Gin and sunshine go together like cheese and crackers, a pairing so perfect that nobody is really sure where it came from. We just know it works. It makes sense to celebrate all things gin as we approach the warmer season, hence why Four Pillars Gin is celebrating a brand new ready-to-drink flavour across a huge series of live music events. For Melbourne, the action starts at Ponyfish Island in Southbank then spreads to The Royal Hotel in Mornington. This series of events taking place across October to December is putting tins in hands and smiles on faces via the drink itself (which can be described as a classic gin mule in a can). Quality vibes at local venues and entertainment will be provided by local musical talent. From the always-vibey Ponyfish Island in Southbank to the historic hotspot The Royal Hotel in Mornington — each weekend will star new musical acts and offer every guest a way to grab their very own Four Pillars Bucket Hat. Ponyfish Island is a favourite for sunset drinks in Melbourne, with its unique waterfront location making it front of mind for after-work drinks or breezy summer lunches. Gin Tins & Tunes will set up shop on the island on Sunday, October 8 and run every Sunday until October 29. Further to the south in Mornington is the Royal Hotel, a heritage pub that prides itself on royal feeds with top-notch seaside views and vibes. Gin Tins & Tunes will stay from Sunday, November 26 and run every Sunday until December 17. Gin Tins & Tunes runs weekly on Sundays at Ponyfish Island and The Royal Hotel. For more information and to make a booking, visit the website.
When one door closes, another one opens. And, in the case of Melbourne institution Brunetti, that door is bigger and better than ever before. Forced out of its longstanding Collins Street cafe due to works on Melbourne's new Metro Tunnel, the Italian cafe has landed itself new and improved digs, opening a sprawling venue connecting Flinders Lane and Collins Street. It's a fresh look for an old favourite — the 300-seater boasting a smart, contemporary fit-out, as imagined by the team at Technē Architecture + Interior Design. Think, brass accents, sleek marble and a 15.5-metre-high mural of an Italian town square. The food offering has entered a new era too, with executive chef Simon Moss (ex-Entrecote) plating up full breakfast, lunch and dinner menus to complement Brunetti's mind-blowing array of signature cakes and pastries. Dishes like spaghetti carbonara with cured egg yolk, and vitello tonnato bruschetta are served up on tableware crafted by local artist Glen Tebble, while pizzas get the proper Italian treatment, wood-fired in a Marana Forni oven suspended from the ceiling. There's also a Campari bar, dedicated to the classic Italian Spritz, sections for deli goods and takeaway wines, and an espresso bar where waistcoated baristas are working with an exclusive Lavazza coffee blend. Food images: Gareth Sobey.
Queensland is known for more than a few things. Endlessly warm weather, fearsome footy, particularly wild wildlife and a bustling arts and culture scene to name a few. But it's also home to a long legacy of scientific discovery. This history — and that of the science community the world over — is celebrated annually at World Science Festival Brisbane, which is returning this March for its 2023 edition. Taking over several venues citywide over its five-day run, World Science Festival Brisbane is here to both delight and educate across a range of scientific fields. Just like last year, the event is coinciding with Curiocity Brisbane, which runs until Saturday, April 22 — so you're guaranteed a double dose of thought-provoking attractions. If you plan on seeing it all, you're in for a jam-packed five days. Head to QPAC for one or all of Professor Brian Greene's four conversation sessions, which are set to cover astrology, neurology, history and more. For a good laugh, visit QPAC on Saturday, March 25 for the live comedy quiz show Night of the Nerds, or Sunday, March 26 for a live recording of A Rational Fear, the award-winning podcast series that explores – and manages to laugh at – all the ways the world could end. Fascinated by the oceanic realm? Artistically inclined? Head to Brisbane Planetarium between Thursday, March 23 and Sunday, March 26 to catch a screening of the award-winning short film CORAL: Rekindling Venus. And, excitingly, Curiocity's city walk returns. From Wednesday, March 22 till Saturday, April 22, your stroll through South Bank will be dotted with 14 immersive artworks and displays that explore everything from cat-babysitting AI to T-Rex farts. Beyond all of that science-fuelled fun, the loggerback turtle hatchery is returning to Queensland Museum (a true fan fave), interactive experiments are popping up across Brisbane, there's the chance to picnic amongst prehistoric animals at the South Bank Piazza and more. For more information and to nab your tickets to World Science Festival Brisbane, visit the website.
When Daft Punk announced that they will premiere their new album, Random Access Memories, at the Annual Show in the tiny town of Wee Waa, NSW everyone lost their minds a little bit. It seems like every website and news outlet in the world ran an equally incredulous item that, 'Yes, this is actually happening', and, 'No, this is not a joke'. Up until now, though, we hadn't heard any music from what is probably the most keenly anticipated album of the year. All changed over the weekend with the release of a snippet of a song called 'Get Lucky', featuring Pharrell Williams (from N*E*R*D*) on vocals and Nile Rodgers (from everything). The clip also reveals the names of some of the other very special guests who will feature on the album, including Julian Casablancas of The Strokes, Panda Bear of Animal Collective, DJ Falcon, Chilly Gonzales, Paul Williams, Giorgio Moroder and Todd Edwards. So. Excited much? https://youtube.com/watch?v=JMJwcOiBoZE
The Woodhouse has been known for serving up some of the best steaks in Bendigo since it opened in 2012, but now it's also home to a new wine and cocktail bar. Here, the interiors follow the same aesthetic as the main restaurant, giving off those luxe steakhouse vibes thanks to the use of white marble tabletops, plenty of timber finishes and proper mood lighting. The wine offering here is the standout, with the team serving up 28 by the glass and over 300 by the bottle. There are a few hyper-local Bendigo drops, as well as some from across Australia and Europe. House cocktails, beers, ciders, and an extensive range of spirits (this includes rows of whisky) round out the drink offerings at The Woodhouse Bar. Either drop by for drinks and light bites before heading to some of Bendigo's top places to eat, or follow it up with dinner at the main dining room, perhaps sampling its five-course meat-heavy set menu. If you're after a steak, you'll still need to head next door, but Chefs and Co-Owners Paul Pitcher and Tony Panetta have created a special snacking menu just for the bar. Top-grade wagyu is unsurprisingly included throughout the menu, featuring in the beef tartare, mini sliders and brisket skewers. But a few solid seafood and vegetarian dishes also make it on the list, alongside some salumi and cheese boards. You'll find The Woodhouse Bar at 101 Williamson Street, Bendigo, open from 5pm till late on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and from 3pm till late from Thursday to Saturday. For more details, check out the venue's website.
It's time to get the word "Jellicle" stuck in your head once more: to mark 40 years since it first hit the stage in Australia, Cats is prowling through theatres again in 2025. Back in July 1985, Aussie audiences initially experienced Andrew Lloyd Webber's acclaimed production, which turned a tale inspired by poems from T.S. Eliot's Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats into an award-winning theatre hit. In Melbourne, your next chance to see Cats starts from Sunday, December 21. Four decades ago, the show pranced through Theatre Royal Sydney to begin with — and after a stop there, the new season is scampering across the boards at Hamer Hall in the Victorian capital, too, to help you make some new Cats memories. If you're new to Cats, it spends its time with the Jellicle cat tribe on the night of the Jellicle Ball. That's the evening each year when their leader Old Deuteronomy picks who'll be reborn into a new Jellicle life by making the Jellicle choice. And yes, "Jellicle" is uttered frequently. Of late, audiences might be more familiar with Cats as a movie. In 2019, the musical made the leap from stage to screen with a star-studded cast including Idris Elba (Hijack), Taylor Swift (Amsterdam), Judi Dench (Belfast), Ian McKellen, (The Critic) James Corden, (Mammals) Jennifer Hudson (Respect), Jason Derulo (Lethal Weapon), Ray Winstone (Damsel) and Rebel Wilson (The Almond and the Seahorse) playing singing, scurrying street mousers. If you ever wanted to see Swift pouring cat nip on a crowd of cats from a suspended gold moon, or were keen to soothe your disappointment over the fact that Elba hasn't yet been James Bond by spotting him with whiskers, fur and a tail, this was your chance. For its efforts, the Tom Hooper (The Danish Girl)-directed film picked up six Golden Raspberry Awards, including Worst Picture. But while the movie clearly didn't hit the mark, you can see why this feline-fancying musical has been such a huge theatre hit thanks to its Aussie stage comeback. Images: Alessandro Pinna.
When it comes to fashion, the key to achieving an effortlessly cool aesthetic is nailing your basics. Having a few quality cuts of denim in your selection that transition between seasons and transcend trends makes choosing what to wear each day a whole lot easier. And denim doesn't really get much better than that available from Aussie label Ksubi. The brand has been producing its edgy designs for close to two decades and has built up quite the reputation both at home and abroad. Normally, Melbourne shoppers can only get their hands on Ksubi online or via General Pants, but this weekend Ksubi will be hosting a warehouse sale with some pretty epic discounts to boot. From Friday, April 13 to Sunday, April 15, the brand will take over Prahran Town Hall hawking its premium denim, tees and dresses for as little as $30. The pop-up sale will be open on Friday from 9am–8pm, Saturday from 9am–4pm and Sunday from 10am–4pm. Nothing will be over $100, so find those gaps in your wardrobe and move quickly.
Spring Break Cinema is heading back to Howler for a season of movies about music. Taking over the bandroom Wednesday evenings throughout October, the month-long program features an unpredictable mix of recent indie flicks, slick documentaries and retro favourites you haven't seen in an age. With tickets at just $15 a pop, we're thinking this looks like a mighty fine alternative to the multiplex. The fun begins on October 7 with Eden, a semi-biographical drama from young French auteur Mia Hansen-Love, about the attempts of her brother to make it big in the emerging house scene during the early 1990s. Next up comes L for Leisure, an oddball comedy set in the early '90s that boasts a killer selection of original synth-pop tunes. Week three will feature Fresh Dressed, a doco that charts the rise of hip hop fashion with commentary from the likes of Pharrell Williams, P Diddy and Yeezus himself. The season will then wrap up on October 28 with a 20th anniversary screening of Empire Records.
Sweet-toothed Melburnians, rejoice. Australia's dessert museum is returning for a second round of sugary fun this February. After hitting up Victoria in June last year — and subsequently Brisbane — Sugar Republic is returning with 12 new rooms, colourful installations and a retro candy store. This time, the Melbourne pop-up is taking over the sixth floor of Myer Melbourne and features an 80,000 rainbow pall pit, a giant birthday cake, a sweets-inspired neon installation, a confetti shower and a rainbow-filled bath (the sugary list goes on and on). You're also able to bask in nostalgia inside an old-school milk bar — created by Melbourne artist Callum Preston, who's work you'll recognise from this art show — a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory-inspired garden and a life-sized cookie house made from giant Arnott's biscuits. It sounds like the kind of place that Willy Wonka might own. Throughout the colourful exhibition, you'll find many edible treats, including Hubba Bubba, Halo Top, Wizz Fizz, Skittles and Starbursts, and will be able to visit a Sugar Republic cafe, which will be serving up a whole host of sugary delights. Don't tell your dentist. Worried the installation will be filled with littlies? Thankfully, this time round, it's opening on Thursday and Friday nights for adults only — so you can jump in the pit without fear of crushing a small one. Sugar Republic will pop up on the sixth floor of Myer in the CBD from February 10, 2019, and run through until May. It is open from 10am–6pm every day except Wednesday, and adults-only sessions will run from 6.30–8pm on Thursday and Friday nights. Images: Lucas Dawson.
