Is anyone else feeling a bit funny about Uber lately? When we first met and became exclusive in 2012, things were great but lately… it feels like the honeymoon period is definitely over. What started as a passionate love affair — down with exploitative cab companies! Transport for the people by the people! Cheap rides home from the pub! — with a strong vein of are they/aren't they legal, has hit a few rocky patches. This week, Uber has announced a price cut of 15 percent, which is great for us as riders. But drivers have been quite vocal about that 15 percent coming straight out of their pockets. The price drop will see the price per kilometre drop to $1 and it's been less than a year since Uber dropped their prices by 15 percent in May 2015. Riding Uber is, save our souls for saying this, is starting to feel a bit like eating McDonalds. It's cheap, it's delicious, but you're very aware that somewhere down the production line, someone or something is being exploited. In this case, it's the drivers who are currently getting a pretty raw deal. As well as providing the infrastructure (in this case, a car less than nine years old) themselves, they also pay for their own gas, maintenance and expenses. Uber drivers in Melbourne are apparently threatening strike action, however this is made difficult because, as independent contractors, they have no union. Uber have stated they'll make a subsidy to Uber drivers until April 25 to cover their losses which comes in the form of a $30 per hour gross guarantee. Which is pretty good, that is, until April 25. Uber argues that the price will allow "driver-partners" to maximise their earning potential by enticing more customers over to Uber and thus generating more trips. It seems a little bit shady, however, when you factor in the cost of running a car around the clock. We'll see in the coming months if the new scheme actually benefits Uber drivers or if the spin is just that: spin. We've got out eye on you Uber, and don't think you can distract us with puppies and kitties and Messina (although you can certainly try). Via The Age. Image: Mark Warner.
Divided into two floors, this slim little eatery gets quite a workout every night of the week. Don't come expecting a quiet night out — you'll be severely disappointed. As with any popular spot, a short wait is standard at Samurai. Larger groups can squeeze into one of the upstairs rooms, while downstairs is designed for smaller parties or pairs. The waitstaff here are appropriately friendly and efficient, matching the no frills, buzzing vibe of the interior. Samurai provides consistently familiar Japanese fare and dessert. The menu flavours are simple but we guarantee the dinner box special will be pleasantly warming and hearty enough for everyone. Of the soup options, the humble miso is by far the most enjoyable. For entree, the classic gyoza are the common standout choice — or take the road less travelled and go for one of the more interesting bites like takoyaki (octopus balls). The relatively small menu ensures choosing mains is a simple matter, with the unpretentious chicken curry and udon varieties clear favourites among locals. We highly recommend copping the extra dollar to upgrade your drink to a green tea milkshake or two scoops of green tea ice cream. The flavour is rich and smooth enough for die-hard Japanese diners, but not too overpowering for those unfamiliar to the taste. Do note there is strictly no alcohol or BYO allowed in the venue — but with drinks like these, you won't have much time to lament the no booze policy. Lively and loud, Samurai is always packed full with hungry patrons looking for casual dining and reliable, humble Japanese classics. Image credit: Tristan Kenny via Flickr
After his 1800 Lasagne delivery service rocketed into our culinary consciousness during iso, Joey Kellock made good on his plans for a bricks-and-mortar follow-up, opening the doors to his new Thornbury bar and eatery in November 2020. The warm, Italian-style haunt is low on pretension and filled with charming carryovers from its past life as an old-school pizza joint. A softly lit front bar is all exposed brick arches, timber panelling and curved high-top tables, leading to an intimate dining room through the back and cosy, vine-covered courtyard. [caption id="attachment_795675" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Joey[/caption] The food offering is short and sweet, kicking off with snacks like garlic bread and plates of salumi. Two of Kellock's legendary lasagne varieties have permanent spots on the menu — the beef and pork combo, and a vegetarian-friendly melanzane (eggplant) version — though you'll also find the odd special. Match your 1800 Lasagne feed with a ricotta, roast tomato and basil salad, or another option with cos, anchovy cream and grana. [caption id="attachment_795681" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 1800 Lasagne, by Parker Blain[/caption] The Italian vibe extends to the drinks offering, full of things to enjoy either with or without a hefty serve of lasagne in front of you. There's wine from the tap and the bottle, showcasing plenty of Italian varietals, alongside just a couple of beers — draught sours and lagers and bottles of Peroni. Balmy evenings might call for something from the five-strong spritz lineup, while cocktails run to the likes of an Americano, amaretto sour and classic martini. Images: Parker Blain Appears in: Where to Find the Best Pasta in Melbourne for 2023
The sun's a-shining and our love affair with the G&T is about to fire up for another year. But this season, that gin in your glass could be more local than ever before. Patient Wolf, Melbourne's newest small-batch gin producer, is about to launch its first creation. It's been a long time coming, as Matt Argus and Dave Irwin, the duo behind the Brunswick boutique distillery, will tell you. The pair has spent the past three years travelling the world, learning from some of the best in the gin biz and perfecting this first batch, which has been made with the help of their custom-built Müller copper still. What they've crafted is a smooth and beautifully-balanced premium dry gin. It's a new-school riff on the classic London dry style, with botanicals like elderflower and ruby grapefruit mingling with more adventurous additions, such as Central American tonka beans. These guys are nodding to tradition while embracing innovation, and keeping things small — each run will be capped at just 220 bottles. A recipe for success, it seems, given that half of Patient Wolf's first batch had been snapped up, just two days after launching a Pozible online pre-order campaign. But even if you miss out this time, fear not – sky-high demand has seen Argus and Irwin jump straight onto batch number two, with pre-orders for this also open.
What would you do if you were a little less freaked out by consequences? Would you talk to more new people, fear a bit less, dance a little more like FKA Twigs, quit your desk job and do that giant street artwork you've always wanted to give a red hot go? Some sparkling young Australians are already flinging their inhibitions into a ziplock bag and seizing this little ol' life with both hands. Concrete Playground has teamed up with the Jameson crew to give you a sneak peek into the lives of bold characters who took a big chance on themselves. They've gone out on a limb and rewritten their path, encapsulating 'Sine Metu', the Jameson family motto which translates to 'without fear' — getting outside your comfort zone and trying something new. After all, we only get one shot at this. Take notes. Sydney street artist and skateboarder Sid Tapia is no stranger to the concept of fear and overcoming it. In a career that started at age ten, he's hung out of train doors to tag them, skateboarded at a pro level and even founded his own label, Crown St. But it was in channelling a little 'Sine Metu' that Sid ultimately found his direction. You can read the interview over here. Want to experience a little bit of 'Sine Metu' yourself? Sid's being a total legend and helping us give away a personalised street art piece by Sid himself on a free wall somewhere in Sydney. You'll get a high-res photo taken with the work and we'll frame it and deliver it to your door, so you can see for yourself what happens when bold humans take big creative chances with big payoffs. Enter here to win.
D.O.C Espresso has sat on the same spot of Lygon Street for 20 years, playing a big part in Melbourne's contemporary Italian restaurant renaissance — which saw a more modern style of Italian dining take over the city. After so many years of business, the crew thought the space needed a little love, and so shut up shop for renovations back in August 2024. But the team didn't just redo the interiors during this break. The chefs also redesigned the menu and the owners renamed the venue D.O.C Osteria. It reopened later the same year, and a new fitout saw the space gain a little more glamour while still holding onto its semi-casual charm. Gold finishes, luxe red marble countertops and banquette seating were included. The weatherproof streetside dining area and courtyard out back also got a little revamp, and the team expanded the kitchen to help the chefs make more fresh pasta onsite. As it was with D.O.C Espresso, Osteria has a strong focus on pasta — keeping a few dishes from the previous menu while reworking others and creating a smattering of new creations. Regulars will be glad to see that the famed lasagne remains — as does the funghi pasta, but in a slightly different form. We will admit that we preferred the original version, but this porcini and portobello number is still worth ordering. The mixed seafood linguine, though, is an absolute banger. Packed with calamari, prawns, mussels and rockling, and dowsed in garlic and chilli, it is more or less a must-order. The small bites have also been given a heap of love, helping D.O.C become a great destination for sipping and snacking — either alone, on a date or with a few mates. Get around the trio of cicchetti, its succulent marbled Rangers Vallery black Angus skewer, and a moreish crochetta — a crumbed and deep-fried cube of bucatini pasta, guanciale (cured pork cheek), pecorino cheese and black pepper. The playful take on a classic panzanella salad is also a huge win, made with ox heart tomatoes, grilled focaccia, cucumber sauce and a balsamic crunch. There's a really good blend of simple comfort food and more elevated interpretations of classics — letting diners choose their own kind of Italian dining adventure.
