In October 2024, Melbourne's southeast scored a huge Asian-fusion restaurant and bar — Chicki Chan — thanks to Johnny Jong and Kelvyn Yeoh. Jong is running the back of house as Director, leaning on his hefty 28-plus years experience to create this venture — having worked as Executive Chef at both Crown Sydney and Lucas Restaurants. And he has enlisted the help of Yeoh to run the kitchen, who's also worked at Crown and Lucas Restaurants — overseeing venues like Chin Chin, Hawker Hall, Yakimono, and Grill Americano. With such impressive credentials, you can't help but have high expectations for the duo's own restaurant. Similar to Lucas Restaurants venues (where the duo previously worked and seem to have gained inspiration), Chiki Chan is big on the vibes, decking out the two-storey space with a long bar backed by wave-like walls (plus another bar in the room out back), neon artwork, polished concrete floors, screens showing futuristic videos, and pumping music. They have clearly learned a few things from the one and only Chris Lucas, making the space ooze cool. When it comes to food, you can expect an eclectic mix of Asian-fusion eats — think Italian-style burrata with Szechuan chili oil, fennel jam and macadamias; crispy barramundi with an Asian remoulade, jalapenos and palm sugar sauce; and a coconut chantilly served with strawberry conssomme, Thai basil oil and raspberry sorbet. Set menus are also on the docket — a necessary addition to any restaurant these days — which cost an easy $55, $65 and $85 per person. As expected, Asian-inspired cocktails make it onto the menu alongside Aussie wines and beers on tap, either found in the restaurant or adjoining Hiki Bar. At the cocktail bar, you can also find a tapas-srtyle food offering to appease the sip and snack crowds and those waiting for a table in the main dining room. Jong and Yeoh are ticking all the right boxes with Chiki Chan, clearly understanding how to stand out (while also fitting in enough as to not scare off customers) within Melbounre's highly competitive hospitality industry.
Something delightful has been happening in cinemas in some parts of the country. After numerous periods spent empty during the pandemic, with projectors silent, theatres bare and the smell of popcorn fading, picture palaces in many Australian regions are back in business — including both big chains and smaller independent sites in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. During COVID-19 lockdowns, no one was short on things to watch, of course. In fact, you probably feel like you've streamed every movie ever made, including new releases, Studio Ghibli's animated fare and Nicolas Cage-starring flicks. But, even if you've spent all your time of late glued to your small screen, we're betting you just can't wait to sit in a darkened room and soak up the splendour of the bigger version. Thankfully, plenty of new films are hitting cinemas so that you can do just that — and we've rounded up, watched and reviewed everything on offer this week. SISSY Scroll, swipe, like, subscribe: this is the rhythm of social media. We look, watch and trawl; we try to find a sense of self in the online world; and when something strikes a chord, we smudge our fingers onto our phones to show our appreciation. If wellness influencers are to be believed, we should feel seen by this now-everyday process. We should feel better, too. We're meant to glean helpful tips about how to live our best lives, aspire to be like the immaculately styled folks dispensing the advice and be struck by how relatable it all is. "You saved my life!", we're supposed to comment, and we're meant to be genuine about it. The one catch, and one that we shouldn't think about, though: when it comes to seeking validation via social media, this setup really does go both ways. As savvy new Australian horror film Sissy shows, the beaming faces spruiking easy wisdom and products alike to hundreds, thousands or maybe hundreds of thousands of followers — 200,000-plus for this flick's namesake — are also basking in the glory of all that digital attention, and getting a self-esteem boost back in the process. Sissy starts with @SincerelyCecilia, an Instagram hit, doing what she does best. As played by Gold Coast-born Australian actor Aisha Dee of The Bold Type in an astute and knowing stroke of casting, she's a natural in front of the camera. Indeed, thanks to everything from The Saddle Club and I Hate My Teenage Daughter to Sweet/Vicious and The Nowhere Inn as well, the film's star knows what it's like to live life through screens out of character. She's been acting since she was a teenager, and she's charted the highs of her chosen profession, all in front of a lens. So, it's no wonder that Dee conveys Cecilia's comfort recording her videos with ease. The actor hops into the spotlight not only once but twice here, but she's just as perceptive at showing how the world crumbles, shakes and shrinks whenever there's no ring light glowing, smile stretched a mile wide and Pinterest-board background framing her guru-like guidance. "I am loved. I am special. I am enough," is Cecilia's kind of mantra. Through her carefully poised and curated videos, such words have sparked a soaring follower count, a non-stop flow of likes and adoring comments. But she's so tied to all that virtual worship that her off-camera existence — when she's not plugging an 'Elon mask', for instance — is perhaps even more mundane than everyone else's. It's also isolated, so when she reconnects with her childhood best friend Emma (co-director/co-writer Hannah Barlow) during a chance run-in at a pharmacy, it's a rare IRL link to the tangible world. Cecilia is awkward about it, though, including when Emma invites her to her out-of-town bachelorette party that very weekend. Buoyed by memories of pledging to be BFFs forever, singing Aussie pop track 'Sister' by Sister2Sister and obsessing over movie stars, she still agrees to go. Sissy's first act is a Rorschach test: if you're already cynical about the wellness industry and social media, unsurprisingly so, then you'll know that nothing dreamy is bound to follow; if you're not, perhaps the blood and guts to come will feel like a twist. Either way, there will be blood thanks to Barlow and fellow co-helmer/co-scribe Kane Senes' game efforts, reteaming for their second feature after 2017's For Now. There will be chaos as well, and bad signs aplenty, and a rousing body count. Hitting a kangaroo en route to their remote destination clearly doesn't bode well, and also kicks off casualty tally. Then the old schoolyard dynamics bubble up, especially when Cecilia's playground tormentor Alex (Emily De Margheriti, Ladies in Black) is among the fellow guests. Pre-teen taunts resurface — "Sissy's a sissy" was the juvenile and obvious jeer spat her way back in the day, and repeated now — and the @SincerelyCecilia facade starts to shatter. Read our full review. ARMAGEDDON TIME What's more difficult a feat: to ponder everything that the universe might hold, as writer/director James Gray did in 2019's sublime Ad Astra, or to peer back at your own childhood, as he now does with Armageddon Time? Both films focus on their own worlds, just of different sizes and scales. Both feature realms that loom over everyone, but we all experience in their own ways. In the two movies, the bonds and echoes between parents and children also earn the filmmaker's attention. Soaring into the sky and reaching beyond your assigned patch is a focus in one fashion or another, too. In both cases, thoughtful, complex and affecting movies result. And, as shared with everything he's made over the past three decades — such as The Yards, The Immigrant and The Lost City of Z as well — fantastic performances glide across the screen in unwaveringly emotionally honest pictures. In Armageddon Time, Gray returns to a favourite subject: the experience of immigrants to New York. With a surname barely removed from his own, the Graff family share his own Jewish American heritage — and anchor a portrait of a pre-teen's growing awareness of his privilege, the world's prejudices, the devastating history of his ancestors, and how tentative a place people can hold due to race, religion, money, politics and more. The year is 1980, and the end of times isn't genuinely upon anyone. Even the sixth-grader at its centre knows that. Still, that doesn't stop former Californian governor-turned-US presidential candidate Ronald Reagan from talking up existential threats using inflammatory language, as the Graffs spot on TV. Armageddon Time also takes its moniker from a 1977 The Clash B-side and cover; despite the film's stately approach, the punk feeling of wanting to tear apart the status quo — Gray's own adolescent status quo — dwells in its frames. Banks Repeta (The Black Phone) plays Paul Graff, Gray's on-screen surrogate, and Armageddon Time's curious and confident protagonist. At his public school in Queens, he's happy standing out alongside his new friend Johnny (Jaylin Webb, The Wonder Years), and disrupting class however and whenever he can — much to the dismay of his mother Esther (Anne Hathaway, Locked Down), a home economics teacher and school board member. He dreams of being an artist, despite his plumber dad Irving's (Jeremy Strong, Succession) stern disapproval, because the elder Graff would prefer the boy use computing as a path to a life better than his own. In his spare time, Paul is happiest with his doting, advice-dispensing, gift-bearing grandfather Aaron (Anthony Hopkins, The Father), who's considered the only person on the pre-teen's wavelength. Gray fleshes out Paul's personality and the Graffs' dynamic with candour as well as affection, as seen at an early home dinner. There, Paul criticises Esther's cooking, orders dumplings even after expressly being forbidden and incites Irving's explosive anger — and the establishing scene also starts laying bare attitudes that keep being probed and unpacked throughout Armageddon Time. Indeed, Paul will begin to glean the place he navigates in the world. Even while hearing about the past atrocities that brought his grandfather's mother to America, and the discrimination that still lingers, he'll learn that he's fortunate to hail from a middle-class Jewish family. Even if his own comfort is tenuous, Paul will see how different his life is to his black, bused-in friend, with Johnny living with his ailing grandmother, always skirting social services and constantly having condemning fingers waggling his way. And, Paul will keep spying how Johnny is at a disadvantage in every manner possible, including from their instantly scornful teacher and via Paul's own parents' quick judgement. Read our full review. THE WONDER "We are nothing without stories, so we invite you to believe in this one." So goes The Wonder's opening narration, as voiced by Niamh Algar (Wrath of Man) and aimed by filmmaker Sebastián Lelio in two directions. For the Chilean writer/director's latest rich and resonant feature about his favourite topic, aka formidable women — see also: Gloria, its English-language remake Gloria Bell, Oscar-winner A Fantastic Woman and Disobedience — he asks his audience to buy into a tale that genuinely is a tale. In bringing Emma Donoghue's (Room) book to the screen, he even shows the thoroughly modern-day studio and its sets where the movie was shot. But trusting in a story is also a task that's given The Wonder's protagonist, Florence Pugh's nurse Lib Wright, who is en route via ship to an Irish Midlands village when this magnetic, haunting and captivating 19th century-set picture initially sees her. For the second time in as many movies — and in as many months Down Under as well — Pugh's gotta have faith. Playing George Michael would be anachronistic in The Wonder, just as it would've been in Don't Worry Darling's gleaming 1950s-esque supposed suburban dream, but that sentiment is what keeps being asked of the British actor, including in what's also her second fearless performance in consecutive flicks. Here, it's 1862, and 11-year-old Anna O'Donnell (Kíla Lord Cassidy, Viewpoint) has seemingly subsisted for four months now without eating. Ireland's 1840s famine still casts shadows across the land and its survivors, but this beatific child says she's simply feeding on manna from heaven. Lib's well-paid job is to watch the healthy-seeming girl in her family home, where her mother (A Discovery of Witches' Elaine Cassidy, Kila's actual mum) and father (Caolan Byrne, Nowhere Special) dote, to confirm that she isn't secretly sneaking bites to eat. Lib is to keep look on in shifts, sharing the gig with a nun (Josie Walker, This Is Going to Hurt). She's also expected to verify a perspective that's already beaming around town, including among the men who hired her, such as the village doctor (Toby Jones, The Electrical Life of Louis Wain) and resident priest (Ciarán Hinds, Belfast). The prevailing notion: that Anna is a miracle, with religious tourism already starting to swell around that idea, and anyone doubting the claim — or pointing out that it could threaten the girl's life and end in tragedy — deemed blasphemous. But arriving with experience with Florence Nightingale in the Crimean War behind her, the level-leaded, no-nonsense and also in-mourning Lib isn't one for automatic piety. A local-turned-London journalist (Tom Burke, The Souvenir) keeps asking her for inside information, sharing her determination to eschew unthinking devotion and discover the truth, but the nurse's duty is to Anna's wellbeing no matter the personal cost. Lelio's opening gambit, the filmmaking version of showing how the sausage is made, isn't merely a piece of gimmickry. It stresses the power of storytelling and the bargain anyone strikes, The Wonder's viewers alike, when we agree to let tales sweep us away — and it couldn't better set the mood for a movie that ruminates thoughtfully and with complexity on the subject. Is life cheapened, threatened or diminished by losing yourself to fiction over fact? In an age of fake news, as Lelio's movie screens in, clearly it can be. Is there far too much at stake when faith and opinion is allowed to trump science, as the world has seen in these pandemic-affected, climate change-ravaged times? The answer there is yes again. Can spinning a narrative be a coping mechanism, a mask for dark woes, and a way to make trauma more bearable and existence itself more hopeful, though? That's another query at the heart of Alice Birch's (Mothering Sunday) script. And, is there a place for genuine make-believe to entertain, sooth and make our days brighter, as literature and cinema endeavours? Naturally, there is. Read our full review. If you're wondering what else is currently screening in Australian cinemas — or has been lately — check out our rundown of new films released in Australia on August 4, August 11, August 18 and August 25; September 1, September 8, September 15, September 22 and September 29; and October 6, October 13, October 20 and October 27. You can also read our full reviews of a heap of recent movies, such as Bullet Train, Nope, The Princess, 6 Festivals, Good Luck to You, Leo Grande, Crimes of the Future, Bosch & Rockit, Fire of Love, Beast, Blaze, Hit the Road, Three Thousand Years of Longing, Orphan: First Kill, The Quiet Girl, Flux Gourmet, Bodies Bodies Bodies, Moonage Daydream, Ticket to Paradise, Clean, You Won't Be Alone, See How They Run, Smile, On the Count of Three, The Humans, Don't Worry Darling, Amsterdam, The Stranger, Halloween Ends, The Night of the 12th, Muru, Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon, Black Adam, Barbarian, Decision to Leave, The Good Nurse, Bros and The Woman King.
Don't dig pickles on your burger? Well, that's one thing you've got in common with rap sensation The Kid LAROI. How do we know? Because the award-winning artist has just revealed to the world his go-to Macca's meal, teaming up with the fast-food giant on the first-ever Aussie edition of its Famous Orders collaboration series. It means that for a limited time, you can rock up to any McDonald's in the country, make like a celeb and order The Kid LAROI special — a cheeseburger without pickles, plus medium fries, a medium frozen Coke and a six-piece McNuggets with barbecue sauce. Hitting the menu from Thursday, May 26, the Famous Orders meal will also be available via the MyMacca's app and McDelivery. The launch of the pickle-free feed comes as The Kid LAROI returns Down Under for his sold-out Aussie tour. The Sydney-born artist and proud Kamilaroi man has made huge waves overseas in the past couple of years, thanks to a slew of chart-topping songs, including collaborations with Justin Bieber and Miley Cyrus. While this marks the first local Famous Orders release, Macca's already has a swag of international versions under its belt. This time last year, the series saw famed K-pop group BTS touting their signature order — fries, a large soft drink and a 10-piece chicken McNuggets with sweet chilli and Cajun dipping sauces. The Kid LAROI Famous Order will be available at McDonald's stores nationwide, from May 26, for a limited time.
