Of course, it's worth remembering that when Netflix announced the show's renewal for a fourth season back in 2019, it did so with the catchphrase "we're not in Hawkins anymore". That clearly applies in a number of different ways. If you're wishing it was 2022 already, you're not alone. Check out the latest Stranger Things season four sneak peek below: Stranger Things season four will be able to stream via Netflix sometime in 2022 — we'll update you with an exact date when one is announced.
Digitise your notes and hold them forever without losing the art of touching ink to paper. The line between the digital and non-digital world becomes ever thinner and more transparent with the influx of nifty new technologies like Moleskine's Smart Notebook. This notebook changes the world of handwritten notes as it allows you to photograph them, upload them onto note-taking program Evernote, and view them on a smartphone, tablet or computer. The notebook is for sketches or brainstorms which require old-school pen and paper, but can still conveniently be stored digitally. The Smart Notebook makes your notes, sketches, lists etc. incredibly "accessible, searchable, and shareable." After you've uploaded your notes onto Evernote, you can store them easily, look through them on screen, and easily share them with friends, family or work colleagues. Moleskine's notebook also comes with stickers or tags, so that you can group relevant notes together and make it much easier to sift through and search for various notes or drawings. On the Evernote app, it is easy to search for tags or keywords to easily find past notes. It also does helpful things, like automatically straightening images according to the lines of the notebook. Each Moleskine Smart Notebook comes with a three month Evernote subscription, so you can could theoretically make use of their service by simply buying a new book every three months.
There's no Academy Award solely for vocal performances. If there was, Lupita Nyong'o might've added another of Hollywood's prized statuettes to her mantle when the 2025 ceremony rolls around. A decade after taking home an Oscar for 12 Years a Slave, her first feature, and following standout work in everything from Black Panther and Us to Little Monsters and A Quiet Place: Day One since, she's the voice of Roz — short for ROZZUM unit 7134 — in the big-screen adaptation of Peter Brown's The Wild Robot. Unsurprisingly, she's marvellous and moving, taking viewers on an emotional journey even while playing a robot without facial expressions. When Roz is fresh out of the box, powering up on an animal-filled island devoid of humans in a futuristic vision of earth, Nyong'o lends her vocals to the perky Siri and Alexa peer that audiences will wish spoke back to them from their own devices. As the task-oriented mechanical helper learns that there's more to life than her programming — as she befriends a gosling that she names Brightbill (Kit Connor, Heartstopper) and a fox called Fink (Pedro Pascal, Drive-Away Dolls), too, and wins over other wild critters who are initially fearful of the metallic interloper — the warmth that begins to infuse Roz's tones couldn't feel more genuine. The Wild Robot doesn't only prove a gem thanks to Nyong'o's pivotal performance, but it wouldn't be even a fraction of the film that it is without her. In 2024, the actor has had two movies in cinemas. In A Quiet Place: Day One, speaking was one of the worst things that anyone could do. In The Wild Robot, Nyong'o's entire portrayal comes down to talking. "I love that you made that comparison. I hadn't even thought about it that way," she tells Concrete Playground when we point out the contrast, and also ask what she seeks out in new projects at this point in her career. "What gets me excited? I think about the character that I've been offered to play, and I think about what I will require to play the character — and what I could learn as well from playing the character, what I'm curious about. If the character makes me ask questions of the world and of myself and I'm excited to find out the answers, then I want to play that character," Nyong'o explains. When The Wild Robot came her way, she didn't say yes immediately, however. For Nyong'o, voicing Roz was always going to need to be a creative collaboration; just showing up to speak her lines and leaving it at that isn't how she wanted to work. "I don't know how to be just a voice for hire. I have opinions and I want to share them, and I want to make sure that the person I'm sharing them with wants to hear them," she notes. Nyong'o joined the film after meeting with director Chris Sanders and understanding his vision. "You shape these things together. You go on this journey together, and she is a creative force just like every other artist in this film, for sure," he tells us. "And I have to say, she's an absolute genius. Taking Roz apart bit by bit to understand her thinking kept me honest as a writer," he continues. The Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon and The Croods director — and voice of Stitch — couldn't be more enthusiastic about the latest picture that now sits on his packed resume (also on his filmography from the 90s when he was starting out: production design on The Lion King, visual development on Beauty and the Beast, and story credits on both alongside Aladdin). Before signing on for The Wild Robot, Sanders describes himself as "book-adjacent" to Brown's illustrated tome, as his daughter had read it. "I saw it sitting around the house and I'd actually forgotten about it until the day I came into DreamWorks to look at what was in development. And there was the book, and they described it, and I thought 'that's the one I'm interested in'," he advises. As the feature's writer and director, he's crafted a version that takes inspiration from Hayao Miyazaki's enchanting Studio Ghibli fare, classics such as Bambi and the work of painter Claude Monet, too — and a gem for all ages. How does Nyong'o tackle a voice-acting part — and, whether she's seen on-screen or heard echoing from it, how does she find the right voice for a character? What kind of thinking and planning goes into expressing Roz's inner journey? How important was it to Sanders that the film didn't shy away from animals being animals, not just in appearance but also into recognising the food chain and cycle of life? We chatted with the pair about all of the above as well, and more, including how animated movies trade in big emotions —because we all have that flick, or several, that we'll never forget — and how that sits in your mind when you're making one. On How Nyong'o Approaches a Voice-Acting Part, Especially Playing a Character Without Facial Expressions Lupita: "I think the animators did a great service to Roz — and a great service to an audience — by not giving her facial features. Because then we stay truer to the fact that Roz is not a feeling entity. She is a robot and has a goal — she's goal-oriented and her goal, luckily, is to be of service to whomever purchased her. So that lends itself to kindness. And she's also very adaptable, so she's able to adapt to the behaviours and expressions of the wild animals that she is now living with. And through that, you can adopt sensibilities akin to emotional expression. I like figuring that out cerebrally. How do I play a character without emotions but still be able to convey a bunch of emotions, and then trust that an audience will project their emotions onto her? We are given that license because she doesn't have facial expressions, so she's not doing it for us. We were very much a part of the performance." On Finding the Right Voice for the Right Character Lupita: "It starts off with understanding the given circumstances of the character. What are the facts, right? And so for Roz, one of the main facts that was very important was that she is a programmed robot. That was very informativem and it led me to listen to automated voices like Siri and Alexa, the voices on TikTok and Instagram — they were an inspiration, their relentless, positive vibrancy was the inspiration there. For someone like Red in Us, I knew that there had been a strangulation at some point, and so that fed my imagination on what could that sound like if you were strangled. Things like that. Then I also work very closely with a vocal coach, and I worked with her on both Us and The Wild Robot, and that's really helpful to just externalise my ideas and make sure that I'm doing it in as healthy a way as possible to stave off injuries." On What Sanders Was Excited to Bring to the Screen in Adapting The Wild Robot Chris: "The story for sure. I've always wanted to do a robot movie. And the other thing that I never thought I'd get a chance to work on would be an animal movie like this. This is a lot like Bambi — the forest, the animals, the creatures. And it's a real forest, they're only slightly anthropomorphised. Bambi is a huge favourite. It always will be. One of the things I think that you cannot understate is the emotional power of that film. It has a staying power and a beauty that we wanted to emulate. Aspire to it, actually, is a better way to say it — that and the art of Miyazaki films. These are things that have a huge influence on us as animators and filmmakers. So we had big boots to fill if we were going to equal the power and the scale of those of those stories. Our animators really took to it, by the way. I didn't understand until they started working on the film the level of excitement that they had to do animals that were animals. That kind of movement, I guess, is really a huge thing for an animator. They're usually doing animals carrying cell phones and they have jobs, etcetera. Animals that are animals, there's a purity to the motion that I was really struck by. The animation went unusually quickly because of the lack of things, like jackets and coats and stuff. And so