When Julia Child famously said, "If cooking is evanescent, so is the ballet", she lifted cookery to the status of creativity. Her passion wasn't one of just housekeeping — no ma'am — it was one of craft and she proved it doesn't matter if it enjoys the same length of tangibility as a painting or a pirouette. Further cementing that food is art, The Olsen — the flagship hotel of the Art Series Hotel Group — combines culinary culture with local art at its adjoining restaurant, Spoonbill. Drawing inspiration from landscape artist John Olsen, after whom the hotel is named, Spoonbill doesn't falter on design or aesthetic. The matching of rustic timber with black and grey tones means that the interior is sleek, but not uncomfortable. The rounded bar and woven ceiling pieces create character in the open space, and the arrangement of tables gives intimacy in close proximity. Located on a busy Chapel Street corner, the restaurant acts as a refuge from the weekend hustle — there's something comforting in watching the outside world blow along from behind glass, the hubbub replaced with the sound of clinking wine glasses. It lacked atmosphere on a Saturday afternoon, but, being a hotel venue, would be sure to seat more guests and locals come evening. With few diners present, however, you'll be sure to receive personal recommendations and service from waitstaff. The menu is designed for a snacking, drinking or a full dining experience. Choose items from an a la carte menu, or go with the Laurent-Perrier Sharing Menu — your choice of any six, nine or twelve ($65-105 per person) dishes spanning entrees, mains and desserts. Origins are an important part of the menu, which relies heavily on seasonal, regional produce. If you're feeling peckish try the Cloudy Bay oysters delivered daily by Mike ($4 each) or the Gamekeepers Sausage — a finely blended sausage of Otway Ranges pork, fennel and chilli served with grilled scamorza, relish and pine mushrooms ($18). The soft tacos ($6.80 each), however, were off the mark: the soft shell crab was moreish but missing some spice and the pastrami with lettuce and cheese was more lunchbox sandwich than lavish. The main fare covers all the bases you'd expect, from duck to slow-cooked beef cheek and a 100-day aged Gippsland porterhouse. On the day of dining the seafood option was a piece of decidedly melt-in-your-mouth barramundi on a bed of risotto ($35), and was a standout dish. John Olsen's Famous Paella ($33 for one) — a house specialty — featured a generous spattering of good, fresh seafood, but lacked the crispy top layer and spectrum of flavours of traditional paellas. However, it is dessert that is the work of art. A passionfruit creme is fresh, not too heavy and a perfect way to cleanse the palette, and the cinnamon poached pear with ginger spiced crumble, honey brittle and burnt honey ice cream (both $16) is presented breathtakingly on the plate. If you're feeling rather full and want to bypass dessert, coffee is by St Ali and dessert cocktails, wines and port round out the wine list. The Olsen endeavours to create art within its walls, and Spoonbill is no different. From its John Olsen artwork and clean structural design to its regional Australian menu, it's clear that it is an aesthetic experience as much as it is a culinary one.
When Disney+ made its way into the world back in 2019, it gave viewers — including folks in Australia and New Zealand — access to a huge range of Disney, Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars and National Geographic movies and shows. What it didn't do is bring Hulu, which the Mouse House owns the majority stake in, to audiences Down Under. And, with Disney+ focused on family-friendly fare, it didn't deliver the kinds of series and films that Hulu screens, either. Hulu still isn't heading our way. But, come early 2021, Disney+ is expanding to include a new section that's basically an international equivalent of Hulu. It's called Star, it'll launch on Tuesday, February 23, and it'll screen "an additional 1000 unique titles under the new Star brand in the first year", according to the announcement at Disney's big 2020 Investor Day on Friday, December 11. It's also set to premiere 35 brand new series in 2021, too. Disney hasn't listed exactly what Australia and New Zealand audiences will be able to watch via Star — but it did reveal that Star will feature "a robust collection of general entertainment movies, television, documentaries, and more, along with Star-branded new exclusive originals and local productions being created for the service". It'll be drawing upon Disney's studios, such as Disney Television Studios, FX, 20th Century Studios, 20th Television and Touchstone, and will also feature local programming specific to each region. https://twitter.com/Disney/status/1337155471422189569 Star won't feature everything that Hulu does, because plenty of Hulu's series and films pop up elsewhere Down Under — like The Handmaid's Tale, for instance. That said, it's safe to presume that some of the rights deals that deliver Hulu content to other networks and streaming platforms in Australia and New Zealand might change when Star hits, moving where you can catch certain flicks and programs in the process. When Star launches, it'll also become available in Europe and Canada, both of which already have access to Disney+. The Mouse House will also launch Disney+ including Star in Singapore on the same date, then look to roll out in Eastern Europe, South Korea, Japan and Hong Kong across the rest of 2021. And, as you might've already guessed, Disney+'s expansion to include Star will come with a price increase. Australian subscriptions will go up to AU$11.99 per month or AU$119.99 per year, while New Zealand's will cost NZ$12.99 per month or AU$129.99 per year. Star will join Disney+ in Australia and New Zealand on Tuesday, February 23, with Disney+ subscriptions costing AU$11.99 per month or AU$119.99 per year in Australia, and NZ$12.99 per month or AU$129.99 per year in New Zealand, from that date.
You don't have to look north when planning a winter escape. Though the sunny weather and warmer temperatures are undoubtedly tempting, Victoria is home to an enviable array of top-notch stays rich in winter-warming experiences. One of the best is Dunkeld's Royal Mail Hotel, which has just unveiled a brand-new outdoor wellness suite. Available exclusively to hotel guests, this is your chance to slide into a spacious magnesium-salt hot tub or sweat it up in a Finnish-inspired cedar wood sauna. And if you get too hot, there's also a refreshing openair cool-down shower. Following a strenuous trek up into the Grampians, you won't find a better spot to soothe your weary limbs. Beyond the suite's amenities, this outdoor addition to the Royal Mail Hotel offers uninterrupted views of Mount Sturgeon (Wurrgari). Meanwhile, the surrounding property is dotted with century-old river red gums and rolling lawns speckled with wildflowers — a bustling thoroughfare for roaming kangaroos, wallabies and emus. You're also invited to shelter from the chill inside a cosy lounge area, where hot tea is brewed fresh using ingredients plucked from the property's famed kitchen garden. If you're unfamiliar, it's Australia's largest organic kitchen garden at 1.2 hectares and provides up to 80 percent of the produce for Wickens and the Parker St Project — the hotel's acclaimed fine-diner and relaxed alternative. During your stay, you can partake in daily chef-led garden tours or enjoy cellar visits and premium wine tastings guided by the restaurant's sommeliers. You're also invited to link up with the conservation team, who present a feeding time tour to raise awareness for the region's native and endemic species, such as eastern quolls and fat-tailed dunnarts. With the outdoor wellness experience complementing the Royal Mail Hotel's accommodation, you can choose a deluxe suite with Mount Sturgeon views, a refurbished bluestone cottage or the six-bedroom homestead for something extra special. Priced at $190 per session for two, the outdoor wellness suite is available for 90-minute bookings from 9am–7pm, Thursday–Saturday. The Outdoor Wellness Suite at the Royal Mail Hotel, Dunkeld, is available for guest bookings from 9am–7pm on Thursday–Sunday. Head to the website for more information. Images: We Met in June
Emily and Roy Yu are no strangers to plating up top-quality produce with a Japanese-accented finesse, as you'll know from their restaurants Wagyu Ya and Niku Ou. And the duo are throwing their hat into the same ring, albeit with a little extra fire, for their latest flame-focused eatery Yakikami. Now open in South Yarra, the 70-seat diner is delivering two different upscale food experiences, both embracing Japanese barbecue and built around some pretty exceptional meat. It's a study in Japanese flavours and technique, with more than a little French influence as far as the sauce game goes. Yakikami's menus are the work of Head Chef Hirokazu Sasaki, who hails from Michelin-starred Tokyo restaurant Niku Kappo Black. And the Yu's are among just two Aussie restaurateur groups to hold the Kobe beef Golden Calf certification, named as a preferred supplier of the famously premium marbled meat. Diners in the market for some of that top-grade beef will want to make a beeline for the chef's table offering, which sits just 10 at a time over two nightly sessions. Here, you'll get a front-row seat to the action as Kobe beef is cooked on the Josper grill, the high temperatures of which are thought to best bring out the meat's umami flavour. It starts on a $285 set menu, alongside plates like the A5 Wagyu tartare with smoked caviar, Japanese snow crab paired with hapuka, grilled wild mushrooms, and a nine-hour chicken bone ramen with ox tail and clams. Meanwhile, Yakikami's izakaya-style component centres around a yakitori station and heroes Nomad's premium pasture-raised Sommerlad Heritage chicken (Adelaide) beside an array of other quality proteins. You'll find a slew of things cooked over binchotan — think, garlicky wings, ginger chook hearts, chicken fillet with leek and spicy miso, and king oyster mushrooms finished with unagi tare. Kingfish carpaccio is dressed in yuzu, 'chicken skin rice' comes with sugar snaps and an onsen egg, and there's a hefty range of top-shelf steak and seafood options; from lobster in a 10-hour slow-cooked sauce to a $185 Kagoshima sirloin. If you were hoping to match your deluxe feed with some equally memorable tipples, you're in luck. A wide-ranging vinous selection has been curated by wine expert Phillip Rich, while the sprawling sake lineup tops out at a cool $1350 for a 1.8-litre bottle of the Juyondai Honmaru. Signature sips like the Sayo's Delight — a riff on a whisky sour starring Nikka From the Barrel, passionfruit and sake — is well worth a look-in. Find Yakikami at 150-152 Toorak Road, South Yarra. It's open from 3–10pm Wednesday to Sunday. Images: Griffin Simm
If the City of Melbourne has anything to say about it, post-lockdown life in the Victorian capital involves spending plenty of time roaming the CBD streets. Dining is taking over roadways, a citywide scavenger hunt is happening up until Christmas, pop-up food precincts are hitting town for New Year's Eve and a heap of laneways are getting an arty revamp, for starters. Over the next two weeks, too, some familiar faces are breaking out their instruments in some of Melbourne's most popular locations. As part of a collaboration between the City of Melbourne, the Victorian Government and Mushroom Group, a number of high-profile musicians are hitting the streets for a series of pop-up performances at busy dining spots. The twist: every show is a surprise. So, next time that you walk past a busker on your way to have a meal, you might want to check if it's someone that you recognise. The pop-ups are happening in conjunction with Melbourne Music Week Extended, which is currently in full swing until the end of February, as well as the Melbourne Christmas Festival and the ANZ City Vibes program. The latter supports 40 buskers a day to break out some tunes, doing so at 20 CBD locations until the end of the year. Already, Daryl Braithwaite has belted out a few songs, popping up in Degraves Street on Thursday, December 10, while Gordi also hit the inner-city streets on Friday, December 11. [caption id="attachment_794543" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] City of Melbourne[/caption] For more information about Melbourne's pop-up performances, which are set to take place up until Christmas Eve, check out the official announcement.
It's what Melbourne is known for: having a drink on the top of one of its city buildings as you see out the day in style. We know there are many to choose from, so in partnership with Jim Beam, we've put together a list of four rooftop bars where you can find something a little different — from cheeseburgers in old tram carriages to cocktails above a Chinese restaurant.