After a successful debut in Sydney last year, the Lunar Markets are making their way to Melbourne. The Docklands Harbour Esplanade will transform itself into a pop-up food festival of Asian cuisine for 11 nights from Thursday, February 4. Wander through over 20 food stalls, featuring Night Noodle Market regulars like Hoy Pinoy, Everybody Loves Ramen (selling their famous ramen fried chicken) and the always amazing Wonderbao. Black Star Pastry and N2 Extreme Gelato are teaming up to create the mighty 'Gong Xi Fai Cai Cake Smash': strawberry watermelon cake smash with fire crackers, and the 'Hipster Cookies and Cream': almond and pineapple gelato with almond sesame cookie. Paired with live music and roaming performers, this is the perfect Chinese New Year date. The Lunar Markets will run from February 4-14. They'll be open Monday to Wednesday 5-9pm, Thursday to Friday 5-10pm, Saturday 4-10pm and Sunday 4-9pm.
Margaret River's Colonial Brewing Co. is coming for the east coast. And while Sydneysiders have been treated to a mini tap takeover at the Newtown Hotel, Melburnians are lucky enough to score an entire brewery. The WA brewers opened their second outpost in Port Melbourne earlier this year — and while it's been open to the public for a few months now, the venue has just added a new, state-of-the-art canning machine that spits out 100 tinnies a minute. This tinnie-only brewery's motto, "brewed small, lived big", may be on the sentimental side, but it is a good way to describe Colonial's ethos. The Margaret River brewery is situated on a farm and the brand encapsulates Aussie country living. Colonial doesn't make beer for craft snobs alone — instead, they're dedicated to creating sessionable brews, geared toward the everyday drinker and craft converts, and their core range includes pale, IPA and Kölsch classics. The beer to keep an eye out for is their Small Ale. A mid-strength beer in name only, the flavour profile and hop aroma successfully (and surprisingly) mimic a big West Coast IPA. For the cider heads out there, the newly released Bertie is refreshingly dry, though, we have to say, no match for the brews. This 'average Aussie'-meets-craft beer drinker mentality is reinforced by their 360 tinnie lids — the lids peel off completely, allowing for great aroma and airation, while still allowing consumers to enjoy the satisfaction of a good ol' beer in a can. As beer nerds ourselves, we wouldn't say it's a true replacement for pouring into a glass, but you have to appreciate the thought. If you're lucky, they may even given you a tinnie straight off the line during a brewery tour — truly fresh as. While the brewery is now officially launching its small town WA vibe into the east coast market, it isn't doing it without some self-awareness. When it comes to the Port Melbourne brewery, the fit-out is, well, much more Melbourne than its Margaret River counterpart. Think a lush indoor beer garden fitted out with hanging greenery, a graffiti wall and space for Food Truck Fridays, along with ping pong and beer pong tables (which ustilises their 360 cans as cups, of course). On Thursday nights they're also doing a very reasonably priced pizza and pot deal for $10. The eight-tap wooden bar also has a makeshift feel, and it's all tucked inside of a small entryway that you'd never expect to expand into this massive warehouse. You certainly couldn't mistake Colonial's brews for anything but Aussie beers, and we bet, as they expand, this WA brewery will go far in converting mainstream beer drinkers to craft — even those who swear they'll never go off VB. The Colonial Brewing Co. is open on Thursdays and Fridays from noon till 11pm at 89 Bertie Street, Port Melbourne. For more info, visit colonialbrewingco.com.au. Images: Simon Shiff.
A members-only cafe? Really? You've got to be bloody joking. TRIPE. Nope, it's a Thing — London's opened its very first members-only cafe, SL28, a Holloway coffee shop at which you pay a monthly membership fee to hang out. But it's not as ridiculously shut-the-front-door as it sounds, it's actually a pretty great concept for co-working. Pioneered by and located inside the HQ of a British working environment specialist company called Net.Works., SL28 is indeed a members-only cafe. It's £10 (about $14) a month for full membership, with which you're both allowed in the space and able to order unlimited £5 batch brew coffees — they even give you three free cups a month (which kind of makes the membership fee a little less flabbergaster-inducing). There are baked goods from Aux Pains de Papy, as well as soups, sandwiches and teas, which you can take to fixed-desk spaces, couches and armchairs. If you're still scoffing and ready to whip up an angry social media storm, there's a pretty good intention behind the whole members-only schtick. Basically, the crew want to provide a space for freelancers and collaborative workers to be able to stay for hours on end, whittling away at their projects — without getting shamed for lingering too long. Freelancers, you feel this? If you've ever worked purely from your laptop, you've been shooed away from free wifi cafes after a few hours, death stared from the counter, asked to pay for more bevs or get out. So this is a pretty great alternative; it's almost like a hot desk set-up that happens to be a cafe. The best bit? You'll have company, like this genius Hoffice concept. Hooray for friends! Surrounded by co-freelancers, students, laptop-bound creatives and general coffee enthusiasts, SL28 members have the warm fuzzy advantage of having active minds around them — as opposed to your ever-tempting PS4, loudly mowing neighbours and indifferent axolotl. We'd pay cash money for that. Via Sprudge. Images: Net.Works.
Another beloved Australian music festival is sitting 2025 out, with the Listen Out team revealing that the event won't be on the calendar this year. In 2024, when Groovin the Moo announced its dates then cancelled, and Splendour in the Grass sadly did the same, this electronic-meets-hip hop fest still toured the country. Now, though, it's "hitting pause on Listen Out as you know it", organisers announced via social media. "We've always tried to build something special — where the lineup reflects the culture and the energy flows both ways between the artists and you," the statement advises. "The last few years have been tough." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Listen Out (@listenout) Although Listen Out isn't going ahead in 2025 in its usual format, the crew is putting on a series of shindigs badged Listen Out Presents, however. Music lovers can expect "one-off, carefully curated parties in killer locations around Australia all year long" featuring "some of the best artists in the world", the festival team announced. No further details have been revealed so far. Skipping the big fest setup for a smaller affair yet still boasting impressive names was Spilt Milk's approach in 2024 — when it ditched its usual festivals but had Troye Sivan, Glass Animals and G Flip take to the stage Newcastle, Perth and on the Gold Coast. The fellow fest is returning in its full form in 2025, headlined by Kendrick Lamar. That said, Listen Out's cancellation this year in favour of parties comes after both Groovin the Moo and Splendour in the Grass failed to make 2025 comebacks following their year off. [caption id="attachment_957230" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Samm Venn[/caption] In 2024, Listen Out did the rounds for its 11th year with a lineup featuring 21 Savage, Skepta, Tyla and Flo Milli among its hip hop and R&B names, plus John Summit and Sub Focus on the electronic side. The year prior, in 2023, the fest held its most-successful event at the time in terms of ticket sales ever, with the crew behind it hoping to continue that trajectory by turning the fest into a 16-plus event, age-wise, which was a first for 2024. [caption id="attachment_957228" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anna Warr[/caption] [caption id="attachment_957224" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mitch Lowe[/caption] [caption id="attachment_957218" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jordan Munns[/caption] [caption id="attachment_957221" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sam Venn[/caption] Listen Out is not taking place in 2025, with Listen Out Presents parties set to pop up instead — we'll update you when more details are announced, and keep an eye on the festival's social media in the interim.
The StandardX's Thai restaurant BANG is running one of Melbourne's top happy hours this summer, enticing diners to try out the relatively new Fitzroy diner. Drop by from 5–7pm from Monday–Friday and you can score two-for-one Melbourne Bitter longnecks, pairing them with as many $1 homemade dumplings as you like. This is a banger of a deal — excuse the pun. Not a beer fan? Worry not, the crew is also slinging $12 cans of prosecco that pair alright with a table full of cheap dumplings. A weekend afternoon hang more your vibe? Pop over from 11am–3pm on Saturday or Sunday to try its weekend brunch with live DJs. There aren't any discounts for this one — just great Thai eats and party vibes.
