Geelong's Cartel Coffee Roasters is a much lauded operation that's made a name for itself for continually sourcing some of the finest coffee in the world. Now, it's finally bringing its top-notch brews to inner-city Melburnians, opening a cafe down Somerset Place in the CBD. It's the first local outpost for the ten-year-old roastery, which is committed to both quality and traceability, knowing the origins, story and supply chain of every single cuppa. And coffee is just as serious a game at the new Melbourne store. "The point is about getting people to experience coffee in a different way," explains Melbourne General Manager Lex Clayman. "We want to be an educational space without forcing it, to give people the idea that there's no such thing as just coffee." To that end, expect an interactive, approachable set-up, with lowered coffee machines and a wraparound brew bar giving customers a close-up experience. Sure, the basic espresso option clocks in at $5 a cup, but it's made on a rotating single origin bean, carefully selected to either shine through milk or sipped black. The baristas also have the know-how to chat you through the options and help you pick something you'll like, based on your favourite flavours. There are always a few new things to sample at various price points — perhaps the $5 batch brew of the day, a single origin cold brew extracted over 24 hours ($6), or the weekly changing 'exotic' coffee showcasing something high-end from one of the top international producers ($10). While space is too tight for a full kitchen, you can match your caffeine infusion to a number from the jaffle menu, featuring combinations like spicy barbecue pulled pork with jalapeños, or the classic bacon, egg and cheese. Stretched across one wall is a selection from Cartel's extensive online store, running from equipment, to take-home packs of beans. A mini roasting outfit is set to be installed upstairs soon, and keep an eye on the cafe's Facebook page for an upcoming program of interactive masterclasses and cupping sessions, for both baristas and the coffee curious. Find Cartel Coffee Roasters' new CBD outpost at 19 Somerset Place, Melbourne. It's open from 7am–4pm Monday to Friday, 8.30am–3.30pm Saturday and 9am–1pm Sunday.
Sometimes, your tastebuds crave something special. They hanker for the kind of dish you're not going to eat every day, aka a treat yo'self type of culinary experience. Here are three things that they'd likely demand in that situation: lobster, truffles and champagne. If that sounds like your idea of an indulgent meal, Lobster & Co has you sorted until Sunday, January 15 at the Arts Centre Forecourt, all as part of its summer food offering. During another season of decadence, you'll only find those three aforementioned items on the menu; the Lobster & Co van is solely serving lobster rolls with truffle fries and flutes of Pommery champagne. Prices start at $50 for the food combo, which features a whole confit lobster tail sourced from Western Australia, served warm on a caramelised brioche bun with buttermilk fennel slaw, plus a side of parmesan truffle fries. A chilled glass of the champers will cost you $20 extra. Pull up a seat at one of the umbrellaed tables on the forecourt to enjoy your lobster, chips and bubbles while gazing out over the Yarra, and well and truly soak in summer — Melbourne's version of it, at least. Generally, Lobster & Co operates Wednesday–Sunday, but dates and times vary over the holidays — so keep an eye on the pop-up's website. Images: Karon Photography.
Bottomless brunch is great and all, but how do you feel about a cosy evening settled in with a cheese board and free-flowing wine? That's exactly the situation you can get involved in at The Smith every Thursday night this winter, courtesy of the Prahran pub's new Supper Club series. Book a table from 5pm each week and get ready to snack away those winter blues. For $45, you'll tuck into a three-cheese selection served straight from The Smith's covetable cheese trolley — perhaps some Tarago River Gippsland Blue, a wedge of Maffra cheddar or a French brie by La Monique. You can even upgrade, adding an extra cheese variety for $5, or an additional two cheeses for $10. Of course, the midweek fun doesn't end there — also included in the price is 90 minutes of bottomless Aussie wine, French bubbly and spritzes. The latter's lineup features options like the rosemary-spiked Mr Bianco and a blood orange-infused Sicilian number. You're in for some bloomin' great views, too, with the pub's atrium currently decked out in swathes of purple and white wisteria as part of its new dreamy winter look.
UPDATE: OCTOBER 25, 2019 — Due to popular demand, Hamer Hall has added a fourth Love Actually in Concert show at 6pm on Sunday, December 22. Tickets go on sale at 10am on Monday, October 28 — don't sleep on it. When the end of the year hits, do you get 'Christmas is All Around', as sung by Bill Nighy, stuck in your head? Have you ever held up a piece of cardboard to tell the object of your affection that, to you, they're perfect? Does your idea of getting festive involve watching Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Laura Linney, Alan Rickman, Emma Thompson, Keira Knightley, Rowan Atkinson and Martin Freeman, all in the same movie? If you answered yes to any of the above questions, then you clearly adore everyone's favourite Christmas-themed British rom-com, its high-profile cast and its seasonal humour. And, you've probably watched the beloved flick every December since it was first released in cinemas back in 2003. That's a perfectly acceptable routine, and one that's shared by many. But this year, you can do one better. A huge success during its 2017 and 2018 tours of the UK (to the surprise of absolutely no one), 'Love Actually' in Concert is finally making its way to Australia — and, to the festive delight of Melburnians, to Hamer Hall at 3.30pm and 7.30pm on Sunday, December 15, and at 1pm on Sunday, December 22. Revisit the Richard Curtis-written and -directed film you already know and treasure, step through its interweaved Yuletide stories of romance, and hear a live orchestra play the movie's soundtrack. Tickets are on sale now — and, yes, Christmas (and love) will be all around you.
In 2024, the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival consists of over 400 events. Stacks of these involve international and interstate collaborations, where chefs, bartenders and owners fly over to Melbourne to work with local hospitality venues to create short but unique drinking and dining experiences. One to particularly look forward to is happening at Afloat. Here, teams from two of Sydney's best Mexican restaurants, El Primo Sanchez and Ricos Tacos, are joining forces to throw a huge taco and tequila party on Thursday, March 21. Afloat and its pool deck have already been slinging tacos and agave-based drinks all summer long, right on the Yarra, so this takeover makes sense. [caption id="attachment_938711" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Alana Dimou[/caption] Paddington tequila bar El Primo Sanchez is running the bars for the night, where its Bar Manager Eduardo Conde and Maybe Sammy co-founder Stefano Catino will be pumping out a massive range of tequila- and mezcal-based tipples. Expect El Primo's signature drink, the Patrón Primo Margarita — which is made with mescal naranja, agave and lime — plus heaps of other easy-drinking cocktails. For food, Afloat's Executive Chef James Gibson will be joined by Ricos Tacos' Founder and Executive Chef Toby Wilson in the kitchen, serving up six different tacos. Some of Ricos' signature tacos will be up for grabs, as well as a few one-off creations made just for the Taco and Tequila Party at Afloat. What's even better is that the $85 ticket not only includes a welcome cocktail but also gives guests two hours of unlimited tacos. Then, once your time is over, spend the rest of the night dancing to DJ sets on the water, beneath disco balls and fairy lights. Top images: Jake Roden
Despite the fact Ichi Ni's St Kilda site closed down last month, the group's Fitzroy restaurant is ramping up to celebrate its 15th birthday on Friday, March 15, with a huge dinner party in partnership with Nikka Whisky. Ichi Ni Nana Izakaya is creating five courses of both traditional and contemporary Japanese dishes that will each be paired with one of Nikka's fine whiskies. Tickets are going for $150 per person and include an Old Fashioned and appetiser on arrival, plus five courses of food and five tasting drams of whisky to accompany each. That ain't a bad price for all of that. As for the menu, you'll start off with Ichi's classic tuna tataki before the sushi masters whip up a course that consists of freshly made nigiri, maki rolls and sashimi. Bigger bites come in the form of the team's slow-cooked pork belly with miso yakiniku sauce, sliced pear and king mushroom chips, and chargrilled lamb cutlets served with broccolini and goma mayo. Ichi's matcha tiramisu is the big finish that'll be paired with a coffey malt whisky. Once the feast is finished, guests are invited to stick around and order more drinks off the a la carte menu to keep the party going. Either stick to the whisky or opt for some Japanese beers, cocktails and bottles of sake.
UPDATE, March 8, 2023: The Banshees of Inisherin is now available to stream via Disney+, Google Play, YouTube Movies and Prime Video. In The Banshees of Inisherin, the rolling hills and clifftop fields look like they could stretch on forever, even on a fictional small island perched off the Irish mainland. For years, conversation between Padraic Súilleabháin (Colin Farrell, After Yang) and Colm Doherty (Brendan Gleeson, The Tragedy of Macbeth) has been similarly sprawling — and leisurely, too — especially during the pair's daily sojourn to the village pub for chats over pints. But when the latter calls time on their camaraderie suddenly, his demeanour turns brusque and his explanation, only given after much pestering, is curt. Uttered beneath a stern, no-nonsense stare by Gleeson to his In Bruges co-star Farrell, both reuniting with that darkly comic gem's writer/director Martin McDonagh for another black, contemplative and cracking comedy, Colm is as blunt as can be: "I just don't like you no more." In the elder character's defence, he wanted to ghost his pal without hurtful words. Making an Irish exit from a lifelong friendship is a wee bit difficult on a tiny isle, though, as Colm quickly realises. It's even trickier when the mate he's trying to put behind him is understandably upset and confused, there's been no signs of feud or fray beforehand, and anything beyond the norm echoes through the town faster than a folk ballad. So springs McDonagh's smallest-scale and tightest feature since initially leaping from the stage to the screen, and a wonderful companion piece to that first effort. Following the hitman-focused In Bruges, he's gone broader with Seven Psychopaths, then guided Frances McDormand and Sam Rockwell to Oscars with Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, but he's at his best when his lens is trained at Farrell and Gleeson as they bicker in close confines. There's no doubting who's behind the camera of The Banshees of Inisherin from the get-go, with McDonagh speedy and concise in setting his scene, and showing his knack for witty dialogue and clever character-building in the process. The year is 1923, and the time — at first — is 2pm on an ordinary day. Except, after Pádraic calls on Colm's fisherman's cottage for their usual bar jaunt and gets no answer, nothing about it plays out as it typically would for the film's two main figures. Pádraic can see Colm sitting inside, in fact, smoking but not opening his door. He tries to talk it through with publican Jonjo (Pat Shortt, Pixie) after heading for a drink anyway, and with his sister Siobhán (Kerry Condon, Better Call Saul) later at home. It's the next day when Pádraic gets the response no one wants to hear from the man he thought was his best friend, but that's hardly the end of their rift. A tragicomedy that lives up to both halves of that term without a whiff of formula, The Banshees of Inisherin twists Pádraic and Colm's hostilities in circles — not to be repetitive or due to any lack of plot, but because life's cycles keep spinning both within the duo's fractured bond and around them. Endings are never easy but neither is life, McDonagh has his film contend, doing so with intelligence, humour and an unshakeable unwillingness to shy away from bleakness. Take the inclusion of village oddball Dominic (Barry Keoghan, The Batman), for example. He buzzes around the movie's central quarrel, endeavouring to use it to become Pádraic's BFF and make his romantic intentions for the single Siobhán known, and he's frequently a source of overt laughs. And yet, as his backstory with his drunk cop dad Peadar (Gary Lydon, Brooklyn) is fleshed out, he proves as sorrowful a resident as Inisherin has, in a feature that sees life's small joys and heartbreaking woes alike with clear eyes. McDonagh is a master at packaging the grim with the chucklesome, however, as Pádraic's attempts to cope with his rejection convey. The writer/director has his dejected protagonist go through several stages of grief — but once he's done being shocked, denying his friend's rebuffs, getting angry, trying to bargain his way to a new outcome, feeling depressed and hoping Colm will change his mind, seeking revenge becomes his baseline. The alternative: feeling uncomfortable at the pub and in general; and badgering the protective Siobhán to spend more time with him, ignorant to her yearning to leave an island that embodies everything to most of its inhabitants but offers far too little for her. Or, Pádraic can accept his beloved miniature donkey Jenny and the ever-present Dominic as his new chief sources of company. Simply watching Farrell's eyebrows as Pádraic faces his changing circumstances is entertaining, emotional and evocative; the depths and shades he can relay with a twitch, many actors can't muster with their entire bodies. Watching Gleeson's exhaustion and despair is equally revelatory — indeed, while Farrell plays Pádraic as constantly searching for a silver lining and eagerly proud of being the village nice guy, his co-star conjures up a man who doesn't expect to find anything much to smile about even after making drastic choices. In Bruges sparked it and now The Banshees of Inisherin cements it: Farrell and Gleeson are one of cinema's very-best pairs, and they're mesmerising to an awards-worthy degree here. Also exceptional is Condon as the kind but frustrated woman who can see both sides. "He's always been dull; what's changed?" she replies to Colm when he admits his boredom with Pádraic. Amid the grand performances, scenery, cinematography (by The King's Man's Ben Davis) and score (from Catherine Called Birdy's Carter Burwell), McDonagh hasn't anchored this griping, one-upping, apologising, pleading and vengeance-seeking a century ago for fun. He hasn't made the move to avoid technology, either, although this'd be a lesser movie with phones and apps fuelling fires and gossip. As poignant and resonant as it is amusing — and sometimes horrifying — The Banshees of Inisherin works sparklingly as an odd-couple decoupling comedy, a slice of insular small-town life, a bittersweet musing on mortality and an interrogation of masculinity, but it's also firmly a product of its homeland. Despite being Irish, this is McDonagh's first film set in the country, and harks back to the 1920s Civil War. The conflict rages across the bay from Inisherin without disrupting the isle's daily life, but Pádraic shouts tellingly at its gunshots: "good luck to you, whatever it is you're fighting about".