Wearing a pair of R.M. Williams says 'I'm ready for anything'. You could be going to the pub, walking into a work meeting or heading out to the farm to milk the cows. Sparkly footwear doesn't quite conjure up the same feelings of practicality. Well, until R.M. Williams released a special run of boots in gold metallic. The Aussie bootmaker released a special run of the boots last year to much fanfare — the shoes sold out quicker than most of us could transfer all our money into one bank account to pay for them. So we're sure more than a few people will be happy to hear that R.M.s will release a second lot of the limited edition Adelaide boots in gold and, for the first time, bronze. As with each R.M. boot, these have been crafted out of a single piece of leather and feature the same elegant stitching and tapered heel cuban heel of the regular Adelaide range. R.M.s are arguably Australia's most iconic shoe. From a modest start in the Adelaide outback servicing the stockmen and women of the heartland, 85 years later, a diverse range of people still wear the boots — from farmers in the outback, to corporate businessmen, to the style set at fashion week. Australian designer Dion Lee has used R.M.s regularly in campaign shoots and runway shows, even creating his own for New York Fashion Week in 2014. This latest addition to the women's range is only available online from tomorrow, Thursday, April 19. At $545 a pair, they're not exactly cheap — but if you're looking for an investment piece, a pair of R.M.s is the very definition of the phrase. Continuing to embrace contemporary styles and adapting to modern fashion without sacrificing their DNA has surely guaranteed the longevity of this historic label. R.M. Williams' gold and bronze Adelaide boots will be available to order online from Thursday, April 19 at rmwilliams.com.au.
Weird food museums have plenty in common with everyone's favourite doughy Italian dish — there's a type for everyone, and no one can resist their charms. Quite a number exist around the world, celebrating everything from ramen to currywurst to jell-o, but the latest will revel in the deliciousness that is pizza. Who doesn't want to while away a few hours in a pizza cave, pizza fun house or at the pizza beach, then play some pizza games? No one, that's who. They're just some of the attractions on offer at the pizza-themed space, which is is popping up in New York at a yet-to-be-disclosed location. Like the city's other over-the-top ode to a food that everyone loves, aka the Museum of Ice Cream, it's a short-term affair, running from October 13 to 28. Other highlights include an artist's gallery, presumably showcasing plenty of ace pizza-making; an interactive exhibit exploring the history of pizza, as well as promising to tell the dish's untold story (if it reveals that pizza also tastes great cold, well, that's something that everyone knows); and something called 'pizza zen', which, if it's meditation involving pizza, we're sure everyone will be onboard with. There'll also be a pizza screening room — if you'd like to watch clips of pizza, perhaps? So far, few concrete details about what any of these attractions actually entail have been revealed, but they sure will involve pizza somehow. The Museum is being called an "artistic tribute to pizza", according to its website, while the event's ticketing listing describes it as "a place to take amazing photos" and "a space to bask in multi-sensory, psychedelic pizza joy." Expect Instagram to be overrun with pizza photos, basically. If you're wondering about actually eating pizza, yes, attendees will also get a slice with their $35 ticket, from a vendor outside the venue. But, as every pizza fiend knows, one piece is never enough, so "the Museum will do its best to make additional pizza available." Via Eater.
Hey everyone, Kanye West is back at his Kanye best — being characteristically mysterious while simultaneously stirring everyone into a frenzy. Today he ambiguously announced on Twitter that he'll casually open 21 "Pablo temporary stores" around the world this weekend. 21 PABLO STORES WORLDWIDE THIS WEEKEND LOCATIONS HERE https://t.co/tYuzqs7kJW — KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) August 18, 2016 He's run this racket before. In 2013, he opened a pop-up shop on Bowery in NYC to commemorate the Yeezus tour and — as you could guess, it went bananas. This time around though the whole world is getting a taste. Life of Pablo pop-ups will open briefly in cities across the globe, including Melbourne and Sydney. It's unclear at this stage exactly what range of merchandise will be available, but Vogue is reporting that each city will be selling custom merch including t-shirts with the city's name spelt out in the custom Life of Pablo font (think of the re-sale value!). At previous pop-ups Kanye's sold copies of the namesake album and associated merch. Other cities that will be graced with a Pablo pop-up are Singapore, Amsterdam, Berlin, London, Cape Town, Toronto, Chicago, Detroit, San Francisco, Portland, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Boston, New York and Miami (so we're in pretty good company). He'll announce the exact locations 24 hours prior to their opening, so prepare to stalk, line up (early) and pounce on whatever Kanye's got in store for us. Via Vogue.
As part of ACCA's ongoing 'Big Picture' series of exhibitions, which considers how contemporary art interacts with social, cultural and political debates today, Unfinished Business: Perspectives on Art and Feminism presents a wide array of feminist art practices. Unfinished Business highlights numerous artists' approaches to gender identity, representation, intersectional politics, alongside the use of creative mediums such as performance, technology, humour, critique and text. The exhibition surveys these methods across the likes of painting, photography and film, plus wider ventures like community engagement and cultural activism. For this major exhibition, ACCA has commissioned new works, while also presenting recent work, notable historical projects, plus an extensive program of films and performances. Unfinished Business will also be supported by a publication with contributions by prominent artists, theorists and art historians dating back to the 1970s. Unfinished Business: Perspectives on Art and Feminism is a free exhibition at ACCA, running from Friday December 15 until Sunday March 25 2018. Image: Sarah Goffman, I am with you 2017; courtesy Andrew Curtis
Everyone has seen a TV show about renovating homes, buying real estate, blitzing backyards and building dream houses, even if they're not your preferred kind of viewing. But no one has watched an entry in the home renovation genre quite like The Curse, a spoof arriving this spring that gets Emma Stone (Cruella) and Nathan Fielder (The Rehearsal) playing a couple hosting their own home improvement series — and having some bad luck. Unsurprisingly, Fielder doesn't just star but also co-created, co-writes and co-directs. And, also to the astonishment of no one, the end result looks like far from your average series. A home makeover show, but eerie: that's the vibe in the just-dropped first teaser trailer for The Curse, complete with unsettling tunes to match. There's also Stone's opening line in the sneak peek at the ten-part series: "did you know you can put out fires with the sun?". Spoken with the cheery tone that's only ever used by people hosting TV shows, those 11 words are as disquieting as the score by the Safdie brothers' collaborator Oneohtrix Point Never. And, yes, not just the talent that made Good Time and Uncut Gems sound so unnerving but the sibling filmmakers behind them are also involved in The Curse. Benny Safdie (Oppenheimer) co-stars, co-created, co-writes and co-directs, with Josh Safdie an executive producer. Fielder and Stone play Asher and Whitney Siegel, who host a show on HGTV — American pay TV network Home & Garden Television — called Fliplanthropy. Newly married, they're trying to have a baby, but find their plans disrupted. Cue The Curse's title, obviously. [caption id="attachment_920385" align="alignnone" width="1920"] (L-R): Emma Stone as Whitney and Nathan Fielder as Asher in THE CURSE, Season 1. Photo Credit: Beth Garrabrant/A24/Paramount+ with SHOWTIME.[/caption] Benny Safdie plays their producer, with Barkhad Abdi (Little America), Corbin Bernsen (White House Plumbers) and Constance Shulman (Search Party) also featuring. Like everything almost everything of late, it seems — Close, Beau Is Afraid, You Hurt My Feelings, Past Lives, smash-hit Australian horror movie Talk to Me, fellow TV series Beef, the return of iconic Talking Heads concert film Stop Making Sense to cinemas, the Nicolas Cage-starring Dream Scenario — The Curse hails from A24. In Australia, it'll stream from Saturday, November 11 via Paramount+. Check out the first teaser trailer for The Curse below: The Curse will stream from Saturday, November 11 via Paramount+. Images: Beth Garrabrant and John Paul Lopez/A24/Paramount+ with SHOWTIME.
More than a quarter-century ago, a TV sitcom about six New Yorkers made audiences a promise: that it'd be there for us. And, as well as making stars out of Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Matthew Perry, Matt LeBlanc, David Schwimmer and Lisa Kudrow, Friends has done just that. Sure, the hit series wrapped up its ten-season run in 2004, but the show has lived on — on streaming platforms, by sending an orange couch around Australia, by screening anniversary marathons in cinemas and in boozy brunch parties, for example. In news that was bound to happen someday — no pop culture entity truly comes to an end in these reboot, remake, revival and spinoff-heavy times — Friends is living on in a much more literal sense, too. First hinted at in 2019, officially confirmed in 2020 and just releasing its first teaser trailer (and announcing a US air date), the show is coming back for a reunion special on HBO's streaming platform HBO Max. Naturally, the whole gang is involved. Yep, it's 'The One Where They Get Back Together' — which is exactly how the trailer for Friends: The Reunion describes the special. That said, it's worth noting that the special is unscripted, which means that Aniston and company aren't literally stepping back into Rachel, Monica, Chandler, Joey, Ross and Phoebe's and shoes. Instead, the actors behind the characters will chat about their experiences on the show — all on the same soundstage where Friends was originally shot. And, let's face it, the fact that they'll all be on-screen at the same time in the same place celebrating the series that so many folks love is probably enough for fans. Aniston, Cox and the gang will have a few other famous faces for company. More than a few, in fact. The guest list is hefty, and spans folks with connections to the show and others that must just love it — including David Beckham, Justin Bieber, BTS, James Corden, Cindy Crawford, Cara Delevingne, Lady Gaga, Elliott Gould, Kit Harington, Larry Hankin and Mindy Kaling, as well as Thomas Lennon, Christina Pickles, Tom Selleck, James Michael Tyler, Maggie Wheeler, Reese Witherspoon and Malala Yousafzai. Initially slated to air last May — with those plans delayed due to the pandemic — the special will now stream via HBO Max in the US on Thursday, May 27. For folks Down Under, just when and where it'll surface hasn't yet been revealed; however, it's bound to be here for us sooner or later. Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MedRN92V6lE Friends: The Reunion will be available to stream in the US via HBO Max on Thursday, May 27. It doesn't currently have an air date or streaming date Down Under — we'll update you when one is announced.
If you've ever entered Yayoi Kusama's surreal 'Infinity Mirror Room', stuck polka dots on surfaces in her series Dots Obsession or taken a photo with her giant pumpkin when you visited Naoshima, you probably exclaimed at least once (giddy with the joy only polka dots can bring) that holy shit, I want to live here. It seems this is a common expression as London's Tate Modern and Airbnb have teamed up to transform the spare bedroom of one lucky, art-loving Londoner into a literal work of Kusama's art. Those living in the Greater London area with a private room or entire home listed on Airbnb will be able to enter the competition, the prize of which will see their spare bedroom transformed into a genuine Yayoi Kusama art installation — that is, a vibrant, polka dot paradise. The Japanese artist and writer is known for her polka dot and mirrored art installations. You could actually never be sad again if you scored this room. To win, entrants have to tell the organisers why they want Kusama to transform their home in 300 words or less, and the prize also includes two tickets to the opening party of the Tate Modern's new building on June 16. It's not the first time this year that some prime art property has become available on Airbnb — the Art Institute of Chicago created an IRL replica of Gogh's famous work The Bedroom back in February. Unfortunately, unless you're some some sort of property mogul who's remotely running an Airbnb leasing ring in the Greater London area, you won't be eligible for this prize. However, you can only hope this room is available on your next trip to the UK. Alternatively, you can get a little Yayoi-y and stick polka dots to the wall of your bedroom yourself. Your landlord will love it (or else kick you out immediately).