Once every year, a different kind of festival is held in Brisbane — one that doesn't market itself on glow sticks, or ironic henna, or even prolific recreational drug use. It's a festival more for the artists, their scene and the Australian industry itself: Bigsound. Over three days in September, an eclectic collection of musicians is given their shot to play not just some of Brisbane's best venues for some of its best crowds, but also for industry professionals, booking agents, and labels; the big-wig types that usually hang out exclusively in Sydney and Melbourne and are always searching for that 'new sound'. For the somewhat isolated arts scene of Queensland, Bigsound is the annual chance of a lifetime, and acts as a cross-section of Australia's up and coming. Although criticised in recent years for pushing a lineup that includes already represented and well established performers, Bigsound's 2016 bunch still has a few untapped talents and diamonds in the rough. Here are five new artists playing Bigsound this year, not to be missed if you want to claim 'knew-them-before-they-were-cool' bragging rights in years to come. MOSQUITO COAST Last year's triple j Unearthed High winners, Mosquito Coast are riding the Australian airwaves to 'household name' status, but given they are both only 18 years of age, they definitely warrant the title of a 'new' band. Playing music so beach-inspired its practically sunburnt, this duo is nothing if not very, very chill. Breezy guitar lines, hard to forget lyrics, friendly drums — everything you'd want on the radio on a day it's too hot to think. Their main track 'Call My Name' hit #101 on triple j's Hottest 100 this year, and if they keep doing what they are doing, they're guaranteed to sneak into Australia's biggest music pedestal next year. Oh Hello! on September 7. BEC SANDRIDGE Listening to Sydney's Bec Sandridge, it's hard to imagine that anyone else playing Bigsound will bring the same charm to the stage. To call this about-to-explode artist a 'girl-popper' is unfair — would you call Anna Calvi the same? Sure, Sandridge's got pop influences, and that makes it so fun. Her music's intrinsically complex and simultaneously easy to dance to. And on top of it all, Sandridge has a set of pipes you could shamelessly compare to Blondie, Nick Cave, Kate Bush, or maybe even Bjork. The Foundry, September 7. GOOD BOY Good Boy are Brisbane boys, and boy, are they good. Doing the whole dolewave thing, this trio unabashedly sing about living hard, below the poverty line, in the northern suburbs. With King Krule-like guitar lines, over Dick Diver-like lyrics, with a bit of that regional Queensland anger and edge to them, the boys know what they're all about. They've only been bumming darbs and singing about it for a year now, but they've already played Laneway Festival, and are looking at being the canonical band for 2016 Brisbane. Who knows, maybe it'll be the start of their career as Brisbane's next Go-Betweens? Oh Hello!, September 8. PRATEEK KUHAD Prateek Kuhad isn't exactly a fresh face — he's played SXSW, opened for Alt-J on tour, and has been a showcased musician not just in his home of India, but abroad. Despite all this, he's a fresh face for Brisbane. His minimalistic folk, and his punchy, almost quirky lyrics, give his songs a cinematic quality — he wouldn't be amiss juxtaposing a wide-shot for Wes Anderson film, for example. His music, be it his minimalistic combination of guitar and vocals, or his somewhat wider pieces — mandolin, tambourine — are all alike in their joyous momentum. September 7, Empire Hotel. MIDDLE KIDS Middle Kids (emphasis on kids, these guys have only been around since late February) are a Sydney trio- all about the music- tight harmonies and chill times. Dropping their EP Edge of Town, a distorted harmony of fragile vocals, steel guitar, and abyss inspired timbres, these kids might be young, but they are being seen and heard all over Australia. Playing Oh Hello! on 8 September, Middle Kids, have a good thing going-it's lo-fi, but it's kinda popping, with a little bit of folk, maybe an aftertaste of punk, there's something in their simple songs for everyone. Bigsound runs September 7-9 across multiple Brisbane venues. Find the whole Bigsound program on their website.
Is there anything better than a spontaneous weekend away? In Melbourne it's almost compulsory to spend your days exploring laneways and cafes, and then dolling up and taking in a show, before settling down for a cosy drink in an award-winning cocktail bar. There is a rich and exciting food, drink, and entertainment culture in Melbourne just begging to be explored. Book yourself a room at Pullman Albert Park (it's right next to a tram stop and just outside of the city) and relax - we've partnered with Pullman Hotels and Resorts and have the next 48 hours all planned out for you. [caption id="attachment_587822" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Higher Ground via Instagram.[/caption] SATURDAY You arrived late last night, checked in and slept like a lamb. Now you're awake, and you're ravenous. Head directly into the city to Higher Ground, a delightfully luxe breakfast/brunch/lunch spot and home to some of the best nosh kicking around Melbourne's CBD right now. Break your fast with glorious twists on old favourites like bircher with quinoa and seed with fresh and dried apple, house made almond yoghurt and rosella hibiscus; or opt for something hearty with roasted and pickled seasonal mushrooms atop of creamy bed of soft polenta served with hazelnut, thyme and sourdough crumble. [caption id="attachment_587815" align="alignnone" width="1280"] The Town Mouse. Image: @thetownmouse via Instagram.[/caption] Walk breakfast off with a walk. Stroll past the glorious terraces and beautifully manicured gardens in Carlton, until you reach what is arguably one of the prettiest streets in Melbourne, Drummond Street, where lunch at The Town Mouse awaits. This menu demands sharing, so why not kick off with some creamy oysters and beef tartare before enjoying a spread of confit beef neck with a side of shimeji mushroom and roast cauliflower. [caption id="attachment_587818" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Magic Mountain Saloon. Image: @magicmountainsaloom via Instagram.[/caption] Hop on the tram and scoot back into town, perhaps spending an indulgent few hours boutique-hopping at Emporium. Grab an early dinner at Magic Mountain Saloon where the Thai-American BBQ themed menu dances effortlessly between daring and delicious. They also have the kind of cocktail list where you could order by closing your eyes, jabbing a finger at random and still be assured of a great choice. Savour the cozy vibes of this tri-level venue from a booth before moseying on over to the MCG for a post dinner match. SUNDAY Good morning! What's that you say? You feel like black tea-cured salmon with green tea and edamame puree and pickled red cabbage, all lovingly piled atop a fluffy crumpet for breakfast? Well hop over to Krimper. They've got you covered. Tucked away down Guildford Lane in Melbourne's CBD you'll feel right at home, provided that your home is an inviting and cosy converted warehouse space with exposed brick walls and tasteful decor. Take a relaxed amble around the historic Block Arcade, a 19th century covered shopping arcade, and explore the stores. Why not make some entirely frivolous but entirely justifiable purchases at spice vendors extraordinaire, Gewürtzhaus? You can never have too much vintage merlot salt in your life, amirite? When hunger strikes again (which it invariably will - shopping is a workout) stride on down to Sun Moth Canteen for a refreshing glass of wine and a nibble on some snacks to tide you over until later. For dinner tonight there's really no better option than one of the most formidable cocktail names in the biz, Eau De Vie. Originally a Sydney stalwart, this venue has been pumping out simply gorgeous drinks for a couple of years now, and they only seem to get better and better. Grab a selection of nibbles like their charcuterie meats, including paletilla iberico de bellota and salsichon, and pull up a seat to watch the bartenders do their thing. Pair your snacks with a knockout cocktail like a Zacapa Blazer and let the hours ooze by as you work your way through their impressive back bar. Melbourne has so much to offer that you'll doubtless be planning your next trip before this one is even over. Pullman Hotels and Resorts make a great base to explore Melbourne for a weekend. Top Image: Higher Ground.