With work, family and other commitments, finding time to catch up with your friends can feel nearly impossible. So when you finally spot a gap in the calendar and lock in a date, the restaurant better be top-notch — we're adults now, after all. If you're just not sure where to go that'll offer the good feed you desire and the space to accommodate your potentially rowdy crew, never fear. We've teamed up with Westpac to offer you a list of eateries that'll ensure your long-awaited rendezvous will be one to remember. Westpac knows how awkward some money moments feel, which is why it's teamed up Beem It, the fast and simple way to pay and get paid. Forget waiting days for bank transfers, furiously typing in BSB and account numbers or hoping your mates will get you back next time. Beem It lets you split expenses and settle up instantly, no matter who you bank with. Plus, the app does all the pesky math and lets you know who owes what in seconds (without hassling the waitstaff). In charge of organising a well-overdue catch up with your mates? Read on for a list of group-friendly dining spots you need to book once you've locked in a time for your next crew do.
Seven is a nice number. So nice in fact, that it's the number of days of the week you could be eating for cheap. Yep, every single day. Just when you thought the $10 pub meal was dead and that the average price for pizza was now $32, we've managed to hunt down the best cheap pub eats around the city. They're budget-friendly, delicious and some of them are even vegan. So line up your week and put these cheap eats in your diary — both your stomach and your wallet will approve. MONDAY Mondays are hard. Make them better with cheap pizza from The Park Hotel, an Abbotsford watering hole that's been operating for over 150 years. They serve $10 pizzas every Monday and Wednesday — so you can go the full 360 degrees with their artichoke, caramelised onions and feta without having to shell out. Keeping with the Italian theme, Monday is pasta night at South Melbourne's Railway Hotel. Anyone who has have ever slaved over hand-making pasta for guests know it's quite the slog — and with the Railway's handmade fettuccini and gnocchi with your choice of sauce coming in at $10, you'd be best to keep yourself as fresh the goods and take your pals here instead. If pasta doesn't meet your quota of deep fried-ness, head across town to The Wilde in Fitzroy. It's not only a nod to one of London's most popular playwrights, but also home to one of Britain's most popular pub menu items: mushy peas. Find them served alongside the Monday night snapper and tots (that is, fish and chips) for $12. TUESDAY We all know Tuesdays are for tacos, and when they're are offered at such an inoffensive price, one should celebrate with copious amounts of them. At Footscray's Reverence Hotel, they're only $3 a pop from 6-9pm on Tuesdays, and Mexican beers are only $3 as well. Take our advice and spend the money you saved on mains on the vegan coconut ice-cream sandwiches for dessert. Meanwhile, come 5pm in the CBD, Father's Office is serving up a range of $17 specials, including a veggie burger and a shallow-fried snapper coated in a rosemary and ginger beer batter. Both are served with shoestring fries and come with a schooner of beer, too boot. And if you're in Northcote looking for lunch earlier in the day, you can't go past The Peacock Inn's $10 weekday lunch specials. Their house-made gnocchi comes with salmon, semi-dried tomatoes, garlic, chilli and baby spinach. One to surely have you knock-y-ing down their door. WEDNESDAY Celebrate hump day with nacho night. The Charles Weston (formerly The Sporting Club Hotel) is still a popular Brunswick haunt for those who like beer gardens, a shot of pool and deer heads above their fires — and corn chips with all the toppings. Vegan and vegetarian friendly nachos are a lazy $10, and are perfect to share with amigos over trivia. If you're looking for something with a bit moe kick, head further north to The Woodlands Hotel in Coburg. The whimsical bar offers cracking curries and a pot of beer or cider for $15 every Wednesday night from 5.30pm — we recommend you try the eggplant, peanut and coconut cream creation. And how could we not mention The Rainbow Hotel's steak? One the best steak nights north of the river, The Rainbow curbs your bovine blues with their 300g rump with chips and salad or veggies and a big mound of buttery, garlicky mash for $14. Nab a spot in the beer garden and heckle the pool sharks through mouthfuls of meat. THURSDAY Sitting on the corner of Elgin and Drummond Streets, The Shaw Davey Slum may have lured you in on the pretence of pastry with their beef pie — but you'll be happy to discover that every day is a special day here, as The Slum offer a range of $10 meals each and every day of the week. Veggie-only eaters can bypass the pie and nab the curry or stuffed mushrooms instead. On the other side of the river, you can organise a cheap pit stop away from the Chapel Street hustle at the Temperance Hotel. A burger and drink will set you back $15, giving you enough respite and leaving you plenty of coin for the shops you missed. FRIDAY You've been waiting for this moment all week, so why not dive into Friday with deliciousness? Lunch is sorted thanks to The Union Club Hotel on Gore Street. Head in between 12pm and 3pm, check the $10 pizza specials on the blackboard, and find your nook in one of their beer gardens. Later on, when the working day is officially over, make sure you're at The Bank on Collins for oysters. Their natural and Kilpatrick oysters come in $2 a pop — just make sure you order between 5pm and 7pm. SATURDAY Cheap meals can be difficult to find on a Saturday evening, but at Lucky Coq in Prahran the pizzas are just $4 between 7pm and 9pm. And they're not even half bad. In the city, the $15 burgers at Japanese bar Horse Bazaar will get you dancing all night. Try their Tokyo Tower Power beef burger or the Veg Parmy burger, which is practically two meals in one. Thanks bun. And just around the corner, the Asian Beer Cafe offers hungry punters the chance to chow down on any three tapas for $12 every day from 11am to 11pm, and Saturday is no exception. Mix your crab croquettes, with bacon potato skins or Panko-crumbed tofu. The opportunities are endless — if your stomach is. SUNDAY As a day of rest and recuperation, Sunday is the day to fill up on comfort food before the real world kicks in again. First stop should be a toastie, and we're drunk in love for The Public Bar's $8 three cheese grilled sanga with beer-glazed onions. Their tinned spag and cheese jaffle (just $6) is another fix that makes our knees weak, and arms heavy. Another way to cure your hangover is with wings. The Collection in Richmond is offering you a chance to empty your bad toxins (as well as your coin purse) with their juicy Buffalo chicken wings at only a buck per piece. Crumbed in all the right places, and served from noon til 5pm, these little fellas will practically fly straight into your Sunday mouths. If you're vegan and can't do all those cheeses and chicken, your best best to head up to Brunswick's Cornish Arms Hotel for a $14 vegan parma. The Cornish's kitchen runs from noon to 9.30pm, so there's plenty of time to cure your Sunday blues and confuse your tastes with some of the best vegan pub food going around. Don't forget to grab a beer to wash down the deadliest of sin-free eats.
With international travel off limits, many Australians are electing for staycations instead. Instead of taking off to Europe or South America, many holiday-goers are saving up their annual leave and electing to make the most of their own cities. If you're looking for a few days off work and a once-in-a-lifetime experience, MTV has launched a new travel deal for lovers of live music. At the core of the MTV Unplugged travel deal is two tickets to see Tash Sultana play an intimate show as part of the MTV Unplugged series on Tuesday, May 4. The concert will be held at a beloved, yet-to-be announced venue in Melbourne. Attendees will provided with transport too and from the venue where they'll witness stripped-back takes on songs from Sultana's new album Terra Firma, as well as classics from her back catalogue. The package also includes access to the exclusive VIP afterparty and a room at the Ovolo South Yarra. The 70s-inspired, dog-friendly hotel opened late last year and each room comes with a mini-bar full of free goodies, 24-hour gym access and a free drink at happy hour down at the hotel bar. Tickets start at $799 which covers two adults and a one-night stay at the Ovolo, or $1099 for two nights if you're looking to properly soak up the experience of the new hotel. Those who opt for the two-night package will also be given a $100 gift card to use on an extravagant trip to Melbourne mega-venue Ballers Clubhouse. Head to MTV's website to take check out the full offer. [caption id="attachment_794221" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ballers Clubhouse, Michael Gazzola[/caption] Top Image: Tash Sultana, Eric de Redelijkheid FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
It's time to embrace the brain freeze. Lagoon Dining (rated one of the best restaurants in Melbourne) and Piccolina (easily one of Melbourne's top gelato spots) are celebrating the upcoming Year of the Dragon by collaborating on six limited-edition flavours of gelato. Lagoon Dining, known for its creative Asian-fusion eats, is bringing both Malaysian and Chinese flavours to the six different gelatos that'll be sold at all Piccolina stores from Wednesday, February 7 until Tuesday, February 27. It's perfect timing, as Melbourne is finally starting to heat up, and February is set to be a scorcher. Some of the experimental flavours will include a jackfruit, grapefruit and lime sorbet filled with coconut jellies; a creamy banana gelato with butterscotch ganache; a mango sorbet with lychee jellies; and a jasmine tea gelato with orange, caramelised figs and toasted walnuts. But the Lagoon Dining and Piccolina teams aren't just creating a few new flavours and calling it a day. To further celebrate Luna New Year, on Saturday, February 10 they'll also be hosting a gelato- and noodle-filled party at Piccolina's Hardware Lane store. Noodles and gelato might be unusual bedfellows, but you've got to trust that these pros know what they're doing. For $35, diners will get cold sesame noodles served with chargrilled chicken, black vinegar and crispy soybeans, a scoop of one of the limited-edition gelatos and a fruity soda. Head in on that Saturday arvo from 12–3pm. Lagoon Dining and Piccolina's gelatos can be purchased from any of the Piccolina stores from Wednesday, February 7 until Tuesday, February 27, and tickets for the Lunar New Year lunch can be purchased ahead of time.