The best of recent Japanese cinema is making the long trip south. With more than 45 films across a bunch of cities including Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and now, for the first time, Auckland, the Japanese Film Festival is the single largest event of its kind outside of Japan itself. This year's program is as diverse as ever, showcasing comedies, dramas, horror films, anime, and a rap-battle Yakuza musical showdown. Unfortunately for film buffs in Brisbane and Auckland, that last title, Sion Sono's utterly bonkers Tokyo Tribe, will only screen in Sydney and Melbourne. But there's plenty on the program for everyone to enjoy, including last year's smash hit time travel comedy Thermae Romae, along with its recently released sequel, Thermae Romae II. J-horror fans can check out Ju-On: The Beginning of the End, the seventh entry in the hair-raising franchise better known in English as The Grudge. A live-action adaptation of Kiki's Delivery Service, meanwhile, is the hot tip for lovers of Studio Ghibli's animated original. For the full JFF program, visit their website.
Usually when the Easter long weekend hits, music fans descend upon Byron Bay for five days of live tunes. Both in 2020 and 2021, that didn't happen — with Bluesfest cancelled last year when the pandemic began, then scrapped again this year after a new COVID-19 outbreak saw NSW Health issue a public health order to shutter the event. Thankfully for music lovers and festival devotees, the 2021 festival hasn't been ditched completely. More than a month after it was originally due to take place between Thursday, April 1–Monday, April 5, Bluesfest organisers have announced that it'll move to October instead. So, mark Friday, October 1–Monday, October 4 in your diary. That's another long weekend, although the rescheduled fest will be one day shorter than normal. Once again, the long-running festival will return to Byron Events Farm (formerly Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm) just outside Byron Bay. Originally, 2021's event was set to be headlined by Jimmy Barnes, Tash Sultana, Ocean Alley, Ziggy Alberts and The Teskey Brothers, but organisers haven't made any new lineup announcements yet. The fest will unveil its full new bill sometime next week, and revealed in a Facebook post announcing the new dates that it has "been adding more of Australia's absolute best talent". View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bluesfest Byron Bay (@bluesfestbyronbay) Bluefest also advised that season tickets for the festival will go on sale next week as well, with one- and three-day tickets available before that — but no specific dates were provided. Eager music fans can sign up for the waitlist now, and will be notified when tickets drop. Current ticketholders will be contacted by Moshtix with all the necessary information about the new dates, rolling your existing tickets over and getting a refund if you can no longer attend. And, because five-day passes were sold for the April dates, Bluesfest organisers are promising "something very special" for folks with those lengthier tickets during the October dates. Yes, that'll also be revealed sometime next week. Bluesfest 2021 will now run from Friday, October 1–Monday, October 4 at Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm, Byron Bay. The new lineup announcement is set to be announced sometime next week — to register for the ticket waitlist, head to Moshtix. Top image: Andy Fraser
This Sunday night in Los Angeles, Hollywood's top tier will come together, pat each other on the back, and go home with little gold men and $150,000 gift baskets. That’s right, the Oscars are finally upon us, set to launch their 87th ceremony on Sunday, February 22 at the Dolby Theatre (or Monday, February 23 for us). Get ready for red carpet specials, awkward presenter gaffes and all the bitter celebrity reaction shots your heart could possibly desire. This year, we’ll be rooting for underdogs like Whiplash and Wes Anderson, while keeping our fingers crossed that American Sniper wins absolutely nothing at all. We’ll also be partaking in our annual Oscars drinking game, ensuring that when our favourite film inevitably gets snubbed for Best Picture, we won’t actually remember it happened. Here are our predictions for who’ll take home the gold, as well as our own winner picks — who really should win. BEST PICTURE This year’s main list featured eight nominees, because apparently they just couldn’t get to ten. In reality, it just comes down to two: Richard Linklater’s 12-year indie epic Boyhood and Alejandro Gonzalez Innaritu’s one-take showbiz satire Birdman. Both films are formally ambitious and have won their fair share of industry gongs already. We’re leaning towards Birdman based on subject matter — two of the past three Best Picture winners (The Artist and Argo) have been about the film business, so why buck the trend now? WHAT WILL WIN: Birdman WHAT WE'D LIKE TO WIN: The Grand Budapest Hotel BEST DIRECTOR Take what we wrote about the Best Picture contest and copy-paste it here. This comes down to two very different directing styles, both of which push technical boundaries in a way we rarely get to see. Again, we’re giving Innaritu a slight edge, although don’t be surprised if there’s a split between Picture and Director. WHO WILL WIN: Alejandro Gonzalez Innaritu, Birdman WHO WE'D LIKE TO WIN: Wes Anderson, The Grand Budapest Hotel BEST ACTRESS Of all the awards, this one’s probably the easiest to pick. It’s been quite a good year for female performances, and we’re particularly fond of Rosamund Pike in Gone Girl and Marion Cotillard in Two Days, One Night. That being said, Julianne Moore looks to have it all locked up, for her brilliant performance as an Alzheimer’s patient in indie drama Still Alice. WHO WILL WIN: Julianne Moore, Still Alice WHO WE'D LIKE TO WIN: Marion Cotillard, Two Days, One Night BEST ACTOR While the Best Actress race appears to have already been run, the men’s competition is still wide open. Birdman’s Michael Keaton appeared to be an early favourite, but has been losing steam to Eddie Redmayne as Steven Hawking in The Theory of Everything. Then there’s the matter of Bradley Cooper in controversial dark horse American Sniper. In the end, we suspect it’ll go to Redmayne. The Academy loves inspiring true stories, especially when they involve disability. WHO WILL WIN: Eddie Redmayne, The Theory of Everything WHO WE'D LIKE TO WIN: Michael Keaton, Birdman BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS Whether or not Boyhood takes home the top prize, they can take some consolation in Patricia Arquette’s likely win for Best Supporting Actress. This category is a relatively weak one, particularly when you take away the obligatory Meryl Streep nomination — although admittedly she’s one of the few good things about Into the Woods. WHO WILL WIN: Patricia Arquette, Boyhood WHO WE'D LIKE TO WIN: Patricia Arquette, Boyhood BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR This is another easy pick, and one that’s hard to argue with. 60-year-old J.K. Simmons has been a jobbing character actor for decades, popping up everywhere from Spiderman to Juno to HBO’s Oz. It’s always great when someone like Simmons gets the mainstream attention they deserve. His performance as a dictatorial jazz conductor in Damien Chazelle’s Whiplash is undoubtedly one of the best performances of the year. WHO WILL WIN: J.K. Simmons, Whiplash WHO WE'D LIKE TO WIN: J.K. Simmons, Whiplash BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY Birdman and Boyhood will both make a decent showing here, but we’re predicting this is the category where Wes Anderson gets some well deserved love. The American indie darling has previously scored writing nominations for The Royal Tenenbaums and Moonrise Kingdom, and seems like a decent chance to finally take home a win with The Grand Budapest Hotel. Note that if either Birdman or Boyhood do manage to nab it, it’ll bode very well for their chances later in the night. WHAT WILL WIN: The Grand Budapest Hotel WHAT WE'D LIKE TO WIN: The Grand Budapest Hotel BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY Maybe the hardest of the major categories to pick, the only certainly is that Paul Thomas Anderson’s baffling stoner detective film Inherent Vice has zero chance of winning (even though it’s awesome). Whiplash ended up in this category because it’s technically based on a short film by the same director, and it may have a slight edge over other nominees The Imitation Game, The Theory of Everything and American Sniper. When it doubt, we say give it to the indie movie. WHAT WILL WIN: Whiplash WHAT WE'D LIKE TO WIN: Inherent Vice or Whiplash. Watch the 87th Academy Awards this Monday, February 23. The live broadcast itself begins at 12.30pm and will be replayed in primetime at 8.30pm on GEM.
'Tis the season for many things, though at one particular pop-up Christmas market, the festivities are entirely, deliciously gin-related. The Craft & Co's returning Gin Market is a one-stop pressie shop with a very distinct flavour. Taking place at The Craft & Co in Collingwood across the first weekend of December — from Friday, December 2–Sunday, December 4 — this market will showcase a careful curation of delights from an array of Aussie gin distilleries. As it's a sitdown event, they'll be going from table to table, speed-dating style, so you can hear all about the passion for their products. [caption id="attachment_876364" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Rebekah Halls[/caption] Exclusive specials are promised, so if you're a real ginthusast, you'll want to stock up on presents — and, you know, a few treats for yourself. Tickets cost $35–40 depending on the session — each running for two-and-a-half hours, at 7pm on the Friday; 11am, 2pm and 5pm on the Saturday; and 11am and 2pm on the Sunday — and there'll be nine stalls on offer. And yes, tastings are included in the price, as is a The Craft & Co showbag. You do need to book in advance, too, as walk-ins won't be accepted. Images: Rebekah Halls.
The Mornington Peninsula now has its own gluten-free brewpub thanks to Twøbays Brewing. The public tasting room in Dromana is set amongst the production brewery, which began operation in 2017. It's stainless steel tanks are visible from the brewpub side, and the entire facility overlooks the picturesque Arthur's Seat. Founder and beer enthusiast Richard Jeffares was diagnosed with coeliac disease in 2016 and became inspired by similar gluten-free taprooms found in The States. Jeffares signed on head brewer Andrew Gow, whose resumé boasts 20 years in the business, including at Mornington Peninsula Brewery, Mountain Goat and Five Islands in Sydney's Wollongong. While most beers use gluten-containing malted barley, Twøbays instead uses gluten-free millet, rice and buckwheat — imported from Colorado and California — in all its beers. The brewpub boasts a range of core and specialty tap beers, from a lager and an XPA, to limited-edition creations like the Ball Park Bloom Belgian witbier. To try a few at once, patrons can nab a four-pony tasting paddle. Apart from brews, there's locally produced Quealy wine and Ten Sixty One cider to enjoy. And, adding to theme, there's also a wood-fired oven slinging gluten-free pizza. The taproom is a cash-free environment, though, so make sure you come with card in hand. Twøbays sells a selection of its beers online — all of which are Coeliac Australia certified — so keep an eye on the brewery's website for updates. If you're a keen home-brewer, Twøbays is also selling and shipping its gluten-free brew packs and malts across Australia.
Moxy Hotel is the playful, experience-focused offshoot brand of Marriott International. And it's about to make its debut in Australia — in Melbourne's South Yarra. Boasting 180 rooms, with a bold contemporary design by Australian architectural firm Rothelowman, the new venture will make its home on Claremont Street, putting guests just a short stroll from the buzzing strip of Chapel Street. The local edition, slated to be up and running by July 2021, joins a collection of 30 Moxy Hotels now open across Asia, North America and Europe. Living up to Moxy's youthful image, the Melbourne hotel will apparently be geared towards a new generation of social travellers who wants a little bit more from their accomodation than simply a place to crash. While it'll have a fairly affordable price tag, you can expect a strong focus on social spaces and lots of work extras for those wanting to stay connected on the move. Think plenty of plug-ins for all your devices, a self-service grab-and-go food and drink offering that's available 24/7, and what Moxy describes as "furiously fast, free wi-fi". The venue will feature high-tech suites, a bar and lounge, and its own onsite co-working space, a fully equipped gym, as well as a rooftop bar with views across the city. While the renders show what looks to be a metallic pink Jeff Koons Balloon Dog sculpture in the foyer, there's no word yet on whether this will be making its way into the hotel IRL. We'll update you as soon as we know more. Moxy Melbourne is expected to open at 30-32 Claremont Street, South Yarra, in July 2021.
