Ever wanted to swap drizzly Melbourne for the Greek Islands? Harlow in Richmond has the next best thing. From Saturday, May 20, they're hosting Disco Island: a disco-themed drag show with Greek-inspired food, summer vibes and smashing cocktails. Harlow is really pulling out all the stops for this one. They're decking out the venue with Greek native plants, like fuchsia pink Bougainvillea, summer aesthetics and disco balls. Did we mention drag queens belting out ABBA's greatest hits? Food lovers can snack their way around the islands, with grilled flatbread and house-made French onion dip, dolmades stuffed with rice and herbs, chargrilled lamb skewers served with minty tzatziki and crispy chickpeas and even a Greek schnitty. If bacon and egg sangas are more your breakfast speed, there'll be plenty of those too. There's also a killer Disco Island cocktail menu on offer. Try the Lemonopita with vodka, Frangelico, vanilla and citrus, or maybe the Milopita with fireball, spiced rum and a squeeze of lemon. Disco Island will be running as a two-hour bottomless brunch every Saturday (11:30am and 2pm) and Sunday (12pm). The whole thing kicks off from May 20 and runs till Harlow is out of vodka (or all winter, whichever comes first). Get all the details on the event page. Images: Supplied
To celebrate World Gin Day and World Tapas Day, AC by Marriott Melbourne Southbank and Patient Wolf Distillery are teaming up for a month-long celebration at Sorolla. And yes, they'll be plenty of gin. It's called La Boqueria, running on Saturdays from May 27 to June 17. So what does this involve? Three words for you: bottomless G&T cart. It's pretty much the ultimate four-course tapas menu, matched with a bottomless G&T cart and specialty cocktails. [caption id="attachment_814621" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Patient Wolf[/caption] To complement the booze, you've got Spanish classics like olives, pickled guindilla peppers and white anchovy, manchego and sweet quince, Catalan salami and Sorolla's signature striploin steak, paired with pickled salsa verde, broccolini and nasturtium leaves. Finish things off with that Spanish hero, the not-so-humble churro. This one comes dipped in chilli-chocolate sauce and salted caramel. Salivating yet? You can book tickets to La Boqueria through the Marriott website. Bottomless brunch and G&Ts start at $79 per person, or you can upgrade to the paired gin cocktail option for $89 per person. Bookings are essential for this one. Images: Supplied
Experience the very best that the city’s fine dining scene has to offer at Taste of Melbourne in partnership with Electrolux. Taking over Albert Park this Thursday to Sunday, this four-day culinary cornucopia offers foodies the chance to mingle with chefs, pick up new recipes and sample dishes from some of the top restaurants in town. Bon appetit! Taste of Melbourne is split into six sessions, each one lasting roughly four hours. During their allotted time, ticketholders will be able to purchase tapas-style tasting plates prepared by the teams from Circa, Gazi, Luxembourg, Mamasita, MoVida, Pastuso, Pei Modern, Royal Mail Hotel, San Telmo, South Africa’s Five Hundred, Supernormal, Gladioli, Milk the Cow and Saké Restaurant & Bar. Once guests have eaten their fill, other attractions on the Taste of Melbourne program worth checking out include live cooking demonstrations in the Electrolux Taste Theatre, a showcase of South African wine and cuisine in the South African Garden and masterclasses on everything from creating your own gin with Bass & Flinders to going freestyle with Lurpak. You can also swing by the Artisan Producers Market and pick up a few goodies for your pantry, or kick back and relax in the Audi Brighton Platinum Lounge presented by Riedel with live music and an open bar. Taste of Melbourne is happening November 12 to 15 at Albert Park. Tickets cost between $25–140, but thanks to Taste of Melbourne, we have 20 pairs of any day passes to give away. To be in the running, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter and then email us at win.melbourne@concreteplayground.com.au with your name and address.
Ah, the humble pie. It's the quintessential Aussie dish that's stuck by you through footy games, birthday parties and family dinners. And now, it's getting top billing at a brand new venture from chefs Matt Wilkinson (Pope Joan) and Steve Rogers (ex-Movida, Circa), as they open the doors to The Pie Shop today. Taking over the Brunswick East space next door to Pope Joan and most recently home to Wilkinson's Hams & Bacon produce store, The Pie Shop is a veritable pastry wonderland. Located on Nicholson Street, they're offering covering the sweet, the savoury, and plenty of milkbar-style extras like dim sims and hot chips. The pie lineup sounds almost as Aussie as The Castle's cast list, featuring produce-driven creations like The Shazza, with its filling of cauliflower cheese and caramelised onion, a chunky beef and veg number named The Allen, and The Bruce, which encases spag bol in pastry. Little tykes are sure to delight in their own miniature Bruce pie, while sweet tooths will go nuts for the two seasonal sweet pies, available by the slice. Right now, there's a strawberry balsamic beauty, and another teaming Alphington Rooftop Honey with buttermilk. You can even grab a family-sized version of The Shazza or The Allen to take home for later. You can nab a sweet one too — they'll just need 24 hours notice. You'll find The Pie Shop at 75 Nicholson Street, Brunswick East, from 11am-3pm, Monday through Saturday. For more info, visit thepieshop.com.au. Images: Annika Kafcaloudis.
The NGV is throwing a party. Actually, they're throwing several. Back for its second year, think of the Summer Sundays program as a series of mini music festivals, complete with live acts, DJs, barbecued goods and a pop-up bar in the NGV Garden. Running from 1pm to 6pm every Sunday throughout February, the first event will be headlined by post-punk four-piece Gold Glass, along with DJ Annaliese Redlich. Singer Ella Thompson and DJ Planète will take the stage in week two, followed by Ainslie Wills and Rat & Co DJs on February 21. The season wraps up on February 28 with Dan Kelly's Dream Band plus DJ Fee B-Squared. In between sets, you can also explore the current Andy Warhol | Ai Weiwei exhibition, which will remain open until 6pm on Sundays. See the full program here.
Folks can't stop talking about Christy Tania. Not only is the renowned dessert chef set to bend minds with her 'Floating Ice Cream' creation on tonight's episode of MasterChef, she's also preparing to launch her own permanent dessert shop, Glacé, in Melbourne's Windsor this August. And, as a teaser for the sweetness to come, Tania's treating both Sydney and Melbourne to a sneak peek, hosting dessert pop-ups in each city, from May 25–28. Across four days, sweet tooths will be able to get their hands on two variations of that magical Floating Ice Cream number — one vanilla and cherry cognac, the other chocolate and cherry cognac — when Tania takes over the Omega and Neil Perry Kitchen at the Prahran Market. The chef first popped up in 2013, after famously steering Melbourne dessert bar Om Nom into its first chef's hat within just two months of heading up the kitchen. Since then, her inspired sweet treats have continued to dazzle and astound, both out of the Om Nom kitchen and during a host of MasterChef guest judge appearances, making jealous messes of audiences across the country. As Tania's first permanent solo venture, Glacé promises to be every bit as impressive as the rest of her artisan treats, the contemporary space set to offer a hefty range of frozen desserts and innovative ice cream flavours, crafted with local ingredients. Make a date with Tania's trademark ice cream push pops, with their layers of cake sponge and ice cream. Find Christy Tania's Glacé pop-up from May 25 until May 28, at the Omega & Neil Perry Kitchen, within The Prahran Market, 163 Commercial Road, South Yarra. The Floating Ice Cream will be available each day, from 11am until sold out. Sydney details are yet to be confirmed.
The premiere dance event at this year's Melbourne Festival arrives courtesy of legendary music act Silkroad Ensemble, and is inspired by one of the oldest love stories known to man. The doomed romance of Layla and Majnun predates Romeo and Juliet by over 1000 years, and is brought vividly to life in this epic dance-opera sung entirely in Azerbaijani. The production has been crafted by some big names: choreographer Mark Morris draws on ballet, modern and folk dance to create a style that's entirely unique, while a dazzling set design by late British painter Howard Hodgkin matched the dancer's flowing costumes. There will only be five performances at the State Theatre, and the more affordable tickets start at a reasonable $39 for under 30s and $49 for everyone else. An absolute must-see of the festival. Images: Susana Millman.
Ever been gettin' loose out on the town and thought, "I could destroy a round of mini-golf right now." Procure an Argyle-patterned vest and beige slacks immediately, because the good folk at Howler are bringing back their custom-made nighttime mini golf course to conquer. One heck of a drawcard launched in July 2015 (yep, that's a few years ahead of Holey Moley), the triumphantly returning Howler Mini-Golf-O-Rama features nine holes each complete with a classic theme (think windmills, volcanos and jungles, classic mini-golf). It'll be back at Howler from Monday, July 10 to Wednesday, July 19, from 3pm on weekends and 6pm on weekdays. And it's FREE if you buy a bev. To use the course, all you have to do is turn up to Howler, buy yourself and/or your golfing buddies a drink and choose your putter. The course will be set up in what was once Howler's bandroom, and to keep the good times flowing, guest DJs will pump up the jams (and hopefully play a non-stop dubstep remix of Lee Carvallo's putting challenge. In fact, consider this an official request). Now, let's all dig out our Happy Gilmore VHS and prepare to just taaaap it in, give it a little tappy, a tap-tap-tapperoo. Find Howler Mini-Golf-O-Rama at 7-11 Dawson Street, Brunswick from Monday, July 10 to Wednesday, July 19, from 3pm on weekends and 6pm on weekdays (open from 8pm on opening night, Monday, July 10). Golfing is free if you buy a drink from the bar. Strictly 18+.
Most Melburnians have walked past the Nicholas Building dozens if not hundreds of times. The 90-year-old edifice is a Swanston Street institution, home to artists, makers, designers and local businesses from all around town. For one night only, you can take in everything it has to offer, from its art deco arcade on up. From 6–9pm on Thursday, December 7, A Night at the Nicholas invites punters to explore the historic building and get to know its eclectic tenants. Attend the launch of BLINDSIDE's Emerging Curator Mentorship, get your palm read at Muses of Mystery and pick up a gem at Retro Star. There will also be lots creative work from local jewellers, milliners, artists, fashion designers and architects on display. Entry will be by gold coin donation, with all proceeds going to the Nicholas Building Association. You'll also be able to purchase refreshments on the night. Image: Andrew/Flickr.
