Whenever a beloved sitcom comes to an end — as Brooklyn Nine-Nine will when it finishes up this year — it leaves a hole in your viewing schedule, and in your TV-loving heart. You can keep binging your favourites all over again, of course, and as many times as you like. But, although one-off specials, starry reunions and movie spinoffs keep happening more and more, you'll always be sad that you can't just look forward to a big batch of new episodes. The one silver lining: when the likes of Parks and Recreation and 30 Rock finished up their runs, the creatives behind them stayed in the sitcom game. Indeed, that's why B99 exists, and how The Good Place and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt came to our screens, too. And, over the past month or so, new shows from the key folks behind all of these series have just reached Stan. When it comes to Girls5eva, a word of warning: the hit song that brought titular fictional late 90s/early 00s girl group to fame is such an earworm, you'll be singing it to yourself for weeks after you binge through the sitcom that bears their name. That's to be expected given that Jeff Richmond, the composer behind 30 Rock and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt's equally catchy and comedic tunes, is one of the talents behind it. Tina Fey and Robert Carlock produce the series, too, so you what type of humour you're in for. Starring Sara Bareilles (Broadway's Waitress), Busy Philipps (I Feel Pretty), Renée Elise Goldsberry (Hamilton) and the great Paula Pell (AP Bio), Girls5eva follows four of the band's members two decades after their heyday. Their initial success didn't last, and life has left the now-fortysomething women at different junctures. Then a rapper samples their hit, they're asked to reunite for a one-night backing spot on The Tonight Show — and they then contemplate getting back together to give music another shot. As well as being exceptionally well-cast and immensely funny, the series is also bitingly perceptive about stardom, the entertainment industry and the way that women beyond their twenties are treated. Also, when Fey inevitably pops up, she does so as a dream version of Dolly Parton — and it's as glorious as it sounds. Check out the Girls5eva trailer below: Also now streaming its first season in full on Stan: Rutherford Falls. Michael Schur co-wrote and produced The Office, then did the same on Parks and Recreation and Brooklyn Nine-Nine, both of which he co-created as well. And, he gave the world The Good Place — which makes him one of the best in the business when it comes to kind-hearted, smart and savvy small-screen laughs. His new show continues the streak. Co-created with star Ed Helms and showrunner Sierra Teller Ornelas (Superstore), it boasts his usual charm and intelligence, too. And, as with every program he's had a hand in, it also boasts a top-notch lineup of on-screen talent. Plus, Rutherford Falls is immensely easy to binge in just one sitting, because each one of its ten first-season episodes leave you wanting more. The setup: in the place that gives the sitcom its name, Nathan Rutherford (Helms, Aunty Donna's Big Ol' House of Fun) runs the local history museum. One of his descendants founded the town, and he couldn't be more proud of that fact. He's also very protective of the towering statue of said ancestor, even though it sits in the middle of a road and causes accidents. So, when the mayor (Dana L.Wilson, Perry Mason) decides to move the traffic hazard, Nathan and his overzealous intern Bobbie (Jesse Leigh, Heathers) spring into action. Nathan's best friend Reagan Wells (Jana Schmieding, Blast) helps; however, the Minishonka Nation woman begins to realise just how her pal's family have shaped the fate of her Native American community. Also featuring a scene-stealing Michael Greyeyes (I Know This Much Is True) as the enterprising head of the Minishonka Nation casino, Rutherford Falls pairs witty laughs with warmth and sincerity, especially when it comes to exploring the treatment of First Nations peoples in America today. Check out the Rutherford Falls trailer below: The first seasons of Girls5eva and Rutherford Falls are available to stream via Stan.
There are few things in life that are better than pizza. That's an indisputable fact — but, as fantastic as pizza in general is, free pizza has it beat. And that's just what Small Print Pizza Bar is handing out at its Pizza in the Park Party. Taking place in Windsor's Victoria Gardens between 3–6pm on Sunday, October 28, the event will include free sourdough pizzas — including both vegan-friendly and meat-topped options — plus free house-made soft drinks and free games. Get cosy on a picnic blanket, try your hand at Finska or bocce, and, of course, eat pizza. The event will launch the return of Small Print Pizza Bar's pizza in the park delivery service, which is really exactly what it sounds like. If you're keen on having a picnic in Victoria Gardens over summer, you can order a pizza and the store will deliver it to you. It'll also loan you games or a frisbee for some added fun. Image: Small Print Pizza Bar.
Rolls Royces, Mercedes-Benzs and Jaguars aren't your typical canvases, but David Bromley isn't your everyday artist. A free openair exhibition at PROVOCARÉ, Whatever You Dream sees Bromley take luxury cars destined for the junkyard and transform them into masterful works of art. The co-founder of leading Chapel Street design studio and shop Bromley&Co, David Bromley is one of Australia's most in-demand contemporary artists working today. Best known for three long-term series Boys Own adventure, the Female Nude series, and Butterflies, for his newest exhibition — running July 5–15 — Bromley adds his unique styling to the opulent cars, employing a host of pop culture references, found images and bold colours to explore themes of nostalgia and the lost and found.
It's been a month since Melbourne's mask rules last changed, with compulsory face coverings brought back into effect in mid-July in tandem with the city's fifth lockdown. Now, in mid-August, Melbourne is currently almost two weeks into its sixth lockdown — and mask requirements didn't change during the nine days between stay-at-home stints. But, come 11.59pm tonight, Monday, August 16, the rules around donning face coverings will tighten even further. At Victoria's daily COVID-19 press conference today, Premier Daniel Andrews announced that Melburnians will no longer be allowed to remove their face masks if they're out of the house and drinking alcoholic beverages in public. The move comes in response to reports over the weekend of people flouting lockdown restrictions with venue crawls and big outdoor gatherings. So, Melburnians obviously need to keep wearing their fitted face coverings whenever they're not at home, including both indoors and outside. In fact, the only place where you don't need to pop on a mask is inside your own house, which means that you always need to carry one with you. That said, you were previously allowed to take off your face covering to eat and drink while you're out — but if you're sipping something boozy, that exemption no longer applies. On the advice of the Chief Health Officer, we will introduce additional measures to stop the spread of coronavirus in Victoria. pic.twitter.com/iCo6gzKFEs — Dan Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) August 16, 2021 A number of other lockdown rules are changing, too, with stay-at-home conditions extended until at least 11.59pm on Thursday, September 2, a curfew put in place between 9pm–5am and authorised worker permits being reintroduced. Yes, many of these requirements applied in Melbourne's lengthy second lockdown in 2020 as well, so they'll sound familiar. Also changing: the closure of playgrounds, basketball hoops, skate parks and outdoor exercise equipment. So, if they've been a part of your out-of-the-house workout routine, they won't be anymore. And, you can now only exercise with one other person, plus any dependents you both have, even if you live in a larger household. The two-hour exercise time limit remains the same, though. If you're still wondering where to grab a fitted mask, we've put together a rundown of local companies making and selling them. For more information about the status of COVID-19 and the current restrictions, head over to the Department of Health and Human Services website.