2022 isn't even five months in yet, but the year's slate of festivals is already shaping up to be a winner. We've just danced our way through all the summer fests, of course, and welcomely so. But there's plenty more where they came from across the rest of the year — including the long-awaited return of Listen Out in September and October. Fuzzy's national electronic-meets-hip hop festival will make a huge comeback for its first gigs since 2019 — for obvious reasons, as we all know and have lived through for the past couple of years. And, it's marking its return with a hefty lineup led by Young Thug, Polo G, Disclosure and The Jungle Giants, as well as everyone from BARKAA and Electric Fields to BBNO$ and Tove Lo. Listen Out tours nationally to four of Australia's capitals, kicking off on September 23 and hitting Melbourne, Perth, Sydney and Brisbane over two weekends. Also hitting the road, albeit just with one stop: Listen In, a condensed version of the fest with a smaller lineup that'll solely play Adelaide. Whichever iteration is coming to your city, add Listen Out and Listen In to your ever-growing 2022 festival calendar, with Splendour in the Grass and Spilt Milk also among the big-name fests finally set to return in the coming months. LISTEN OUT 2022 DATES: Friday, September 23 at Catani Gardens, St Kilda, Melbourne Sunday, September 25 at Western Parklands, HBF Arena, Joondalup, Perth Saturday, October 1 at Centennial Park, Sydney Sunday, October 2 at Brisbane Showgrounds, Brisbane LISTEN OUT 2022 LINEUP: 24kGOLDN AJ Tracey Anti Up [presented by Chris Lake and Chris Lorenzo] BARKAA BBNO$ Blanke Bru-C Central Cee Culture Shock Dameeeela Disclosure Doechii Electric Fields James Hype The Jungle Giants Kito Louis The Child LP Giobbi Meduza Memphis LK Miiesha Nia Archives Pirra Polo G Pretty Girl Qrion Stace Cadet and KLP Tove Lo Young Thug LISTEN IN 2022 DATES: Monday, October 3 at Ellis Park, Adelaide LISTEN IN 2022 LINEUP: Adelaide: 24kGOLDN BARKAA BBNO$ Bru-C Central Cee Chris Lake Culture Shock Disclosure James Hype Kito Louis The Child LP Giobbi Meduza Polo G Stace Cadet and KLP Young Thug NZ: TBC Listen Out and Listen In's 2022 season tours Australia in September and October 2022. For more information, or to buy tickets from 12/1pm (times vary depending on the city) on Wednesday, April 27, head to the festival website.
Melbourne is never short of innovative and intriguing film events, and the latest is Here My Eyes at Howler. Hear My Eyes screens films that are accompanied by an original score performed live by local musicians, Sleep Decade. The experimental, audiovisual experience is a playful alternative to more traditional screenings, and $15 to see a film and live music gig all rolled into one sounds like a pretty good deal to us. For Hear My Eyes first event they will be screening Jessica Oreck’s acclaimed The Vanquishing of the Witch Baba Yaga, which combines documentary footage with hand-drawn animated storyboard panels. One for all you film nerds out there, the 16mm shots of the visually stunning Romanian, Hungarian and Polish forests and countrysides are truly captivating. Pair that with an ambient and experimental soundscape and you’ve got yourself quite an extraordinary Thursday night.
Swipe right to find your perfect match – and no, we're not talking about the pit of despair and poor decision making that is Tinder (who are we kidding, we're on there too). This is Tender, which as you can tell from the cleverly substituted vowel is a totally different thing. Like its namesake, this newly launched app shows users a photograph and lets them swipe right or left to indicate whether they like what they see. But unlike Tinder, this isn't about looking for a casual hook-up. This is about serious, long-term relationships. With food. Developed by a group of college roommates now working in Boston, Tender is available in both the Apple App Store and on Google Play, and works on the same basic principals as Tinder – only with recipes instead of people. Users can tap on a food pic to get a list of ingredients and a link to the full recipe, which is then saved to the cookbook section of your app if you decide to swipe right. The recipes come from food blogs all over the internet, and you can filter them by different categories, such as vegetarian, vegan, seafood, dessert and so on. They're also planning on adding an allergy filter and an undo button for people who regret swiping left. You've got to hand it to them: in terms of capturing the zeitgeist, this feels pretty on the money. Basically they've combined food porn with snap judging things based purely on their appearance, which, as millennials, are basically our two favourite pastimes. Plus a lot of the recipes actually look really delicious – although if Tinder has taught us anything, it's that what you get in real life rarely lives up to the pics. It seems like Tender won't be entirely free of these kinds of issues either. Suuure you're a barbecue turkey meatloaf. Honestly, who is this pile of capsicums trying to fool? Looks like Tender still has a few bugs to sort out. Still, we're pretty excited to give it a try. At least here we won't have to worry about matching with an awesome looking spicy coconut risotto only for it to turn out to just be a bot spamming your account with links to a website featuring lots of 'sizzling hot Asian dishes'. And unlike real people, chocolate cake will never swipe you left. Top Image via Dollar Photo Club.
Want to pick up a casual Neil Perry lunch without forking out an Eleven Bridge restaurant bill? Australia's renowned restaurateur, chef, TV presenter and all-round multitasker has just launched his own menu for Japanese-inspired eatery Saké Jr. Perry is working his magic across Saké Jr's Sydney and Melbourne venues, bringing his passion for sustainably sourced, fresh, local produce to each of his carefully curated dishes. "As with all our endeavours, we are community and sustainability minded," he says. "Our ethos is simple: source responsibly, act respectfully, cook beautifully, live well." New lunchtime items include on-trend poke bowls and grab and go protein salads, with various meat, seafood or vegetarian staples featuring accompaniments like pickled bamboo, edamame and soy and mirin dressing. You can mix and match, so the endless options are bound to revolutionise your once-boring lunch hour. Come 4pm, Jr by Night kicks into gear at Sydney's Grosvenor Place and Bourke Street in Melbourne. Perry will be offering up creative takes on Tokyo street food favourites, like Japanese fried chicken (JFC) with the choice of chilli oil, gochujang or sesame yuzu sauce. Alternatively, build your own ramen bowl or bao bun and wash it all down with a house-brewed iced tea or a cheeky glass or two of saké. Whatever your selection, you can expect each mouthful to reflect Perry's meticulous attention to detail. Find Sake Jr at Grosvenor Place, 255 George Street and inside Westfield Pitt Street in Sydney, and at 555 Bourke Street and St Collins Lane in Melbourne.
The co-founder of Sydney’s The Barber Shop is taking his whizz-bang bar-creating talents to Byron Bay. As of this summer, the north coast’s busiest hang-out will have a brand new drinking and feasting establishment, The Bolt Hole, thanks to one Mr Chris Mills. But there won’t be a tap or a beer bottle in sight. Instead, the bar’s craft beer offerings will be delivered in classic Aussie fashion — via tinnie only. Why? Well, to start, Chris sees tinnies as far more environmentally friendly than bottles. As for taps, the avoidance is more about aesthetics than being green. As anyone who's frequented The Barber Shop knows, Chris likes to keep his bar sleek and uncluttered. “Bottles have six times the carbon footprint of a can, when you consider volume, weight, production and transport — all those things add up,” says Chris. “We can fit 100 cartons of tinnies on a standard palette, versus 65 cartons of 330ml bottles, so it takes a lot less fuel to transport them.” Aluminium is lighter than glass, while a can’s tidy shape means more efficient packing and stacking. Second up, Chris points out that tinnies make beer taste better. “Canning is better because bottling lets in UV light, which affects the taste of the beer," he says. UV has a habit of breaking down the organic compounds that give a beer its unique flavour profile. Even though using brown-tinted glass can help reduce the damage, it’s no substitute for the light-impervious fortress that is an aluminium can. And thirdly, Chris adds, "Bottles let in more oxygen, which shortens the beer’s shelf life.” Then, of course, there's the can's total lack of smash-ability. As far as we know, The Bolt Hole will be the first bar in Australia to serve cans exclusively. But, more generally, the humble tinnie has been making a comeback — both here and in the US. Once the domain of drops like Tooheys and VB, it’s now being embraced by craft beer labels all over the world, including locals like Sydney’s Young Henrys and Melbourne’s Mountain Goat. This resurgence is in least part due to cans' lower carbon footprint, awareness of which has been growing for a while. Not everyone's on board though. David Suzuki's Queen of Green blog, for example, argues that beers shipped over long distances are better in tinnies, but when it comes to locally made brews, bottles win out, while others are pushing for all tap, all the time. With the Bolt Hole’s opening six weeks off, we can’t yet reveal exactly which craft beers will make the menu. But we can tell you that Chris has been chatting with some of Australia’s most talented operators. In addition to a stack of tasty brews, the drinks list, designed by Jason Crawley (The Drink Cabinet), will offer signature cocktails, vintage gins, artisanal spirits, boutique Australian and European wines, plus a whisky list to incite Dylan Thomas’s envy. Meanwhile, Jordan (Beans) Brannan (former sous chef at Bondi’s Panama House) will be producing dishes to match. A student of globe-trotting pit master Pete Daversa (London’s The Big Easy, New York City’s Pride and Joy, Hong Kong’s Blue Smoke), Jordan will be smoking up an American barbecue storm on a specially imported woodfired smoker, all the way from the US of A. He’ll be delivering a stateside culinary tour for carnivores, with grass-fed Angus brisket, Texas beef short ribs, Memphis BBQ pork ribs, Carolina pulled pork shoulder and maple glazed chicken. The American theme will continue in the fit-out, which is promising a dimly lit refuge from Byron Bay’s sun-dazed, crowded streets. Entering via a vintage church door, visitors will find themselves in a cosy, vintage haven, with references to hunting, steam trains and nautical escapades. There'll be green Chesterfields, handmade furniture, antique light fittings and a tarnished copper bar, supported by recycled railway sleepers. Tinnie image: Dollar Photo Club. Other images provided.
