Speedsters of Australia, it's time to don your best red cap, slide into a pair of overalls and jump behind the wheel. If you want to take part in Mushroom Racing, the outfit isn't optional — if that's not your style, you could pick a green hat or a dinosaur costume instead. Not content with zipping through the streets of Tokyo and causing quite a stir, a real-life version of Mario Kart is headed to Australia. At yet-to-be-disclosed dates and sites in Sydney and Melbourne, participants will dress up as their favourite character, get cosy in a go-kart, race till their heart's content and collect stars to win prizes. While Tokyo's MariCar lets racers zoom along the city's actual roadways — yes, really — we find it hard to believe that's what'll happen here. And, we're certain that throwing shells or bananas at your opponents won't be allowed either. Sure, that's all well and fun when you're mashing buttons and trying not to fall off the Rainbow Road while you're playing one of Nintendo's many console versions (or counting down the days until the first Mario Kart smartphone game is released), but it's definitely not cool in real life. If you're keen, you can sign up to receive further information when it comes to hand. Organisers are calling it "the rally of a lifetime", and while that's definitely overstating the significance of driving around pretending you're Mario, Luigi, Yoshi, Wario or whichever other character you like, you know you're eager to give the novelty a go. And, let's face it, it's not quite as ridiculous as human bowling. Mushroom Racing is coing to Sydney and Melbourne in 2018. Tickets will be limited — register on the Mushroom Racing website for further updates.
Just a three-hour drive from Melbourne is a region so picture-perfect you'll find it hard to believe you're still in Victoria and not in some fictional fantasy land. Welcome to Gippsland — home to vast lakes, the world's third longest beach and a host of seaside towns and lakeside villages. It's been described as a water lover's paradise and with more water-based activities than you could poke an oar at, it's a pretty apt depiction. Whether it's a wintry getaway with beach views and seafood galore or two days of fun in the sun, you can easily fill a weekend in Gippsland no matter the time of year. Here are some tips to help you make the most of the picturesque area. [caption id="attachment_641606" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ferryman's Seafood Cafe.[/caption] EAT AND DRINK To begin your day, Metung has some of the best offerings around. Stop by Effloresce Flowers and Cafe for a coffee paired with a freshly baked scone, cake or slice. The tiny space is part-cafe, part-florist, so you can even pick up a bouquet on your way out. Across the road is Nautica Restaurant serving some of the best seafood around. Enjoy a leisurely brunch on the boardwalk or indulge in a lunchtime feast of fresh scallops as you look out over the sandy peninsula. If you're lucky, you might even spot a dolphin. The restaurant also stocks beers from local brewery Sailor's Grave, a perfect pair with the fare. [caption id="attachment_641712" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Effloresce Flowers and Cafe.[/caption] If you're after a different view of the water, head over to Paynesville for a meal at Pier 70 overlooking Raymond Island. Nab a seat on the sunny deck and dig into a selection of modern Australian dishes. With seafood straight from the surrounding water, we'd recommend opting for something freshly caught like the gummy bouillabaisse with clams, mussels, potato, tomato, snow peas, radish and sesame seeds. The seafood is equally as fresh and delicious in nearby Lakes Entrance at Ferryman's Seafood Cafe, an ex-Raymond Island car ferry. The restaurant floats in Victoria's largest fishing port so you'll definitely have the best produce around. With a menu that's almost exclusively seafood paired with some of the best local beer, wine and cider around, you can't go wrong. [caption id="attachment_641704" align="alignnone" width="1980"] Lakes Entrance.[/caption] When evening comes, look to a bistro meal with a beer on the deck of the Metung Hotel. The iconic pub offers views of the bay and is the perfect spot to satisfy your classic fish and chip cravings as you watch the sun set over the water. A little further up the Ninety Mile Beach you'll find the recently redeveloped Seaspray Surf Life Saving Club also offering pub grub and views overlooking the world's third longest stretch of beach. If you find that you can't choose between beach and lake, you can have the best of both worlds at the Lake Tyers Waterwheel Beach Tavern. Overlooking both Lake Tyers and the iconic beach, the tavern offers contemporary bistro dining and a spacious bar where you can grab a beer or two to enjoy on the deck. [caption id="attachment_641701" align="alignnone" width="1980"] Gippsland Lakes.[/caption] DO Gippsland Lakes offers the perfect occasion to finally learn to surf. The Surf Shack in Lakes Entrance offers two-hour surf and stand up paddleboard (SUP) lessons from $50. And on top of being a water lover's paradise, Gippsland is also excellent for the nature lovers and adventurers among us. Home to an array of exotic flora and fauna, Ninety Mile Beach is a great spot for whale, dolphin, seal and even cuttlefish-spotting as you walk along the sand. You also may spot some weird and wonderful sponges and soft coral. If you want to get up close and personal with the marine life, Metung is your town. Hire a sea kayak and start paddling; you may even pick up some dolphin friends along the ride. [caption id="attachment_641677" align="alignnone" width="1980"] Metung.[/caption] If you prefer your wildlife land-based, you can also jump on the free ferry from Paynesville to the tiny Raymond Island, home to Victoria's largest koala population. Wander the island's Koala Trail on foot or by bike as you count the snoozing creatures in the treetops. Head back over to the mainland, and take a drive out to the Mitchell River Silt Jetties, a series of landforms that reach far into the water. To soak up the natural beauty, the jetties are best experienced by bike or on foot. [caption id="attachment_641689" align="alignnone" width="1980"] Trinculo Shipwreck.[/caption] There are countless other activities to fill your days — hire a boat and cruise off into the lakes or simply drop a line into the ocean at Golden Beach. Afterwards, jump back in the car and head along Shoreland Drive until you reach the Trinculo Shipwreck only six kilometres away. The shipwreck is a short walk through sandy bushland with a view that's well worth it. If the sea feels like your second home (and you're into extreme kitch) you can also stop by the Griffiths Sea Shell Museum, which more than 90,000 shells and sea creatures call home. Don't miss the special coral reef room displaying hundreds of corals under special lighting. [caption id="attachment_641684" align="alignnone" width="1980"] Metung.[/caption] STAY If it's a back to basics getaway you're after, consider staying at Shoreline Drive on the Ninety Mile Beach. Just a hop, skip and a jump from the seaside village of Seaspray, this campground boasts 65 pitches right on the beach. It fills up in summer and bookings aren't available, but if you miss out you can always try one of the other 20 free camping areas along the stretch. [caption id="attachment_641707" align="alignnone" width="1980"] Ninety Mile Beach.[/caption] Not interested in rugged living? Just down the road is the Seaspray Caravan Park, which offers a selection of camping options (featuring flushable toilets). The park offers stays in retro timber camping pods located close to a camp kitchen and camping amenities. You'll still need to pack for a camping trip but your dwellings will be a little more permanent and (equally as Instagrammable). If you really want to get back to nature though, book a room at Jetty Road Retreat, situated between Lakes Entrance and Metung. A little off the beaten track, these four two-bedroom self-contained units offer stunning lake views, a private jetty and an open fire pit. This tranquil retreat allows you to truly disconnect from the digital world. [caption id="attachment_641018" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jetty Road Retreat.[/caption] A little closer to civilisation, but equally as self-contained, is Captain's Cove Resort in Paynesville, which offers 18 bright and beautiful apartments overlooking the water. Nestled between lush gardens and the water, Captain's Cove puts you right in the centre of activity. Another option is the breathtaking McMillans of Metung, which combines the luxury of a resort with all the comforts of home. Select either a cottage or spa villa and soak up views of the perfectly manicured lawns and the nearby lakes. With a day spa, outdoor pool and full tennis court, you'll find it hard to venture outside the resort at all. Images: Visit Victoria. Discover more of Gippsland here.
UPDATE: MARCH 31, 2020 — Since publication, the NSW and Victorian Governments have both released detailed directions surrounding enforcement of the new public gathering and social distancing rules. Police in NSW and Victoria will start handing out on-the-spot fines from midnight tonight, Monday, March 30, for those disobeying the new rules surrounding public gatherings and social distancing. Announced last night by Prime Minister Scott Morrison, indoor and outdoor gatherings must now be limited to two people, excluding those in your household. If you're not with those you live with, you should only be with one other person. The previous gathering limit was ten people. It was also announced that public playgrounds, outdoor gyms and skateparks will close from today. The new two-person limit on public gatherings does not apply to weddings (which have a current limit of five people) and funerals (which have a limit of ten), but it does apply to group bootcamps. Also announced last night are new restrictions on social distancing. Outlined by the Prime Minister, and reiterated by NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Victorian Premier Dan Andrews this morning, Australians should only be leaving their homes for one of four reasons: shopping for what you need — such as food and other essential supplies — "as infrequently as possibly"; for medical care or compassionate reasons; to exercise, in-line with the new two-person limit; and for work or education if you cannot work or learn remotely. Both Premiers said that leaving your home for an unnecessary reason could also land you an on-the-spot fine. https://www.facebook.com/DanielAndrewsMP/posts/2970976326300217?__tn__=-R On-the-spot fines for individuals not following the new public gathering and social distancing rules are $1652 in Victoria and $1000 in NSW. Penalties are also in place for those not following self-isolation regulations. You can find out more about the new public gathering and social distancing rules at here, and find out how they're being enforced in Victoria and NSW via the State Government websites. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website.
Taking design cues from Everything Adorable Ever works a treat for Edwina Sinclair. The 22-year-old Brisbane designer behind Australian label Soot counts Emojis, kiddie terrycloth beach ponchos and post-swim towel huddling as the triggers for her SS14/15 collection 'Splash'. A beachworthy assortment of flowing, wide-leg pants, summery tunics and her signature knitted bubble print, Soot's spring/summer collection is a pastel-lover's paradise. An unfathomably recent graduate from Queensland University of Technology (we're talking a couple of years), industry favourite Sinclair took us through her pretty-as-blazes looks for next season. On Fusing the '30s with Emojis Soot's impossibly summery SS14/15 collection 'Splash' found its beginnings in Sinclair's enthusiasm for both structured '30s beachwear and her own Australian beach-bound childhood. "I wanted to incorporate humour, luxury and texture which are values that I aim to include in all Soot collections," she says. "Inspirations came from looking at 1930's beach loungewear and vintage pyjamas. I am all about comfort so this is subconsciously incorporated into the garments shapes." In an adorable move that reflects Sinclair's age, she found further inspiration right under her thumbs. "I further looked at Emoji's for the prints to incorporate another playful element and develop my 3D textures." On Getting Back to Aussie Roots Full of flat, flowy tunics, wide-leg pants, 'Splash' gives a firm nod to Sinclair's Australian heritage. Remember those 'ball gowns' you and your tiny crew used to make out of towels on the beach, perfect for a parental parade? Sinclair's taken those makeshift moments of Roxy towel-made haute couteur and made them into Actual Garments. "I love the beach, I am there almost every weekend!" she says. "The homage to my Aussie roots comes from the colour, the water references and some literal references too! Such as the linen towel dress — the shape came from wrapping a towel around you after a swim and the droplet jersey dress silhouette came from the terry toweling ponchos children wear at the beach!" On Her Signature Knitted Bubble Design Sinclair's signature knitted bubble bags and dresses popped up at every turn at this year's Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, with many a front rower swanning by with SOOT's most recognizable items in tow. Trending at MBFWA is a dream for most up-and-coming designers, and while Sinclair is flattered by the design's success she can see the pressure such hoo-ha can create. "It is great to have other people respond so positively to an idea that has come from a concept to a physical object," she says. "When something does have a good response it does put the pressure on to create something that will be as well received the following season." On Teaming Up With the Fam Edwina isn't the only talented sibling in the Sinclair family. 'Splash' is the first SOOT collection to feature her sister Tilly's jewellery designs. Fusing the strengths of the Sinclair sisters in one gorgeous collaboration, 'Splash' is a beautifully-executed family affair. "It is fun! Also it is very easy to talk openly about our ideas and if we disagree on something it is easy to resolve and compromise," says Sinclair. "It is really great that Tilly wanted to come on board to collaborate this season. I think the jewellery has added a nice touch to the collection." On Hanging at Home in Brisbane So where does one of Brisbane's best exports hang out when she's at home? "I like Shady Palms, Tipplers Tap and Lefty's for a drink with friends. I usually go to Jamie's Espresso Bar or Reverends to get my coffee (both in Fortitude Valley just near my studio). I shop at my favourite store which also happens to be Soot's Brisbane stockist, Blonde Venus in Fortitude Valley." Now for more pretty pictures, here's Soot's SS14/15 'Splash' collection. Check soot.com.au for stockists.
Extended non-stop flights that almost take an entire day. Airlines specifically for arts, snow sports and craft beer. One brand that specifically focuses on millennial passengers. Planes free of single-use plastic. Air travel is an ever-changing realm, but the industry's latest development might just be its most curious — although it relates to a matter that everyone has an opinion on. The subject of countless stand-up routines, a topic of conversation any time flights come up and a part of the journey plenty of folks dread, airline food is hardly anyone's favourite meal. But United Airlines is testing that idea by releasing its own cookbook inspired by the dishes that it serves up in the air. With coconut soup with sambal oelek chicken just one of the 40 meals featured, the carrier hasn't published a collection of recipes dedicated to economy fare. Rather, the United Polaris Cookbook is based on its business and first-class offerings. The cookbook has been created in collaboration with the airline's executive chefs, as well as those from the Trotter Project — a non-profit organisation started by chef Charlie Trotter to provide opportunities to wannabe culinary stars who mightn't have the means to pursue cooking as a career otherwise. For those eager to fly high in the kitchen, the cookbook is on sale now for US$29.99. Whether the end results really do taste like airline food or something much more gourmet, whipping a few dishes up yourself is certainly cheaper than a business-class ticket.
Fries, mash, rösti, gnocchi, dauphinois — has ever a vegetable been as universal, as chameleonic in its deliciousness as the potato? Considering that you can't even eat one of these guys raw, it's amazing what the humble spud can do when it's given a tiny bit of love. That's why the Ballarat Potato Festival is such a draw. On for one day only this winter, the festival features some of the Ballarat foodie scene's best eateries, each putting their own spin on local taters pulled from nearby farms. Considering this is one of Victoria's main potato-producing regions, there'll be no shortage of material to go around. The festival will certainly be your main, if not only opportunity this year to try twice-cooked potato halwa. Other tastebud-tickling delights on the menu incluce potato pancakes, savoury spiced potato doughnuts and potato-stuffed naan bread. Traditionalists will not be left disappointed, either — if chips and gravy is your truest heart's desire, no one will stand in the way. Discover all the Potato Festival stalls with just a gold-coin donation for entry on Saturday, 30 June, at the Ballarat Mining Exchange. The event is part of the Ballarat Winter Festival, so once you've had your fill of potato knishes and knödels, you can head out and explore the Winter Wonderlights in Sovereign Hill (think White Night meets Christmas in July), jump on the pop-up ice-skating rink or contemplate Into Light, the exhibition of 19th- and 20th-century Parisian painting at the Art Gallery of Ballarat. Come back in July if you want to get in on more foodie events that celebrate the region, like the Salumi and Charcuterie Festival on July 21 or the Red Series back at the Ballarat Mining Exchange on July 28. To prep for the trip and discover more things to do in winter around Ballarat, visit the Wander Victoria website.