it was a joy to see all of this come to life day by day." On the Importance of Not Shying Away From the Reality of Animals Being Animals Chris: "It was critical because if there isn't consequence, then the story is just not going to work. We don't want to shy away from any of those things because we need that kind of ballast. I would actually harken back to things in The Lion King — if you don't have consequences, you're not going to have that emotional resonance, and I don't think you going to have a movie that works. So death shows up several times in this movie. The first time, of course, is the critical and pivotal event where Roz accidentally, quite literally, runs across this goose's nest by accident and that sets this whole story in motion. Later on, we revisit it, but we often revisit it with humour. We get a laugh out of it. It's a dark kind of humour, but boy is it effective. The animals on this island have programming, and that's the way that Roz looks at it. She's a creature of human programming, and she sees the animals as running programs as well. I thought that was a really interesting way to look at the world, and one of the load-bearing ideas and themes of the film is the idea that someday you may have to change your programming in order to survive. In our lives, we are creatures of habit, we resist change, and we may have to change the way we think. I think that sometimes we're so fearful of losing ourselves for some reason. I think we're very protective of ourselves. I can only speak for myself, but I get that — but whenever I've been forced to see things in a different way, I've been better for it." On What Goes Into Conveying Roz's Inner Journey Through a Vocal Performance Lupita: "I would say the intention was set at the beginning. Before I took on the role, I asked Chris why he thought I would be good for it, and he said he liked the warmth of my voice. So that was very good information for me, so that I knew what I had for free to offer Roz, and so that was where we would end up — that's the voice when Roz has taken on and embraced the role of mother most fully, that she sounds most like me. And then in the process, a two-and-a-half-year process, the script is developing, and along with it our understanding of who Roz is and how we experience her evolution is also developing. That was really quite technical, and we had certain markers, certain benchmarks for where the quality of my voice was shifting. And I did it quite technically, so it dials up in a way that when you're watching the performance is perhaps, hopefully, quite subtle and unnoticeable — until you meet the robots that are more like the other robots like her, towards the third act of the film." On the "Miyazaki by Way of Monet" Visual Approach to the Natural World Within the Film Chris: "All these things we've been talking about, what a perfect line of questioning actually, all these things are linked together like spokes of a wheel. I felt that it was absolutely critical, and I pushed very hard for this level of sophistication in the look of the movie. Think back to what we were talking about with Bambi, that level of sophistication, I felt, would make our audience see this film in the right way, if that makes sense. This is a film that kids will love. Kids should go see it. Families should go see it. But it's not a little kids' film — it's a film. And that's how Walt Disney looked at those stories as well, he always said so. So that level of sophistication helps us to get into the film in a certain way, and it really immerses us in a way that I've never seen a film like this accomplish. I have gotten so much feedback since we finished the film that it really blurs the line between a live-action film and an animated film, frankly, the way that you see it — and that was very deliberate. And I have to credit the artists and the incredible advances that DreamWorks had made technologically that allowed this look. The funny thing is all that technology opened this film up so that humans are more present than ever before. Literally everything is hand-painted. It would be as if I took out a brush and started painting dimensionally in space. That's exactly what they were doing. So there are no forms underneath the trees or the rocks. It's free handed. So the beauty that you get from that, there's no substitute for it. There's an analogue warmth that we reconnected with on this journey that we've taken through CG." On How Animation Allows Audiences to Have Big Feelings — and Thinking About That When You're Making an Animated Film Lupita: "You have to keep the audience in mind. One of the things that I remember us discussing, Roz has a lot of robotic language, just mumbo jumbo that she says — and you want to keep that in a way that allows for children to grow their vocabulary, and also a way for adults to understand and appreciate what she is saying. But you can't make it too difficult that you lose the children altogether. So those were fun workshops where we tried different words. I remember in the script, there was a time when a character asks Roz something and she goes 'hmm, let me see'. But 'hmm', that's a very human expression, and so I said 'processing' and everybody broke out laughing, and it became part of Roz's vocabulary. For children, that is perhaps maybe a new word — children never say processing, I can't imagine they do. But in that sense, you've expanded their vocabulary and stayed true to the character." Chris: "It's something I don't know if I'm really thinking about it, but in a sense I'm striving for it as I'm working on scenes. I'm scaling things. I think one of the neat things about taking a story like Peter Brown's to the screen is the potential for how big these feelings can be. I'm always going for audacity and scale. And I will run a scene over and over and over in my head, modifying it before I even commit anything to paper a lot of the time, until I'm feeling I've found every edge of the boundaries of that particular moment, and I've built it as large as it possibly can be. Because why wouldn't you, you know? Why wouldn't you? And then the really amazing thing is, I take it only so far, and then we have our actors and our and our animators — and eventually the cinematographer, the lighting, and then eventually Kris Bowers [who composed The Wild Robot's soundtrack]. I cannot overstate his contribution as well. I credit him for, I think, the gosh-darn best score I've ever heard in a movie ever." On What Nyong'o Makes of Her Career Over the Past Decade Since 12 Years a Slave Lupita: "I was sitting at the premiere of The Wild Robot at TIFF [the Toronto International Film Festival], and there was a moment, I think it was a moment when Brightbill is flying away and a feather floats into Roz's hands. And it's a very emotional moment within the story. But in that moment, I was just caught, I was struck by the truth that I have been living out my dreams and this project is another dream come true. I was just filled with gratitude, because not everybody gets to live out their dreams so exactly. And I've had that wonderful, wonderful privilege, and I just don't take it for granted. It's been deliberate. It's sometimes been scary. I've had to say no before I knew I could in order to wait for the project that felt like it would give me the kind of expansion I was looking for. And those times that I've said no have paid off. And looking at the last ten years, I'm very, very proud of the work that I've been able to do, and I look forward to continuing to live out my dreams one decision at a time." The Wild Robot opened in Australian cinemas on Thursday, September 19, 2024.
For one night this month, a master of Vietnamese fare and a hero of plant-based cuisine are joining forces, to host one flavour-packed food party on Tuesday, August 27. Smith & Daughters chef-owner Shannon Martinez will be heading to the kitchen at chef Jerry Mai's acclaimed Vietnamese restaurant Annam, as the pair fuse their talents to deliver an all-vegan Vietnamese hot pot experience. With sittings from 5–9.30pm, this one's a feast for groups and dates alike, as the chef duo serves up hefty hot pots designed to feed two to four people each. Imagine a big bowl of broth bubbling away at your table, with your choice of vegetables, noodles, plant-based proteins and extras to pimp it out. Meanwhile, there'll be k-pop tunes bouncing from the speakers and a lineup of local craft brews to round out your feast. Each hot pot, with a choice of noodles, veg and proteins, clocks in at $40. Extras are available at an additional cost, as are drinks. Head to the website to make your booking before it sells out.