Your 2023 getaways just got cheaper — and you'll have a new way to fly off on holidays, too. First announced in 2021, Australian airline Bonza will finally take to the skies in 2023, after securing regulatory approval. The soon-to-launch carrier's aim: opening up routes to more of the country's regional destinations, flying 27 routes to 17 locations, and offering low-cost fares in the process. Today, Thursday, January 12, Bonza CEO Tim Jordan announced that the airline received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). "This is an historic moment for Australian aviation as we get ready to launch the first high-capacity airline in more than 15 years, and the country's only independent low-cost carrier," said Jordan. "With the approval from CASA, 2023 is set to be the year of seeing more of your own backyard for less." With the required tick of approval now in place, Bonza can put flights on sale, starting with fares from its Sunshine Coast base — with flights from Melbourne, where it'll also have a base, set to follow. Passengers will hit the air in planes given names as Aussie as the airline's itself: Bazza, Shazza and Sheila. The airline hasn't yet announced when you'll be able to book, other than soon, but to do so you'll need to download the airline's app. One of Bonza's points of difference will be app-only reservations, unless you're booking via a registered local travel agent. Another: a previously announced all-Australian in-flight menu, spanning both food and craft beer. When it hits the air, the airline will service locations such as Bundaberg, Cairns, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, the Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba, Townsville and the Whitsundays in Queensland; Albury, Tamworth, Coffs Harbour, Newcastle and Port Macquarie in New South Wales; and Melbourne, Avalon and Mildura in Victoria — with a big focus on regional destinations. The carrier's network will see it take passengers to places they mightn't otherwise been able to fly to, with Bonza advising that 93 percent of its routes aren't currently served by any other airline — and 96 percent of them don't presently have a low-cost carrier. Bonza is launching with the backing of US private investment firm 777 Partners, which also has a hand in Canada's Flair Airlines and the Southeast Asian-based Value Alliance. Its fares won't include baggage and seat selection, which'll you need to pay extra for — and it'll be cheapest to do so when you make your booking, rather than afterwards Bonza is set to start flying sometime in 2023 — we'll update you flights go on sale. For more information, head to the airline's website, or download its app for Android and iOS.
The NGV is transforming into a teen-only zone for one night only on Saturday, August 9, hosting the latest instalment of its 'NGV Teens: Art Party' events. With the NGV International staying open after hours, the evening has been designed for teens by teens in collaboration with the NGV Teen Council, offering full access to both the French Impressionism and Kimono exhibitions. Activating numerous spaces throughout the gallery, guests can also expect a youthful combination of art, music, social connection and hands-on workshops. Setting the tone for the night, the NGV Great Hall will feature a boundary-pushing live DJ set by Rainbow Chan, a much-loved Hong Kong-Australian musician and visual artist. Meanwhile, several interactive experiences will level up the night. Leading textiles artist Louise Meuwissen will host a wearable beaded flower workshop inspired by flamboyant French fashion. Plus, a dedicated glitter station makes it easy for teens to customise their look, drawing inspiration from master artists like Monet, Degas and Renoir. There's also the chance to snap pics in a dreamy photobook set within Olaf Breuning's Plans for the Planet exhibition. Then, Alliance Française will build upon the evening's loose Francophile theme by hosting drop-in French friendship sessions. Here, guests can brush up on their linguistics and maybe even make a new pal in the process. Images: Nick Robertson / Eugene Hyland.
When one door closes, another one opens. And, in the case of Melbourne institution Brunetti, that door is bigger and better than ever before. Forced out of its longstanding Collins Street cafe due to works on Melbourne's new Metro Tunnel, the Italian cafe has landed itself new and improved digs, this week opening the doors to a sprawling venue connecting Flinders Lane and Collins Street. It's a fresh look for an old favourite, the 300-seater boasting a smart, contemporary fit-out, as imagined by the team at Technē Architecture + Interior Design. Think, brass accents, sleek marble and a 15.5-metre-high mural of an Italian town square. The food offering has entered a new era too, with executive chef Simon Moss (ex-Entrecote) plating up full breakfast, lunch and dinner menus to complement Brunetti's mind-blowing array of signature cakes and pastries. Dishes like spaghetti carbonara with cured egg yolk, and vitello tonnato bruschetta are served up on tableware crafted by local artist Glen Tebble, while pizzas get the proper Italian treatment, wood-fired in a Marana Forni oven suspended from the ceiling. There's also a Campari bar, dedicated to the classic Italian Spritz, sections for deli goods and takeaway wines, and an espresso bar where waistcoated baristas are working with an exclusive Lavazza coffee blend. Find this latest addition to the Brunetti family at 250 Flinders Lane, Melbourne. For more info, visit brunetti.com. Images: Gareth Sobey (food) and Earl Carter (interior).
It's safe to say legendary Scottish brewery BrewDog is having a bit of a moment in Australia right now. After opening its first local venue in Brisbane in 2019, it followed up with news of a bunch more Aussie outposts this year, announcing plans to expand into Melbourne, Sydney and further in Brisbane. That second Queensland bar threw open its doors this month. And now, it's Melbourne's turn, as the brewery's much-anticipated Pentridge bar gears up to welcome beer-lovers from 12pm on Friday, November 25. [caption id="attachment_856808" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Render of BrewDog Pentridge[/caption] We already knew it was going to be a hefty project, created in partnership with Australian Venue Co (Harlow, The Smith, State of Grace). Now, we've got an even better idea of just what that looks like. Namely, a $3 million beer bar spanning two levels within the E Division building of the historic prison site. At 12,000 square feet, it's got room for 500 punters; complete with a ground floor dining room and den, three upstairs function spaces, and a beer garden with its own container bar and dedicated games area. From the bar comes a 20-strong tap beer lineup, starring numerous BrewDog drops alongside a rotation of guest brews. Here's hoping favourites like the Dead Pony Club Session IPA, the Passionfruit Blitz sour and the American-style IPA they call Elvis Juice will be making an appearance. To match those sips, you'll find a sprawling menu of classic pub fare, featuring an impressive ratio of plant-based and gluten-free options, no less. It jumps from a range of schnitties, parmas and burgers — including one done with XPA-braised brisket — to pizzas and a whole stack of wing varieties. Grazing plates include the likes of buffalo chicken loaded fries, and haloumi with native pepper berry; while the Hoppy Meal option gets you a burger, a side and a beer icypole for $25.95. Like all good pubs, weekly specials abound here — from Monday's two-for-one vegan menu, to an all-you-can-eat wings situation each Wednesday. Sydney is also mere weeks away from having a BrewDog of its own, with today's news the South Eveleigh outpost is set to launch on Friday, December 2. [caption id="attachment_877698" align="alignnone" width="1920"] BrewDog Fortitude Valley[/caption] [caption id="attachment_856809" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Render of BrewDog Pentridge[/caption] Find BrewDog Pentridge at Pentridge Prison, E Building, T101/1 Champ St, Coburg, from 12pm on November 25.
Each individual member of How I Met Your Mother seems to do something cool. Jason Segel resurrected the Muppets. Neil Patrick Harris produces interactive theatre and dresses his adorable babies in adorably elaborate Halloween costumes. Alyson Hannigan was Willow freakin' Rosenberg. When you break it down, the omnipresent sitcom might be less than the sum of its parts. Josh Radnor, the personal pronoun of How I Met Your Mother, follows suit by being an indie film writer and director of some repute, having won the Sundance Film Festival Audience Award for 2010's happythankyoumoreplease. His newbie, Liberal Arts, is about a 35-year-old demi-achiever, Jesse (Radnor), who works a dull job as a university admissions officer and reads dead-tree books constantly, while walking even. When he visits his alma mater to honour his retiring former professor, Peter (Richard Jenkins), Jesse also starts a romance with sparky 19-year-old student Zibby (Elizabeth Olsen). Between her exuberance for new knowledge and the campus's leafy, Midwestern nourishment, he rediscovers some of the wide-eyed optimism of his own college days — and also learns why he can't have them back. Really, you can't blame anyone for falling a bit in love with Olsen. She elevates the whole movie, bringing a flood of beauty and intelligence to a character already written to be quite beautiful and quite intelligent. She's not a manic pixie dream girl, although the film pales from being made in an MPDG world. The story of 'unremarkable pre-middle-aged male seeks shaking up, via female, into remarkable life' is a little tired. Sure, seedy, equivocating men deserve our empathy, but arguably they've already had their time in the sun. We know you shouldn't sleep with the girl; we don't need to see your working out. There are other flaws in the film that follow on from all this obviousness: One character, Dean (John Magaro), a random student among thousands, appears in front of Jesse 'by coincidence' with such frequency he'd have to be a ghost stalking our protagonist (he's not), and his arc becomes too foreseeable. Perhaps Liberal Arts would have meant something more if all these other characters didn't so perfectly serve Jesse. They awaken him, confront him, absolve him, and release him. That said, arts graduates will nod in recognition of post-modern theory references, and Allison Janney fans will delight in her cameo as an ironically hard-hearted Romantics professors. There are several estimable bon mots. Liberal Arts may make a forgettable thesis, but you'd still find a couple of passages within it to highlight.
Everyone has their favourite places to eat, and their favourite dishes to order while they're there. But what happens when a new tastebud-tempting dish arrives to whet your appetite? We've all experienced the kind of menu indecision that can spring in this exact situation, where we're torn between a tried-and-trusty tasty option we already know we'll love and opting for something new — and with its latest addition to its range, Betty's Burgers has an answer. Firstly, folks who don't partake in meat, rejoice: the chain has just launched a new plant-based version of its popular Betty's Classic burg. Called Betty's Classic Plant, it's made with soy-based plant patties from Love Buds, then piles on the lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese and Betty's special sauce that you'd find on the carnivorous option. And, while the patty is already both vegan and gluten-free, you can ensure that the whole burg is, too, by getting it without the milk bun — on a vegan bun instead — and sans sauce and cheese. If that's set your stomach a-rumbling, the new burger is on the menu now — and trying it out comes with a two-bite guarantee. Give it a couple of chomps, then either keep eating if you love it, or swap it for a regular Betty's Classic or a Betty's Classic Vegan straight away if you don't. While usually you need to get in quickly for Betty's Burgers fresh additions — its limited-time-only lobster rolls and prawn rolls, for instance — this new plant-based burg is a permanent newcomer, and will set you back $11.50. And if you're new to all things Betty's, it's known for its Shake Shack-style burgs and frozen custard desserts (called concretes). While you can now grab one of the chain's burgers at a heap of locations across Australia, including in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide, the company first began in Noosa, and then expanded to the Gold Coast. For more information about Betty's Burgers and its new Classic Plant burg, head to the chain's website.