Some actors have a type. The films change, and the names of their characters as well, but it can feel as if they're always playing a variation of the same person. That sensation doesn't apply to Jackie van Beek's work. Many movie lovers discovered her on-screen as Jackie, the human familiar to a Wellington sharehouse-dwelling vampire in What We Do in the Shadows. In the decade since the hit comedy, she's helped end romances in The Breaker Upperers, which she also co-wrote and co-directed with Deadloch star Madeleine Sami — and then disrobed for Nude Tuesday, this time penning the script solo, alongside portraying a woman who attempts to reignite the spark in her marriage by heading to a couples' retreat where clothes are often optional. Now arrives Audrey, a delightfully dark Australian comedy from first-time feature director Natalie Bailey (Bay of Fires, Joe vs Carole, Run) and screenwriter Lou Sanz (The PM's Daughter, 6 Festivals) that enlists van Beek as a former star. Decades after her Logie-winning heyday, Ronnie Lipsick hasn't given up on her showbiz dreams. The world beckoned when she was at the top of the acting game, but then she had her first daughter and settled into married life; however, she still knows what she wants. Her focus after 18 years of being a mum: ensuring that the movie's eponymous figure (Josephine Blazier, Fires) makes it big as well, whether she likes it or not. Nothing is going to stop Ronnie in this quest — not even Audrey falling into a coma. There's regular second chances, and then there's Ronnie's path. When Audrey can't follow the route to fame and fortune that's been plotted out for her, Ronnie impersonates her instead. There's endeavouring to cope with tragedy, and then there's the Lipsick family's response to Audrey's plight as well — including on Ronnie's husband Cormack (Jeremy Lindsay Taylor, Force of Nature: The Dry 2) and younger daughter Norah's (Hannah Diviney, Latecomers) parts. As keeps proving the case across van Beek's filmography, no one will mistake Audrey for any other movie. After debuting at SXSW in Austin, the blackly and sharply hilarious feature now hits Australian cinemas in what's been a busy year for its lead. Off-camera in 2024, the New Zealand talent was one of the driving forces behind the Australian version of The Office, and also directed an episode of Time Bandits. Audrey appealed to van Beek's love of dark comedy, she tells Concrete Playground. Unsurprisingly, Ronnie stood out as the kind of character that isn't a standard fixture on-screen. When The Breaker Upperers released in 2018, she chatted with us, alongside Sami, about creating roles for the two that didn't exist otherwise. Now, van Beek advises that when she was reading Audrey's script, she thought "oh, she's delicious. She's so challenging to like. I thought as an actor, it'll be such a great kind of joy to try, and to try to pull her off with some degree of charm." "When I read Lou Sanz's script, Ronnie Lipsick is a morally ambiguous, very career-driven kind of obsessive mother, and I just thought 'what a delight'. Because you don't come across these characters — especially as a female — you just don't come across these characters very often. Well, I hadn't," van Beek notes. "I love dark comedy. I think I was probably told the premise, I imagine by Lou or the producer Michael Wrenn before I read the script. So as soon as I heard the premise, I was like 'ooh, this sounds perfectly dark for me'. I love comedy, but I do really like the edginess of this premise. I think someone who prioritises resurrecting her career over nursing her daughter back to health is a very interesting character to play." Also built into Audrey: recognition that being a mother shouldn't mean giving up on your own journey, an adult coming-of-age tale and a woman's quest, albeit by highly questionable means such as pretending to be her teenage offspring, to reclaim her own sense of self. We discussed all of the above with van Beek, too, alongside what she drew upon to play Ronnie, portraying such a tricky character in a heightened story, what gets her excited about a new project, what you learn making a movie like Audrey and more. On the Film's Ability Not Only to Rally Against Traditional Visions of Womanhood and Motherhood, But to Take That Idea to a Comedic Extreme "It was an interesting take, because I think we've seen a lot of films, dramas and comedies, about women who are struggling, as a lot of us do — women who are struggling with that work/life balance, being being pulled one way as a mother, being pulled another way by their career. And I think we're quite used to those stories. I think this film, obviously what I love, really pushes it to a comedic extreme. I mean, I find Ronnie kind of delusionally adorable, but also abhorrent. I hope that I'm a very different woman to her. But it was delightful to play, because pushing the idea that women aren't born simply to reproduce or mother, but are born to bring about your hopes and dreams, through a career or what have you, is fun. I did find Ronnie Lipsick to be quite mentally unhinged, and in need of some professional help, I would say. She's really spinning off the planet. She's such an egotist. She's so vain. And she's really lost sight of what's important in life. But I do love this idea, to the extreme in Lou's script, that she absolutely prioritises her career over her over her daughter's health." On Finding Inspiration to Play Ronnie — and Always Trying to Win the Audience Over "I'm a mother myself. I have three children, so obviously I was able to easily draw on my own life for the harried mum aspect of the character — organising the pickups, all the logistics with the husband, wanting them to do well. So I've drawn on a lot of that. In terms of her being dangerously delusional, I didn't have much to go on from my real life. So what I did was, I came up through theatre, I was in theatre for like 20 years before I got into TV and film, and a lot of my training was about trying to win the audience over. So whether or not you were a hero or a villain, you try to charm the audience so much that you can have them onside. I really thought that would be a fun game to play, just for myself, over the course of production, to see — by finding vulnerability or delusion or asking the audience to sympathise with me in any way — whether or not I could win the audience over to my side, so they would, I guess, forgive Ronnie for some of the choices she made." On Ensuring That Depth Shines Through When You're Playing Such a Tricky Character in a Heightened Story "It was hugely important for me to navigate a truth for the character throughout the story. And, in some scenes that was harder than harder than others, because it is a very heightened story, and a very heightened reality that we were playing within. Natalie Bailey, the director, was fantastic at helping me navigate that — as was Lou, the writer, who was on set the whole time, which was incredibly useful. But it was really important to me that I could feel truth in every single scene. And so some of the more heightened ones, I really had to lean into Ronnie's delusion, I guess — so that I thought if I, as Ronnie, can actually believe what I'm saying, even if it seems ridiculous to everybody else in the scene and in the audience, as long as I can believe it, it should feel like a real human being that's going on a journey. But some scenes are more tricky than others. That's a fun challenge. I love reading a role where I go 'ooh, this is going to be quite tricky'. And it was. It was such a fun challenge to take on that part." On Adult Coming-of-Age Stories Blossoming as a Genre — and Tales of Women Aiming to Reclaim Their Identities "I'm not sure why it's coming up more now. Maybe because more adults have access to therapy and so people are reflecting on these things? Definitely on my to-do list is to carve out time to go to see therapists. I haven't quite managed to do it yet. But I'm really enjoying the stories coming out at the moment, especially with female protagonists, about women around my age — I'm 48 — who have realised that they've lost a sense of self and they are really struggling to find a way to reclaim an identity. I think what interests me is a lot of people, they don't go deep enough, and try to just reclaim their youth through surgery or affairs or whatever. I'm really fascinated by that. I think all women that I know have just read Miranda July's All Fours, which I think is an incredible examination of that kind of reclaiming that sense of self. It's a fascinating subject." On Audrey, the Australian Version of The Office and Time Bandits All Reaching Screens Within Months of Each Other "The momentum of that is quite strange because, of course, these projects all happened at quite different times and it really is coincidence, I think, that everything lands in the same few months. It all depends on how long the post-production is or the distributor. But it's exciting to have things come out. I'm always someone who really itches to get a project in front of an audience to get that response. But I'm also someone who doesn't really dwell on the response, because I've always moved on to a million other things. But I love it — as I said before, I came up through theatre, so it was all about working as hard as you can and then opening night, the curtains open and you give the projects to an audience, you share that. So it's always a relief for me when something finally is out there and you're like 'oh good, okay, actually it's opening night, the curtains are parting, and people can actually now watch it and respond'. I think I do find it hard when you're in development for a number of things, and nothing's on-screen or you're not delivering anything to an audience. You just feel like you're working in this weird, insular bubble, and what's the point if nobody is able to see this thing you're working on and respond to it. And then, of course, with every response you learn so much about what we've created. And I then I take that onto my next projects. I'm very invested in learning, I guess." On What Gets van Beek Excited About a New Project at This Stage of Her Career "The most-exciting element for me with new projects is the team on it. There are so many people from all around the world, of all different levels of experience, that I'm just dying to work with. And so for my own projects, I of course seek these people out to collaborate with — actors, directors, writers. I think that is the driving force. Second to that, well, actually shooting location is quite important for me because I have three kids and my youngest is still only 12. So I am always trying to prioritise projects like Time Bandits that can be made here in New Zealand, so that I don't have to be away from the kids and my family for too long. And then, of course, the project itself — I'm very drawn, and always have been, to projects which will potentially polarise. I kind of find it thrilling to take on a project or be a part of a project that I think could go either way. The Office, for example, it did seem so silly to create the 13th version of The Office. But, of course, I leapt at the opportunity knowing it was going to be the first version with a female lead, and I knew that was quite high-risk because people are so besotted with the UK and the US versions. But it was that risk that really thrilled me. And the same with when I get involved in some local low-budget films here in New Zealand, sometimes it's the project that draws me, like it's something that I've never kind of seen before or they're taking a big risk on something. And I'm like 'ooh, I'd love to be a part of that because I like the thrill of it'. I'm not really drawn to something that feels quite kind of tried and true, I guess." On What van Beek Learned Starring in Audrey "It's interesting. I think when I'm acting in other people's films or projects, I learn a lot about writing and directing. And then I feel like when I'm writing and directing my own projects, I learn a lot about acting. I think I learn a lot from the other people that are surrounding me. And I really enjoy jumping between acting, writing and directing for that. So I'm constantly shifting roles and having these experiences from both sides. But I think with Audrey, I'm a real believer in 'if you say yes to a project, then you really are giving yourself over to that writer and especially to the director'. So once I say yes to something, I'm pretty much like 'what do you want me to do?' — like 'here I am, what do you want me to do? I'll do anything.'. I don't say yes to a project unless I unless I'm prepared to offer up everything." Audrey opened in Australian cinemas on Thursday, November 7, 2024.
Jurassic World: The Exhibition is a thing, and it's now in Melbourne. Based on the blockbuster film of the same name, the exhibition is making its world premiere at Melbourne Museum. The exhibit will feature incredibly life-like animatronic dinosaurs created by Melbourne locals, Creature Technology Company — the same team who developed the dinos for the Walking With Dinosaurs arena spectacular. So it's a good thing they're not real — because if you've seen at least one of the Jurassic Park films, you'd know that dinosaurs aren't always friendly. The exhibition instead gives you a chance to get up close and personal with the creatures in a unique and engaging way. "Visitors to [the exhibition] will get an unprecedented opportunity to be in close proximity to the most amazing creatures to have ever roamed the earth," says Sonny Tilders, creative director at the Creature Technology Company. Jack Horner, one of the film's paleontological advisors (or, Official Dinosaur Guy), is working with the exhibition to make sure that it's both educational and fun. Visitors both young and old will be able to learn more about these prehistoric creatures without having to pore over a dry textbook. Gone are the days of boring museum presentations. Now you can learn about dinosaurs from interactive and theatrical exhibits that might scare your pants off at the same time. This unique experience allows you to experience the events of the film, without having to travel to reception-less Isla Nublar with its dubious emergency protocol. Jurassic Park: The Exhibition features encounters with the realistic life-size dinosaurs, so we can only assume that there will be thousands of people taking pictures pretending to be velociraptor-whisperer, Owen Grady, doing some 'Prattkeeping'.
Life became wildly unpredictable and messy for a moment there, but Collingwood's newly opened bathhouse and spa might be just what you need to give stress the flick and start the year off strong. In the bottom levels of a converted Easey Street warehouse, Mary Minas and Freya Berwick have opened the final stage of their wellness hub Sense of Self, with its massage and mindfulness studio opening in the warehouse's top levels in early February. The duo is out to flip the script on the usual wellness concept, with an unpretentious offering that's focused on connection, inclusivity and restoration. As Minas says: "Our vision is to strip the spa experience back to its roots, giving people a place to cultivate a better relationship with their bodies and themselves. Wellness without the BS, essentially." So, put the phone away, get off the 'Gram and give yourself some much-needed attention. Minas spent five months visiting the bathhouses of Europe, Africa and Japan, while botanist-turned-hotelier Berwick spent plenty of time sweating in Scandinavian saunas during her three years in Norway. So, expect influences pulled from all four locations at Sense of Self — and plenty of plants. [caption id="attachment_803436" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jess Tremp[/caption] The facilities at the bathhouse include a Finnish-style sauna at a hot 80 degrees, a large 39-degree mineral bath and a cold plunge pool. Passes give you access to all the facilities, and start at $49 for two hours. Bathing on the weekend will set you back $59 for two hours, or you can get discounted multi-packs from $140 for three. At the not-quite-as-new massage and mindfulness studio, you'll find a menu of body treatments for relaxation, remediation and pregnancy, backed by a soothing lounge area where naps are not just welcomed, but encouraged. Designed by an all-female collective from Set Square Studio, Chamberlain Architects and Hearth Studio, the space is filled with natural timbers, creamy hues, brass highlights, striking taps from Sussex Taps and foliage from the Plant Charmer. Find Sense of Self at 30–32 Easey Street, Collingwood. The bathhouse is open from 7am–9pm Tuesday–Friday and 9am–7pm Saturday–Sunday. The massage studio is open from 11am–8pm Tuesday–Friday and 10am–6pm Saturday–Sunday. Images: Jess Tremp
When Joaquin Phoenix first played the Joker, he became the second actor in just over a decade to win an Oscar for donning the Gotham City villain's exaggerated clown makeup and killer smile. Returning to the role in the sequel to 2019's Joker, he'll now be taking on the character in a film that's also a musical. That movie: Joker: Folie à Deux, which hits cinemas in October 2024 and also just dropped its first trailer. Phoenix (Napoleon) has big-name company this time around from someone similarly taking on a famed comic-book character: Lady Gaga (House of Gucci). Just as Phoenix follows in the footsteps of Cesar Romero (in the 60s Batman TV series), Jack Nicholson (in the 1989 Batman movie), Heath Ledger (in The Dark Knight) and Jared Leto (in Suicide Squad), the pop star and actor treads where Margot Robbie (in Suicide Squad, Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) and The Suicide Squad) has most recently as Dr Harleen Quinzel, aka Harley Quinn. In this followup, the Joker and Harley Quinn meet at Arkham Asylum — and yes, romance blossoms. So, Arthur Fleck will no longer be alone. But everyone with even just a passing knowledge of the character knows that that still doesn't bode well for Gotham. Behind the lens, Todd Phillips (War Dogs) is back from the first film as both director and a co-writer, the latter with fellow returnee Scott Silver (The Finest Hours). On-screen, Phoenix and Lady Gaga are joined by Zazie Beetz (Full Circle), who was also in the initial flick — plus Joker newcomers Catherine Keener (The Adam Project), Brendan Gleeson (The Banshees of Inisherin) and Steve Coogan (The Reckoning). Wondering how much of a musical Joker: Folie à Deux will be? Variety reports that it includes at least 15 songs, all covers, and may also feature original tunes. Based on the first teaser trailer, 'What the World Needs Now Is Love' is among the familiar tracks. The first Joker wasn't just a hit — standing apart from the now-defunct DC Extended Universe, where Leto played the Clown Prince of Crime, it took over a billion dollars at the global box office. And, as well as Phoenix nabbing an Oscar, the film took home the Golden Lion at the Venice International Film Festival. Check out the first trailer for Joker: Folie à Deux below: Joker: Folie à Deux releases in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, October 3, 2024.
December is a time for reflection. A time to look back on the year that was, read round-ups to check up on what you've missed and put together best-of lists (indeed, we've just launched our own in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane). Earlier this week Time Magazine announced the 'silence breakers' behind the #metoo campaign as its 'Person' of the Year, which, if you needed reminding, is pretty indicative of how difficult and momentous this year has been. How to deal with it all? With purple, apparently. Ultra Violet (PANTONE 18-3838) has just been named as Pantone's 2018 Colour of the Year. The dramatic shade was chosen by Pantone's colour experts not only because it's "provocative and thoughtful", but because its connection to cosmos suggests that there's more out there to be discovered and limitless possibilities of what's to come. Of course, purple has a cultural significance too — many of us would associated it with the late Prince. According to Pantone, the enigmatic colour has long been a symbol of counterculture and experimentation, as popularised by Prince, David Bowie and Jimi Hendrix. Referencing the year that was, Pantone executive director Leatrice Eisemen says that Ultra Violet inspires creativity and imagination and "takes our awareness and potential to a higher level". Then there's Ultra Violet's association with mindfulness; the colour is often used in meditation and spiritual practices. So paint your room in it, cover your body in it or just buy some purple socks — it might help you get through this crazy messed up world in 2018.