Send in the terrifying clown: that's what Stephen King did when he penned IT back in 1986, as did a 1990 miniseries adaptation of his horror novel, then the hit 2017 IT movie and its 2019 sequel IT: Chapter Two. A prequel to those two recent films, IT: Welcome to Derry is doing the same. Pennywise is back, and Bill Skarsgård (Nosferatu) in the part, in a small-screen return to the franchise that's premiering in October 2025. If you've read much of King's work, then you would've agreed with some of the first words spoken in the initial teaser trailer for HBO's new IT series: "anywhere but Derry". That's a great motto if you're keen to avoid unnerving and supernatural events, which have frequented the fictional town's streets in the author's pages for decades — and in their leaps to the screen, too. The just-dropped second sneak peek at the show keeps demonstrating why the Maine locale isn't an ideal place to live. "Things are certainly different here" is quite the understatement, in fact, as is "things do happen from time to time". King's go-to setting is clearly at the heart of the series, which steps through Derry's scares before the terror that viewers have already seen and experienced. Alongside the transdimensional evil entity known as Pennywise, there's a spate of missing children, more kids seeking answers, a new family moving in, uncaring police, violence in the streets, a curfew, eerie smiles and cackles, voices in the pipes and a crimson balloon — as per the two teasers so far. If you've somehow missed all things IT until now, it follows the exploits of that maniacal clown, as well as the folks that he's rather fond of terrorising. IT: Welcome to Derry's cast includes Taylour Paige (Brothers), Jovan Adepo (3 Body Problem), Chris Chalk (Feud), James Remar (Megalopolis), Stephen Rider (What Lies Under the Tree), Madeleine Stowe (Soundtrack) and Rudy Mancuso (The Flash). Returning to oversee the show is filmmaker Andy Muschietti, who helmed the most-recent two IT movies and last directed DC Extended Universe flick The Flash. He's also behind the camera here on multiple episodes, expanding his Derry-set vision from his two features. And yes, HBO and its streaming service HBO Max are in franchise mode of late, adding The Penguin to the world of The Batman, expanding the Game of Thrones realm with not only House of the Dragon but also the upcoming A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight, announcing a new drama series set in The Conjuring universe and locking in a Harry Potter series that readapts the books. IT: Welcome to Derry falls into the same camp. Watch the latest IT: Welcome to Derry teaser trailer below: IT: Welcome to Derry is set to stream via HBO Max in Australia and Neon in New Zealand from sometime in October 2025 — we'll update you with an exact release date when it is announced. Images: HBO.
Just five weeks after the overwhelming success of its first Melbourne store opening in the south-east, Adore Beauty is set to launch a second store at Watergardens Shopping Centre. And it's taking the in-store experience to the next level, with professional treatments onsite from expert dermal therapists. And, before you ask, yes, there'll be more Tim Tams. In fact, Adore is sweetening the deal with a free goodie bag for the first 300 customers. Treatments, which start at $60, are based on products from Adore Beauty's cult brands. Think AB LAB, BIODANCE, Burberry, Embryolisse, Estee Lauder, Murad, iKOU, K18, Kylie Jenner Fragrances, L'Oreal Pro, Oribe and Viviology. Not sure if your skin is oily, dry, or both? A state-of-the-art OBSERV 520x skin analysis system will be on hand to help you find out – and to determine the ideal treatment. These range from express 20-minute sessions to indulgent 45-minute marathons, and include a free skin consultation, as well as LED light therapy, skin analysis and facials. We all know Adore Beauty for being one of Australia's leading online beauty authorities – and the in-store vibe will echo the digital experience. You'll be able to browse from more than 65 brands, and, thanks to digital kiosks, check out the retailer's entire catalogue of more than 14,000 products. CEO Sacha Laing is excited about the move. "Adore Beauty has always been about empowering our customers to make the right choice, and our newest store will continue that tradition through personalised advice and treatments. And yes, Tim Tams with every in-store purchase!" she says. Want to get your hands on an exclusive Adore goodie bag? Well, head to Watergardens on Friday, March 7. You beauty! Adore Beauty's Watergardens store opens at 9am on Friday, March 7, at 399 Melton Highway, Taylors Lakes. Head to the website for more information.
Ten years ago, in March 2015, Netflix launched in Australia. It wasn't the first streaming service eager to give Aussies new couch-time choices — it wasn't even completely new, thanks to local film and TV lovers accessing the US version before the platform officially arrived Down Under — but it still gave the nation's at-home viewing landscape a milestone moment. The great streaming service rush followed, spoiling audiences for choice via an array of other platforms. Although another new streamer no longer seems to pop up every week, a big player has just hit the market: Max. Warner Bros Discovery's Max platform has launched to Australian viewers as at Monday, March 31, 2025. If you're a fan of HBO's TV shows, you'll be excited. You should also be well-aware of Max's Aussie debut, given that it has been rumoured since 2024, was then confirmed the same year, and scored an exact launch date earlier this year before dropping pricing and plan details. First, the crucial info for The Last of Us fans: this is where you'll need to head to check out the game-to-screen series' second season when it debuts on Monday, April 14. When The Rehearsal returns for its second season on Monday, April 21, you'll also need a Max subscription to see what Nathan Fielder has whipped up next. If you're addicted to The White Lotus or excellent hospital-set newcomer The Pitt, they're rounding out their current seasons on both Max and Binge, which was previously the home of the bulk of HBO's output Down Under. The Righteous Gemstones is among the other series playing on both platforms until their present run wraps up. Max is also your go-to for other HBO Originals, returning, new and old alike, such as House of the Dragon, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms and any other Game of Thrones spinoffs; Euphoria; upcoming IT prequel series Welcome to Derry; and everything from True Detective, The Sopranos, Six Feet Under, The Wire, Oz, Deadwood, Big Love, True Blood, Big Little Lies and Westworld through to Succession, The Larry Sanders Show, Sex and the City, Flight of the Conchords, Bored to Death, Girls, Veep, Barry and Enlightened. The platform's own Max Originals — so made for it, rather than for HBO — cover And Just Like That..., Peacemaker, The Other Two and more, while the Warner Bros television library also spans Friends, Rick and Morty (including Rick and Morty: The Anime), Gilmore Girls, Gossip Girl and others. Adventure Time, Looney Tunes and Scooby Doo are among the cartoon names available on the service. In addition, content TV networks Discovery, Cartoon Network, TLC, Food Network, ID and HGTV are also part of the platform. If you're a film obsessive, access to recent cinema releases at home is one of Max's drawcards. Movies from Warner Bros Pictures from the year, such as Joker: Folie à Deux, Trap, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Twisters, The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim and Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story, are all available from launch. Going forward, Max is also set to screen blockbusters fast-tracked from their silver-screen dates. Warner Bros is behind big franchises like The Lord of the Rings, Dune, the DC Universe and Harry Potter, too, so expect them as well. On most streaming platforms, classic flicks aren't a priority. If you like a blast from the past with your viewing, the TCM hub boasts all-time greats such as Singin' in the Rain, North by Northwest, The Maltese Falcon, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Casablanca, The Wizard of Oz, A Clockwork Orange, The Exorcist, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Rebel Without a Cause, Bonnie and Clyde, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, All the President's Men, Ben Hur, Cool Hand Luke, Mean Streets, Enter the Dragon and Gaslight, all from launch. In its first month of Aussie operations, Max will also welcome Brian Cox (The Electric State)-, Lisa Kudrow (No Good Deed)- and Parker Posey (Thelma)-starring new film The Parenting; Fast Friends, a game show about loving a certain sitcom; and Ted Lasso star Brett Goldstein's new stand-up special The Second Best Night of Your Life. From the Warner Bros back catalogue, Dune, The Batman, The Matrix Resurrections, Elvis, Black Adam, Shazam! Fury of the Gods, all ten seasons of Friends and three seasons of The Leftovers are also on the way. Regarding plans and pricing, there's three of the former — starting with a basic package that includes ads, then offering standard and premium options. The first spans full HD resolution and two devices streaming simultaneously, as does the second, with the latter also including 30 downloads to watch offline. Opt for premium and 4K resolution plus Dolby Atmos sound are featured, if they're available per title; four devices can stream simultaneously; and the downloads go up to 100. In a launch special until Wednesday, April 30, 2025, the basic with ads plan is available for $7.99 per month for the first 12 months or $79.99 for the first year (or $11.99 per month/$119.99 per year from Thursday, May 1, 2025). The standard plan special is $11.99 per month for the first 12 months or $119.99 for the first year ($15.99 per month/$159.99 per year afterwards), while premium is available for $17.99 per month for the first 12 months or $179.99 for the first year (or $21.99 per month/$219.99 per year afterwards). As for Binge, when it launched, giving subscribers access to HBO's catalogue was one of its big selling points. The deal between Binge, Foxtel and Warner Bros Discovery — which owns HBO — was extended in 2023; however, it was reported at the time, accurately so it proves, that Max might debut in Australia from 2025. Max is available direct to consumers via its website and app stores — you sign up for it by itself — for viewing via mobile, tablet, gaming consoles and connected TV, but it is still keeping a connection with Foxtel. If you subscribe to the pay-TV service, you'll have access to the Max app without paying extra. Max is available in Australia from Monday, March 31, 2025 — head to the streaming service's website for more details.
The days are getting longer, the weather is improving, and Melbourne bars are stocking up on Aperol. This can only mean one thing: Melbourne rooftop season is fast approaching. Stacks of venues are preparing for the onslaught of people searching for rooftop hangs. Johnny's Green Room is reopening its rooftop soon, and Brick Lane Brewing's new wrap-around terrace overlooking the Queen Vic Market will open to the public in a couple of weeks. But those who want to drink in the sun right now can hit Skinny Dog Hotel's new rooftop space — it's already open to lovers of sunshine and summertime cocktails. The 400-capacity rooftop bar includes a light-filled atrium full of hanging plants and an openair terrace where you can soak up all the sun during a long day of drinking and eating. Nothing much has changed downstairs. The pub still serves classic parmas, pizzas and weekly specials — think Monday burger deals and Tuesday steak nights. Upstairs, dishes are somewhat more refined. Coconut chilli prawns, tofu chips and charcuterie tasting boards kick things off. A selection of gourmet pizzas, house-made pasta, a few roasts and plenty of seafood dishes round out the savoury dining options. The drinks on the Skinny Dog Hotel's new rooftop are also a step above those found downstairs. The extensive wine list features stacks of Aussie and New Zealand drops, and the team has dreamt up a few new signature cocktails. Beers, ciders and ginger beer are all on tap, plus plenty of fruity seltzers come in can form. It's ticking all the right boxes. From Friday to Sunday, the team hosts live music gigs and DJs up on the roof, transforming the space into more of a party destination as the sun goes down. The new rooftop at Skinny Dog Hotel, found at 155 High Street in Kew, is open from Wednesday to Sunday, 11:30am–late. Check the venue's website for more details.
The group of competitors vying for drag glory isn't the only thing that's changing when RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under returns for its fourth season in 2024. That very moniker is also getting a makeover, with the series now called Drag Race Down Under — because the Drag Race franchise's namesake is sashaying away from hosting duties. When Australian and New Zealand queens next battle it out to become Down Under's Next Drag Superstar — which will happen sometime in 2024 — they'll do so with Michelle Visage fronting the proceedings. Visage has been involved in the Drag Race world as a judge since the OG show's third season, and also been a producer on the series since season 11. Down Under, she continued her judging role from the spinoff's debut in 2021, but will now host season four. RuPaul will remain an executive producer on Drag Race Down Under. "It has been my great honour to bring Drag Race to Australasia. I can't wait to see the franchise flourish under the leadership of the incredible Michelle Visage," RuPaul advised. "Thank you RuPaul for entrusting me with one of your beloved shows. The colour, humour and outrageousness of Down Under drag holds a special place in my heart. I'm ready to do everything in my power to encourage these beautiful queens to believe in themselves and let their inner light shine through," said Visage. There's no exact return date for Drag Race Down Under yet, but season four will hit streaming — via Stan in Australia and TVNZ in New Zealand — later this year. RuPaul mightn't be back, but Rhys Nicholson will be — again as a judge. He'll be joined by drag royalty from across Australia and Aotearoa, which marks the first time that the show has enlisted Down Under queens to mentor contestants. The fellow judges will rotate, with details of who'll be taking to the stage also still to be announced. Similarly in that category: which drag queens will strutting their stuff in 2024, and also which special celebrity guests will also pop up. Of course, there's no trailer yet for Drag Race Down Under season four, but check out clips from past seasons below: Drag Race Down Under season four doesn't yet have a release date, but will stream via Stan and TVNZ when it returns — we'll update you with an exact date when one is announced.
UPDATE Thursday, April 27: Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Tiny Tails Bar pop-up has been pushed back a day and will now run from Friday, April 28–Sunday, April 30. The following has been updated to reflect the change. What happens when a bunch of Aussie celebs and personalities jump on the cocktail shakers and have a crack at playing bartender? You're about to find out when the Tiny Tails Bar pops up in Federation Square from Thursday, April 27–Sunday, April 30. The pint-sized bar and its adjoining cocktail lounge are here to shake up your after-work drinks game, serving sips made by a roster of unlikely guest bartenders. The bar itself has room for just one customer at a time — they'll get to chat one-on-one with whoever's on the tins that night while their free drink is being whipped up, and take a few happy snaps, too. [caption id="attachment_897836" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Matt Zukowski and Anna McEvoy by Wayne Taylor.[/caption] The guest lineup includes Collingwood AFL favourite Mason Cox, MasterChef Australia's Conor Curran, and reality stars-turned-podcast hosts Anna McEvoy and Matt Zukowski. And you needn't worry too much about their bar skills, since they'll be working with Tails' line of ready-to-shake batched cocktails, spanning classics like a whisky sour and a gimlet. While you'll need to jump online to reserve one of the limited spots at the bar, the pop-up's Main Lounge will be open for walk-ins across all three nights, serving up plenty more free Tails cocktails to thirsty Melburnians.
Thanks to its time as the home of Franco Cozzo's eponymous homewares store, the site at 54–58 Hopkins Street in Footscray already oozes history, with both man and building being absolute icons of 90s-era TV ads. And now it looks set to put another major chapter in the books, with the news that Melbourne-born brewery Moon Dog has submitted a planning application to open its next venue at the famed address. With Franco Cozzo now set to wrap up his lease on the site, after selling it in 2018, the brewery's founders have found the perfect opportunity to bring to life some long-held dreams of launching a bar in Melbourne's beer-loving west. If the approval is given the green light, we can expect a sprawling three-level beer bar complete with rooftop garden and space for a huge 900 punters — around 150 more than currently fit inside the team's giant Preston venue Moon Dog World. [caption id="attachment_744575" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kate Shanasy[/caption] Unlike that sibling, however, Moon Dog's proposed Footscray digs don't include any onsite brewing operations, though there will be tanks behind the bar pouring beers about as fresh as they come. Currently up for public viewing, the venue plans also look to include a central fountain, a separate bar for each of the three levels, a hefty kitchen and a massive ground-floor kids play area. "As a Melbourne brewery, with a team that has grown up with Franco Cozzo on the TV, this site and the opportunity to honour his legacy was too good to be true," the Moon Dog crew said in a statement. "We have every goal of keeping the heritage and history of the building alive," it continued, promising that the site's famed signage and mural would be sticking around. If the plans are approved, Moon Dog will work towards opening the doors to their new venue by late 2023. Can't wait that long? In the meantime, you can check out the brewery's new al fresco pop-up bar Summer Paradiso, located in the Arts Centre Melbourne forecourt. [caption id="attachment_744580" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Moon Dog World, Kate Shanasy[/caption] Moon Dog has submitted a planning application for 54–58 Hopkins Street, Footscray. You can check it out in detail online. Top Image: Gavin Anderson via Flickr
Frozen has done it. Beauty and the Beast and Shrek, too. The Lion King is set to again in 2026. We're talking about animated movies making the leap from the screen to the stage Down Under, as another childhood favourite is before 2025 is out. With Anastasia, Russian history first inspired a 90s hit, which then became a Broadway stage production since 2017. The musical is treading the boards in Melbourne from Saturday, December 20, marking the show's Australian debut. The Victorian capital's Regent Theatre is hosting Anastasia's Aussie premiere, with the Tony-nominated musical unveiling an all-ages-friendly tale inspired by Grand Duchess Anastasia Romanov during the Russian Revolution, as the 1997 movie also charted. Accordingly, accompanied by songs such as 'Journey to the Past' and 'Once Upon a December' — both from the big-screen release — theatregoers can get ready to spend time with a young woman named Anya on her journey to discover her past, and to unearth a story that some in the narrative don't want revealed. Audiences have writer Terrence McNally and songwriting team Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens to thank for Anastasia's existence as a stage musical — and between its Broadway run and its Aussie stint, Anastasia has also toured North America, and hit the stage in Germany, Spain, The Netherlands, Brazil, Mexico and Japan. Images: Roy Beusker.