These days, Easter promises a whole lot more than just generic choccy eggs and old-school hot cross buns. Bakeries, chocolate brands and dessert shops across the city are getting more inventive with each passing year, whipping up all sorts of creative treats worthy of a spot in your own personal Easter hunt. Here, we've rounded up some of the coolest grown-up goodies to seek out, from beer-infused Easter eggs to hot cross bun rum and even decadent chocolate cocktails. Which of these creations will the Easter bunny be bringing you this year? [caption id="attachment_892129" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Peter Dillon[/caption] HOT CROSS CRUFFINS FROM LUNE CROISSANTERIE The croissant masters at Lune have brought back their legendary hybrid Easter treat, to the delight of anyone with a penchant for buttery glazed pastry. The Hot Cross Cruffin is the limited-edition love-child of the croissant, the muffin and the hot cross bun, and features a spiced fruit creme encased within a flaky golden shell. With a cross on top, of course. They're always hot property, so you'll need to be on the ball if you want them in your life. A limited number are available in-store at Lune's Fitzroy, Armadale and CBD sites, though if you get in quick, you can wrangle a pre-order. BEER EASTER EGGS FROM MOLLY ROSE AND PLANET COCOA If you like beer as much as you like chocolate, you're going to love the Easter goodies these two local favourites have dreamed up. Collingwood brewery Molly Rose has joined forces with ethical chocolate shop Planet Cocoa to create a couple of spiked choccy eggs for your Easter wish-list. First, there's the dark s'mores-inspired version, made using Molly Rose's stout, and loaded with vanilla marshmallow, crunchy biscuit bits and a beer caramel. Or, you can try the white chocolate egg, filled with a sour jelly made from the brewery's Summer Holidays apricot sour ale, then finished with honeycomb pieces. Each flavour comes in a six-pack, with a limited number of boxes available to buy from Molly Rose up until Sunday, April 9. BOOZY BUNS FROM ROCHFORD WINES The classic hot cross bun is already pretty darn close to perfection, but this Yarra Valley winery has found a way to make it even better. Rochford Wines has developed a limited-edition Easter bun with a fun, boozy twist, tweaking the usual recipe by soaking the raisins in its signature chardonnay and finishing each bun with a glaze made from its legendary moscato. They're being baked fresh daily onsite at Isabella's Restaurant right through Easter weekend, available to buy from the winery's gift shop. The buns will set you back $22 for a six-pack — you can pre-order online to avoid any disappointment. [caption id="attachment_894933" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Julian Lallo[/caption] EASTER HIGH TEA AT THE TERRACE CAFE Why stop at just one Easter treat when you can sit down to a whole table of them? That's the scene that awaits you at this one-off high tea at The Terrace Cafe on Sunday, April 9. Against the leafy backdrop of the Royal Botanic Gardens, it's serving up a generous Easter spread of sweet and savoury goodies for $95 per person. Expect to tuck into the likes of lemon myrtle cheesecakes, fresh scones, and mini bagels with smoked salmon and horseradish cream. Your ticket also includes a glass of Pommery champagne to sip elegantly while looking out over the lake. SAKURA HOT CROSS BUNS FROM TOKYO LAMGINGTON The masters of inventive sweet treats at Tokyo Lamington are doing something a little bit different for Easter this year. They've taken inspiration from the cherry blossom season that's currently blooming over in Japan and created sakura-infused hot cross buns. This version of the classic features juicy sultanas and yuzu through the dough, with a sakura cross on top and more sakura incorporated into the sticky salted glaze. You can pick them up for $5 a pop, or $27 for a six-pack, online or from the Carlton store. Or, try the team's other Easter invention — a hot cross lamington starring cinnamon sponge, spiced cream and a coating of crumbled hot cross bun. CACAO HUSK LIQUEUR FROM MÖRK AND THE GOSPEL A grown-up Easter offering with a sustainable edge, this innovative cacao husk liqueur is a joint effort from two Melbourne-based makers — award-winning Brunswick distillery The Gospel and artisan chocolate label Mork. The limited-edition drop is crafted using Mörk's leftover single-origin cacao husks, which would normally be thrown out. Here, instead, they're macerated in a blend of the distillery's Straight Rye and Solera Rye Whiskeys to create a complex sip with rich fruit notes. The drink isn't overly sweet, as the husks carry a savoury profile that complements the whisky's aromatics, leaving flavours of roast hazelnut, dried orange and cranberry. There's a limited number of bottles available — grab yours from The Gospel's website. BOOZY BUNNY ESPRESSO MARTINIS FROM QT MELBOURNE This Easter sees QT Melbourne teaming up with local artisan chocolate brand CACAO to deliver a hotel-wide takeover your sweet tooth's gonna love. The chocolate-based festivities are happening from Friday, April 7–Sunday, April 9, kicking off each morning with fresh choc-chip hot cross buns served at Pascale Bar & Grill. But for something extra special, head on up to the 11th floor, where the Rooftop at QT is shaking up limited-edition Boozy Bunny Espresso Martinis right through the weekend. This exclusive Easter concoction features a rich blend of coffee, Diplomatico rum, Chambord and CACAO dark chocolate, coming in at $25 a pop. HOT CROSS RUM FROM THE GROVE DISTILLERY Off the back of a popular 2022 debut, family-run Margaret River distillery The Grove has gone and whipped up a new edition of its beloved Hot Cross Rum. Once again, the small-batch sip has been hand-crafted using The Grove's four-year barrel-aged dark rum, then housed in a former bourbon barrel made of American oak. Raisins, oranges and a bunch of warm spices are left to steep, before the rum is given a final infusion of classic hot cross bun flavours including cinnamon, cloves and vanilla. At the end, you've got a warm, rich, festive-tasting spirit, packed with notes of caramelised raisin, vanilla and cinnamon, with a lingering fruity finish and a hit of molasses to round it all out. A 40-percent ABV hot cross bun in a glass, if you like. The Grove team recommends you sip their new creation neat — with a hot-buttered Easter bun on the side for full effect, of course. Grab yours from the website. HOT CROSS BAO FROM DIN TAI FUNG Dumpling house Din Tai Fung is celebrating Easter with a multicultural mash-up that's sure to delight any sweet-toothed folk — these rather charming hot cross bun-inspired bao. A nod to the traditional Easter bun, the pillowy little beauties are made with steamed bread that's infused with cocoa and filled with oozing molten chocolate, each one finished with a chocolatey cross. Available for a limited time on the menu at Din Tai Fung's Emporium restaurant, they'll set you back $8.90 for a serve of two. Otherwise, you can extend the Easter vibes well into May by stocking up on a bag of three frozen hot cross bao ($12) delivered to your door. CHOCOLATE HOT CROSS BUNS FROM BLACK STAR AND KOKO BLACK Easter is a time for gorging on sweet things — so it's only fitting that two of Australia's best-loved dessert spots team up to release something special in honour of the occasion. The pastry masters at Black Star have come together with chocolatier Koko Black and launched their own dreamy take on the traditional hot cross bun. These beauties are spiked with Koko Black's 60-percent dark chocolate, topped with a lightly spiced glaze and finished with that all-important cross — reimagined with more chocolate, of course. They're available by the single serve, in a six-pack or by the dozen, to pick up from any of Black Star's Melbourne stores up until Monday, April 10. You can also order a box online. DIY COCKTAILS IN EASTER EGGS FROM COCKTAIL PORTER What's way more fun than eating your Easter egg haul the regular way? Filling those chocolate shells with booze and enjoying a grown-up sweet-tooth fix, of course. This DIY kit from Cocktail Porter lets you do just that, stocked with all the ingredients you'll need to whip up your own decadent salted caramel Easter cocktails at home. Each pack features some of Gelato Messina's cult-favourite dulce de leche salted caramel, cold-drip coffee, Mr Black Coffee Liqueur and Baileys. You'll also get chocolate Easter eggs to serve your boozy creations out of, plus salted caramel popcorn to use as a garnish. A small pack contains all the fixings to make five drinks for $80, while the large version comes in at $145 for 12 cocktails. Top image: Rochford Wines
If you want to learn how to whip up sensational pizza, you should probably learn from the best. And someone who's got that title pretty much wrapped up is Johnny Di Francesco — the pizza-twirling maestro behind Melbourne's renowned 400 Gradi stable, which has taken out the gong for Best Pizzeria in Oceania multiple times. Di Francesco was the first Aussie ever to nab the True Neapolitan Pizza Association certification, giving him the right to sell traditional Neapolitan pizza. And now, he's sharing his skills and secrets at a fresh series of hands-on pizza-making masterclasses. With upcoming Saturday sessions on March 18, May 6 and May 27, held at 400 Gradi's Brunswick restaurant, participants will learn how to make a primo pizza from scratch. You'll be guided through mastering the perfect dough, before cooking up a pizza feast to enjoy right there with your class — paired with a glass of Italian vino, of course. Tickets come in at $200, which also includes a pre-class coffee, all your course notes and extra pizza dough to take home. [caption id="attachment_819505" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kristoffer Paulsen[/caption]
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. THE GRAY MAN It's been four years since Ryan Gosling last graced screens, rocketing to the moon in First Man. No, Barbie set photos pored over on every internet-connected device don't count. Since he played Neil Armstrong, much has happened. There's the obvious off-screen, of course — but then there's Chris Evans farewelling Captain America, and also appearing in Knives Out with the scene-stealing Ana de Armas. After co-starring in Blade Runner 2049 with Gosling back in 2017, she leapt from that Evans-featuring whodunnit to palling around with 007 in No Time to Die. Also during that time, Bridgerton pushed Regé-Jean Page to fame, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood earmarked Julia Butters as a young talent to watch. This isn't just a history lesson on The Gray Man's cast — well, some of them, given that Billy Bob Thornton (Goliath), Jessica Henwick (The Matrix Resurrections), Dhanush (Maaran), Wagner Moura (Shining Girls) and Alfre Woodard (The Lion King) also pop up, plus Australia's own Callan Mulvey (Firebite) — for the hell of it, though. Back in 2018, before all of the above played out, it's unlikely that this exact film with this exact cast would've eventuated. But plenty of action-thrillers about attempting to snuff out hyper-competent assassins already did flicker across celluloid — both John Wick and Atomic Blonde had already been there and done that, and the Bourne and Bond movies, and countless other predecessors. Still, the combination of this collection of current actors and that familiar setup isn't without its charms in The Gray Man, which makes the leap from the pages of Mark Greaney's 2009 novel to the big and streaming screens. Reportedly Netflix's most expensive movie to date, it lets its two biggest names bounce off of each other with chalk-and-cheese aplomb, and isn't short on globe-hopping action spectacle. The off-the-book spy versus off-the-book spy killer flick is knowing amid all that box-ticking formula, too, although not enough to make its cheesy lines sound smart and savvy. Gosling plays Court Gentry, aka Sierra Six; "007 was taken," he jokes. Before he's given his codename — before he's paid to do the CIA's dirty work as well — he's in prison for murder, then recruited by Donald Fitzroy (Thornton). Fast-forward 18 years and Six is a huge hit at two things: being a ghost, because he no longer officially exists; and covertly wreaking whatever havoc the government tells him to, including knocking off whichever nefarious figure they need gone. But one stint of the latter leaves him in possession of a USB drive that his arrogant new direct superior Carmichael (Page) will ruthlessly kill to destroy. Actually, to be precise, he'll pay Lloyd Hansen (Evans) of Hansen Government Services to do just that, and to do the dirty work that's too dirty for the criminals-turned-government hitmen in the Sierra program, with Six the number-one target. If you've seen one espionage-slash-assassin flick that sends a shadowy life-or-death fight bounding around the planet — here, Hong Kong, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Azerbaijan, Germany and Austria all feature, among other spots — then you've seen The Gray Man's template. Directing duo Joe and Anthony Russo helmed the Marvel Cinematic Universe's versions with Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Captain America: Civil War, so they know the drill. That they've seen a heap of other entries in the genre is never question, either. That feeling radiates from the script, which is credited to Joe Russo with seasoned Marvel scribes Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely (Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: End Game), and clearly styles its one-liners after superhero banter. Having Gosling and Evans sling it, one playing bearded, silent and virtuous and the other moustachioed, jabbering and unhinged, makes a helluva difference, however. Read our full review. THE PHANTOM OF THE OPEN If The Phantom of the Open was part of a game of golf, rather than a movie about the club-flinging, ball-hitting, bunker-avoiding sport, it wouldn't be a hole in one. It couldn't be; perfection doesn't suit the story it's telling, which is as real and as shaggy — as so-strange-it-can-only-be-true, too — as they can possibly come. That other key factor in spiriting dimpled orbs from the tee to the cup in a single stroke, aka luck, is definitely pertinent to this feel-good, crowd-pleasing, happily whimsical British comedy, however. Plenty of it helped Maurice Flitcroft, the man at its centre, as he managed to enter the 1976 British Open despite never having set foot on a course or played a full round of golf before. It isn't quite good fortune that makes this high-spirited movie about him work, of course, but it always feels like a feature that might've ended up in the cinematic long grass if it wasn't so warmly pieced together. When Maurice (Mark Rylance, Don't Look Up) debuts on the green at the high-profile Open Championship, it doesn't take long for gap between his skills and the professionals he's playing with to stand out. In the words of The Dude from The Big Lebowski, obviously he's not a golfer — although what makes a golfer, and whether any sport should be the domain of well-to-do gatekeepers who reserve large swathes of land for the use of the privileged few, falls into The Phantom of the Open's view. So does a breezily formulaic yet drawn-from-fact account of a man who was born in Manchester, later settled in the port town of Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria and spent much of his life as a shipyard crane operator, providing for his wife Jean (Sally Hawkins, Spencer), her son Michael (Jake Davies, Artemis Fowl), and the pair's twins Gene (Christian Lees, Pistol) and James (Jonah Lees, The Letter for the King). Maurice had never chased his own dreams, until he decided to give golfing glory a swing. For audiences coming to all this anew, director Craig Roberts (Eternal Beauty) clues viewers in from the get-go, via a recreation of an 80s TV interview with Maurice. The film's key figure chats, looking back on his sporting efforts after his attempts at golf have clearly earned him a level of fame, but he'd also rather just sip a tea with six sugars. That's an easy but pivotal character-establishing moment. He's a cuppa-coveting everyman accustomed to finding sweetness in modest places, which aptly sums up his whole approach to his middle-aged pastime. The jovial humour of the situation — in caring more about his beloved tea than talking on the television — is also telling. Using a screenplay by Simon Farnaby (Paddington 2) based on the actor and writer's 2010 biography of Maurice, Roberts laughs along with and never at his protagonist. He affectionately sees the wannabe golfer's eccentricities, and also values the new lease on life he's eagerly seeking. That quest starts while watching late-night TV, after Michael advises that the shipyard where both men work — and Jean as well — will be making layoffs. With Bridge of Spies Oscar-winner Rylance dripping with sincerity and never cartoonish quirkiness, Maurice eyes the game on-screen like a man having a life-altering and surreal epiphany. Befitting anyone who's ever had a sudden realisation, he's instantly convinced. That he has zero know-how, nor the cash for the right attire, equipment and membership to the local club to practice, doesn't put him off. Neither does filling out the Open entry form, where he instructs Jean to tick the 'professional' box because that's what he wants to be. On the ground at Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, he swiftly attracts attention for hitting 121 — the worst score ever recorded — with the press, as well as tournament bigwigs Keith Mackenzie (Rhys Ifans, The King's Man) and Laurent Lambert (Farnaby, Christopher Robin). 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 April 7, April 14, April 21 and April 28; and May 5, May 12, May 19 and May 26; June 2, June 9, June 16, June 23 and June 30; and July 7. You can also read our full reviews of a heap of recent movies, such as Fantastic Beasts and the Secrets of Dumbledore, Ambulance, Memoria, The Lost City, Everything Everywhere All At Once, Happening, The Good Boss, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, The Northman, Ithaka, After Yang, Downton Abbey: A New Era, Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy, Petite Maman, The Drover's Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Firestarter, Operation Mincemeat, To Chiara, This Much I Know to Be True, The Innocents, Top Gun: Maverick, The Bob's Burgers Movie, Ablaze, Hatching, Mothering Sunday, Jurassic World Dominion, A Hero, Benediction, Lightyear, Men, Elvis, Lost Illusions, Nude Tuesday, Ali & Ava, Thor: Love and Thunder, Compartment No. 6 and Sundown.