It may not lay claim to the long, balmy evenings of summer, but winter's still got plenty up its sleeve when it comes to romance. And if you're looking for the perfect date destination to woo that special someone, we can assure you that cute, cosy options abound in Melbourne's inner south, even when the weather's frosty and the temperatures are low. Here, we've teamed up with the City of Port Phillip to assemble some of the area's top go-to winter date scenarios, ranging from a nostalgia-fuelled bottomless brunch to a private beachside bonfire set-up. Whether you're teeing up a first date, or organising the 300th, these options are sure to impress. Victoria is currently under stay at home orders so, while you can't visit these spots right now, you can start planning for when restrictions lift. You can stay up to date with the developing COVID-19 situation in Victoria, as well as current restrictions, here. AMP UP THE ROMANCE WITH BUBBLY AND OYSTERS A warm, elegant space in the heart of Albert Park, boasting a top-notch selection of cheese and vino, The Victor Wine Room makes for a primo date night destination any time of the week. But it's really turning on the couple-friendly charms from 5.30pm every Thursday, when Date Night Thursdays kicks into gear. Setting the tone to your midweek rendezvous are live acoustic tunes to enjoy while tucking into the Skinny Dipping special — two glasses of Montaudon NV Reserve Champagne or rosé, paired with six oysters for $30, or a dozen of the ocean-fresh morsels for $40. GET COSY IN THIS FIRESIDE GLAMPING TENT Camping by the beach might sound like a scenario best suited to summer, but Republica has given the concept a cosy, winter-friendly spin. The beachside St Kilda bar has unveiled a pop-up glamping tent nestled in its courtyard overlooking the Bay. Kitted out with plush furnishings and warmed by a roaring campfire, it's available to book for groups of four to six, perfect for a cute double (or triple) date situation. Walk-ins are available if it's just you and your boo. Open daily from noon until late, it's a toasty, private hideaway where you can kick back in comfort as you devour house-made mulled wine and apple crumble. [caption id="attachment_821141" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Jewish Museum of Australia, Sarah Walker[/caption] EXPLORE ST KILDA THROUGH THE EYES OF A LOCAL LEGEND St Kilda held a special place in the heart of iconic French-Australian artist Mirka Mora — she lived and worked there for many years, opened the (now-closed) Tolarno Bistro with husband Georges in 1967 and went on to create numerous works that would also call the suburb home. These days, you can experience St Kilda through Mora's own eyes while digging deeper into her lasting legacy, on a self-guided art-filled walking tour. Download the mobile-friendly 'Mirka's St Kilda' map, don your coats and set out to explore. You'll catch landmarks like the Tolarno Hotel (which has a number of her works on display), the Mirka's Children's Mural, the St Kilda Pier Mosaic she created in 1993 and the restaurant site where she penned much of her autobiography. Want more of Mora? Check out the Mirka retrospective exhibition, currently showing at The Jewish Museum of Australia. INDULGE IN A BOOZY BOTTOMLESS BRUNCH WITH YOUR BOO Get a little nostalgic as you bond over the good ol' days of your youth at the Newmarket Hotel's newly launched old-school-themed brunch. Featuring sittings from 12pm every Saturday and Sunday, this one's a tasty blast from the past, soundtracked by hit tunes plucked from the 90s and early 00s. While you're grooving to those bangers and swapping stories from the past, you'll find yourself sipping bottomless bubbly, beer, mimosas and seltzers, matched with your pick of brunch dish for $60. Now, will it be the fried chicken burger, a breakfast salad or the avo smash with roast mushrooms? SIGN UP FOR A LITTLE FRIENDLY COMPETITION Had a rough day at the office? Don't take it out on your favourite person — channel the full fury of your crazy customers and looming deadlines into a bladed weapon headed straight toward the bullseye target. Yep, whether you're meeting for the first time or you're longtime lovers, date night needn't be all candlelit dinners and making googly eyes at each other. Amp up the fun factor with a visit to Lumber Punks, South Melbourne's axe-throwing joint. Sessions start at just $45 per person for 90 minutes, after which time you should be ready to hit up one of the nearby bars or restaurants — Patient Wolf Distilling Co, Meatworks Co and Bells Hotel are all within walking distance. ENJOY SUNDOWNERS AFTER A BEACHSIDE STROLL The best way to stay warm on a wintry date is to keep moving — and by that, of course, we mean conquering one of the city's walking tracks (or did we...). Tackling the Foreshore Trail is a task best completed without the full force of the summer sun belting down on you anyway. Starting at Perc White Reserve in Port Melbourne, this 11-kilometre bayside trail will see you winding past Lagoon Pier, Catani Gardens, St Kilda Marina and over Elwood Canal before arriving at Elwood Beach. Celebrate your trek at Elwood Bathers. Perch at one of the outdoor tables and split a bottle of vino and a charcuterie board with your bestie as the sun sets over Port Phillip Bay. For more inspiration for how to spend a wintry day in Melbourne's inner south, head to the City of Port Phillip website. Top image: Republica
Maybe viewing old episodes of Aerobics Oz Style helped you stay active during 2020's first long lockdown. Perhaps you've been obsessed with the now-iconic Key & Peele aerobics meltdown sketch for years, as everyone should be. Or, you might've watched the excellent Kirsten Dunst-starring On Becoming a God in Central Florida and got bitten by the water aerobics bug. Whichever fits — or even if none of the above applies to you — leotards, exercise and all things 80s haven't been far from our screens in recent years. And, they'll feature again in a big way in Apple TV+'s new ten-part dark comedy series Physical. Set in the decade that's always going to be synonymous with leg warmers, Physical sees Rose Byrne make the leap from hanging out with talking CGI rabbits in terrible book-to-screen adaptations to getting hooked on aerobics. She plays Sheila Rubin, a San Diego housewife with a husband that's running for California's state assembly. While playing her dutiful part as expected, she struggles with her self-image. Then, the only form of exercise that TV shows and movies seem to think that anyone did back in the 80s suddenly enters her life. Cue a journey that brings Sheila success, and turns her into a lifestyle guru. Obviously, she won't be posting about her daily life on social media — but this show is set in the peak VHS era, so expect videotapes to play a part in the story. Physical is set to start streaming on Friday, June 18, and will drop its first three episodes in one hit before releasing the rest weekly afterwards. Naturally, big hair and spandex abound in the just-dropped, supremely 80s trailer for the series. Alongside Byrne, the show stars Rory Scovel (I Feel Pretty), Dierdre Friel (Second Act), Della Saba (Ralph Breaks the Internet), Lou Taylor Pucci (American Horror Story), Paul Sparks (The Lovebirds) and Ashley Liao (Fuller House). Desperate Housewives and Suburgatory's Annie Weisman created, wrote and executive produced Physical, and serves as its showrunner, while I, Tonya's Craig Gillespie, Dead to Me's Liza Johnson and Love Life's Stephanie Laing all enjoy stints in the director's chair. Check out the teaser trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQaHAy7r660 Physical starts streaming via Apple TV+ on Friday, June 18.
Dubbed as the biggest night of the year for Sydney, the Mardi Gras Parade usually fills the streets of Darlinghurst and Surry Hills. In 2021, however, the celebration of LGBTQIA+ culture and communities — and its colourful array of hundreds of floats and performers — will actually take place in the Sydney Cricket Ground. Announced back in November, the parade has been moved to the SCG to help ensure social distancing is maintained. The 23,000-capacity event has been sold out for a while; however, a final release of tickets will go on sale from 2pm on Wednesday, February 17. If you're in need of some motivation to nab a seat, the parade's lineup should help. Rita Ora leads the bill, alongside Electric Fields, Montaigne and G Flip. Before the parade, DJs Kitty Glitter and Dan Murphy will hit the decks, with hosts Bob Downe and Julie McCrossin helping to get the crowd excited. When the floats start, however — after a Welcome to Country ceremony at 6pm — Nell Schofield and Kyle Olsen will be on voiceover duties. The full Mardi Gras festival runs from Friday, February 19 until Sunday, March 7, should you be wondering what else is in store around the main festivities. You can view all currently announced programming and events and stay up to date with all the news at Mardi Gras website. And, if you can't make it to the parade, it'll be broadcast live on SBS. Updated February 17. Images: Jeffrey Feng
Pull out that old Discman, break out the cargo pants and start practising your smoothest early noughties dance moves — the pop tour of your wildest teenage dreams is hitting Aussie shores this summer and it's got more stars than a TV Hits sticker collection. Next January and February, the inaugural So Pop festival is set to deliver a huge serve of nostalgia to stadiums across the country, pulling together an extra juicy lineup of old-school icons, headlined by none other than Aqua and Vengaboys. Stages in Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane and Auckland will be transported back to the 90s and 00s for one glorious night each, playing host to the pop-drenched soundtrack of your youth. Heading up the show are Danish group Aqua, who promise to leave tunes like 'Barbie Girl' and 'Doctor Jones' firmly wedged in your head, and from the Netherlands, Vengaboys, with party-starting smash hits like 'Boom Boom Boom Boom!!' and 'We Like to Party! (The Vengabus)' — and none other than Lou Bega with, of course, 'Mambo No.5'. Relive more of the glory days with sounds from Irish legends B*Witched — who gifted us with the likes of 'C'est La Vie' and 'Rollercoaster' — UK heroes Blue, of 'All Rise' fame. Italy's Eiffel 65, dance pop act Mr. President ('Coco Jambo'), the USA's Outhere Brothers and The Netherlands' 2 Unlimited ('No Limit', 'Get Ready') round out the throwback showdown. SO POP 2019 DATES Perth — HBF Stadium on Wednesday, January 30 Sydney — Qudos Bank Arena on Friday, February 1 Melbourne — Melbourne Arena on Saturday, February 2 Adelaide — Entertainment Centre on Sunday, February 3 Auckland — Spark Arena on Tuesday, February 5 Brisbane — Eaton Hills Outdoor on Saturday, February 9 So Pop pre-sale tickets are up for grabs — on the concert's very retro website — for 24 hours from 11am AEDT this Thursday, October 11, while the rest are on sale from 10am AEDT on Tuesday, October 16.
Inspired by Madonna, Michael Jackson and Nine Inch Nails, Auckland based synth pop duo Computers Want Me Dead have decided they're not going to take themselves too seriously – resulting in a sound that's chaotic, almost dizzying synth pop that you can't help but pull shapes to. They've played Rhythm + Vines, Big Day Out and supported 30 Seconds to Mars – all while having only released their debut EP in March this year. They've taken over New Zealand and plan to take over the rest of the world later on this year, one synth track at a time. One half of Computers Want Me Dead, Sam Harvey, chats to Kirstie Sequitin about Gary Numan, Nine Inch Nails and embracing their inner synth pop. I read this thing on your Facebook profile last night, saying that your set is 'a whirling and buzzing tornado of sound akin to some wonderful lovechild of Gary Numan and Nine Inch Nails on ecstacy'. And then I saw that you had a photo taken with Gary the other day – did he have something to say about that? Yeah, yeah that was amazing! A friend of mine was organizing the Gary Numan show over here in Auckland, so as soon as I found out I ran in saying 'please, please, please can I meet him?' And I met him, he was the nicest guy I've ever met, it was incredible. Did he listen to your music at all? I don't know. It was funny because the friend that hosted the television show knows I'm a huge fan (of Gary) and actually gave him a copy of our CD live on air. I was like 'Oh my God, I can't believe you did that.' But, I don't know. I'd like to think that he would have heard it but yeah, no idea. Why do computers want you dead? The name is definitely ironic, because we both love computers and we're kind of nerdy in that way. But it actually comes from a friend of mine who had moved to Chicago wrote me this massive long email on MySpace, back in the day when MySpace was all the rage. So she wrote me this massive email and clicked send and… it timed out. She had spent two hours writing this email and was really really pissed off. The next email she wrote was titled 'Computers want me dead'. I was like, "I'm totally going to use that as a band name". She didn't believe me until we put out a single. What were you guys doing before Computers Want Me Dead and how did you guys start working together? I was wearing a Nine Inch Nails t-shirt at a work function and Damien came up to me and was like, "Oh yeah, I'm a fan of Nine Inch Nails too." And we just got talking. We were both talking about how we wanted to, you know, start a band, and we started jamming. We ended up moving into an apartment – I live here with Damien and his girlfriend – and it kind of just went from there. So how does a love for Nine Inch Nails translate to the stuff that you guys make together? Well, it's funny - it started off being a lot darker and kind of grittier. Then one day I changed the bass line on something and added the sort of poppy sounding synth and all of a sudden it was a different song and we just ran with that. But yeah, Nine Inch Nails are definitely a massive influence on both of us and kind of evidence of earlier stuff that we've done. I've played one of our singles to a friend of mine who is also a Nine Inch Nails fan and – I don't know if this is compliment but - he said "It sounds like Nine Inch Nails on E". And I was like, "Sweet. That's awesome". That was the coolest thing he could've said. You say that your music comes from being able to embrace pop music shamelessly; do you think other bands take themselves too seriously? Do you think that there's a bit of synth pop in every band? (laughs) I think everyone has a potential to take themselves too seriously. We're all guilty of it sometimes. But yeah, I don't know, there's some music that's more serious than others – and I'm a big fan of all kinds of stuff. I don't look at people who are really into what they're doing as taking themselves too seriously – I don't think they're pretentious or anything, but it's just not what this band is about. Computers Want Me Dead's self-titled EP is out now.
Since interstate borders began to ease in late 2020, airlines have been launching flight sales left, right and centre to encourage travel-starved Aussies to explore their own backyards. The latest super-cheap deal focuses on one particular route, between Sydney and Melbourne — and three different carriers are all offering up bargains. It all started with Rex, which announced last year that it'd start flying between the two cities for the first time in 2021. The airline kicked off the route at the beginning of March, and now it's doing $39 fares from Sydney to Melbourne. That cost includes up to 23 kilograms of checked baggage, as well as onboard refreshments. And, it's available on flights until Saturday, August 28. When Rex announced its new bargain fares yesterday, Monday, May 3, it flagged that it expected its rivals to follow in its footsteps. "The resulting copycat moves from our competitors will mean that there will be hundreds of thousands of $39 fares available," said John Sharp, Deputy Chairman of Rex. Unsurprisingly, that's exactly what has happened, with Virgin and Jetstar also offering their own ultra-cheap flights between the New South Wales and Victorian capitals. Virgin Australia is also doing $39 flights, and its fares also include checked baggage, as well as seat selection. The airline has stopped handing out free snacks to economy passengers, though. If you book with the carrier, you can nab the special price for trips up until Wednesday, December 15. Over at Jetstar, $30 fares are on offer. That means that you'll save $9 each way, but you'll only receive seven kilograms of carry-on baggage and none of checked luggage. At the time of writing, the cheap price is available on flights up until Tuesday, August 31. It's worth noting that the $30–39 fares aren't on offer for every single economy seat on every flight between the two cities — so, depending on exactly when you want to travel, you may end up paying extra. But, if you're a Sydneysider keen to head south for a getaway, perhaps to attending the new Rising Festival, visit ACMI's upcoming Disney exhibition or see Moulin Rouge! The Musical, you have plenty of cheap flight options. For Melburnians eager to watch Hamilton, make a date with Vivid's bright lights or head to Sydney's new winter fest, that's also the case. For further details about Jetstar, Virgin and Rex's cheap Sydney–Melbourne flights, and to book, head to the Jetstar, Virgin and Rex websites.
The Prodigy, Basement Jaxx, Fred again.., Skrillex and Happy Mondays have played it. De La Soul, Aphex Twin, Carl Cox and deadmau5, too. For dance music fans, and just music fans in general, The Warehouse Project's fame extends far past its Manchester home. The event itself is now roaming further than Britain as well, including locking in its first-ever Australian visit. Yes, Manchester's rave scene is heading Down Under, with The Warehouse Project announcing a big weekend in both Sydney and Melbourne across Saturday, May 25–Sunday, May 26, 2024. It's busting out a heap of talent on both dates in both cities, swapping between Bonobo's Outlier series and Mall Grab's Looking for Trouble parties. Melbourne's PICA will get its The Warehouse Project experience started on the Saturday with Bonobo, while Munro Warehouse in Sydney Olympic Park will welcome Mall Grab to begin. Come Sunday, they'll swap. On both bills is plenty of company: HAAi, Kelly Lee Owens, Paula Tape, dj pgz and Krysko with Bonobo for starters; and Effy, Jennifer Loveless and DJ Dameeeela with Mall Grab, with more to come there as well. This is a two-city tour, so if you're keen on hitting up The Warehouse Project in Australia and you live somewhere other than Sydney or Melbourne, you'll need to plan an interstate trip. The Manchester institution's Aussie debut comes after initially going international in 2023 in Rotterdam and Antwerp. [caption id="attachment_868300" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mall Grab, by Rob Jones[/caption] It was back in 2006 that The Warehouse Project first unleashed its club nights on its birthplace, kicking off in a disused brewery and then moving underneath Manchester's Piccadilly station, in a space that's also been an air-raid shelter — and also to a warehouse that dates back to the 1920s. Now, it calls former railway station Depot Mayfield home when it's on in its home city. "Following the success of our first international editions in Rotterdam and Antwerp last year, we've been having great fun putting more international plans together. Australia has always been somewhere we've dreamed of hosting The Warehouse Project," said co-founder Sam Kandel, announcing the Aussie dates. "We are also so grateful to Bonobo and Mall Grab, and all the artists both international and domestic who will each play a special part of this WHP Australia debut." The Warehouse Project Australia 2024 Bonobo Presents OUTLIER Dates: Saturday, May 25 — PICA, Melbourne Sunday, May 26 — Munro Warehouse, Sydney Lineup: Bonobo (DJ set) HAAi Kelly Lee Owens (DJ set) Paula Tape dj pgz Krysko More to come Mall Grab Presents Looking For Trouble Dates: Saturday, May 25 — Munro Warehouse Sunday, May 26 — PICA, Melbourne Lineup: Mall Grab Effy Jennifer Loveless DJ Dameeeela More to come [caption id="attachment_943890" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mayfield Depot, Rcsprinter123 via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] The Warehouse Project will hit Australia for the first time across Saturday, May 25–Sunday, May 26, 2024, with presale tickets from 10am AEST on Tuesday, March 5 and general sales from 11am AEDT on Thursday, March 7. Head to the tour website for further details. Top image: Rob Jones for Khroma Collective.