As a kid, did you ever dream about getting to roam around your favourite store after hours? As a fashion-loving adult, would you adore nothing more than being surrounded by your go-to label on an overnight stay? Thanks to House of Sunny, the latter is now becoming a reality — but for just two people for one night only, at its Hackney showroom and to celebrate London Fashion Week. The good news: this collaboration with Airbnb looks like the ultimate fashion fantasy, and it's also free. The trickier news: getting to slumber in a space that's basically House of Sunny's latest collection turned into a pop-up hotel means needing to be in London this week, because the stay is for Friday, September 22. If you've seen news of Airbnb's past one-off listings — think: Barbie's Malibu DreamHouse, the Ted Lasso pub, the Moulin Rouge! windmill, Gwyneth Paltrow's Montecito abode, Hobbiton, the Bluey house, the Paris theatre that inspired The Phantom of the Opera, the Scooby-Doo Mystery Machine, The Godfather mansion, the South Korean estate where BTS filmed In the Soop and the Sanderson sisters' Hocus Pocus cottage and Japan's World Heritage-listed Suganuma Village — then nothing about this situation should come as a surprise. Just like previous extremely short-term themed stays, this one is only up for reservations at a set time, too, with bookings opening at 3am AEST on Wednesday, September 20. With what's been dubbed Sunny's House, you'll kick back at a spot that's been given a stunning makeover — and you'll also get to improve your own style. The digs include an entrance that's all about greenery, taking its cues from the Hockney dress; a red and orange bedroom designed to look like the sundown cardigan; a crimson bathroom that splashes the colour all over the room, this time paying tribute to the La Belle dress; and hanging out in the cloud-adorned "wardrobe of dreams". Sunny Williams will be on hand to give you design tips one on one, and your time in the wardrobe of dreams will involve trying on House of Sunny threads. Also, due to the showroom's location, you'll be able to head beyond Sunny's House for brunch on Broadway Market, visiting the Columbia Road Flower Market and grabbing dinner. "House of Sunny's design and ethos has always been inspired by the intersection of culture, architecture, interior, and our community's love for travel, home and aesthetics. I am excited to welcome you to my house; this immersive Airbnb is unique, crafted and eye-catching, the perfect partnership of fashion and special stays," said Williams. As always, whoever scores the booking is responsible for their own travel, including if they have to get to and from London. Money literally can't buy the overnight stay, however — so best of luck to your busily clicking fingers. For more information about the Sunny's House sleepover on Airbnb, or to book at 3am AEST on Wednesday, September 20 for a stay on Friday, September 22, head to the Airbnb website. Images: Alix McIntosh. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
It's not every day a Michelin-starred name makes its way to Melbourne. So it's little surprise that the queues for Hawker Chan, the new Melbourne outpost from celebrated Singaporean chef Chan Hong Meng, have been a firm fixture since its doors opened in December. The restaurant is a spin-off of Meng's original Singapore food stall, which is one of just a few hawker eateries to ever win a Michelin star. That's right — you can now get your mitts on one of the world's cheapest Michelin-quality feeds right here in Melbourne. For his Lonsdale Street venue, Meng has recreated the feel of a classic Singaporean hawker centre. You order your meal at the front counter and collect it on a tray once your number flashes up on the big screen. The lights are bright, the tables are bare and there's a buzzy atmosphere that goes hand in hand with a cheap and cheerful feed. And cheap is kind of an understatement here. The menu is a celebration of simplicity and value for money, with just a handful of favourites headlined by the chef's famed signature dish of soya sauce chicken with rice ($6.80). It's mighty hard not to love the kitchen's trademark Cantonese-style chicken — tender, juicy meat that's been braised, skin and all, in fragrant stock and spices, then chopped to order. As with the menu's other protein dishes, you can pay a couple of extra bucks to switch the accompanying rice for a pile of springy thin noodles ($8.80) or house-made hor fun ($8.80) — flat rice noodles. Meng's also kicking goals with his finger-licking pork rib recipe, which'll have you shamelessly nibbling every last bit off the bones. If you're feeling extra carnivorous, try it teamed with chopped roast pork belly and char siew as part of the three-combination platter ($18). The lineup of sides is equally minimalist, including a fragrant wonton soup ($7.80) and a flavour-packed Thai-style tofu — fried and drizzled with sweet chilli sauce and crushed peanuts ($6). Throw in a serve of house-made chrysanthemum tea ($3) or sweet plum juice ($3) and you'll find it pretty easy to imagine you're actually worlds away, living it up in Southeast Asia.
When a bomb goes off in the centre of the city, the shockwaves are followed by ripples of fear and paranoia. For people like Amor, a young man of Arabic descent running errands near the bomb site, accusatory stares and murmurs of suspicion follow him wherever he goes. Written by acclaimed Swedish playwright Jonas Hassen Khemiri, I Call My Brothers makes its Australian debut at the Southbank Theatre; directed by MTC Women Director’s Program alumni Nadja Kositch. Originally set in Stockholm, where it was written in response to suicide attacks that shook the city in 2010, the play nonetheless confronts universal issues of prejudice and racial profiling — and does so with both gravity and unexpected humour. Following its two week season in Southbank, the MTC production will tour schools in regional Victoria, where it is being studied as a VCE drama text.
We can't imagine prison food is normally much to get excited about. But Melbourne's latest dining destination is out to prove that theory wrong. North & Common is the sprawling new restaurant that's today made its home in the very space that once housed Pentridge Prison's mess hall. Sibling and neighbour to recently launched wine bar Olivine, North & Common has transformed the historic site into an inviting 180-seat diner, decked out with lots of soft curves and mellow hues, all courtesy of renowned design studio CHADA. The space remains cosy despite its size, its long-standing bluestone walls and the lofty original ceilings that soar 10 metres above. The main dining room plays modern finishes against the building's heritage elements, while a roomy al fresco terrace features its own giant fireplace and a retractable roof for all kinds of weather. North & Common's food offering will be an ever-evolving nod to modern Australian cuisine, deftly driven by acclaimed chef Mark Glenn, whose resume includes time at Cumulus Inc, Dinner by Heston and Pialligo Estate. Its menus are unpretentious and approachable, though also thoughtfully honed. Come breakfast, you're in for the likes of spanner crab omelette; a brekkie roll that piles sausage, bacon and house-made barbecue sauce into a soft milk bun; and lemon curd french toast reimagined using croissant loaf. The dinner menu flexes even more creativity, kicking off with smalls like the grilled ox tongue paired with a cashew cream, burrata elevated with charred green fig, and butter-poached calamari with fried sprouts. Deeper in, find plates like the spanner crab risoni, a slow-roasted lamb shoulder, and spatchcock done with fermented chilli and confit shallot. Plus, inventive creations like a sweet potato mille-feuille with bergamot and fig feature throughout the dessert list. It's just brekkie and dinner for now, though a weekend lunch service is set to kick off from June. Olivine's wine pedigree also gets a look-in here at North & Common, by way of a drinks program curated by the bar's star sommelier Liinaa Berry. There are 150-plus bottles in the lineup, sourced from near and far, spanning the full gamut of styles, and celebrating sustainable production in a big way. Alongside, a signature cocktail selection isn't afraid to push the envelope in reimagining classic sips. Expect local pours from the likes of Patient Wolf and Starward used across concoctions like a truffle and sundried tomato martini, and the Tequila, Rosemary and Thyme Sour. Find North & Common at 1 Pentridge Boulevard, Coburg. It's open daily from 7–10am and again from 5.30–11pm. Lunch will run from 12–3pm Saturday and Sunday starting from June.
If you're planning on staying indoors for the majority of winter, you might as well do it somewhere fun. Ideally, with plenty of good eats and drinks within reach. Luckily, Ichi Ni Nana's newly installed karaoke den will tick all those boxes. The Sing Song Room has made its home down in the 127 Brunswick Street venue's basement level, where you'll be able to belt out classic tunes at the top of your lungs, in a cosy cocoon of privacy. Available to book for groups of over five, it's got all the trimmings for a serious sing-along session: red curtains to help unleash your inner performer, a nice strong stage to withstand any enthusiastic foot stomping, and a broad-ranging songbook filled with all the best belters. Two hours will cost you $200 for five people, and $30 for every extra person. In fact, the entire basement is primed for partying, with room for up to 60 people and a snack offering to — think colourful sashimi platters, yakitori skewers and plenty of pan-fried gyoza. Pre-booked food packages run from canapés through to sit-down banquets, either from the Ichi Ni Nana kitchen, or courtesy of upstairs neighbour Village People. Prices vary through the week, starting at $40 per person minimum spend for a two-hour session, including free reign of the whole den and that all-important karaoke mic. Find the Sing Song Den at lower ground level, 127 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy. It's open from 12–10pm Sunday to Thursday and midday to midnight Friday and Saturday.
Following in the footsteps of renowned ramen joint Ippudo and Manila's popular TuanTuan Chinese Brasserie, another big-name Asian restaurant chain has landed in Melbourne. This time, it's Malaysian favourite GO Noodle House tempting local tastebuds, opening its first Australian store in the heart of Melbourne's CBD. With more than 30 outlets across Southeast Asia and the original Malaysian store that pumps out up to 2000 bowls of noodle soup over a weekend, it's safe to say the brand has its fair share of fans. It's made a name for its clear seafood bisque-style 'Superior Soup' and dry mi xian noodles, the bowls are usually finished with a splash of rice wine — a trend apparently started by Emperor Kangxi back in the Qing Dynasty of the 17th century. The Melbourne restaurant's menu will carry through those classic GO Noodle House flavours, though with local ingredients. Head in for customisable bowls of that hearty, seafood-based noodle soup, or a hot and sour variation, loaded with additions like meat balls, stuffed chillies, cooked prawns or mixed mushrooms. Other dishes include the likes of homemade fish dumplings, Hakka-style pan mee noodles, slow-cooked slices of pork belly and a street snack dubbed Nine Dragon Balls. If you're feeling game (and extra hungry), there's the GNH Challenge dish — a $49 mega bowl of noodles, soup, pork and beef that's free if you can polish it all off in 30 minutes.