Some problems require quick and urgent solutions, as 2020 has demonstrated over and over again. Other struggles prove more of an inconvenience than anything else, and don't really need quite the same fast and strong response. But the latter category is still filled with the types of troubles we've all spent more time pondering than we probably should've — like trying to carry four beers back from the bar in one go, for instance. Yes, there are actually already multiple solutions to this issue. Trays exist, or you can get a friend to help. But if you're not too fond of either of those options, hospitality company Merivale, food and beverage company Lion, and marketing company Ogilvy have teamed up to create 'super schooners'. They look like regular glasses, but bigger — and they're actually comprised of four glasses in one. Basically, when you pull the super schooners apart, they break into wedge-shaped glasses. But they're easier to carry when they're all pushed together — which is exactly what they've been designed for. And, they're coming to one Sydney pub for summer, aka the prime season for sinking cold ones with the gang. The super schooners will launch at Vic on The Park in Marrickville, with brew lovers able to literally pick up a four-in-one-glass from the evening of Wednesday, November 18. Yes, their availability has been timed to coincide with the last State of Origin game. You can choose to have them filled with Furphy or Byron Bay Ale, and the entire thing will cost you $35. Sydneysiders could potentially be able to order a super schooner at other Merivale venues around town down the line, too, although nothing has been confirmed as yet. If you're located in Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide or Perth and you think this four-in-one glass would make your stints at the pub much, much easier, you'll have to cross your fingers that another hospitality group based in your city gets onboard with the super schooner concept. Sydneysiders can grab a super schooner from Vic on The Park, 2 Addison Road, Marrickville, from Wednesday, November 18. Merivale might roll out the concept to its other Sydney venues in the future — we'll keep you updated if that happens.
Haven't seen The Last Jedi yet? Been waiting until the Boxing Day rush dies down to see the last batch of 2017 flicks? If so, and you're a Melburnian headed to a Village Cinema, you might want to keep an eye on ticket prices. During the summer holidays, the cinema chain is trialling dynamic pricing at selected sites. In other words: if you go during peak times, you'll pay more for the privilege. As first reported on Reddit, after 5pm on Fridays and Saturdays, customers can expect to spend between 50 cents and $1 more to watch whichever feature takes their fancy, and to see candy bar costs rise by between 30 cents and $1 per item. Yes, it's the same concept that Uber users hate during busy periods, now showing at multiplexes including Crown, Fountain Gate, Doncaster, Jam Factory, Southland and Werribee. The idea of variable movie ticket prices isn't new — student discounts, cheap Tuesdays and the like — but charging more during peak cinema-going slots isn't going to be well-received given that Aussie ticket costs rose 31 percent in the decade to 2016. Interestingly enough, while Village Cinemas is ramping things up in popular periods, it's not decreasing them for slow sessions and times. It might be school holidays, but we're guessing that some titles on their schedule aren't selling out to weekday morning crowds, particularly if they're not aimed at kids. In 2017, an app called Choovie proposed the same concept, calling themselves "Uber for movies" and offering up bargains in quiet spots. It currently features deals at selected times in selected locations, all for less than the regular multiplex ticket prices. Going to the cinema hasn't died out as many have predicted over the years, and isn't likely to. The thrill of seeing a new film on a big screen in a darkened room with (hopefully) no distractions is something that your huge TV and Netflix just can't beat, and nor can piracy. Still, with Aussie attendance in decline, charging viewers more for seeing a flick at times when most people like to go to the movies is up there with the rumour that Apple would introduce a 'theatre mode' option for mid-movie texting — that is, it's a downright terrible idea. Via news.com.au
If mythical creatures, unsolved murders and unease in the Victorian era all sound like your idea of great television, then Amazon Prime Video's new fantasy series might be just up your alley — or row. Starring Cara Delevingne as a faerie and Orlando Bloom has a brooding detective, Carnival Row boasts all of the above, as well as a heavy gothic-meets-steampunk vibe. Story-wise, the drama unpacks the fallout of a turf war, after humanity encroaches upon the homelands of mythological beings. In the aftermath, the latter — including Delevingne's Vignette Stonemoss — attempt to co-exist with non-magical folk. It doesn't go smoothly, with a series of killings under investigation by Bloom's Rycroft Philostrate understandably making matters worse. Releasing on Friday, August 30, Carnival Row appears to follow in the footsteps of plenty of previous tales that've used fantasy, sci-fi and superheroes to explore intolerance, immigration, discrimination and refugees. The twist comes from the period setting and neo-noir atmosphere — so think X-Men meets Penny Dreadful. Created by René Echevarria (The 4400, Teen Wolf) and Travis Beacham (Clash of the Titans, Pacific Rim), Carnival Row is based on the latter's script. Amazon is already confident about the show, renewing it for a second season before the first has even released according to Variety. Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=369LHB9N-Ro Carnival Row hits Amazon Prime Video on Friday, August 30.
If the waning summer temperatures have got you feeling frosty about the cooler months to come, here's something that'll warm up your outlook again. Melbourne's major citywide arts festival RISING is back and it promises to be the bright spark in Victoria's winter, unveiling the blockbuster 185-event program it's bringing to town from Wednesday, June 7–Sunday, June 18. RISING's 2023 instalment is set to be a monumental affair, assembling more than 400 artists for almost two jam-packed weeks of art, culture, music, performance and culinary goodness. There are 35 works commissioned exclusively for the festival and an impressive 12 world premieres set to hit. Alongside the already-announced Euphoria, which will take over Melbourne Town Hall with an immersive multi-screen film installation starring Cate Blanchett, the program is filled with a hefty and diverse array of happenings. [caption id="attachment_888892" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Euphoria by Katja Illner.[/caption] Large-scale events abound, not least of which is Shadow Spirit — a showcase of First Peoples-led projects across the realms of art, performance, music, food and more. Put together by renowned Yorta Yorta writer and curator Kimberley Moulton, it'll grace the legendary space above Flinders Street Station for eight weeks, displaying major works from artists like Brian Robertson (Maluyligal/Wuthathi), Karla Dickens (Wiradjuri), Vicki Couzens (Keerray Wooroong/Gunditjmara), Paola Balla (Wemba Wemba/Gunditjmara) and more. At Federation Square, a mass participatory work by composer Ciaran Frame will feature 10,000 biodegradable kazoos played simultaneously by eager locals, while Dutch artist Daan Roosegaarde's SPARK takes the form of a wondrous floating light show, animating thousands of 'fireflies' crafted from biodegradable materials. Festival hub Night Trade takes over the grounds of St Paul's Cathedral for the duration, coming to life with super-sized surrealist art from Poncili Creción, performances from the likes of Debby Friday and London DJ ESA, hawker-style dining by Free to Feed and even a smattering of drag karaoke. [caption id="attachment_892640" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Paola Balla[/caption] Head inside the cathedral to experience Anthem — an equally majestic installation of sound and video courtesy of singer Beverly Glenn-Copeland and artist Wu-Tsang, which comes to Melbourne fresh from the Guggenheim. RISING's ice-skating rink will be reborn bigger than ever, this time perched at Birrarung Marr, set beneath an installation of luminous orbs, and complemented by a wintery offering of mulled wine, hot chocolates and popcorn. Music lovers of all persuasions will be kept busy with RISING's sonic lineup, spanning everyone from bass legend Thundercat and Afrofuturist pioneer Flying Lotus to UK punk icons The Damned and hit US singer-songwriter Weyes Blood — and Ruth Radelet from Chromatics, too, performing her first-ever solo show. [caption id="attachment_892641" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Rink by Shannyn Higgins.[/caption] Uncle Kutcha Edwards is assembling an all-star lineup of First Nations talent for Waripa, Paul Kelly will take his mix-tape album Drinking live to the stage for two shows at Melbourne Recital Centre, and Japanese composer Cornelius joins Shintaro Sakamoto for a double bill at The Forum. The program is brimming with theatre and dance, too, including two Australian Ballet commissions by Daniel Riley and Alice Topp, Florentina Holzinger's famously unsettling body-horror ballet Tanz — while she's in Australia for Dark Mofo as well — and a deep-dive into the history of alternative Aussie tunes with Robyn Archer: an Australian Songbook. And, it features sound work Consort of the Moon, a communal listening experience by twilight at Fitzroy Gardens — plus Buŋgul, with live Yolŋu dancers and songmen celebrating the inspiration behind Dr G Yunupiŋu's album Djarimirri (Child of the Rainbow). Meanwhile, catch Hear My Eyes give the Robert Pattinson-starring Good Time the live score treatment, then check out a 20-strong flock of three-metre-tall wallabies in a technicolour work by Archibald Prize finalist Matthew Clarke. You can also see Chapter House transformed into an ever-evolving living museum celebrating Haitian street culture, and take to the high seas with all-ages First Nations comedy Hide the Dog. Plus, you'll soon spot six striking new First Peoples artworks rolling through the city for the latest instalment of Melbourne Art Trams. [caption id="attachment_892650" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hide the Dog by Pat Stevenson.[/caption] RISING will descend on venues and spaces across Melbourne from Wednesday, June 7–Sunday, June 18. For the full program and to sign up for pre-sale, see the website.
With everyone spending more time at home — and zero time eating out at restaurants and cafes — we're betting that you've probably cranked up your oven and put your baking skills to the test in recent weeks. Unfortunately, though, we are not all destined to be Betty Crockers. Next time you want to get creative in the kitchen, you don't have to resort to a packet mix — even if you're a bit of a novice in the kitchen. A bunch of Aussie bakeries, cafes and restaurants are adapting to the current situation and one thing we're seeing more of is bake-at-home cookie dough. And it's safe to say these top-notch spots know what they're doing in the kitchen — so you don't have to. Here are some of the best you'll find in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, which you can pick up or get delivered. Then, soon enough, you'll be feasting on gooey, chocolatey cookies straight from the oven. SYDNEY Home of the cookie pizza, Bennett Street Dairy is selling its handmade chocolate chip dough and offering citywide delivery within two business days. The old school-inspired joint sources its ingredients straight from the farm, with its dough containing big chunks of chocolate and no raw products. You can get 500 grams of the goods, which will make about six to eight large biscuits, for $12. You can store your roll of dough in the fridge for or up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for 3 months, so you can stock up and have cookies on-hand for a while to come. To order, head here. Firedoor has also jumped on the cookie wagon, offering pre-made dough through its new online grocer Fireshop. The online store has a bunch of 'almost-ready' dishes, pantry staples and produce, which you need to order between Thursday–Tuesday for pick up on Friday between 2–4pm. In your virtual basket, you'll want to throw in at least one 400-gram roll of native cookie dough ($20). Made with white chocolate and native Australian fruits, this cookie is for those who like the finer baked things in life. Sydney's king of desserts Andy Bowdy is slinging some top-notch dough, too. Head down to Saga between 9am–4pm any Tuesday through Sunday, and nab yourself a roll of salted chocolate chip or peanut butter — or both. Each comes in 480 grams and costs $12.50. MELBOURNE Shannon Martinez and Mo Wyse's spin-off vegan New York-style delicatessen, Smith & Deli, is selling frozen dough. So, if you're vegan — or just looking to get your hands on some high-quality cookies — look no further. The dough is frozen fresh, loaded with chocolate chunks and will make ten to 20 biscuits, depending on size. A roll costs $15 and can be ordered via Mr Yum for pick up and delivery. Earl Canteen is selling two different types of cookie dough through its online shop Earl at Home. There's a Callebaut chocolate, sea salt and walnuts one or one filled with raspberry and pistachio — both will make about 20 deliciously chewy cookies and cost $22. To order, head here. The choc chip dough comes in its Favourites Pack ($125), too. Delivery is available within 20 kilometres of the CBD and is free for order amounting to $125 or more. Contactless pick up is also available from Earl's head office at 15–17 Cubitt Street, Cremorne. BRISBANE Brisbane's go-t0 for baked goods, Jocelyn's Provisions, is now selling 'take & bake' kits, including a choc chip cookie kit ($18.50), featuring 500 grams of ready-to-bake dough, which is enough to make 24 cookies. Kits are available for pick up only — with orders taken online, and collection available from Jocelyn's Provisions' stores on Sandgate Road in Albion, James Street in New Farm and Samuel Street in Camp Hill. If you're a cookie fiend and want more, Flour & Chocolate — as the name would suggest — is also selling some choc-filled dough for $15. You can pick them up from the Morningside patisserie every Tuesday to Saturday from 6.30am–2pm. To preorder, email morningside@flourandchocolate.com or call (07) 3161 6246. If you do go outside to pick up cookies, have a look at the latest COVID-19 advice and social-distancing guidelines from the Department of Health.
Been spending the start of 2018 looking to the future? That's what new years are all about, but tonight you might want to look to the skies as well. As part of a summer filled with supermoons, an extremely rare celestial event will occur: a super blue blood moon — or a supermoon, a blue moon and a total lunar eclipse, aka a blood moon, all at once. On the evening of January 31, it'll be time to peer above to see a piece of history. The last time this trifecta happened at the same time was back on March 31, 1866. They'll be more frequent in the coming decades, with others expected on December 31, 2028 and January 31, 2037. Still, if you miss it this month, ten years is a long time to wait. WHAT IS IT? If you're more familiar with The Mighty Boosh's take on the moon than actual lunar terms, here's what you need to know. As we all learned back in November 2016, a supermoon is a new moon or full moon that occurs when the moon reaches the closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit. They're not uncommon; two have taken place since the beginning of December. The supermoon at the end of January will be a full moon, which is why it's also a blue moon. A blue moon refers to the second full moon occurring in a calendar month. Despite the saying, they happen more often than you might think, with the last taking place in July 2015, and another due in March this year. And then there's the lunar eclipse, when the moon passes directly behind the Earth, into its shadow, blocking direct sunlight. When the three celestial bodies are lined up, it makes the moon look like it has been tinted red. WHEN CAN I SEE IT? If you're keen to catch a glimpse, timeanddate.com has put together a handy to-the-minute schedule of when the eclipse will be happening in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. The super blue blood moon is expected at around 12.30am in Sydney and Melbourne, and 11.30pm in Brisbane. [caption id="attachment_655292" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sydney total lunar eclipse times via timeanddate.com[/caption] Have your cameras at the ready, obviously — and see if you can outdo the last big batch of supermoon snaps. WHERE CAN I SEE IT? Being in the southern hemisphere, we get some of the best views in the world — weather permitting, of course. Everyone in Australia should be able to catch a glimpse, but, even so, if you're living in the city, it would be best to as far away from light pollution as possible. Typically, clouds and rain are predicted for today along the east coast, which could prove really screw up visibility. If you can't get a clear view, The Virtual Telescope Project will be live streaming the eclipse from 10.30pm AEST (9.30pm in Brisbane) here. Otherwise, there will be another total lunar eclipse on July 28. Via Space.com and timeanddate.com. Updated: January 31, 2018.