Which franchise adores sand, has hopped between the big and small screens across four decades, is equally famous for the movie that didn't end up getting made, and has a date with streaming queues via a new prequel series in November 2024 — in the same year that it last graced cinemas? That'd be Dune. 2024 is a double Dune year. First, Dune: Part Two brought the science-fiction franchise back to picture palaces with help from director Denis Villeneuve (Blade Runner 2049), plus stars Timothée Chalamet (Wonka) and Zendaya (Euphoria). Next, television's Dune: Prophecy will arrive before spring is out. A six-part prequel series from HBO, it's set 10,000 years before the birth of Paul Atreides — and, as both the first and second teaser trailers show, plus the just-dropped full trailer, this is a time when sacrifices must be made. Dune: Prophecy marks this book-to-screen universe's return to the small screen. Over the past 40 years, the saga started on the page by Frank Herbert has hit cinemas three times so far, including David Lynch's 1984 film and Villeneuve's 2021 standout Dune: Part One. In the 00s, it also spread sand across TV via two miniseries. Everything in pop culture has to span both movies and television at the same time these days, however, hence Dune: Prophecy — even though the tale of Paul, aka sci-fi's spiciest man, is set to continue in a third Dune film that doesn't yet have a release date. Come Monday, November 18, including via Binge in Australia, Dune: Prophecy will follow the sect that gives rise to the Bene Gesserit, the sisterhood that secretly sways the universe. In the debut sneak peek back in May, the narration explained how the faction formed, and was "assigned to the great houses to help them sift truth from lies" — but also noted that that power comes with a price. The second and third glimpses each double down on the costs and chaos, as well as the scheming and subterfuge. And yes, there's also sandworms. Across all three trailers, cue plenty of plotting, lurking in dramatically shadowy spaces, rituals, battles, confrontations and marriages. The focus falls on two Harkonnen sisters — part of the same family that includes Stellan Skarsgard's (Andor) Baron Harkonnen, Dave Bautista's (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3) Rabban and Austin Butler's (The Bikeriders) Feyd-Rautha in the movies — who are attempting to sure up humanity's future. Dune: Prophecy is inspired by Brian Herbert and Kevin J Anderson's novel Sisterhood of Dune, and features Emily Watson (Small Things Like These), Olivia Williams (The Crown), Jodhi May (Renegade Nell), Mark Strong (Tár), Sarah-Sofie Boussnina (The Colony) and Jessica Barden (You & Me) among the cast. Down Under viewers will also spot a heap of Australian talent, such as Travis Fimmel (Boy Swallows Universe), Josh Heuston (Heartbreak High), Shalom Brune-Franklin (Baby Reindeer), Yerin Ha (Halo) and Brendan Cowell (The Castaways). Check out the full trailer for Dune: Prophecy below: Dune: Prophecy will stream from Monday, November 18, 2024, including via Binge in Australia. Read our reviews of Dune: Part One and Dune: Part Two, and our interview with cinematographer Greig Fraser.
Things are looking a little different these days at South Melbourne's Left Handed Chef. The former breakfast hotspot has bid farewell to the AM crowd, transforming itself instead into a lunch and dinner destination. It's still chef-owner Ehud Malka at the helm, sharing the warm Israeli hospitality and Middle Eastern flavours of his heritage, only now it's all available until late, Wednesday to Monday. With its kitsch ornate cutlery and towering grandfather clock, the cosy restaurant space is like a home away from home — and those warm fuzzy feels continue when you learn Malka himself is rolling each falafel to order. The menus offer a slew of authentic Israeli fare, designed with shared feasts in mind. There's a whole range of hummus bowls (eight different ones) served with traditional pita and topped with the likes of the classic za'tar sprinkle ($14.50), fried cauliflower ($16.50) and the 'basar' blend of lamb, pine nuts and harissa ($17.50). You'll find daily changing deli salads and loaded pita wraps featuring the likes of Middle Eastern spit-roasted chicken, alongside mammoth sandwiches best split amongst a crew. One features multiple schnitzels in a whole challah loaf with matbucha (a sauce of tomatoes and roasted capsicum), chips, pickles and roast eggplant ($60). As for those freshly made falafels? They're available to add onto a dish just $1 a pop. And of course, you can round out your feed with something traditionally Israeli and decadently sweet, like classic baklava or some crescent-shaped rugelach pastries.
At the top of Uptown Jazz Cafe's unassuming set of stairs you'll find an iconic Melbourne live jazz experience. The venue has a jam-packed lineup of local and international talent every week, so sit yourself down and enjoy the tunes that come from some of the world's most talented jazz musicians. A perfect accompaniment to the evening — and one of the most-loved partnerships on the north side — is stand-out Japanese fare from downstairs neighbour Akari, who serves up delicious gyoza, okonomiyaki and sushi alongside beer and saké.
The government's restrictions and regulations for COVID-19 containment are changing at a rapid pace. But there are two words we're all hearing on repeat: stay home. As much as is possible within each person's specific set of circumstances (including their job and requirements around food, exercise and health), every Australian is being encouraged to avoid leaving their homes unless absolutely necessary. We're being told that minimising the time spent outside is vital in getting through this crisis. As a result, many of the services that contribute to the lifestyles of city dwellers have been temporarily suspended, including cultural institutions, cinemas, clubs, pubs and gyms. But we still need to be able to access the essentials: household essentials, booze and, of course, food. Up until now, delivery services have been viewed as merely a convenience or something to facilitate laziness. Now, they're more important than ever. IT'S ONE OF THE SAFEST WAYS TO GET FOOD Supermarkets are still open to purchase food and other household items, but we'd rather avoid them as much as possible right now. The stories of stockpiling — and subsequent product shortages and buying restrictions — paint a pretty dire picture of a simple visit to the shops. Plus, with many of our favourite activities currently on hiatus, we have to find fun where we can. Yep, you may not be able to go to a gallery or play team sports, but you can still shirk your cooking and cleanup duties and let someone else prepare dinner. In the wake of the restrictions on public gatherings, many restaurants and cafes have shifted their operations to takeaway and delivery, so you can eat well in the comfort of your own home. And, to put your mind at ease, it's worth remembering that commercial kitchens are held to extremely rigorous food safety and hygiene practices, and most have upped their cleaning and sanitation procedures as the COVID-19 situation unfolded in Australia. For Domino's, this means daily audit checks and no human contact with the pizzas after they leave the 265-degree ovens. IT'S KEEPING PEOPLE INDOORS Obviously, the increased availability of delivery services means there are fewer people out on the streets, which can only be a good thing right now. But some places have taken it one step further. For example, Domino's has introduced a zero-contact delivery for all delivery orders place through the app or over the phone. The person delivering your meal will leave it on your doorstep and call or text you to confirm it's there — and they'll wait until they can see you've picked it up, too. This is just another simple step, facilitated by technology, to limit person-to-person contact with those outside your household. It also means you don't need to leave your house for too long and miss that live-stream of furry koalas, a theatre show or a gig. IT'S KEEPING PEOPLE EMPLOYED As the restrictions continue in an effort to manage the COVID-19 outbreak, huge job losses are occurring over many sectors, including hospitality. Maintaining (and supporting) delivery services is vital to ensuring this number does not continue to grow. In fact, it could help minimise the issue. Some companies, including Domino's, are currently seeking out temporary workers to keep up with increased demand for delivery services. The company is also supporting other essential workers with its Feeding the Frontline efforts, which delivers pizzas to those working tirelessly to support the community during this time — think healthcare, supermarket, government, education and emergency workers — to keep morale up and more people in jobs. Domino's is now offering zero-contact delivery across Australia. To order, head here.
They're best known for their dance floor tunes, but the two musicians behind Peking Duk have now turned their talents to a very different sort of offering, opening their very own bar in South Yarra. The well-known electro duo, Adam Hyde and Reuben Styles, has teamed up with Sydney's Steven Hiles — who transformed a tired Surry Hills pub into what's now The Horse — along with chef James McCall, to launch Talk To Me. Setting up shop on South Yarra's Commercial Road, in the space once home to Less Than Zero, the intimate bar focuses on quality bar snacks, booze and late-night partying — with, certainly, a banging music curation setting the tone. For this latest venture, the musicians have pulled inspiration from their many overseas jaunts, referencing favourite spots in New York and Asia to deliver a super comfy, chilled-out locals' haunt. This American-Chinese inspiration continues into the playful food menu, too, which also works to the same theme as the venue's name. Kicking off with 'Quick Chat', where you'll find king prawns with kampot pepper and cashew honey sauce and a spam and cheese hot dog with ketchup kimchi. You'll also spy a lineup of cheeseburger-inspired treats dubbed 'Cheesy One-Liners' — featuring fun bites like cheeseburger dim sim, cheeseburger springs rolls and a tempura nori cheeseburger teamed with ponzu ketchup — and swag of vegan-friendly fare, including jackfruit bao and twice-cooked cauliflower with a hit of furikake kewpie. The bao, along with cheeseburger and fried chicken versions, are just $3 on Tuesday nights. And, while the menu won't feature any Peking du(c)k, it will feature a small bar-appropriate Fernet-Branca duck rillete with black ash lavosh. Images: Patrick Party.
In Stay of the Week, we explore some of the world's best and most unique accommodations — giving you a little inspiration for your next trip. In this instalment, we hop aboard PS Emmylou on the Murray River. WHAT'S SO SPECIAL? According to the PS Emmylou team, this is the world's only accommodated woodfire paddle steamer. You'll slowly float along the Murray River in this newly kitted-out boat, stopping off at small towns and natural sites to do some light exploring. It has to be one of the very best ways to see this part of Australia. THE ROOMS There are just eight luxe cabins on board the PS Emmylou — it's a proper small-group cruise. You can either opt for the twin cabins with two single beds or one of the double or queen cabins. Each of these is above deck and comes with its own ensuite bathroom, wifi, aircon and windows to let the fresh country air right into your room. There's also one larger suite (that you can book on the Concrete Playground Trips website) with double doors opening directly onto the verandah, where you can relax with a drink in hand and take in the ambience as you cruise the Murray River. This is for those wanting the full luxury experience. FOOD AND DRINK At the back of the paddle steamer, you'll find a covered deck that's set up for meals every day. Whenever you dine, stunning views will surround you. And there are stacks of great meals included. In the morning, you can fill up on a full English Breakfast or go continental — tucking into pastries, cereals and fresh fruit. Your caffeine fix is also sorted with barista-made coffee included. The onboard chef also makes a daily morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea for all the guests, ensuring your belly won't grumble at any part of the trip. Then there are the special multi-course dinners celebrating local produce (with house wine and beers also included). And depending on the itinerary you choose, you can experience gourmet picnics and riverside barbeque dinners under the stars — with live entertainment. [caption id="attachment_894062" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kayaking on the Murray River, Barmah National Park. DNSW.[/caption] THE LOCAL AREA There are two itinerary options available to those who jump aboard the PS Emmylou, taking you to the same parts of the Murray River region but spending more or less time at each. The three-day cruise starts at Echuca and stops off at Layfield Lane, Deep Creek Marina and Torrumbarry Weir. You'll be taken for tastings at Morrisons Riverside Winery and get a tour of the lush Pericoota Station gardens. Plenty of nature hikes are also available. There's also the seven-day cruise. This begins and ends at Torrumbarry Weir. It hits the same spots as the shorter cruise but takes more time to explore each part — that means you can go deeper into the remote areas on guided tours and hikes (and sneak in a few more cultural experiences and winery visits). THE EXTRAS This is an all-inclusive cruise. Return V/Line train fares to Echuca and local transfers to and from the boat are included as well as all your meals, coffee, alcohol and local guided tours. You'll also save about $500 when you book the three-day cruise through Concrete Playground Trips in the spacious Queen Suite. This deal gives you a pretty great reason to jump on board PS Emmylou and explore the mighty Murray River region in total comfort. Feeling inspired to book a truly unique getaway? Head to Concrete Playground Trips to explore a range of holidays curated by our editorial team. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips in destinations all over the world. Images: DNSW
Concrete Playground takes to the streets to uncover Melbourne's most delicious dining strips. With new openings and a legion of local institutions, we're testing out the new kids on the block as well as rediscovering some old favourites along the way. First up: Smith Street. Rolling in the accolades of late, the Collingwood strip is bursting with flavour as the food offering gets more diverse and exciting with each new venue that opens its doors. Huxtaburger Pioneers of Melbourne's dude-food resurgence Huxtaburger prove that sometimes simplicity is best with their straightforward promise of 'hot food, cold beer'. A short, tight menu offers six burgers, ranging from the classic Huxtaburger (beef pattie, mustard, mayo, tomato sauce, tomato, cheese, lettuce and pickles; $8.50) to the Denise, with jalapeno and sriracha mayo ($9.50). For vegetarians, it's the Sondra tofu burger with sesame soy mayo ($9). Team it with crinkle cut chips and you've got a meal to rival any of Smith Street's higher-end restaurants. 106 Smith Street, Collingwood, (03) 9417 6328, huxtaburger.com.au Old Kingdom Before booking here, know the protocol. There will be two questions when you place the call: how many duck?' Phone number?! Answer quickly and briefly. There's no time for pleasantries — a lot of succulent Peking duck needs to be cooked. But don't let the phone manner put you off. While the Kingdom itself isn't adorned with frills, the entertaining service, wallet-friendly food and BYO policy will see you in for a great night. Look on as the waiter theatrically dispenses duck, flinging it onto your plate before teaching you the recommended assembly method; folded inside a delicate pancake alongside spring onion, cucumber and hoi sin sauce. 197 Smith Street, Collingwood, (03) 9417 2438 Saint Crispin Fresh from a recent awards sweep (winning a spot in the 2014 Age Good Food Guide and being named 'Hottest Victorian Restaurant' in The Australian Top 50 Restaurants list this year), Saint Crispin is a relative newcomer to the Smith Street scene. Considering the pedigree of the chefs (their previous work includes The Estelle and The Press Club), it's no surprise that Saint Crispin's menu has been creating media buzz, and with dishes such as WA marron, foie gras parfait, black truffle and sauterne jelly ($10) and little bites of 'snap, crackle and pop' ($9), it's hype that's well deserved. 300 Smith Street, Collingwood, (03) 9419 2202, saintcrispin.com.au Rockwell And Sons The very thought of fried chicken Wednesdays should give you all the motivation required to make it through the mid-week hump. Tenderised in brine, slathered in buttermilk and batter-crunch fried, it takes three days to prepare but only one joyous moment to consume. If you burn your mouth through over-enthusiasm, just cool off with a glass of Riesling or crisp ale. The menu might seem lifted from the table of a tuck-shop diner (the double patty smash burger unashamedly uses Kraft cheese singles for their superior texture and unique melting mechanism), but it's the result of some very careful burger research — and considering the chefs were sourced from Attica and Cutler & Co, we'd tend to trust them. Besides, if hickory-smoked onion rings with Dr Pepper BBQ sauce and a pan fried soft shell crab sandwich with bacon, cabbage slaw and mustard creme fraiche don't convince, we can't help you. 288 Smith Street, Collingwood, (03) 8415 0700, rockwellandsons.com.au Po' Boy Quarter The Gumbo Kitchen food truck has finally found a place to park its po' boys, obtaining permanent residency at their new headquarters on Smith. They're keeping the Creole flavours coming with smoky pulled pork, southern fried chicken and shucked oysters, and while there's a focus on free range and fresh, it’s the lustre of deep fried snacks that will get you every time. The serves are hunking huge, which, surprisingly, has led to the odd criticism in social media. But complaining about portion size being too big is like saying 'my only weakness is that I'm a perfectionist' in a job interview. So maybe don't come here if you're after a light snack before the gym — for everyone else, dig in. 295 Smith Street, Collingwood, (03) 9419 2130, gumbokitchen.com.au Josie Bones A mural of pork-porn above the bar sets the tone of this carnivorous eating house, where dishes like potted pork and smoked beer jelly ($12) and braised pigs trotter (stuffed with sweetbreads and mushrooms with smoked potato mash; $25) make nose-to-tail eating sound glamorous. The dishes are small but packed with flavour; be prepared to spend some cash if you're seeking a hearty feed. Otherwise, just settle in for an international tour of the craft beer list — there's over 250 brews on the menu and eight on rotating tap. While the meat-minded menu is the obvious drawcard here, ultimately it's about the brew, not the chew. That said, they cater to vegetarians surprisingly well — so nobody needs to feel left out. 98 Smith Street, Collingwood, (03) 9417 1878, josiebones.com
Another vaccination milestone, another loosening of COVID-19 rules: that's becoming an end-of-week tradition in Victoria. The metropolitan Melbourne region just came out of lockdown a couple of days back, at 11.59pm on Thursday, October 21, after the state hit the 70-percent double-vaccinated mark — and now, with the 80-percent double-jabbed threshold set to be reached in the coming days, more rules will ease across Victoria at 6pm on Friday, October 29. All those restrictions you've been abiding by for the past few days? Yes, they're about to change. And while Victoria has an existing roadmap for easing back to the pandemic version of normality, the new requirements that'll kick in at the 80-percent double-vaxxed mark have been fleshed out in further detail. Also, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews advised what's in store when the state hits 90-percent double-vaxxed among those aged 12 and over, too. "Thanks to the hard work of millions of Victorians who turned out to get vaccinated in recent months, the Victorian Government has today been able to outline what life will be like as we hit our 80 per cent and 90 per cent double dose targets," said the Premier in a statement. "Victoria will reach its 80-percent double-dose vaccination milestone almost a week ahead of schedule, on Friday 29 October. When we reach our 90-percent double-dose milestone — predicted to be as early as 24 November — a significant easing of all major restrictions will occur," Andrews continued. Victoria will hit 80% double dosed this week, and the Chief Health Officer determined that at 6pm on Friday 29 October more restrictions will be eased - and Victoria will all come together under the same restrictions. pic.twitter.com/XJvxbPel2n — Dan Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) October 24, 2021 Accordingly, when 6pm arrives on Friday, October 29, public outdoor gatherings will go up to 30 people (including dependents). At-home limits won't change, however, so that remains at up to ten people (including dependents) per day. With both, vaccination is listed as "strongly recommended" by the government. Retail can reopen, and gyms as well — both to double-jabbed folks. In most indoor settings in public — which includes restaurants, pubs, retail, gyms, hairdressers and beauty services — there'll be no set limit on the number of people if all staff and patrons are double-vaccinated, although the one person per four-square-metre rule will still apply. And outdoors in these same types of locations, there'll be a 500-person cap up to one person per two-square-metres if all staff and patrons are double-jabbed. Plus, these rules will also apply to weddings, funerals and religious gatherings, again if everyone is double-vaxxed. In great news for everyone sick of their streaming queues, indoor entertainment venues can finally reopen. With seated venues — with spans cinemas and theatres — there's a 75-percent capacity limit, or the one person per four-square-metre rule up to a 1000-person cap, but only if both staff and patrons are double-jabbed. Non-seated non-seated indoor entertainment venues won't have to abide by a set number, but the one person per four-square-metre requirement applies, again if everyone is double-vaccinated. [caption id="attachment_788042" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Google Maps[/caption] Outdoors, both seated and non-seated entertainment venues — so stadiums, zoos and tourism attractions — can open with the one person per two-square-metres restriction up to 5000 if staff and patrons are double-vaxxed. Also, events such as music festivals can also hit the 5000-attendee mark, but there might be other restrictions depending on the venue. The new rules state that the Chief Health Officer can allow larger crowds "for significant events and venues under the Public Events Framework, " too. The requirements around masks are changing as well, and will only be mandated indoors — not outdoors. That said, it's still highly recommended that Victorians keep masking up outside in busy streets, outdoor markets or anywhere you can't physically distance from other people. Plus, you can get ready to mosey around all of Victoria again. The entire state will be under the same rules at the 80-percent double-vaxxed mark, which means that travelling from metropolitan Melbourne to regional Victoria will be permitted. Interstate travel will be allowed as well, although that obviously depends on other states' border rules. Still, Victoria has already dropped its quarantine requirement for double-vaccinated folks entering the state from places deemed 'red zones'. Also, as previously announced, there'll be no quarantine for double-jabbed travellers returning from overseas from Monday, November 1, either. [caption id="attachment_818582" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Le Bajo, Julia Sansone[/caption] Then, at the 90-percent double-jabbed threshold — so around Wednesday, November 24, with the exact date obviously yet to be confirmed depending on vaccination numbers over the next month — even more rules will relax. The Premier said that this stage would see "all major restrictions will ease and we'll get back to something resembling our pre-COVID lives." So, this is when all caps and density quotients will be ditched — covering everywhere, including at-home, outdoors and at venues. Indeed, there'll be no restrictions for indoor and outdoor events at all, as long as they stick to COVID-safe rules, which includes vax requirements. At this stage, you'll also only have to mask up in a few high-risk settings indoors. So, your face will only need to be covered in places such as hospitals, aged care and public transport. Yes, after enduring the city's sixth lockdown of the pandemic, the next few months in Melbourne are now looking a whole lot different. Today's announcement comes as 1935 new local COVID-19 cases were reported. Victoria's COVID-19 restrictions will relax again at 6pm on Friday, October 29. For further information about Victoria's reopening roadmap, head to the Victorian Government website. For more information about the status of COVID-19 and the current restrictions, head over to the Department of Health website. Top image: Josie Withers, Visit Victoria.