One of the country's longest-running music festivals is back and bigger than ever, with the iconic St Kilda Festival returning next month with a stacked program of performances across an expanded multi-day format. From Saturday, February 5–Sunday, February 13, multiple stages across the suburb's foreshore will play host to a diverse lineup of live tunes and dance performances, backed by a jam-packed offering of food, market stalls, workshops and carnival rides. Set to fire up the Foreshore Stage are big-name acts like Daryl Braithwaite, Emma Donovan and The Putbacks, Gordi, Baker Boy, Soju Gang and The Bamboos, while on February 12, you'll catch the likes of Archie Roach, Chasing Ghosts, Kee'ahn and The Merindas here as part of the Yaluk-ut Weelam Ngargee First Peoples arts and cultural showcase. Elsewhere, enjoy pop tunes courtesy of acts like Ashwarya and Devy; R&B sounds delivered by Vetta Borne and Squid the Kid; a touch of psychedelic rock via The Lazy Eyes; DJ sets from favourites like Big Rig and DJ pgz; and a dose of signature sparkle from performance artists The Huxleys. There's a whole roster of family-friendly entertainment in the works, plus many local businesses will extend their trading hours for the occasion, amplifying the precinct's summertime buzz. There'll also be an array of food and market stalls to shop in between gigs. Images: Nathan Doran
Do you know what us Melburnians can't get enough of? Little pick-me-ups to make the days a bit sunnier. It may be as small as turning a new corner on your daily walk to discover lesser-known street art in the area, or getting satisfaction from finishing off a DIY project you've had on hold. It's the little things that matter most right now. So, to help give you some ideas for your working week ahead, we've teamed up with Oporto to bring you five easy pick-me-ups to make your week a little bit better. Plus, they'll speed up the days until the weekend rolls around again. MONDAY: SEND A GREEN BABY TO YOUR FRIENDS Know a mate who's feeling a little blue? Pick them up with a present delivered right to their door. And choose one that has lasting benefits. We know of ten plant stores across the city that have the green goods to do just the trick to lift your friend's spirits — and help give them a smile every time a fresh leaf sprouts. Choose them a bestseller from Vine Boy, such as a monstera, or opt for a seasonal indoor variety from Folia House. Alternatively, Botanicah's online store has cute cacti if that's more your mate's style. It also stocks cute ceramic plant hangers, locally made pots and an assortment of accessories to throw in, too. With spring in the air, a new pop of green is just what the doctor ordered. [caption id="attachment_781727" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Matt Adnate[/caption] TUESDAY: DISCOVER A HIDDEN GEM IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD There are always under appreciated spots in every neighbourhood to uncover and explore. So why not take a new path on your walk today and discover a hidden gem in your hood? While sticking to the lockdown guidelines, of course, you could find some street art by local artists, try a new takeaway coffee place and maybe even order a new type of drink to shake things up. You could visit a new-to-you local grocer or try out a different bakery and grab some pastries and pies. Getting the blood flowing always helps the mood, too. [caption id="attachment_783396" align="alignnone" width="1920"] St Kilda, Visit Victoria[/caption] WEDNESDAY: BEAT THE MIDWEEK BLUES Get over the hump that is Wednesday and beat any midweek blues that may have crept into your week by ordering Oporto's new Halloumi and Chicken Rappa. Protein, dairy and carbs. Need we say more? It has grilled halloumi side by side with grilled chicken breast fillets, crisp lettuce, slaw mix and avocado doused in creamy mayo accompanied with a tomato and capsicum relish. The best part is: this scrumptious package wrapped in a warm pita bread wrap can be ordered online and delivered to your door. Eat this feast while watching the sunset over the city (from a park near you) and if you are able to, why not meet with a friend for a socially distanced picnic (within the current guidelines, of course). [caption id="attachment_768047" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cornersmith[/caption] THURSDAY: COMPLETE THAT DIY PROJECT You know that home project you've been meaning to start since March? Maybe it's time to finally give it a good crack — or find a completely new crafty new idea to try your hand at. With spring in the air, it's a perfect time to get your hands dirty creating a veggie garden or box. The Little Veggie Patch Co has beginner seed kits, guidebooks for growing food at home and plenty of pots and planters to get your started. Jump on board the sourdough train with a sourdough starting kit from Ballarat Home Brew or Simply No Knead. Or, wow your housemates by taking an online pickling course with Cornersmith. Now's the time to start or finish something worth talking about. FRIDAY: THROW YOUR DREAM PARTY Who says that just because you can't go out (much), you can't have a party? Get out the disco ball, put on your finest or wildest outfit and throw the party of your dreams. Start by trying a new cocktail recipe to get you in the mood. Enjoy beach vibes with a coconut margarita or pretend you're in a smoky bar with a tequila old fashioned. Then, tune into an online set, such as Room 2 Radio, which will transport you into a virtual dance party with local DJs. Join in on the live chat too to mingle with the other partygoers and enjoy some solid Melbourne nightlife – just, at home. Check out Oporto's full Rappa Range here, then make tracks to your closest store — or order online. Top image: Yarra River sunset, Visit Victoria
This independent Ryrie Street gallery showcases an eclectic array of works by Australian artists and textile makers, including knitters, quilt-makers and painters. The gallery is located in a heritage building dating to 1915, established as one of Geelong's first florists. Geelong Art Space pays homage to this history by offering fresh-cut flowers and seasonal produce from the Bellarine region. Every so often, the Geelong Art Space puts out a call for emerging artists to showcase their work, or to contribute to events it holds. If you're looking online, many of their pieces are also available for purchase. Images: Julia Sansone
While it might be a multicultural food haven, and home to some of the best laksa in town, Flemington has always been a little slim on wine bars. But Nick Prendergast and Kim Heffernan, owners of Mount Alexander Road's newly hatched wine room The Fox & Daisy, are out to change all that. They've created a neighbourhood wine bar and bottle shop, where the focus is local — local wines, local cheese, local cured meats. Aimed at all degrees of wine obsession, it's a cosy, relaxed haunt, with a drinks list that runs from the old-world through to minimal-intervention drops. And, since it's sourcing most wines directly from the makers, it's delivering some seriously budget-friendly bottles, too. Expect to find plenty of great bottles for not much more than $20, takeaway. To match the largely Victorian booze lineup, the Fox & Daisy is dishing up a locally focused food offering, filled with bites that work a treat alongside a glass or two of vino. You'll find the likes of charcuterie and cheese from Savour and Grace, Thursday night's $35 wine and pâté deal (which includes two glasses), and maybe a cheesy raclette fondue once winter descends. Keep an eye out also for wine tasting masterclasses, vinyl-drenched Sunday sessions (complete with $5 pots and $10 Aperol spritzes) and the odd live act. Find The Fox & Daisy at 185 Mount Alexander Road, Flemington. It's open 3pm–10pm, Wednesday–Saturday and midday–10pm, Saturday and midday–7pm, Sunday.
In September 2024, East Melbourne welcomed Australia's first Lanson Place outpost. The group behind this hotel already boasts eight lavish properties throughout Asia, and this Melbourne site lives up to all the luxurious hype. It's housed within and above the heritage-protected 1901 Salvation Army Printing Works by Parliament Gardens, which was totally transformed through a $80 million renovation. The historic facade remains, but the interior has been gutted and replaced with luxe contemporary finishes. The team has also included 325 commissioned pieces of art and sculpture that are said to be inspired by the building's storied past as a printing press. This includes the lobby's 40-metre-long ceiling installation which mimics both falling paper and the bark from a native melaleuca paperbark tree. As you move through the rest of the hotel, you'll find a 20-metre swimming pool, fitness centre, coworking space, and a ground-floor all-day diner and bar that champions Aussie produce. Chronicle 502 Bar & Dining serves up classic Euro-inspired fare — using top-tier local produce — but the menu does feel a little lacking. You will be spending quite a bit here to get some very simple eats. But that seems to be the point — it is inoffensive food that pleases everyone and focuses on catering for hotel guests. If you're staying here and want really superb food, we recommend heading to some of Melbourne CBD's best restaurants. But if you are leaning into the staycation vibes and don't want to leave the hotel — dinner or lunch here will surely hit the spot. If you book a room with views across Parliament Gardens and the city skyline, we suggest you have this food in your room. The floor-to-ceiling windows let you see the city in all its glory, from the MCG and St Patrick's Cathedral to Parliament House and The Princess Theatre. All up, there are 137 accommodations available, including classic hotel rooms, studio apartments, one- and two-bedroom apartments, and a couple of totally luxe penthouses. You've got all the usual five-star amenities here, plus an extensive pillow menu for those fussy sleepers. Anyone would be very comfortable staying at Lanson Place, which has a prime location right by the CBD.