Le Ho Fook has been serving up creative and stylish modern Chinese fare in Melbourne since 2013, when it opened its doors in Collingwood. Now located in the CBD, the brainchild of head chef and owner Victor Liong has become a Melbourne dining institution. So much so that in 2021, in the height of the pandemic that saw mass closures in the restaurant scene, he was able to open his second restaurant in Marvel Stadium, Docklands. The focus is Chinese-Australian classics with a modern take, designed to please everyone from the grandparents to the kids. The a la carte menu features a large list of house specialties which rotates from time to time. The pickled Apollo Bay mussels with chilli oil, fennel and nasturtium vinegar make for a tasty treat first up, while the much loved prawn toast is made with green garlic and salted egg yolk butter. It's not to be missed. For something truly surprising, the three cup stuffed chicken wings with wood fungi and black vinegar will have you recommending the restaurant to everyone you know. If its the classics you're here for, look no further than Lee Ho Fook's crispy eggplant with spiced red vinegar and an order of pork and chive dumplings with black vinegar and chilli oil. Pair this with some spanner crab fried rice complete with scallops and XO sauce and you have the Chinese meal of your dreams. Finish the evening with an exclamation point and order the mango pudding sorbet with passionfruit granita and a jasmine tea.
Southbank's busy bar scene just got a little more crowded. Opening this week in the Southgate precinct, Waterslide Bar has put together a first-class selection of boozy beverages. Just don’t get your hopes up: despite the name, they don't actually have a waterslide. Or at least they haven't for about 100 years. As it happens, the name Waterslide is actually a hat-tip to Melbourne's early twentieth century history. Long before Southgate and Crown Casino, the south of the Yarra was home to an outdoor amusement park, complete with toboggan rides, a Japanese teahouse and a yes, a waterslide. Unfortunately the park only lasted a few years — turns out Melbourne's winter weather wasn't any better back in the day. Lack of aquatic fun times notwithstanding, Waterslide Bar does look pretty promising. Bar manager Tim Wastell (previously of The Blue Diamond in the CBD, The Saint in St Kilda and Rockpool Bar in Perth) has teamed up with Fred Siggins (Black Pearl in Fitzroy) on a historically themed cocktail menu. The Grace Kelly (gin, fresh pressed pear juice, Earl Grey, honey, cinnamon syrup and dehydrated apple) pays tribute to Hollywood's quintessential leading lady, while The Cure (vodka, blueberry, balsamic syrup and ginger) promises to relieve all common afflictions "including dolefulness, scurvy and turgidity." The food menu, while not quite as well-stocked, still offers plenty of great choices, including twice-cooked pork belly skewers with plum sauce, mini soft shell crab po'boys with zucchini pickles, and Mediterranean style pickled and marinated octopus with feta. Waterslide Bar can be found in Shop MR3 Mid Level East End in the Southgate Centre, Southbank. They're open 4pm – 2am, seven days a week.
Sydney electronica virtuoso Rainbow Chan's long-awaited debut album Spacings is kind of like listening to pop through an infinity mirror — you can hear it stretching away forever, but you can't touch it, no matter how you turn your head. Give it a try. Staple pop lyrics like "I don't blame you/for treating me so cruel" find new, uneasy galactic life on this album, the very first full-length from one of the city's most inventive, classically-trained producers. Chan's debut album launch tour will see her hit several states in the next few weeks, and she won't be alone. As well as showcasing tracks from Spacings, Chan will be performing as a three-piece with up-and-coming Aussie musicians/producers/buddies Moon Holiday and CORIN. Haven't listened to the album yet? Get on it. Since winning FBi Radio's Northern Lights Competition in 2011, Chan's come a long way from her bubblegum beginnings. She's described Spacings as a pop record that tries to incorporate influences, recordings and samples that are 100 percent not pop. So if your bag is contemplating lost love as your consciousness floats dangerously close to the ceiling fan, this is definitely one for you.
Australia's most sinister festival, Dark Mofo, is back for its seventh year — and it's set to be as boundary-pushing as ever. As always, the festival will take place in the lead up to the winter solstice, exploring connections between old and contemporary mythology through art installations, performance, talks and music — all taking place in the darkness of Tasmanian winter. Hosted by the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), Dark Mofo will takeover most of Hobart between June 6–23, showcasing a melting pot of artists, creatives and thinkers who dwell in the shadows of mainstream culture. Just-announced musicians include FKA Twigs — who's also bringing her experimental dream pop to Vivid Sydney this year — New York-based composer Nicolás Jaar, American singer John Grant and multi-instrumentalist Roger Eno. Other highlights of the music program include an audiovisual 'soundbath' by Sigur Rós; an international metal program, featuring Brazil's Mystifier; and the return of Night Mass, a ritualistic series of multi-venue late-night parties featuring Sampa the Great, FAKA and Empress Of. These musicians and creatives join those announced in the first lineup drop last week, which included boundary-pushing speakers in the Dark + Dangerous Thoughts program, artists Ai Weiwei and Mike Parr, and singer and actor Sharon Van Etten. The festival's dark and quirky arts lineup has grown, too, with the addition of a latex-filled installation and performance by Japan's Saeborg and an immersive group exhibition — of ten international artists, including Canada's Cassils, USA's Paul McCarthy and India's Shilpa Gupta — inside the former Forestry Tasmania Building. The award-winning building — which once housed its own forest — is just one of many new venues to join this year's program. Come June, revellers will also be able to party inside the Old Hobart Blood Bank, the Avalon and Odeon theatres, the Old Davey St Congregational Church and aboard a floating natural wine bar, dubbed Natty Waves. Of course, all the festival favourites are set to make a triumphant return, too. You'll be able to drink and eat amongst inverted crosses and candles at the Winter Feast, try not to freeze during the very cold Nude Solstice Swim and absolve your sins at Night Mass. Images: Rémi Chauvin and Rosie Hastie.
Prancing through fields laced with the charm of provincial France? Casual summer weekendery. The ever-popular So Frenchy So Chic in the Park is waltzing back to Melbourne's Werribee Park Mansion for its seventh year running. If you haven't been before, expect an entire afternoon of French-inspired niceties — think gourmet picnic hampers, tartlets and terrines, offensively good wine, furious outdoor chess, casual gypsy beats. So Frenchy hinges around a solid lineup of eclectic artists you may be yet to meet. Or maybe you have, if you went along in 2012 or 2014 and enjoyed Féfé's beats. Elsewhere, Juniore brings their retro meets modern sound, General Elektriks his keyboard and L.E.J their percussive, harmonic pop covers. Last, but in no way, shape or form least, there's Frànçois & the Atlas Mountains — they will be belting out their unique blend of poetry-infused guitar pop to get everyone up off their picnic rugs. If you're not the most organised of picnickers, So Frenchy is putting on the works again with their beloved picnic boxes and cheese plates from Ed Dixon. Filled with stuffed baguettes, nicoise salad and goose egg meringue, the picnic boxes are one to preorder if you don't want to miss out. But So Frenchy won't let you go hungry; there'll be a huge banquet of seafood, crepes and more available on the day. And of course, there'll be plenty of Laurent Perrier Champagne, French beer, and rosé, red and whites whines as well. Don your best floral-headband-and-sundress-combo and gear up for un merveilleux après-midi.