Now is the time to start planning your big adventures for 2020. After all, you have early bird flight specials to nab, spare hours to spend browsing and plenty of time to give your boss leave notice — before everyone else does. To save you time, we've scoured the globe to find the best destinations of 2020. There's something for every adventurer on this list — whether you're looking to visit the most sustainable destination in the world or keen to try out a brand new, multi-country hiking trail. KOCHI, INDIA Kochi's claim to fame is its massive, beautiful estuary — perched on India's southwest coast on the Arabian Sea. Traders, fishers, sailors and merchants have been travelling here for more than 600 years. And, more recently, it's become a mecca for artists. Spend your holiday wandering among 16th-century Portuguese architecture, bohemian cafes and thousand-year-old mosques, including the oldest one in India. In 2020, the Kochi-Muziris Biennale will fill the city with art, including the likes of site-specific installations in heritage buildings, live performance in disused spaces and exhibitions in traditional galleries. For an extra local experience, consider booking a homestay. ARMENIA Keen hiker? Make Armenia your 2020 destination. The new Transcaucasian Trail, which travels through some of the most remote countryside in Armenia and Georgia, gives you 3000 kilometres to conquer. One of the best sections is the 80-kilometre walk through Dilijan National Park, a five-day adventure among tenth-century monasteries, magical villages and enchanting forests. There's also Lake Sevan, which, at 1900 metres above sea level, is one of the largest freshwater high-altitude lakes in the world. You can camp in the wild or book into local guesthouses. If you're looking for some company, book a spot on a guided group treks, run by the creators of the Transcaucasian Trail. ETHIOPIA In 2018, tourism in Ethiopia went through the roof, increasing by 48.6 percent in just 12 months. If you have your heart set on visiting, it could be a good idea to go soon — before it gets even busier. You'll most likely begin your journey in Addis Ababa, the capital, where you'll meet Lucy, a 3.2 million-year-old skeleton of a human ancestor, in the National Museum. Other sights to add to your itinerary include the castles of Gondar, the World Heritage-listed ruins of ancient Aksum, the medieval stone churches of Lalibela and the Menz-Guassa Conservation Area, a community-managed wilderness that's home to Ethiopian wolves, geladas (baboons) and bearded vultures. TOKYO, JAPAN If Tokyo is on your bucket list, this could be the year to tick it off. The city's gearing up to host the 2020 Summer Olympics and Paralympics — from July 24–August 9 and August 25–September 9, respectively — so it's be even more dazzling than usual. Get started with the newest developments, including Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa, where the underwater world meets immersive digital art; Shibuya Scramble Square, a 230-metre tower with views all the way to Mount Fuji; and the Kengo Kuma-designed Meiji Jingu Museum, where history blends with nature. You'll need to relax in between sights, so be sure to take five in an ashiyu (footbath) cafe, dine in a Buddhist temple and sample some quality drops in Tokyo's many wineries. Travelling on a budget? Check out our shoestring guide to Tokyo over here. GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN For followers of 16-year-old climate change activist Greta Thunberg, Gothenburg should be on the bucket list. Located on Sweden's west coast, half way between Oslo, Norway, and Copenhagen, Denmark, it's the most sustainable destination in the world, according to the Global Destination Sustainability Index. Among its eco-friendly delights are a public sauna made out of 12,000 recycled bottles, a theme park powered entirely by wind, ethical cafes galore, 274 square metres of green space per resident and a 1200-room hotel with more than 150,000 bees living on its rooftop. GALWAY, IRELAND Galway is always one big music festival — 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. And, this year, things will go next level, as the city embraces its status as a 2020 European Capital of Culture. The action will begin on Saturday, February 8, with an epic opening party in Galway Square, which will unleash a four-part year-long programme, inspired by the seasons. Prepare for touring theatre, lively concerts in the city's surrounding villages, audio installations, poetry readings on beaches, floating light shows and loads more. Check out the full programme over here. PAPUA NEW GUINEA If you're not into crowds, Papua New Guinea might the place to go. Its tourism density is just 2.75 percent, according to Intrepid Travel's 2019 Tourism Density Index. This means that, for every 100 residents, just three tourists visit per year. And yet PNG is just four hours' flight from Sydney. Begin with a deep dive into culture and history at the National Museum and Art Gallery in Port Moresby, before checking out the white-sanded beaches of Yuo Island, the cassowaries and endangered Matschie's tree kangaroos in Lae's Rainforest Habitat and the brightly coloured haus tambarans of Maprik. Getting around Papua New Guinea isn't always easy or safe, so be sure to plan before you go. NEW YORK STATE New York City is worth a visit anytime. But there's a compelling new reason to explore the rest of New York State: The Empire State Trail. Due to be finished by the end of 2020, this mammoth achievement is a 750-mile (1200-kilometre) path that travels from Manhattan to Lake Champlain on the Canadian border, as well as from Buffalo, the second biggest city in New York State, to Albany. You'll be able to walk or cycle every section — and link to several famous trails and areas along the way, like the Appalachian Trail, Catskill Park and the Great Lakes Seaway Trail. AMAZON RAINFOREST During the past decade, a whopping 62,000 square kilometres of the Amazon Rainforest has been deforested — mainly due to beef farming, logging and palm oil production. That's equal to 8.4 million soccer fields. The good news is that, according to the World Wildlife Fund, one way to help the Amazon is ecotourism, which provides income to local communities, while sustaining the environment. Consider a stay on the floating Amazon Eco Lodge, a trip with a responsible operator like Gondwana Ecotours or supporting the work of the Amazon Conservation Association. RWANDA Rwanda's Akagera National Park is a environmental success story. Nearly destroyed by war and hunters, it's now a thriving wilderness, where lions, warthogs, impala, hipos and zebra roam — thanks to a decade-long conservation program. It's reason enough to visit Rwanda in 2020, but, while you're there, you should also check out the mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park and the pretty beaches of Lake Kivu. For a spot of city life, head to Huye, where you'll find the rich collections of the Ethnographic Museum, the National University of Rwanda and, most importantly on steaming hot days, Inzozi Nziza ice cream shop, run by an all-female collective.
After years of international border closures, and also the shutting down of overseas travel from Australia except for specific approved purposes, seeing the world open back up to tourism country by country is a far more pleasing trend. And, with that in mind, you can now add another destination to your next overseas holiday — yes, that one you've probably spent two years dreaming about now thanks to the pandemic. That location: Bali, which will start welcoming back Australian tourists from Friday, February 4. The Indonesian island will reopen to all international travellers, coinciding with a move to shorten the quarantine period for vaccinated visitors from seven to five days upon arrival. So, if you're now raring for a getaway, you'll still need to factor a stay in isolation into your travels — which likely means spending that time in a bubble hotel. Discussing the reopening, Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan said that Bali's quarantine options for international traveler include "bubble quarantine at five hotels for now with a total of 447 rooms, and on live-on-board ships". The move follows an earlier reopening, back in mid-October, but just to some countries — with opening Bali to all tourists now happening to help boost the holiday hotspot's economy. Late in 2021, Virgin started selling flights from Australia to Bali for travel from late March, while Qantas signalled an April date to restart its Bali routes. Australians will obviously need to factor in the various state rules around international travel, too — some helpful, such as Queensland's recent scrapping of quarantine for double-vaccinated international travellers, and some that'll still delay your plans, like Western Australia's decision to indefinitely delay its border reopening. For more information about Bali's reopening plan, head to the Indonesian Government's website.
You may have thought your days of hanging out in car parks were over, but this Melbourne music event aims to change that. Play On brings a unique combination of live classical and electronic music to the underground car park at the Collingwood Housing Estate and, after three successful seasons, it's back for three Friday nights on March 9, 16 and 23. The event presents classical music outside of traditional performance venues, making it both an accessible and pretty magical experience in a space that welcomes music lovers from all walks of life. The events will see the likes of Beethoven and Debussy played by the Play On Collective, followed by sets from local DJs, including Noise in My Head. Tickets are $20 presale or $25 on the door. Images: Alan Wheedon.
It wasn't just a Twitter thread — it was the Twitter thread. Whether you read Aziah 'Zola' King's viral 148-post stripper saga live as it happened back in October 2015, stumbled across the details afterwards as the internet lost its mind or only heard about it via Zola's buzzy trailer, calling this stranger-than-fiction tale a wild ride will always be an understatement. Its instantly gripping opening words, as also used in Janicza Bravo's (Lemon) savvy, sharp, candy-hued tweet-to-screen adaptation, happen to capture the whole OMG, WTF and OTT vibe perfectly: "you wanna hear a story about how me and this bitch fell out? It's kind of long, but it's full of suspense." In the film, that phrase is uttered aloud by Zola's eponymous Detroit waitress (Taylour Paige, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom). Still, the movie firmly embraces its origins. For those wondering how a filmmaker turns a series of tweets into a feature, Bravo handles the task with flair, energy, enthusiasm and a clear understanding of social media's role in our lives. Much of the phrasing that the real-life Zola used has made its way into the conversational script, which was co-written by playwright Jeremy O Harris. Each time that occurs, the film echoes with tell-tale swooshes, whistles and dings. But those words and alerts are just the starting point; as Zola's chaotic narrative unfurls, it comes to life with a mix of the hyperreal, the loose and the dreamy. It doesn't merely tell a tale taken from the tweetstorm to end all tweetstorms, but also uses every aesthetic choice it can to mirror the always-on, always-posing, always-sharing online realm. The other person that Zola refers to in her initial statement is the cornrow-wearing, blaccent-sporting Stefani (Riley Keough, The Lodge), who she serves at work, then joins on a jaunt to Florida. They immediately hit it off, which is what inspires the invite to head south — a "hoe trip" is how Zola describes it — however, what's meant to be a girls' getaway for a stint of lucrative exotic dancing in Tampa soon gets messy. The drive is long, and Stefani's boyfriend Derreck (Nicholas Braun, Succession) quickly dampens the mood with his awkward, try-hard schtick. Then there's X (Colman Domingo, Candyman), who, while introduced as Stefani's roommate, is actually her pimp. Trafficking Zola into sex work is the real plan of this working holiday, she discovers, but she's ferociously adamant that she won't be "poppin' pussy for pennies". As the woman both relaying and riding Zola's rollercoaster of a story, Paige is fierce and finessed. It's a tricky part; making the dialogue sound authentic, and also like it could've just been rattled off on social media with a mix of emojis and all caps, requires a precise tonal balance, for starters. So does ensuring that Zola always feels like a real person, especially given the tale's ups and downs. That said, Paige is guided by Bravo at every turn, with recognising how things play online and how they pan out in reality — and the frequent disconnection between the two — one of the filmmaker's biggest masterstrokes. That's exactly what a flick that's based on a Twitter thread should offer, rather than just mining posts for punchy content that's already proven popular. Using the platform as source material definitely doesn't equal an endorsement here. Instead, it sparks a brash and bouncy feature that interrogates its inspiration and the mechanism that turned it into a whirlwind, rather than serves up a cinematic retweet. Zola also draws upon David Kushner's Rolling Stone article 'Zola Tells All: The Real Story Behind the Greatest Stripper Saga Ever Tweeted', because 148 tweets can't cover everything. Nonetheless, plenty of the film's success emanates from its almost-surreal 16mm imagery and its airy, eerie-scored atmosphere, too. Its namesake's early words aren't misleading: this is a narrative filled with suspense. The waves it surfs in its mood and stylistic decisions cause just as must jitteriness, though — in a fantastic way. Zola hangs together immaculately, and it constantly feels as if Bravo, cinematographer Ari Wegner (The Power of the Dog), editor Joi McMillon (If Beale Street Could Talk) and composer Mica Levi (Monos) could go anywhere. That's a powerhouse lineup of talent, after all, with the latter trio's resumes spanning some of the killer films of the past decade: Lady Macbeth, In Fabric, True History of the Kelly Gang, Moonlight, Under the Skin and Jackie all included. Alongside Paige, Zola's cast is equally impressive, even if it initially appears as if a few might simply stick to type. Keough could've stepped off of American Honey's set and onto this one, and not just because they're both road-trip movies, yet adds another tricky yet memorable performance to her filmography. Written into her character, and conveyed in her portrayal as well, is a dissection of cultural appropriation. Stefani acts like she's Black in lieu of forming her own identity, is wilfully ignorant of that fact while being openly racist, and provides a pinpoint-precise portrait of oblivious, exploitative, all-devouring whiteness. Similar ideas bubble through Braun's work as the gangly and bungling Derrek — a twist on his acclaimed Cousin Greg persona, but with far less cash — and the concept of adopting a part and facade also lingers in Colman's scarily compelling and icily charming efforts. These are layered performances, befitting the rich and multi-faceted film they're in. Nothing in any movie is ever just one thing, but Zola demonstrates that notion with commitment and command. It's there in the feature's bold approach, including its eagerness to unpack its genesis on several levels. It's there in the film's gleaming yet never glamorous appearance as well, which almost pitches itself into the world of fantasy while steadfastly recognising that nothing about its story is seductive or alluring. And, it echoes in the tiniest of choices. Take an early moment, in a bathroom, where both Zola and her new pal take a leak. Shot from above, this is the smartest peeing scene you're ever likely to see, and expresses so much about its central duo purely by peering at their urine. Turning tweets and piss into a must-see movie? That's cinematic alchemy.