When that vacation craving hits, sometimes the best option is to have a sneaky weekend getaway without going far at all. There's something undeniably romantic about staying in a hotel room in the heart of your own city, or just a short drive away — and it's certainly an enticing choice now that lockdowns and border restrictions are part of our daily lives. Really, staycations should be mandatory for us all, at least once in a while. That way, we can all take a break from the drudgery of everyday life and become the best version of ourselves — the hotel version, that is. There's never been a better time for a staycation in Melbourne, with the events of the past year or so giving us plenty of new excuses to think local. Plus, a heap of truly stunning retreats have opened in Australia in recent years, too. Melbourne has quite the cornucopia of boutique hotels, from lush garden suites and dream escapes for wine lovers to primo urban stays with views aplenty. There are some seriously impressive (and incredibly designed) hotels awaiting your arrival. Pencil one into your 2021 calendar as soon as possible. UNITED PLACES, SOUTH YARRA United Places' remit was to create a home away from home. Its success is immediately apparent, with the greenery from the Royal Botanic Gardens across the road extending right into the 12 luxury suites, creating a space you'll never want to leave. Each offers hardwood floors and polished kitchens, while terraces with sweeping city and parkland views complement the cosy living zones. While you're there, you'll get to have a taste of acclaimed chef Scott Pickett's restaurant, Matilda. The kitchen's contemporary Australian cuisine is produced entirely over open flames and hot coals — and you won't have to leave your room to enjoy it, with the high-end meals delivered directly to your suite. Dining at the restaurant is an experience in itself though, so we'd recommend heading in one night, too. QT MELBOURNE, CBD QT Melbourne is a multi-faceted playground for its guests. The lobby and common areas are filled with lots of colourful lighting, mountains of modern furniture and elaborate wallpaper. Then, in the stunning guest rooms, you'll find timber flooring, state-of-the-art technology and designer furniture that's at once quirky and tasteful. In addition to this luxe accommodation, the hotel also has some serious eats: Parisian-style dinners at Pascale Bar and Grill, pastries in The Cake Shop, laneway bar feels and Korean food at Hot Sauce, and a glamorous rooftop bar, too. The 'secret' rooftop garden is also open to the public, showcasing bespoke Four Pillars cocktails. This leafy haven even hosts private parties of 10–25 people if you fancy a taste of luxury without booking a night's stay. JACKALOPE HOTEL, MORNINGTON PENINSULA Jackalope Hotel takes a weekend on the Mornington Peninsula to a whole new level of luxury. The boutique spot's 46 rooms offer terrace or vineyard vistas, with their double-the-size 'lair' suites offering the best views in the house. Each room boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, private terraces and hand-crafted bespoke furnishings. If you're one for a good bath, the deep-soak Japanese tubs and exclusive Hunter Lab bath products will keep you relaxed while you admire your fabulous self in the double vanities. If you're looking to venture beyond your private bath, the landscaped gardens include a black 30-metre infinity pool with an adjacent pavilion offering spa treatments. The hotel also houses an extensive art collection, commissioned specifically for the site for anyone looking to soak up some culture instead of sun. And, Jackalope is also home to not one but two restaurants headed by chef Simon Tarlington: fine diner Doot Doot Doot and the more casual Rare Hare. For other options in the area, check out our weekender's guide. NOTEL, CBD The rooftop at Notel Melbourne offers a luxurious alternative to the cramped family camper you would have piled into as a kid. This boutique venture consists of six vintage airstream caravans transported from the US and completely refitted as "designer urban accommodation", complete with a queen-size bed, split-system heating and cooling, and a fridge full of complimentary craft beer and wine. Throw in a little laneway graffiti art and this joint couldn't get any more Melbourne if it tried. In addition to the amenities listed above, each caravan at Notel Melbourne comes with an iPad Pro for Netflix sessions, linen and an ensuite bathroom with full height shower. Sounds a little cosy, but sometimes that's exactly what you need, especially when you're dealing with chilly Melbourne weather. There's also an 'Airstream with benefits' ultra-luxe option, which includes access to an openair spa outside your trailer. [caption id="attachment_690428" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nikole Ramsay Photography[/caption] LON RETREAT AND SPA, POINT LONSDALE Located on a hilltop in the Bellarine Peninsula, Lon Retreat and Spa sits on a majestic piece of Point Lonsdale real estate, set within a 200-acre family-owned property and complete with 360-degree views of the bay. The luxury retreat features seven sanctuary-like suites, each one decked out differently to mirror a particular aspect of the surrounding landscape. Expect earthy, natural tones throughout, with most of the furniture, ceramics, artwork and lighting sourced or crafted locally. As well as the plush rooms, Lon boasts its own private beach access, a guest lounge with an open fire and views across the ocean, an exhibition space showcasing local works, and a heated pool fed by mineral water. In the spa, you'll also find an OTT six-jet shower. THE CHEN, BOX HILL In 2017, the Art Series Hotel Group created The Chen, a five-storey boutique hotel inspired by Chinese-Australian artist Zhong Chen. The Box Hill hotel houses 100 suites, designed by architects Peddle Thorp and taking its aesthetic cues from Chen's King Fu series — so expect fun, bold and bright colours. There's a bunch of digital archival fine art editions of Chen's works featured here, as well as a stack of originals. There's plenty of top-notch eating on premises, all thanks to the Golden Lily yum cha restaurant. You can also count on the Art Series' usual artistically-leaning facilities and activities, including in-room libraries and art television channels, plus a gym and heated rooftop pool that overlooks the city skyline. MITCHELTON HOTEL, NAGAMBIE Located in the scenic Goulburn Valley wine region in Victoria, Mitchelton Hotel's accommodation is every bit as spectacular as the sprawling winery it calls home. Featuring a palette of moody, rural tones designed by acclaimed architectural practice Hecker Guthrie, this spot is a wine lover's dream escape. Chef Daniel Hawkins (POW Kitchen, Newmarket Hotel, Stokehouse) helms restaurant The Muse, which serves ethically farmed produce sourced throughout the Nagambie Lakes district. The Provedore is the site's more casual cafe-style eatery, also offering picnic fare to enjoy on the grassy lawns, while Mitchelton Gallery of Aboriginal Art displays works from over 15 Indigenous communities across Australia. If you book a stay, you'll get a full selection of Mitchelton Wines as soon as you step inside the door, plus you can enjoy guided tours and tastings. While you're in the region, check out our guide to Nagambie and its surrounds. NEXT HOTEL, CBD The new 80 Collins precinct isn't just home to a growing number of top-notch restaurants, bars and cafes — it's also the address of the much-anticipated Next Hotel Melbourne. Launched in March 2021, this opulent 225-room escape is a design-lover's dream, fitted out with an abundance of marble, plus art by the likes of Jonny Niesche and Julia Gorman. The glam suites boast features like espresso machines, Hunter Lab toiletries and Dyson hairdryers, as well as handy in-room cocktail-mixing stations. Next Melbourne is also the first hotel in Australia to barrel-age its own spirits, the fruits of which you can experience at sprawling third-floor bar and restaurant La Madonna, as well as the adjacent Barrel Room. And yes, that drinks program translates to some pretty special hotel mini-bar offerings, too. W HOTEL, CBD With its sky-high pool adorned in gold, elaborate laneway cocktail bar and achingly trendy designer finishes throughout, W Hotel group's first Victorian venue has caused quite the splash since opening the doors in early 2021. Designed by local architect and interior design firm Hachem, W Melbourne is a study in contemporary opulence right across its 265 guest rooms and 29 suites. There's even an especially indulgent 'Extreme Wow Suite', boasting a jukebox, cocktail bar and private 40-square-metre balcony with river views. The lavish heated indoor pool with sweeping vistas and gold-trimmed surrounds offers even fancier vibes. And hidden bar Curious is just one of four primo onsite hospitality venues, featuring innovative cocktails in a stunning cocoon-esque space. HOTEL CHADSTONE, CHADSTONE Open since late 2019, Hotel Chadstone is a glamorous venture from the MGallery by Sofitel crew, encompassing 12 storeys of total luxury with sweeping vistas from city to bay. Adjacent to the ever-growing Chadstone Shopping Centre, this five-star escape features 250 designer rooms, as well as a rooftop bar and swimming pool that lend new meaning to the phrase "living the high life". Its spaces are heavy on the brass and leather accents, mini-bars come stocked with an array of premium local goodies, and Scott Pickett's celebrated Italian restaurant Pastore will beckon you again and again. What's more, on top of all the impressive high-end finishes, Hotel Chadstone has the honour of being only the second in Australia to achieve a 5 Star Green Star Design rating. CAMPBELL POINT HOUSE, LEOPOLD If you're looking for a luxurious local holiday, consider this: the oh-so-elegant Campbell Point House boasts a stunning location in the heart of Bellarine Peninsula wine country that's enough to make some other high-end getaways feel like veritable hostel stints. Originally built as a family home, this boutique hotel takes design cues from the majestic chateaux of the Loire Valley, and is now open to the public following a multimillion-dollar spruce-up and makeover. Across its eight opulent suites, Campbell Point can host a maximum of just 30 people at once, with facilities reserved strictly for guest use. Basically, visit the sprawling property and you'll pretty much feel like you've got the whole place to yourself. And those facilities sure aren't shabby, with the hotel rocking its own championship grass tennis court, day spa, infinity pool and private jetty onto Lake Connewarre. Inside, you can kick back in style in the huge Provincial-inspired lounge, or perhaps the cigar salon, conservatory or billiards room. Of course, when that level of luxury awaits, you ditch the car and instead make use of the onsite helipad. [caption id="attachment_704607" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tom Blachford Photography[/caption] THE PRINCE, ST KILDA Want to be beside the sea in the heart of St Kilda? Pick The Prince, which happily sits just a short tram ride away from the Melbourne CBD and a quick stroll from the sand. Here, you'll find comfortable, polished and modern rooms that look to be pulled straight out of a design magazine, with the hotel rocking an upscale beachy vibe while also highlighting the building's art deco architecture. There are six different suite styles available, decked out with elegant pops of colour and specially commissioned photography works by Tom Blachford and Kate Ballis. Onsite wining and dining options are in strong supply, between the Mediterranean-accented Prince Dining Room, the recently-revamped Prince Public Bar and boutique wine bar Little Prince Wine. And if you're up for a night out on the town, all you have to do is head to the hotel's iconic Prince Bandroom, where some of the city's best live acts have been known to frequent.