When Wes Anderson's The French Dispatch flickered across the silver screen, a visit to Cinema Nova in Carlton came with a bonus: seeing art by Moses Rosenthaler, the character played by Benicio del Toro (Reptile), gracing the picture palace's walls among other odes to the feature. Jump forward four years and the movie haven is again paying tribute to a collaboration between Anderson and del Toro. The writer/director and the Oscar-winning actor have reteamed on The Phoenician Scheme, and this Melbourne cinema has also made the flick the focus of its latest bar makeover. Cinema Nova hasn't just revamped its watering hole for The French Dispatch and The Phoenician Scheme's respective releases. Asteroid City, The Grand Budapest Hotel, Isle of Dogs: they all earned the same treatment. Consider it a Melbourne-only gift to the filmmaker's fans from one of the city's go-to spots to catch a movie — and one that keeps coming back in new guises. Of course, Anderson's meticulous aesthetic already immerses his audiences. Cinema Nova is just taking the Academy Award-recipient's (for The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar) lead, then. Decor-wise, the venue's bar has scored a Levantine-meets-post-modern temporary revamp, complete with nods to Marseille Bob's (Mathieu Almaric, A Private Life) nightclub and Zsa-zsa Korda's (del Toro) bathroom. The glow-up's references will obviously make more sense once you've seen the film, but stepping into Anderson's vibe works both before and after viewing. Other touches include posters for the flick, news clippings about about Korda, movie stills, a basketball hoop on the back of a train and literally hopping into the tub. For refreshments, the menu spans cocktails, wine, beer, coffee, tea and snacks, with the booze on offer from midday and happy hour running from 4–6pm Monday–Thursday. If you're heading to catch the movie, which follows a wealthy businessman's attempt to reunite with his estranged daughter (Mia Threapleton, The Buccaneers) and enact a scheme that'll ensure his fortune, this is clearly the perfect accompaniment. That said, dropping by just because from 10am–9pm daily is also an option. An end date for this The Phoenician Scheme wonderland hasn't yet been announced; however, it'll be here for a good time, not a long time, so take that into account for your next Anderson IRL fix. Find Cinema Nova's latest bar takeover at 380 Lygon Street, Carlton — open from 10am–9pm daily. The Phoenician Scheme opened in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, May 29, 2025. Read our interview with Benicio del Toro and Michael Cera. Images: Fiona Hamilton.
When a venue opens in Docklands, despite its allure and promise, there's always a hint of hesitation. A pocket of the city still under a cloud of doubt, a venture west of the CBD border seems questionable: will it all be worth it? But making your way to Long Shot, the newest addition to the Collins Square corporate complex that already houses Bar Nacional, is one effort that is amply rewarded. In actual fact, Long Shot just sits on the cusp of Docklands on Collins Street, barely over the bridge and a short walk from Southern Cross. It joins Halyard Coffee and Duke's Story Coffee & Foodstore in the new movement to provide specialty coffee to a previously sparse area; those that work in Docklands now have access to the same quality brew that the rest of the city affords in such a capacity. The coffee in question is from St. Ali and is expertly executed by head barista Joshua Willis (ex Proud Mary). While the line at the takeaway window can build up prior to 9am, there is enough room to linger over a latte and freshly baked pastry or two. Either settle into a window seat or the round communal table and — with the rush passing the cafe — savour the idle time and the menu. Undoubtedly, the main drawcard for Long Shot is its worship-worthy cake display. Baked fresh on site by Shaun Quade and Jo Barrett, you can expect crisp and chewy almond croissants and juicy fruit Danishes ($4.50), but other sweet treats — such as sticky cinnamon scrolls, doughnuts, savoury muffins and a gluten free lemon meringue pie — change daily. We wouldn't stress too much though, it's choosing just one that's the hard part. A few sit down breakfast options cover all the bases from soft cooked eggs with maple glazed bacon and house made sourdough ($14.50) to a fully handmade gluten free cereal ($12.50). The yoghurt is pot set in house too and, with apple pie jam and puffed grains, it is creamy and tartly cut with the jam to surpass all expectations ($8). For lunch, gourmet salads and sandwiches go on display and it becomes acceptable to order a glass of organic wine ($9) or the German wheat beer on tap. Adding to the sheer self-sufficiency of Long Shot, Quade also ferments his own soda and has created his own range of imaginative bottled flavoured milks. Try the sweet Vietnamese coffee, the caramel corn and burnt butter or the rice pudding and cinnamon, which absolutely bursts in your mouth ($4.50). Satisfying the three C's — coffee, cereal, cake and cinnamon milk — Long Shot is adding to Docklands' burgeoning coffee scene. In the food game, there are some things worth the risk. This is one long shot you can bet on.
No matter where you live in Australia, you've heard about plans, pathways, roadmaps and rollouts quite often during the pandemic. As the country has faced COVID-19, our state and federal leaders have unveiled plenty of outlines that run through what we can do, what we can't do whenever restrictions are in place, how we're getting vaccinated, where we can travel and how life might return to normal — including, in early July, a new outline for the future stemming from Australia's National Cabinet. That overall plan, announced by Prime Minister Scott Morrison after meeting with state and territory leaders on Friday, July 2, steps through four phases that Australia intends to work through to get life back to its pre-pandemic state. It covers things like resuming international travel, loosening restrictions on vaccinated folks and scrapping lockdowns completely. That said, when first announced, the plan didn't include timeframes or information on when these different tiers would kick in, other than vague hopes. But following the latest National Cabinet meeting on Friday, July 30, the Prime Minister has now filled in some details. Vaccination thresholds have been attached to the second and third phases of the roadmap, which has been dubbed the National Plan to transition Australia's National COVID Response. The second stage will come into effect when 70 percent of the population has been fully vaccinated with two doses, while the third phase will kick in at 80 percent. There's still no expected dates, however. For both stages, there's also a couple of requirements — and a "two-key process", as the Prime Minster explained. Firstly, the entirety of Australia must reach those figures overall, based on the population over the age of 16. After that, each individual state and territory also must hit those thresholds for that phase to specifically apply in that state or territory. At 70 percent, restrictions will be eased on folks who've had the jab, including around lockdowns and border controls. Some of the inclusions in each phase have been amended since the beginning of July, reflecting the changes in Australia's COVID-19 situation over the past month, but it's still aimed that lockdowns will be less likely in this second stage. Low-level restrictions will still help minimise the spread of cases and assist contact tracing, and the vaccine booster program would begin. This is when inbound passenger caps for unvaxxed returning Aussies will be restored to previous levels, too, and when more vaccinated returning Aussies will be allowed to come home. When the 80-percent threshold comes in, that's when jabbed Australians can travel overseas again without restrictions — which is clearly huge news. This third phase also has minimal restrictions on daily life and no lockdowns, and frees vaxxed Aussies from all those domestic restrictions anyway. At this point in the plan, there'd be no caps on returning vaccinated travellers at all, and more travel bubbles, like the one floated with Singapore, would open. Also, vaccine boosters would keep being delivered. After that comes the final phase, although this one doesn't have any specifics regarding a vaccination threshold as yet. This tier sees COVID-19 just treated like other infectious diseases. It'd still be around, but it'd get the same kind of response as the flu. So, there'd be no lockdowns or domestic restrictions ever, vaccinated folks could come and go as they like, and non-vaccinated travellers would just have to get tested before they depart and when they arrive. Basically, life would be like it was before the pandemic, just with some quarantine required for the highest-risk inbound travel. Obviously, with Greater Sydney set to spend at least nine weeks in lockdown, Victoria just coming out of its latest almost two-week-long lockdown and 11 Local Government Areas in southeast Queensland heading into a new three-day lockdown from Saturday, July 31, COVID-19 case levels could still impact how this plan gets put into effect. Indeed, if Australia's pandemic response so far is any guide, this could all change, take forever or simply not happen — but it's the stated federal plan at the time of writing, and now has some concrete vaccination thresholds. Wondering where we sit in the scheme of things right now? We're in the first stage, unsurprisingly. Here, the aim is to suppress the virus to minimise community transmission. So, there's early, stringent and short lockdowns when outbreaks occur, and domestic restrictions as well. Our international borders are closed, there's a cap on inbound travellers, and the vaccination campaign is underway. Also in this initial phase, the Medicare Vaccination Certificate will be rolled out, Australia will work out how to authenticate digital vaccination status at our international borders and the vaccine booster program will be prepared. For further details about the National Plan to transition Australia's National COVID Response, head to the Prime Minister's website.
Twin gynaecologists at the top of their game. Blood-red costuming and bodily fluids. The kind of perturbing mood that seeing flesh as a source of horror does and must bring. A stunning eye for stylish yet unsettling imagery. Utterly impeccable lead casting. When 1988's Dead Ringers hit cinemas, it was with this exact combination, all in the hands of David Cronenberg following Shivers, The Brood, Scanners, Videodrome and The Fly. Attempting to stitch together those parts again, this time without the Crimes of the Future filmmaker at the helm — and as a Prime Video miniseries, which streams from Friday, April 21, too — on paper seems as wild a feat as some of modern medicine's biggest advancements. This time starring a phenomenal Rachel Weisz as both Beverly and Elliot Mantle, and birthed by Lady Macbeth and The Wonder screenwriter Alice Birch, Dead Ringers 2.0 is indeed an achievement. It's also another masterpiece. Playing the gender-swapped roles that Jeremy Irons (House of Gucci) inhabited so commandingly 35 years back, Weisz (Black Widow) is quiet, calm, dutiful, sensible and yearning as Beverly, then volatile, outspoken, blunt, reckless and rebellious as Elliot. Her performance as each is that distinct — that fleshed-out as well — that it leaves viewers thinking they're seeing double. Of course, technical trickery is also behind the duplicate portrayals, with directors Sean Durkin (The Nest), Karena Evans (Snowfall), Lauren Wolkstein (The Strange Ones) and Karyn Kusama's (Destroyer) behind the show's lens; however, Weisz is devastatingly convincing. Beverly is also the patient-facing doctor of the two, helping usher women into motherhood, while Elliot prefers tinkering in a state-of-the-art lab trying to push the boundaries of fertility. Still, the pair are forever together or, with unwitting patients and dates alike, swapping places and pretending to be each other. "It's impossible to explain this relationship to anyone outside of it. We don't need anyone else. We never have." That's Beverly's summary of their codependent lives — or is it Elliot's? When they're side by side, the Mantle twins are patently two halves of the same self-sufficient whole, as a brilliant, biting and blistering opening scene where they reprimand a guy who interrupts their post-work drinks makes plain. The fellow bar patron barely knows what hits him as they sling their displeasure fast and furiously, and nor do most folks in their company afterwards. As the six-episode series progresses, that includes actor Genevieve (Britne Oldford, The Umbrella Academy), who segues from a patient to Beverly's girlfriend; Elliot's researcher offsider Tom (Michael Chernus, Severance); and big-pharma billionaire Rebecca (Jennifer Ehle, She Said), who Dead Ringers' weird sisters court to fund their dream birthing centre. As Beverly is fond of saying, pregnancy isn't a disease — and with Elliot, she wants to move everything about it out of the hospital. There are millions of New Yorkers to help, and a vast amount more Americans, such is the British siblings' ambition with backing worthy of a sequel to Oscar-nominated documentary All the Beauty and the Bloodshed. Dead Ringers is focused on its main two women, however, aka a pair that's hardly doting about their individual wellbeing. They function instinctively as a duo, and Elliot as is committed as she is to playing god because she wants to help the frequently miscarrying Beverly fulfil her own wish to become a mother. But disrupting that status quo, as Genevieve's arrival and Rebecca's money does, sees mayhem flow. In its sleek and cold look, as well as its equally chilly and severe tone, Dead Ringers isn't concerned with being naturalistic. That doesn't apply to the show's approach to bodies and babies, though, or to what the former go through to lead to the latter. In Cronenberg's picture, which was somewhat subtle about its body horror compared to most of the director's work, one of its twins experienced drug-addled delusions about mutated female forms. Birch's version instead plunges its hands deep into the blood and gore of bringing about life. Here, the body horror feels all the more visceral because it's steeped in reality, unflinchingly depicting the crimson rivers, primal screams, distended abdomens, sliced-open wombs, stirrup-strapped legs and invasive procedures that are an everyday fact of maternity and womanhood. Often in horror, the power of suggestion is queen. It can be far more potent to let viewers fill in the gaps in their mind and imagine up their own worst nightmares when something malevolent is haunting a scary movie's characters, for instance. In Dead Ringers, staring wide-eyed at "the best that we have come up with" in medicine surrounding pregnancy, as Beverly decries — also noting that "this is how every single one of us enters the world" while lambasting the state of the field, plus the pain and humiliation expected to be endured by women — is as intense and distressing as it's meant to be. As the Mantles advocate for something better, the show they're in lays bare the truth. This is a series about autonomy within a sororal connection that couldn't be closer, but it's also always about the bodily autonomy that's constantly stripped away from people with female reproductive systems. Birch delivers a piece of television that flawlessly does two things: charts intertwined lives and their combined chaos, including musing on bonds thicker than mere blood, the inherent loneliness of being alive and the solace we all seek in a kindred spirit; and takes a scalpel to everything surrounding women's healthcare. Thanks to the Mantles' patients, it touches upon the way that class and race still dictates treatment and outcomes, the trauma of stillbirths and miscarriages, the control dynamics around surrogacy, how female pain is so easily dismissed and life-changing medical conditions in the process. That's a hefty, have-it-all juggling act, but Dead Ringers' guiding force makes it look effortless. In addition to her big-screen scripts, which also spans Mothering Sunday, Birch co-penned the TV adaptations of Sally Rooney's Normal People and Conversations with Friends — and she just keeps propagating her stacked resume. Now twinned itself, Dead Ringers didn't take its first breaths with the movie that Birch uses as source material, complete with mirroring some of its most striking visual flourishes. Truth has to be especially odd to be stranger than a Cronenberg film, and in 1975 it was when gynaecologists Stewart and Cyril Marcus were found dead in the Big Apple. Their existence and passing sparked a New York magazine article, followed by the fictionalised 1977 novel Twins by Bari Wood and Jack Geasland. Here, that history provides a reminder that the past always leaves an imprint on new lives. That said, with the ever-excellent Weisz lapping up her delicious dual roles, the writing as clever and astute as it is twisted and funny, and the entire show gleaming eerily from its first meticulous frame to its last, the latest Dead Ringers has no trouble making its own mark. Check out the trailer for Dead Ringers below: Dead Ringers streams via Prime Video from Friday, April 21.