Folks, it's the happiest time of the year — and it's not Christmas. Netflix has come to town, the streaming video on demand service everyone is always talking about. If you like film and television, prepare to spend more time than you should picking from more movies and shows than you could possibly watch in your lifetime. But the fact is, having jumped through a number of well-publicised hoops, you might already be using Netflix US. Should you make the switch to the fully legit Australian service? There's a few factors to consider. Netflix never reveal the extent of their libraries, but more than 1000 titles are available locally. While that's only a fraction of the 8000-plus options on offer in the US, it's still plenty. Between Presto, Stan, Quickflix and Netflix (plus the range of services available with a little IP address masking), we're spoiled for choice. Here are some of the Australian Netflix inclusions and omissions that are swaying our decision. WHAT YOU SHOULD WATCH UNBREAKABLE KIMMY SCHMIDT Unless you've been trapped in an underground bunker, the name Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt probably rings a bell. The facts: it stars Ellie Kemper from The Office and Bridesmaids, it's the latest sitcom written by 30 Rock's dream team of Tina Fey and Robert Carlock, and it might just be your new favourite show. It's not just the earworm of a theme song that gets stuck in your head, but the irreverent sense of humour and can-do attitude, too. The show follows a wide-eyed 30-year-old freshly saved from 15 years in a doomsday cult and now trying to make it in New York City, after all. What more convincing do you need? BLOODLINE It may have made its premiere at the Berlin Film Festival in February, but Bloodline is actually Netflix's newest release. The latest original drama in the service's growing TV stable only dropped in the US last weekend — that's how fresh it is. Since then, the buzz has been building, particularly about Australia's own Ben Mendelsohn. He's joined by Kyle Chandler proving he's no longer Friday Night Lights' Coach Taylor, plus a cast that rounds up the likes of Chloë Sevigny, Linda Cardellini and Sam Shepard into a tale of family troubles. Just don't expect the standard sibling squabbles, given that the psychological thriller comes from the creators of Damages. BOJACK HORSEMAN His sitcom-starring days are long gone, and his tell-all biography is his last-ditch attempt at fame, so what's a washed-up talking horse that sounds just like Will Arnett to do? Yes, that's the premise of animated series Bojack Horseman — and it's only the beginning of its offbeat appeal. A whole host of other animals with human traits are in the mix, plus a swag of familiar voices, including Community's Alison Brie and Ken Jeong, as well as Kristen Schaal and Stanley Tucci. Patton Oswalt pops up as a penguin and recent Oscar winner J.K. Simmons becomes a turtle, while Aaron Paul plays — what else — a slacker. VIRUNGA AND OTHER NETFLIX ORIGINAL DOCUMENTARIES Netflix doesn't just produce television shows — it is also in the movie-making game. Funding new features takes some time, but there's already a stack of slices of real life available to choose from, covering topics as varied as human rights abuses, failed US presidential candidates, and the meaning of manhood. One of them, Virunga, crafts a compelling account of conservation efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where a species of mountain gorillas face extinction courtesy of oil exploration, armed conflict and poachers. The heartbreaking film was even nominated for an Oscar for Best Documentary Feature just last month, following in the footsteps of fellow Netflix offering, Egyptian revolution chronicle The Square, the year before. AZIZ ANSARI: LIVE AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN AND OTHER NETFLIX STAND-UP COMEDY SPECIALS You like to laugh, we like to laugh, and Netflix likes us all to laugh, clearly. Why else would they stack their library with stand-up comedy specials, featuring all the funny people we know and love, that you can't find anywhere else? Aziz Ansari: Live at Madison Square Garden is the latest and greatest of the lot, not to mention the perfect antidote to those suffering from Parks and Recreation withdrawals. The Australian catalogue doesn't feature the full suite of comedy sets, but it does include exclusive shows by Brooklyn Nine-Nine's Chelsea Peretti and Sleepwalk with Me's Mike Birbiglia, so we're not complaining. WHAT YOU CAN'T WATCH FRIENDS, AND YOUR OTHER FAVOURITE TV COMEDIES When all 236 episodes and 86 hours of Friends came to US Netflix at the beginning of 2015, fans of the program rejoiced in the thought of revisiting it from start to finish. Binge-watching older TV comedies and catching up on past seasons of newer shows you might have missed has always been one of the drawcards of the service, whether Archer, Portlandia, Peep Show or It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia is your thing, or something else. All of the above are absent from the Australian lineup, meaning you'd best hang on to your DVDs for now. With more titles added all the time, perhaps you'll soon be marathoning Parks and Recreation, 30 Rock and Bob's Burgers. Given Netflix was the driving force behind Arrested Development's revival, at least you know they'll always have that — though, curiously Trailer Park Boys isn't available locally, even with the service funding its latest seasons. KILLER MERMAID, AND OTHER MOVIES YOU WON'T BE SEEING IN MULTIPLEXES Yup, a movie about a man-eating mermaid actually exists, starring Franco Nero — aka the original Django. No, despite the appeal of the idea, the film isn't very good. But it is this kind of fare that makes Netflix US great for cinephiles with adventurous tastes, or just those looking to stumble across something outside the norm. Cult classics and foreign films that will never make it to a big screen are also typically well served by the service, as well as US indies, such as quite a bit of the work of Joe Swanberg. For now, this level of depth is absent, though the Australian lineup does boast some movies not available elsewhere, particularly local content. TWIN PEAKS We’re always going to tell you to watch Twin Peaks, but if you want to do so, you best seek it elsewhere. David Lynch’s surreal, small-town series is nowhere to be seen here — well, not in its small screen version. In one of those strange situations that can only be chalked up to rights issues, you can't watch season one or two of the program, which is available in America, but you can watch Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me, which isn't. Given the kooky twists in the series in question, it actually feels quite fitting. Of course, we'll take some over none any day, especially when the movie sequel-slash-prequel is one of the scariest horror films there is. FIREPLACE FOR YOUR HOME Sure, we'll admit that much of Australia doesn't really have the climate for fireplaces for most of the year, but that doesn't mean that we don't want to pretend. Whatever the weather outside, we want to snuggle up on our couches, turn on Netflix, and look at a streamed video of crackling flames — just like it was the real thing. Alas, we can't, with Fireplace for Your Home glaringly absent from the local catalogue. It looks like we'll never know the joy of "a classic tale of logs and fire like you've never seen it before", or its holiday-themed winter wonderland spin-off. THE MAJORITY OF NEW TV SHOWS Netflix launching in Australia is certainly a step forward for our film and TV viewing choices; however, it is worth remembering that it isn't the be all and end all of SVOD services. Even in the US, it doesn't carry the newest seasons of the majority of television programs, other than the select few — such as House of Cards and Orange Is the New Black — Netflix makes themselves. As a catch-up service, there are still plenty of gaps too, including all the HBO shows you've obsessed about for years (sorry Game of Thrones fans). Instead, think of it as a great online library that you can always access — but like its offline counterparts, there's always bound to be something missing. Image: The stars of Netflix come out for the Netflix Australia launch.
Ten-year anniversaries are traditionally celebrated with tin, but fantastic NZ designer Karen Walker has no time for such banalities. To mark ten unconventional years in the eyewear game, she has released the 'Celebrate' collection, entirely done in gold. If they look like lavish versions of what's come before, well, that's exactly what they are. Each style is an iconic favourite from a previous year's collection. So there's 2005's Annie, earlier seen on this vampire; 2013's Northern Lights, earlier seen on this grande dame; and 2012's Number One, earlier seen on this balloon. The metal frames have been encased in a clear epoxy resin, making them look like solid gold. But you'll be looking more Greek island hopper, less Daft Punk member thanks to the warm, amber-brown mirrored lenses, which is what's really elevating these golden oldies to the next level. Here's to another ten years of taking loud, playful and sometimes silly risks on our faces, and another ten years of waiting to see who/what will model Karen Walker's designs next. Check out the festive campaign for Celebrate, shot by Derek Kettela, below. To see out the full collection or just dive in and buy, head to the Karen Walker Eyewear website. Each style is priced at NZ$399 ($358) and is in store from October 9.
They both boast stars. They each look better when there's nothing else in your field of view. Darkness provides them both with their absolute best surroundings, too. We're talking about peering at space and hitting the cinema, two pastimes that are no strangers to combining — as IMAX Melbourne is celebrating with its Spacetember Film Festival. Screening across September 2025, this film fest is all about checking out space flicks on the venue's massive seven-storey-tall screen. On the lineup: classics, recent favourites and this year's releases. Obviously, 2001: A Space Odyssey is one such movie. When you're not communing with Stanley Kubrick's masterpiece, whether for the first or 51st time, the IMAX 1570 version of Christopher Nolan's Interstellar is another of the fest's big drawcards — and it's playing with 75-plus minutes of sequences presented in full-screen IMAX. Screening dates and times vary across the fest from Monday, September 1–Tuesday, September 30; however, you can revel in footage from the moon landing with excellent documentary Apollo 11, ponder the heavens with Jordan Peele's Nope, revisit the Oscar-winning Gravity in 3D and hear screams from space courtesy of Alien: Romulus. There's also more extra-terrestrial-centric tales via Arrival, 3D kaiju battles courtesy of Pacific Rim and Bong Joon-ho's Mickey 17, the Parasite director's latest film. Or, go all in on upcoming Bond helmer Denis Villeneuve thanks to sci-fi sequel Blade Runner 2049, plus the spiciest double there is in the Timothée Chalamet (A Complete Unknown)-starring Dune: Part One and Dune: Part Two.