Ever been gettin' loose out on the town and thought, "I could destroy a round of mini-golf right now." Procure an Argyle-patterned vest and beige slacks immediately, because the good folk at Howler are bringing back their custom-made nighttime mini golf course to conquer. One heck of a drawcard launched in July 2015 (yep, that's a few years ahead of Holey Moley), the triumphantly returning Howler Mini-Golf-O-Rama features nine holes each complete with a classic theme (think windmills, volcanos and jungles, classic mini-golf). It'll be back at Howler from Monday, July 10 to Wednesday, July 19, from 3pm on weekends and 6pm on weekdays. And it's FREE if you buy a bev. To use the course, all you have to do is turn up to Howler, buy yourself and/or your golfing buddies a drink and choose your putter. The course will be set up in what was once Howler's bandroom, and to keep the good times flowing, guest DJs will pump up the jams (and hopefully play a non-stop dubstep remix of Lee Carvallo's putting challenge. In fact, consider this an official request). Check out Elliphant and MØ carving up the course, to give you an idea. Now, let's all dig out our Happy Gilmore VHS and prepare to just taaaap it in, give it a little tappy, a tap-tap-tapperoo. Find Howler Mini-Golf-O-Rama at 7-11 Dawson Street, Brunswick from Monday, July 10 to Wednesday, July 19, from 3pm on weekends and 6pm on weekdays (open from 8pm on opening night, Monday, July 10). Golfing is free if you buy a drink from the bar. Strictly 18+.
From the Matilda's success in the FIFA Women's World Cup to Michelle Payne's historic win at last year's Melbourne Cup, national interest in women's sports is at an all time high – and it looks like the media is finally paying attention. In an awesome development, albeit one that probably should have happened a hell of a lot sooner, Australia is getting its first major website dedicated to women's sports. Operated by SBS with The World Game host Lucy Zelic at the helm, Zela is being spruiked as an online community, complete with "a strong presence in social media feeds with the latest video, highlights, news and views delivered straight to followers." The site will feature profiles of established and emerging female athletes across a wide array of sporting codes, as well as coverage of the wider sporting world from a female perspective. Zelic and company also plan to establish connections and syndication deals with existing networks and blogs. The launch was driven in part by the success of SBS's Women's World Cup coverage, which attracted more than 2.6 million viewers. "The Women’s World Cup went so well that we began to explore what else we could do to service women’s sport, a badly neglected area of the current media landscape, especially in the mainstream media," said Zelic. "With Zela, I hope to lead the way, to prove the audience is out there if you provide them with interesting and engaging content," added editor Danielle Warby. Visit Zela at www.sbs.com.au/topics/zela. You can also check them out on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Not travelling up to Splendour in the Grass this year? Just let the headliners come to you. Following Mark Ronson's star-studded sideshow lineup announcement yesterday, Florence and the Machine have announced two headlining dates for Melbourne and Sydney. And if the group's recent Coachella slam dunk is anything to go by, you'll want to lock these tickets down. Otherworldly powerhouse Florence Welch and her sizeable crew are set to showcase music from their soon-to-be-released third album How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful; locking in Melbourne's Palais Theatre on July 22 and Sydney's State Theatre on July 23 before they headline Splendour's Saturday night. Having just nailed it at Coachella despite breaking her foot, Welch assures fans she'll be back on her tootsies in time for Splendour and these shows — and if you've seen Welch jig around a stage before, you'll know why a broken foot isn't surprising. You're going to have to be lucky to catch Florence though, tickets will only be available through a ballot system. All ballot entries must be received before 12 noon (AEST) on Thursday, May 28. Successful ticket applicants will receive an email after the ballot's closed, then will be able to buy tickets between 2pm (AEST) on Friday, May 29 and 2pm (AEST) on Saturday, May 30. FLORENCE AND THE MACHINE SPLENDOUR 2015 SIDESHOWS: Wednesday, July 22 — Palais Theatre, Melbourne. Thursday, July 23 — State Theatre, Sydney. Enter the Florence Splendour Ballot here.
Get soused with the ghosts of some of Victoria’s most notorious criminals, at the latest prison pop-up at the old Melbourne Gaol. It’s the third such behind-bars shindig in as many months at the historic slammer, following on from evenings of vodka and gin appreciation in February and March. Completing the alcoholic triple threat, this time it’s all about the whisky. Tickets to the pop-up bar cost $40 and include a pair of complimentary drinks. Choose from three different whiskies, either straight up or shaken into a cocktail. You can also stick with beer or wine, if you're not one with the spirits. An extra $15 (reduced to $10 if you book online) gets you into a 45-minute whisky masterclass. And if you're feeling peckish, food will also be available courtesy of Hoy Pinoy Filipino BBQ — not your average prison food.
Every time the Melbourne International Film Festival rolls around, it takes Victorian cinephiles on an adventure. In 2017, it's starting with one. This year's fest will kick off with the world premiere of Jungle, a survivalist thriller starring Daniel Radcliffe. Set in Bolivia, filmed in Queensland and making its debut in Melbourne, Jungle adapts the real-life tale of Yossi Ghinsberg. Radcliffe plays the Israeli adventurer, who trekked into the Amazon's uncharted depths as a 22-year-old in 1981. He set off with discovery on his mind — and with Swiss teacher Marcus Stamm (Joel Jackson), American photographer Kevin Gale (Aussie actor Alex Russell) and Austrian expat named Karl Ruprechter (Thomas Kretschmann) for company — but the group soon found their trip turning into a wilderness nightmare. If you're thinking, "Didn't I just watch Harry Potter get stranded somewhere remote in a movie?" that's understandable — however, unlike his role in last year's Swiss Army Man, there won't be any farting corpses here. Instead, expect an unnerving journey from Aussie Wolf Creek director Greg McLean, who returns to MIFF 12 years after his breakout horror hit graced the festival's screens. "McLean's new film is bold, hugely entertaining and a thrilling ride," said MIFF artistic director Michelle Carey. "It's an impressive showcase of Australian and international talent behind and in front of the camera." Jungle joins what's shaping up to be a jam-packed 2017 MIFF lineup, with the festival already revealing first 25 films in advance of their full program launch in July 11. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcoBDgJ3ZBw The Melbourne International Film Festival runs from August 3 to 20, with tickets for opening night on sale now. For more information, visit the MIFF website — and check back on July 11, when the full program is announced.
Don't let the sporadic showers fool you — summer is most definitely on it's way. It's time to pull your beachwear out from the depths of your cupboard, dust off your tatty straw hat and prepare for three months of good food, good music and stunning sunshine. We love summer afternoons, and we've partnered with Heineken 3 so you can get the most out of them. We've spoken to a few of our favourite chefs, musicians and artists, to get their insights on creating the perfect balmy afternoon. For this particular adventure, we've teamed up with Brendan Cato of The Farmed Table fame and Matt Branagan and Chester Garcia of Work-Shop to bring you a masterclass on how to bust out a bonza barbecue in just under an hour. Brendan created The Farmed Table, those secret dinners that started off in a tiny café and now pack out warehouses. He's all about fresh, organic, sustainable eating. Matt and Chester founded Work-Shop, a place where you can learn to do absolutely anything. They're a good team. Use these tips and tricks for a speedy but delicious barbecue spread that isn't just the same old steak, snags and salad combo. They'll help you stand proudly as queen or king of the grill this summer. BULK UP YOUR DRY STORE It would be perfectly acceptable to assume that the tricky bits for grilling up a storm are those that require actual cooking, but Brendan assures us that this is not the case. This part is actually extremely easy — just begin with the very best produce that you can get, and stock up your pantry with good quality dry store ingredients. A few herbs, a curry powder, salt, pepper, olive oil and lemon juice are the key to making everything taste on-point, according to our chef for the day. Giving yourself the best base of flavour is key to a delicious barbecue no matter how much time you have. DON'T MUCK AROUND, START WITH HIGH QUALITY FRESH PRODUCE As is part of Brendan's Farmed Table ethos, buying good, fresh, organic produce gives you the perfect building blocks for your summer shindig. There's definitely no shortage of vendors around your house, from market stalls to tiny independent grocers around the corner, so it should be pretty cruisy to track down solid ingredients. We started off with leeks, cauliflower and eggplants all just tossed on the grill and taken off shortly after because, as Brendan tells us, "you don't have to do as much if you start with something good". Rather than mucking about trying to add flavour to a sad carrot, get yourself some good organic veg to begin with. LOW MAINTENANCE MEAT MEANS LESS NEED FOR FANCY MARINADES Rather than some pretty generic cuts of meat you'd normally find at a barbecue (the regular porterhouse steaks and snags, for example), Brendan decided to cook up a huge chunk of flank steak. Seasoned with the staples of salt, pepper and olive oil, that bad boy just went straight on top of the grill. It's less maintenance than paying attention to individual steaks, and more impressive when it's sliced and served. Having a good quality cut means you won't have to muck around with fancy marinades — the flavour will speak for itself. Cooking your meat, according to Brendan, all depends on each individual cut. With cuts like flank, eating it rare isn't going to be as tasty as it is with other cuts because it's naturally more chewy. If you're doing chicken, cook it skin-side down first to render the fat, then let it rest once it's almost cooked through. Get to know your meats, and save yourself some time at the grill (but always let your meat rest — no shortcuts there). FANCY FOOD IS SURPRISINGLY EASY TO PULL OFF Matt tells me that one of the reasons he started Work-Shop was because "people need to get more creative", and the same is definitely true at the barbecue. Just like with the flank steak, try a new cut of meat and pair it with a Heineken 3. Grill your veggies, instead of boiling them. For a sneaky dessert that's not a pavlova, how about halved peaches, grilled, served with amaretti, mint and mascarpone? It's literally a matter of cutting a peach in half, grilling it, and enjoying the resulting deliciousness. Even if you don't have Brendan plating skills, it's hard to go wrong throwing nicely hued things on a plate. Always be unique, guys. Enjoy your summer afternoons with the new low-carb Heineken 3 — we're helping you make the most of them. Images: Michael Wickham.