If you're planning on spending this gig mildly toe-tapping, you might want to wait in the car. Sydney's long-labouring beatsmiths Hermitude have their newest album already sitting pretty on playlists Australia-wide — and another national tour ready to bust a few hard-dancing ligaments. Start stretching y'all. Luke Dubber (Luke Dubs) and Angus Stuart (El Gusto) have plenty to celebrate on this national tour. After nabbing the Australian Music Prize in 2012 for their straight-up killer album HyperParadise, they're riding a sweet wave of toastworthy accolades surrounding their 2015 Dark Night Sweet Light. The LP debuted at #1 on the ARIA chart (a first for Hermitude's label Elefant Traks) and has been featured as album of the week on FBi and triple j, alongside serious airplay for lead single 'The Buzz'. So it goes without saying, you're going to have to get in quick for a ticket to this show. The lads have come a long way from their early days of performing entire shows dressed as neanderthals with their decks covered in vines (actual thing), but the bombastic energy and unpredictable live instrumentation of Hermitude's live shows remains an unmissable combination for longtime fans and newcomers like. Do yourself a favour and don't read the tweets the next day, get to this show.
Since it first hit record stores in 1975, Patti Smith's Horses has regularly been cited as one of the most influential rock albums of all time. Now, some four decades later, its creator's spiritual descendants will show you exactly why that is. Presented by the Melbourne Festival, Australian musicians Courtney Barnett, Jen Cloher, Gareth Liddiard and Adalita will perform Barnett's album in its entirety to a packed audience at Hamer Hall. Tickets to the first show sold out in a flash, prompting organisers to put together a second. Don't miss out twice. This event is one of our top ten picks of the Melbourne Festival. Check out the other nine.
English composer Clint Mansell has produced some of the most memorable film scores of the past 15 years. Best known for his collaboration with director Darren Aronofsky, and in particular his work on Requiem for a Dream, Mansell's distinctively eerie and grandiose sound helps elevate him above the competition, and has seen him team up with the likes of Trent Reznor, Patti Smith and the Kronos Quartet. As part of this year's Melbourne Festival, Mansell will present a selection of his most iconic film compositions backed by a nine-piece band. This event is one of our top ten picks of the Melbourne Festival. Check out the other nine.
Missed The Preatures on their huge sold-out 'Cruel' tour this spring? How'd you like to catch them live this summer, for free? The Sydney fivesome are gearing up for another national escapade, this time joining forces with Corona Extra for a huge free November tour. Locked in for 20 locations across the country, Corona Sunsets will see the Sydneysiders play unplugged shows everywhere from Bondi Beach's Bucket List to the Portsea Hotel. Kicking off in Yallingup, Western Australia on November 6, the tour will wind through some of The Preatures' favourite bars in WA, NSW and Queensland before finishing up in Victoria on the last weekend in November. Isabella Manfredi, Gideon Bensen, Jack Moffitt, Thomas Champion and Luke Davison will be careening through their 2014 debut album Blue Planet Eyes, from crowd favourite singles like 'Cruel', 'Somebody's Talking' and 'Is This How You Feel?' to lesser known album gems like 'Ordinary' and 'Whatever You Want'. Fingers crossed for a raucous pub singalong to The Preatures' go-to cover, The Angels' 'Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again'. All shows are free entry, over-18s only and it's first-in, best-dressed. If Corona Extra's previous free Australian tours, like Cloud Control, are anything to go by, you're going to want to get there pretty damn early. For details head to Corona's website. THE PREATURES' CORONA SUNSETS VICTORIA TOUR DATES: November 27 Lambys, Geelong, 9pm November 28 The Deck est 2013, Frankston, 3pm Westernport Hotel, San Remo, 9.30pm November 29 The College Lawn, Prahran, 2.30pm Portsea Hotel, Portsea, 7pm
It's been three years since Florence + The Machine last toured Australia and we were beginning to think it'd be another three years before they toured again. Oh how wrong we were. Not content with just headlining this year's Splendour In The Grass and playing two packed sideshows, the group have announced that they'll be back in November. British powerhouse Florence Welch and her crew will be touring the country with a set list from their third studio album How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful. Guess they like Australia after all (and if the album's debut at #1 on the ARIA charts is anything to go by, we seem to have a bit of a thing for them too.) 2015 has been a busy year for the group, with performances at Coachella and Glastonbury, plus Austin City Limits this coming October. Now they'll be going solo, performing five dates across Australia. This includes two show at one of the country's most iconic venues: the Sydney Opera House Forecourt, an area reserved for the most popular of acts. You'll be able to enjoy an evening of infectious powerhouse art rock against one of the most perfect backdrops in the nation. Tickets to their Australian tour go on sale from 10 am (AEST) on Monday August 3 – and judging from how popular their Splendour sideshows were, you'll have to be extra quick to get your hands on them. Get ready to get your jive on.
If you're going to fork out an arm and a leg for candy bar concessions, the food may as well be good. That's the thinking behind the Coburg Drive-In Food Truck Festival, which after tantalising our tastebuds in previous seasons is back for a spring run. Sit back in your car and enjoy the latest Hollywood releases while chowing down on delectable offerings from Melbourne's leading mobile food vendors. Look out for the likes of Kurbside Kravings, Beatbox, Happy Camper Pizza, Bibimbap, Those Guys Food, Toasta, Manny's Donut Cafe, Nuoc Mama’s Food, Truck, Greek Street Food, Tasty Taters, Mr Burger, Senor Churros, Pasta Face, A Salted Squid and Manny's Donut Cafe.
Cinema Nova is ramping up its repertory credentials with Nova Iconic, a newly launched lineup of big screen classics. From quintessential sci-fi to one of the greatest gangster films ever made, this fortnightly rotating program will see each title screen multiple times in pristine quality, giving cinephiles the chance to catch some of their all time favourites in the cinema — just as their directors intended. The season begins with Blade Runner: The Final Cut, the definitive version of Ridley Scott’s breathtaking sci-fi noir that returns to the Nova after sold-out sessions in May. Next up is Jim Henson’s puppet-filled family fantasy The Dark Crystal, followed by Lindsay Anderson’s landmark counterculture film If. First-time director Ben Stiller lays the '90s disaffection on thick in late July with Reality Bites, before the season comes to a close in August with Martin Scorsese’s undisputed masterpiece Goodfellas. For more information and session times, visit the Cinema Nova website.
After a successful run in August last year, The Conscious Closet is back with. In support of Fitted for Work, The Conscious Closet offers amazing deals on new and pre-loved designer clothing and accessories from brands such as Carla Zampatti, Jigsaw, Scanlan & Theodore, Perri Cutten, Alannah Hill and Veronika Maine just to name a few. Fitted For Work is an organisation which provides support and assistance to disadvantaged women seeking secure employment. They do so through mentoring, interview preparation, outfitting and support during the transition from unemployment to working life. Since 2005, they've helped a whopping 14,500 women secure employment. It's a great cause to get behind, and really, there's no excuse not to when prices at start off at just $2. On Friday, June 12, these charitable champions are holding a massive sale with nothing over $20. We'll say that again. None of this amazing designer clothing will be over $20. Open your hearts (and your wallets) and grab a cute outfit for a good cause. Image: Dollar Photo Club.