A standard midweek office lunch can sometimes consist of an unholy conglomeration of all the leftover bits and pieces you had in the pantry from the night before. No judgement here; we're down with bulk tuna salad paired with leftover curry and microwave rice, or the off packet of years-old mi goreng. Sometimes meal prep has to take a back seat in between clearing that Netflix backlog and trying to squeeze in some actual fun around work. This is all fine and dandy until you have to sit down for lunch with your colleagues and eat your Frankenstein bento box in front of them. It's times like these that you may be wise to suggest lunch out, and we've partnered with American Express to arm you with some killer venue suggestions that will gain the goodwill of the work fam (which you'll reap, come Secret Santa time). So leave your lunch to go mouldy in the work fridge, whip out your Amex and forget about your inbox at these prime CBD spots. Got yourself in another dining situation and need some guidance? Whatever it is, we know a place. Visit The Shortlist and we'll sort you out.
After first closing its border with Victoria at the beginning of July, then warning residents against travel to and from regional towns in the area, New South Wales is implementing a strict new border zone between the two states. Announced on Sunday, July 19 and coming into effect from midnight on Tuesday, July 21, the border zone will start at the Murray River — placing tighter restrictions on residents of NSW border towns, as well as on Victorians looking to head north. As part of a new permit system — which will replace all currently issued permits, as well as any issued between now and the commencement of the border zone, with those needing permits required to reapply — folks living in NSW border towns will only be able to travel to the Victorian side of the border zone for a limited number of reasons. And, if they venture past the zone into the rest of Victoria, they'll be required to self-isolate for 14 days upon their return. Also, any other NSW resident who crosses the Murray River, otherwise enters Victoria or has been in the state in the past fortnight will be required to self-isolate for 14 days on their return to NSW. Residents of NSW border towns looking cross into the Victorian section of the zone will only be able to do so for three designated reasons: going to work or attending an education institution (if you can't do so from home), and to obtain medical care, supplies or health services. The same "extremely limited purposes" will apply to Victorian border town inhabitants looking to enter the NSW section of the zone. Victorians who receive a permit to enter NSW will also need to carry a copy of their permit with them, and produce it when directed — and abide by a number of other conditions. Those entering the state for child access or care arrangements, or freight workers, will need to have their own COVID Safety Plan; critical service workers will have to self-isolate when not providing their critical services; and Victorians will only be able to head to NSW for medical or hospital services if those services are not available in Victoria or can't be accessed remotely. [caption id="attachment_775275" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] A town near the NSW-Victorian border by Denisbin via Flickr.[/caption] Announcing the changes, the NSW government reiterated its standard current advice for the state's residents regarding visiting Victoria: "all NSW residents are strongly urged not to travel to Victoria". The tightened border restrictions were revealed on the same day that the NSW government urged the state's inhabitants to avoid non-essential travel in general, as well as non-essential gatherings. Until the start of July, New South Wales hadn't closed its borders to domestic travellers during the COVID-19 pandemic — and, when it did shut its border with Victoria, it was the first time in 100 years (since 1919 during the Spanish Flu), that the border between the two states has closed. For more information about the new border restrictions and the status of COVID-19 in NSW, head to the NSW Government website. Top image: Mulwala Bridge by Yun Huang Yong via Flickr.
Thought gin was just a summer drink? Legendary Sydney distillery Archie Rose is here to remind you that that ain't so, by way of a cosy cocktail experience that's sure to warm your cockles and leave you with a whole bunch of new stand-out winter sips. The crew is taking its popular Hot Gin Terrace event on a cross-country tour and the next stop is Melbourne rooftop bar Pomelo for two tasty 90-minute sessions (6pm and 8.30pm) on Thursday, August 11. Guests will gather around the fire with a hot cocktail in hand, as State Buildings Beverage Manager Eoin Kenny and Archie Rose Brand Ambassador Mitch Gurrin dive into the history of gin's wintry side. For example, did you know that steamy cocktails were traditionally heated by red-hot pokers? Well, this crew is bringing it back. You'll enjoy a warm G&T on arrival, plus another classic heated cocktail to follow, a recipe card and an Archie Rose enamel mug to keep. There'll also be a curated menu of other warm gin concoctions available to buy from the bar. [caption id="attachment_864186" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Pomelo Rooftop[/caption] Book your tickets for Archie Rose's Hot Gin Terrace at Pomelo for one night only on Thursday, August 11 (6pm and 8.30pm).
The idea behind The Lume was always a stunner, giving Australia its first permanent digital-only art gallery. When the Melbourne venue started welcoming in patrons in 2021, it lived up to its immersive, multi-sensory promise, initially with a spectacular Van Gogh exhibition that let visitors feel like they were walking right into the artist's work, and then with the French impressionism-focused Monet & Friends Alive. The latest showcase set to grace the site's agenda has those past shows beat, however, heroing First Nations art and music. On display from Friday, June 23, Connection features more than 110 Indigenous visual and musical artists in a dazzling fashion. At this Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre gallery, the art gracing its walls towers over patrons, with the space filled with large-scale digital pieces. And Connection is full thanks to more than 550 works — digitals and originals alike. Earning some love: art by Emily Kame Kngwarreye, Tommy Watson, Anna Pitjara, Lin Onus, Sarrita King, Kate Constantine, Wayne Qulliam, Clifford, Gabriella and Michelle Possum Nungurrayi, and many more, in a walk-through exhibition that presents its pieces through the themes of land, water and sky Country. Their work is scored a soundtrack by Yothu Yindi, Archie Roach, Emily Wurramara, Gurrumul, Alice Skye, Baker Boy and others, plus composers such as William Barton. Grande Experiences, the company behind The Lume and its touring exhibitions — Van Gogh Alive made its way around Australia, plus Monet in Paris from June — says that Connection boasts the largest representation of First Peoples art and culture ever assembled. It spans over 3000 square metres, and its remit is just as sizeable: highlighting pieces by past and present artists, and surveying the entire country and Torres Strait. Shining a spotlight on emerging talents while showing their work alongside their inspirations is another key mission. If it sounds familiar, that's because a smaller version premiered at the National Museum of Australia in 2022, with Grande Experiences joining forces with the Canberra gallery. Connection also benefits from an advisory panel featuring Constantine, Quilliam, King, Aboriginal art specialist Adam Knight, the National Museum's lead Indigenous curator and academic Margo Ngawa Neale, arts executive Rhoda Roberts AO, and designer and film producer Alison Page. Updated: Thursday, October 12.
South Yarra's plant-based restaurant Lona Misa is championing women in hospitality on Wednesday, April 17 with a women's takeover dinner. Celebrity chef Shannon Martinez will lead the event. The evening will see a special five-course menu curated by top female chefs such as Pamella Tomio (Head Chef at Lona Misa), Kya Knights (Sous Chef at Za Za Ta in Brisbane), Cristina Delgado (Chef de Cuisine at Monster Kitchen and Bar in Canberra) and Federica Lunato (Sous Chef at Monster Kitchen and Bar in Canberra). [caption id="attachment_949671" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Photo by Ashley Ludkin[/caption] Keynote speaker Kim Payne will add to the evening's ambience alongside Martinez as the host, chatting with the Ovolo chefs who've hit Melbourne for the event. This exclusive dining experience highlights the power and skill of women in the industry, as well as their passion for flavour and innovation — with gelato expert Sandra Foti of Piccolina also in attendance. Book your spot online for $105 per person, which comes with a complimentary glass of Piper-Heidsieck champagne. [caption id="attachment_949667" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Photo by Ashley Ludkin[/caption]
House of Lulu White's long-running boozy brunch offering is making a very special lockdown appearance. The cafe has teamed up with the good folks at Tommy Collins Catering to release a new lineup of take-home brunch kits that are sure to lend a little pizzazz to your mornings stuck at home. The at-home menu allows punters to mix-and-match options to create the ultimate brunch situation, based around one of three themed food offerings — will it be the DIY soft-shell fish tacos; the pineapple and beef Kahuna burgers; or the waffles starring trimmings like whipped ricotta and berry compote? Alongside your chosen meal kit, the brunch pack comes with a slew of boozy delights, including a bottle of bubbly, orange juice for mimosas, and jarred cocktails such as the espresso martini, the rose sangria and a lychee iced tea. Each base pack clocks in at $59, with extra cocktail add-ons starting from $12 and additional meal kits available for $20 a pop. To avoid disappointment, make sure you pre-order at least 48 hours before you intend to collect. Pick-up is available from 10am–1pm daily, from House of Lulu White, the Hamptons Bakery, or Rumour Has It in Hawthorn East.
If you're Irish, St Patrick's Day is your time to let loose. And even if you're not Irish, there's still plenty of beer to drink and potatoes to eat. And, no, we're not falling back on stereotypes — Melbourne food truck park The Ascot Lot is hosting a Potato Cake and Spud Fest in honour of the national day. The festival will include free (yes that's right, free) potato cakes, as well as many a potato-slinging food truck. The lineup includes a breakfasty potato cake served with smashed avocado and haloumi, and poutine from Mama Van. If potato isn't enough to get you there along, there will be drinks specials, including $8 pints of Guinness, $10 espresso martinis and $5 alcoholic popsicles. Go and carb-load this Saturday while singing along with the classic Irish fiddle tunes. Admission is free and you can bring your dog as well.
Pizza comes in so many glorious forms these days. You've got gourmet sourdough creations. Deep-dish numbers that more closely resemble soup than actual pizza are becoming increasingly popular. And there are times when nothing beats an old-school dirty pizza covered in pre-grated cheese, strings of processed ham and, if you must, cubes of pineapple. But for World Pizza Day on Friday, February 9, one of the best pizza spots in Melbourne is going back to basics, celebrating the traditional Neopolitan-style margherita pizza. Punters who hit up any of 400 Gradi's Melbourne restaurants can nab the crew's famous woodfired margherita pizza (that's received stacks of awards) for half the regular price throughout the entire day and night. What does this mean in terms of the actual prices? It depends on which of the 400 Gradi restaurants you visit. The classic margherita costs from $25–$29, so the most you'll be paying for one of the city's best pizzas is an easy $14.50. Not bad at all for a Friday night feast.
Let's face it, you can't buy a whole lot for one buck in 2019. But today, consider that little dollar coin your best friend. Fast food giant McDonald's is celebrating National Cheeseburger Day — yes, that's today, September 18 — by treating the whole country to $1 burgs. Across all Aussie stores, from 5am until stock runs out, McDonald's is dropping the price of its classic cheeseburgers to just $1 a pop — for beef, bun, onion, pickles, ketchup, cheese and all. To claim your cheap burger, you'll first need to download the MyMacca's app via the Apple Store or Google Play. Then, log on, check the My Rewards section and boom — Ronald's your uncle. https://www.instagram.com/p/B2h6vl0DgSN/ Unfortunately, there's a limit of one $1 cheeseburger per customer, which probably isn't enough to make a meal of. But we're sure there are a few other Macca's menu items that might tempt your tastebuds while you're there. And, if you fancy a cheap cheeseburger tour of your city, today's the day to do it. Neil Perry's Burger Project is slinging $5 Cape Grim cheeseburgers at select Sydney and Melbourne stores, Merrywell Burger Bar at Crown Melbourne is offering 100 lucky punters free customised 'Chooseburgers', and at Bentleigh's Good Times Milk Bar, there are $5 burgs up for grabs between 11am and 4pm. McDonald's $1 cheeseburger are available from 5am on Wednesday, September 18 until sold out via the MyMacca's app.