There's a bunch of different ways you can lend a helping hand to those affected by the recent spate of bushfires in Queensland and New South Wales, during which hundreds of people have lost their homes, animals have been injured and thousands of acres have been devastated. But if you fancy showing your support with cake, head down to Worksmith this Saturday, November 23. The hospitality-focused co-working hub is hosting a fundraiser bake sale and market at its Collingwood HQ, teaming up with an all-star cast of Melbourne foodie friends to bring it to life. Head along from 8.30am to find a sprawling array of freshly baked goodies, drinks, flowers, books and more, from the likes of Pie Thief, Bar Liberty, Meatsmith, Chin Chin, Baker Bleu and Tetto di Carolina. Burch & Purchese will be dishing up a tasty selection of sweet treats, Piccolina Gelateria will be there scooping icy cold delights and the all-new Falco Bakery will be showing off its best, too. Coffee comes courtesy of your mates at Five Senses, or for something a little stronger, you'll spy crafty liquid refreshments from new hot-ticket cocktail bar Byrdi. There'll be a limited amount of stock, so your best bet is to come early, armed with cash money. Worksmith's Community Bushfire Fundraiser runs from 8.30am–1pm. Images: Piccolina Gelateria by Peter Dillion and Falco Bakery by Jana Longhurst.
Gertrude Street has gone and got itself a brand new cafe and wine store, courtesy of the new owners at Casa Ciuccio. The two storey Mediterranean joint changed hands last June, undergoing renovations before reopening both the original restaurant and unveiling the new space next door in time for the New Year. Looking for a bit of vino or a big morning feed? Or both? This might be just what you're after. Open seven days a week, the all-day breakfast menu at Ciuccio Cafe includes crumpets with honey, berries, banana and ricotta, a goats' cheese, leek and hazelnut omelette with kale puree, and the fittingly named Big Ass Breakfast, which consists of eggs, bacon, sausage, mushrooms, bean ragu and slow-roasted sumac tomatoes. Meanwhile, your lunch options include coal pit-roasted pork on brioche, a ham and cheese croquette salad, or some sandwiches and salads, which can be eaten in-house or on the run. The new cafe also shares a space with a wine store — making it that much easier to enjoy some hair of the dog. With more than 100 different organic, biodynamic and natural wines in stock, you're sure to find something to your liking. "Customers can pick a bottle from the wine store and, for a small corkage, sit and enjoy their drink while nibbling on dinner dishes from Casa Ciuccio Restaurant," said the venue's new co-owner Fabio Candolo. "We are also planning to hold regular wine tastings in the coming weeks." Candolo and co-owner Carrie Bartonek have also made a few tweaks to the restaurant menu, with a focus on charcuterie boards, fresh seafood and slow-cooked meats. "Our menu is designed to be shared," said Candolo. "Eating is a social experience and we want our customers to enjoy a little of everything." Casa Ciuccio is located at 13–15 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy. For more information including opening hours, visit casaciuccio.com.au.
Now a lot of us are spending so much time at home, it's important to be as comfy as possible. Melbourne-designed Eva Mattress is here to help up your comfort level with its biggest annual sale yet. Think half-price sheets and hundreds of dollars off mattresses — and that's just the start. For its 19-day sale, running from Wednesday, June 17 till 11.59pm on Sunday, July 5, the local Aussie retailer is offering big end-of-year discounts. Expect $150 off its Eva mattress, $50 off the Eva pillow and a whopping 50 percent off the Eva sheets, which brings the latter down to just $120 for a set. And these aren't your run-of-the-mill bedding products, either. The award-winning mattress-in-a-box has been engineered as a hybrid, which means it combines the comfort of memory foam with the support of pocket springs. The memory foam pillow uses activated charcoal to keep you cool and dry throughout the night. The 400-thread count sheets and duvet sets are made from eucalyptus fibres — making them soft, cool and completely biodegradable. If you do spring for the mattress, sheets or pillow, they come with a 120-night free trial, so you can be sure they'll help you get a good night sleep before you commit. All mattress orders come with free next-day delivery to metro areas, too. 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.
Melbourne, you're about to discover (and taste) what can happen when an acclaimed Finnish chef and an award-winning Italian sommelier join forces. Giorgio De Maria (formerly of 121BC and Rootstock Sydney food and wine festival), is teaming up with Finnish-born Pasi Petanen (2015's SMH Chef of the Year and the guy behind Café Paci), for That's Amore — a series of food-and-wine shindigs to be held at Mecca in Crossley Street next month. Across three nights from March 16 to 18, the pair will combine culinary talents, pulling together innovative foodie flair, some serious wine knowledge, and a couple of lively personalities, for what promises to be one tasty experience. This fusion of front and back of house is bound to ensure some well-rounded feasting, including dishes such as sourdough pasta with way pecorino and pear, panfried mortadella, and potato salada with parmigiano and black pepper — all with an Italian edge. Meanwhile, De Maria's working his own brand of magic, proving the cross-cultural combo isn't the only perfect partnership on the table here. His handpicked selection of wine will also look to Italy thanks to Le Coste, Cantina Giardino, Panevino and Dario Princic, plus Australian producers such as Tom Shobbrook and Sholto & Louis Broderick.
At long last SPECTRE — the 24th film in the iconic James Bond franchise — has made its way to screens around the country, and to mark the occasion, Heineken is giving fans a bunch of prizes to make them sharper than Bond himself. To help celebrate its long-standing partnership with Bond, Heineken has teamed up with the boutique experience cultivators over at Mr Aristotle for a brand new project, The Catch. Throughout November and December, Heineken will be hosting exclusive SPECTRE 007 events that are so mysterious participants won’t know what’s in store until they’re suddenly whisked away and thrown right into the middle of the action right as it happens — like this one, where you and your mates head off on an exclusive personal tailoring adventure through some of Melbourne's premier male fashion outlets and stores. Winners secure the expert advice of a top-tier fashion consultant to accompany you around town for a full three hours. You'll have what every indecisive shopper dreams of: your very own personal stylist advising on your needs, style and personality. They won't tell you how to dress — they'll tell you how to dress perfectly for you. No time-wasting, no queues and, most importantly, no buyer's remorse. It doesn't matter if you're keen for a complete overhaul or the simple addition of a few key pieces, your consultant will be there to offer their years of experience and VIP access to some of Melbourne's fashion meccas. To be in the running for prizes like this, sign up via the Heineken's The Catch website and have your mates locked, loaded and ready to move at a moment’s notice. Then dive into your wardrobe and get cracking on that long overdue stocktake review — because if you win, you'll need to make some space.
As the people of Nepal struggle to rebuild in the wake of a second major earthquake that shook the region earlier this week, international relief organisations continue to call for donations — and people around Australia continue to answer. Stepping up to the plate this week are the legends at Shadow Electric, who’ve announced a charity gig featuring a bevy of local talent, with proceeds going directly to victims of the disaster. Scheduled for Sunday May 31, the openair bash at the Abbotsford Convent will feature live performances and DJ sets from the likes of GL, Oscar Key Sung, Edd Fisher, Simon TK, Moksha and King Puppy & The Carnivore. There will also be traditional Nepalese music and dancing, courtesy of Melbourne’s vibrant expat community. Food and beverage-wise they’ll be serving homemade Nepalese cuisine and delicious masala chai, as well as all the regular offerings at the Shadow Electric bar. Entry to the event costs $15, one hundred percent of which will be used "to meet the immediate and early recovery needs of those affected by the earthquake in Nepal". Shadow Electric’s website is also directing people to Victorians Stand Together for Nepal, a relief campaign organised by the Victorian Nepalese community that has so far raised more than $112,000. Shadow Electric’s Help Nepal event kicks off at 6pm on Sunday May 31. To book tickets, visit their website. To learn more about Victorians Stand Together for Nepal, go here. Via Beat. Image: Shadow Electric's 2015 summer closing party.
Mere months after Neil Perry brought his acclaimed Burger Project to the CBD, another beloved Sydney burger joint is on its way to Melbourne. Chur Burger is the brainchild of chef Warren Turnbull, who's been satisfying burger cravings in Sydney and Brisbane for years. Now, after some delay, he's firing up the grill in our neck of the woods under the — and needless to say, we can't bloody wait. Opening Monday August 22 on Swan Street in Richmond under the watch of Turnbull's business partner Johnny Moukachar, the menu at Chur Burger Melbourne will be much the same as it is in Sydney. Think mouthwatering burgers including signature lamb and pulled pork options, as well as a particularly tasty number made with beef, blue cheese and onion rings. They also happen to make one hell of a milkshake — and like all our favourite burger joints, they're more than happy to throw in a little booze. A photo posted by Chur Burger Melbourne (@churburgermelbourne) on Aug 20, 2016 at 1:59am PDT Technically, this isn't Chur Burger's first foray into the Melbourne market. Turnbull actually shared his recipes with publican David Carney when the latter took over management of Hotel Kew late last year – although they've since been removed from the menu. Moukachar tells Concrete Playground there are "a few other Melbourne venues in the works," and earmarked Eastland Shopping Centre as one potential location. We also heard rumblings about another scheme out in Chadstone, where Chur Burger recently put out a job call for crew members as part of a collaboration with Hoyts Cinemas. Burger and a movie? Don't mind if we do. Other plans include the first Chur Burger food truck which will service "festivals and the beach", and a pair of international stores in Saudi Arabia – the first of which Moukachar says should open in January next year. Chur Burger will open at 176 Swan Street, Richmond on August 22. For more info, visit their Instagram.