Rolling hills, gnocchi as good as Nonna makes, and enough Prosecco to make you pop. You would be forgiven for thinking we're describing scenes from a Tuscan vineyard. Thankfully though, you can experience these Italian delights much closer to home. The King Valley wine region in Victoria's northeast has been the epicentre of Italian familial winemaking down under for generations. To celebrate the very best of the regions flavours, 11 of the valley's wineries are throwing a wine and food festival on November 18 and 19. And for $25, you'll be able to get in on the action with proceeds being fed directly back into the wine region. Between giving your free souvenir glass a workout sipping on Prosecco, Sangiovese and a heap of other drops, there will be lots of action to keep you occupied. Each winery is putting their own personal spin on the event with free wine tastings an obvious inclusion. Prosecco king Dal Zotto will be serving up Prosecco pops and cocktails while you play bocce or partake in a helicopter joy ride. Head to Pizzini to take part in the Ms Gnoccha Gnocchi Rolling competition at 2.30pm on both days. Or improve your dinner party expertise with a flavour matching class at Brown Brothers. And don't worry about drawing the short straw on playing designated driver. For $35 for one day, or $50 for both, King Valley will shuttle you between wineries.
It's won stacks of fans and cemented its status as a cracking northside live music venue since opening just six months ago. But now, Brunswick's Stay Gold has transformed into the ultimate package deal, as its owners launch their long-planned kitchen and bar addition, Spitfire. Following the success of its 400-capacity Sydney Road band room, the Stay Gold team — that is, Ben Turnbull, Paul Goddard, Jesse Barbera and Noah Honeywill — has turned its sights to the front half of the building. The hospitality veterans — who also run Brisbane favourites The Brightside, Black Bear Lodge, Barbara and Lucky Egg — have teamed up with chef Blair Williams (previously of barbecue joints The Gem and Bluebonnet Barbecue) to bring this next piece of the puzzle to life. A little more refined than the guys' usual M.O, Spitfire is plating up a broad range of flavours from Spain, South America and southern USA, with much of the menu driven by Williams' love of cooking with fire. He's using iron bark in the wood oven, red gum to fuel a charcoal rotisserie and various fruit woods throughout the rest of the menu. Just don't let that fool you into expecting some meat-heavy lineup — here, there's a definite and deliberate swing towards vegetarian and plant-based fare. Lunch or dinner visits might see you tucking into the likes of baby leeks with charry romesco sauce or a vibrant assembly of salted cucumber. Though a 24-hour brined free-range chicken cooked over charcoal is set to be a centrepiece of many a meal here. [caption id="attachment_715665" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The 24-hour brined charcoal chicken.[/caption] But the real fun comes after 10pm, when the after-dark menu kicks in, tempting the hungry post-gig crowd in for a feed. Snacks include southern fried eggplant tenders, panko-crumbed lamb nuggets and the very rock 'n' roll Black Metal croquettes, crafted from Spitfire's own tongue-infused blood sausage creation. There are a couple of signature snack packs — one vegan and one loaded with charcoal chicken and gravy — and a few of Williams' own riffs on the humble street souva. The Dolly promises to be an after-show favourite, packed with charcoal lamb, chips, barbecued onion and — for homesick New Zealanders — kiwi onion dip. Stay Gold has been dishing up a wide range of musical gold since its launch, a reflection of owner Turnbull's other life as a music promoter and founder of touring company Destroy All Lines. The stage has played host to acts from Mental As Anything, through to POND, while a program of throwback and tribute parties has punters dancing up a storm to old-school hits on the regular. Find Spitfire at 133 Sydney Road, Brunswick. Spitfire launches officially this Friday, April 12 and everyone's invited. The fun kicks off at 6.30pm, with a secret headline act playing Stay Gold from 8pm and guest DJs the rest of the night. After that it will be open from 5pm–late every Wednesday to Sunday.
There's nothing like a bit of big screen movie magic to get you into the Christmas spirit, especially when that involves diving deep into some classics. This year, you can get your festive fix courtesy of Federation Square, when it screens a range of festive and all-ages-friendly flicks in the lead up to December 25. For free. Running on Saturday and Sunday afternoons and evenings until the big day, the movie lineup includes Martin Scorsese's glorious Hugo, the Steve Martin and John Candy-starring classic Planes, Trains & Automobiles, and also It's a Wonderful Life — because every Christmas cinema program has to screen the latter. If you're a big Mark Wahlberg fan, you can also see three of his recent films: Daddy's Home, sequel Daddy's Home 2 and Instant Family. The flicks will screen on Fed Square's Digital Facade — and the times vary, with some titles showing at 5pm and others at 8pm. We suggest getting there relatively early to snag a primo spot. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jB4Vsi1UUM
There's simply no stopping Scott Pickett. But then, you've got to agree, that's a very good thing. The acclaimed chef and restaurateur, who counts the likes of Estelle, Saint Crispin and Pickett's Deli & Rotisserie among his stable of culinary smash hits, has just unveiled his latest venture, this time taking on South Yarra. Perhaps the most striking Pickett project to date, Matilda 159 Domain has carved its home out of a soaring, two-level space beneath Domain Road's United Places Botanic Gardens boutique hotel. Sitting pretty across from the Royal Botanic Gardens, this one boasts a warm, timber-heavy fitout by creative studio Projects of Imagination, offset by an assembly of natural textures — custom designed Andrei Davidoff ceramics, dark leather banquettes, and tables crafted from Australian blackwood trees. It has an earthy vibe that's reflected in the modern Australian food offering, as Pickett pushes into new culinary territory, ditching the concept of gas cooking to focus on all things fire and smoke. The open kitchen's going in strong, with two fire pits, a rotisserie, a smoker box, a josper and a wood-fire oven — nab one of the eight covetable ring-side seats to best see it all at play. The menu itself features a roll-call of native Aussie ingredients, each dish brought to life by either coal, flame or smoke. Signature creations include the likes of Macedon Ranges duck, smoked over cherry wood and teamed with charred orange; spanner crab with flatbread and a prawn butter; and at dessert, a dish of Glenora rhubarb, burnt custard and lemon verbena. To match, a sprawling wine menu features a curation of top Aussie labels and European favourites, backed by a local-leaning contingent of spirits and craft beers. In the restaurant's basement you'll find Oscar's Bar, where a compact and creative cocktail and snacks list is soon to launch. Matilda 159 Domain is now open at 159 Domain Road, South Yarra. Images: Interiors by Tim Grey, Food by Gareth Sobey
A collection of local galleries are joining forces this week on a brand new multifaceted, multi-venue art event at the top end of Flinders Lane. Running from August 18 to 21, the inaugural FLAIR event will combine forums, exhibitions, dinners and immersive experiences, showcasing the best that local artists have to offer. At the centre of the FLAIR program is the progressive degustation, an evening of art and food that will see diners visit five different galleries. Beginning at fortyfivedownstairs, diners will then move on to enjoy vegetarian food and wine courtesy of local restaurants like Cumulus and Pei Modern. The bad news? It's already sold out. Fortunately there lots of other ways to whet your appetite — at least metaphorically, if not literally. ARC ONE Gallery will present a series of new paintings by artist Robert Owen, while Arts Project Australia and the Global Arts Project team up with Sofitel Melbourne and photographer Robyn Stacey on an experiential artwork that turns a hotel room into a camera obscura. There'll also be a series of public forums, and much more. For the full FLAIR program visit flairmelbourne.com.