Tasmania is home to brilliant restaurants and cafes that rival the mainland's best. And if you're looking to get a richer understanding of where phenomenal food actually comes from, there really is no better place. With the island's inland farms and coastal regions bursting with remarkable produce, Tassie is full of growers ready to guide you through an enlightening, hands-on adventure that will give you a unique culinary and agrarian perspective (not to mention the very likely chance that they'll feed you very, very well indeed). Here, we've teamed up with Tourism Tasmania to highlight a selection of experiences that offer hands-on foodie encounters to seek out and savour. [caption id="attachment_865676" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Australia[/caption] 41 DEGREES SOUTH Set a 40-minute drive west of Launceston on the outskirts of Deloraine, 41 Degrees South is a salmon farm, wetland and ginseng plantation. Featuring 20 freshwater ponds filled with water sourced from nearby Montana Falls, the farm invites you to take a self-guided tour to explore the sustainable processes that support this world-class producer of salmon. The property's owners, Ziggy and Angelika Pyka, also make the most of Tasmania's cooler climate with a thriving grove of Korean and American ginseng. Wander through the crops before making a purchase at the on-site store and stopping by the cafe to enjoy a dish made with the freshest salmon washed down with a local wine or beer. [caption id="attachment_866893" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Australia[/caption] TWAMLEY FARM Twamley Farm is a picturesque working farm spread across 7000 acres flanking the Tea Tree Rivulet near the charming village of Buckland. The property offers farmyard activities, accommodation and cooking classes that provide an opportunity to level up your skills in Italian and French cooking. Hosted by the gourmet catering business, Gert and Ted, the classes — fronted by the eponymous Gert — will show you how to prepare a range of dishes before you sit down for a long lunch with your fellow attendees. With several classes to choose from, including spring harvest feasts and festive season treats, Twamley Farm's stunning setting is the ideal place for a countryside culinary escape. [caption id="attachment_866852" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Pure Foods[/caption] PURE FOODS EGG FARM Head to a top-notch cafe in Tassie and there's a good chance it's using Pure Foods Eggs in the kitchen. Experience what goes into this superior product via a 'Pure Tour' a foodie experience touted as the "ultimate eggspedition" that'll take you on a journey through the company's scenic property in the Northern Midlands region and the largest free-range egg farm in Tasmania. Throughout the 90-minute behind-the-scenes tour, you'll explore the custom-built facilities and see how its high-tech production methods set a new industry standard. After seeing the happy hens in action, you'll receive a dozen free-range eggs to take home so you can whip up your favourite dish with the finest eggs on the island. [caption id="attachment_866851" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sirocco South Forage and Feast[/caption] SIROCCO SOUTH FORAGE AND FEAST Mic Giuliani, the man behind Sirocco South, is a local foraging master with over 50 years of experience. So yes, Mic was doing it before it was cool. You can catch him serving delicious Tassie-inspired Italian cuisine at Hobart's Farm Gate Market every Sunday or on one of his Sirocco South foraging trips where he'll show you how to find food in the wild. Once you've collected enough seasonal ingredients, Mic goes to work producing a six-course lunch featuring quality meat and seafood paired with award-winning wines from Bream Creek Vineyard. Overlooking the spectacular Frederick Henry Bay, Sirocco South is a deluxe foraging experience in an idyllic location that helps guests appreciate the wonders of wild food. In short: it's heaven on earth for foodies. [caption id="attachment_866889" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Australia[/caption] UNEARTHED CHEFS TOUR Get a rare glimpse into the operations of some of Tasmania's top growers and producers via an Unearthed Chefs Tour. This morning or afternoon adventure sees you transported from your accommodation to the seriously delicious Tasting Trail Cradle to Coast to meet some of the North-West's finest culinary creators. The tour will take you around a saffron farm, to search for truffles and then on to a luxurious wine tasting at Lake Barrington Estate, with a stop to admire the coastline along the way. A heavenly lunch prepared by chef Naomi Parker is also on the agenda, as is a wander through Sheffield — the Town of Murals — before arriving back at your accommodation. [caption id="attachment_865666" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Australia[/caption] FORK N FARM HOMESTEAD The ForknFarm Homestead is a striking 24-acre property set in the scenic surrounds of the West Tamar Valley. It's a popular destination for farm-stays thanks to its charming cabins and it also hosts artisan cooking workshops where you can level up your talents with owners Cassie and Aaron "Lob" Lobley. Over the years, this enterprising duo has mastered a host of agrarian culinary skills, ranging from cheesemaking and open-fire cooking to pickling and preserving. There's a host of one-day and two-day sessions to consider or you can create a personalised experience if you attend in a group of four or more. [caption id="attachment_865674" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Australia[/caption] BLUE HILLS HONEY Blue Hills Honey's distinctly Tasmanian product comes from 2000 beehives hidden deep within the lush takayna/Tarkine rainforest. While this award-winning apiary specialises in leatherwood honey, the honey house also offers a selection of other varieties like manuka, blackberry and meadow. This craft honey farm has been in operation for over 60 years and you can see how it all works on its rural property in the community of Mawbanna. Alongside a factory for touring and a tasting room, there's a cafe overlooking the surrounding farmland that serves everything from honey-baked brie to Thai beef salad. [caption id="attachment_865672" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Australia[/caption] OYSTER BAY TOURS AT FREYCINET MARINE FARM Freycinet Marine Farm is beloved for its Pacific Oysters and Tasmanian Blue Mussels. Owned by Giles and Julia Fisher since 2005, the cafe makes for the perfect pitstop if you want to sample the region's famed cuisine. You can discover how the product arrives in the shop with a fantastically hands-on (and knees-in) Oyster Bay Tour. With the help of an expert guide, the tour will see you wade into shallow waters to harvest oysters straight out of the sea and show you how to shuck 'em like a pro. To finish, you'll get to enjoy your freshly claimed oysters and mussels with a glass of local riesling. [caption id="attachment_865678" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tasmania[/caption] CURRINGA FARM In Hamilton, about a one-hour drive from Hobart, Curringa Farm presents an idyllic chance to experience life on a Tasmanian working farm. Spanning 750 acres, this sheep and cropping property has won numerous awards for its charming cottage accommodation. Whether you're heading along for the day or staying overnight, Curringa Farm has two immersive tours on offer to suit your travel plans. The 'Shearers Smoko' is a two-hour walking tour of the farm where you'll meet and greet sheep and farm dogs alongside a morning or afternoon tea. Meanwhile, the 'BBQ Lunch & Farm Tour' presents an outstanding paddock-to-plate experience. [caption id="attachment_866894" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jamie Roberts[/caption] THE TRUFFLEDORE On the foothills of Cradle Mountain is where you'll find this truffle-filled farm, accommodation and shop. From October till April, The Truffledore is open for tastings and tours on Fridays and Sundays from 9am–4pm. Head off on the 45-minute tour to feed the farm animals and discover where the delicious winter truffles are grown. During the winter months, you can hunt and harvest truffles for yourself on Saturdays. Just make sure you book ahead of time to secure a spot. If one day on the farm isn't enough, book into one of the charming cottages for a delightful overnight stay. Ready to plan a trip for your tastebuds around Tasmania? To discover more, visit the website. Top image: Tourism Australia
You've read the books, watched the TV series and seen the concert experience. You're looking forward to all of the television spinoffs that are currently in the works and, once international travel resumes, you're keen to take a tour of its sets, costumes and props. Now, Game of Thrones fans, you can add something else to your list: watching George RR Martin's fantasy world on the stage. Yes, Westeros is heading to the theatre, thanks to a new stage adaptation that'll be set at an important moment in the history of the series. And, with a 2023 target premiere date and seasons on Broadway, in the West End and in Australia mooted, it's set to arrive sooner than you might've expected — and closer to home, too. Martin is involved, working alongside playwright Duncan Macmillan (Lungs, Every Brilliant Thing, 1984), who'll be adapting the author's works and writing the play. Overseeing the production is director Dominic Cooke (On Chesil Beach, The Courier), while Simon Painter and Tim Lawson (The Illusionists) are producing the show. If you're wondering exactly what the as yet unnamed theatre production will cover, few details have been revealed — but, unlike Jon Snow, we do know something. Familiar and well-known characters will definitely feature, as will a story centred around "love, vengeance, madness and the dangers of dealing in prophecy, in the process revealing secrets and lies that have only been hinted at until now" according to the press release announcing the play. Martin himself has offered further information. "The seeds of war are often planted in times of peace. Few in Westeros knew the carnage to come when highborn and smallfolk alike gathered at Harrenhal to watch the finest knights of the realm compete in a great tourney, during the Year of the False Spring," he explained. "It is a tourney oft referred during HBO's Game of Thrones, and in my novels, A Song of Ice and Fire... and now, at last, we can tell the whole story... on the stage." Obviously, it's far too early for cast announcements — so just who'll be bringing these dramas to life, and whether any of the TV show's cast members will be involved, is yet to be revealed. If you're wondering whether there'll be dragons, White Walkers or direwolves, that's also yet to be unveiled. Exactly when in 2023 the play will debut also hasn't been advised as yet, or details of the proposed US, UK and Australian seasons. But, thanks to all of those television prequels and spinoffs set to hit the small screen and now this theatre production, you can safely expect to spend plenty more time in Westeros over the coming years. The as yet unnamed Game of Thrones stage production is set to premiere in 2023, with producers aiming for seasons on Broadway, in the West End and in Australia to start. We'll keep you updated when more information comes to hand.
A long time ago, a list of the best vegan restaurants in Melbourne would be fairly short. But over the past decade, stacks of plant-based eateries have popped up all over the city in the form of neighbourhood gastropubs, hole-in-the-wall takeaway joints and luxe fine diners. These spots have upped the game when it comes to the diverse range of food that can be made without any kind of animal product. No longer are vegan Melbournians forced to choose between a sad-looking salad, a lentil burger and some lacklustre salt and pepper tofu. These days, the best vegan restaurants in Melbourne are graced with highly skilled chefs who put a heap of love and creative flair into their vegan eats. Plus, the vegetarian joints have heaps of vegan options as well. No matter why you're deciding to go meat- and dairy-free, any of these Melbourne vegan restaurants will deliver the goods. Recommended reads: The Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Melbourne The Best Restaurants in Melbourne The Best Vegan Burgers in Melbourne The Best Cafes in Melbourne
Flavours of Echuca Moama incorporates the best of the Murray region: local wine and produce, lush vineyards, rolling hills, live music and rides on a paddle steamer. This unique festival will take over Morrisons, an idyllic winery set on 15 acres of greenery on the banks of the Murray River, for one glorious autumn day on Sunday, May 20. Begin your adventure in Echuca, where the Pride of the Murray will be departing at 10am and 11am (your festival ticket covers the trip). This ultra-cute paddle steamer has never left home. She was built in Echuca in 1924 and started out as a barge before being transformed into a passenger vessel. On landing at Morrisons, prepare to spend your day immersed in a cornucopia of white wine, red wine, cheese, olive oil, yabbies, mushrooms — if you can grow it, catch it, make it or bake it within cooee of Morrisons, chances are, you'll find it at the Flavours Festival. Live music and cooking demos will keep you entertained while you're sipping and sampling. If you're keen to delve deeper, book a ticket to the Meet the Makers VIP Experience. You'll be swept off to an exclusive location within the winery and treated to a long, sit-down lunch, showcasing the region's best chefs, producers and wine makers. In between courses, you'll hear straight from the source as key winemakers and producers share their secrets. General admission tickets ($35) and Meet the Makers VIP tickets ($70) are available online. To prep for your visit and discover more autumnal adventures in the Murray region, check out the Wander Victoria website.