When we take that first sip of our barista-brewed coffee on a workday morning, a lot of us can't actually imagine living without coffee. But what about living without a roof over your head or a guaranteed meal? Unfortunately, this is what many homeless people around Australia face each day, but on Friday, August 7, you can help your fellow Aussies out simply by buying a coffee as part of CafeSmart. CafeSmart is an annual event from StreetSmart that raises money and awareness for the homeless and is back for its third year running. Last year, 415 cafes and 20 coffee roasters raised $120,000 to fund 91 community projects. Not too shabby. So how does it work? From every coffee purchased on August 7 at a participating cafe around Australia, $1 will be donated towards local projects. So if your go-to local isn't participating, shake things up for a day and head to one that is. Prefer a hot chocolate? You can also donate at the counter. Simply by aiming for a bighearted cafe, you'll be helping some of our country's most in-need humans, so treat yourself to a third or fourth coffee guilt-free. CafeSmart is happening around the country on Friday, August 7. Check the website for participating cafes near you. Image: Dollar Photo Club.
You know that Summer has arrived in Melbourne when the Night Market becomes your priority destination on Wednesday evenings. Now in its 17th year, the festivities will be kicking off on November 5 with all the usual goodies. And, though it'll be taking a break over Christmas, you won't have to wait long for its return. It'll be back in business from January 7. As always, the Night Market is all about the food and the sangria. This year there will be over 60 food stalls you can sink your teeth into, including the obligatory market bratwurst, summer eats from Mr Calamaro, hot stuff from Senor BBQ and the world's best pizza from 400 Gradi. For those who can fit in some dessert, check out the macarons and gelati stalls. For those that are just into the sangria, see how many cups you can enjoy before the sun goes down. We promise it won't disappoint. If shopping is more your thing, the markets are bringing back all of your favourite stalls, and adding plenty of new ones to the lot. Whether you’re after locally designed jewellery and housewares, or treasure hunting for a vintage bargain, you're bound to find something to your tastes. This year the Night Market is also teaming up with Multicultural Arts Victoria to provide live music across three stages. This is a great way to check out Melbourne’s up and coming musical talent, and have a bit of relaxation in the summer sun while you're at it. The Night Market will be running every Wednesday from 5-10pm until March 25.
After closing Vivid Sydney at the Sydney Opera House, art-rock legends TV on the Radio are heading to our fine city, ready to smash out two concerts in a row at the Forum. Since forming in Brooklyn 14 years ago, the four-piece has created six albums. These shows will cover the entire songbook, from Staring at the Sun (2004) to Seeds (2014). Chronologically, theses releases cover a decade, but the music represents hundreds of years of history; drawing together gospel, post-punk and everything in between.
Getting down to your local for a nice cold beer is now as easy as pushing a button. As part of a new marketing campaign, Czech beer company Kozel has devised the Tap Out button, which when pressed will summon a taxi to ferry you to the nearest pub. Could this be the greatest scientific innovation of the modern age? Until Dominoes rolls out that pizza robot of theirs, we reckon it might just be. The buttons, of which there are three, will be made available via twitter. All beer lovers need to do is mention a mate and use the hashtag #PushforPub, and they could soon be on their way to the closest establishment that serves Kozel. What's more, there'll be two pints waiting for them on arrival. Pretty crafty. The button is good for three uses, at which point it presumably self-destructs, Mission: Impossible-style. Now the bad news: for the time being at least, the Tap Out buttons are only available in the UK, although according to PSFK, there's a chance more will be made available if the initial campaign is successful. And frankly, how could it not be. Rest assured, we'll let you know if they make it down to our part of the world. Until then, it looks like you're stuck with walking. https://vimeo.com/175340774 Via PSFK.
The Melbourne International Film Festival dropped its full lineup earlier this week, and we've been frantically flicking through the program guide ever since. Packed with some of the year's most anticipated movies in local, foreign, arthouse, and experimental flavours, plus special events and retrospectives galore, it's a butt-numbing, movie-loving marathon of truly epic proportions that reminds us why we love going to the cinema in the first place. After an intense few days of highlighting, here are our picks for the ten must see movies of the festival – as well as a whole bunch of special mentions we just couldn't not include. QUEEN OF EARTH After helming one of the most popular pictures of MIFF 2014 with the acerbic New York comedy Listen Up Phillip, writer-director Alex Ross Perry returns to the festival with a movie of a very different kind. Described in the program as a darkly comic psychological thriller, Queen of Earth stars Elisabeth Moss and Katherine Waterson as two old friends whose relationship begins to fracture while holidaying at a lakeside cabin. Colour us intrigued. Also: Fans of American indie cinema have plenty to choose from this year. Kevin Corrigan, Guy Pierce and Cobie Smudgers get caught up in a love triangle in Andrew Bujalski’s Results, while Allison Brie and Jason Sudeikis play a pair of sex addicts in Leslye Headland’s Sleeping With Other People. And let’s not forget closing night film Mistress America, which marks the latest screwball collaboration between writer-director Noah Baumbach and writer-actor Greta Gerwig. THE DAUGHTER Among a strong dramatic contingent of Australian films at the festival – including opening night feature Force of Destiny and centrepiece gala Holding the Man – it's the debut feature from celebrated theatre director Simon Stone that has really peaked our interest. Translated from Stone’s own critically acclaimed stage adaptation of Ibsen’s The Wild Duck, this dysfunctional family drama garnered solid reviews when it premiered at SFF, and boasts a top-notch local cast that includes Geoffrey Rush, Ewen Leslie, Miranda Otto and Sam Neil. Also: There’s plenty of buzz building around locally made crime drama Downriver, and we can also highly recommend Jennifer Peedom’s Mt Everest documentary Sherpa. A dig into the shorts program reveals even more local gems, including Adam Elliot’s newest work Ernie Biscuit and two thirty minute films from Indigenous media organisation the Karrabing Film Collective. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRktvTd5KZo OUR LITTLE SISTER One of Japan’s most talented storytellers, Hirokazu Kore-eda follows up his Cannes Jury Prize-winning Like Father, Like Son with another intimate family drama. Our Little Sister follows three adult sisters who share a house in Kamakura, who discover upon the death of their estranged father that they have a teenage half-sister who they decide to welcome into their home. A touching portrait of familial responsibility and love, the film stands out as an absolute festival highlight. Also: As always, the Accent on Asia section is absolutely packed. Prolific South Korean director Hong Sang-soo returns to MIFF with The Hill of Freedom, the latest in a string of disarming low-key comedies; while his compatriot Shim Sung-bo tackles the brutal world of people smuggling in the critically acclaimed drama Haemoo. And if you're after something a little more introspective, check out the latest film from Thai auteur Apichatpong Weerasethakul, Cemetery of Splendour. THE LOBSTER The winner of the Jury Prize at the most recent Cannes Film Festival, The Lobster is the first English language feature from Yorgos Lanthimos, director of Alps and Dogtooth and a leading figure in the so-called Greek weird wave movement. A pudgy Colin Farrell stars alongside Rachel Weisz, Ben Wishaw and John C. Reilly as citizens of a not-too-distant future, where single people are turned into animals if they can't find a romantic partner within 45 days. Like we said. Weird. Also: Another big Cannes winner was Taiwanese martial arts film The Assassin, for which Hou Hsiao-Hsien took home the gong for Best Director. American coming-of-age film Me and Earl and the Dying Girl won both the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award at Sundance, while the three part epic Arabian Nights was awarded top prize at the Sydney Film Festival in June. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwxyrLUdcss RACING EXTINCTION Six years after astounding audiences with his Oscar winning documentary The Cove, National Geographic photographer turned filmmaker Louie Psihoyos returns with another guerrilla-style environmental doco, Racing Extinction. Using covert shooting tactics, and aided by both scientists and activists, Psihoyos and co. force viewers to confront the devastating effect human activity is having on the natural world. With endangered species disappearing on an unprecedented scale, it's unlikely you'll see a more important film all festival – or indeed, all year. Also: Kirby Dick tackles the endemic problem of rape on campus in The Hunting Ground, while The Act of Killing director Joshua Oppenheimer furthers his investigation into the Indonesian communist purges with The Look of Silence. For something a little less grim, try Steve Jobs: The Man in the Machine, a fascinating portray of the Apple founder from Oscar winner Alex Gibney. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0E2Qh6wLS4 THE GUEST Director Adam Wingard and writer Simon Barrett follow up their home-invasion horror movie You're Next with The Guest, a wildly entertaining thriller that plays like a cult classic in the making. Downton Abbey star Dan Stevens play against type as David, a handsome young war vet with a dark secret who wreaks havoc on the lives of an unassuming American family. Mixing sly comedy with paranoid suspense and genuinely terrific action sequences, this is exactly the kind of movie you want to see late at night with a crowd. Also: Horror buffs should definitely see Goodnight Mommy, an Austrian film featuring the creepiest set of twins since The Shining. Japanese gore-master Takashi Miike, meanwhile, delivers another blast of demented mayhem with his vampire gangster movie Yakuza Apocalypse. And for the super committed, there's an entire retro stream on psychedelic cinema, featuring the likes of Enter the Void, The Holy Mountain and Yellow Submarine. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPcRnEVl4vA THEORY OF OBSCURITY There's always plenty for music lovers at MIFF, courtesy of the ever-popular Backbeat section. This year, one major highlight would have to be Don Hardy's documentary Theory of Obscurity, which delves into the history of San Francisco's most mysterious rocking eyeballs, The Residents. While uninitiated viewers will likely just be baffled, fans of the band will be fascinated by the unprecedented access gained by the filmmakers. And if nothing else, the soundtrack should be pretty damn great. Also: Elsewhere in the Backbeat section, Alex Gibney chronicles the life of James Brown with Mr. Dynamite, while actor Ethan Hawke makes his documentary filmmaking debut with Seymour: An Introduction, an understated portrait of classical pianist Seymour Bernstein. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALSwWTb88ZU TANGERINE One of the wildest, raunchiest and most entertaining pictures in the MIFF 2015 program, Tangerine follows transgender prostitute Sin-Dee as she tears around Los Angeles trying to track down her cheating boyfriend/pimp. Director Sean Baker shot the entire movie using tricked out iPhone 5s, a bold and innovative approach that suits his characters to perfection, and helps suck viewers into the film's grimy, hard-bitten world. Also: Baker's not the only filmmaker pushing the boundaries of the medium this year. German heist flick Victoria unfolds in a single, two-and-a-half hour take, while Gaspar Noe's provocative new film Love serves up some hard-core sex in eye-popping 3D. But the boldest movie of all comes from Iranian director Jafar Panahi, whose latest film Tehran Taxi was made in defiance of a state-imposed ban on filmmaking. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyMSzeXI5NE WALKABOUT This year MIFF pays tribute to one of Australia's most legendary actors, with a retrospective of the films of David Gulpilil. Screening at the festival on 35mm film almost 45 years after it first premiered, Nicholas Roeg's dreamlike tale of colliding cultures in the outback launched Gulpilil to international stardom and remains one of the landmark titles in the Australian film canon. Don't miss your chance to see it on the big screen. Also: Other films in the Gulpilil retrospective include Peter Weir's The Last Wave and Philippe Mora's Mad Dog Morgan, as well as the actor's recent collaborations with director Rolf de Heer in The Tracker, Ten Canoes and Charlie's Country. The festival will also present separate retrospectives covering the careers of Chilean director Sebastian Silva and American siblings Josh and Benny Safdie. VERTICAL CINEMA This short film showcase at Deakin Edge is turning cinema on its head – or rather, on its side. Projected onto a ten metre high, vertically hung screen from a custom built 35mm projector, the shorts in this package make use of a very different type of cinematic space, with an emphasis on height rather than width. Could this be the future of motion pictures? No, probably not. But it's an interesting experiment, that's for sure. Also: At the end of the day, a festival like MIFF isn't just about the movies, but the experiences that surround them. This year you can catch a film at the Melbourne Planetarium, enjoy a gourmet meal as part of Culinary Cinema, or take part in one of the countless Talking Pictures panel discussions in the festival lounge. The Melbourne International Film Festival runs June 30 – August 16. For the full program and to book tickets, visit the festival website.