Vegans of the north, rejoice. Vegans of Melbourne in general who are happy to head to Northcote, too. The age of meat is waning and it's nearly your time to inherit the earth. To build your strength, head down to Welcome to Thornbury for Vegan Vegout — which is making a return for 2021 on Wednesday, February 3. That's when the all-vegan food truck next rolls into High Street — and while the lineup changes at each event, you can expect meat-free dishes aplenty. Previous Vegan Vegouts have served up everything from vegan meatballs to vegan peking duck, so there'll be more than a few options to tempt your tastebuds. As well as tucking into vegan and vegetarian eats at this food truck party, you'll be able to sip vegan beverages from the bar as well. The event kicks off from 5pm, and dogs are welcome.
Celebrating the city's spirit of creativity, Melbourne Festival rocks into town with a diverse program of theatre, dance, music and art, across 17 days this October. There's something in this lineup for everyone, all of it sure to inspire and get those mind cogs turning. If you fancy delighting all the senses simultaneously, pay a visit to The Arts Centre's dazzling installation, House Of Mirrors. Here, a pair of local artists have combined 15 tonnes of mirrored glass and 40 tonnes of steel to create an oversized, walk-through kaleidoscope, centred around concepts of reflection.
Surfers of Melbourne — all 300,000 of you — don't go anywhere. Come Easter, the first waves will be rolling through Australia's very first surf park. And, no, you won't have to drive all the way out to Torquay or the Peninsula. Instead, Urbnsurf Melbourne will be located on a huge site in Tullamarine, just near the airport. Plans for the park first surfaced way back in 2016, and Urbnsurf has today announced that the park has installed its wave generator. That means it will be pumping out surf by April, with a view to be open to the public by spring this year. At the moment, the site is still a hole in the ground — but when it opens, the two-hectare lagoon will power up to 1000 waves per hour, day and night. And you'll get a choice of waves. Want to ride nothing but perfectly-formed right-handers for an hour? Or would you prefer a random selection, like what you'd experience in the ocean? You'll be able to take your pick. According to Urbnsurf founder Andrew Ross, "every wave has six different take-off spots", which equates to 3600 surfable positions every hour. The waves are created by Wavegarden technology, which was developed by a Spanish engineering firm of the same name. So how does it work? Basically, the waves come from an 85-metre pier that runs down the centre of the lagoon (which you can see in the image below). A series of pistons located on the pier then push the water to the left, then to the right, to create the waves. Ross likens the movement to "moving your hand back and forward like a shark's tail". [caption id="attachment_707250" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Urbnsurf lagoon under construction.[/caption] If you're worried about the amount of energy needed to drive such an operation, take comfort in the fact that Urbnsurf aims to run on 100 percent renewables within the first 12 months of opening. From the get-go, the rest of the facility's built environment — which includes a beach club, loads of eateries and a retail space — will be partially solar powered (with the rest sourced from renewable sources), and water will be sourced from storm water stores near the airport before being treated and filtered. Once the lagoon is filled, the team will then enter a testing period — if you're a keen surfer, you can sign up to give it a test drive before the park opens to the public in spring this year. The ability to create waves means that the park will be built for both pros who are looking for steep, barrelling waves and novices looking for a safe place to get their start in the surf. "Becoming a great surfer is all about getting waves under your feet," says Ross. "But, in Melbourne, the nearest waves are over an hour away. Unless you set up your life so you can get down there regularly, it's difficult to progress as a surfer, without dedicating decades of your life to it." At Urbnsurf, Ross predicts, most novices will stand on their board within an hour and ride across the green face within two. And not only will you get guaranteed waves — you won't be fighting for them. The park holds 84 riders per hour. And, should you get seriously hooked, you'll be able to enter amateur competitions, maybe with (or against) your mates. When completed, it will be the fourth commercial wave park in the world, and the first in Australia. But not for long. Urbnsurf has already has plans for a Sydney park approved, and it's also lodging a development application for a site in Perth. Another park has also been proposed for regional Queensland. https://vimeo.com/256710737 Urbnsurf is due to open in spring 2019 near Melbourne Airport. You can sign up to test out the surf park before it opens on the website. Top image: Wavegarden San Sebastian, by Ed Sloane. All images courtesy Urbnsurf.
As Melburnians, we're lucky to be situated so close to so many of Australia's most celebrated wine regions: the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula, King Valley et al. Whether you're looking for organically produced wines, family-run operations or just a picturesque spot for a long, lazy lunch, we've got it all just a short road trip away. If you're a fan of the plonk and you're not taking advantage of Victoria's seriously kickass vineyards, it's time to get those engines revving. These following eight spots are all top-notch cellar doors and restaurants — meaning that you can taste the wine, order a bottle of something you like and settle in for a long lunch (and maybe even explore the property afterwards). That is to say, they're all road trip-worthy destinations that you can spend a whole afternoon at. Just make sure you designate a Dave before you leave home. As of 11.59pm on November 8, both the 25-kilometre travel limit, and the border between regional Victoria and metro Melbourne have been lifted. Which means you're free to enjoy the state's wineries once again. For more information about the status of COVID-19 and the current restrictions, head over to the Department of Health and Human Services website — and for further details about Victoria's steps for reopening, head to the roadmap itself.
Before anywhere else in Australia, Melbourne became home to a major annual celebration of movies. That was over 70 years ago, when MIFF debuted. Then in 1991, the Victorian capital made flick-watching history again, this time in the queer cinema space. Now, Melbourne Queer Film Festival is the nation's oldest such fest, and it too keeps delighting audiences, this year with the theme of Searching for Queer Utopia. Running from Thursday, November 13 to Sunday, November 23, this year's festival celebrates 35 years of joy, creativity and liberation in queer filmmaking, with more than 130 films and 100 sessions screening at Cinema Nova, Collins Place, Melbourne Town Hall and The Capitol Theatre. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_gUjCvASN4[/embed] Everything kicks off with an opening night extravaganza around the Victorian premiere of Queens of the Dead, directed by Tina Romero, daughter of the late pioneer of zombie filmmaking, George Romero. Lead actress Dominique Jackson will be in attendance, too, before leading a keynote discussion with FlexMami the following night. There's another keynote and Victorian premiere on Saturday, November 15 with Sophie Hyde, director of the Olivia Colman and John Lithgow-starring Jimpa, leading a keynote address ahead of the film's screening. [caption id="attachment_1034825" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] 'Jimpa', directed by Sophie Hyde[/caption] Other screenings include the Tehran-shot guerrilla-style film The Crowd (directed by Sahand Kabiri) about a queer youth-led resistance against patriarchal norms; Hot Milk, a Greek Island-set story of intergenerational desire starring Emma Mackey (Sex Education) and Fiona Shaw (Killing Eve); a documentary portrait of paralympian and veteran Angela Madsen in Row of Life and The Serpent's Skin, a blend of magic, romance and dark humour in goth-trans cinema from Australian director Alice Maio Mackay. There's also a tale of post-breakup chaos in Departures; a dive into the lives of young queer women in Greece in Bearcave; a trans-led reimagining of our favourite 90s movies in She's The He; a regional India-set, multi-award-winning story of grief and love in Cactus Pears, and Heightened Scrutiny, a documentary about the ongoing fight for transgender rights in the United States. [caption id="attachment_1034824" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] 'Hot Milk', directed by Rebecca Lenkiewicz[/caption] Like other film festivals, the Melbourne Queer Film Festival will also host awards shows and retrospectives for films that have passed their premieres, celebrating not just the new but also the endearing favourites and shining stars in queer cinema from around the world. Melbourne Queer Film Festival runs from Thursday, November 13 to Sunday, November 23. Discover the full program or get tickets via the website.