Two young lovers meet on the Mexican-Guatemalan border, where they negotiate their affair amidst white slavery, drug trafficking and the army. Two out-of-work actors are offered a high-paying gig, only to discover that they've been framed by a high-ranking military officer. An overweight wrestler collaborates with zombies in an attempt to fight depression. Hola! The Mexican Film Festival is coming to Sydney (as well as Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide) for its eighth incarnation. From the 70 films now coming out of Mexico annually, festival director Samuel Douek and his team handpick a special selection, representing the best in comedy, drama, independent filmmaking, documentary and "everything in between". Opening night will see the festival's renowned fiesta, featuring Mexican food by Los Amates, Sol beer, tequila and live music, and the Australian premiere of comedy blockbuster Nosotros los Nobles (We Are the Nobles). Released earlier this year, it broke box office records, selling 6.8 million tickets and becoming the highest grossing film in Mexican history. https://youtube.com/watch?v=O-8n670F53w
The way people talk about food has changed. With a lot of the focus shifting to the 'paddock-to-plate' movement, people are putting more onus on where their food is coming from and are being encouraged more and more to support local and sustainable farming operations. Transparency on sustainability, provenance and 'food miles' is becoming increasingly meaningful to consumers. And this movement hasn't just stopped at food. It's trickled into the world of drinks, particularly in brewing, with beer drinkers and makers raising their glasses to a 'paddock-to-pint' movement. Tracking a beer's creation every step of the way is a rich and rewarding way to ensure its quality, as well as gain a greater understanding of its flavour. So, it's this experience that's captured the hearts and tastebuds of many brewers in Australia and around the world — and it's the story of these beers that's captured the hearts of consumers. Everyone loves a good tale. So, getting to know the narrative of a product, be it the eye fillet on your plate or pint in your hand, has allowed for another layer of appreciation. Family-owned and with a reputation for winning over beer drinkers with its high-quality brews, Coopers has released its 2018 seasonal Vintage Ale, which this year, channels this paddock-to-pint movement. We chat with Dr Tim Cooper, chief brewer, to find out more about the brewery's approach to the movement and how it plays into this year's seasonal release. THE FIRST STEP The first step of the brewing process is the sourcing and preparation of malts typically sourced from barley, though wheat and rye are also used for certain styles. High-quality malt is a vital base for creating good beer, and being certain of where your malt comes from is a great place to start. Recently, the independent, family-owned Coopers reopened a maltings facility next to its Regency Park brewery, placing it in a "relatively small group of brewers worldwide with their own maltings". Having carefully sourced Westminster barley from nearby Kangaroo Island, Dr Cooper remarks on the brewery's "enviable advantage" of not only being able to source its malt locally but also being able to then manage the full process from the paddock to the maltings facility, from the brewery and into your glass. Another vital ingredient in the beer making process is the hops. The variety used for this year's Vintage Ale, though not local, is the high-quality Aramis hops, originating from eastern France and known for its herbal, citrus and spicy notes. The specialist hop is a blend of Strisselpalt and Whitebread Golding, which typically offers medium spice and a stable, refreshing bitterness. Just a small quantity was imported for this year's vintage release to provide "an elegant hop flavour". This was achieved by adding the hops during fermentation, as well as late in the brewing stage to give the beer notes of dried fruit, spice and a hint of vanilla, complete with a herbal, aromatic bitterness to round everything out. THE RELEASE Speaking of the seasonal vintage brew, this year marks the 20th anniversary of Coopers' iconic annual release. The recipe and base ale yeast have both grown and developed over time depending on what ingredients were best available at the time of brewing each year — not on what's trending. As Dr Cooper explains, "creating Coopers Vintage is not a matter of following trends, but about the Coopers brewing team experimenting with what they think is good". The beer style that best befits Coopers Vintage is that of an English strong ale, expect malt-driven flavours of honey, toffee and caramel, contrasted by moderate spiciness and a refreshingly earthy bitterness from the presence of the Aramis hops. Pouring a deep amber colour with a creamy white head and weighing in at a hefty 7.5% ABV, this is a rich, but well-balanced beer that has plenty of character from the first sip to the last. THE AFTER PARTY Like fine wines, beers with a higher ABV (like 7.5%) can be aged, so over time, they develop idiosyncratic qualities resulting in truly unique beers whose flavour profiles shift and become more complex with age. With carefully monitored and selected ingredients, each vintage of Coopers Vintage Ale offers a different experience when aged correctly, from day one to year one to year five. Dr Cooper advises that the journey of flavour, much like the paddock-to-pint process, is a rewarding step-by-step adventure for the more discerning drinker. "I recommend buying a carton and savouring the Vintage Ale over a period of time, to enjoy the flavour journey and to see how the flavour evolves...Depending on the storage conditions, I think five years is enough time to enjoy a carton this way." Keen to know more about cellaring beer? Grab a carton of this year's Vintage Ale and read up on why and how you should be cellaring more beer.
The end of winter is finally in sight. To farewell the (hopefully) last moments of chilly weather, Hanoi Hannah is making sure Melburnians stay warm until springtime with its new Soup Series. Every Monday in August, the beloved Vietnamese chain will roll out three new soups that move away from the well-trodden pho and give patrons a less frequented taste of the cuisine. The deal is available at all three Hanoi Hannah outposts across Windsor, New Quarter in Richmond and the Elsternick Kiosk. Each venue will host a different soup each week and the dish will be available at the respective restaurants throughout the week, then reset with a different soup come the following Monday. The first week's selection includes an especially tasting sounding banh canh cua, which is tapioca noodles submerged in shrimp and crab broth, then topped with soft shell crab and charred prawns. Other specialties include braised duck leg and egg noodles in a duck and shiitake broth; pork dumpling soup with whole prawns, topped with bok choy and coriander; and a spicy pho chay, a vego version of pho. The Hanoi Hannah Soup Series is available at the New Quarter, Windsor and Elsternwick locations for the month of of August. Keep an eye on Instagram for weekly updates.
The St Kilda Foreshore Trail follows the water's edge, tracing the coastline for 11 kilometres from Port Phillip to St Kilda then Elwood. It's dotted with palm trees, beaches, cafes and parks — and is often packed with Melburnians enjoying the sun and salty air as they walk, cycle or jog the track. To help you make the most of your next walk or run on the trail, we've teamed up with Adidas to bring you seven rewarding pit stops to make along the way. Take a look, then plan your own adventure using the map below. [caption id="attachment_801213" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] PERC WHITE RESERVE Start your run at Perc White Reserve, which you'll find at The Boulevard in Port Melbourne, near the Maritime Cove Community Park and Sandridge Beach. The natural reserve offers a perfect place to prep for the route ahead. Find a spot near some native bush to limber up with a few stretches and light movements, like legs swings. You can also go for a quick stroll along the dock to get the blood flowing and warm your muscles. As you do, you'll be spoiled with impressive views of the city and Williamstown. [caption id="attachment_803770" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Taylor Franz; Unsplash[/caption] SANDBAR BEACH CAFE After around four kilometres, stop in at Sandbar Beach Cafe, along Beaconsfield Parade. As you look out over Port Phillip Bay, rehydrate with a cold-pressed orange, apple or watermelon juice. Alternatively, grab a hot coffee or tea to keep you going in the colder months or early mornings. Whatever you choose, take time to relax on the deck rewarding yourself with ocean views, or stroll along the beach to keep your legs moving. MIDDLE PARK BEACH A little farther along, Middle Park is a one-kilometre stretch of south-west facing beach that's a popular spot for swimmers. It's sandwiched between the Kerferd Road Pier and West Beach Pavilion with a low seawall separating it from the promenade and bustling Beaconsfield Parade. Relax on the sand, soak safely in the sun, or go for a dip. The best part is: it's dog friendly. So you can often catch some cute, furry guys frolicking in the waves. [caption id="attachment_750875" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria/Josie Withers[/caption] CATANI GARDENS As you reach St Kilda West, around 1.3 kilometres away, you'll come to Catani Gardens. It's a well-known hang out spot for families and other runners, and the gardens boasts expansive, well-manicured lawns framed by Canary Island palm trees. Here, you can catch your breath in the shade or have a rest under the notable rotunda in the heart of the gardens. There's also a drinking fountain to refill your water bottle and plenty of spots to get in some stretches or lunges. ST KILDA SEA BATHS Alternatively, a short stroll away is St Kilda Sea Baths, where the hydrotherapy spa pool and 25-metre seawater pool are heated to a pleasant temperature. As well as feeling salty and soothing, the seawater is said to have therapeutic qualities, too, such as helping to stimulate senses and relieve sore muscles. Take a moment to relax in the aromatherapy steam room (currently closed due to COVID restrictions) or sit in the lounge area with views of the bay. You'll find the baths at Jacka Boulevard. [caption id="attachment_803768" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Unsplash; Larry Crayton[/caption] ST KILDA OUTDOOR GYM, MO MORAN RESERVE Another 1.6 kilometres away is MO Moran Reserve Outdoor Gym, where your legs can take a small break while you work your arms, abs, shoulders and back. You can access the gym via Marine Parade where you'll find a hub of callisthenics equipment, such as parallel bars, dip bars, a push up bar, step and incline bench — all designed to build strength and give you a full-body workout. What makes it rewarding? All that strength training will help protect your joints for future runs. ELWOOD BATHERS Then, after another kilometre or so, you'll come to Elwood Bathers & Elwood Bathers Pizza, where you can refuel and relax after clocking up your step count. The waterfront restaurant boasts casual seating and stellar views of Port Phillip Bay. As you've finished your run, it's time to give yourself the ultimate treat: food. Order a wagyu or chargrilled chicken burger, beer-battered flathead and chips, or a well-earned slice of mushroom, prawn or prosciutto pizza. Wash it down with a grapefruit soda, spicy ginger beer or sparkling mineral water. Alternatively, enjoy a crisp glass of sauvignon blanc or a cool pale ale, draft or cider. In need of a new pair of runners? Take a look at the new Adidas Ultraboost 21 runners here. Launch the map below to start plotting your own running adventure in and around Melbourne. Top image: St Kilda Beach, Visit Victoria
Whoever said barbecue feasts were just for meat-lovers, probably hasn't tried any of The B.East's famously good vegan fare. The Brunswick East home of live tunes and US eats knows what's up and it's hosting an all-vegan, three-course, southern-inspired lunch to prove it. Happening across two sessions on Saturday, March 23 — from 12–2pm and 2.30–4.30pm — as part of this year's Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, the plant-based feast will take diners on a trip through Tennessee. You'll find yourself working your way through dreamy dishes like chipotle mac 'n' cheese, fried 'chicken' and gravy, jalapeño hush puppies with maple butter and vegan barbecue brisket. Word is, there'll even be a cheeky dessert inspired by Elvis Presley. Of course, as with any true fiestas inspired by the South, there'll also be bourbon aplenty — think, bourbon spritzes and a bourbon white chocolate sour — as well as a fitting soundtrack, with tunes from PBS's Mohair Slim.
Flowers, chocolate, teddy bears, and huge balloons that say 'I love you' aren't for everyone. You know what is for everyone, though? Food. And drinks. Everyone likes to partake in a plate of some nice food and a nice glass of vino from time to time (or we assume). So, in times like landmark anniversaries — you know, times when you want to do something special but can't quite cop the balloons — why not put that money towards eating somewhere nice instead? Melbourne has a bounty of restaurants and bars ready and waiting to facilitate your celebrations — whatever the occasion may be. Italian, modern Australian, or just a fried oyster situation will, we assume, take your date night from medium rare to very well done indeed. Take a look at the list we, along with American Express, have compiled of a few of our favourites, book early and get your American Express® Card ready — this isn't the time to get local Thai takeaway for the third time this week. Got yourself in another dining situation and need some guidance? Whatever it is, we know a place. Visit The Shortlist and we'll sort you out.
There's nothing quite like a great comeback story. Jordan in '95. Jobs in '96. Jesus in 33. We love watching long-lost enigmas return in dramatic fashion, punching critics in the groin while dazzling us with newfound glory. Such is the tale of ex-Blue-Mountainsiders Cloud Control, who were catapulted to domestic divinity by the success of their 2010 debut, Bliss Release. The psych-pop quartet garnered rave reviews, won shiny awards and then... disappeared. Vanished. Vamoosed. Now, three years after absconding to the UK, Cloud Control has rearrived on Australian soil. And, like a resurrected Goku, they are triumphantly punching everyone in the groin. They've sold out VIVID, dropped a much-hyped single, featured at a sold-out Splendour, dropped a much-hyped second album and are now musically pillaging our fine nation on the Australian leg of their international Dream Cave Tour. Dream Cave, their sophomore release, was masterminded by UK producer Barny Barnicott (The Arctic Monkeys, Kasabian) and exhibits the maturity that Cloud Control have developed through years spent living, writing and playing on the other side of Earth. Their current tour will celebrate this evolution, while harkening back to the blissful release that won them acclaim at the turn of the decade. Supported by Sydney bands Palms and Gang of Youths, this is the perfect opportunity for Cloud Controllers to revel in the band's brilliance before they bugger off back to the UK later this month. https://youtube.com/watch?v=SGSij0-cljI