You don't need an excuse to eat drink and be merry, and Melbourne certainly doesn't wait for one. But even though our food obsession is strong all year round, February sees it culminate in a delicious explosion of food, drink and the world's biggest epicures at the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival. It's 19 days of unashamed indulgence and general nerding out about everything gastronomic. Last year it was all about water, and this time around it's all about the baker. Fresh bread, doughnuts, pastries and sweet things will be on show at the Artisan Bakery & Bar — this year's festival hub, which is returning to the river at Queensbridge Square. Head along to learn from world-class bakers Justin Gellatly and Eric Kayser, or one of the many events running across the two and a half weeks. There are lunches, dinners, masterclasses, food crawls and parties, so there's bound to be something that feeds your hunger. Image credit: Peter Tarasiuk
Imagine a hotel room designed by Etsy. Just imagine it. Adorable, twee, Instagrammable; they're probably dominant images right now huh? Thanks to a collaboration with The Cullen, you’ll have the chance to scope out the real thing in a brand new curated accommodation experience. Melbourne-based creative consultant Marsha Golemac and photographer Brooke Holm have joined forces to take over the junior penthouse suite. They'll be using both vintage and handmade goods sourced from the Australian Etsy community to curate and style the suite. If you feel like treating yourself to a night of very social media-friendly luxury, the room will be available for overnight stays from April 13 to 29. If you’re unable to book in for a night, but are still curious to gather some design inspiration for your own digs, you can book in to their open day in the room on the April 11 — where you can take a tour and learn about the latest homewares trends and tips with Etsy specialists.
Ever have this problem? You're kayaking through crystal clear waters on adventure of a lifetime in paradise, and the goddamn bottom of your canoe is infuriatingly opaque. All that sea life, going unseen. All those underwater sea creature orchestras, going unappreciated. It's infuriating and devastating. Well, all of that is about to change thanks to the Crystal Kayak Company. They've invented (maybe a better term is re-imagined) the kayak, and this time round it's completely see-through. It's the boldest see-through invention since the see-through toaster. Using the same material as windshields are made from, the see-through kayaks are perfect for moments when you want to see what your kayaking over (i.e. undersea orchestras). Check out the promo vid — and we dare you to not feel like you want to quit your job, burn all of your possessions and spend the rest of your life in a transparent kayak. They retail from a whopping $1,499, but if that blows your kayak budget out of the water, you can trial it at resorts around the world. And don't think that price tag just buys the opacity of your kayak. Oh no. As well as offering quite the underwater view, they've been ergonomically designed to be wayyy more comfy than your average kayak. Check em out here.
Once again, Birrarung Marr will be transformed into a sprawling outdoor hawker market, as the Night Noodle Markets rock into town from November 10-27. As usual, visitors will be spoilt for choice, with stalls from culinary favourites like Wonderbao, Gelato Messina, and Chin Chin, joining debut offerings from some exciting newcomers. Folks of all ages will find themselves wrapped up in the festival buzz, with roaming performers, themed bars, and a broad live entertainment program backing up all that foodie fun. The markets will run from Thursday, November 10 until Sunday, November 27. They'll be open Monday and Tuesday 5-9pm, Wednesday and Thursday 5-10pm, Friday 5-11pm, Saturday 4-10pm, and Sunday 4-9pm. Entry is free but the place — if other years are anything to go by — will be packed.
Eggs, wheat milk and animal products in general are officially off the ingredients list, at a brand new edition of the Flour Market bake sale. After a last minute postponement back in May, Wholey Day will finally launch in Melbourne on Sunday, September 18. It's the sweet, doughy spinoff that vegans, coeliacs and lactards have been waiting for: a seasonal market featuring the best local vendors of wholefood, raw, organic, vegan and gluten free treats. Let the face stuffing commence. The Flour Market team have been teasing the new initiative via social media, throwing up images of drool-worthy snacks such as ACE's raw cookies and an insane vegan cacao ganache brownie made by Citizen Cacao's Georgie Castle. Both vendors will be on the floor at the market, along with numerous others to be revealed on the day. The flour-free fanaticism will take place at Brunswick East's urban winery Noisy Ritual. All we can say is: get there early. These goodies are set to sell like gluten free hotcakes.
This Valentine's Day weekend, get that special someone something sweet. Like, seriously sweet. For one day only on Saturday February 13, Melbourne-based dessert chef Caroline Khoo will be selling her sugary wares at Williams-Sonoma Chadstone. Khoo is the creator of Nectar and Stone, an online dessert store where she sells handmade chocolates, cupcakes, biscuits and pastries, as well as an array of other treats that'll give you a toothache just by looking at them. With over 300,000 followers on Instagram, she's been featured by Martha Stewart, and is currently working on her first book – we can only imagine what kind of sweet, sweet madness lies within those pages. Her Chadstone pop-up will be open from 10am until 2pm, unless she sells out early – and let's face it, that's a distinct possibility. It'll be located at Williams-Sonoma, on the lower level of Chadstone near David Jones. It's her second collaboration with the cookware and kitchen accessory brand, following a similar pop-up back in December last year. And yes, she will be selling her patented cookie-filled chocolate pyramid, better known as the peak of human civilisation. The ancient Egyptians would be so proud. Btw, if someone wants to get that for us for Valentine's Day, we promise to love them forever. For more information visit www.nectarandstonemelbourne.com.
When it comes to creating and nurturing a family, all you need is love. That's the main message Gayby Baby pushes, as encompassing the perspective of those too often told that affection, commitment and forging a life together aren't enough for their unions to be legally recognised. Yes, we're talking about same-sex couples and their children — i.e. those at the centre of many a political and newspaper debate about sexual orientation and lifestyle preferences. Maya Newell's observational documentary, as inspired by her own upbringing by two lesbian mothers, gently works to refute perceptions about societal structures other than the stereotypical, so-called nuclear unit of a mum, dad and two kids that the suburbs are supposedly founded upon. In a broader sense, that's what the first-time feature filmmaker achieves in her follow-up to TV doco Growing Up Gayby, showing episodic slices of domestic and school life. However, honing in on the details, Newell also crafts a moving look at the experience of adolescence as told from the rarely seen vantage of the young hearts and minds at the centre of it all. Accordingly, an engaging group of 10- to 12-year-olds monopolise the movie, each united in their age range and stage of maturity, as well as in belonging to families with same-sex parents. Of course, they're brimming with diversity in other ways, namely their hopes, dreams, circumstances and personalities. Gus loves wrestling, much to one of his mothers' dismay, while Ebony is endeavouring to gain acceptance into a prestigious performing arts school. Matt is overcome with difficulties reconciling the teachings of his church with his home life, and Graham is learning to read as he relocates from Sydney to Fiji with his fathers. The tales their experiences touch upon could tie into many a kid in many a home across Australia, and that's Gayby Baby's strongest element. Gus, Ebony, Matt and Graham aren't different because their parents are gay, though they're needlessly forced to worry that they are. Interweaving political content — including Matt and his mothers meeting then Prime Minister Julia Gillard — helps emphasise the point, albeit with subtlety. The film doesn't focus on shouting an agenda, but rather lets the reality that these families face on a daily basis do the talking. So skips along a sensitive documentary made with the intimacy and authenticity its topic deserves. That the project was largely crowdfunded demonstrates the desire for on-screen explorations of the subject. That it bubbles over with earnest affection rather than overt statements shows how heartfelt and personal the end product feels. And while there's little that's revolutionary about the filmmaking at play in Gayby Baby, comprised of footage that flits between fly-on-the-wall and chats to camera as it is, the overall result proves as effectively constructed as its content.