Everybody knows that the people of Melbourne love a good beard. But what you maybe didn’t know? We now have an entire festival dedicated to them. Organised by the finely-bearded folks at This Is Beard Season, the first ever Mid Winter Beard Fest is set to go down in Collingwood on the evening of Sunday July 12. We’re talking a full-on warehouse party dedicated to chin fuzz, with music, booze and the most elaborate facial hair you’ll see outside of Middle Earth. And to make things even better, every single dollar is going to a worthy cause — This Is Beard Season's daily quest to get you and your friends and family to book a skincheck for melanoma. Do it. The fun kicks off at 6pm at 73 Cromwell Street, although you’ll probably need to leave most of the afternoon to properly landscape your face. Melbourne bands Sgt York, Immortal Horns and DJ Petty Crimes will crank out a few sets, while Moon Dog Craft Brewery, Kulara Estate, Arktika Vodka and Sailor Jerry will keep you from getting too thirsty. All money from the bar goes to help fight melanoma, as will the proceeds from a charity auction later in the night. For more information, visit Mid Winter Beard Fest on Facebook. Image: Dollar Photo Club.
Film lovers of Melbourne, prepare to get square eyes and sore backs. Once you see the entire Melbourne International Film Festival lineup in all its 370-title glory, however, you won't be complaining about the prospect of either. Certain to make fans of Frances Ha squeal with glee, MIFF have slotted in Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach's second co-written collaboration, Mistress America, as their closing night feature. Indeed, American indies are in the spotlight in 2015, with 7 Chinese Brothers and The Overnight starring Jason Schwartzman, Mississippi Grind from Half Nelson's Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden, and Sleeping With Other People with Alison Brie and Jason Sudeikis also screening. Still looking at the indie scene, MIFF will welcome filmmakers Josh and Benny Safdie, as well as Chilean director and screenwriter Sebastian Silva, to the festival for retrospectives of their work. After wowing audiences at SXSW, the Safdies' drug drama Heaven Knows What is one of the picks of the fest, while Silva presents his latest effort, Nasty Baby, as well as earlier offerings such as Magic Magic and Crystal Fairy and the Magical Cactus. All this is in addition to earlier announcements — a sneak peek back in May, a list of Cannes titles in June, and the David Wenham-starring Force of Destiny for opening night — and the program also includes a 12-movie tribute to psychedelic fare, an ode to Australian icon David Gulpilil, a spotlight on true crime cinema, and a special selection of shorts designed to be watched vertically. The problem facing fest-goers isn't what to see, but what they can live with missing. Yes, MIFF 2015 isn't just about film — it's also about FOMO. The Melbourne International Film Festival runs from July 30 to August 16. For more detail on this year's program head over here, or for our top ten things to see head here.
A brand new solo dance work from KAGE co-founder Gerard Van Dyck will tackle questions of privilege, creativity and the place of the artist in the contemporary world. Performed by the veteran dancer and theatre-maker at the fortyfivedownstairs gallery and performance space, PICNIC is described as "a surreal physical poem" and "part nightmare, part time capsule, part gift". The world premiere show runs from August 18–30 ahead of a national tour in 2016. Van Dyck's collaborators include writer, producer and arts curator Marieke Hardy and composer Alisdair Macindoe. Together, the trio will offer up an original treatise on our country's frequently rocky relationship with the arts and creative industries in general — fields which according to Van Dyck are too often dismissed as not being worthwhile. Expect a work that's political, intimate and more than a little absurd.
Two of our favourite things — good food and fantastic film — are coming together at Caulfield Racecourse in March. For five consecutive nights starting on Wednesday, March 2, five of Melbourne's top restaurants will serve up a mouth-watering menu, each specially paired with a critically-acclaimed film. Bring your picnic blankets, but leave the baskets at home – at Gourmet Cinema, dinner is taken care of. Each film on the program has been matched to a corresponding restaurant. The Grand Budapest Hotel should go quite nicely with high-end European cuisine from Epocha, while The Big Lebowski seems better paired with Le Bon Ton's Southern-style brisket. Take a decadent trip around Rome in The Great Beauty while munching on pizza from Baby, watch Jon Favreau cook up a storm in Chef with a feast from Mamasita, or journey back to the Belle Epoque with Midnight in Paris as you eat French fare from The European. While each restaurant will present a specific screening, you don't have to worry about picking your favourite, since all five will be operating stalls throughout the entire five-night season. You'll also be able to purchase coffee from St Ali and sweet treats courtesy of LuxBite. Picnic rugs and deck chairs will be available to hire on the night, although patrons are also welcome to bring their own blankets it they prefer. Gates open at 6pm with screenings set to commence at 8.30pm. Tickets are $19.50 (plus booking fee) for adults, and don't include food. You'll have to purchase that separately.
If the change in seasons has left your wardrobe looking a little lacklustre, this is an opportunity you ought to lock in. Australian masters of print, geometry and mixed materials Ginger & Smart are having a studio sale, including new season samples and past season discounts. Founded by Alexandra and Genevieve Smart in 2002, this boutique brand has been accredited by Ethical Clothing Australia, so you can feel reassured that you’re investing in highest quality attire. Rolling champagne and shopping into one evening, there will be a VIP shopping evening on Friday, May 1. But if you can't drag yourself to a night of bubbles, shopping and beats, you can visit the sale from Thursday, April 30 to Sunday May 3. There will be up to 80% off pretty much everything — dresses, skirts, tops, accessories and more. If you want elegant designs at a bargain, you'd better be quick. GINGER AND SMART STUDIO SALE OPENING HOURS: Thursday, April 30: 1-5pm Friday, May 1: 10am-8pm (VIP shopping evening 5-8pm) Saturday, May 2: 10am-5pm Sunday, May 3: 10am-5pm
For one spirited week of libation exploration, Melbourne’s best bars and cocktail specialists are opening their doors for you to learn the ins and outs of cocktail making. For whisky lovers, there’s Whisky Versatility, where you'll navigate the many intricacies of single malt whisky — and the best food to pair with it. Bartenders at the Black Pearl will be joined by ex-Hammer and Tong 412 chef Madeline Watmuff to create the ultimate evening for whisky lovers. For those looking to brush up on the classics, there's the Taste Of The Classics at Eau de Vie. Explore the history of cocktails through eight signature cocktails, each unique and influential in its own right. We should note that this is a tasting session, rather than a how-to class, so you’ll get to sample the goods and understand how these cocktails came to earn their 'classic' status. These are just two of the many cocktail-focused events happening throughout this delicious, delicious week. For more information on where you can gain a deeper appreciation of your favourite Tom Collins or Penicillin (or perhaps you'll find a new go-to), head to the World Class Cocktail Week website for further details.
After blazing through the end of 2014 with sold-out shows in Sydney and Melbourne, Jack Ladder and the Dreamlanders are back. And this time, they're taking on the nation. New album Playmates, released in November, inspired many a rave review from the critics and featured on Double J, FBi, 3RRR and 2SER. It's also been released in the big ol' U.S. of A. by Fat Possum (Black Keys, Spiritualized), which meant that March took Jack to gigs New York, Los Angeles and SXSW, Austin. NPR even named him one of the 'Musicians You'll Tell Your Friends About In 2015'. Plus, he casually recorded a killer duet with Sharon Van Etten, so extra kudos. Catch Jack Ladder and The Dreamlanders at Melbourne's Howler on May 8, Perth's Amplifier on May 9, Brisbane's Brightside May 15 and Sydney's Oxford Art Factory May 16. They'll be supported at every show by Sydney-based singer-songwriter Alex Cameron, who first became known as the percussionist in Seekae but has since been getting attention for his solo adventures.
This Easter weekend marks the end of an era for one of Melbourne’s most beloved institutions. After 75 years of constant operation, the iconic Astor Theatre will finally close its doors. And true to form, they’re going out in style. After a traditional Good Friday screening of the classic biblical epic Ben-Hur, the cinema will celebrate its final weekend with the crown jewel in its catalogue: a rare 70mm film print of 2001: A Space Odyssey. One of the most visually astounding movies ever made, it’s the sort of film that everyone should see on the big screen at least once – and the only fitting way to bid The Astor farewell.