An emotion-dripping tale of love, loneliness and yearning against a backdrop of festering societal tension — as shot with swoon-worthy red-hued imagery, too — Wong Kar-Wai's In the Mood for Love isn't easily forgotten. And, for the past 20 years, anyone who has seen the 1960s Hong Kong-set romantic drama hasn't wanted to. Based on their new live performance, that includes Rainbow Chan, Eugene Choi and Marcus Whale. With In the Mood — A Love Letter to Wong Kar-Wai & Hong Kong, the trio join forces to pay tribute to this 2000 movie masterpiece — and to take inspiration from it. As streamed live at 9pm AEST on Saturday, September 26 from the Sydney Opera House's Joan Sutherland Theatre, they're serving up a moody, dreamy new song cycle that ponders and responds to In the Mood for Love's parting words: "that era is past, nothing that belonged to it exists anymore". As well as new music by Chan and Whale, plus narration from Choi, this world-premiere performance will feature a set that'll look like it has been plucked from the movie, 60s-style costumes, a bossa nova dance and new renditions of the film's soundtrack — with plenty of sax. And, it'll also pair all of the above with visuals that are meant to ponder what Wong's feature would look like if it was made today. Basically, viewers are set for an ode and a re-interpretation, with the latter firmly relevant to the lockdown era. If you can't watch along live, In the Mood — A Love Letter to Wong Kar-Wai & Hong Kong will also be available to stream on-demand from Saturday, September 26 . [caption id="attachment_783477" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Daniel Boud[/caption] In the Mood — A Love Letter to Wong Kar-Wai & Hong Kong streams at 9pm AEST on Saturday, September 26 — and will be available to watch on-demand afterwards. Top image: Daniel Boud.
International Falafel Day is rocking around for another year and — thanks to Just Falafs — that means a free lunch for you. The Fitzroy North eatery is marking the occasion by handing out 1000 of its classic falafel pitas for free, from 12pm on Monday, June 14. Yep, consider it a little lunchtime light at the end of the lockdown tunnel. For the uninitiated, Just Falafs' signature vegan-friendly lunch feed features thick pita bread stuffed with falafel, hummus, pickles, Israeli salad and pickled cabbage, finished with a generous drizzle of tahini. And if you fancy helping out a good cause while you wait, there'll be a donation box set up on the day, raising funds for First Nations-focused organisation Children's Ground. The free falafels are available only to-go, so the event will happen even if Victoria's current lockdown is extended (fingers and toes crossed). It'll also be a COVID-safe set-up, with all guests required to wear masks and check-in via QR code. [caption id="attachment_814656" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tim Harris[/caption] Top image: Nat Jurrjens
If you've been looking for an excuse to hit the d-floor, we've found one that's hard to beat. Digital music platform and legendary dance floor filler Boiler Room is descending on Melbourne for what's set to be its biggest Aussie event yet. On Saturday, November 26, Boiler Room: Melbourne (Naarm) will make dreams come true as it takes over a warehouse space at Port Melbourne Industrial Centre For The Arts and dishes up an all-day dance party to remember. [caption id="attachment_868300" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mall Grab, by Rob Jones[/caption] Expect huge energy from this hefty lineup of talented dance music legends, headlined by none other than UK-based DJ and producer, Mall Grab. He'll be joined on the bill by homegrown heroes like Melbourne underground sensation C.FRIM, ever-evolving Adelaide/Tarndanya-based DJ Lakota and rising star producer Pretty Girl. Bringing further international flavour, you've got Afro Pasifika queen Lady Shaka, Manchester-based DJ Salute, and breakout star and 'South-Asian underground revivalist' Yung Singh. You can nab early bird tickets online for $89.90 from 12pm, Thursday, September 8. [caption id="attachment_868301" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lady Shaka[/caption] Top Image: Sugar Mountain x Boiler Room 2018, by Mark Stanjo
We know entertaining the kids on the weekends can be tough. Luckily, an exciting annual event is returning this year to provide some educational fun for the whole family. Chadstone – The Fashion Capital will look a little different come Saturday, August 19 and Sunday, August, 20. The venue will be transformed yet again into the Teddy Bear Hospital. Bring the kids and their favourite teddy bears for a check-up to ensure every fluffy companion is in tip-top shape. Teddy Bear Hospital is run by the University of Melbourne, with volunteer medical students set to captivate young hearts and educate children about the ins and outs of healthcare. You'll find the hospital outside David Jones on the Lower Ground Level at Chadstone. Expect exciting activity stations to spark any child's curiosity, from X-rays, the art of optometry, a peek at radiology, speech pathology and even a thrilling ride in the Teddy ambulance. Kids can bring their own cuddly patients from home if they are in need of some TLC. Or, they can purchase a new best friend from the Teddy Bear Shop, where a collection of adorable companions await new owners. A visit to the hospital will cost you $20 for one adult and one child, or $30 for two adults and two children (additional children receive free entry). Proceeds benefit the Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal, so you know all that family fun is going to a great cause. The Teddy Bear Hospital will run at Chadstone – The Fashion Capital from August 19–20. Visit costs $20 for one adult and one child, or $30 for two adults and two children — additional children will have free entry. All proceeds go towards Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal. Due to popular demand, all sessions are now sold out. Please check back on the website intermittently for available sessions as cancellations may occur. Walk-ups are limited, subject to availability. Images: Chadstone – The Fashion Capital
Located in the heart of Melbourne on the west end of Flinders Lane, Quincy Melbourne's 241 rooms are full of colour and bold patterned soft furnishings — aimed at bringing the essence of Southeast Asia to Melbourne. Offering standard, deluxe and club rooms, all boast luxe inclusions such as free wifi, an espresso coffee machine, premium tea selection, a pillow menu (yes, that's a thing), Kevin Murphy bathroom amenities and Samsung 55" TVs that include Chromecast and free on-demand movies at no extra cost. All these features help cement Quincy as one of Melbourne's finest hotels. That and the views. The entire hotel is tall but slim, so many rooms have corner views down Flinders Lane, King Street and across the Yarra. The floor-to-ceiling windows take full advantage of this, letting you sit back in your bed and marvel at the city as it transitions from day to night. The Quincy Hotel also offers up three separate dining venues. First off, there's Salted Egg. This restaurant offers up modern Southeast Asian dishes that are meant to challenge — expect the unexpected. Next up is The Q. It's a reimagined rooftop club lounge made to relax in during the day, before becoming an energetic bar at night. And lastly, they have SingSong which is a place of bubble tea and Melbourne blends of coffee in the morning, and an evening of Asian-inspired spritzes and bite size treats. It's a fairly low-key spot to hang in when staying at Quincy. Appears in: The Best Hotels in Melbourne
Do you like scary movies? Escape of the Werewolf is giving you the opportunity to live one. Like an escape room on amphetamines, this interactive game sees participants locked in a laboratory surrounded by hungry werewolves. From there, it’s pretty simple: find your way out in less than 45 minutes, or be turned into a meal. The nightmare begins at the top secret headquarters of the mysterious Lycadine Industries (exact location TBA, although we know it’s somewhere in North Melbourne). Billed as “Australia’s only fully immersive scare experience,” the game employs a cast of live actors, whose job it is to make things as terrifying as possible. The aim is for players to work together to find an exit, before their entire group gets devoured. Don’t wear anything too nice. At some point, you will get sprayed with fake blood. Due to technical difficulties, Escape of the Werewolf has been postponed to June 5–14.
Your sporty mates are stocking up on energy drinks, slotting in more sneaky naps, and having a few serious conversations with their bosses — the world cup is nearly upon us. While in the past this has meant heinous match times of 3 or 4am, most of this year's offerings in Brazil are slated for around 6am. Now you can slot in a cheeky game before work each morning, and you don't have to freeze in the middle of Fed Square to do it. To accommodate this year's world cup-inflicted zombies, the old George Cinema in St Kilda has been fitted out as your ultimate football hub. Providing big screens, beanbags, bars and food, this little sporty oasis is in fact the only place in Melbourne screening every single match. Over three screens, punters can watch on from the comfort of lounges and deck chairs on 'The Lawn', proper theatre seats in 'The Stadium' or a luxe private booth for ten in 'The Super Box'. Tickets start at just $10 a pop for general admission and refreshments will be available for purchase from within. Admittedly the football might be a less boozy affair when you're confronted with a 5am wake-up call, but at least there will be a bit of party vibe to get you appropriately rowdy. The Festival of Football runs for the entire length of the FIFA World Cup from June 13 - July 14. Tickets are available via the website.