When a beaming face is described as "the worst smile I have ever seen in my life", it isn't quickly forgotten. The grins in Parker Finn's films aren't meant to be easily shaken. That line springs from the writer/director's debut feature, which wasn't his first to wonder what might happen if someone couldn't stop seeing the same Cheshire Cat-like expression everywhere to nerve-shredding effect. Before Smile became the highest-grossing horror movie of 2022 — and before the box-office smash spawned 2024 sequel Smile 2 — Finn played with the same concept in his 2020 short Laura Hasn't Slept. Australian actor Caitlin Stasey (Class of '07) plays the eponymous character, who can't get some shuteye as the film's title notes. As she explains to a therapist when the short begins, closing her eyes means having nightmares about a smiling face. When Smile then starts, Laura is in the frame again, still struggling with a grin that no one wants to see. The concept from there: that being taunted and haunted by the eerie smile that can appear everywhere and on anyone is both deeply unsettling and contagious. Smile's point of focus is psychiatrist Rose Cotter (Sosie Bacon, Mare of Easttown). In Smile 2, it's mega pop star Skye Riley's (Naomi Scott, Anatomy of a Scandal) turn. When the supernatural force at the centre of Finn's work so far is smiling, which is whenever it's on-screen no matter the face it has taken, the unlucky target's whole world feels anything but warm. Horrific, terrifying, distressing, tormenting: those terms all fit as well. So discovers Skye a year after a car accident ended her last tour, also leaving her both injured and grieving. She's on the comeback trail when Smile 2 kicks off, with a new album out and a fresh run of live gigs to come. Then a smiling malevolent evil won't leave her alone — and the spiralling that follows as she endeavours to understand what's happening, what's real and what isn't, and how to stop it, all plays out in the public gaze. These are flicks to see with an audience, even if Laura Hasn't Slept made the program at 2020's SXSW in Austin, which took place solely online due to the pandemic. It still won a Special Jury Award in the Midnight Short program, then clearly caught Hollywood's attention. Finn himself loves seeing viewers react to his movies. His latest chance to do just that came via Smile 2's Australian premiere. It was also his latest connection with SXSW, this time at SXSW Sydney 2024, where the film screened as one of the SXSW Sydney Screen Festival headliners. [caption id="attachment_976458" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Don Arnold/Getty Images for Paramount[/caption] "It's the best. I think that, especially as a writer/director, it's incredibly delayed gratification when you're trying to make a film. It takes years to do it. The whole reason that I make films is for audiences, and that moment when you finally are putting it out in the world, I love watching the film with audiences," Finn tells Concrete Playground following a screening that he advises was "fantastic, great crowd, really fun". He continues: "so to hear everybody screaming or laughing or gasping or going silent all at the same moment, it's the best". Also featuring Lukas Gage (Dead Boy Detectives), Rosemarie DeWitt (The Boys), Ray Nicholson (Licorice Pizza — and, yes, the son of Jack Nicholson), Dylan Gelula (Hacks), Peter Jacobson (Fly Me to the Moon) and Raúl Castillo (Cassandro), plus Smile's Kyle Gallner (Strange Darling) returning, Smile 2 skews bigger, bolder and gorier than its predecessors. It reinforces a clever connection at the heart of the franchise, too: that seeing people happy and smiling when you're having a tough time, with or without a supernatural force at work, can be hellish itself. We also chatted with Finn about what makes an unshakeably scary smile for him, the inspiration for the franchise, researching pop stars, casting an incredibly committed Scott as Skye, his hopes for the future of all things Smile and more. On What Makes a Perfectly Unnerving Smile That Creeps You to Your Bones "The smiles in the film are all human performance. We're not adding any VFX or CG to these. And for me, it's that uncanny sort of smile that feels like it should be friendly. But the way that we frame it, the way that we have the throughline of how the actors perform it — for me it's the disconnected eyes from the smile that don't break staring at you, it just creates so much tension and stress for me. I find it really creepy." On What Inspires a Maniacally Smiling Figure to Pop Into Your Mind When You're Dreaming up a Serial Killer-Like Supernatural Entity "I think that what's so great about, for me, the concept of Smile is that of course there's turning the warm, friendly gesture on its head, and turning it into something cruel and upsetting — but what I really love about it is this idea of how we employ smiles almost as a mask. And what we put out into the world, we're trying to say 'hey, everything's okay' and it's hiding what's really going on on the inside. In the world of Smile, I love that if you look on the other side of that coin, the smiling faces are also hiding something on the other side, belying what's really behind that smile, something quite evil. And for me, I love that dichotomy." On Making a Connection Between Skye Spiralling and How a Smile Can Feel Taunting If You're Struggling "The reason I want to tell these stories, I love all these big supernatural elements, but it's really about this character's story and really trying to put the audience in this character's shoes. Which was an interesting challenge for this film because Skye is a mega-famous pop star, which is not necessarily a relatable scenario for most people. But I wanted to go behind that velvet rope and tie them to this human being who's quite broken and dealing with really fraught emotions. And I wanted people to really be able to connect with her and relate with her as a human being, and to feel the stress and the anxiety and the walls closing in as she's spiralling out of control, trying to use all the techniques of filmmaking to make the audience feel what Skye feels." On the Research That Went Into the Pop Star Side of the Story, Including Diving Into Pressures, Expectations and Constant Public Scrutiny "I think we're at this peak parasocial relationship with celebrity, and nothing is bigger in celebrity or fame right now than pop. So some of these pop stars have been elevated to the status of a demigod. And I was so interested about what's going on behind the scenes, the real person behind that. How can you deal with that level of expectation? So I dove headfirst into research. I watched every documentary that I could. I read every essay, every article, every interview and just kind of immersed myself in that world of pop. And so much from that research directly wormed its way into the script and into the film. It really helped guide a lot of what I wanted to do." On Enlisting Naomi Scott to Play Skye — and Her Performance at the Pop Star's Best and Worst Moments "I think that Naomi was the perfect storm for this character. She inherently has this X-factor gravitas to her, where I believe this mega pop star, that she could really be this character. But at the same time, she's capable of these incredibly raw, human moments, as she's hitting rock bottom. And it happens to be that she's this incredibly talented singer, she can perform choreography, she can do all these amazing things. She's such a force of nature, and the role was incredibly demanding, and it was an absolute dream to get to work with her." On Creating an Unsettling Mood and Tone That Kicks in Immediately and Doesn't Subside "Mood and tone, and this creeping sense of dread, is something that is really important for me to build into these films. I wanted to make sure that in both films, we, from the opening frame, feel incredibly anxious — and that the movie, what we're exploring with some of the themes and motifs, I want to create that emotionality for the audience, to make them feel what the movie is doing to the characters. It's all about this precision use of filmmaking tools. Obviously performance, what we're doing with the camera, sound design, everything, to just build this stress that just keeps bubbling and boiling more and more and more — and it turns into this powderkeg that's ready to explode by the end." On Finn's Dream for the Concept When He Was Starting Out with Laura Hasn't Slept "The dream was that it got into SXSW. That was as far as I had gotten — as far as thinking 'hey, how is this film going to live and be presented to the world?'. I made that short to stand alone. But while I was in post on it, I had this idea that eventually became the first Smile. The short had really inspired that journey towards Smile. But I think that short and everything that happened after, that's a very rare example where reality way, way, way overshot any expectations I had. So it was like a pinch-me, dream-come-true moment." On Going Bigger in Scope, Scares, Tension, Intensity, Gore, Shocks and Boldness with Smile 2 "Of course I wanted to challenge myself. For me, I only want to make films that I'm terrified to make. I think that's how I'm going to get the best out of myself. But making that jump from the first Smile to Smile 2, it's a much bigger film and I bit off a lot more. But I always love to try to punch above my budget and above our schedule, and go maximalist with everything. So we have more resources, yes, but we also are doing so much more, this so much more movie to make — so it was still just about putting that one foot in front of the other and trying to create the best experience for the audience possible." On Where Finn Would Like to Take the Smile Franchise From Here "I think we'll have to see. I think there's a lot of really exciting directions that that Smile could go. Right now, I'm really excited to see how audiences react to Smile 2. If we're so lucky to have audiences connect with it, I love the idea that these movies could just keep getting more and more off the rails and insane, and really doing new, unexpected versions of what Smile is. That would be important to me, to keep it very fresh and exciting and unexpected." Smile 2 opened in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, October 17, 2024.
The team behind the South American-inspired stable of San Telmo, Pastuso and Palermo has unveiled its latest project, with fiery Southbank newcomer Asado. Named after the traditional Argentinian style of slow-cooked barbecue and the relaxed dining experience it informs, the bar and eatery is centred around an open fire pit and a custom-made three-metre-long charcoal parrilla grill. Bright, bold and buzzy, the 250-seater steers away from the moody, intimate feel of its siblings, boasting soaring windows and vibrant art deco features. To match, chef Oliver Gould has designed a lively menu of authentic Argentinian flavours with Spanish touches. You'll spy the likes of snack-friendly jamón boards and tinned seafood, alongside diamond clams spiked with Manzanilla sherry, peas and banana chillies, grilled beef tongue skewers with chimichurri, and charred baby octopus paired with smoked paprika and squid ink. Rounding out the fun, is a drinks list worthy of celebration — think sangria, Patagonian pilsner, top-notch sherry and a wine list that heroes the best of Argentina's Mendoza region. Opening in the coming months, Asado's adjacent 'sandwicheria' will dish up a more casual affair for the area's lunchtime set. Find Asado at 6 Riverside Quay, Southbank. Images: Jake Roden
Uber's really gunning on the whole transportable goods monopoly, huh. Transport's youngest taxi-threatening empire moved to explore the billion-dollar food delivery market, after the recent Messina delivery hootenanny (which didn't actually work for hundred of new Uber — Newber? — users). But that type of gimmicky PR stunt is going one step further into an actual delivery service: lunch delivered by taxi driver, in under ten minutes. UberFresh is the idea, with the plan to make Uber drivers into the ultimate vehicular-based slashie: equal parts taxi driver and delivery person. Planning to take you "happy to hungry in under ten minutes", the service is capitalising on that bout of hanger that sets in when your delivery snail takes an age to show up. But you can't just order any ol' extravagant, slow-cooked short rib for lunch and expect it to show up in ten. UberFresh works on a limited menu, daily specials restricted to sandwiches, salads or soups from local businesses (with a little side cookie thrown in). You'll have to meet the driver on the street to pick up your lunch, but you just skipped a 20-minute lunch line, so hush. The UberFresh program is currently only available in Santa Monica and on weekdays until September 5. Plans to bring the service to Australia or New Zealand haven't yet been announced, but with the rising rates of Uber users (and the anger at Cabcharge's sneaky extra fees) rising, shouldn't be too long before your lunch is just ten minutes away. Delivery.com and Seamless probably need new pants. Via Grub Street.
Dubai is truly the land of structural opportunity, the Hollywood of the architectural world. There seems to be no limit to what can be built in Dubai, and while they've spent the last few decades ranging upwards with more and more outlandishly tall towers — Dubai Civil Defence is even training a fleet of jet-packed fire fighters to respond to the crazy heights — they now have set their sights on the magical realm of under the sea. Dubai's first partially underwater villa, named The Floating Seahorse, has just been completed in the Heart of Europe, a cluster of luxury man-made islands just a few miles off the shore. The lower level of the three-storey structure is completely submerged so you can literally sleep with the fishes (in a non-life threatening kind of way). The house also features a man-made reef to encourage the growth and protect marine life in the area, with a special focus on their namesake, the seahorse. The villa is one of 42 being built in the area, all of which have apparently been sold for a cool $2.7 million clams. If you missed out, we suggest turning the heater up to humid and grabbing a copy of the Sims 3: Island Paradise expansion — it's basically the same thing but for a fraction of the price. While the villas are astounding, they're not altogether surprising because we, the collective consciousness of the Internet, have recently been going bananas for everything submerged. The Airbnb room literally inside an aquarium shark tank, Africa's first underwater hotel and Subsix in the Maldives — a sunken restaurant with 360 degree views of the surrounding marine life — all point towards an interest in watery accommodation. Something Sebastian the crab said must have really gotten into our brains because we all want to be under the sea (ideally with a hot crustacean band). And now we can. Via Travel + Leisure.
Stay tuned. More info coming soon. Images: Giulia Morlando.
Revel, the crew behind such epicurean hits as Pinot Palooza, Game of Rhones and Mould, is back with another standout food and wine event, this time devoted to all things Greek. After a successful debut in Melbourne last year, Oinofilia: A Celebration of the Wines of Greece will return to North Melbourne's Meat Market this June, and will also head north for its first Sydney appearance the same weekend. As with previous Revel events, wine lovers are in for a serious treat here. Greece takes the cake as Europe's oldest wine-producing region and Oinofilia is out to do it justice, showcasing 80 different wines from every corner of the country. Visitors will have the chance to sample unique varietals like Assyrtiko, Xinomavro, Moschofilero and Agiorgitiko, and chat to producers flown in especially for the event. Being a Greek celebration, no one's about to go hungry either. The Melbourne edition will feature authentic fare from Camberwell's Elyros and sister restaurant Epocha, along with treats from Prahran Market's famed Sweet Greek. Sydney's culinary lineup will be announced in the coming weeks. According to Revel founder and director Dan Sims, it's the chance for locals to get acquainted with a Greek offering that's often underrated here in Australia. "Oinofilia, from the Greek oîn, is by definition a love of wine," he says. "We all love Greek food, culture, and those islands, now it's time to celebrate Greek wine." Oinofilia Sydney takes over Commune on Saturday, June 23, while the Melbourne event returns to The Meat Market, North Melbourne, on Sunday, June 24. Tickets are $55, and include all wine tastings and a Plumm wine glass to keep. Grab them here.
To mark the coming of winter, the Middle Park Hotel — one of Melbourne's much-loved gastropubs — has welcomed new head chef Sangsub Ha and a Korean-inspired menu. Ultra-fresh seafood is king on the new menu. For a bona fide Korean experience, go for the platter loaded with slow-cooked pork shoulder, oysters, jalapeño pickle, ssamjanj (a spicy paste) and cos. From this, you can build your own ssam, which involves wrapping up the ingredients in a lettuce leaf. Also on the sharing menu are whitebait with mentaiko mayo and seaweed and Hervey Bay scallops in garlic butter with prawns and crispy leek. If you're a Middle Park steak groupie, fear not. The pub is far from abandoning its meaty side. The revamped menu features five cuts, a 1.5-kilogram dry-aged ribeye platter and a revamped burger, crowded with a house-made wagyu pattie, beetroot, egg, tomato, gruyere and caramelised onion jus. The same goes for the classics, which have been reimagined under Ha's tenure. If you're keen on bangers and mash, give the pork and fennel sausage with plum-infused semi-dried tomatoes, leek and white pepper mash and duck fat gravy a try. Experimental flavours continue in the dessert portion with berry gazpacho with goat's cheese sorbet and white sangria poached mandarin with liquorice ice cream. And the vibe at Middle Park is as laidback as ever. "Our new menu is available in the restaurant and the bar because we want to stay as a place where you can come for a casual feed with friends while you watch the footy, as well as somewhere you can celebrate a special occasion...We're still a community pub at the heart of it," says manager Ross Nash. To give the new menu a try, make a booking over the phone or via Middle Park's website.
Your options for post-work knock-offs just got even better, thanks to Mini Cocktail Aperitivo Hour at Morris House in Melbourne's CBD. If you're looking for an affordable, elevated weekday experience, head to Morris House. Here you'll find something a bit better than a happy hour, where every Thursday and Friday from 4–6pm, you can enjoy five mini cocktails paired with matching snacks. There is also a refreshing non-alcoholic option if you're taking it easy. The best bit? Each pairing is just $12. With prices like these, things are only bound to get better. With a prime rooftop location in the CBD, live DJs taking the stage from 6pm and a range of cocktails and snack offerings, it's almost impossible not to stay a while. Enjoy a Espresso Pronto with a Cherry Ripe Ganache, a Negroni Nano with Stuffed Olives, or opt for a Spicy Watermelon Marg with a chilli con carne taquito, just to name a few. So, whether you're looking for a spot to wind down after work with the team or kick off the weekend early with mates, Mini Cocktail Aperitivo Hour at Morris House is the perfect way to try new flavours, one small bite and sip at a time. For more information on Mini Cocktail Aperitivo Hour at Morris House, visit the website. Terms and conditions apply. 18+ only. For more bars and restaurants around Melbourne, explore more on Concrete Playground. Images: Supplied.
If you subscribe to the motto of 'go big, or go home' when it comes to Christmas decorations, here's your excuse to hightail it out to Geelong this festive season. The dazzling Christmas Festival of Lights is returning to Adventure Park Geelong for its 2022 instalment, blazing bright from Friday, November 18–Sunday, January 1, 2023. Pegged to be the largest Christmas lights display in the entire state — and the family-friendly fest's biggest to date — it's set to feature more than three million lights and 1000 colourful light installations. The Geelong theme park will come alive most nights (November 18–19, November 25–December 24, December 26-January 1), with its main attraction being a two-kilometre walking trail weaving right through the luminous festive light shows. There'll also be rides for young and old, Santa visits, craft stations, and a swag of live entertainment ranging from roving Christmas carolers to an interactive acrobatic show. Plus, while you wander, you can tap into more of that festive spirit with a variety of food truck eats and Christmas-themed cocktails. Ticketing for the fest is based on height — kids under 90cm will get in for free, while punters between 90–120cm will pay $32.50 and those above 120cm can enter for $39.50.