After a solid three year stint in Adelaide, Vinteloper Urban Wine Project are bringing their deliciously indulgent events to Melbourne. Total egalitarians, VUWP is all about making the creation of wine an accessible art form for those who might not usually get the chance. That means you, city folk — while there’s plenty of places to drink nice wine in Melbourne, sadly there's nowhere close by to learn how to make it. Grapes are transported to the microwinery's secret urban space — whose location remains a mystery until you buy a ticket. From there, participants will foot crush, ferment, basket press and allow the wine to mature in oak while you sample Vinteloper wines made at previous Urban Winery Project seasons and other drops from their range. The Vinteloper wines will be matched with a feast put on by Pot and Pan culinary tailoring. For those addicted to foodie reality TV shows, this is Sam Gant's business (of Masterchef fame), so you're in excellent hands. Vinteloper will run the event on three separate evenings in March, so there's no excuse to miss out on this feast fit for a king. Winemaking interaction and immersion from 6pm, feast served from 7pm.
This week has more Australian '80s-style synth pop, unforgettable dance moves and enviable hairstylin' than usual, with Sydney duo Client Liaison rolling into town for their national Pretty Lovers tour. Renowned for their infectious '80s synth and '90s pop influences, this pair continues to pack a punch with the release of their debut EP, Queen, last year. If their sold-out Spiegeltent shows at Sydney Festival this year, or their recent confetti cannon-finale at Secret Garden Festival are anything to go by, 170 Russell better fortify their floorboards — furious dancing is mandatory. Extravagant and over-the-top in every way, Harvey Miller and Monte Morgan are well worth checking out, revisiting or continuing your straight-up superfandom for. If a high-energy, synthy dance party sounds like your jam, check out Client Liaison on Wednesday, March 18 and Friday, March 20. Supported by Retiree and Wrooks. Words by Lucinda Starr and Shannon Connellan.
After NorthCider festival whet appetites last weekend, it's pretty clear that Melburnians love to celebrate their cider. Add some delicious, rare, stinky cheese to the table and you’ve got one heck of an afternoon. Setting up shop at the magnificent Werribee Mansion for the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, Fromage a Trois: Cheese and Cider Festival will showcase Australian boutique cider producers and artisan cheesemakers, who'll be displaying their tasty wares for you to sample and inevitably take home by the wheel-load. For those particularly interested in the process behind the practice, there'll be a demonstration stage where you can get educated on cheese appreciation, as well as some more intimate masterclasses on offer. If you want to get the best tips for your own cider or cheesemaking adventures, we recommend having a chat to the stallholders — they'll undoubtedly talk your ear off about the good stuff. Can't wait until Sunday for your fix? Check out our round-up of Melbourne's best spots to stock up on very, very good cheese right here.
Sick of American BBQ? You're in the minority — but you're also in luck. Countering the other American-style events on the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival program, the B.East is holding an all-Australian bush barbecue and you're invited. On Saturday, March 7 the B.East is swapping their burgers for the likes of 12-hour pulled kangaroo tail, Southern fried crocodile, wild boar and possum empanadas, and Moreton Bay bug po' boys cooked in the spices of the outback. Wash it down with native-infused cocktails, Aussie beers and wine. Food and drinks at bar prices, but it's recommended you make a booking!
If you're already squealing, this is the gig you've been waiting for. Bright Eyes frontman and bonafide dreamboat of your formative years Conor Oberst is returning to Australia to play some very special shows for your fast-beating heart. Since the early '90s, Oberst has spun tales of heartbreak, love, joy, life and serious depression, gradually moving from Bright Eyes to the Mystic Valley Band and Monsters of Folk in recent years. Now he's heading back to Sydney, armed with tracks from his most recent album, 2014's Upside Down Mountain as well as those tunes that made you weep, fall in love and appreciate the little things. Fingers crossed for 'Lua', 'First Day of My Life'; you know the drill. This isn't your regular giggin' in pavilions tour though. As well as hitting up Brisbane's Triffid, Melbourne's Corner Hotel and Sydney's Metro's Theatre, Oberst is set to play a series of unconventional gigs among the giraffes, hitting Sydney's Taronga Zoo and Melbourne Zoo Twilights. Bet even the bilbies have a bit of a tear-up. Conor Oberst will play two Melbourne shows, February 26 at the Corner Hotel (sold out) and February 28 at Melbourne Zoo Twilights. Supported by The Felice Brothers.
If chocolate bunnies and hot cross buns just won't cut it for you, we've found a sweet alternative this Easter season. The team from Doughboys Doughnuts knows when it comes to delicious hol(e)y pastry, the more extravagant the topping the better. Famous for their devilish hand-dipped creations, Doughboys are stopping by the Mercat Cross Hotel in the Queen Vic Markets to dish up their best sellers. Glazing and filling their way into the heart's of hungry Melburnians, Doughboys have got it very right. Swing by their pop-up station for a dose of delicious, sugary goodness. With flavours like maple bacon, key lime pie and passionfruit curd with dark chocolate ganache, you'll be drooling before you reach the queue. Jump on the Doughboys bandwagon quick; these guys are set to sell out quick with these decadent delights. Want more doughnuts? Check out our list of Melbourne's ten best.
Looking for the perfect long weekend? The Heathcote on Show wine festival is back for another year, and the lineup is robust, full-bodied and delicious. If you haven't heard of this one before, it's basically the biggest annual food and wine festival in north-central Victoria. Every year for the past 19 years, local Heathcote wineries get together to showcase the best of the region: cellar doors, distilleries, breweries, restaurants, cheese plates, spirit flights, live entertainment and heaps more. This year there are 25 venues participating and the festival will be running over the King's Birthday long weekend (Saturday, June 10 to Monday, June 12). This is your chance to not only taste the best of Heathcote, but also meet the winemakers and brewers whose products fill the shelves of your local bottle-o. Plenty of venues are also running special events, like the three-course Peking Duck Lunch at Wren Estate, or the Goldfields Cheese and Wine Session at Sanguine Estate. You can browse the full program over here. As this event includes more free-flowing booze than a university study session, Heathcote on Show will be providing a hop-on-hop-off shuttle bus service for $40 per day. That gets you access to all the participating wineries without the need to draw straws for designated driver duties. There are also buses running from Bendigo to Heathcote on Saturday and Sunday. Images: Supplied
Yarraville's favourite gelateria, Gigi's Gelato, is celebrating international Best Friends Day (June 8) with a sweet treat: free scoops for you and a mate. All you have to do is bring your best friend or a confused stranger you recently met on the street into the store on Thursday, June 8. The free scoops will be running all night from 7pm (while tubs last, at least). And speaking of the tubs in question, co-owners Luigi 'Gigi' Pozzoli and Sue Yong will be slinging crowd favourites like salted caramel, peanut butter, stracciatella and Oreo. "Gelato is sweeter when it's shared with someone special – after all, food is a love language," Sue says. "Italians eat gelato all year round and we want to encourage Melburnians to do the same." If you haven't heard of Gigi's before, it popped up in Yarraville in 2022, and quickly became a local favourite. The store recently celebrated its first birthday in March. It's a family business, and the name of the game here is traditional, artisan, Italian gelato. Just like Nonna used to make. "Gelato brings people together," Sue says, "and as a family business we want our customers to know we value the importance of friendship." Now the big question: who are you going to take? Images: Supplied
Victoria's answer to Dark MOFO is back for another year. From August 25 to 27, WinterWild will once again be taking over Gadubanud Country in Apollo Bay, where the rolling green hills of western Victoria tumble slowly into the sea. Three full days of music, art, food and fire. It's always a cracking good time. This year's programme looks pretty stacked too, with performances from satanic collective Dane Blacklock & the Preacher's Daughter, Jen Cloher, Harvey Sutherland and RidzyRay, as well as a huge lineup of winter feasts, barbecue masterclasses and ice bathing and breath workshops. WinterWild kicks off on the Friday with a Welcome to Country from the Eastern Marr Aboriginal Corporation, followed by free performances from Wemba-Wemba rapper RidzyRay and other First Nations artists. Then it's onto Apollo Bay Mechanic's Institute Hall for more live acts, including a disco-infused space-pop set from Zoë Fox and the Rocket Clocks. Our personal pick this year is MoonGarden at the Apollo Bay Sailing Club. This one's on Saturday night. You can dance under the stars, next to the crashing waves, and lose yourself with electronic sets from Harvey Sutherland, Milo Eastwood and Post Percy. Images: Tyr Explorer.