Get ready to play that funky music, Melburnians, because a 70s-themed karaoke bar has rolled into town. Yep, Funlab — the group responsible for Holey Moley and adults-only arcade bars Archie Brothers and B. Lucky & Sons — has opened yet another kidult wonderland, with Juke's Karaoke Bar its latest themed venue. Located inside the Crown Complex, this one trades pinball machines and golf clubs for a psychedelic colour scheme, plenty of mirrors and mirrorballs, and decor that'll make you want to bust out your flares and big hair. Oh, and plenty of 70s bangers as well. It's time to warm up those vocal chords and prepare to belt out the likes of 'My Sharona', 'Stayin' Alive' and 'Hotel California', plus oh-so-much ABBA. In total, ten private karaoke rooms are available, accommodating between two to 25 people. While each suite boasts a different style and varying hues, they all come with velvet ottomans and couches, a stage and a stand-up mic. There's also a prop box, complete with items like tambourines, maracas and feather boas. Juke's also has a bar — for plenty of liquid courage, naturally — and serves snacks. As is only fitting, all food and booze is appropriately 70s-inspired. Drinks-wise, you can choose from orange crush-flavoured punch bowls served in disco balls, grasshoppers (the minty drink) and fruity cocktails adorned with lolly bracelets. Or, opt for a liquid or jelly shot, including the mini espresso martini and toasted marshmallow kind, as well as others in syringes. To eat, you'll find prawn cocktails, onion ring towers and Chiko Rolls, plus giant pretzels, mini hot dogs, sliders, potato gems, Swedish meatballs, and a platter of chocolate, lamingtons and marshmallows. Also on offer: cabanossi and pineapple porcupines, and this frighteningly fluoro cheese fondue.
After what feels like decades of being stuck within the four-wall confines of our homes during lockdowns, domestic flights and holidays seem firmly back on the cards. So, it's no wonder we're all craving a little something extra to scratch the travel itch. When it comes to your next big vacay, consider adding Central Australia to the mix. This desert paradise has spectacular experiences on offer — things that are worlds away from your everyday life. We're talking red desert dance floors under sparkling stars, helicopter tours of Uluru and festivals that rival Burning Man. We've teamed up with Tourism Central Australia to showcase some of the more unexpected experiences the Red Centre has to offer. Want to plan your very own adventure to the Red Centre? Take a look at our handy trip builder to start building your custom itinerary now.
Portarlington Mussel Festival has become one of the largest yearly events to take place in the tiny bayside community. Each year, over ten tonnes of locally harvested mussels are served to 30,000 seafood-loving punters. For its 13th year in 2020, Australia's mussel capital will host over 200 market stalls, peddling not only shellfish but fresh local produce too. There'll be live music across three stages, art, cooking demos, activities for kids and, most importantly, beer and wine tastings. And entry is just $5. Established in 2007, the festival highlights the importance of the Bellarine's aquaculture industry — 60 percent of Australia's mussels come from Portarlington. Despite the town's remoteness, you can jump on a ferry from Melbourne or, even better, do a coastal road trip. Top image: Visit Victoria.
At the moment, you can't go visit your local bar for a round of after-work negronis on a Friday afternoon. But that doesn't mean you need to forego your usual end-of-week drinks with your colleagues. A heap of bars, wineries and distilleries are bringing the happy hour to you — virtually. Whether you'd like to learn how to whip up a Bond-worthy martini, show off your beer knowledge at a boozy trivia session or taste your way through some top drops (and learn a thing or two) at an online cellar door event, there are plenty of digital happy hours to get around while you work from home. Here are some of our favourites.
Melburnians, if you like celebrating warm weather, adorable animation and mini golf all at once, the part-tee is just about to begin in Frankston. Everyone's favourite Pixar characters are popping up at a putt-putt course inspired by the Disney-owned studio's loveable films. Yes, Pixar Putt is returning, with the kidult-friendly course heading to Frankston Foreshore from Friday, December 16–Sunday, January 29. Designed to challenge both eight-year olds and adults, Pixar Putt features nine- and 18-hole courses that take you past childhood heroes like Buzz Lightyear, Sheriff Woody and Elastigirl. Flicks such as Monsters Inc, Onward, Finding Nemo, Up, A Bug's Life, Wall-E, Inside Out and Soul all get some putting love, too. Clearly, there's no need for a trip to Disneyland — and this year's course features new holes inspired by Pixar's recent Turning Red and Lightyear. So, if you don't think you'll beat your cousin at backyard cricket over the summer, challenge them to a match here. All you need is your hat and A-game (and no pressure if you remain defeated, there's always the nineteenth hole nearby). Pixar Putt is also open for after-dark sessions every Thursday–Saturday night — and they're only for adults. Operating from 7–10pm, the late-night putt-putt hours are perfect for those date nights when you want to do more than just have dinner and see a movie. Otherwise, head along from 10am–8pm Sunday–Wednesday, and be prepared to have littlies for company.
It just wouldn't be Melbourne Music Week without a laneway party. Now on final release tickets, this all-day affair takes you on a musical journey through the afternoon in AC/DC Lane. Spend the day flitting between the two stages in the laneway and at Cherry Bar as you take in some of Australia's best rock and roll bands. The lineup is both eclectic and on-point, with 90s legends Regurgitator, party rockers The Bennies and star-in-the-making Bec Sandridge. It'll set you back $70 but its well worth it for a mini-festival of this calibre.
Last night, the best chefs in the world descended on Spain's Bilbao for the annual World's 50 Best celebrations. Among them, was Australia's Ben Shewry. Shewry is no stranger to the awards, his Ripponlea restaurant Attica has appeared on the list every year since 2013, but this is the first year he's cracked the top 20. Attica was the only Australian restaurant in the top 50 — which jumped 12 spots from No. 32 to No. 20 this year — with Victoria's Brae falling to No. 58, compared to a ranking of No. 44 last year. Attica also took out the coveted Best Restaurant in Australasia award. The top five restaurant for 2018 aren't dramatically different from past years, with Massimo Bottura's Osteria Francescana rising from second place to once again take out the top gong. Spain's El Celler de Can Roca rose from No.3 to No.2, while Southern France's Mirazur rose from No. 4 to No.3, and New York's Eleven Madison Park dropped from No.1 to No. 4 — it was closed for renovations for a portion of last year. Rounding out the top five was Bangkok's Gaggan, a restaurant known, among other things, for its emoji-only menu. It was a bittersweet awards for Australia, which has oft had up to four restaurants on the list — the award's debut year, in 2002, saw Melbourne's Flower Drum, Sydney's Tetsuya's and Neil Perry's Rockpool (which has now closed) all in the top 50. This year, only one made the cut. The award's often-criticised gender imbalance was once again evident, with only five women making the list (an increase from last year's three). You can check out the full list at the World's 50 Best website.
The tradition of the 'last meal' is a complex one. In early Europe, the gesture functioned as an act of appeasement — a small token to ward off the spirit of the accused haunting its executioners. In modern times, the act is somewhat less superstitious. A little sweetener to the incalculable moral dilemma of corporal punishment. This is what NZ-born, Brooklyn-based photographer Henry Hargreaves sought to explore in No Seconds, his series of eerie re-creations of those final bites taken by America's most wanted. At a glance, the 12 visually rich photographs seem harmless enough. The shots of chicken and peas resemble something your mother might make you on a trip back home, and the steak and eggs are reminiscent of a meal picked up at a country diner. Of course, most plates are full of comfort food; the same kind of thing you could pick up one particularly hungover morning, or devour with a hint of shame at night. This empathy is exactly what's so worrisome about the series. With the camera positioned above each meal, Hargreaves invariably puts you in the seat of the killer. He forces you to reminisce about home-cooked meals or how much you love fresh strawberries mere moments before your eye wanders to the label reading "John Wayne Gacy ... Rape, 33 counts of murder". In an interview for the exhibition catalogue, Hargreaves said he wanted "the viewer to think of [the prisoner] as a person for a moment instead of them being anonymous". "It's a subject that people can relate to and are curious about," he said. "We all eat and we all die." Of course, the circumstances do differ. The series is further complicated by the fact the tradition may be on the way out in some places. In 2011, Texas — a state well-known for its continued support of the death penalty — put an end to last meals claiming it a waste of taxpayer funds. A premise made complicated by inmates such as Victor Feguer. Hung in 1963 for kidnap and murder, Feguer asked for just a single olive with its pit. Apparently, he thought it might grow into an olive tree from inside his body and hoped it would make use of him as a symbol of peace. Regardless of your politics, the photographs are definitely food for thought. See the series in full at Hargreaves' website. Via Buzzfeed.