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra doesn't just pay tribute to classical music greats. Shaking up its repertoire with movie odes — to Hans Zimmer, Star Wars, Home Alone, Toy Story and more — isn't the only way that it stretches its remit, either. This December, MSO will add celebrating George Michael to its roster, thanks to a big one-night gig that'll give the pop star's music the orchestra treatment, complete with help from a heap of guest singers. Dubbed George Michael: Freedom! A Celebration with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, the event is heading to Sidney Myer Music Bowl on Saturday, December 9. And if you're wondering why it's taking place that month, you must've avoided getting 'Last Christmas' stuck in your head when the season hits in the past. Also, the late, great singer was just the subject of hit Netflix documentary WHAM!, making the timing right for more reasons than one. Benjamin Northey will be on conducting duties, with Natalie Bassingthwaighte, David Campbell, Courtney Act, Emma Donovan and Brendan Maclean joining the lineup behind the microphone to lend their vocals to Michael's chart-topping tunes. Also on the bill, similarly following in the two-time Grammy-winner's footsteps: Adam Thompson, Jade MacRae, Gary Pinto and Carmen Smith. "I'm so thrilled to be performing at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl for the George Michael x MSO celebration! I was, and always will be, a huge fan of his," said Bassingthwaighte. "I can't wait to be at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl for a George Michael x MSO extravaganza! Remembering George like this will be Too Funky. I know you've all been waiting for this," added Act. George Michael: Freedom! A Celebration with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra will get Sidney Myer Music Bowl echoing with a 30-song playlist, including 'Faith', 'Father Figure', 'Praying for Time' and 'Freedom'. The one and only 'Careless Whisper' played by a symphony orchestra? That's on the lineup, too, and witnessing it will be a bucket-list moment. GEORGE MICHAEL: FREEDOM! A CELEBRATION WITH THE MELBOURNE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA LINEUP: Natalie Bassingthwaighte David Campbell Courtney Act Emma Donovan Brendan Maclean Adam Thompson Jade MacRae Gary Pinto Carmen Smith George Michael: Freedom! A Celebration with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra will take place on Saturday, December 9 at Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne, with tickets on sale from 10am on Wednesday, September 6 — head to the event website for further details. Top image: Ratracewi via Wikimedia Commons.
Most musicians avoid day jobs like the plague. But not singer-songwriter Gregory Alan Isakov. Back home in Colorado, he's a full-time farmer, who hits the touring circuit in between sowing seeds, harvesting crops and wandering around the land he loves. But he's carved out some time to come our way this autumn, armed with his fifth studio album (seventh in total), Evening Machines. Up until this release, Isakov was an indie musician with his own label, Suitcase Town Music, and a recording studio on his farm — and he managed to sell 370,000 records all on his lonesome and share stages with the likes of Iron & Wine, Ani DiFranco and Passenger. This time, though, he's teamed up with Dualtone, simply because he was curious to see how working with a bigger label would unfold. Hitting The Croxton Bandroom on Friday, March 8, Isakov will play a bunch of new tunes, plus a selection of the tracks that have won him his loyal following, like 'The Stable Song', 'Big Black Car' and 'If I Go, I'm Goin''. To purchase tickets to Gregory Alan Isakov's only Melbourne performance, head here. Plus, you can go in the running to win a trip to Denver, Colorado to see Isakov perform at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. To enter, head this way. Images: Israel Nebeker/Rebecca Caridad.
Your flirtation with the humble crumpet might not have graduated much beyond the odd Golden-branded supermarket packet, but that's all set to change with the arrival of one new, very dedicated cafe. Holy Crumpets has landed in Melbourne's CBD and it's a full-blown celebration of the old-school brekkie favourite. The brainchild of local crumpet aficionado Joshua Clements, the cafe's premise is simple, yet genius: cracking house-made crumpets paired with top-quality Melbourne coffee. Locally sourced ingredients star throughout the menu of crumpets, which are all baked in-house daily and all $5 (apart from a couple of 'Fancy Bois' for $7). They're not your standard crumpets either — they're made using naturally fermented sourdough with freshly milled wholewheat flour, for a snack that's a little more nutritious than its supermarket cousin. As well as six-packs of untoasted crumpets to stock your pantry, you'll find a rotation of single-serve, ready-to-scoff options, featuring crafty toppings alongside more traditional options. Think Vegemite, jam and cinnamon, passionfruit curd with ricotta, and even a seasonal concoction of truffle butter, blackberry honey and finely grated pecorino. A trio of peanut butter varieties runs from a rich, dark roast to one with macadamia and wattle, and there's currently over half a dozen honey options you can have slathered on your crumpet. The perfect match? Top-notch coffee from Melbourne's own Wood & Co. Espressos and batch brews star alongside a slew of Assembly teas and Chai Boi chai to round out your oh-so-cosy crumpet feast. Images: Tracey Ah-kee.
If you've been itching to get out of the city, you'll find a solid excuse for a weekend adventure around four hours north of Melbourne on the banks of the Murray. From Friday, September 2–Sunday, September 4, the inaugural Go North arts fest descends on Swan Hill with a juicy program of music and visual art — and with some very familiar names in the lineup. The fun kicks off on Friday at Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery for the Swan Hill National Print and Drawing Awards, where you'll get to wine, dine and rub shoulders with the artists while enjoying the jazzy sounds of River Boat Quintet. [caption id="attachment_867306" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Freya Josephine Hollick[/caption] On Saturday afternoon, Riverside Park fires up for the main event — an all-ages fiesta headlined by Clare Bowditch, Benny Walker, Freya Josephine Hollick and The Northern Folk. There'll be a hefty lineup of local food trucks and drink options galore; plus you can brush up your skills at a range of artist-led creative workshops covering everything from screen-printing, to drumming, to Aboriginal learning with Swan Hill artist and Wemba Wemba Wiradjuri Neri Neri Wotjiboluk Boon Wurrung Aboriginal woman Kenita Lee McCartney. Elsewhere in the weekend's program, catch a lithography talk and demo by printmaker and painter Peter Jacobs, a classical guitar recital, and a guided walk-through of the National Print and Drawing Awards Exhibition, with coffee. [caption id="attachment_867324" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Northern Folk[/caption] Top Image: Clare Bowditch
As we all well and truly know by this point in the year, 2020 has already delivered plenty of horrors. But, even with a pandemic spreading across the globe, it's still time for the spooky celebration that is Halloween — and the Victorian Government has announced how the state's residents can take part when Saturday, October 31 rolls around. Obviously, there's little that's normal about this year's Halloween. But if you're keen to go trick-or-treating — or you have some littlies that'd like to — the government has advised that you can. It'll need to be a completely contactless affair, though; you can't go knocking on people's doors, for instance, but they can leave candy outside for you to collect. The full Victorian Government Halloween guidelines are available on the Department of Health and Human Services website, but they largely apply the state's existing rules — even reflecting recent changes, including those that've come into effect this week — to the occasion. For example, for those doing the moseying around in costume, you can't gather in an outdoor public space in groups larger than ten. You'll also need to keep at least 1.5 metres between you and anyone you don't live with, and you'll have to wear a mask. Even if your costume has one built in, you'll still need to wear a fitted face mask underneath. For folks keen to leave lollies out for eager trick-or-treaters — because, again, door-knocking isn't permitted — you're advised to place them in bags and leave them on your fence or at your front gate. Communal bowls aren't allowed, as they require everyone to pop their hands in and touch the same food. And before preparing those bags of sweets, the usual hand hygiene rules obviously apply. https://twitter.com/VicGovDHHS/status/1321232751220166657 Melburnians can still only venture 25 kilometres from their homes, too, so if you are currently planning to don something spooky and hit the streets, that's where you'll need to trick-or-treat. The Victorian Government's guidelines do note that "celebrating at home is the safest way to mark Halloween this year". For more information about the status of COVID-19 and the current restrictions, head over to the Department of Health and Human Services website.
It's bright, bouncy, witty and fun, but Bob's Burgers isn't a show to just watch casually while you're doing other things. Unless you give it your full attention, you might miss the details — every line of the hit animated sitcom's delightful food-themed songs, and each one of its culinary puns, too. Both help tell the story as much as the ordinary dialogue. Take the latest trailer for The Bob's Burgers Movie, for instance. It serves up another sneak peek at TV's favourite burger-slinging family on their first-ever cinematic jaunt, following the last trailer drop back in January. And, in a moment that has happened in every single small-screen episode or thereabouts, the chalkboard inside the Belcher family's burg joint sports a glorious and fitting gag. On the menu and in the movie, everything is stuck between a broc and a chard place. Set to hit cinemas in May, The Bob's Burgers Movie sees Bob Belcher (H Jon Benjamin, Archer) and his nearest and dearest facing two big dilemmas: financial troubles, and also a ruptured water main that causes a huge sinkhole right in front of the store. But that isn't all that the film promises to dish up, with a mystery that only Belcher kids Tina (Dan Mintz, Veep), Gene (Eugene Mirman, Archer) and Louise (Kristen Schaal, What We Do in the Shadows) can solve also part of the fun. This flick has been a long time coming — and not just because the series it springs from has been on the air for a whopping 12 seasons now. The Bob's Burgers Movie was originally due to reach the big screen back in mid-2020, but the pandemic got in the way. Think of it as the movie version of IRL supermarket shortages. Thankfully, 2022 is here, and The Bob's Burgers Movie is a real thing that we'll all get to feast our eyeballs on soon — before winter hits, in fact. And if your appetite for a movie-length musical comedy-mystery-adventure flick about the Belchers wasn't already ravenous, it will be after watching the latest trailer. Also, The Bob's Burgers Movie does something that no other episode of the show has been able to do so far. That'd be offer a solution to the feeling that every fan has felt more than once: not wanting this colourful, hilarious and engaging animated meal to end when you're binging through it in 20-minute episode blocks. Check out the new trailer for The Bob's Burgers Movie below: The Bob's Burgers Movie will open in cinemas Down Under on May 26, 2022. Images: Courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2022 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.