It isn't every day that you can peer up at the Melbourne sky and spot a family of giant hot-air balloon sculptures soaring above the city — but on Saturday, March 19, you can do just that. That's when Patricia Piccinini's Skywhalepapa will make its Melbourne debut, floating through the air alongside the artist's otherworldly Skywhale. Our advice: do look up. Dubbed Skywhales: Every Heart Sings, the distinctive works will take to the air from Yarra Bend's Corban Oval at 5am, then hover above the city. Get up early to see them launch or find a great vantage point to stare into the sky once they're up there — the choice is yours. If you're keen on the former, you'll need to register your interest for tickets, with the eye-catching event taking place as part of this year's MPavilion. [caption id="attachment_799292" align="alignnone" width="1920"] National Gallery of Australia[/caption] New to all things Skywhale and Skywhalepapa? Thirty-four-metres long, more than twice as big as a regular hot air balloon and ripped straight from Piccinini's inimitable mind, Skywhale might just be one of Australia's most recognisable recent pieces of art. It's a sight to see, and also the largest-scale example of the artist's ongoing fascination with the thin line that separates nature and technology — see also: her Flinders Street Station Ballroom exhibition — and in Skywhalepapa, it has finally met its match. The latter made its debut in 2021 thanks to the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra, but taking both billowing hot air balloons around the country was always the plan. Of course, the pandemic had something to say about that — Skywhalepapa was originally scheduled to premiere in 2020, in fact — but now the duo of sculptures will finally catch the breeze in Melbourne in just a few weeks. [caption id="attachment_799293" align="alignnone" width="1920"] National Gallery of Australia[/caption] Skywhalepapa is designed to form a family with Skywhale, and was originally commissioned as part of the NGA's Balnaves Contemporary Series. It took 3.6 kilometres of fabric to create the second bulbous sculpture, which also features nine baby Skywhales, safely tucked beneath their father's fins. Obviously, this isn't the kind of thing you see in the sky every day. You can also hear Piccinini chat about the Skywhales as part of the MTalks series — and read her children's book called Every Heart Sings as well — from 5.15pm on Thursday, March 10 at MPavilion. [caption id="attachment_799294" align="alignnone" width="1920"] National Gallery of Australia[/caption] Skywhales: Every Heart Sings will take to the air over Melbourne for MPavilion 2021–22 at 5am on Saturday, March 19 from Yarra Bend's Corban Oval. For more information or to register your interest for tickets, head to the MPavilion website.
No matter how jolly December normally looks to you, one merry getaway has your festive plans beat: staying in Santa's cabin for three nights. Say "ho, ho, holidays" to Airbnb's latest one-off listing, with the accommodation-sharing and -booking platform letting up to four lucky guests — two adults and two children — head to Finland to slumber in a winter wonderland adjacent to Santa's Main Post Office in Rovaniemi. And if that's not enough of a present, the reservation is free. Airbnb's Santa's cabin listing follows in the footsteps of Shrek's swamp, Barbie's Malibu DreamHouse, the Ted Lasso pub, the Moulin Rouge! windmill, Hobbiton, the Bluey house, the Paris theatre that inspired The Phantom of the Opera, the Scooby-Doo Mystery Machine, The Godfather mansion, the South Korean estate where BTS filmed In the Soop, the Sanderson sisters' Hocus Pocus cottage and more — all once-in-a-lifetime experiences. As well as the ultimate jolly vacation, the trip to the Arctic Circle includes channelling your inner elf to help with the letters. 'Tis the season, after all. If you're lucky enough to score the booking for Monday, December 18–Thursday, December 21, Katja, Chief Elf of Santa Claus' Main Post Office, will be your host — and teach you the necessary 'elfing' skills for your visit. You'll sort letters while referring to the naughty and nice list, as well as empty mailboxes, stamp the post with the Arctic Circle postmark and learn about how the post office runs on a day-to-day basis. "The elves have been working around the clock to transform Santa Claus' cabin into a winter wonderland. We want this to be a magical and immersive experience for a family in search of the ultimate yuletide experience. Not only will guests get to sleep in Santa Claus' cabin, they'll also get a sneak peek behind the scenes of the world's official Santa Claus' Post Office during our liveliest time of the year," said Katja. The stay isn't just about Christmas, Christmas and more Christmas. It also spans seeing the northern lights, getting steamy in a traditional Finnish sauna, a snowmobile activity and traditional Finnish meals. Still, grinches likely need to not apply — nor anyone already thinking "bah humbug!" to the idea. As for the cabin itself, it's decked out with Yuletide Lapland decorations, an open fire for roasting chestnuts and appropriate elf attire — because you'll be donning a felt hat, complete with a jingling bell, as well as a tunic for your stay. If you're keen, you'll need to try to nab the booking at 9pm AEDT / 8pm AEST / 11pm NZDT on Monday, December 11. Whoever gets these special kinds of Airbnb reservations is usually responsible for their own travel, including if they have to get to and from their destination, but this one includes complimentary return flights to Rovaniemi from London Heathrow Airport via Finnair. You will still need to cover your travel to and from London, however. This listing is also helping a good cause, with Airbnb making a one-off donation to Special Children's Omaiset ELO as part of the Santa's cabin promotion. For more information about the Santa's cabin stay on Airbnb, or to book at 9pm AEDT / 8pm AEST / 11pm NZDT on Monday, December 11 for a stay across Monday, December 18–Thursday, December 21, head to the Airbnb website. Images: Samir Zarrouck. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
If your first binge-watch of 2023 was the debut season Black Snow, you might've pressed play to start the year with a new Australian mystery series, then found yourself digging into the thriller's weight as much as its twists and turns. Starring Travis Fimmel (Dune: Prophecy), the homegrown Stan hit follows a Brisbane-based Cold Case Unit detective dispatched across the state to attempt to close disappearances left unsolved for decades. In season one, the Sunshine State's cane fields in its north beckoned, as did an interrogation of the nation's colonial history and the nation's treatment of the Australian South Sea Islander community while Fimmel's James Cormack searched for a 17-year-old girl last seen in 1994. If the end result hadn't proven gripping must-see viewing, season two Black Snow wouldn't have begun its run to kick off 2025. This time around, with episodes dropping weekly rather than arriving in a single batch, the Glass House Mountains backdrop the latest case to cross Cormack's desk. In 2003, Zoe Jacobs (Jana McKinnon, Silver and the Book of Dreams) left her 21st birthday party in the Sunshine Coast hinterland town of Moorevale and hasn't been seen since, but her backpack has just been found locally. Black Snow splits its time between its absent figure and Cormack — not merely jumping between then and now, but giving the former as much of a voice in the show as the latter. This isn't just another missing- or dead-woman show, the type that the first season of Deadloch satirised, then; it's as interested in the character that might simply be a face on a flyer in other series, alongside the social issues that played a part in their disappearance. Setting its action in picturesque Queensland surroundings, the current season also dives into the housing crisis. Before playing the plucky, idealistic Zoe — a twentysomething with big dreams to get out of the only home that she's ever known, to make a difference and to live a life far removed from the existence that her real-estate developer father Leo (Dan Spielman, The Newsreader) has planned for her — McKinnon watched Black Snow's first season as a fan. "To be honest, I was living in Cairns at the time and I saw the first season with my housemates, just as a random audience member, pretty much. And I was so excited about seeing the landscape of Far North Queensland on screen, because I personally hadn't really seen it that much before," she tells Concrete Playground. "And so I just felt really moved by those images of the cane fields — and because they were right in front of my house as well, so it really tied in beautifully with my life that I had there, which was very based in Queensland. I just thought that was really special. And also the representation it gave to Australian South Pacific Islander peoples. I just was a fan of the show. Then I got an audition for the second season and I got really excited about it, and I thought 'I have to be a part of this'." Now, McKinnon is Black Snow's second lead in its second go-around. The Austrian Australian actor was last seen on Aussie screens in fellow Stan series Bad Behaviour (also alongside Spielman), and stars again as a young woman endeavouring to find for her place in the world. McKinnon is drawn to "complex and nuanced characters, and characters that are searching for purpose in life, or for their place in life," she advises. "Because I think as a young woman in the world, it's so interesting how we all navigate the world and society. And I guess I can relate to that in a sense on a personal level. I find it quite interesting." While Fimmel remains its constant, surrounding the Boy Swallows Universe, Raised by Wolves and Vikings alum with other impressive talents has never been a struggle for Black Snow. In addition to McKinnon and Spielman, season two enlists a cast that includes Megan Smart (Class of '07), Alana Mansour (Erotic Stories) and Victoria Haralabidou (Exposure). Adding to a resume that seems to feature almost every Aussie show made in the last few decades — think: Underbelly, of course ("it stands up really well and I'm so proud of it; it was a great experience," Stewart notes), plus Offspring, and also The Secret Life of Us, Blue Heelers, Stingers, City Homicide, Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries, Newstopia, Tangle, No Activity, Get Krack!n, Five Bedrooms and One Night, too — Kat Stewart also joins the series as politician Julie Cosgrove. One of the few characters seen both in the 2000s and 2020s, she's initially the pro-development Moorevale mayor, then a senator and the Minister for Infrastructure and Planning. Cosgrove's son is also Zoe's ex-boyfriend. Stewart was "really, really thrilled to be a part of it," she shares with Concrete Playground, especially as Black Snow stood out among her past roles. "It's a character unlike anyone I've played before. I've tended to play characters that have no filters or are a bit highly-strung or neurotic, and Julie is completely grounded, completely focused, completely composed and quite ruthless — and that was great fun," she continues. Also a highlight: balancing Julie's very distinctive professional and personal guises. "I think that was a key interest for me, because that was a conflict for much Julie's storyline. She's got to balance her impulses and fierce protective instincts for her son with her ethical concerns and her professional concerns. So, that was a big appeal. And I think that's something that's universal. That's something that lots of parents can understand. I think of Joe Biden right now and what he's done — you want to do anything for your kids, but can you? Should you?" Then there's the fact that this is a topical series — with Julie directly tied to the season's examination of housing insecurity and homelessness, the factors behind both, and the clash between ensuring that people can afford to live in their own communities and attempting to create wealth through development — but "it's not a documentary. First and foremost, it's going to be entertaining. I think it's really smart," Stewart notes. We also chatted with McKinnon and Stewart about playing strong-minded figures, heading back in time, getting energy from the rest of the show's cast, bringing different visions of the Australian landscape to the world and plenty more. On How McKinnon Approached Playing a Character Who's Pondering What It Means (and Takes) to Be Her Own Person Jana: "I think Zoe's a very strong-minded person, and she really knows what she wants to do in life. And she's just trying to find a way, as in how to sell that to her family in the long run — and compromising here and there to wiggle her way through that, through those expectations, I guess. I thought that was really interesting. And showing someone who is so focused on also changing the world and making it a better place, and being so invested in that — and then being thrown by all these other things that that life forces onto her, like grief and just everything that comes with that. I found that a very interesting aspect of Zoe's journey, how she deals with the grief of losing her friend and what that does to her life and the trajectory that she's on." On Stewart's Initial Read on Julie, and What Got Her Excited About the Part Kat: "First and foremost, you look at great writing and a great story. Is this something I would watch? That's kind of my litmus test, and it was a big yes. And I thought 'okay, this is something I can have fun with. This is something a bit different for me'. And I hasten to add it's a fantastic ensemble. So I'm one of a brilliant ensemble. I'm in and out of the two timeframes, 20 years ago and currently. I liked that she's a grown-up character. I play her in her 40s and her 60s, and I love that she's so centred. That just appealed to me. I thought 'there's a stillness here that I can really explore'. And also the fact given the right set of circumstances, we're capable of really surprising actions. And she's a mother as well as a politician, and those roles butted up against each other. So I thought 'yeah, this is interesting'. I thought it'd be good fun — and it was." On What McKinnon First Saw That She Could Bring to Zoe — and How She Prepared to Jump Back to the Early 00s Jana: "I like that she was a bit edgy and had this really strong interest in music, and did the community radio show. And it was all about the bands and the music with her friends. I just thought that was so cool. It was so nice to research all the music myself, because I didn't know all of the bands that she was into, and dig into that aspect of the period. I mean it's 2003, but it's technically period now. It's kind of strange when it's sort of still the time that you're living in, but sort of not. It's uncanny sometimes, like suddenly you're thinking about 'oh, did you have computers at the cash system at the shop or did you not? How did that work?'. And also all the tech at the community radio station, we had to learn all that because it was old tech that we didn't grow up with anymore. So it was really interesting and fun to explore." On How Stewart Got Into the Mindset of a Politician Kat: "I think subliminally we all probably research a bit. We just look at our politicians and how they hold themselves. I went in with a central idea that Julie has — I'm someone who, I don't go into the into a room thinking I'm the most important person in the room. But Julie does, and I put that in my head. I was like 'yep, everyone's looking at me, everyone's interested in me'. That's Julie, I hasten to clarify. And that was a really interesting idea to take on because that's not how I carry myself in my own life. It was just a different head space to be in. It's such a fun job. I love acting. This is a great job." On McKinnon's Balancing Act Charting Zoe's Journey Towards Stark Realisations About Her Community Jana: "Even though she has that very ambitious sense — and she really wants to change the world for a better place — she also can be very righteous, and she can also have blind spots to what's going on in front of her. So for me that was a balancing act. So balancing these really noble ideas and ambitions with what's actually going on in her community around her and what she's blind to, even when it's right in front of her nose — and the injustice that she's unable to see in her own community. I think it's something that a lot of people can relate to. A lot of people want to be good people out in the world, but they forget to do it on their own doorstep. So I thought that was a very complex aspect of the character that I enjoyed exploring." On the New Season Not Only Chronicling a Missing-Person Mystery, But Examining Housing Uncertainty and Insecurity Kat: "That's the beauty of Lucas Taylor's writing, and he did it in the first season, too. He'll give you a ripping yawn with really engrossing characters and plot twists, but he'll sort of Trojan horse in bigger issues as well. But you don't feel like you're eating vegetables. It's done in a really organic, sophisticated way, where you're not really aware of it, but you come away thinking about the larger issues — in this case, it's homelessness, particularly for older women. So I think that's one of the great things about this show and it was the case in the first series. Julie's part in it is interesting, too, because from her point of view, she's bringing wealth to area and she's bringing a lot of people with her. But, we're seeing an exploration of the more personal aspects and implications of that trajectory, and who's been left behind. It's not preachy, but it's a really interesting examination of the issue. It feels like it's a part of the world, but it's not the point of the show. So I think for people who want to see the show, they're going to be grabbed by a great mystery, and great characters, and that's something that is just at the backdrop of it. In a way, it's something that's almost subliminal, but it's there and I think that's sometimes the best way to explore issues, because no one wants to be told what to think." On Joining Black Snow as a New Cast Member for Season Two Jana: "When I came in, I really just felt the love that the Heads of Departments and the crew members that were already on season one — and quite a lot of them were — had for the show. It was really beautiful to come in and start something fresh, but with people that already had that experience of season one, and they were also fond of that experience and also the final product, the show. So it felt really special. I remember that pre-production time where I went in and we had all our costume fittings and everyone was just excited to be back on at the production office. It was really, really nice, honestly." Kat: "It gives you a sense of the parameters and the tone. I think it's really helpful. And I haven't had this situation much. I suppose if you come in as a guest actor in an established show, it's like that, too. It's a good idea to watch a couple of episodes to get a sense of the tone. So I guess I have had that situation before. I think it was really helpful, because I'm very much a character that's one of the ensemble, and so we're in and out. So having that blueprint, even though it's its own show, just in terms of the style of the show and what it is, was actually really, really useful. I had a good sense of what I was stepping into in advance, which is great." On Drawing Energy From the Rest of Show's Impressive Cast Jana: "The beautiful thing was that everyone was so excited to be on the show. No matter where they came from, if that was their first acting job ever or if they were well and truly established actors, everyone was excited to be on the show. I think that really creates a beautiful spirit on set, and was very family-like. And it's just such a gift when you work with people like that, because it elevates the experience, but also elevates your own performance if you're acting opposite people who are really good actors opposite you. So it's just the best thing that can happen to you, really." Kat: "I actually only have one scene with Travis, and it was really interesting, because that one scene was quite an intense, big scene — and he was directing it. That was full on, because it was like 'hello'. I was really excited to work with him because I think he's terrific. I loved him in Boy Swallows Universe, the first series of this, obviously he's in Vikings. But it was a very unusual situation to be in. But I think I had the benefit of watching the first series, so I knew what the character was, and that certainly anchors it. So having seen the series, it gave me an idea of the tone of the show and the parameters and the way it would be shot. But yeah, that was just headfirst. I haven't seen it. I can't wait to see how it turned out." On the Importance of Black Snow Giving Its Missing People as Much Attention as the Search for Them Jana: "It's funny because going into it, for me it was all about creating her life and what that was like. And it wasn't for me to create anything beyond that, really. So to me, it was almost like whatever happens outside of that is not part of my storytelling, because I can't — knowing what happens to her, I can't bring that into my performance as the Zoe before anything happens. So it's kind of like, in that sense as an actor, pretty much like any other character — because it's all about doing justice to the person that they are and bringing them to life. I think it's really special that Black Snow does that, because you also get really invested as an audience member and you really want to know what happens to that person. So I can only hope that that's the same for Zoe and that people are invested in what happened to her." On Season Two Being Set in Queensland's Glass House Mountains Jana: "I think the producers are doing a really good job at picking out these beautiful, very striking pieces of landscape that you know to be Australian, but you don't see them so much. I think that's really special. The biggest block of shooting we did on the Gold Coast. We only had a few bits and bobs that we did at the Sunshine Coast. It was all pieced together. But I remember being there, seeing the Glass House Mountains for the first time, and I was just stunned. I loved it so much. They're very powerful." Kat: "I love being on location, and most of my work's been done in Victoria, Melbourne, which is just luck — and it's worked out well because I've got a young family — but this was great. It's so beautiful, the climate is completely different and the way they've shot it, they've really showcased that part of the world so beautifully. I think it's like a character, really. People say that all the time, but it really is. It's really beautiful. And I can't think of a production that's looked at this particular part of Australia like this." On Whether the Balance of Projects and Diversity of Roles That Stewart Has Enjoyed Is What She Hoped for When She Was Starting Out On-Screen a Quarter-Century Ago Kat: "I don't think I'd ever thought that far ahead. And it's all very strange, you saying 25 years, because I don't look back, either. You're always looking ahead. I know I've been very fortunate. I've been very lucky to work consistently and to work with such great people. And some long-running roles, too, where I really had a chance to develop the life of a character over a long time. That's a special — that's a really great experience to have. So I have been lucky. But having said that, I hope I'll be working for a very long time yet." On What Black Snow's Second Season Taught Its New Stars Jana: "It was just incredible to watch everyone bring their skills to the table on this show, because all the crew and the cast and all the directors were so incredibly skilled and beautiful at their jobs, and it was just such an enriching experience to get to watch them and just be present in that really concentrated and really skilled type of work. And also for me on a personal level, I think I always take inspiration from the characters that I play, and Zoe, with the fire that she has for the world, was definitely a very big inspiration for me as well on a personal level." Kat: "I just want to work on — it's the stuff you hear, but it's true — I just want to work on great scripts with great people. And each time you're building a character from the ground up, each time you sort of start with nothing, and each time you think 'oh god'. You always have to think 'oh, gee, how am I going to do this?'. You just learn things along the way just through doing it. And honestly, I love what I do. It's the coolest thing." Black Snow streams via Stan. Read our review of season one.