Ever since Freddie Mercury teamed up with Brian May and company back in the 70s, Queen has never been out of fashion. And, thanks to Bohemian Rhapsody and the band's current members touring Down Under, the UK group has been grabbing plenty of attention again in recent years. You could call it a kind of magic. You could say that their songs must go on. Either way, if you're happy to let the British band keep rocking you, then you'll want to catch London's Queen by Candlelight when it debuts in Australia. While Queen tribute nights aren't rare — and neither are ones lit by flickering flames — this is the OG West End production, which features a live rock band and a cast of singers from London busting out the group's famous tracks. Been feeling a crazy little thing called love for Freddie and his bandmates? Then you'll clearly be in the right spot, with Queen by Candlelight playing Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth in February. If your approach to the group's music is "I want it all!", that's what you'll hear. For one night per city, the event will break free so that Queen lovers can celebrate with their fellow champions. The aim: to make you feel like you're hearing the real thing, in venues glowing with candles. In the UK, the gigs — which feature more than 20 Queen tracks — have proven sellouts. Also part of the same tour are Meatloaf by Candlelight shows, busting out the late singer's tunes — if you'd do anything for that. They'll feature the same kind of setup, but with Australia's Simon Gordon, who hits the stage after playing Strat in the Meatloaf-inspired musical Bat Out of Hell on West End and internationally. In all cities, the Queen shows play one night and the Meatloaf gigs run either one or two evenings later. QUEEN BY CANDLELIGHT AND MEATLOAF BY CANDLELIGHT 2023 AUSTRALIAN TOUR: Wednesday, February 1 (Queen) and Thursday, February 2 (Meatloaf) — Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Brisbane Sunday, February 5 (Queen) and Monday, February 6 (Meatloaf) — Darling Harbour Theatre, Sydney Wednesday, February 8 (Queen) and Thursday, February 9 (Meatloaf) — Royal Theatre, Canberra Monday, February 13 (Queen) and Wednesday, February 15 (Meatloaf) — Melbourne Town Hall and Melbourne Palais, Melbourne Friday, February 17 (Queen) and Saturday, February 18 (Meatloaf) — Festival Theatre, Adelaide Tuesday, February 21 (Queen) and Thursday, February 23 (Meatloaf) — Perth Concert Hall, Perth The Queen and Meatloaf by Candlelight shows are touring Australia in February 2023. For more information and tickets, head to the tour's website.
Acclaim, awards, and Josh and Julie Niland all go hand in hand. The Sydney duo have been winning fans locally since 2016, when they opened Saint Peter, and the praise has kept flowing and growing from there. Josh's applauded The Whole Fish Cookbook earned him the prestigious James Beard Book of the Year Award back in 2020, becoming the first Australian to ever take out the prize. Earlier in 2022, he was the only Australian chef to feature in The Best Chefs Awards for 2022 — aka the list of the top 100 best globally — too. Now, with Julie, another gong has come the Nilands' way: the Game Changer Award from France's La Liste. La Liste is known for picking the best 1000 restaurants in the world annually, and it has also just done exactly that for 2023. But it gives out awards as well, with its latest round handed out on the evening of Monday, November 28 in Paris. That's where Josh and Julie earned some love for their approach to seafood, and the businesses that've sprang from their efforts. [caption id="attachment_771911" align="alignnone" width="1920"] by Rob Palmer, from Josh Niland's The Whole Fish Cookbook[/caption] "Australian chef Josh Niland, whose wife Julie runs his ever evolving Sydney business, has changed the way chefs use fish all over the world with his zero-waste 'fish butchery' approach," La Liste notes in its explanation for its 2023 Game Changer pick. "His methods seemed radical when he started talking about them, but make sense — use the whole fish, from fin-to-gill, as we do nose-to-tail with animals. Age and cure fish. Don't forget the offal. As many chefs lack the knowledge to do this, he shares his ideas in two cookbooks, The Whole Fish and Take One Fish," the statement continues. [caption id="attachment_878784" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Rob Palmer[/caption] Clearly, Sydneysiders will be familiar with the Nilands courtesy of Saint Peter, and also thanks to Fish Butchery since 2018 — with the latter now in both Paddington and Waterloo — plus sustainable fish and chip shop Charcoal Fish in Rose Bay. They have more venues in the works, with Saint Peter moving into The Grand National Hotel, the Nilands taking over the whole place, and new 60-seat restaurant and bar Petermen coming to St Leonards, all in 2023. The Nilands' La Liste prize saw them earn international recognition alongside fellow Aussie chefs James Henry and Shaun Kelly, who scored one of the Hidden Gems awards for Le Doyenné in Saint-Vrain in France. Also picking up a win among the global recipients: Michel Guérard, who nabbed a special Award of Honour; Chika Tillman from New York's ChikaLicious Dessert Bar, who received the Top Pastry Chef Award; and Yotam Ottolenghi for championing the Mediterranean region, which scored him the New Destination Champion Award. Plus, Italy's Niko Romito was given the Innovation Award, France's Yannick Alléno the Community Spirit prize, and Brazil's Manoella Buffara took home the Ethical and Sustainability Award. Among La Liste 2023's 1000 restaurants, Saint Peter obviously featured, as did a nice lineup of other Australian spots. In Sydney, Oncore by Clare Smyth, Quay, Tetsuya's, Bentley Restaurant and Bar, Bennelong, Ormeggio at The Spit, and Rockpool Bar and Grill made the list, while Melbourne's inclusions span Vue de Monde, Attica, Cutler and Co, Minamishina, Lume, Grossi Florentino Upstairs and Flower Drum. In regional Victoria, Brae, Lake House and Provenance got the nod, as did Penfolds Magill Estate in Adelaide. [caption id="attachment_690417" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brae[/caption] For La Liste's full list of awards, and best restaurants, head to the guide's website. Top image: Rob Palmer.
Rarely in Australia does a business pop-up that is truly unique. Welcome Merchant is one of them. Founded by Marjorie Tenchavez, Welcome Merchant was initially launched on Instagram to support and celebrate innovative Australian entrepreneurs — who also happen to come from refugee, asylum-seeking and migrant backgrounds. The not-for-profit has since expanded its critical role in elevating the voices of refugee and asylum seekers in the community — and offers one-of-a-kind dining experiences in collaboration with refugee chefs. The Sydney-based company is heading to Melbourne for its next event, popping up at The Foreigner Brewing in Brunswick on Saturday, April 29. Serving up a Sri Lankan feast in partnership with chef Niro Vithyasekar, the menu includes kothu roti, a delectable stir fry of roti, egg, onions and chilli, chopped together on a hot griddle. Vadai (dal fritters), masala dosa (thin pancakes made from rice and lentils), and a range of addictive chutneys and sambals will also be on the menu. Meanwhile, the Foreigner Brewing's regular rotation of craft beer will be on offer to quench any thirst, and entry is free. "We love doing events in Melbourne, the community there is so supportive of the refugee chefs we work with. Niro's dream is to expand his market stall business, hopefully to buy a deep fryer. The Foreigner Brewing enabling Niro to host his market stall there again will bring his dream closer to becoming a reality." says Welcome Merchant Founder and Director Marjorie Tenchavez. Images: supplied.
The Wagyu Ya Group celebrates all things wagyu across each of its Melbourne restaurants, with Yakikami even serving up a decadent wagyu beef degustation. This spot is also home to one of the very best steaks in Melbourne, a cut of meat that we can't stop raving about. But the team's success isn't stopping there. The group's latest venture is tackling the world of teppanyaki, discovering a whole new way to hero top cuts of wagyu beef. Fine-diner Wagyu Ya Teppanyaki, curiously located within The Glen shopping centre, is split into four distinct areas — a 12-seat teppanyaki counter, a main dining room with booth seating, a separate ten-seat sushi bar and a private dining room. At the teppanyaki counter, guests get a proper show. The teppan chefs are cooking up flame-grilled feasts, but unlike some of the more kitsch teppanyaki diners in Melbourne, Wagyu Ya's version is far less theatrical. Yeah, the chefs will put on a bit of a show, but they won't be tossing diners bits of food or being overly playful. Wagyu Ya Teppanyaki is pitched as a more authentic kind of Japanese dining experience. It might be helpful to think of it as a grilled version of omakase. High-quality ingredients are championed in refined dishes made right in front of you. And the team really is only using the best produce. After all, the Wagyu Ya Group's restaurants are the only places in Victoria where you will find Kobe A5 wagyu beef — one of the highest-grade and most expensive cuts of wagyu in the world. But you're not only going to fill up on meat here. The teppanyaki team is also slinging a luxe salt-baked abalone that's been steamed in seaweed leaves and topped with a buttery seaweed sauce, plus plenty of Hokkaido scallops and lobsters. Then you have Chef Waturo Satu (Nobu) at the sushi bar. He's slinging a heap of maki, nigiri and sashimi — with the sea urchin being a particularly special option. And diners ordering off the extensive a la carte menu can even dabble in a cheeky hot pot experience. This 70-seat Glen Waverley restaurant is clearly working hard. As with all of the Wagyu Ya Group restaurants, this is a fairly fancy affair. You're going to pay handsomely for your lunch or dinner., but with top-quality produce being at the forefront of everything, it'll be worth it. You'll find Wagyu Ya Teppanyaki at Level 1, 235 Springvale Road, Glen Waverley. It's open seven days a week, from 11.30am–9.30pm. For more deets, check out the venue's website.
In 2019, a horrible goose wandered around a quiet village, then chaos ensued — and instigating it became one of the most-entertaining ways to mash buttons. Untitled Goose Game first released in September that year. By the time 2020 hit, more than a million copies had been sold, getting folks controlling a pesky waterfowl with a penchant for trouble. That's honking phenomenal for an indie game out of Melbourne, and it's a feat that the city's Australian Centre for the Moving Image keeps celebrating. After giving Untitled Goose Game the live orchestral treatment back in 2022, the Aussie screen museum is now hosting a world-premiere exhibition dedicated to the title. Honk! Untitled Goose Exhibition will feature different versions of the game from its various development stages that you can play, plus sketches, concept art and design material for attendees to check out. It'll be a lovely five months in Federation Square from Tuesday, September 17, 2024–Sunday, February 16, 2025, and you'll be an adoring Untitled Goose Game fan. Sorry Mario Kart. Move over Tetris. Forget Wii Sports, Pokémon Go, Street Fighter or whatever other title first springs to mind whenever you think about video games. They're all well and good, but they aren't about to take over ACMI like this homegrown hit from House House. If you're new to Untitled Goose Game, it's a puzzle game — and, yes, it's about a goose. You play as the bird, and your aim is to move objects and other characters, and just generally cause mayhem in a small village. No description can really do it justice, though; you just need to play it. While the game has filled oh-so-many hours over the past few years, and gotten its ARIA-nominated original soundtrack by Dan Golding stuck in everyone's heads, Honk! Untitled Goose Exhibition isn't just for diehard gamers. No matter if you know every inch of the game or you're only hearing about it now, you'll be plunged into its world in an interactive showcase that's designed to get you playing. How slapstick factors in, plus the form of comedy's history, is also a big feature. We don't expect that running off with keys, socks, glasses, radios and the like will be a part of it, however. "As a museum of screen culture, video games are at the heart of what we do. Since ACMI's inception, we've been collecting and exhibiting games and bolstering their local creation," said ACMI Director and CEO Seb Chan, announcing Honk! Untitled Goose Exhibition. "Untitled Goose Game is one of Melbourne's most recognisable video-game exports of the past decade. We've been involved from playtesting its early development in the ACMI + RMIT Audience Lab, to presenting a series of live scored events in partnership with Orchestra Victoria. We're honoured to give the goose the exhibition it deserves, revealing to audiences how it was made, and the wider cultural context it has come from." "It's a very strange privilege to see our work commemorated in a public exhibition. Though we design our games to be played by a wide audience, we never imagined that that design process might itself be made accessible within the walls of a gallery," added House House Co-Director Michael McMaster. "It's been such a pleasure working with ACMI to open up our sketchbooks and hard drives and present them to the public like this — we can't imagine a better place to showcase our goose." Honk! Untitled Goose Exhibition will display at ACMI, Federation Square, Flinders St, Melbourne, from Tuesday, September 17, 2024–Sunday, February 16, 2025. For further information, head to ACMI's website.
St Kilda gallery Linden New Art has reopened to the public following lockdown, now taking limited visitor bookings across two sessions from Tuesday–Friday: 11.30am to 1pm and then between 2pm and 3.30pm. One of three exhibitions on its starting lineup, The Long Shot stars a new collection by award-winning Victorian artist Jacqui Stockdale. Both locally celebrated and with a slew of international exhibitions under her belt, Stockdale is known for her symbolic, theatrical works, delivered through a diverse catalogue of painting, drawing, collage, photography and performance art. Tied to the artist's continued exploration of Australia's early colonial past, The Long Shot flips the script on some of the more dominant narratives served up throughout our history. Here, catch an alternative version of the infamous Ned Kelly story, which challenges long-held perceptions by honing in on the experiences of the bushranger's mother, Ellen. It's an interactive show, featuring a variety of sculptural works — you'll see a piece cast from real dung that pays homage to the world's largest ever gold nugget, and even a towering likeness of Kelly's horse, crafted to the exact dimensions of fellow icon Phar Lap. [caption id="attachment_773494" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Images: Jacqui Stockdale 'The Long Shot' exhibition view at Linden New Art[/caption]
There'll be bottles poppin' and bubbles flowing at The Emerson Rooftop Bar and Club come Sunday, March 28, when The Prosecco Festival pops up at the venue. It isn't hosting a full fest, but will be turning the place into an effervescent oasis from 12–4pm. If you fancy whiling away an afternoon with a glass in your hand, this celebration should entice hardcore fans and novices alike, with more than 20 exhibitors on the lineup. Your $40 ticket will score you a a real crystal Plumm wine glass, a full glass of Dal Zotto to sip upon arrival and four solid hours of prosecco heaven. Sample some of the world's best-loved bubbles — or enjoy heftier servings by buying $10 tokens for glasses of wine in advance. A DJ will be spinning tunes as well, and you can nibble your way through a menu matched to the tipples. While you're nabbing your ticket, you can preorder your food, too, if you're keen on oysters or lobster rolls.
Want to drink wine and support a great cause while you do it? The team at Vinomofo has you covered. The online wine cellar has just launched its limited edition Homeless Grapes Project Yarra Valley chardonnay, and it's donating 100 percent of proceeds to Australians who are sleeping rough. The mineral-rich drop comes courtesy of De Bortoli Wines, Rochford Wines and TarraWarra Estate, who all donated grapes to the project. It goes on sale on Monday, February 4 at $25 per bottle, sold in a case of six, with only few hundred cases available. All proceeds from the sales will go to St Mary's House of Welcome, which provides food, shelter, showers and emergency assistance to Melburnians doing it tough. Last year, the sale of 200 cases of Homeless Grapes Project shiraz raised more than $50,000 and was able to provide housing for 570 clients, over 40,000 meals and 3000 appointments with nurses. The Homeless Grapes initiative has been running since 2015 and has already raised more than $150,000 for charity. "Homelessness is a community issue that can be solved by the community and initiatives like Homeless Grapes," said Vinomofo co-founder Andre Eikmeier. "We can raise money for the front line to help make a real difference. And importantly, we change our attitudes." The Homeless Grapes Project Yarra Valley chardonnay is available from Monday, February 4. To find out more about the Homeless Grapes initiative and to buy a couple of bottles, head to vinomofo.com.