Launched in 2010, Blackbird and Fox is not your average homewares and gift shop. Independent owner Kate's experience in both creative arts and museum studies ensures that the space is always filled with top-tier locally sourced products. Some of our favourite bits and pieces include bright art prints from Printspace, handmade and candy-inspired bracelets by Lauren Hinkley, and Angus & Celeste's elegant vases and vessels inspired by the flora and fauna of the Dandenong Ranges. The store's range is always changing, so there's something new to be found with every visit. Images: Tracey Ah-kee.
Friday, February 25, 2022 mightn't be the day of your daughter's wedding, but it is when that famous movie quote about offspring and nuptials will echo through cinemas once again. Delivered by Marlon Brando in one of his finest-ever performances — which won him a thoroughly deserved Oscar for Best Actor — the line has become one of the all-time great pieces of dialogue. Whether you know why or you've always been meaning to find out, here's your chance. Some films demand a big-screen viewing at least once, and The Godfather is high among them — and, 50 years after it first flickered through picture palaces, the Francis Ford Coppola-directed mafia masterpiece is getting another theatrical run to mark that huge milestone. This really is the gangster flick that has it all, including equally superb performances from Al Pacino, Robert Duvall and James Caan. It isn't considered one of the best movies ever made without good reason. Arriving a few weeks before the feature officially hits the big five-o — it premiered back in March 1972 and released in US cinemas later the same month — this season of The Godfather will also give movie-goers an offer they can't refuse: seeing the flick in a restored version overseen by Coppola's production company American Zoetrope and the film's distributor Paramount Pictures. All three Godfather features got the same treatment, as guided by the legendary filmmaker, who originally directed the movie when he was just 33; however, only the first film is returning to cinemas. Story-wise, if you really are new to it all, the trilogy follows the Corleones — with the first film focusing on Vito Corleone (Brando) and his youngest son Michael (Pacino) as the latter reluctantly (at first) joins the family business. All three movies, including 1974's The Godfather Part II and Coppola's recently re-edited version of 1990's The Godfather Part III, now called The Godfather Coda: The Death of Michael Corleone and briefly released in cinemas back in 2020, will hit home entertainment on Wednesday, March 23, too. And yes, at home, that means you can see Lost in Translation and On the Rocks director Sofia Coppola as a baby in the OG flick and also play Michael's daughter Mary in the third film. Check out the trailer for the 50th-anniversary restoration of The Godfather below: The Godfather 50th-anniversary re-release will hit cinemas Down Under on February 25, 2022.
The hottest festival for the colder months is coming — Queenstown's winter music festival and ski trip Snow Machine is set to make its long awaited debut for four snow-filled days of music and adventure this year. After launching in Japan in 2020, the festival was supposed to make its arrival in Aotearoa in September 2021 but was cancelled after the country was plunged into a snap level 4 lockdown. Now it's set to return this winter, taking place down south from Wednesday, September 7 until Saturday, September 10, 2022. Attendees will be treated to action-packed days on the slopes, aprés ski events on both Coronet Peak and The Remarkables and a lineup of international acts against the idyllic backdrop of New Zealand's adventure capital. Ironically, this year's Snow Machine is being headlined by none other than Melbourne electronic music group the Avalanches. Local legends Fat Freddy's Drop are also set to headline (let's be honest, it wouldn't be a Kiwi music festival without them) alongside dance-pop royalty Sneaky Sound System. Also dropping in to share the stage will be The Presets, Hermitude, Hot Dub Time Machine, Sachi, Bliss N Eso, Late Nite Tuff Guy, Yumi Zouma, Owl Eyes, Ball Park Music, Tori Levett, Mell Hall, Client Liaison, host Jimi the Kween and more. What really sets Snow Machine apart from other music festivals is that you can book the entire getaway with your ticket. A variety of five-night accommodation options ranging from 'Value' to 'Mid-Range' and finally 'Deluxe' are all available, which come alongside a four-day festival ticket and lift passes. If you'd rather make your own way or pass on the skiing, there are 'ticket only' options, and of course, VIP packages if you really want to do it in style. Additional services like flights, equipment rentals, mountain transfers and lessons for those beginners can all be purchased through Snow Machine further down the track. Festival goers are encouraged to immerse themselves in the adventure capital by adding on heli-skiing, jet boating, bungy jumping and skydiving. Snow Machine will be held from September 7–10, 2022 in Queenstown, New Zealand. Presale tickets go on sale from 6pm Wednesday, February 16 with general tickets available from midday Thursday, February 17, 2022. For more information, visit snow-machine.nz.
If those lockdown booze stocks are getting low, here's a very fine lineup of libations to add to that collection and ensure you at least spend step two of the government's roadmap sipping in style. The Everleigh Bottling Co has just dropped a second edition of its collaboration cocktail pack, dubbed The Melbourne Mixtape Vol. 2. And just like the August debut — which quickly proved a sell-out success — this one showcases a mix of bottled (and bagged) cocktails from some of the city's most-lauded bars. This time around, the lineup has been expanded to feature specialty sips from eight venues, with Bar Margaux joining the OG lineup. Expect a brand-new crop of creations, including the Mediterranean-inspired Antica Fashionista from Bar Americano, Capitano's sherry cobbler, a classic Everleigh martini, and a coconut and vermouth number Above Board has coined the Mouton Noir. Black Pearl is there with its Tortuga — blending gin, curacao and yuzu vermouth — Bar Margaux is whipping up an Americano Perfecto to be topped with beer, Mjølner pays homage to its Viking sensibilities with the rum-infused Reginleif, and you'll find a wax flower and white chocolate G&T from the masters at Byrdi. Each of the single-serve cocktails comes with specific serving instructions, ready to chill, pour and devour. What's more, you can have the pack sent directly to your home, with shipping available across Australia, except for the Northern Territory and South Australia. Once again, The Melbourne Mixtape is serving as a tasty reminder that just because you can't get out and experience Melbourne's world-class bar scene the way it was intended, doesn't mean you can't still enjoy crafty cocktails from some of its finest operators. You'll also be helping out these venues directly, with every bit of profit from the cocktail packs sold heading back to the bars themselves. The Melbourne Mixtape Vol. 2 is available to buy for $150 from The Everleigh Bottling Co website. Images: Tash Sorensen
Dripping ice creams are just one of the unavoidable realities of a scorching summer day. Until now. Some geniuses at the Biotherapy Development Research Center in Kanazawa, Japan have invented a popsicle that doesn't melt, keeping its cool even when temperatures are skyrocketing. The frosty treats, called Kanazawa Ice were released earlier this year, according to Japan's Asahi Shimbun. They're made using polyphenol, which is extracted from strawberries. Developer Tomihisa Ota told the paper that the ingredient's properties "make it difficult for water and oil to separate, so that a popsicle containing it will be able to retain the original shape of the cream for a longer time than usual and be hard to melt". The company stumbled upon this discovery while trying to create a new kind of confectionary using strawberries that weren't good enough quality to be sold. What they ended up making instead was a frozen snack that stays in perfect drip-free condition, even after a five minute stint in 28-degree heat. A post shared by 金座和アイス (@kanazawaice) on Nov 18, 2017 at 12:45am PST They're currently available in a range of flavours and designs at stores across Kanazawa, Osaka and Tokyo. But we're hoping this icy technology makes its way down under — with sweltering days approaching and our Frosty Fruits in extreme peril, it's a matter of national importance that we ship some here, stat. Via The Asahi Shimbun.