This is your once-a-year opportunity to show your ma how much she means to you. And there's no better way to do that than with an unexpected adventure. Ditch your usual local on Sunday, May 12 and take Mum somewhere she's never been before — whether that's a boozy brunch in St Kilda, a day exploring the NGV or a ceramics class. All kinds of mums — from artists, foodies and vegans to feminists and fashion lovers — are covered on this list, as is the entire spectrum of budgets. Organising Mother's Day doesn't get any easier. HEAD TO A BOOZY 'SPA DAY' AT THE PUB This year, Mother's Day just happens to fall on Good Beer Week, and the CBD's Whitehart is treating your mum right. It's collaborated with Sydney's Batch Brewing and Poor Toms Gin to bring you Mumosa Day — during which the duo will create boozy concoctions inspired by the mimosa. Each ticket includes a beer, cocktail and woodfired pizza for lunch from Northcote's Primo. Plus, mums will be able to indulge in massages and manicures, and get a goody bag to take home. Live music by local act Let's Vibe will be rocking throughout the day, too. Tickets are $45 a pop, with $5 going toward St Kilda Mums charity, which helps mothers in need. [caption id="attachment_648610" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jared Sluyter[/caption] LEARN TO MAKE CLAY POTTERY TOGETHER If you reckon it's about time your mum started exploring her arty side, then accompany her to this ceramics workshop at the Work-Shop Melbourne on May 11 and 12. The two of you will get an introduction to the basics of ceramic hand building, including the tools and skills to create three pieces from scratch. Leading the class is Tina Thorburn, who owns her own ceramics practice, Clay by Tina. Tickets, at $140 a pop, include three hours of play and all materials, plus added decorating skills like painting underglaze and pattern carving. [caption id="attachment_719907" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Gareth Sobey[/caption] SIP COCKTAILS AND LISTEN TO JAZZ IN FITZROY The classiest of mums deserve a jazz-age evening at Fitzroy's The Everleigh. The hidden cocktail den is offering a $49 set menu for Mother's Day that includes three gin cocktails and a special strawberries and mascarpone dessert. There will also be live jazz on throughout the evening, starting from 5pm. Bookings are only required for groups of seven or more, and bigger groups can also reserve the Starling Room. It's a fine evening of cocktail sipping and live music listening that won't break the bank, either. GO OUT FOR A VEGAN DEGUSTATION Lavish mum with health-conscious affection at Serotonin Eatery's Mother's Day degustation dinner. From 6pm on Mother's Day evening, the paleo and vegan Richmond cafe is hosting a mum-inspired feast, including a high-tryptophan menu, free of gluten, sugar and dairy — all designed to boost moods and make diners feel pretty darn good. Each ticket includes drinks, the venue's signature vegan cheese platter, a main meal and dessert. Tickets are around $80 per head, with tables available for up to six people. Book in for a solo evening with just Mum, or bring the whole family. DRINK BOTTOMLESS ESPRESSO MARTINIS AT THIS ST KILDA PUB What says "I love you" and "thanks for putting up with me" better than a boozy brunch session with the family? Show Mum you care and treat her to a hard-earned tipple, at the Mother's Day edition of The Newmarket's weekly martini brunch. For $54 each, you'll enjoy a dish from the brunch menu along with two hours of bottomless frosé, sangria, espresso martinis, mimosas and bellinis, plus beers and wines. Enjoy a feast, spend some quality time with mum and avoid the washing up, all at once. CELEBRATE ALL THINGS FEMALE AT TWO BIRDS' FEMPOCALYPSE We don't doubt that your mum's one of the strongest people you know — so there's no better place to spend Mother's Day than at Fempocalypse. Hailing from Sydney's Wayward Brewing, the female-led event is making its way down to Two Birds Brewing for the second time for this year's Good Beer Week. It celebrates female leaders in industries such as brewing, entertainment, food, artisan goods and music. The day kicks off at noon with brews from Two Birds — Australia's first female owned brewery — along with a full lineup of female and non-binary DJs and live acts, all curated by Footscray's Love Shack Studios. There'll be plenty of food and local makers stalls around too, plus 'brewtoonist' Em Sauter will be in the house. Tickets are only 15 bucks online — a real bang-for-your-buck gift for mum. [caption id="attachment_710223" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tom Ross[/caption] SPEND THE DAY AT THE NGV Chances are your mum has been to the National Gallery of Victoria before, but this is your chance to really make a day of it. If your mum likes fashion, start with the The Krystyna Campbell-Pretty Fashion Gift — it features over 150 haute couture pieces from some of the world's most iconic fashion houses. Think Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel and Alexander McQueen. Then check out the fresh new collection of contemporary Chinese art from Sydney's White Rabbit Gallery, which features neon, immersive and poignant works from established and emerging artists. When you ned a break, slide yourselves over to the NGV Tea Room for sandwiches and a cuppa. HEAD TO A BOOZY DEVONSHIRE TEA If your mum's the kind that loves a good brew, she'll be pretty stoked to know that she can enjoy one with some scones this Mother's Day. And she's bound to get a kick out of an invite to The Cherry Tree Hotel's Mum-worthy Beer-Vonshire Tea. This one's a beery riff on the classic Devonshire Tea, where the scones are infused with beer and matched to a lineup of Victoria's top ales and lagers. You'll be handed a rose petal brew on arrival before tucking into unlimited scones with locally made condiments. The afternoon event will run from 1–4.30pm and tickets are $30 a pop. Top image: NGV by Eugene Hyland.
Those who've ever worked in hospitality or retail — or any another other casual job — will recognise this scenario: you wake up with a sniffly nose and either go to work and risk getting your coworkers sick or stay home and don't get paid. While working "just a little bit sick" before the pandemic was frowned upon, now it's a huge no-no. At the moment, Melburnians who must isolate because of COVID-19, and aren't entitled to paid sick leave, special pandemic leave or other income support, can receive a one-off $450 test isolation payment or a $1500 worker support payment — but these are temporary. To help support casual workers in the long-term, the Victorian Government has today, Monday, November 23, announced an Australian first: a two-year trial of paid sick and carers leave for those with insecure work. Called Secure Work Pilot Scheme, the State Government-funded trial will provide up to five days of sick and carers leave at the national minimum wage ($19.84 per hour) to workers in industries such as cleaning, hospitality, security, supermarkets and aged care. Those in eligible occupations, which are set to be finalised after consultation with workers and unions, will be able to pre-register for the pilot. It's set to be rolled out in two phases over two years, commencing in late 2021 or early 2022. [caption id="attachment_760171" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Julia Sansone[/caption] Announcing the scheme today, Premier Daniel Andrews said: "When people have nothing to fall back on, they make a choice between the safety of their workmates and feeding their family. The ultimate decision they make isn't wrong – what's wrong is they're forced to make it at all." Andrews acknowledged that the trial would not "solve the problem of insecure work overnight" but that it was a start. Earlier on in Melbourne's second wave — when the number of new daily cases rose to 687 — Andrews said that people working instead of isolating was "the biggest driver of transmission" and that insecure work was "the structural weakness in our economy". According to the ABC, Australia has the third highest rate of insecure work among developed countries and 37 per cent of Australian employees did not have access to paid leave entitlements in the lead up to the pandemic Victoria's Secure Work Pilot Scheme is set to be rolled out in late 2021 or early 2022. To find out more, head to the Victorian Government website. Top image: Julia Sansone
One of the OGs of Melbourne's bottomless brunch scene has teamed up with a clever culinary mate, dialling things up for an even more extravagant dining experience than usual. South Yarra's House of Lulu White, along with Ladybird Cakes pastry maestro Gina Tubb (Vue de Monde), has launched a decadent new Sunday series — a generous sweet and savoury high tea spread matched with free-flowing drinks. From 2–4pm each week, you can make a date with a porcelain tea stand brimming with handmade bites. There are finger sandwiches and brioche buns to kick things off, starring fillings like smoked salmon with cucumber and horseradish cream, and poached chicken with pickled celery and yuzu mayo. Expect sweet sensations aplenty, too; perhaps a fluffy G&T-inspired marshmallow (designed to pair with the venue's signature lavender gimlet), fluffy strawberry and champagne cupcakes, Chambord-soaked pineapple sponge and buttery croissants. To wash it down, you've got a choice of bottomless bubbles or cocktails, with 90-minute sittings clocking in at $85.
How do you take something great and make it even better? Add goats. That probably doesn't apply in every situation, but it certainly seems to with HBO comedy Barry and its long-awaited third season — at least if the just-dropped new trailer is anything to go by. All killer, no filler: when it comes to this Bill Hader-starring gem, that notion firmly applies. The premise is pure TV gold, following an assassin who'd rather be an actor, but finds it hard to cut ties with his murderous gig. Making it even better is the pitch-perfect casting of former Saturday Night Live great Hader, of course, who has never been better than he is playing the eponymous hitman here. The setup: when Hader's Barry Berkman heads from Cleveland to Los Angeles for his job, he discovers a previously unknown passion for acting after he stumbles into a class held by veteran thespian Gene Cousineau (Henry Winkler, The French Dispatch). The catch? Barry kills people for money, and that isn't a line of work that you can leave easily, especially when you become caught in the Chechen mafia's violent and deadly dramas. As SNL fans will already know, Hader is an on-screen treasure. He's truly something else in this part-comedy, part-tragedy series. Barry's struggle mightn't seem that relatable on paper, but it proves exactly that with Hader in the role. Also excellent is Winkler, expectedly. And, similarly great is Bill & Ted Face the Music's Anthony Carrigan as Chechen gangster Noho Hank — who befriends Barry, isn't that skilled at the whole crime business and quickly becomes one of the most memorable characters to ever grace a TV series. It's no wonder that fans have been hanging out for the third season of this Emmy-winner, which finally arrives in April — on Monday, April 25 in Australia via Binge, in fact — after a three-year gap since season two. Based on both the initial teaser trailer and this new sneak peek, Barry's quest to go on the straight and narrow — and pursue acting — is still as chaotic as ever. In fact, this season will focus on the other factors, including his own psyche, that saw Barry become a killer to begin with. Another big part of the new episodes, according to HBO: fellow characters trying to make the right choices. Also returning are Stephen Root (The Tragedy of Macbeth) as Barry's former handler Monroe, who is in hiding; Sarah Goldberg (The Night House) as Barry's girlfriend Sarah, who is also an actor; D'Arcy Carden (The Good Place) as a fellow acting student; and Sarah Burns (Werewolves Within) as Detective Mae Dunn. And Hader isn't just phenomenally excellent on-screen in Barry — he also co-created it, has directed a heap of episodes, and also co-wrote others. Check out the full trailer for Barry season three below: Barry's third season will start streaming via Binge in Australia and Neon in New Zealand from Monday, April 25. Images: Peter Iovino and Merrick Morton/HBO.
A housewarming party complete with ice cold cans, free burgers and snags hot off the barbie. If that sounds like your ideal situation for a Saturday arvo, round up the crew for a trip to South Melbourne. Local pub The Market Hotel is welcoming its new kitchen resident — burger joint The Pickle & The Patty — and together they're throwing a shindig this Saturday, January 25. Hit the pub from noon and you could nab one of 400 free grass-fed beef burgers courtesy of The Pickle & The Patty. You might remember these guys from their recent pop-ups, including that pint-sized carpark store in Ascot Vale. Then from 5pm, the folks from Malvern deli Lewis and Son will be firing up the barbecue for a gourmet sausage sizzle, with all proceeds heading to the CFA. As you'd expect from an Aussie housewarming party, there'll also be a full-sized Hills Hoist set up. It'll be running a Goon of Fortune-style prize wheel with a stack of merch and free beers to be won. And if all that spinning makes you thirsty, you'll find a bathtub stocked with an array of $5 Thunder Road tinnies, a pay-what-you-feel Atomic Beer Project karma keg (with proceeds going to the CFA) along with plenty of drink specials over at the bar. All this while Triple J's Hottest 100 countdown pumps bangers through the speakers, all day long. The Free Burger Party runs from 12–9pm.
When you're taking your pet pooch to the park at the end of October, you want your four-legged friend to look as frightening as possible. Halloween is for all creatures, big and small, after all. While puppers are generally pretty adorable — and not in any way scary — that will all change when it dons a terrifying spider or pumpkin (maybe not so much) costume courtesy of Big W's new range of Halloween-themed petwear. This way, your dachshund can go trick-or-treating as a dangerous dinosaur, your jack russell terrier can run around the backyard in a witchie tee or your shih tzu can snooze in a ghoulish sweater. They're all super-affordable, too, with costumes starting from $8 and bandanas from $4. A heap of hair-raising costumes are currently available (including various sizes and colours) for pets and the full Halloween range also includes costumes for humans (big and small) and decorations, such as pumpkins, gravestones, buckets and skulls aplenty. While Big W has dubbed the line its 'petwear', so far it's all for dogs. That said, if you can somehow manage to get your cat into a vest or sweater, then you might just be able to get them into a dinosaur suit. [caption id="attachment_785479" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Leo the Cavoodle[/caption] Big W's Halloween petwear is currently available to purchase online, with contactless home delivery and pick up available.
It's the time of the year when the days begin to shorten, the evenings get cooler and your stomach starts grumbling for comfort food. But, while that'll remain true for the next few months, only one particular day will bring free tacos. Tex-Mex giant Taco Bell has been steadily opening stores around the country since 2017, with a new Sydney store in Green Square launching on Tuesday, May 4 — and it's doing a big giveaway nationwide on the same day. If you're a big fan of Mexican-inspired food and you live in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane, chances are you've already started to make your way through the brand's extensive menu. If you haven't tried its Crunchy Taco Supreme, though, this is your chance. Or, if you have and you just like freebies, count yourself in as well. Either way, on Tuesday, May 4 , you can pick one up at any Taco Bell location nationwide without paying a cent. There is a catch, though. This free taco day, as Taco Bell is calling it, is themed around the moon — because the chain has decided to name the half-moon the 'taco moon'. So, to get your freebie, you need to mention 'taco moon' or say 'I saw the taco moon' when you get to the counter. Yes, it's a gimmick, but if you've already spent this week obsessing over all things lunar due to the 'pink' supermoon, you'll be in the right mental space for it. Also, there's a limit of one free taco per person, so you won't be able to stuff your stomach full of them. What's a Crunchy Taco Supreme? A crunchy taco, as the name suggests, as filled with seasoned beef, sour cream, fresh lettuce, tomato and cheese — or black beans for vegetarians. If you happen to be one of the first 20 people through the door at each store, you'll also score a taco moon party kit — which includes merchandise. And if you're wondering where to head, Taco Bell has stores in Albion Park, Ballina, Blacktown and Jesmond in New South Wales — plus the about-to-launch Green Square, which'll be the closest venue to the Sydney CBD. In Victoria, the chain is located in Altona North, Hawthorn, Roxburgh Park and South Yarra. For Queenslanders, you'll be going to Annerley, Beenleigh, Cairns, Cleveland, Currajong, East Ipswich, Keperra, Logan Central, Morayfield, North Lakes, Robina and Southport. Taco Bell is offering free Crunchy Taco Supremes to every customer who mentions 'taco moon' on Tuesday, May 4. To find your nearest store, head to the chain's website.