Dream musical double alert: this winter in Australia, you can make a theatre date to see both Hamilton and In the Heights. Sydney is hosting the only Aussie return season for Lin-Manuel Miranda's second big Tony Award-winning show from late July — and now it's also welcoming his debut smash, too. Sydney Opera House will turn into New York City's Washington Heights for a six-week season of In the Heights, also kicking off the same month. Initially staged in 2005, then leaping to off-Broadway in 2007, then playing Broadway from 2008–11 (which is where it nabbed those 13 Tony nominations and four wins), Miranda's first stage sensation spends its time with Usnavi, a bodega owner from the Dominican Republic who dreams of going back — and who also sports a crush on Vanessa, who aspires to move out of the neighbourhood. Miranda himself originated the role of Usnavi, scoring a Tony nomination for his efforts. In Australia this winter, Ryan Gonzalez (Moulin Rouge! The Musical) will step into the part. When the show's Sydney Opera House run spans Saturday, July 20–Sunday, August 25, fellow Moulin Rouge! The Musical alum Olivia Vásquez will play Vanessa. Alongside Gonzalez, she'll be joined by Richard Valdez (All Together Now — The 100) as the Piragua Guy — another character that Miranda has brought to life personally, this time in the 2021 film version of In the Heights. On the stage and on-screen, the production not only follows Usnavi and Vanessa's connection, and their respective hopes for the future, but also the residents of Washington Heights, their family ties across multiple generations and their friendships. And the soundtrack — which helped In the Heights win Best Musical and Best Original Score Tonys — as well as the vibe and mood bring together salsa, soul, rap, hip hip, merengue and street dance. "In the Heights is an uplifting musical that celebrates collective joy in a truly genuine and spirited way. Community, culture, connection and colour explode on-stage in a vibrant setting, as we are enveloped into the lives of characters holding fast to their history and creating new traditions," said Sydney Opera House Head of Contemporary Performance Ebony Bott, announcing the season. If you're keen to watch the movie — or rewatch — in the interim, it stars Anthony Ramos (Dumb Money) as Usnavi and Melissa Barrera (Abigail) as Vanessa, as well as Leslie Grace (In the Summers), Corey Hawkins (The Color Purple), Jimmy Smits (Obi-Wan Kenobi), Stephanie Beatriz (Twisted Metal) and Olga Merediz (Somebody I Used to Know). Check out the trailer for the film below: In the Heights will play Sydney Opera House's Drama Theatre from Saturday, July 20–Sunday, August 25, 2024, with ticket presales from 9am on Tuesday, May 7 and general sales from 9am on Friday, May 10 — head to the venue's website for more details. Images: Daniel Boud.
For a truly glitzy end to your 2022, you can't beat a luxe sky-high session of champagne, oysters and caviar. And that's exactly what awaits you at the Rooftop at QT, which is wrapping up the year in high style with a NYE party you won't forget in a hurry. Perched up here above the city on Saturday, December 31, guests will start their evening with a glass of Perrier-Jouët, before moving onto free-flowing beer, vino and sparkling wine, pouring right up until midnight. Fine food is also on the agenda, with roaming canapes, a rooftop barbecue spread and oysters shucked fresh to order. There'll even be a station serving caviar and vodka, in case you'd like to jump back on one of 2022's glammest food trends. Of course, the soundtrack will be stellar, with DJs spinning right throughout the night, and the venue's rooftop location will give you a primo vantage point come fireworks o'clock. Nab yourself a ticket for $325.
Descend down the grand staircase found in the lobby of Flinders Street's Rendezvous Hotel, and you'll find recently opened Mr Tompkins. Positioned one level below bustling Flinders Street, Mr Tompkins' is a nod to the building's original architect, Harry Tompkins, who designed the space back in 1913. Ex-Coda chef Eric Kwek has taken the reins at Mr Tompkins, delivering a modern Euro-accented menu which champions native ingredients in a moody 60-seat space. Start with a heirloom tomato salad paired with native basil, sourced from Yarra Valley's Wandin Yallock farm. Shark Bay half-scallops are dressed with locally-sourced wakame and tossed in butter sauce. [caption id="attachment_914186" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Chef Erik Kwek[/caption] "At Mr Tompkins, we've introduced Australian native ingredients and techniques to classic European dishes, thus creating an instant connection between the food and the space it calls home," Kwek says. "This menu also allows me to blend my passions — my classically-trained French cookery and love for foraging bush foods and using great local suppliers." Larger plates run to the likes of grilled Victorian pork cheeks basted in a quandong glaze, or an excellent stinging nettle risotto accented with whipped goats curd and spiced almonds. The chef's smokey murray cod is a highlight, served on burning paperbark and paired with native sorrel and crab apples. The hyper-local focus continues through Mr Tompkins' wine selection, featuring drops from Victorian favourites including Mornington Peninsula's Montalto Estate and Yarra Valley's Oakridge Estate. Meanwhile, the bar is mixing up a small selection of curated cocktails, including a Bloody Gin Sour with Four Pillars' Bloody Shriaz Gin, lemon and sugar syrup. "Given the references of European and Australian design throughout the building — especially in the Grand Vestibule where you'll find complex gum leaf designs within the plasterwork — our menu, and the overall ambiance, has been carefully curated to complement the space," Kwek says. Mr Tompkins is open at 318 Flinders Street Melbourne. It's open from 6–10pm Wednesday–Saturday.
If you want to revolutionise the art world, what better way to do it than take it to the people? This September, a trans-American train will journey from New York City to San Francisco over the course of three weeks, showcasing art at nine stops along the way. Organised by artist Doug Aitken and sponsored by Levi's, the project, titled Station to Station, 'will connect leading figures and underground creators from the worlds of art, music, food, literature, and film for a series of cultural interventions and site-specific happenings.' Participating artists include Dan Deacon, Ariel Pink, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Rirkrit Tiravanija, Urs Fischer, Kenneth Anger and Carsten Holler. The train itself will function as a mobile, kinetic light sculpture, as visible in the above photograph. Funds raised through donations and ticket sales will be given to seven partner museums in various parts of the US, to support innovative, non-traditional programming. Aitken, born in California in 1968, is no stranger to colossal projects. He has repeatedly drawn international attention for his groundbreaking installations, which draw on film, sound, photography, architecture and sculpture. In 1999, his work Electric Earth won the International Prize at the Venice Biennale, and his 2007 exhibition at MoMA turned a whole city block into 'an expansive cinematic experience'. [via Springwise]
When a musical becomes a Broadway sensation, FOMO tends to sink in for theatre fans Down Under. Rave reviews might start pouring in, and awards as well, but seeing whichever production has New York talking usually requires a Big Apple trip — an expensive endeavour even for the biggest stage aficionado. The other option: waiting patiently for NYC's brightest shows to head Down Under. It happened with Hamilton, finally, and now it's happening with Dear Evan Hansen. A six-time Tony Award-winner, Dear Evan Hansen premiered in the US in 2016, then made the leap to the big screen in 2021. The next stop, back in stage form, is Sydney, with Sydney Theatre Company putting on the musical's Australian debut as part of its just-announced 2024 season. Michael Cassel Group is also behind the Aussie premiere, which will play at the Roslyn Packer Theatre from Saturday, October 12–Sunday, November 17, 2024. The two organisations are already teaming up on The Picture of Dorian Gray's upcoming run in West End in London next year — starring none other than Succession's Sarah Snook, too — following joining forces to take the STC show to Melbourne in 2022. With Dear Evan Hansen, STC and Michael Cassel Group will follow the titular anxious teen. He's advised by his therapist to pen letters to himself to highlight the good aspects of his day; however, when one of his notes ends up in a similarly lonely classmate's hands, it sparks a complex chain reaction. Created for the stage by songwriting and composing duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul — who nabbed an Oscar for La La Land's 'City of Stars' — with playwright Steven Levenson (Fosse/Verdon), the musical spins a coming-of-age story about a plethora of high school struggles. "This will be the first new, original production since the show's phenomenal Broadway debut. This is a real coup for Sydney, and we couldn't be in better hands than with the brilliant Dean Bryant at the helm — one of the best musical theatre directors in the country, and loved by STC audiences after his superb work recently on Hubris and Humiliation and Fun Home," said Sydney Theatre Company's Artistic Director Kip Williams. "Words fail to truly capture the profound impact Dear Evan Hansen has had on audiences and I am thrilled to be partnering with Sydney Theatre Company to create an entirely new version of the show for Australia," added Michael Cassel. "There are no other contemporary musicals that capture the challenges of being a teenager in such a distinguished way with such a phenomenal score." There's no word yet as to whether the STC production of Dear Evan Hansen will tour to other Australian cities — so start crossing your fingers. Check out the trailer for the Dear Evan Hansen film below: Sydney Theatre Company's production of Dear Evan Hansen will play the Roslyn Packer Theatre, 22 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay in Sydney, from Saturday, October 12–Sunday, November 17, 2024 — with tickets available in stages via Sydney Theatre Company from Tuesday, September 19, 2023. Images: Universal.
Before donning a face covering became a regular part of life for everyone during the pandemic, one of the most famous mask-wearing figures in popular culture was doing it first. And, the fictional character will be doing so again in Australia — in Sydney from August next year, and then in Melbourne from October. The Phantom of the Opera was actually set to head to Sydney from September this year, and then to Melbourne from November; however, the famed musical's 2021 dates were postponed due to lockdowns in both cities. Now, the production's schedule for next year has been confirmed, so get ready for the music of the night to croon its way into both cities. Kicking off at the Sydney Opera House from Friday, August 19 and then heading to the State Theatre at Arts Centre Melbourne from Sunday, October 30, 2022, these new seasons of the acclaimed Tony-winner will arrive in Down Under after breaking records in the UK — and touring the US for seven years. Australia will become just the third country to witness this take on the tale, in fact. Obviously, all of the familiar songs are part of it, such as 'All I Ask of You', 'Masquerade' and the titular number. You'll also be lapping up Maria Björnson's original costumes, too. But, if you've seen the show before, expect the chandelier to look a little different. Australian musical theatre performer Josh Piterman is set to play the Phantom, after first wearing the character's mask in London pre-pandemic. He'll be joined by Amy Manford and Blake Bowden as Christine and Raoul, as part of a cast and orchestra of 65 people — which'll make The Phantom of the Opera one of the largest musical productions in Australia. If you need a refresher on the musical's story, it follows soprano Christine Daaé and the masked musical genius who lives beneath the Paris Opera House — and the latter's obsession with the former. Although first turned into a stage musical in the 80s, it's based on Gaston Leroux's 1910 novel. And yes, you might've seen the 2004 movie, which starred Gerard Butler as the Phantom. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jpaw9dft2Y Opera Australia is also putting on a run of The Phantom of the Opera earlier in 2022, in March in Sydney, as part of its annual Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour event. The Phantom of the Opera will tour Australia in 2022, starting at the Sydney Opera House from Friday, August 19 and then heading to the State Theatre at Arts Centre Melbourne from Sunday, October 30, 2022. For further information and to buy tickets, head to the musical's website. Images: Michael Le Poer Trench.
Stages graced with international acts? Check. A hefty lineup led by Lizzo, Flume and Mumford & Sons? Check again. Gumboots aplenty, everyone from Pussy Riot to Tony Armstrong, and three wild days at North Byron Bay Parklands? Tick them off the 2023 Splendour in the Grass checklist, too. A graveyard, though? No one had that on their Splendour bingo card, but it's part of this year's fest thanks to ABC series War on Waste, which is drawing attention to fast fashion. Sometimes, you need to see a problem to truly grasp it. That's an approach that folks have been applying to the vast piles of textiles that end up in landfill for some time — in 2022, Joost Bakker filled Melbourne's Federation Square with 3000-plus kilograms of fashion waste, for instance. A cemetery symbolising discarded clothing items is another eye-catching away to get everyone thinking about the issue, with this pop-up gracing Splendour for its full 2023 run from Friday, July 21–Sunday, July 23. "Fast fashion has exploded! We've moved to ultrafast fashion, even though 30 percent of clothing in the average wardrobe has not been worn in the last year," said War on Waste host Craig Reucassel. "We're throwing out ten kilograms of fashion per person each year. To make only the cotton clothes that we throw out each year would take as much water as there is in Sydney Harbour. Meanwhile, over 60 percent of our clothes are made from plastic derived from fossil fuels." "Through this activation, we hope to engage the festival community in meaningful conversations about the impact of fast fashion and inspire them to embrace more sustainable and ethical practices. Buy less and wear it longer!" Reucassel continued. Splendour attendees will spot the graveyard opposite the Forum and Comedy Club, acting as a commentary on the 227 million kilograms of clothing that goes to Aussie landfills every year. The site's tombstones jokingly pay tribute to items bought and scrapped quickly, yet won't decompose for hundreds of years, and offer facts about the problem. Everything featured has been recycled or repurposed, and all materials used will be recycled or repurposed again after Splendour is over. As well as getting festivalgoers thinking about their outfits, the cemetery pop-up is timed to promote War on Waste's third season, which hits the ABC from Tuesday, July 25. Splendour in the Grass runs from Friday, July 21–Sunday, July 23, 2023 at North Byron Bay Parklands — head to the festival website for further details and tickets. Images: Georgia Jane Griffiths.
They can't all be good ones: Baz Luhrmann movies, that is, although almost all of them are. There's one outlier on his resume, though — one film that definitely doesn't live up to the others. That flick: Australia. Strictly Ballroom, Romeo + Juliet, Moulin Rouge!, The Great Gatsby and Elvis are all spectacular. Despite combining two of the nation's biggest actors with one of its biggest filmmakers, 2008's Nicole Kidman- and Hugh Jackman-starring Australia definitely isn't. But if you ever wondered what it might look like with a bit of tinkering — actually, a lot of re-cutting and re-imagining — you're about to find out. Faraway Downs will be the end result, a six-part miniseries that's destined for streaming queues in the near future. It's set to drop in the US via Hulu sometime during America's winter, which means that it'll hit Disney+ Down Under — at around the same time, hopefully. "I originally set out to take the notion of the sweeping, Gone With the Wind-style epic and turn it on its head — a way of using romance and epic drama to shine a light on the roles of First Nations people and the painful scar in Australian history of the Stolen Generations," said Luhrmann in a statement, as per The Hollywood Reporter. "While Australia the film has its own life, there was another telling of this story; one with different layers, nuances and even alternative plot twists that an episodic format has allowed us to explore. Drawn from the same material, Faraway Downs is a new variation on Australia for audiences to discover." If you need a refresher on Australia's plot — and therefore Faraway Downs's plot, too — it follows English aristocrat Lady Sarah Ashley (Kidman, The Northman) after she comes into possession of an Aussie cattle ranch. To save it from cattle barons, she enlists the help of a drover (Jackman, Reminiscence). That's just the overall gist, however, given that the sprawling movie also spans World War II and its impact, as well as the country's historical treatment of Indigenous Australians. Fittingly given the name — and as usually proves the case with Luhrmann's flicks — the cast includes a who's who of homegrown talent. As well as Kidman and Jackman, plus Brandon Walters (Mystery Road) as Nullah, everyone from Essie Davis (Nitram), Bryan Brown (Hungry Ghosts) and John Jarratt (Wolf Creek) to Ben Mendelsohn (Cyrano), Jack Thompson (High Ground) and David Wenham (Elvis) features, as does the now-late David Gulpilil (Storm Boy) and Bill Hunter (The Cup). Exactly how long each episode of Faraway Downs will run for hasn't yet been revealed — but at 165 minutes, the movie it's remixing wasn't short. Check out the original trailer for Australia below: Faraway Downs is due to hit Hulu in the US sometime in America's winter — and Disney+ Down Under. We'll update you with an exact date when it announced. Via The Hollywood Reporter.