UPDATE, January 15, 2021: John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum is available to stream via Netflix, Binge, Foxtel Now, Google Play, YouTube Movies and iTunes. Cinematic beauty comes in many forms, and the John Wick franchise perfects one of them. The term 'balletic' couldn't better describe the series' hypnotic action sequences, with its array of frenetic fights and carnage-dripping set pieces all meticulously choreographed like complex dance routines. In fact, when ballerinas actually pirouette across the screen in John Wick: Chapter 3 — Parabellum, they seem bland in comparison. As 2014's John Wick and 2017's John Wick: Chapter 2 proved, murderous mayhem has rarely looked as stunning as it does in this ultra-violent saga. Whether its eponymous assassin is unleashing his fury with fists, firearms or knives (or, in the latest flick, killing one enemy with a book and dispatching others by wielding a horse as a weapon) the result is simply exhilarating to watch. As played with the steely stoicism that Keanu Reeves wears oh-so-well, John Wick finds many other ways to eradicate his adversaries in Parabellum. Motorcycles aren't just for riding, belts don't only hold up pants, and attack dogs, swords and axes all come in handy. With the movie energetically picking up where the last film left off (mere moments afterwards, to be exact), the retired triggerman isn't short on opportunities to unleash his deadly flair. In the first flick, he was lured back to the hitman life after his car was stolen and his puppy killed, while the second chapter chronicled the savage fallout not only from his vengeance, but from his determination to stay retired. Now, after breaking the assassin code, there's a $14 million bounty on his head — and dear Jonathan, as his friend and hotelier Winston (Ian McShane) calls him, has been cut off from the slick facilities and tools of his underworld profession. With its name meaning 'prepare for war' in Latin, Parabellum follows John's kill-or-be-killed quest, pitting the supremely skilled hitman against the rest of the world's contract murderers. To the surprise of no one, copious amounts of bloodshed results. The story ponders loyalty, purpose and honour, however the details don't overly matter, with returning screenwriter Derek Kolstad and his three co-writers throwing everything they can at their anti-hero. That includes old acquaintances (Anjelica Huston and Halle Berry), difficult head honchos (Jerome Flynn and Saïd Taghmaoui), a fanboy foe (Mark Dacascos) and an adjudicator (Asia Kate Dillon) tasked with punishing John's misdeeds — as well as the return of Reeves' Matrix co-star Laurence Fishburne as the king of New York's gun-toting homeless population. They're all grist for the mill; with more characters and conflicts comes more excuses for the franchise's trademark visual displays. Every actor should hope that their former stunt double becomes a director, because it's turning out swimmingly for Reeves and Chad Stahelski. Like its predecessors, Parabellum blends a martial arts movie's dizzying moves with a shoot 'em up thriller's murky mood, and the ex-Matrix stuntman turned filmmaker delivers both superbly. The climactic showdown throws a few blows too many, as does the 132-minute flick itself, but that's a minor complaint after such an enjoyable onslaught of brutal brawls mixed with brooding glares. Set in dazzling glass surroundings, the film's final confrontation also demonstrates something that the John Wick series doesn't always get enough credit for: its sumptuous production design. Battles that unfurl like performances, placed in spaces that look like art — it's still a winning combination, with Stahelski expertly assisted by two-time franchise cinematographer Dan Laustsen and production designer Kevin Kavanaugh, as well as three-time stunt coordinator Jonathan Eusebio. John Wick's commitment to fleshing out the rules and requirements of the assassin life has always gone hand-in-hand with its action and aesthetics, too, building an involving world that's both sleekly stylised and lived-in. Of course, all of that sheen and fury would mean nothing without the right person at its centre. Gifted a role that ranks alongside Theodore 'Ted' Logan, Johnny Utah and Neo in the iconic stakes, Reeves continues to be the series' not-at-all-secret weapon. Parabellum's painstakingly staged frays are a sight to behold, but they prove all the more powerful when paired with its star's piercing stare and calm demeanour. It's a part that Reeves could play forever; here's hoping that he does. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BULB0aX4lA
They team behind one of Melbourne's most glorious hot chocolates has come to the inner east. Hash Specialty Coffee has been kicking goals on Hardware Street in the CBD since 2015. Recently they cut the ribbon on a second location in Camberwell — and if you find yourself in the area, you need to check it out, pronto. Located at 564 Burke Road, Camberwell, the second store has its own menu, with options aplenty both savoury and sweet. If you're feeling the former, chorizo and seared scallops with white bean puree, romesco and fried eggs should suit you nicely. Alternatively, if you're in more of a dessert for breakfast mood, almond milk panna cotta with matcha-poached pear, honeycomb, passionfruit gel and candied banana will be hard to pass up. As for coffee — it is in the name, after all — Hash Specialty Coffee Camberwell will feature the brand's signature blend that includes beans from El Salvador, Guatemala, Kenya and India, as well as rotating single origins for both espresso and filter coffees and cold drips. And yes, they will have that hot chocolate, featuring 85 percent Mork Chocolate and a healthy puff of fairy floss on top. Find Hash Specialty Coffee at 564 Burke Road, Camberwell. For more information check them out on Instagram. Photo credit: Alicia Feng.
New Melbourne spas are popping up all over the city right now, with the most luxe ones offering hyper-personalised wellness experiences. The latest to fit into this classification of spa (or wellness studio) is Trinity Curated Wellness, which opened on Thursday, October 10. Here, you'll find your usual hot and cold therapy equipment (a traditional cedar sauna, ice bath and warm mineral bath), an LED lounge, medical and holistic treatments, and a stack of wellness classes — think yoga, breathwork and meditation. It's packed a whole lot into its sleek new home within Thomas House in South Melbourne. You could simply book a bathhouse session and explore the facilities at your own pace, but you really should take advantage of the wellness concierge who provides each guest with personalised guidance and support throughout the space. This basically means that they'll help you find the classes and treatments you most need (depending on your wellness pressures). Treatments could include functional medicine, breathwork therapy, nutritional therapy, kinesiology, holistic health coaching, reiki or massage. This will differ depending on whether you're feeling stressed, tired, anxious or one delightful mixture of everything. Those joining the classes in summer are also in for a treat, for the studio has its own private terrace and rooftop — so you can pair your workout with fresh air, direct sunlight, and views of the city skyline and Albert Park Lake. Founder and Director Trinity Scarf shared, "Throughout my life and career, I've sustained a deep interest and curiosity about different wellness practices and modalities. "At Trinity, I've curated treatments and experiences I've most benefited from and invited in-house and guest experts I admire to create personalised journeys for our clients. "South Melbourne will be the first in a series of Trinity Curated Wellness sanctuaries in the pipeline, all within beautiful Fortis developments." You'll find Trinity Curated Wellness at 18 Thomson Street, South Melbourne, open every day of the week. For more information, you can visit the venue's website. Images: Sam Evans and Elisa Watson.
Spending more time on a train in Melbourne might not sound too appealing, but alongside some smashing burgers, you've never been on a train like this before. Poised five storeys above the streets of Collingwood, three well-travelled train carriages sit atop Easey's, a burger venue that seamlessly combines Melbourne's love of art, music, transport, food and drinks. Opened in 2015 by three mates who each shared a love of great food and graffiti art, Easey's has become a popular burger spot paying homage to the Aussie fish and chippery with potato cakes and dim sims, while the burgers take inspiration from American diner food. As summer is upon us, Easey's rooftop is the perfect place for a burger in the sun; the Hitachi trains might look a little worse for wear but the interiors have received a little sprucing up, making Easey's a unique and delicious experience.
If Mohammed won't come to the mountain, as the old adage goes, the mountain will just have to come to Mohammed's apartment block. In this instance, the role of Mohammed is played by eccentric and visionary doctor of Chinese medicine Zhang Biqing, and the mountain is literally a mountain, albeit a monumental $130,000, two-storey Eden/monstrosity that Zhang has painstakingly spent the last six years building atop his 26-storey residential building in Beijing's fancy Haidian district. Is it legal to build a mountain on your apartment building? No. Will Zhang get away with it? No. Do we love it anyway and want one of our own? Yes. In keeping with the zeitgeisty theme of greening urban spaces, what with all the recent edible green walls, adorable terraria, city farms and electric scooters born from plants, Zhang was obviously seeking to create an idyllic haven from polluted and chaotic city life. Rumours abound that the wealthy founder of acupuncture clinics hosts glamorous soirees with celebrities at his lofty lair. What started out as your average, non-Alpine 340 square-metre penthouse eventually became a 1000 square-metre wilderness through the introduction of countless artificial rocks, wooden panels and real grass and trees (which, according to Zhang's bitter neighbours, have been clogging the service elevator for years). After constant complaints from residents of the building, who are justifiably concerned about safety issues posed by all the construction and the hassle of noisy renovations and water leaks, last week local government officials finally issued Zhang an order to dismantle his hanging gardens of Babylon within 15 days. Zhang has said he will comply. Just another round in the epic battle waged between mankind and nature since the dawn of our race. Nature appears to have lost this time. Conceptually at least though, we can hope that Zhang's mad genius inspires someone to start building mountains in a somewhat more legal fashion. Via This is Colossal.