If you're a movie lover in Melbourne, then you always know when the warm weather arrives — and you look forward to it. As soon as the conditions allow, the city's outdoor cinema season begins, filling spring and summer with flicks under the stars. That's what's on the agenda in Elsternwick from Thursday, October 27, when the Classic Rooftop Cinema restarts its projector for another go-around. This year, it's kicking things off with gay rom-com Bros, and will then keep screening new and classic highlights — and festival flicks, too — from there. Also on the Classic's openair lineup for 2022–23 so far, taking over its towering outdoor screen: the 1950s-style thrills of Don't Worry Darling, horror standouts Barbarian and Sissy, the George Clooney- and Julia Roberts-starring Ticket to Paradise, and murder-mystery Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery. Or, there's also the period-set Mrs Harris Goes to Paris and Armageddon Time, upcoming superhero sequel Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and a festive-season showing of Die Hard. Sessions run depending on the weather, so take that into consideration. Fancy a drink — or just stopping by for one without seeing a film? The bar runs from 4–8pm Friday–Sunday, and is open to everyone. Or, it starts pouring at 7.30pm on weekdays just for ticketholders.
UPDATE, December 17, 2022: White Noise screens in Australian cinemas from Thursday, December 8, and streams via Netflix from Friday, December 30. We're all dying. We're all shopping. We're all prattling relentlessly about our days and routines, and about big ideas and tiny specifics as well. As we cycle through this list over and over, again and again, rinsing and repeating, we're also all clinging to whatever distracts us from our ever-looming demise, our mortality hovering like a black billowing cloud. In White Noise, all of the above is a constant. For the film's second of three chapters, a dark swarm in the sky is literal, too. Adapted from Don DeLillo's 1985 novel of the same name — a book thought unfilmable for the best part of four decades — by Marriage Story writer/director Noah Baumbach, this bold, playful survey of existential malaise via middle-class suburbia and academia overflows with life, death, consumerism and the cacophony of chaos echoing through our every living moment. Oh, and there's a glorious supermarket dance number as one helluva finale, because why not? "All plots move deathward" protagonist Jack Gladney (Adam Driver, House of Gucci) contends, one of his words of wisdom in the 'Hitler studies' course he's taught for 16 years at College-on-the-Hill. Yes, that early declaration signals the feature's biggest point of fascination — knowing that eternal rest awaits us all, that is — as does White Noise's car crash-filled very first frames. In the latter, Jack's colleague Murray Siskind (Don Cheadle, No Sudden Move) holds court, addressing students about the meaning of and catharsis found in on-screen accidents, plunging into their use of violence and catastrophe as entertainment, and showing clips. In the aforementioned mid-section of the movie, when White Noise turns into a disaster flick thanks to a tanker truck colliding with a train — because its driver was distracted, fittingly — you can bet that Murray's insights and concepts bubble up again. Before there's a tangible calamity blowing in, life is still mayhem, as Baumbach stresses in White Noise's opening third. The professors natter all at once, with Jack and Murray even joining forces for a rapturous session on Hitler and Elvis Presley's commonalities — Baz Luhrmann's Elvis, this isn't — that's one of the film's tour-de-force scenes. Chatter awaits at home, too, where Jack's fourth wife Babette (Greta Gerwig, 20th Century Women) sports important corkscrew hair and mothers a blended brood spanning his kids Heinrich (Sam Nivola, With/In) and Steffie (May Nivola, The Pursuit of Love), her daughter Denise (Raffey Cassidy, Vox Lux), and their shared boy Wilder (debutants Henry and Dean Moore). Recalling Steven Spielberg's fondness for small towns and family dynamics, White Noise is both cosy and intricate in its everyday details (and oh-so-80s). The fact that everyone is always spouting and blasting something, again all at once, speaks volumes; little here, be it good, bad, sudden or expected, can be escaped. Baumbach keeps close to his source material, so much so that DeLillo's voice lingers in the dialogue; however, the director is no stranger to perceptively unpacking intimate bonds himself. Indeed, each one of his features across more than a quarter-century so far — including breakout flick The Squid and the Whale, quarter-life-crisis gem Frances Ha, the similarly arrested development-centric While We're Young, coming-of-age caper Mistress America and the adult sibling-focused The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected) — has done just that. Only White Noise boasts "The Airborne Toxic Event", though, which tests its characters and relationships through apocalyptic horror, a frantic evacuation, and detouring ambitiously and hilariously into madcap National Lampoon's Vacation-esque territory. That ominous feathery plume makes the fear of death physical, as scary movies have for a century-plus. And, it makes it unavoidable, no matter how much the film's motley crew would rather divert their attention anywhere else. Also, it briefly turns it comical in a 'what else are you going to do but laugh?' manner. How does humanity, en masse and individually, trick ourselves into forgetting that our time alive is finite, fleeting, fickle and fragile — and that it could fade to black at any second? White Noise is that question in anxious filmic form with a satirical and savage bite. Accordingly, Murray waxes lyrical about grabbing groceries, and also about being someone who either kills or dies, while Jack and the teenage Denise start noticing the usually perky Babette's secret pill-popping. The Gladneys' patriarch and matriarch already proclaim how they couldn't live without each other as bedroom talk, but they're really ruminating on what it'll mean when they simply can't live. Buying and medicating your way away from that train of thought, and ignoring warnings and doctors, are all firmly in the movie's sardonically scathing sights. So is seeing how danger, terror and death inevitably bring people together — and, although set in the 80s, working with a novel penned in the 80s, the striking pandemic-era parallels sting (masks, conspiracy theories and all). In Baumbach's hands, White Noise is anything but unadaptable, but it is jam-packed. The themes, ideas, emotions, neuroses and tones flow as fast as all the talk — itself overflowing with big-thinking yet also screwball dialogue with a zippy rhythm — and then there's the always colour-saturated production design and costuming, the hypnotic choreography of bodies and vehicles, and the dream cast. Both Driver and Gerwig have already shown their sublime talents under Baumbach's guidance before, and both perfect the crucial-but-rare skill of conveying a world of character minutiae via their presence. Driver's size instantly makes him tower over the Gladneys' mania, just not as much as that black cloud, and soar over his college discussions. Gerwig, missed on-screen for six years while directing Lady Bird, Little Women and the upcoming (and Baumbach co-written) Barbie, is the face of soldiering on until you aren't or can't — equally warmly and heartbreakingly so. Impressive turns by Cassidy and Sam Nivola as the eldest two of the precocious children stand out, too, and Jodie Turner-Smith (After Yang), André 3000 (High Life) and Lars Eidinger (Irma Vep) also make an imprint in small appearances. Again, there's a lot to White Noise. Again, that's all by design, stems from the page, happily comes with built-in lurches and veers, and a hefty part of the point. (Life is a lot, death is a lot and confronting is a lot, after all.) As Danny Elfman's (Wednesday) score adapts nimbly to the many changes in mood, and cinematographer Lol Crawley (The Humans) helps make everything a spectacle, bearing life's transience keeps proving wildly careening, spiralling, amusing and entertaining. And when the closing credits roll, fancy footwork breaking out to LCD Soundsystem's 'New Body Rhumba' in an infectiously engaging display, a clear message has beamed in through the static: everything in life, like in supermarkets, has an expiration date, but knowing that fact means enjoying what you have while you have it. Top image: Wilson Webb/NETFLIX © 2022.