Can one city have too many burger bars? Melbourne certainly seems determined to put that question to the test. Here to join the party is South Australian cult burger joint, Benny's, opening their first Victorian location on Chapel Street. It's a bold move, especially considering there's competition from Betty's, Hello Sam, Leonard's House of Love and Kung Fu Burger on all sides. Sleepy Adelaide this is not. But Benny's has developed a serious reputation in Adelaide as the go-to for a cheat meal, specialising in juicy, hard-to-hold-in-two-hands, American-style burgers. [caption id="attachment_902425" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Matt Turner[/caption] If this is your first visit to Benny's, start with something simple like the cheeseburger. Then work your way through the menu, up to monsters like the Fat Boy: an Angus beef patty, 8-hour slow-cooked brisket, double cheese, BBQ sauce and onion. All your usual burger friends are here too: mac and cheese, milkshakes you struggle to suck through a straw and chips smothered in gravy. There are over twenty on the menu and Benny's is even giving out 300 freebies on its opening day on Friday, June 2. Mark this one in your diaries, launch day freebies from 5pm will include the signature cheeseburger, a classic chicken burger or a vego cheeseburger, on the house. [caption id="attachment_902426" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Matt Turner[/caption] There are also plans to launch Melbourne's first bottomless burger brunch later in the year, which sounds like a truly incredible hangover cure. Images: supplied. Benny's officially opens on Friday, June 2 at 560 Chapel Street, just opposite Chapelli's. The free burger special is running that day only for the 300 customers who dine-in from 5pm, so get your skates on. After that, it will be open Monday–Thursdays and Sunday 11am–10pm, plus 11am–12am on Friday and Saturday.
Each year, we all anticipate the arrival of December 25. Because of the day off, that includes the promise of an afternoon spent dozing in a hammock — and for dessert fiends, it also includes Gelato Messina's annual Christmas cake. We hope you like a certain quintessential Australian dish, because that's what is on the gelato chain's menu again. Yes, Messina is bringing back its version of the trifle. The Christmas Coma will return for its fourth year running — and this time it's particularly decadent. In fact, it's a gelato rocky road trifle, and it comes in a pack with a dulce de leche sourdough panettone, as made in collaboration with Sonoma Bakery. First, the epic ice cream creation. In 2020, the Christmas Coma will once again feature layer upon layer of everything that is good about Christmas — but instead of being soggy and slightly regrettable, this one will have you licking the glass bowl. So what's in it? Well, Messina is going with layers of cherry flummery, rocky road crunch, coconut cream, chocolate mud cake and milk chocolate gelato, then topping it with caramelised peanuts and glace cherries. Plus, it'll come with some Messina brandy custard to douse all over the mess. And, it all serves 20–30 (or less if you really commit). With the 750-gram sourdough panettone, you'll be getting a spiced brioche whipped up by Sonoma's executive pastry chef Alejandro Luna and his team. It takes 36 hours to make, and it's stuffed with Messina's dulce de leche and chocolate, plus Italian dried fruits, nuts and spices. All of the above comes in a Christmas Coma mega pack, which costs $200 and can be pre-ordered from a yet-to-be-revealed date in the week commencing Monday, November 9. Sign up to Messina's VIP list, and you'll get access to a 24-hour pre-sale window before pre-orders open to everyone, too. You'll then be able to pick up your Christmas Coma between Friday, December 18 and Thursday, December 24, all within regular store opening hours — and from all Gelato Messina stores across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane except The Star. It comes in a Messina cooler bag and, if you keep it in there all sealed up, can survive for up to one hour. In each of the last few years, the trifle sold out super fast, so we suggest you don't wait on this one. The Christmas Coma will be available to order from sometime during the week commencing Monday, November 9. Keep an eye on the Messina website for further details — or sign up to Messina's VIP list to get access to a 24-hour pre-sale window before pre-orders open to everyone.
Why just eat one regular old sweet treat when you can feast your way through a glorious hybrid of two beloved desserts? That's long been Gelato Messina's unspoken motto. So, last year, the chain delivered a tastebud-tempting creation that took its delicious take on the trusty Viennetta and mixed it with its version of Golden Gaytimes. The result: the Have a Gay Old Messinetta tub, or the Gayinnetta as Messina has also dubbed it. And, in great news for your tastebuds this winter — because yes, you can still eat gelato when it's frosty outside — this limited-edition treat is making a comeback. If you've tried a scoop of the brand's popular Have a Gay Old Time flavour already but didn't tuck into any Gayinnetta last time around, just imagine that flavour turned into Viennetta. This dessert combines layers of caramel and milk gelato, then covers it with chocolate-covered biscuit crumbs, and finally tops it all with ripples of vanilla and caramel chantilly cream. And yes, the end result looks like the dessert you know and love, but in a caramel colour for a change. If you're keen to get yourself a Gayinnetta — which'll cost you $40 — they're available to preorder online on Monday, May 30, for pick up between Friday, June 3–Sunday, August 5 from all stores. And, because Messina's specials always prove popular, the brand is now staggering the on-sale times. Accordingly, folks in Queensland and the ACT are able to purchase at 9am, Victorians at 9.30am, and New South Wales customers split across three times depending on the store (with pies from Circular Quay, Surry Hills, Bondi, Randwick and Miranda on sale at 10am; Brighton Le Sands, Tramsheds, Parramatta and Darlinghurst at 10.30am; and Darling Square, Newtown, Rosebery and Penrith at 11am). Gelato Messina's Have a Gay Old Messinetta tubs will be available to order on Monday, May 30, for pick up between Friday, June 3–Sunday, August 5 from all stores. Head to the Messina website for further details.
It's been far too long since Birrarung Marr was last enveloped in the smoky scents and region-hopping flavours of the Night Noodle Markets. But the wait is finally over, as the much-loved food festival breaks free from its COVID-enforced hibernation and returns to its riverside home from Thursday, November 10–Sunday, November 27. And that, friends, means it's time to start plotting exactly what tempting street food bites you'll be tucking into over those 18 flavour-packed nights. Especially since we've scored a peek at the full lineup of vendors and hawker stalls hitting this year's Night Noodle Markets — and the signature menus they'll be serving up for your karaage-scoffing, noodle-slurping, dumpling-downing pleasure. So, from barbecue and bao to dumplings and doughnuts, we're here to break down all the must-try eats to pop on your market itinerary. [caption id="attachment_875062" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Flying Noodle[/caption] Of course, the Night Noodle Markets' namesake dish will be in strong supply, including some new gravity-defying offerings from Flying Noodle. Try the likes of The Big Boss, featuring marinated chicken and chinese broccoli, or the Way of the Dragon — pork belly slow-cooked in a honey soy sauce with tamarind and black pepper. The folks at Teppanyaki Noodles are serving a Japanese riff on the concept with their fried yakisoba creation, while Queensland's Raijin will be turning out crispy chicken karaage noodles (and a tofu karaage version), alongside their house dumplings. Speaking of which, your dumpling dreams are set to come true many times over, thanks in part to the Bumplings x Mazda stall. Brendan Pang's legendary Perth dumpling house is teaming up with the car brand to deliver a special menu of signature morsels designed to pair with his exclusive Soul Red Crystal sauce. [caption id="attachment_875067" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Wonderbao[/caption] In the dumpling-adjacent corner, you'll catch Wonderbao whipping up six different bao varieties, with fillings ranging from roast pork belly and Korean fried chicken, to tofu okonomiyaki and sweet custard. As always, there'll be plenty of things on sticks, headlined by a bumper lineup from the masters at Hoy Pinoy. Get your Filipino barbecue fix via their inihaw na baboy (pork belly skewers glazed in banana ketchup) and inihaw na manok (soy-glazed chicken skewers), alongside other creations like a chicken adobo rice bowl and the bistek tagalog — soy-glazed beef rump that's roasted and smoked over charcoal, and served on rice. [caption id="attachment_875064" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hoy Pinoy[/caption] Meanwhile, at May's Malaysian stall, you'll find a sizzling array of fusion plates including char kway teow, nasi goreng and Singapore noodles. And crowd-favourite, Windsor's Mr Miyagi, will be coming to the party with a brand new menu in tow, dishing up three Japanese-inspired bao burgers — a crumbed mushroom and miso mayo number, a pork katsu creation and a new take on the classic chicken schnitty roll. [caption id="attachment_875060" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Demochi Donut[/caption] Dessert fiends aren't forgotten, either, with an array of mochi-doughnut mash-ups courtesy of Sydney's Demochi Donut, and an Asian-inspired Messina offering starring the likes of the dulce de leche-infused HK French Toast and the Milo Fry Club — pudding made from the Messinatella choc-hazelnut spread with deep-fried Milo gelato and an Oreo crumble. Since all that eating will be thirsty work, you'll have stacks of liquid treats to choose from, too. Hit Cointreau's retro Margarita Kombi for an original or spicy marg, quench your thirst the fruity way beneath the Rekorderlig Cider dome, or drop by the Stomping Ground beer garden for a couple of cold cans. And if you're getting noodly sans booze, try the Dan Murphy's Zero% Bar (a new edition of its Hampton pop-up) for non-alcoholic beers and made-to-order booze-free cocktails, including a Salted Caramel Espresso Martini. Melbourne's 2022 Night Noodle Markets will run from Thursday, November 10–Sunday, November 27 at Birrarung Marr, Melbourne. For more details on the menu, head to the Night Noodle Markets website. Top Images: Hoy Pinoy, Mr Miyagi, Wonderbao.
A pub has stood on the corner of Hawthorn's Church Street and Barkers Road (formerly Beehive Road) since the 1800s. It's had a few different names during that time — most recently, Serafina — but it's been called The Beehive throughout most of its life. And though Serafina is no longer, Julien Moussi and Tony Pantano from Only Hospitality (Hotel Collingwood, Hobsons Bay Hotel) have taken over the 300-seat pub and given it a major makeover, renaming it The Beehive in the process. By.Underwood was brought on to restore rather than renovate the building, and has worked hard to keep plenty of the pub's heritage features. The famed beehive sculpture that crowns the pub remains, as does the old-school ceiling plasterwork, restored flooring and large arch windows. A warm, bee-inspired yellow and brown colour palette flows throughout the venue, while playful beehive lights sit above banquette seats. It's a fun nod to the pub's name, but you'll still be hanging out in a pub, not a bee-themed bar. Chef Chris Rendell has designed The Beehive's new menu, delivering contemporary gastropub fare with a particular focus on woodfired cooking. Flame-kissed proteins now feature at The Beehive alongside pub classics like chicken and eggplant parmas and fish and chips, as well as a rotating selection of pastas and share plates. As another little nod to its name, local honey by Pure Peninsula is sprinkled throughout the food and drinks offerings, from a honeycomb-starring cheeseboard to honey-based desserts and a hot honey cocktail. Harrison Young (Milton Wine Shop) has been enlisted to create the wine list, which showcases both local and international drops. The team is pouring an impressive 17 by the glass and another 120 by the bottle. The old-school pub vibes live on at the front bar, which boasts a 12-strong selection of beers on tap and plenty of classic and signature cocktails. Here, you'll also find screens streaming sports matches, a roaring fireplace and plenty of sporting memorabilia. Moussi and Pantano used to frequent The Beehive in their 20s, and the duo is working hard to hold onto the historic pub's character while modernising certain elements. "Our vision for The Beehive is that it'll be a pub for the people and reignite that sense of community," says Moussi. "This transformation invites a new wave of Melburnians to discover the iconic venue, and that's something we're really excited about." The Beehive can be found at 84 Barkers Road, Hawthorn, open 12pm–late on weekdays and 11.30am–late on weekends. For more information, head to the pub's website. Images: David Green.
The minds behind the multi-layered delight that is the legendary Strawberry Watermelon Cake — which has lit up Instagram feeds across the world since its inception in Sydney over a decade ago — are heading south. Sydney's Black Star Pastry is whipping up something just for us Melburnians, opening the doors to a summer-long pop-up in St Kilda. Making its home beneath Acland Street's Jackalope Pavilion — where you'll find blockbuster installation Rain Room — the temporary bakery follows a successful 2017 pop-up in Carlton, as well as plenty of outings at Melbourne's Night Noodle Markets over the years. The new pop-up store is serving up a selection of Black Star smash hits, the bill headlined, of course, by that Strawberry Watermelon Cake. Sporting layers of almond dacquoise, rose-scented cream and watermelon, this little beauty sells around one million slices annually across the brand's four Sydney stores and was even dubbed the "world's most Instagrammed cake" by The New York Times. Other favourites making the journey south include the Pistachio Lemon Zen Cake — another layered sensation featuring pistachio ganache, white chocolate mousse, lemon curd and crunchy pistachio dacquoise — and the Raspberry Lychee Cake, which fuses chocolate biscuit, raspberry marshmallow and vanilla cream. When Easter rolls around, Melburnians will also get to try the brand's famed hot cross buns. The sweet stuff is complemented by St Ali coffee and a contemporary, minimalist store space, featuring neon signage by UK artist Tracey Emin proclaiming "you loved me like a distant star". And, in a win for those who don't like waiting, customers can also pre-order a range of cakes online and skip the queues with express pick-up. While this Melbourne store is only a pop-up, Black Star Pastry has plans to open stores across Australia (and overseas) in 2020 — fingers crossed one of those lands in Melbourne. The pop-up will be open from open 8am–4pm Monday to Friday and 8am–5pm Saturday and Sunday until Easter 2020.
It's impossible to fit Gippsland on a plate, but every year, Victoria's chefs, brewers and cheesemakers give it a red hot crack. Yep, it's that time of year again. The East Gippsland Winter Festival is back for 2024, running from Friday, June 21–Sunday, July 21 with more artisanal plates than anyone could consume in an average human lifetime. If you haven't attended before, bring your appetite. It's an incredible celebration of everything Gippsland — the people, food, produce and communities that make this place special. The event runs for a full month, with activations, dining experiences and live music popping up all over the region. Some of this year's highlights include the Guy Grossi x Sodafish collaboration lunch at Lakes Entrance, sword fighting and fireside dining at a Medieval Fire Festival in Bruthen, a sunrise bathe and breakfast (in old wine barrels, no less) at Metung Hot Springs, and a special high country lunch at Moscow Villa Hut. We recommend basing yourself somewhere central, like Bairnsdale or Bruthen, and then strategically filling your diary with delicious events and winery activations. You can browse the full program and book your spot at the website.