Japan has continued to grow in popularity as a holiday destination. A (relatively) short flight away, it offers nature, cities, unbeatable food, cultural experiences, and a famous public transport system that makes getting around a breeze. But if you want to see the real Japan, you need to explore its culture a little deeper. In collaboration with the Japan National Tourism Organization, we've selected eight traditional events that will allow you to dive head-first into the country's lesser-known regional culture. [caption id="attachment_916162" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Mu Mu via iStock[/caption] Yuki Matsuri — Sapporo Snow Festival People may know Japan for its fantastic skiing, but fewer are up to speed with this fascinating winter festival, which showcases some of the most inventive culture that Sapporo has to offer. What began in 1950 as a festival with 50,000 attendees organised by a local high school in a park is now an eight-day artistic winter extravaganza that attracts over two million visitors every year. The February 2025 incarnation takes place across three separate sites and features snow sculptures from world-renowned artists, plus winter sports exhibitions and a range of family-friendly sub-zero activities. [caption id="attachment_972213" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Japan National Tourism Organization[/caption] Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri — Osaka Harvest Festival Danjiri matsuri are "float" or "cart-pulling" festivals that are held across Japan, and while the coastal town of Kishiwada may be small in stature, it hosts one of the largest such events in the whole country, all to kick off the harvest season. A tradition that dates back three centuries, crowds come from afar to witness teams pull their elaborately decorated danjiri festival floats — which can weigh up to four tons — through the city streets. This important historic festival is held every September in the quaint locale in southern Osaka Prefecture. [caption id="attachment_972214" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] RnDmS via iStock[/caption] Nada Kenka Matsuri — Dynamic Hyogo City Festival Nada Kenka Matsuri is a "fighting festival" where teams of local men carry intricately carved floats through Himeji City before smashing them into one another to assert dominance and claim the honour of a blessing at the local shrine. Over 100,000 people every year come to witness this traditional, not to mention dangerous, ritual. It's believed the winners will be blessed with a bountiful harvest. So, if you're keen to experience something that ties organised choreography, all-out carnage, and traditional beliefs together, head to Hyogo Prefecture in October — Nada Kenka Matsuri could be exactly what you're looking for. [caption id="attachment_972223" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Subajogu via iStock[/caption] Eisa Matsuri — Okinawa Dance Festival Eisa is a form of folk dancing that originated in Okinawa and every year, the region pays homage to its heritage with this festival. Over three days, hundreds of thousands of visitors watch the people of Okinawa honour their ancestors and traditions. On the final day, spectators get the opportunity to join the eisa dancers in a celebratory denouement. As if that wasn't enough, there's a dramatic climax, during which a technicolour fireworks display closes out this unique part of Okinawa culture during summer. Chichibu Yomatsuri — Saitama Winter Night Festival You'll have realised by now that if the word "matsuri" is somewhere in the title, there will be a float parade involved. Chichibu Yomatsuri is no exception. This festival, held annually at the start of December, features floats on which kabuki (traditional Japanese dance theatre) is performed. What sets this apart from some of the other similarly-sized festivals is its two-and-a-half-hour fireworks display — a highlight for attendees enjoying the sights and sounds of the area. Don't forget to make the most of the musical performances and street food stalls that have been set up to mark the occasion. [caption id="attachment_972236" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Grandspy707 via iStock[/caption] Usuki Takeyoi — Oita Bamboo Festival In case you're wondering what a bamboo festival might entail, the answer is over 20,000 bamboo lanterns lining the streets of eight different towns. This beautifully illuminated spectacle is held to retell the legend of Princess Hannya, who, legend says, needs the lights to light the path for her soul to return to its rightful place. Oita Prefecture is famous for its bamboo, so it's only natural that it's the material celebrated at Usuki Takeyoi. The lanterns are lit around sunset, providing a warm, otherworldly experience that has to be seen to be believed. [caption id="attachment_972241" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] RealdWorld8 via iStock[/caption] Nachi no Ogi Matsuri — Wakayama Shinto Festival Wakayama is home to a picturesque waterfall known for its beauty and tranquillity. However, once a year, the peace is shattered thanks to Nachi no Ogi Matsuri, a festival of fire where roaring flames and religious chanting combine. This is a sacred rite where heavy torches are carried along the staircase to the local shrine, transforming the waterfall into a thrilling collision of water and flame. It's held every year on July 14 and is a popular event, so make sure you arrive early to get a good vantage point for the festivities, which kick off at 2pm sharp. [caption id="attachment_972243" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Kuremo via iStock[/caption] Oga no Namahage — Akita Demon Festival How did you spend NYE last year? Did you brave the eye-watering prices to go to an event in the city, or did you just spend it with friends? Whatever you did, chances are you didn't have an evening like the people of Oga. Every December 31, local men in demonic masks roam the streets, searching for young children to scare. The demons can be satiated with rice cakes and sake, before leaving the house with a blessing for the year ahead. No one is entirely sure where this tradition originated, but in 2018, UNESCO awarded it the classification of Intangible Cultural Heritage. It'll certainly be a New Year's you'll never forget. Discover more and start planning your trip to Japan at the Japan National Tourism Organization website.
Even as summer starts to wind down, the summertime spirit persists. Round out the season of sunshine by making your way to the Frankston Waterfront between Saturday, February 10 and Sunday, February 11, for the Frankston Waterfront Festival. This free-entry festival blends live music, food and wine, waterfront festivities and more. There's no shortage of activities throughout the weekend. A live music lineup stretches across Saturday and Sunday, including the likes of Touch Sensitive, The Grogans, Sunshine and Disco Faith Choir, The Belair Lip Bombs and over a dozen other artists. The free lifestyle precinct will play host to basketball shootouts, canoeing on the water, a Pongo Ping Pong game, Pickleball, nature crown making, a silent disco, a glitter bar to get you in the festival spirit and much more. Once you've worked up an appetite, follow the aromas of the wide range of tasty food truck offerings or wander along the beer, wine and spirits trail for refreshments from local providers. The choice is yours, and you've got no shortage of options. If you're heading down a little earlier on the Saturday morning, make sure you either join or spectate in the inaugural Frankston Swim Classic taking place on the bay, just in front of the Frankston Yacht Club. The Frankston Waterfront Festival runs from 12–10pm on Saturday, February 10 and 12–8pm on Sunday, February 11 at the Frankston Waterfront. For more information, visit the website. Images: James Terry
Following a significant refurbishment, sleek Queen Street spot Blue Diamond has reopened with an elevated new experience fit for its 15th-floor perch above the Hoddle Grid. While its guiding ethos of top-quality cocktails, contemporary Japanese cuisine and a vibrant entertainment program remains, Blue Diamond's new look ensures an even more luxurious offering backed by panoramic city views. "The venue guides guests through a seamless transition from day to evening and late into the night, featuring a unique blend of signature flavours and entertainment," says Blue Diamond's general manager, Warrence Moorghen. "With an array of performances and resident DJs, it's not just a restaurant, it's a party you don't want to miss." A new menu is front and centre to this overhaul, and presents traditional Japanese flavours reimagined through a thoroughly modern lens. Starters include oysters with Voir vodka jelly, salmon roe, yuzu sauce or yuzu mignonette, lobster carpaccio and spicy tuna tartare with caviar, chives and nori crisps. Mains are equally impressive, and showcase a range of high-end ingredients. Expect the likes of M7-M8 wagyu steak, slow-cooked Cape Rim short ribs, grilled miso black cod and teriyaki lamb chops with basil miso. For those after something a little lighter, there's a range of nigiri, sashimi and flame-seared aburi, all made with fresh-caught seafood. There's also a tantalising selection of sushi rolls — try the spicy tuna packed with bluefin toro tuna, sriracha sesame and scallion, or the hefty toban-yaki, with seared Australian wagyu, fried onion and wasabi mayo. If you're looking to take your night to the next level, Blue Diamond boasts a private dining room primed for exclusive get-togethers. The room, which also has its own balcony, can accommodate up to 10 guests, offering an intimate spot to savour the venue's inventive Japanese cuisine alongside an array of signature cocktails, sakes and top-tier wines. Blue Diamond is open Wednesday–Saturday from 5pm–late at Level 15, 123 Queen Street, Melbourne. Head to the venue's website for more information.