Fitzroy’s legendary Hammer and Tong has gone alfresco with the opening of new eatery BCKYRD. Except that it’s not exactly an eatery. As the name suggests, it’s an urban backyard — a glorious patch of greenery in East Brunswick, hemmed in by shipping containers and sprinkled with imported trees — which the Hammer and Tong food truck is now calling home. "There are apartments going up all around us," Simon Ward, Hammer and Tong owner-chef, told Good Food. "A lot of people don't have backyards anymore; BCKYRD is Brunswick's community backyard." The food truck has developed a specific BCKYRD menu. Dishes include flathead and chips, ramen and duck meatballs, charcuterie boards, croquet champignon (a toasted sandwich crowded with mushrooms, cheese and thyme) and crab and corn chowder in sourdough cobs. Yep, that last one sounds like our kind of perfect autumn dish. For drinks, you can choose between locally-brewed beers and ciders. Opened in a bit of a hurry, in time for the Easter long weekend, the site is set for further improvements and backyard-ification. There are plans for a mural and a bar. And eventually, there’ll also be an urban farm, where micro-greens will be grown, for both supplies and retail. It's a work-in-progress, like the best of backyards. You’ll find BCKYRD at 20 Nicholson Street, Brunswick. It’s open every Friday to Sunday, 11am-9.30pm. Via Good Food.
Fine-dining Nordic restaurant Freyja (one of the best restaurants in Melbourne) has invited the Executive Chef of the three Michelin-starred restaurant Les Prés d'Eugénie to join the team in the kitchen for an incredible dining experience across three nights only. From Thursday, February 8–to Saturday, February 10, Freyja's Jae Bang and Les Prés d'Eugénie's Hugo Souchet will serve up a six-course degustation unlike anything Melbourne typically has on offer. These chefs are some of the very best in the world, and to have them work together here in Melbourne is a proper treat. The 4 Hands Dinner will set folks back a hefty $350 per person but it is set to include some hard-to-find, high-end produce from all over the globe. [caption id="attachment_938039" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Arianna Leggiero[/caption] For one, Oscietra and Beluga caviar will feature strongly throughout the six-course menu as the event is sponsored by the ultra-luxurious Sturia Caviar. Beyond that, all we know about the menu so far is that the duo will recreate some of Les Prés d'Eugénie's famous flame-grilled dishes, reimagined with Freyja's distinct contemporary Nordic culinary stylings. There'll also be an option to add wine pairings to the experience for those looking to really treat themselves. Either think of the 4 Hands Dinner at Freyja as an early Valentine's Day date night or simply head over with your crew of gourmand friends who deeply appreciate fine food.
Melbourne, we get it. You're a bunch of kidults who refuse to grow up and you can't get enough of slides. First there was the Slidestreet that toured the country in 2015. Then we were graced with Slide Melbourne on Lawsdowne Street in East Melbourne, followed by Slide the Square in Federation Square. Finally, Slide the City took us through to summer 2016. But if you thought you could go even one calendar season without hurtling down a half pipe, think again. The Eureka Skydeck have announced their winter project – a four-metre-high ice slide that'll see you slithering alongside Southbank's waterfront for 40 whole metres like a high velocity seal in a beanie. The chute is opening from June 25 to July 17 and tickets can be bought on the day. Best of all, you won't need to come dressed in your ski lodge best (although you totally can and should), as regular clothes are fine for ice sliding. The winter slide is more reasonably priced than we've come to expect from the summer slides, with three slides only setting you back $10. And when you're done dominating the slide, you can avail yourself of the food truck park to satiate you winter hunger pangs. Ahh winter, we don't know what the Starks are on about, you're not so bad after all. Ice Slide will be open daily from June 25 to July 17, 10am till late.
Pinchy's is best known as a top seafood spot in Melbourne's CBD, but the crew has recently branched out by adding a stack of meat dishes to its menu. To celebrate this change, it's hosting massive bottomless barbecue lunches on its balcony every Sunday arvo for four weeks — from December 1–22. For a very reasonable $80 per person, you'll get a table on the sun-soaked terrace and feast on unlimited food and drinks (with a Spanish twist). Live entertainment is also on the cards for the Sunday sessions, bringing those fiesta vibes to the CBD haunt. If the sun is shining on a Sunday, this is the spot to be.
Gauchito Gil is Argentina's Robin Hood. As such, it seems fitting that Australia's own Malbec World Day has been borrowed from the South American country, where the majority of the world's Malbec comes from. If this day is a donation from the grape god, it's one we're happy to accept. And with the help of Gauchito Gil, Malbec World Day will be celebrated in Melbourne with a seven-hour wine bonanza at Ormond Hall on Friday, April 17. Back for a second year, the event comes from the organisers of the Pinot Palooza and Game of Rhones, and mirrors the free-reign tasting set up. Your $40 ticket will include a wine glass, and from there you'll be able to move around, sampling over 80 Australian and Argentine Malbec varietals. Other events have been known to get a little boozy, so to soak up all that wine, there will be top-notch empanadas from some restaurants including Huxtable and San Telmo. It really doesn't matter if you know everything there is about Malbec or if you don't know much at all, because Malbec World Day is about education and celebration of the Argentine grape. And what better way to celebrate than with an unending glass of wine?
It goes without saying, Melbourne's characteristically buzzing cultural ecosystem has thrived this year, with the city's most innovative, forward-thinking residents taking bold risks in their field. Our bars are more groundbreaking and imaginative, our events more unique and immersive, and our restaurants more inventive and experimental. With new openings left, right and centre, Melbourne is more vibrant, playful and fun than it ever has been. At Concrete Playground we encourage exploration and showcase innovation in our city every day, so we thought it fitting to reward those most talented whippersnappers pushing Melbourne to be a better, braver city. And so, we are very pleased to announce Concrete Playground's Best of 2016 Awards. Melbourne's newest restaurants have defied traditional fine dining, turning small dinner clubs into full-blown establishments, reexamining degustation formats and prolifically pedestalling barbecue. Cafes continue to redefine our coffee breaks, building neighbourhood day-to-night warehouse spaces, championing local producers and making an art of vegan nosh. Our bars that have been upping the city's already renowned libation reputation, with countless interpretations of the age-old wine bar. Our new (or renewed) pubs that have the biggest hurdle to face — history. Pub renovations in 2016 moved into more contemporary, fine dining-focused territory with some of the city's best design teams at hand. Melbourne's new event producers that have found new ways to celebrate city life, reinvigorating dwindling or hidden spaces, and creating dedicated festivals from unexpected (and highly niche) themes. This year, we will be awarding a People's Choice and Overall award in each of the following five categories: Best New Bar Best New Restaurant Best New Cafe Best New Pub Best New Event These 30 outstanding Melbourne (or Melbourne-based) ventures have been handpicked by Concrete Playground for their combination of originality, innovation, creativity, approachability and sustainability. We straight-up love them. VOTE NOW Cast your People's Choice votes below by 5pm on Wednesday, December 14 (you can only vote once per category, so make those votes count). People's Choice and Overall winners in each category will be announced on Thursday, December 15 at 3pm. Please note that your vote is recorded as soon as you make your selection in each category, but that you can edit your votes right up until when voting closes. If you have any questions or feedback, hit us up at contact@concreteplayground.com.au
A new rooftop hotel in Melbourne is offering a luxurious alternative to the cramped family camper you would have piled into as a kid. Opening soon (mid-2016) atop a Flinders Lane car park in the CBD, this boutique venture will consist of six vintage airstream caravans transported from the US and completely refitted as "designer urban accommodation," complete with queen size bed, split system heating and cooling, and a fridge full of complimentary craft beer and wine. Throw in a little laneway graffiti art and this couldn't get any more Melbourne if it tried. In addition to the amenities listed above, each caravan at Notel Melbourne comes with a television, linen and an en suite bathroom with full height shower. Sounds a little cosy, but sometimes that's exactly what you need, especially when you're dealing with chilly Melbourne weather. The rooftop itself, meanwhile, has recently gotten a new lick of paint courtesy of local artist Ash Keating. Notel update!!! The Airstreams are being moved into their final position in preparation for the bathroom instillation. Won't be long now 😉 #openingsoon #Notel #notelmelbourne #rooftophotel #notahotel #airstreamhotel #lovethis #adventure #original #airstream #vintagecaravan #rooftopview #journey #view #melbs #melbourne #melbournetodo #ilovemelbourne #visitmelbourne #australia A photo posted by Notel Melbourne (@notelmelbourne) on May 16, 2016 at 1:44am PDT Guests will have access to tablets loaded with music and movies along with a virtual guide to help them explore the city. The space will also be available for functions, with room for up to 300 people on the roof. Notel Melbourne is not currently taking bookings, however you can sign up for their newsletter to stay in the loop with how things are progressing. Notel Melbourne will open in mid-2016 on the corner of Flinders Lane and Harper Lane, Melbourne. For more information visit www.notelmelbourne.com.au.
UPDATE: APRIL 14, 2020 — This popular restaurant chain's Windsor, Richmond and Hawthorn stores are still open for takeaway and delivery, so you can get cheeseburger burritos, sweet potato quesadillas and charred corn delivered right to your door. To place an order, visit the website. Once upon a time there was Taco Bill — Australia's answer to an American success, renamed after a guy whose name isn't exactly Hispanic, synonymous with meal deal coupons and fish bowl cocktails that are destined to come back up shortly after consumption. Nothing wrong with that; it is "Australia's favourite family restaurant", according to their website anyway. Somewhere along the line the cheese-laden burrito got a makeover (or under) and today, if you don't know your fajitas from your ensaladas — not to be confused with enchiladas — or molays, you're seriously uncouth. Thank goodness for Fonda, David Youl and Tim McDonald's humble, family-style eating hall, which laid out the welcome mat for a second, Windsor-based offering to accompany the original Richmond eatery in March this year. In addition to the paper menus, lollipop-coloured Jarrito sodas and familiar bottles of red salsa picante de chile habanero hot sauce that have become de riguer in Mexican joints around town, amigos can expect an expanded menu by chef Ravi Presser, with a heightened focus on homemade produce (fresh ingredients are sourced from the Vic Market and the bread is made daily at Abbotsford Convent's onsite bakery) and a similarly extended, loftier physical space. The geometrically patterned, brightly coloured floor, visible kitchen and overhanging lights inspired by popular Mexican bar stools turned upside down are products of a collaboration between Techne Architects, Goldenhen Interiors and naturally, the sensibilities of Youl and McDonald. As the friends started Fonda with basically zero experience, they are always happy to ask for expert opinions where due, which McDonald sees as a major strength. "Having no hospitality background has actually been a real blessing, because it means we're not too proud to ask for help and input. Fonda is a community, rather than the fulfillment of an ego trip and this filters down to how the menu is regularly tested on groups, to how the staff are treated — that is, as people," he explains. Confirming this culture of inclusiveness, Youl later asks for my opinion on the positioning of the bar cushions with the earnest enthusiasm of someone who is actually interested in the answer. Rounding out our conversation, McDonald again individually personalises the experience that Fonda is trying to create by posing a question, the answer to which he goes on to confidently guess. "What do our clientele want on a Wednesday night, for example? Hopefully to come to Fonda and leave thinking 'I ate some good food, met a cool waiter, sat on these weird seats fashioned from string and I really liked that song.'" He got it in one — see you at the Fonda.