The winter chill may be in the air, but that doesn't mean you still can't have a great day out in Melbourne's inner south. Together with the City of Port Phillip, we have compiled a list of winter activities you can enjoy when the weather isn't cooperating. From enjoying classic movies at a heritage cinema to brunch in a cute cafe before a brisk walk through Albert Park or a jaunt across the Port Melbourne beach and even bouldering and pottery classes, we've all the best indoor activities that don't require stunning weather.
This series of takeovers is entirely for the carnivores. Each month from July until November, a different Melbourne venue will create two meat-centred eats for both BEAST Brunswick and BEAST City. This will include one signature meat burger or sandwich, as well as a speciality meat dish sold per piece or by weight. The Meat Masters series kicks off in July, as the team from Third Wave Cafe brings its signature slow-cooked US-style barbecue flavours to both BEAST venues. Get around slow-smoked American barbecue short ribs with chips and the Ribsy burger, which sees a brioche bun stuffed with deboned slow-smoked American barbecue short ribs, tomato relish, swiss cheese, streaky bacon, apple bourbon barbecue sauce and tomato. There's a lot going on in that beast. In August, taco masters CDMX touch down in the BEAST kitchens. The chefs here have rejigged their famed birria tacos, reimagining them in sandwich form. The birria-braised beef short rib sandwich is filled with cheese, grilled onions, pickles and salsa. That same beef and filling combo is also served straight up without the bread for those who want to make a mess with their hands. Next up is Bad Shepherd in September, with its Montréal Smoked Meat Sandwich. This comes loaded with cured, smoked and steamed beef brisket, Alabama white sauce, jack cheese and pickles. The thrice-treated brisket is also served separately but with a side of pickled vegetables. Throughout October, Bluestone American BBQ is in charge of BEAST's Meat Master specials, serving a smoked Cuban-style pork burger with barbecued ham, Swiss cheese, cucumber pickles, mayo and sweet mustard. The same smoked Cuban-style pork is also being served out of the bun, with lime and crema mojo, creole slaw and cucumber pickles. Last on the docket of Meat Master takeovers is Sonido Berbeos Bros. In November, the Colombian street food legends are slinging longaniza rolls, which consist of Colombian sausages stuffed into a bread roll with pickled red onions, citric acid, mayo, and perajo sauce. The longaniza sausages will also be sold sans bread roll, with Colombian plantain fritters and sauce. Make no mistake – this is heavy, meaty and heartburn-inducing stuff. We can't wait for the food comas each takeover creates.
Any film that critics compare to being "stabbed in the head" would normally be something that people would want to avoid. But when it comes to The Room, the harsher the reviews the better. The 2003 melodrama, about a love triangle between a banker, his best friend and his treacherous fiance, has spawned a massive cult following, with audiences all around the world coming together at late-night screenings to celebrate its cringe-worthy performances, horrendous dialogue and baffling, incomprehensible plot. The mad genius behind The Room is its writer-director-producer-star, the mysterious Tommy Wiseau. Blessed with a confidence that far exceeds his ability, it's Wiseau's virtuosic incompetence that plays a huge part in the movie's appeal. Interviews with Wiseau tend to raise more questions than they answer. A more forthcoming subject is actor Greg Sestero, who co-stars as the best friend, Mark. Sestero recently co-penned a book, titled The Disaster Artist, full of behind-the-scenes stories about the movies' turbulent production. In the lead-up to a promotional visit to Australia, Sestero spoke to Concrete Playground about the book, Wiseau and his dubious double-edged fame. https://youtube.com/watch?v=mQ4KzClb1C4 When you meet Tommy Wiseau "He was the ultimate character," remembers Sestero of his and Wiseau's first meeting, in a Los Angeles acting class back in 1998. "He didn't take no for an answer. As a nineteen-year-old aspiring actor who was doubting myself, he was the perfect person for me to meet at that point in my life." Slowly, the two became friend. Even so, when Wiseau first approached Sestero about making the movie, the actor was reluctant. "I agreed to help him make the film behind the scenes, [but] he really wanted me to be in it," says Sestero. "The night before filming he made me an offer I couldn't refuse. I was an unemployed actor working retail, and I didn't think anybody would see it. Fortunately I was wrong." Production proved a disaster, with cast and crew members regularly quitting or being fired over the course of the six month shoot. "You were dealing with somebody who had never made a film," says Sestero. "He wanted to honour his vision, and anybody who got in the way was shown the door. It was a very trying experience for a lot of people … but he had a very unique way of making art, and more power to him. Unique stands out, and here we are eleven years later, still talking about The Room." When you want fame but get notoriety "I always thought the movie was very funny and very campy, but I was shocked when it found an audience," says Sestero. "It developed a small LA fanbase around 2005, 2006, and then there was an article written in Entertainment Weekly that really blew it up. It wasn't until 2010 that I did an appearance at a theatre in New York at which twelve hundred people showed up. I think at that point I realised The Room had arrived." Of his own performance, and the questionable celebrity the film brought him, the actor remains upbeat. "For something that I just phoned in and didn't expect anything from, I can't really complain," says Sestero. "When you put yourself out there and you read bad things about yourself, it stings. But with this project I was kind of in on the joke from the beginning." And frankly, no one would argue that the cast didn't have their work cut out for them. "With the dialogue, even if you did try to act well, you would have been doomed," reflects the actor. "Even Daniel Day-Lewis probably would have had some trouble getting those lines out." When James Franco and Seth Rogen want to act out your memoirs "I think the book has kind of redeemed the whole experience," says Sestero. "Ever since I made this movie, there were so many crazy stories. I thought that if I took them to a publisher, they wouldn't even believe it as fiction. Then as time went on and the cult began to grow, I felt like the story behind it became even more compelling." Now, in a fittingly strange turn of events, James Franco and Seth Rogen have announced that they'll be adapting the memoir into a film. Franco will direct, while his younger brother Dave will play Sestero. "It's still in the early stages, but I think James Franco and Seth Rogen have made so many great films," says Sestero. "They're a great fit for the project." Despite all The Room has done for him, Sestero is looking forward to moving on. "At the end of the day, it's really Tommy's movie," says Sestero. "It's what really defines him. I think we were all just passengers on this ship. The book was a start to doing things that I'm really excited about, and to kind of show that there's more to me than just this bad movie."
Deadly Ponies is a permanent fixture in the fashion landscape, and it's clear to see why — boundary-pushing designs, carbon-zero certification from Toitū Environcare and a commitment to both creativity and transparency. With over 15 years in the market, the Aotearoan leather accessories label — fronted by designer Liam Bowden — has seen success the world over, regularly held in the crook of a celebrity or fashion-stalwart's arm, including their homegrown talent Lorde. A classic crossbody in a fashion-forward colourway (like 'coconut ice')? Maybe an impossibly soft yet chic shearling tote? If you're looking for luxe mixed with an unwillingness to compromise on sustainability, Deadly Ponies delivers in troves. Now, dear Melburnians, it's time to peruse in person, with the addition of a bricks and mortar standalone on Armadale's High Street, as well as a dedicated Deadly Ponies Concept Space on Little Bourke Street in the CBD. Both stores were conceptualised by long-time collaborator and celebrated interior designer Katie Lockhart. The delivered spaces are natural extensions of the creatives behind the brand, with pared-back tones and textures, and carefully scattered trinkets and treasures. It's a clever pairing of new and vintage, reminiscent of homely, lived-in comfort — though not lacking a lick in design-centric styling, with the flagship's staggering window display and soft metallic accents catching eyes, and the concept space (which is within Myer) delivering yellow and blue hues via a rug hailing from 1940s France. Taking the stance of innovation when faced with the social and environmental cost of its wares is just one of the core practices that makes Deadly Ponies — and its coveted bags — so worthy of the attention and accolades it's afforded. With the annual Recycle collection, crafted completely from offcuts, and an in-store amnesty program for returning your Deadly Ponies once they're all loved out, circularity is never an afterthought. Consciously created high fashion accessories — what's not to love? Head in-store to discover the Deadly Ponies experience for yourself.
Billie Eilish doesn't ask "what were the Academy Awards made for?" in her Oscar-nominated tune from Barbie. If she did, however, Hollywood saluting the films of the past year is one answer. For everyone watching at home, here's another: watching the biggest annual stint of cinema-industry recognition there is, and also getting into the celebratory spirit at home. So, you've seen this year's nominated movies. Whether you're hoping that Oppenheimer, Barbie, Poor Things, Past Lives or something else gets a shiny statuette for their efforts, you've pondered who might win — and who should. The next step when the 96th Oscars take place on Monday, March 11, Down Under time, is to feel the Kenergy over cocktails (or whatever other beverage takes your fancy). Don't just nurse your glass and imbibe randomly, though. To truly get you into the Oscars spirit, our 2024 drinking game outlines when to take a small sip, a big gulp, a couple of mouthfuls or however much of a swig that you feel like. Some of our cues to join in are relevant every year. Some are specific to 2024's gongs. So, ensure you've got the requisite supplies, pay attention to everything happening during the ceremony and say cheers to Hollywood's night of nights — and drink responsibly, of course. A Small Sip: Drink Like You've Found Bliss in Your Daily Routine A winner gets played off. The term "Barbenheimer" is uttered. Barbenheimer gets credited with saving cinema. Someone pretends to be a Barbie. Margot Robbie wears pink. Martin Scorsese receives a standing ovation. Steven Spielberg receives a standing ovation. Lengthy movies are mentioned — whether celebrated, complained about or parodied. Taylor Swift appears or gets a shoutout — or one of her songs is busted out. Jimmy Kimmel feuds with Matt Damon. The strikes are referenced. Artificial intelligence comes up. The words "movie magic" or "magic of the movies" get a mention. Someone uses their speech — or presenting gig — to angle for their next job. Matthew McConaughey says "alright, alright, alright". Sam Rockwell dances. [caption id="attachment_945212" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kimberley French/Netflix ©2023[/caption] A Big Gulp: Drink Like You're Working Up the Courage to Make History "Destroyer of worlds" gets uttered. Someone comments that they forgot that Cillian Murphy is Irish. Kate McKinnon appears as Weird Barbie. Someone involved in Barbie other than Margot Robbie wears pink. You hear an Australian or New Zealand accent. Meryl Streep wins without being nominated. Someone makes up a new category. A joke bombs and AI gets the blame. Someone says that this is going better than the Golden Globes. 'P.I.M.P.' is played — any version. Leonardo DiCaprio's love life is mentioned. The rest of the Kens appear onstage with Ryan Gosling during the 'I'm Just Ken' performance. Anya Taylor-Joy and Charlize Theron co-present an award. A winner forgets to thank their spouse, but remembers at the last minute. Someone mentions the Dune cups. [caption id="attachment_945213" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jason McDonald/Netflix © 2023.[/caption] A Few Mouthfuls: Drink Like You're Trying to Balance Your Personal and Professional Passions Someone ponders whether they — or Sandra Hüller — killed their partner. Wes Anderson won't accept the award for Best Live-Action Short because the stage setup isn't symmetrical. Bradley Cooper conducts the orchestra. Lady Gaga and Joaquin Phoenix attend as Harley Quinn and the Joker. Emma Stone brings her The Curse co-star Nathan Fielder as her date. A toilet is cleaned during the ceremony. Nicolas Cage tries to swap faces with someone. Godzilla appears. Martin Scorsese, Robert De Niro and Al Pacino are all seen together. Someone has a Dune cup. Anyone eats flamin' hot Cheetos. Nicole Kidman forgets how to clap again. Someone reads out the wrong winner. [caption id="attachment_945214" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Seacia Pavao / © 2023 FOCUS FEATURES LLC[/caption] As Much as You Like: Drink Like You've Been Left Behind at Christmas Getting left behind at Christmas is worked into a skit. Justine Triet becomes just the fourth woman to win the Best Director category. During Lily Gladstone's Best Actress speech, if she wins. Past Lives wins an award. An Australian wins an award. Someone exclaims "I must go punch that baby!". Messi from Anatomy of a Fall makes an appearance. America Ferrera recreates her Barbie speech. Robert Downey Jr says that he's returning as Iron Man. Greta Gerwig announces that she's making a toy franchise that started with Barbie. The 2024 Oscars will be announced on Monday, March 11, Australian and New Zealand time. For further details, head to the awards' website. Wondering where to watch this year's Oscar contenders? We've put together a rundown for both Australia and New Zealand. Wondering who'll win? Check out our predictions.