Most of us are gearing up to celebrate summer's return, making plans to hit up the nearest sun-soaked rooftop or beachfront with our pals. But if you're someone whose siren song is more of the alpine variety, there's one last chance to get your winter season kicks. Held from Saturday, December 6–Sunday, December 7, Mt Buller is returning to the slopes for Summer Shred. With the team harvesting top-notch snow right at the end of peak season, this wintery leftover will be used to shape a summery park for snow-loving riders and spectators. "We've kept some snow on ice, and it's amazing that even at 18 degrees, our snow preservation system can reduce snowmelt by up to 85 percent," says Terrain Park Manager Tyson Pollard. "It's frozen solid under its blanket and ready for one last shred of 2025." Open to both skiers and snowboarders, this two-day event features multiple rails and features as part of a pair of freestyle showdowns. Taking over the bottom of Mt Buller's Bourke Street, expect hospo stands, booming music and sweet giveaways too, making for a festive summertime experience up in the clouds.
Melbourne is set to score a slurp-worthy new noodle destination, with the arrival of Bowltiful's latest store to Swanston Street. And to celebrate, it's treating punters to oodles of noodles — on the house. From Saturday, February 18–Monday, February 20, the restaurant will be handing out free bowls of its bouncy hand-pulled noodles. There are a huge 249 serves up for grabs each day to the first customers through the door from 12pm. The signature Lanzhou-style noodle dish features tender halal beef and homemade chilli oil in fragrant clear broth that's been simmered for four hours and is guaranteed to warm your cockles. If you're yet to experience the work of Bowltiful's expert noodle pullers, this is the perfect excuse. And if you miss out on a freebie, fear not — the restaurant's menu is brimming with supremely affordable creations like a spicy lamb burger, the 'Hot Chilli Oil Spill' dry noodle and a braised beef brisket noodle soup. Images: Griffin Simm.
UPDATE, DECEMBER 23, 2021: Fast and Furious 9 is available to stream via Google Play, YouTube Movies and iTunes, and will hit Amazon Prime Video on January 1. Fast cars, furious action stars, a love of family and oh-so-many Coronas: across ten movies over 20 years, that's the Fast and Furious franchise. It might've started out as a high-octane spin on Point Break, but this long-running series has kept motoring across nine flicks in its main storyline, and also via a 2019 spinoff. The latter, Hobbs & Shaw, actually casts a shadow over the saga's latest instalment. Because Dwayne Johnson was part of that sidestep, he doesn't show up in Fast and Furious 9. He's missed, regardless of whether you're usually a diehard fan of the wrestler-turned-actor, because he's managed to perfect the F&F tone. Over his decade-long involvement to-date, Johnson always seems amused in his Fast and Furious performances. He's always sweaty, too, but that's another matter. Entering the F&F realm in Fast Five, he instantly oozed the kind of attitude the franchise needs. He knows that by taking the outlandish stunts, eye-catching setpieces and penchant for family with the utmost seriousness, these films border on comedic — and by navigating five flicks with that mood, he's been the saga's playful and entertaining barometer. Without Johnson, Fast and Furious 9 isn't as willing to admit that it's often downright silly. It's nowhere near as fun, either. Hobbs & Shaw wasn't a franchise standout, but Fast and Furious 9 mainly revs in one gear — even in a movie that features a high-speed car chase through Central American jungles, a plane with a magnet that can scoop up fast-driving vehicles, Helen Mirren (Winchester) racing through London's streets and a trip to space in a rocket car. The latest F&F is as ridiculous as ever, and it's the least-eager F&F film to acknowledge that fact. It's also mostly a soap opera. It leans heavily on its favourite theme — yes, family — by not only swapping in a different wrestler-turned-actor as Dominic Toretto's (Vin Diesel, Bloodshot) long-lost sibling, but also by fleshing out the warring brothers' backstory through flashbacks to their tragic past. Fast and Furious 9 starts with an 80s-era Universal logo, because that's the time period it heads to first — to introduce a teen Dom (Vinnie Bennett, Ghost in the Shell), his never-before-mentioned younger brother Jakob (Finn Cole, Dreamland) and their dad Jack (JD Pardo, Mayans MC). It's 1989, the elder Toretto is behind the wheel on the racetrack, and his sons are part of his pit crew. Then tragedy strikes, tearing the Toretto family apart. In the present day, Dom and Jakob (John Cena, Playing with Fire) definitely don't get along. Indeed, when Roman (Tyrese Gibson, The Christmas Chronicles: Part Two), Tej (Chris 'Ludacris' Bridges, Show Dogs) and Ramsey (Nathalie Emmanuel, Four Weddings and a Funeral) drive up to the rural hideout that Dom has been calling home with wife Letty (Michelle Rodriguez, Crisis) and toddler son Brian (first-timers Isaac and Immanuel Holtane) since the events of 2017's The Fate of the Furious, he doesn't even want to hear about the latest mission that demands their help. The only thing that changes his mind: realising that Jakob is involved and up to no good. From there, Fast and Furious 9 doesn't skimp on plot across its two-and-a-half hours, but it's all just an excuse to send Dom and the gang on yet another globe-hopping trip to save the world (yes, again). Much of the storyline mimics the last film, in fact, including the return of cyberterrorist Cipher (Charlize Theron, The Old Guard) — although this time there's a different high-tech gimmick that could end life as we know it, and a different reason behind Dom's determination to protect his crew. Returning for his fifth F&F flick, as well as his first since 2013's Fast & Furious 6, writer/director Justin Lin doesn't challenge himself, narrative-wise. Co-scripting with franchise first-timer Daniel Casey (Kin), he largely throws a heap of the saga's usual elements together, dials up the emphasis on family, and hopes that the reappearance of familiar faces — such as the already-teased return of Han (Song Kang, Lisey's Story) — will fill in the gaps. And there are gaps; more than once, the movie ends a big scene by jumping to the group at a later point, but doesn't trouble itself to explain what happened. Sense? Logic? Coherence? The Fast and Furious films haven't ever expended much energy on these. It makes zero sense that Dom's son is called Brian, for instance — he's named after Paul Walker's character, but the latter is still alive in the saga (albeit never seen now), so that celebratory gesture towards the late actor has no rationale in the on-screen story. Fast and Furious 9 doesn't just zoom past rationality a quarter-mile at a time, though. It's really just a collection of scenes that Diesel and Lin think are cool, complete with 197,000 references to family. Here, even the fast cars and big stunts get drowned out by the melodrama. When Lin lets the action choreography truly let loose, this franchise-extender is easily at its best, but that happens less often and in a more routine way than it should. Plus, in a series that's hardly known for its acting, all the bloated chatter and soapiness is still far too cartoonish to even dream of grounding the OTT saga in real emotion. This far in, not just inertia but also a lack of imagination seems to be grinding F&F's gears, with genuinely new and exciting action ideas almost as rare as a high-pitched squeak from the gravelly voiced Diesel. Fast and Furious 9 has its characters play a real-life version of Frogger, celebrates magnets more than Jesse Pinkman, name-drops Harry Potterand visually apes Star Wars, for example. It also ponders whether Dom and the gang are superheroes, and has Roman get meta and ask how they've all escaped the past 20 years unscathed. This should all be knowingly, winkingly ludicrous. It never feels that way, however, and no one's motors will be thrumming while watching. Like too many big franchises these days, Fast and Furious 9 also saves one of its best moments for its post-credits slot, teasing what'll come next. If only the bulk of what preceded it didn't feel like a franchise blandly on auto-pilot.
Lesbian hustlers, homophobic smartphones and the grandfather of gay porn. These are just a few of the colourful characters you’ll meet at this year’s Melbourne Queer Film Festival, as it dives head first into its vibrant 25th year. One of the oldest queer film fests anywhere in the world, the latest edition of MQFF features more than 180 features, docos and shorts, plus parties, panels and a whole lot more. The festival begins on Thursday, March 19, with Brazilian coming-of-age drama The Way He Looks. It’s a recurrent theme on this year’s program, with several other standouts — including Boys and Blackbird — tackling questions of sexuality and youth. More genre-centric titles include Lyle, a lesbian horror flick starring Girls’ Gaby Hoffman, and In Hiding, a Polish psychological thriller set during WWII. There’s also a contingent of Australian titles, including the confronting beachside drama Drown and high-energy crime caper All About E. The film program is complemented by an array of extracurricular activities. This year’s panel discussions will cover everything from Australian queer cinema to gay gaming culture, while tickets to the always popular speed dating sessions are already selling fast.
Stomping Ground Brewing Co. isn't technically finished yet — but that isn't stopping them from having a bit of fun. Located near the corner of Gipps and Hoddle Streets, Collingwood's new 250-seat beer hall still needs a few licks of paint, but the important stuff — i.e. the brewing equipment — is fully operational. And every Friday throughout July, they plan on putting it to good use. Doors to the bar (if you can even call it that at this stage) open at 4pm sharp, giving you just the excuse you need to knock off work that little bit early. Expect a food truck or two out front and brewery-fresh beer running through the taps. And don't worry — despite jumping the gun on the whole ribbon cutting thing, when it comes to the cold stuff, these guys know what they're doing. After all, they're the same team that brought us The Local Taphouse. Beer practically runs through their veins.
Cannoleria dreams up a fun new flavour every week, but the team is taking it to the next level later this month, teaming up with the legendary American Doughnut Kitchen to create a hot jam doughnut-inspired connolo. Both Cannoleria and American Dougut Kitchen sell their sweet treats at Queen Vic Market, but lining up for both cannoli and doughnuts can be a real chore — especially as the American Doughnut Kitchen has long-ass lines down the road every weekend. Too often, punters have to choose one or the other. Thankfully, from Friday, September 20–Thursday, October 3, you can get a mash-up of both iconic eats from any of Cannoleria's stories — at Queen Vic Market, South Melbourne Market, Preston Market and Lygon Street. For the collaboration, a doughnut- and jam-infused ricotta is piped into a crunchy pastry shell, and then garnished with crumbled doughnuts. These bad boys will go for $6 each, three for $15, and then any additional cannolo on top of that costs $5 a pop. "We can't wait for everyone to try this Flavour of the Fortnight," shares Co-Owner and Chef at Cannoleria Dario Di Clerico. "The Cannoleria team have wanted to work with the iconic American Doughnut Kitchen for a while, and we are so excited that the collaboration is nearly here. "When we were planning the flavours, we all thought about how doughnuts are perfect for the [AFL] Grand Final and that people will love the cannoli, and so we decided to make it a Flavour of the Fortnight that covers the big game."
Next time you're craving a balmy Euro holiday filled with sun-drenched spritz and antipasti sessions, simply venture into the CBD and nab yourself a table at Pepe's Italian & Liquor. The historic Exhibition Street building has taken a jaunt to the Amalfi Coast for its latest immersive pop-up, dishing up vacation vibes in abundance until the end of summer. The space has been decked with swathes of bright bougainvillea and hand-painted ceramics, while the menu has scored a holiday makeover of its own. A slew of antipasti options includes the likes of beef carpaccio, stuffed pizza balls, gnocco fritto with mortadella, and a whipped ricotta served with peas and broad beans. Fresh pasta, made daily in house, is also in strong supply — go for the Nerano-style zucchini pasta spiked with lemon and basil, a duck ragu casarecce, or perhaps the garlicky spaghetti with diamond clams. A handful of new pizzas (including one topped with crunchy eggplant crisps) and decadent sweet treats round out the fun. As for the bar offering, it'll transport you straight to the Mediterranean via sips like the gin-infused Raspberry Beret, and the aptly titled Amalfi Glitter — a bright fusion of lemon myrtle vodka, Strega liqueur, sherbet, sorrento lemon and orange blossom honey.