Forget the idea that you can only be a dog person or a cat person. Kedi puts that theory to rest once and for all. Even if you wouldn't be willing to share your home with a purring companion, there's no chance you won't fall in love with the feisty felines in this Turkish documentary and the contemplative take on life their happy existence provides. That's the beauty of Ceyda Torun's film: its meowing mousers don't come from YouTube, but from the streets of Istanbul, where cats have roamed for thousands of years. They're pets to no one but beloved by all; strays stalking the pavements in a place refreshingly hospitable to their free-wandering lifestyle. As opening narration from one of the city's two-legged residents describes, here, "the cat is more than just a cat. The cat embodies the indescribable chaos, the culture and the uniqueness that is the essence of Istanbul." That may sound like a bold claim, but it soon proves right on the money. Graceful cinematography gets up close and personal with the film's adorable protagonists, while at the same time offering a sweeping view of how they're positioned within the hustle and bustle of their surroundings. Sari searches for food for her new kittens, often successfully begging for scraps at cafes. Bengü has her own hungry mouths to feed, and gets jealous when her favoured humans give their attention to others. Deniz flits around a marketplace making friends with customers, while Duman pursues his refined taste for delicatessen food. Aslan Parçasi is often found by the seashore, soaking up the view near a famous local fish restaurant. Gamsiz hops between apartments. As for Psikopat, she rules her neighbourhood, enforcing her will upon animals and people alike. If they all sound like distinctive characters with their own stories, personalities and behaviours, then it's no less than they deserve. Indeed, that's part of the point of Kedi, which fittingly means 'cat' in Turkish. Boosted by interviews with the humans who know and love these kitties best, Torun treats each animal's journey as she would a person's. In fact, her care and dedication truly lays bare life at street level, her film flitting from bustling eateries to overcrowded areas just like her subjects. Their travels around the city provide a portrait of Istanbul in a microcosm. Finding the ordinary in the extraordinary is a common aim in documentary filmmaking, with the best non-fiction efforts making viewers reassess everything they thought they knew about something regular and routine. With the aid of deft editing and a whimsy tinged soundtrack, the observational and enlightening Kedi couldn't provide a finer example. It wears its affection on its sleeves — or, perhaps its collar — but pairs that obvious love with thoughtful insights. After watching this film, you'll never come across a cat (or watch a cute cat video on the internet) without wondering what stories it might have to tell. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKq7UqplcL8
Anytime's a good time for oysters, but there's only one occasion where it's perfectly acceptable to gorge on them to the point of no return: the Oyster Frenzy. You must have heard of the Oyster Frenzy by now: a night where abandon is left at the door, and Melbourne's biggest oyster lovers converge to eat as many of the molluscs as they can humanly handle. It's at the same time the fanciest and the messiest buffet we can imagine. Oyster Frenzy #12 will go down at The Deck at The Prince on Thursday, July 21 from 6.30pm. As well as all-you-can-eat freshly shucked oysters — yes, all-you-can-eat — from SA, Tassie and NSW, there will also be other fancy seafood canapes such as fried barramundi sliders, clam arancini and spanner crab croquettes. This year will also feature both a mussel and a ceviche station, plus all the required beer, wine and cider to wash it down. Last year's Frenzy saw 22,032 oysters shucked and swallowed, so do what you need to prepare. And maybe try and get Friday off work.
Okay, so it's actually a statue of King Joffrey. But still! Think of the satisfaction! Everyone wants to see that smarmy little ferret face smashed into the ground and now you finally have the means with which to make it happen. Do it for Ned Stark! Do it for Sansa! Do it for that little kid in Batman Begins who had no idea of his evil destiny. The marketing geniuses over at Sky (New Zealand's equivalent of Foxtel) have set up a statue of King Joffrey in the middle of Auckland's CBD and, using the power of social media (for realsies) you can help topple the unlawful ruler of the Seven Kingdoms. Each tweet including the hashtag #bringdowntheking will contribute to a rope around the statue's neck tightening — a slow but inevitable means with which to bring the statue down. The public execution, which is estimated to take around five days, is available to watch via livestream here. Although, it may be a little dull until the final moments. The more entertaining things to keep an eye on at the moment are people's emotive tweets. The North remembers. Filthy Joffrey. #bringdowntheking #GOT — a little bit of ???? (@_magiciscoming) April 3, 2014 You bastard Joffrey!!! #bringdowntheking — Sam Pascoe (@PascoeSam) April 3, 2014 Something tells me these kind of fans really didn't need a marketing stunt to remind them to tune in to the season premiere on April 6.
When Sex and the City scored a sequel series back in 2021, it let fans of the HBO hit reunite with its beloved New York-based characters; however, not everyone was present and accounted for. Sarah Jessica Parker, Kristin Davis and Cynthia Nixon all returned, as did many of the men in their lives. But Kim Cattrall has been sitting out And Just Like That... — until season two arrives this winter. Variety reports that Samantha Jones is a part of the show's new batch of episodes, albeit just in a cameo. Cattrall (How I Met Your Father) will only be in one scene, chatting with Carrie (Parker, Hocus Pocus 2). And, it's believed that she shot her contribution solo, without interacting with her longterm co-stars. [caption id="attachment_791681" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sex and the City[/caption] As well as dropping that news, And Just Like That... has just released its full trailer for season two. Unsurprisingly, there's no sign of Cattrall. But the sneak peek does explain why John Corbett (To All the Boys: Always and Forever) is reprising his role as Aidan Shaw, adding to the series' parade of Sex and the City faces. Cosmos at the ready, obviously. Your next excuse to sip vodka, Cointreau, cranberry juice and lime juice will arrive from Thursday, June 22 on Binge in Australia and Friday, June 23 on Neon in New Zealand. If you've spent any part of the past two-and-a-half decades dreaming about being a fabulously dressed Big Apple writer who seems to do very little work but can still afford a fantasy wardrobe — or if you've just filled it drinking a lot of pink-coloured cocktails — then you'll already be excited. And, you'll know that when the first season of And Just Like That... arrived, it did so 17 years after Sex and the City wrapped up its HBO run. Two years later, the show will explore more of Carrie, Miranda (Nixon, The Gilded Age) and Charlotte's (Davis, Deadly Illusions) lives and friendships in their 50s, when things are even more complicated than they were two decades ago. Season two will also feature Sara Ramírez (Madam Secretary), Sarita Choudhury (Ramy), Nicole Ari Parker (Chicago PD), Karen Pittman (The Morning Show), Mario Cantone (Better Things), David Eigenberg (Chicago Fire), Evan Handler (Power), Christopher Jackson (Space Oddity), Niall Cunningham (Poker Face), Cathy Ang (My Best Friend's Exorcism) and Alexa Swinton (Old), all similarly returning from season one. A reminder: due to Kim Cattrall's absence so far, And Just Like That... has been badged as a "new chapter' in the Sex and the City story, rather than an additional season of the existing 1998–2004 program. Parker, Davis and Nixon are also executive producers on And Just Like That..., alongside Michael Patrick King, who worked as a writer, director and executive producer on the original (and on the two terrible 2008 and 2010 Sex and the City movies). Check out the full trailer for And Just Like That..., season two below: And Just Like That... season two will start streaming via Binge in Australia from Thursday, June 22 — and from Friday, June 23 on Neon in New Zealand. Images: HBO.
Near the end of the degustation at Momofuku Seiobo, you receive a dish of steamed grouper endives, celeriac puree and bonito dust — and a glass of onion juice. It’s part of the restaurant’s juice pairing, an alternative to matching wines where you get a different juice with each course. Momofuku Seiobo was the first restaurant in Australia to offer anything like it. “We had plenty of customers who are coming and they don't drink alcohol, and it's sort of ripping their experience a bit,” says assistant sommelier Ambrose Chiang. “So we worked out with the chefs what's in season and what's available.” That’s how it started, simply juice. It has since evolved to be a much more creative and nuanced way to pair food and drink. “People think it's just apple, orange and pineapple ... Things you could usually get out of a bottle. Sometimes it blows their mind a little bit.” Ambrose says. “It's the same way we approach the wine pairing. Certain flavour profiles, how we serve it, serving temperatures. Whether we strain the juice or not to give it more texture.” HOW MOMOFUKU DISCOVERED THAT ONIONS HAVE LAYERS Ambrose’s ‘onion water’ is the best example. As Momofuku’s menu is based around light and savoury flavours, Ambrose wanted to experiment with creating a savoury juice. “One problem with doing savoury juice — I don't want it to be a broth, I don't want it to be a sauce,” he says. Having something too heavy would offend the dish and that’s the last thing any sommelier wants to do. So he came up with an idea for, not onion juice or onion sauce, but onion water. Brown onions, spring onions and eschallots are cooked in a steaming hot pan until burnt and caramelised. Smoky and slightly sweet in flavour, they’re placed in bags of water and steamed overnight at 65 degrees. In the morning, Ambrose strains the onion and freezes the flavoured liquid. Still oily from the infusion, the ice block is left to drip through a fine muslin bag for two days. It looks like black tea and tastes, at first, like a nothing but a hint of savoury. Then, before it sinks down your throat, you get a burst of charred onion flavour. Ambrose describes the accompanying steamed fish course as “very savoury, slightly smoky but light”. To match it he needed something that was equally light but “with a slight sweetness, smokiness and savouriness” — exactly what you get from his onion water. EMBRACING MOLECULAR GASTRONOMY IN LIQUID FORM With the help of similar pioneering restaurants overseas, Momofuku’s innovation has helped the idea of non-alcoholic pairings to be taken more seriously in Australia. Sydney's Bentley and newcomer nel. are the most recent of a small but growing number of restaurants to test the idea of juice pairings. “My reaction was probably similar to others — sceptical to say the least,” says Bentley sommelier Nick Hildebrandt. “But with our new bar manager and drinks guru Phil Gandevia we actually started to put some thought and effort into it and came up with something that I believe is unique and very good.” Bentley’s first dessert — coconut sorbet, desert lime and honeyed melon — is now available with a pineapple, aloe vera and basil juice. “The idea was not only to match the dessert but to in a way add to it by having another component in liquid form sitting to the side.” Melbourne’s Attica runs a juice pairing based on the produce from their 1200 square metre garden. Banjo Harris Plane, the head sommelier, says one of his favourites is a cold smoked Granny Smith apple juice that’s paired with a King George whiting that’s been torched in a paperbark wrapping. “The harmony between the aroma of the dish and the juice is incredible.” Even with the success they’ve achieved at Attica, Banjo says they’re still scratching the surface of what could be done. “Next for Attica is to experiment with non-alcoholic fermentations, carbonation and thickening. We have also been looking at a scientific device called a homogeniser that incorporates liquids into each other, resulting in better consistency.” TAMING THE SWEET AND THE ACIDIC Joshua Picken, sommelier at Orana in Adelaide, told us they’re working on something similar for their juice pairing using native ingredients. “I have been playing with structural elements like tannin and tartaric acid. We explore non-alcoholic fermentations as I don't want every juice matching to taste sweet.” It’s a sentiment shared by many top sommeliers. “When you think about the juices that are available to us, they're quite sweet," says Ambrose. "If you're just offering juice by the glass, it's fine, but if it’s a pairing, it has to be working with the menu.” He says some other pairings he’s had served great juices, but they’ve been too sweet or overpowering to match the food. After being surprised by a customer request for a non-alcoholic pairing, Quay’s head sommelier, Amanda Yallop, was inspired to create a matching of mocktails and tea. “I am not a fan of only juice being presented. I’m a very big fan of acid in my wines, but to chase an entire meal with only juice is simply too much acidity.” Similarly, Vue de Monde and Brae in Victoria offer entire tea matchings from specialised tea sommeliers. THE NON- (OR LESS-) ALCOHOLIC FUTURE “I think that an evolution is on its way," says Amanda. "Chefs, bar staff and sommeliers are playing and testing with these pairings on a pretty serious level. There is enormous potential as to how far and how extreme it can become.” Despite that, she thinks non-alcoholic matches will never be treated with the same level of passion as wine. Considering both the range of flavours available to juice and the fact that high quantities of alcohol dampen your ability to taste, it could be argued that a non-alcoholic pairing is ultimately more appropriate for degustation-style eating. For one of the best sommeliers in the country, that doesn't quite fly. “I’d argue that there’s still more variety in wine than there is in juice, but I don’t really see it as either or,” says Banjo. “Different occasions for different things.” So perhaps a drink pairing is the best solution? Instead of juice or wine pairings, you’d simply get a different drink matched to each course; some will be wine, some will be juices and some will be something new. “What a fun idea," says Amanda. "I’m not sure how it would go down with guests expectations ... I might try it at Quay’s next food and wine training with our floor team and gauge the reception.” Images: Bodhi Liggett.
The pandemic has changed much about travel over the past year and a half, including the way that Australians approach roaming throughout our own country. Booking a ticket to another state or territory is no longer something we all just do whenever we feel like without checking the rules, restrictions and requirements first — because closed domestic borders will do that. But with New South Wales and Victoria both progressing through their roadmaps for reopening following both states' respective (and lengthy) lockdowns, venturing a bit further around the country might soon become a little easier. Exactly what domestic border limits will remain in place, and where, hasn't yet been revealed; however, Qantas and Jetstar have announced that they'll start ramping up their flights around the country anyway. Firstly, the two airlines will increase flights regionally within NSW, starting from Monday, October 25. That's around when the state is expected to hit the 80-percent double-dose vaccination mark, which is when travel throughout NSW will be permitted again. Next, Qantas and Jetstar have brought forward the start date for trips between NSW and Victoria. Instead of recommencing in December, these flights will now resume on Friday, November 5. [caption id="attachment_823330" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brent Winstone[/caption] So, if you're a Sydneysider eager to escape the city — either within NSW or to Victoria, you're about to have options. For Melburnians, heading north will be possible as well. Obviously, this all depends on the rules both states put in place regarding travel between them, because that's the world we now live in. The airlines haven't changed their flights between Western Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory and South Australia just yet, though, with trips to WA still remaining sparse for the foreseeable future due to its strict border arrangements all throughout the pandemic. The two carriers won't restart legs from WA to Victoria and NSW (and vice versa) until at least February 1, 2022 for that reason, other than the five return flights it's doing from Perth to both Sydney and Melbourne at the moment for folks with permits — but it's hoping to increase flights between Queensland and WA in the coming weeks. No matter where you live, expect to see a few incentives popping up trying to tempt you to holiday in certain parts of the country. The Northern Territory is doing discounts of up to $1000 for fully vaxxed folks who head to the NT from spots that aren't deemed hotspots, for instance, and there's also $250 tour vouchers up for grabs in Queensland's tropical north. For more information about Qantas and Jetstar's increased domestic flights as NSW and Victoria reopen, head to the Qantas and Jetstar websites.