You know it's summer in Melbourne when the outdoor cinemas start flickering back to life. In the past few weeks we've seen brand spanking new programs from the folks at Rooftop Cinema, Moonlight Cinema, Lido on the Roof and the newly opened QV Outdoor Cinema. And now Shadow Electric are getting in on the action, dropping their own rock-solid lineup of recent and retro films along with a selection of music documentaries, live gigs and killer grub to match. Located within the grounds of Abbotsford Convent, Shadow Electric will kick off its four-month season on January 2 with the Australian premiere of New World Towers, which chronicles the unexpected reunion of '90s Britpop legends Blur. It's one of several films in rotation aimed specifically at music lovers, with features like Eden and Straight Outta Compton appearing alongside concert films such as The Last Waltz and Stop Making Sense. The remainder of the program consists mostly of recent releases, including Spectre, Mad Max: Fury Road, The Martian, Macbeth and The Dressmaker, plus a smattering of nostalgic faves in the form of The Breakfast Club, The Big Lebowski and a Valentine's Day showing of Dirty Dancing. Select dates will also play host to live shows in the bandroom — keep your eyes on the Shadow Electric website for more on that front. This year will also see the venue partner with the guys behind Longhorn, Le Bon Ton and Chingon for pre-film food offerings. Talk about a step up from overpriced candy bar popcorn. Tickets for the first half of Shadow Electric's 2016 program will go on sale later today. For more information, hit up their website.
Fresh from stacking its 2018 lineup with 43 titles straight from Cannes, this year's Melbourne International Film Festival has unveiled its entire program — that is, the full range of 393 films you'll be trying to feast your eyes on between August 2 and 19. Artistic director Michelle Carey final fest — with long-term programmer Al Cossar stepping into the top spot for next year — 2018's MIFF selection includes 254 feature films, 120 shorts and 19 virtual reality experiences. Numbers-wise, it also features 27 world premieres and a hefty 168 flicks making their Australian debut. As always, MIFF's program offers a smorgasbord of cinematic delights that span high-profile must-sees, under-sung gems, and weird and wonderful surprises. After kicking off with the previously announced Wildlife, starring Carey Mulligan and Jake Gyllenhaal, cinephiles can catch computer-screen thriller Profile, Laura Dern-led childhood trauma drama The Tale, Nick Hornby rom-com adaptation Juliet, Naked, and inventive movie mashup The Green Fog. There's also Robert Pattinson trying to woo Mia Wasikowska in the comedic western Damsel, Yayoi Kusama documentary Kusama: Infinity, Ellen Page living in a post-zombie world in The Cured and the stunning doco Three Identical Strangers. In addition, Winter's Bone filmmaker Debra Granik is coming to town with her excellent new drama Leave No Trace. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0uZ6QbFvKk Of course, it wouldn't be a MIFF without South Korean auteur Hong Sang-soo's next soju-soaked piece of sweetness, this time called Grass. Or, without this year's Palme d'Or winner Hirokazu Kore-eda and his Cannes hit Shoplifters — his previous murder mystery The Third Murder is also on the bill. Other standouts include music docos about Elvis and contemporary America, boy bands and Melbourne's independent scene; five sessions of full-dome flicks at the Melbourne Planetarium; retrospectives on African cinema, fashion and film, French directing duo Hélène Cattet and Bruno Forzani, and 60s and 70s Italian crime flicks. Plus, if you're after something more than just the usual movie screening, sessions of noodle western Tampopo and Prince concert film Sign O' The Times will take place at the Astor. Yes, the former includes a bowl of ramen. On the local front, MIFF will play host to more than 20 new Aussie features — including world premieres in its centrepiece and closing night slot. Aussie rules comedy The Merger, which is based on the stage show of the same name, will take the middle spot, while Melbourne-made documentary The Coming Back Out Ball, charting the real-life event that took place in October 2017, will finish out the fest. Other Aussie efforts range from Acute Misfortune, starring Snowtown's Daniel Henshall as Archibald Prize-winning artist Adam Cullen; to psychological drama Celeste, featuring Radha Mitchell; to Geelong-shot thriller Undertow. From the doco slate, Island of the Hungry Ghosts delves into both migrating crabs and political detainees, Undermined: Tales from The Kimberley explores the threats currently facing the titular region, and Happy Sad Man tackles men living with mental illness. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9hYUhpuc2I Plus, as already revealed, MIFF 2018 will be big on special events thanks to an all-night tribute to Nicholas Cage, a one-off screening of Drive with a live score and Arrested Development's Alia Shawkat in conversation. Today's new titles join the fest's huge Cannes haul, as well as the other 32 films that were unveiled back in June. Think documentary The Bill Murray Stories: Life Lessons Learned from a Mythical Man, exceptional crime thriller You Were Never Really Here and devastating Chinese corruption drama Angels Wear White, alongside Gaspar Noé's Climax, Terry Gilliam's long-awaited The Man Who Killed Don Quixote, and Asghar Farhadi's Everybody Knows with Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem.
A common problem when you're trying to be somewhat healthy is picking a place for a quick dinner — pick a spot with a limited menu and it can completely throw off all the good work you've done. But that's all set to change at BEN'S Supernatural in Melbourne's South Yarra: a 'healthy' (if not just healthier) fast food eatery. BEN'S stands for Balance, Energy, Nutrition and Sustenance, in case you just thought we were yelling the name at you. With a menu developed over two years by executive chef David Selex (ex-Florentino and London's Nobu), each item has been given the tick of approval by head nutritionist Bannie Williams of The Healthy Ingredient. Burgers? Pizzas? Pancakes? Heartily encouraged and on the menu. BEN'S master baker David Flukes apparently spent 18 months perfecting the low-carb burger buns. Each dish is also backed by macro nutritional data, and with the calculator, you can tailor your meal to focus on high protein, low sugar, or Hugh Jackman's Wolverine diet. Vegans, paleo and gluten-free diners will also be satisfied with a variety of alternatives. Customers can view the nutritional profile of not just every meal, but each individual ingredient, along with detailed information about allergens and dietary requirements. "When we set out to create BEN'S, we decided we wanted to develop a completely transparent menu — simply because our food has nothing to hide," says founder Casey George-Jolson. Find BEN'S Supernatural Fast Food at 670 Chapel Street, South Yarra. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week from 7.30am Monday - Friday and 8.30am Saturday and Sunday.
To celebrate Melbourne’s innovative publishing scene, the NGV is hosting an Art Book Fair, the first of a series of annual art book events developed by one of Melbourne’s most impressive galleries. Both local and national publishers will feature in the fair that lasts all weekend, with special international guest Printed Matter (USA), who will be making their Australian debut. For this art book event there will be a curated focus on Japanese publishing, so if you’re keen to see what’s going on in the overseas publishing world, make sure you drop by. Along with the many stalls you will be able to peruse and purchase from, there will also be free talks, forums and performances running all weekend. As much as we adore acquiring art books, they often a bit hefty and can be troublesome to carry home. Our hot tip would be to mosey over to the NGV and pick up one of the official tote bags for a cool $5, making your life a heck of a lot easier and much more stylish.
It's very slowly warming up in Melbourne which heralds the coming of our favourite annual event — Melbourne Music Week. They've just released the 2016 lineup and it's got us collectively buzzing for summer nights, cold beers and sweaty gigs. As usual, the citywide festival has rolled out some unbelievable crispy shows to satisfy all music tastes. Running November 11-19, MMW will open with a bang with an all women lineup at Her Sound, Her Story. The event, appropriately hosted in Queen's Hall in the State Library (the already-announced MMW hub), will feature Julia Stone, Ella Hooper, Mama Kin, Montaigne, Mojo Juju, Ecca Vandal, Elizabeth Rose, Airling and Nyne. Then there's Aunty Donna and the Jungle Giants, who'll be performing on the steps of Parliament House, 1950s pin-up girl group Bobby and the Pins will be giving musical tours of Fitzroy Gardens, The Delta Riggs and Pierce Bothers will front a mini music festival at the MCG, and the Drones will play the grand organ at Melbourne Town Hall. That's not all though. We'll also be treated to performances by the likes of Elliphant (supported by Yeo and Uv Boi), The Harpoons and Tyrannamen at ACCA, Severed Heads, Harvey Sutherland and Bermuda and Young Magic in the State Library, and Zola Jesus and Penny Quartet at the Melbourne Recital Centre to name but a few. As usual, they're also putting on some killer workshops for noobs and musos alike, including how to make your on crystal radio (whatever that turns out to be), a choir singing workshop, make your own synth and speakers workshop and an introduction to Ableton Live. The whole shmozzle will be wrapped with big ol' shindig thrown by party people Good Manners. Now if this laundry list of fine tunes doesn't put you in the mood for summer, there's literally nothing that will. Melbourne Music Week runs November 11-19. Find more info and tickets on the website. Image: MMW.