It's been home to plenty of Australia's best-known acting names — and a heap of Aussie music stars, too — but when the second half of 2022 hits, the country's most famous fictional roadway will no longer be part of the TV landscape. Thirty-seven years after first whisking viewers off to Ramsay Street, long-running soap opera Neighbours is wrapping up. Whether all of its characters will move to Queensland to join its 80s golden couple Scott and Charlene — aka Jason Donovan and Kylie Minogue — is obviously yet to be seen. News of Neighbours' potential demise had been circling for weeks, after its UK network, Channel 5, announced it was dropping the show — leaving the Australian series in need of another British broadcaster, to join its local backer Network Ten, to go on. Sadly for the program's fans, it hasn't been able to find an alternative source of funding, marking the end of the Ramsay Street era. I'll be forever grateful for the experience & the friends I made on @neighbours. We had no idea how big the show would become and how passionately viewers would take it to heart. Pure love! 💞🏡 I can still hear Madge calling … CHARLENE!!!! — Kylie Minogue (@kylieminogue) March 3, 2022 The show will continue to film until June this year, as announced via social media on Thursday, March 3, with its final episodes from its almost 9000-strong run to air sometime afterwards. Exactly when the world will be saying goodbye to Neighbours hasn't yet been revealed — and neither have any possible plans to bring back any high-profile cast members. The list of well-known faces who've graced the series since its 1985 debut is hefty, all playing characters either living in or connected to the show's cul-de-sac in the fictitious Melbourne suburb of Erinsborough. As well as Minogue and Donovan, 80s-era Neighbours boasted a young Guy Pearce and a four-episode stint from Russell Crowe. In the 90s, Natalie Imbruglia got her start there. Margot Robbie and Liam Hemsworth were both regulars in the 00s, and Chris Hemsworth popped up in one 2002 episode before moving over to rival Aussie soap Home and Away. I'm so sorry to hear Neighbours will end. Aside from being the incredible launch pad it's been no one can deny the effect it's had throughout millions of homes around the world. It's bonded all of us in immeasurable ways. A true honour to have been a part of it. Great memories Xx — Guy Pearce (@TheGuyPearce) March 3, 2022 Neighbours' list of celebrity appearances is also sizeable — including The Wiggles, one of the Pet Shop Boys, The Spice Girls' Emma Bunton, The Wombats, Lily Allen, Hanson and pretty much every Aussie celeb who didn't otherwise star in it anyway. Of course, the show's 37 years of twists, amnesia spells, shock returns from the dead, and other Ramsay and Robinson family dramas will live on in our memories — even if, for many of us, Neighbours wasn't an active part of our viewing. Never going anywhere, especially from the part of your brain that knows all the words, is the iconic Neighbours theme tune. That's when good Neighbours songs become good friends, naturally. Neighbours will cease production in June, with its final episodes to air later this year. To watch the series in the interim, head to Network Ten in Australia and TVNZ in New Zealand. Top image: Manon van Os.
It isn't hard to find street art in Melbourne. In fact, it's one of the things that the city is known for. But only a specific part of the city is now the Victorian capital's first official street art precinct, and also the host of the Wall to Wall festival for 2024. That spot: Mordialloc, with the suburb's industrial laneways embracing turning public spaces into a canvas in a big way, including from Friday, April 26–Sunday, April 28. Wall to Wall's return is huge news not just because it will bring together Australian and international street artists to get painting, but because it marks the fest's comeback year since the pandemic. Last held in 2019, and initially starting out in the town of Benalla, the Melbourne event will welcome Smug, Adnate, Celeste Mountjoy, George Rose and Zoer among the folks adding a splash of colour to the Mordialloc precinct. This is actually Wall to Wall's second comeback stop, with Murray Bridge in South Australia the first — also in April 2024, running from Friday, April 12–Sunday, April 14. One of the aims of Shaun Hossack, who hails from Melbourne street art collective Juddy Roller and is curating the fest, is to grow the event. But paying tribute to the history of street art in Melbourne clearly ranks just as highly. "Melbourne is known as a mecca for street art, but still lacks well-curated areas where major artworks can be viewed one after another, like an outdoor gallery," said Hossack. "The scale of Wall to Wall is unprecedented in Melbourne's beachside suburbs, and will help cement Mordi Village Arts and Cultural Precinct as a beacon of creativity and community engagement." "Street art was born in the heart of cities, but with the evolution of Juddy Roller's Silo Art Trail and Wall to Wall, we can expand the artform across Australia." [caption id="attachment_949524" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nicole Reed[/caption] Wall to Wall's Mordialloc home at the Mordi Village Arts and Cultural Precinct on Lamana Road will be filled with large-scale murals, and also host a block party on the Saturday featuring Adnate doing double duty as a DJ, plus April Kerry, Charles Eddy and Blo also on the decks. Attendees can look forward to hitting up food trucks, sipping spirits from local distillery Saint Felix, taking tours and shopping at markets, too, alongside learning new skills at workshops. [caption id="attachment_949520" align="alignnone" width="1920"] George Rose[/caption] [caption id="attachment_949526" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lucy Lucy[/caption] [caption id="attachment_949523" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nicole Reed[/caption] [caption id="attachment_949522" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kaffeine[/caption] [caption id="attachment_949525" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nicole Reed[/caption] Wall to Wall 2024 takes place in Melbourne from Friday, April 26–Sunday, April 28, in and around the Mordi Village Arts and Cultural Precinct, Lamana Road, Mordialloc. Head to the Juddy Roller website for more details. Top image: Adnate, Martin Ron.
In 2020, Melbourne officially gained its new tallest building — and the tallest residential building in the whole Southern Hemisphere. Named Australia 108, the Southbank building features 100 storeys soaring 319 metres high, which is more than 20 metres above the city's previous tallest building, the 88-storey, 297.3-metre-tall Eureka Tower. It comes just under Gold Coast's 332.5-metre-tall Q1, though, which still holds the title of Australia's tallest building. Stretching high into the sky is just one of Australia 108's achievements, however. Letting residents swim in two of the highest infinity pools in the world is another — and those pools are now open. They're trapezoidal-shaped, and sit on level 70 of the building, which means they're located 212 metres above the ground. Both pools measure 18 metres in length and 5.3 metres in width at their widest point. They cantilever out over the street below by four metres, too. In the north pool, swimmers can peer out over Melbourne's skyline. In the south, expect to check out Port Phillip Bay, Albert Park Lake and the Dandenong Ranges while you're splashing around. The pools form part of the building's two-storey Star Club, which is located in the protruding gold Starburst — a design feature that was inspired by the Commonwealth star on the Australian flag. The whole 2800-square-metre club is now open as well, complete with dining rooms, a theatre, two gyms and a vertical sky-garden. Star Club also includes lounges and meeting spaces, with developer World Class Global envisaging it as both a community hub and an option for folks working remotely. The company spearheaded the building alongside architects Fender Katsalidis, who also led the design of the Eureka Tower. If you're keen on a sky-high swim — or to check out the tower's sauna and steam room, gym, lap pool and golf simulator on its 11th level — it costs a pretty penny. Apartments are split into the Sky Rise Residences (up to level 67) and the luxury Cloud Residences (from level 72 and above) and, according to Realestate.com.au, the main penthouse sold for $25 million and a two-storey apartment on level 90-91 was on the market for a bargain $10 million. Australia 108 is located at 70 Southbank Boulevard, Southbank. For more information, head to the building's website.
Christmas lunch is arguably the most important meal of the year. Get it right, with a beautiful ham as the centrepiece, and it is almost guaranteed that the day will run smoothly, ending with everyone in food comas whilst watching Miracle on 34th Street. Get it wrong, though, and it is likely that you will have a host of cranky family members ready to divulge some vindictive secrets and burn down the Christmas tree. Ensure that this year's festivities populate the family albums for all the right reasons by purchasing a Christmas ham of the highest quality from Victor Churchill and marinading it in the ham glaze you'll get as a gift when paying with your MasterCard® card. Victor Churchill's Christmas ham legs range from $95 for a half leg to $185 for a full leg. The delicious deal with complimentary glaze is all thanks to MasterCard's Priceless Sydney program and should be taken advantage of given the cut the butcher is using this season. Their Kurobuta Christmas hams are some of the most delicious and succulent cuts ever tasted, combining the very best European haute cuisine and Aussie character. So if you want to be the toast of the family and make this Christmas one to remember, head down to 132 Queen Street, Woollahra and order your Victor Churchill ham as soon as possible. This offer is strictly subject to availability while stocks last, so pay now and save Christmas Eve for that last-minute gift shopping instead. Visit the Priceless Sydney website to see more locally famous offers.
Sitting down to enjoy a drink is one the simplest pleasures there is. You need the right beverage, a great space and good company, of course, but that's an easy-to-follow recipe. Monty's Bar in North Fitzroy has taken the idea to heart, with the laidback St George's Road joint all about keeping things straightforward. The star here: the experience of knocking back beverages and having a great time with your mates. Inside, you can opt for a booth beneath a gloriously 80s-style wine and fruit still life picture, or perch yourself on a stool at the bar. Outside, a brick-heavy courtyard, shady umbrellas and plenty of greenery await. Whichever you choose, you'll be steeped in a cruisy mood. And while the drinks list suits the pared-back vibe — think: spritzes, a handful of classic cocktails, two types of tinnies and beer on tap — fantastic things clearly come in small packages. Plus, food-wise, five kinds of pizza will tempt your tastebuds.