QT Melbourne is a multi-faceted playground for its guests. The lobby and common areas are filled with lots of colourful lighting, mountains of modern furniture and elaborate wallpaper. Then, in the stunning guest rooms, you'll find timber flooring, state-of-the-art technology and designer furniture that's at once quirky and tasteful. They were gunning to be one of Melbourne's best hotels when they were dreaming up this luxury space — and they clearly hit the mark. But we must take a few moments to talk about the artwork. The commitment to create an authentic arts experience was clear from the outset, with award-winning art advisor Amanda Love bringing together an eclectic array of visual delights. QT Melbourne and Love have brought together a collection of acclaimed local and international artists whose work is showcased throughout the hotel's guest rooms, restaurants, bars and public spaces. Artists include Melbourne-born twin sisters and video art duo Gabriella and Silvana Mangano, renowned American installation artist Jennifer Steinkamp, Sydney-based site-specific artists Claire Healy and Sean Cordeiro, video artist Grant Stevens, and conceptual installation pairing Janet Burchill and Jennifer McCamley. You'll feel like you're spending the night in a particularly glamorous gallery (and yes, you can touch the artworks). [caption id="attachment_828901" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hayden Dib[/caption] In addition to this luxe accommodation, the hotel also has some serious eats: Parisian-style dinners at Pascale Bar and Grill, pastries in The Cake Shop, laneway bar feels and Korean food at Hot Sauce, and a buzzing rooftop bar, too. The 'secret' rooftop garden is also open to the public, showcasing bespoke Four Pillars cocktails. This leafy haven even hosts private parties of 10–25 people if you fancy a taste of luxury without booking a night's stay. Top image: Alexandra Anderson. Appears in: The Best Hotels in Melbourne
Mr Tucci has been nominated for Best New Cafe in our Best of 2018 awards. Like it? Vote for it right 'ere. Sibling-run cafe Mr Tucci in Glen Iris is bold, with three areas in particular standing out: the space, the food and the vibe. Let's start with the space, because, let's face it: first impressions are lasting. The space is encased in a glass triangle, with lots of natural light and a backdrop of trees, which makes it feel like you're eating in a very comfortable conservatory. And every seat in the cafe feels like this. Speaking of seats, it's worth noting that owners Fabian, Massimo, and Romina Crea did the fit out themselves — which included sourcing 1950s Australian school chairs and revamping them. The food shines in the space. And it's no wonder, really, given that this is not the Creas' first rodeo. Stalwarts of hospitality in Melbourne's southeast, they've created a menu which they know reflects local taste. The only problem with the menu at Mr Tucci is deciding what to eat. The sriracha and maple glazed bacon with avocado seems a firm favourite, judging from the plates of fellow diners, and the sourdough waffles are a clear winner given they've already sold out by early Saturday afternoon. No problem — despite the busyness of the day, the kitchen whips up some more for the polite children on the table next door. A definite thumbs up from the cute ones. There's a Mr T burger with beef brisket, for those with a larger appetite, and plenty of vegetarian options as well such as panko-crumbed eggplant or black bean röstis. The tasting plate with rösti, smashed avo, maple bacon, a poached egg and waffles with poached pear is a great way to sample three dishes from the menu at once. You can also just swing by for some really great coffee and cake. Fabian points out that he's lucky to still have his mum, Franca, doing things for him, and in this case she's making stunning cakes. Think Italian sponge filled with lemon curd, pistachio and chocolate biscotti, or pistachio and berry teacakes. Round out your morning (or afternoon tea) with a white coffee, made with beans from local-roaster Veneziano, or an espresso or filter with Wood and Co. This brings us to the last, and best, aspect of Mr Tucci: the intangible vibe. When you enter a new place and you're greeted like an old friend, this goes a long way. The Creas espouse old-fashioned good service. The name itself is a nod to their nonno, Giovanni Santucci, and hints at the importance of family for them. It feels like a family affair, and you've already been welcomed into the fold. Images: Julia Sansone
Once you find your perfect Melbourne barber, everything else in your life will just fall into place. Alright, that might be a bit of an exaggeration but we still think it is mighty important to find folks who know how to expertly trim a beard, give you a clean shave or simply cut your hair exactly how you like it. You'll walk away feeling fresh and pretty, just like all the people who get makeovers from Jonathan Van Ness in Queer Eye. But it's not all about the end product — looking fabulous. You head to the barber for a bit of self care and pampering, finding inner calm when that hot towel wraps around face or when you feel the sharp blades skim across your chin. But we've all been to places that don't give you the perfect close shave. Or they drape a funky smelling towel over your face instead of a fluffy and clean one. That's why we created this list of the best barbers in Melbourne, to ensure you only get the best experience possible. Recommended reads: The Best Hair Salons in Melbourne The Best Spas in Melbourne
UPDATE, May 29, 2021: Baby Done is available to stream via Stan, Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Amazon Video. A relic of a time when women were considered wives, mothers and little else, the public need to comment on whether someone has a baby or is planning to have a baby is flat-out garbage behaviour. In your twenties or thirties, and in a couple? Yet to procreate? If so, the world at large apparently thinks that it's completely acceptable to ask questions, make its judgement known and demand answers. Baby Done offers a great take on this kind of situation. Surrounded by proud new parents and parents-to-be at a baby shower, Zoe (Rose Matafeo) refuses to smile and nod along with all the polite cooing over infants — existing and yet to make their way into the world — and smug discussions about the joys of creating life. An arborist more interested in scaling trees at both the national and world championships than starting a family, she simply refuses to temper who she is to fit society's cookie-cutter expectations. Her partner Tim (Matthew Lewis) is on the same wavelength, and they visibly have more fun than everyone else at the party. With a title such as Baby Done, it shouldn't come as much of a surprise when this New Zealand comedy soon upsets Zoe and Tim's status quo. She discovers that she's expecting and, while he starts dutifully preparing to an almost unnervingly sensible extent, she also struggles to face the change that's coming their way. At the forefront of Zoe's mind is a phenomenon she has noticed with most of her friends, other than the still single and child-free Molly (Emily Barclay) — who just might be more pregnancy-phobic than she is. When women become mothers, that's often the only way they're seen by the world and themselves. Zoe is also concerned about being forced to put her own dreams on hold. In fact, even as her bump expands and everyone from her doctor to her parents tells her otherwise, she's adamant that she's still heading overseas to climb as many branches in the pursuit of arboriculture glory as she can. Comedies about the trials and tribulations of parenthood, and of the journey to become parents, are almost as common as people asking "when are you two having kids?" without prompting at parties. But this addition to the genre from director Curtis Vowell and screenwriter Sophie Henderson (both veterans of 2013 film Fantail) approaches a well-worn topic from a savvy angle. Zoe clearly isn't a stereotypical mother-to-be, and doesn't experience the stereotypical feelings women have been told they're supposed to feel about having children — and Baby Done leans into that fact. The role-reversal at the movie's centre really shouldn't feel so refreshing. Neither should depicting a women daring to think that, even though she wants to have a baby, she doesn't want her entire life as she currently knows it to disappear. It also shouldn't stand out that, instead of depicting an impending father who's less than fussed about taking on that responsibility as plenty of previous flicks have, Baby Done focuses on an expectant mother who'd rather carry on as if nothing big is happening — but it does. In her first lead big-screen role, comedian Matafeo stands out, too. Indeed, it's easy to wonder whether Baby Done would've worked so engagingly and thoughtfully with someone else as its star. In her hands, Zoe instantly feels like a fully realised character that has walked off the street and into the camera's sights — because, even in an obvious comedy that's constantly trying to evoke laughs, its protagonist is always relatable, fleshed out, and the sum of both her clear strengths and overt struggles. That's the kind of balance that the leads in the last female-led, Taika Waititi-produced New Zealand comedy that touched on motherhood, The Breaker Upperers, also perfected. Matafeo has her own presence, however; playing plucky, outgoing and friendly, but also stubborn and wilfully in denial about what she's going through, she could easily (and will hopefully) step out of Baby Done and into a host of other affable and amusing movies. Understanding that motherhood means different things to different women and subverting the usual gender roles in the process doesn't stop the brightly shot, breezily toned Baby Done from sticking to a largely, sweetly predictable narrative, though. Or, from serving up just as easy-to-anticipate jokes amongst a particularly awkward threesome and a series of encounters with a pregnophile. Neither does Matafeo's excellent efforts, or her also likeable co-stars Lewis and Browning — with the former worlds away from his time as the Harry Potter franchise's Neville Longbottom, and the latter in her second offbeat supporting part this year after Babyteeth. And yet, as the likes of Knocked Up and Juno have shown entertainingly (especially in comparison to tripe like What to Expect When You're Expecting), finding an astute way to tackle a familiar topic really can't be underestimated. Again, Baby Done shouldn't feel like an outlier in its genre. In many ways, it really isn't, in fact. But charting one woman's pregnancy experience, and her backlash to the widely accepted notion that motherhood is the pinnacle of a woman's life, proves poignant and charming more often than not here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbIxi2VHTTk
The Olympic Games bring nations together in a worldwide contest of sport and competition. But the Olympics do much more than this too by providing an arena for remarkable triumphs, terrible failures, true perseverance and utter determination. Even through devastating wars, ongoing global conflicts, drastic terrorism acts and natural disasters, nations of the world have managed to unite (almost) every four years for over a century in a demonstration of friendly competition and unity. With the approaching London Olympics, it got us thinking about the spectacular images from past Olympic Games — photos that make you think, laugh, cringe or cry. Here is our pick of the best photographs from each summer Olympic Games throughout history. Athens 1896 - The Starting Gun Fires The first international Olympic Games to be held in the modern era. Being the 'birthplace of the Olympic Games', Athens was a suitable first venue. Athletics events obtained the most international field of the sports on offer, with the major highlight being the marathon; this was the first time the event had been held in international competition. Paris 1900 - Women Compete for the First Time Women donned their sporting caps and get-ups (apparently dresses in those days) for the first time at an international sporting event in Paris in 1900, with Charlotte Cooper being crowned the first female Olympic champion. 1000 competitors took part in 19 sports at these Games, which was held during the 1900 World's Fair. St. Louis 1904 - 3rd Time Not Such a Charm The St. Louis Olympic Games almost became the last due to such poor management. Making the same mistake as Paris did four years earlier, the World's Fair was run at the same time, causing audience members to be lost to other cultural exhibitions and events. Many athletes were also a no-show due to the Russo-Japanese War. London 1908 - Kings, Queens and Cramming London only had a short amount of time to ready themselves for these games as the original location, Rome, had to focus funds on restoring Naples following the destruction of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius two years earlier. The London games saw the setting of the new official distance for the marathon; in an attempt to restore the importance of the monarchy, British officials changed the track to start below the window of the Royal Nursery and finish in front of the King. Stockholm 1912 - Women's Gymnastics The Olympic Games in 1912 was the year of many firsts - and one last. The final Games to issue solid gold medals, Stockholm also held the first Olympics to have art competitions, the first to feature the decathlon and pentathlon, the first to have an Asian nation participate (Japan), and the first death during competition after Portuguese competitor, Francisco Lazaro, died from hyperthermia in the marathon. The Games also had a whopping 48 women compete (most of which appear to be in the Norwegian's Gymnastics team above). Berlin 1916 - A No-Show The Olympics were due to take place in Berlin in 1916, and it was expected to be a grand affair with the development of the new 'Deutsches Stadion'. The stadium was released with a parade, 10,000 pigeons and 60,000 people. If only they could get that many people to turn up to the real event though, because the Games didn't go ahead in this year due to the turmoil embroiling Europe at the time with the outbreak 0f the Second World War. Antwerp 1920 - Return to the Stadium The Games of the VII Olympiad were offered to Antwerp to honour the suffering the citizens had endured during World War I. The Games had originally been set to appear in Budapest, however as a German ally, Hungary, and many other nations such as Germany, Austria, Bulgaria and Turkey, was banned from competing. France appeared strong in the games, as is evident through Suzanne Lenglen's valiant effort on the tennis court. Paris 1924 - The Old Switcheroo Known as 'The Flying Scot', Britain's Golden Boy, Eric Liddell, stubbornly refused to take place in the 100m finals, as the event was to take place on a Sunday. The devout Christian thus decided to simply swap events in favour of the 400m sprint, ignoring the vast differences in distances and strategies. Despite the public's low expectations of his abilities, Liddell managed to not only win the competition, but also tied the Olympic record. Amsterdam 1928 - Jumping for Joy After being denied the ability to play host to the Games in both 1920 and 1924, the Olympics were finally celebrated in Holland in 1928. This was the first games to have an Olympic flame lit during the event and was also the first time that 400m athletics tracks were used. Los Angeles 1932 - Jumping Hurdles Mildred Zaharias wasn't the only one overcoming hurdles and breaking records in 1932, with California attempting to look past the worldwide Great Depression plaguing the globe at the time. These Summer Olympics held less than half the number of participants that competed in its previous location, Amsterdam, because many nations were unable to pay for the trip to Los Angeles. However, this didn't seem to impact the US too negatively as newspapers reported that the Games nevertheless reaped a profit of US$1,000,000. Berlin 1936 - Showing Off After being denied their chance to host the games in 1916, Berlin gained a second opportunity in 1936. The games were held on the eve of the Nazi Regime's rise to power in Germany, which occurred two years later. In an attempt to outdo the Los Angeles Olympics four years prior, the Nazis built a new 100,000 seat track and field stadium, six gymnasiums and many other small arenas. London 1948 - Third Time is a Charm After the Games were cancelled in Tokyo in 1940 and again London in 1944 (due to the Second World War), the Olympics finally returned to the world stage in 1948. Due to the destruction the war had caused in Europe, the games became known as the 'Austerity Games'. No new venues were built for the games and rather than being housed in an Olympic VIllage, athletes were housed in existing accommodation. Helsinki 1952 - A Record Breaking Event Known for being the games in which the most number of records were broken (until the 2008 Olympics in Beijing that is), Helsinki also saw the return and first appearance of a large number of nations. A total of 69 nations competed in the games, a figure 59 higher than that of the 1948 Games. Japan and Germany both appeared this time, along with 13 totally new nations such as The People's Republic of China and the USSR. Melbourne 1956 - Exceeding Expectations Melbourne was selected by a mere one vote margin and many were skeptical of its suitability as the reversal of seasons would mean that athletes would be unaccustomed to the wintery weather at the Summer Games. The Games proved to be a success and later became known as the 'Friendly Games'. Betty Cuthbert (above) was a star for the Australian nation by securing three gold medals, in the 100m, 200m & 4 x 100m sprint relay. Rome 1960 - Frozen in Time After emerging from the quarter and semi-finals of the 100m with the quickest times, German Armin Hary jumped the gun by false-starting twice in the finals. By the third, time, he seemed to have honed his panther-like reflexes to run a speedy 10.2 second and take out the Gold Medal. Tokyo 1964 - Savvy Games The Olympic Games held in the Tokyo in 1964 were the first Olympics to be telecast internationally without the need for tapes to be flown overseas, as was required previously. They were also the first games in which South Africa was barred from participating due to its apartheid system. Mexico City 1968 - Black Power Although you've probably seen this image a thousand times, the use of sport for making overt political statements and to become a vehicle for change, which is embodied in this photo, cannot be ignored. The Black Power Salute, made by African American athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos in the 1968, was a contentious gesture. Ostracised at the time, their demonstration only became recognised as a demonstration for dignity years later. Munich 1972 - Shadows The Games in Munich were largely overshadowed by the Munich Massacre, in which eleven Isreali athletes and coaches, a West German Police Officer and five terrorists were killed. Despite the event, the West German Government was determined to present a new democratic government, after the last games held in Germany was under the Nazi Regime. To this aim, the official motto of the games became 'the Happy Games'. Montreal 1976 - A Perfect Performance Romanian Gymnast Nadia Comaneci made Olympic history in the 1976 Olympics in Montreal by becoming the first female gymnast to ever be awarded a perfect score of 10 for her wondrous display on the uneven bars. Comaneci was also the the first Romanian gymnast to win the all-round event and was only 14 at the time - no wonder she appears to be floating on air. Moscow 1980 - Boycott Because of the Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan, the United States and a number of other countries boycotted the games in Moscow. As a result the games garnered a mere 80 participating nations, the smallest number since the 1956 Olympics. All in all a fairly non-eventful Games evidently. Los Angeles 1984 - Yep, another Boycott In retaliation to America's boycott four years prior, this time the Eastern Bloc nations boycotted the games. Seems like the fighting fire with fire approach is being employed here. Seoul 1988 - Cracking Under Pressure In the 1988 Seoul Olympics, the world's best diver at the time. Greg Louganis seemed to crack under the pressure - and that's not the only thing he cracked. In his attempt to complete a reverse 2 and a 1/2 pike somersault, the diver didn't get enough distance from the board and hit his head on the board, requiring temporary sutures. Barcelona 1992 - A Family Affair Renowned 400 metre sprinter Derek Redmond tragically tore a hamstring in the middle of the semi-final race at the 1992 Games in Barcelona. However, after his father tore past the security to go to his son's aid, Redmond was able to fight through the pain to complete a full lap, finishing with a standing ovation from the crowd. Atlanta 1996 - A Bombshell of an Olympics In the middle of the Atlanta Games in 1996, Eric Rudolph conducted his first of four terrorist bombings, killing two people and injuring 111. Rudolph bombed the Centennial Olympic Park, which was designed as the 'town square' of the Olympics. Sydney 2000 - Controversial Cathy Making the history books, Freeman brought glory to the Australian population by claiming the title of winner of the 400m track event. She was only the second ever Australian Aboriginal Olympic Champion. Following the race, the sprinter proceeded to (somewhat controversially and against Olympic norms) take a victor lap carrying both the Aboriginal and Australian flags. Athens 2004 - Making Waves Charnvudth Saensri of Thailand made waves with his strong stroke in the men's swimming 1500 metre freestyle heat in Athens. (Ok he didn't do that well but you can't go past the beauty of the photograph and his sheer determination). Beijing 2008 - As Fast as a Bolt Despite unfavourable wind conditions, Usain Bolt smashed through the 100m sprint world record with a swift 9.69 seconds. If that wasn't enough Bolt then went on to win gold and set another world record in the 200m. This made Bolt the first sprinter to ever break both records at the same Olympics.