Tired of treadmills? Wearied by weights? So-so on sports or swimming laps? If your go-to exercise has lost its appeal, thankfully, there are loads of other ways to work up a sweat. If you were put off by PE class, you'll be glad to know there's a ton of fun to be had with daringly different activities all over the city (and beyond). Whether you want to have a skill-building dance session, take your workout to new heights or simply get your heart pumping in the comfort of your own home, there's something for every fitness level. All you need to do is think outside the box squats and burpees. TURN YOUR WORLD UPSIDE DOWN IN A CIRCUS CLASS Remember going to the circus as a kid? The trapeze and tricks, aerials and acrobats — all of it looking like a damn good time. Well, the National Institute of Circus Arts is helping you join in the fun via its adult term classes. Choose from a lineup of workshops — there's aerial skills, tumbling, core strength or trampoline — that are led by circus professionals and are suitable for all ages and levels. Not very coordinated? No problem. Jump into a prep or beginner class with circus enthusiasts who are just starting out, too. The class sizes are small, which fosters a supportive learning experience and allows for one-on-one time with the trainer where necessary. Once you've mastered the basics, gear up for more advanced levels next term. SHAKE IT OFF AT RETROSWEAT Depending on your age, you might not be old enough to remember the VHS home workout revolution, but that's no reason for not dialling in to the nostalgia at Retrosweat. These online videos (and weekly live classes for Sydneysiders) feature gorgeous vintage 'fits and charismatic hosts to boot. Dolling yourself up in your 80s or 90s best isn't a must, but you absolutely should if it helps you get in the groove. There's classic aerobics, choose-your-own-adventure workouts and even Retroflow yoga, all set to retro bangers. Can't choose between Kylie K-Hole, The Whitney Workout or a mixtape session? No stress, all will have you move your muscles to stand-out blasts from the past. PRACTICE YOUR PRECISION Regular resistance training just not cutting it anymore? Time to up the intensity and unleash your inner warrior. Maniax, Australia's first urban axe-throwing company, hurled onto the scene in 2014, changing both group fitness and date nights forever. Gather your mates and get comfortable handling a literal weapon, then challenge each other in a tournament to determine the ultimate axe-throwing champion. You can also book a one-person Quick Chuck, where you get one lane and one hour of throwing your heart out. BEND LIKE A BALLERINA It's never too late to fall in love with ballet. At the Primrose Potter Ballet Centre in Southbank, would-be ballerinas at all levels can join professionally led 75-minute lessons to get their dance abilities en pointe. Beginners can familiarise themselves with the barre — working on posture, coordination and strength — in casual lessons or by joining a six-week class series. Intermediate classes focus on alignment and technique, while advanced lessons aim to develop your musicality and centre work. Worried about your two left feet? There's an absolute beginner level, too. [caption id="attachment_843815" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Garry Zhuang (Unsplash)[/caption] GO WILD AT GO KARTING Racing is a sport. Sure, it might be less sweaty than the others, but you'll be bracing your core the whole time you speed around Ace Karts' 700-metre outdoor track — especially on that 105-metre straight. With an average of 18 laps in a single session, you'll have plenty of time to perfect your skills on each of the seven corners. Once you've mastered every turn and know the course like the back of your hand, reverse it and challenge yourself again. Group or solo, this adrenaline rush is a far cry from days spent playing Mario Kart. PAINT YOUR MATES Head out of the CBD and straight into battle. A colourful, paintball battle. Whether you want to play out combat stories at Hot Shots, explore the three hectares of experiences at Sniper's Den, or pop into the ultra convenient World Series Paintball in Oakleigh, right near Chadstone. Some venues offer immersive sets and full storylines (including a Star Wars-themed adventure), and others have family-friendly sessions and lower impact pellets. Do you need to be a sharp shooter to enjoy it? Not at all. But with a bit of practice on your mates, you'll work up to nailing the perfect shot in no time. [caption id="attachment_693299" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Stephanie Cook[/caption] SCALE THE WALLS Working your upper and lower body, improving flexibility, problem solving, grip and balance — rock climbing is a full body and mind workout. Luckily, there are many climbing and bouldering venues scattered throughout Melbourne for you to choose from. From Gravity Worx in Pascoe Vale to Bayside Rock in Carrum Downs and Hardrock in the CBD, each climbing gym has its own niche. Walls measure from 4.5 metres to 12 metres tall, and range from teetering angles to sky-high vertical ascents. Visit as a group or try and beat your personal best in speed or bouldering. This one is ideal if you like a bit more adventure in your fitness exploits. GET INTO POLE POSITION A workout that makes you feel powerful, skilled and maybe even a little bit sexy? Yes please. Pole is skill-based, meaning it's not about smashing out reps or beating best times. It's about learning new tricks and red-hot routines — and how to dance in heels. Build strength and flexibility while you explore pole, aerial hoop or silk skills at one of the four Melbourne Pole Room locations. The eight-week courses are progression-based, so you'll be supported as you gradually increase your abilities. Start with grips, spins and poses and advance to full routines from there. It's time to see what all the fuss is about. Are you keen to give circus training a go? For more information on NICA and to find a class that suits your schedule, visit the website.
The Queen Vic Market's massive midweek hawker market is coming back for five weeks this autumn, and it'll be the biggest edition to date. Held every Wednesday from April 9 to May 7, Hawker 88 Night Market will showcase a range of exceptional flavours from across Asia, from Manila to Mumbai and beyond. There'll also be a fascinating collection of live performances, cultural experiences and inventive cocktails bound to cause a stir. Every week features a different theme, showcasing the incredible diversity of Asian cuisine and culture while ensuring there's always something new to discover. Kicking things off on Wednesday, April 9, Pan-Asian Night highlights an eclectic mix of flavours, alongside dance performances, a K-pop dance crew, lion dancers and an Asian fusion band that ensures the vibe remains at fever pitch for this year's opening. The following week is Bali to Bangkok Night, where Southeast Asian cuisine is paired with martial arts displays, traditional dancing from Malaysian and Filipino movers and shakers, and beats provided by Indonesian gamelan drummers and a Thai band. Then, on Wednesday, April 23, Rising Sun Night presents a taste of East Asia, with everything from Japanese taiko drumming and roving geishas to Korean costume parades and traditional Chinese performances. Plus, a Filipino band is sure to keep the vibes high. Bollywood Night on Wednesday, April 30 will see the market become a colourful hub of all things Indian, featuring upbeat dance performances, live dance-offs, henna mural-making and even a curry-eating contest that will see serious spice lovers go head to head. Closing night on May 7 is Yin and Yang Night, which promises an vibrant mix of Chinese and K-pop dancing, a traditional Chinese costume parade and, intriguingly, a Squid Game-inspired DJ set. Across these five action-packed weeknights, an abundance of fresh-faced traders will join returning favourites serving up sumptuous bites that showcase the best of the continent. There'll be everything from wok-fired noodles and charcoal-cooked pork belly to Cambodian-style skewers, Thai fried chicken and Filipino barbecue. You can also get your hands around a crispy rice sandwich, a Japanese-inspired street food snack loaded with your choice of braised pork, pan-fried beef or sausage and cheese. This is also your chance to relive — or discover — the cocktails that became the talk of last year's event. As you roam from one hawker stand to the next (or it back to catch a performance), you can sip down a Flaming Mandarin Sunset, a fiery mix of sake, mandarin, grenadine and Bacardi 151 or the bright and refreshing Frozen Watermelon Shochu, featuring shochu with watermelon, lime and mint. The Hawker 88 Night Market runs 5–10pm every Wednesday from April 9–May 7 at the Queen Victoria Market. Head to the market's website for more information.
Texan psych-folk favourites Midlake have just announced they'll be heading to Australia to join the already amazing Vivid LIVE lineup. While in the country, they'll also be swinging by Melbourne's Corner Hotel for a show in late May, but it's bad luck if you live anywhere else. This Australian tour — their first since 2010 — is a mere two stops long. The beardy sextet will be touring off the back of their recently released fourth studio album, Antiphon — and for a band who's been around for over a decade, their sound hasn't changed a whole lot. Since their breakthrough 2006 release, The Trials of Van Occupanther, and its standout singles 'Roscoe' and 'Young Bride', Midlake have always sounded a little like a contemplative day in the countryside. The kind of day where you rug up in a flannel shirt and suppress your emotional problems with a bottle of hard cider. The band itself has been facing some hardship recently as lead singer and songwriter Tim Smith left the band during the recording of their recent album to pursue other projects. Midlake will be touring without him in their Australian shows, to the disappointment of some long-term fans. But overall, the band is bouncing back well. Antiphon is a little more on the psych side of their signature psych-folk, but it will definitely complement a Vivid lineup that already includes The Pixies, St Vincent and James Vincent McMorrow. Midlake tour dates: Friday, May 23 — Sydney, Vivid Festival, Sydney Opera House; tickets go on sale 9am, March 31. Saturday, May 24 — Melbourne, Corner Hotel; tickets are available via The Corner website.
Alan Partridge (Steve Coogan) is a man with such a proficient ability to inject even the most banal of situations with toe-curling awkwardness that it borders on being a talent. A much-loved character that fans have followed over a range of TV series, specials, radio plays and his I, Partridge autobiography, this latest instalment (and the first big-screen outing for the character) is an unusually high-concept affair which makes the most of its delicious conceit. Having schemed desperately (but unsuccessfully) for his old TV hosting job, Partridge is still clinging onto his local celebrity status, revelling in the soul-crushingly inane show where he tackle questions such as "What's the worst kind of monger? Fish, Rumour, Iron or War?". When the station is taken over by a corporation intent on rebranding the backwater North Norfolk Digital as a vibrant youth station, he barely survives the cull. The upheaval sees the ageing Pat (Colm Meaney) axed, a decision he responds to by returning to a station party with a gun and taking the staff hostage. By dumb luck, Alan finds himself outside the station as the siege begins, and as the only one Pat trusts, he finds himself pushed into being the go-between between Pat and the police tasked with ending the siege. Simultaneously fearful and puffed up with importance, he soon starts to think that being the face of the siege (or "siege face" in his words) could be just the tonic his forever ailing career needs. Among those trapped at the station are the hapless Sidekick Simon (the hilarious Tim Key) and Angela (Monica Dolan), a co-worker so socially inept and desperate that she seems a plausible love interest for Alan. It also wouldn't be a Partridge show without Alan's long-suffering assistant Lynn (Felicity Montagu), who is on hand to massage Alan's fragile ego and generally be bossed around and underappreciated. It's interesting to see how the character of Partridge has softened over the years. Initially a misanthropic buffoon with the soul of a parking station, Partridge now seems completely eccentric and devoid of self-awareness but an essentially sympathetic figure who you actually cheer for as he finds himself in way over his head. The lighter tone hasn't led to a lack of laughs though — whether singing along to Roachford, back-announcing his soft rock favourites with baffling non-sequiturs, losing his trousers while managing to lock himself out of the under-siege building or completely misjudging every single conversation he enters, the painfully funny Partridge remains exhibit A in the argument for Coogan's status as a comic genius. While the pitch-perfect slice-of-life series Mid-Morning Matters with Alan Partridge remains the high water mark of the now sprawling Partridge oeuvre, Alpha Papa is a beautifully written and performed work, likely to delight both long-term fans and introduce a broader audience to one of British comedy's most inspired creations. https://youtube.com/watch?v=qywG2-FC6x0
James Cornwall was the second guest chef at Young Hearts when it opened in 2023, and it didn't take long for his residency to become a permanent fixture at the Windsor food, music and art space. And he is paying it forward for the next few months, inviting a bunch of Melbourne chefs to take over the Sunday lunch service with their own $65 set menu. Each chef has been given the simple brief: if we come to your place on a Sunday, what would you cook for us? What would we be drinking, and what would we be listening to? Steve Chan (Sleepy's Wine Bar) is kicking the series off on Sunday, July 28, with an epic yum cha spread. He's plating up some of his favoruite dishes that'll include classic sui mai as well as his own version of prawn toast and sticky rice. [caption id="attachment_896988" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Young Hearts, Pete Dillon[/caption] Young Hearts will then host Alex Weymouth on Sunday, August 25; Lucy Whitlow on Sunday, September 8; and Josh Murphy (Harley & Rose) on Sunday, October 6. We don't know what they'll be cooking up, but we're sure you'll find more info closer to their takeovers at Young Heart's Instagram page. "When James suggested staying on a permanent basis, I instantly agreed," said Owner and Manager of Young Hearts, Nic Coulter. "I look forward to building the food side of the business with someone as talented as James. Through his experience and network of chefs, we are in for some good things to come. Sunday Service will continue the philosophy of the business and allow emerging chefs a space to create and gain exposure." Images: Jae Lin Creative.
It sounds like somewhere James Bond might hide away between missions — or, during a job, where he'd hunt down his latest nemesis. But inside the summit of Sölden's Gaislachkogl Mountain in Austria, visitors will soon find a museum dedicated to 007, particularly focusing on the character's most recent movie outing. If you're wondering why — why Sölden and why Spectre, specifically — it's because the latter flick shot scenes at the former location. It seems that's enough reason to bring 007 Elements to town, with the project being called "a new James Bond cinematic installation." From its description, however, it sounds rather like a series of galleries. When the space opens on July 12, it'll walk audiences through the various signature elements that go into making a Bond flick, giving fans a behind-the-scenes look in a new and inventive way. With Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, Skyfall and Spectre art director Neal Callow acting as the project's creative director, expect the museum to boast some serious insider know-how — all in a bespoke 1300-square-metre building that has been constructed within the mountain, spans two levels and is situated 3050 metres above sea level. "We want to use this incredible location to place our guests into Bond's environment, and bring the stories to life in a unique and unforgettable way," explains Callow. The franchise's other 24 movies to date will also feature, as will spectacular views over the Ötztal Alps.