Adelaide Hills gin distillery Applewood wants to help brighten up your time spent inside with a boozy gift: a free Quarantini. If you're yet to hear of this magical creation, here's a quick breakdown: it's a martini cocktail, drank in quarantine. While many Australians aren't quite in quarantine, some are self-isolating and everyone is social distancing and encouraged to only leave the house when it's absolutely necessary. So, a martini can't hurt. Especially when it's free. Applewood has bottled up 1000 200-millimetre bottles of pre-batched martini made with its famed gin, and is giving them away to the first 1000 people who sign up to its mailing list over here, before Wednesday, April 15. If you're one of the first, all you need to do is cover the $10 flat-rate postage fee and it'll arrive at your doorstep. The giveaway is only available to Australian residents over 18 years of age. If you miss out on the free Quarantini, Applewood Distillery has a lot of other fun tricks up its sleeves. As well as selling its usual tasty gins, liqueurs and limoncello, it has Isolation Gin Packs (for $199.99) and Espresso Martini Packs ($110). And it's running nightly Digital Happy Hours where you can learn to make your own Quarantinis and chat about all things gin with Brand Ambassador Henry Hammersla. To win a Quarantini, you'll need to be one of the first 1000 people to sign up to the Applewood Distillery newsletter before April 15.
The 21st annual Queenscliff Music Festival is swiftly approaching — and, boy, is there a lot to celebrate. As always, the lineup offers an exquisite mix of talent, with The Temper Trap, Xavier Rudd, Nai Palm, Bernard Fanning, Yothu Yindi, Bob Evans, Mia Dyson and The Beautiful Girls on the bill. In total, 66 acts and events are slated across the three days of November 24 to 26, including everything from comedy and outrageous ukulele-playing to yoga and anniversary shows. Unsurprisingly, tickets are moving quick — and while Saturday day passes have already been snapped up, you can either get a pass for the whole weekend or just for a Friday or Sunday if there's something special you can't possibly pass up. This a prime music event for those who like to kick back and soak up the friendly atmosphere of a well-organised festival just before the madness of summer hits. If this sounds like something you can get down with, hit up QMF.
If you've got zero resolve when faced with a room full of dreamy, artisanal chocolates, consider this South Yarra store dangerous territory. The new Como Centre flagship space for Victorian-born choccy brand Koko Black is simply brimming with smooth, cocoa-charged temptation. Decked out with Australian timber and a slew of custom-made lighting and furniture pieces, it's a lofty, light-filled space that's also home to a new concept for the chocolatier — the first-ever Koko Chocolate Bar, pouring a range of Belgian hot chocolates ($&), St Ali coffee and other signature drinks. A summery range of iced sips includes the espresso and salted caramel chill ($9), blending espresso, milk, ice cream and Koko Black's house-made salted caramel sauce, then finished with whipped cream. House-made ice creams, rich milkshakes and a selection of desserts are also up for grabs. Elsewhere in the store, you'll find a dedicated praline counter showing off Koko Black's collection of over 42 delicate, hand-crafted pralines. One wall makes a feature piece of more than 700 colourful chocolate blocks, in a huge range of 25 different varieties, while collections of other signature Koko Black goodies are showcased artfully on timber shelves and tables throughout the store.
Brightening up winter has always been Vivid Sydney's mission. Turning as much of the city as possible into a glowing sight has also been the festival's remit since its beginnings. Announcing its return for 2024, Dark Spectrum isn't the only example of how those aims come to fruition, but it's still a dazzling case in point. The luminous event heads into the Harbour City's depths, unleashes lasers and lights, adds electronic dance music as a soundtrack and gets attendees exploring a lit-up subterranean labyrinth. Dark Spectrum debuted in 2023, as a world-premiere installation in Wynyard's unused railway tunnels, which was the first time ever that the spot had been opened to the public. The light show beneath the streets has now joined the 2024 program, again in the same location, but this time as Dark Spectrum: A New Journey. Just like last year, we hope that you like lasers, secret passageways and bright colours, which will all be on offer from Friday, May 24–Saturday, June 15. As the name makes plain, this is an all-new version of Dark Spectrum, but the basic setup, of course, remains the same. A collaboration between Vivid Sydney, Sony Music, Mandylights and Culture Creative, this underground spectacle will again feature eight rooms, all heroing a different hue, with the entire concept initially inspired by raves and their dance floors. Across a one-kilometre trail — up from 2023's 900 metres — 300 lasers and strobe lights, 500 lanterns, 250 search lights and 700 illuminated arrows will make a shining impression. Wondering which tunes accompany this maze-like experience, which tasks everyone that enters with wandering through its expanse from start to finish as lights flash and flicker, and smoke and haze effects add to the mood? Dark Spectrum: A New Journey will draw upon club-favourite tracks from the past 30 years. And yes, if you want to dance your way through the chambers and tunnels, that's allowed (and understandable). "Vivid Sydney 2024 is exploring what makes us uniquely human, with a diverse program designed to foster connections, spark imagination and showcase the multitude of ways creativity enriches our lives. We are so excited to welcome back Dark Spectrum: A New Journey to Vivid Sydney 2024 to bring the festival theme to life with a brand-new wholly immersive experience," said Vivid Sydney Festival Director Gill Minervini. Also adding gleaming sights to the fest's lineup: the return of Lightscape, again at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney; 40-kilometre-long laser beams shooting out of Sydney Tower; artwork by Archibald Prize winner Julia Gutman on the Sydney Opera House's sails; projected pieces on a range of buildings in the CBD; 4000 solar-powered LED candles glowing amid the sandstone blocks at Barangaroo Reserve; and Barangaroo's Stargazer Lawn welcoming a circular projection of the brolga's mating dance. Dark Spectrum: A New Journey will run from Friday, May 24–Saturday, June 15, 2024, during Vivid Sydney 2024. For further information and tickets, head to the event's website. Top image: Dark Spectrum 2023, Destination NSW.
I don't know about you, but I usually don't associate Russia with summer homes. In fact, 'Russian summer home' seems a bit of an oxymoron. However, Moscow-based architect Peter Kostelov has created this all-white 'origami house' for Russia's reality show, Dachniy Otvet. His only guidelines were to create a summer home where the family could enjoy athletic activities outdoors and host gatherings for friends. The house has no doors or windows, allowing guests to get some of that Russian sunshine (catch it while you can) whilst still being protected from Russia's often unpredictable weather. Built with sustainably-sourced timber, the origami house also uses a solar battery to heat water. The design folds and wraps, representing an origami-like structure. Check out some photos of this unique contemporary design.
Come summer, Melbourne's southwest will boast its own little slice of sunny coastal Spain, when new restaurant Sebastian opens right on Williamstown beach. After opening the doors to Southbank Argentinian grill Asado just last month, co-owner Dave Parker (also one of the names behind San Telmo, Pastuso and Palermo) has announced yet another project. He's teaming up with longtime friend and Williamstown local Alex Brawn to transform the space once home to Shelly's Beach Pavilion, into a breezy seaside bar and grill that nods to the Spanish town of San Sebastian. Slated to open this November to take full advantage of balmy sunset sessions to come, the venue will boast space for 250, complete with dining room, bistro and a sprawling shaded deck that is literally on the beach. Acclaimed design studio Ewert Leaf has taken on the fit-out, which will see the heritage-listed space remodelled into a Hamptons-style vision of white, blue and oak. As for the food offering, expect a range of Spanish-inspired menus catering to the dine-in crowd, as well as a raft of takeaway deli-style options for summer post-swim beach picnics. Sebastian is set to open at 26 Esplanade, Williamstown sometime in November. We'll keep you updated on an opening date.
With the government announcing that non-essential indoor venues must close, everyone arriving from overseas must self-isolate for 14 days and encouraging social distancing, delivery services are more important than ever. Many of Melbourne's best are offering same-day delivery, too — and we're not just talking about food, either. Natural wine? Check. Indoor plants? Check. Belgian chocolate? Check. Designer threads for your pup? Yep, those too. Household items and zero-contact deliveries are also on the docket. Whatever you're stocking up on, these same-day delivery services will have you covered in just a few hours (or less). WINE, SPIRITS AND COCKTAILS FROM MAGNUM + QUEENS No matter what your self-isolation tipple of choice, this online booze store probably has it in stock and can have it to your doorstep, pronto. In addition to its renowned wine subscription service, Magnum + Queens boasts a wide-ranging curation of spirits, vino, wine packs and cocktail gift packs — with instructions — to see you through. Indulge your obsession for minimal intervention drops, hook yourself up with all the fixings for a weekend of spritz, or go for a ready-to-mix cocktail pack like the all-Aussie 'Negroni Nights' trio. If you want it all in your hot little hands sooner rather than later (and you live within five kilometres of the CBD), there's a $25 same-day delivery flat rate, for orders placed before 10am. Magnum + Queens' same-day delivery is available across Melbourne for orders placed before 10am Monday–Friday. It'll cost you $25 flat-rate. To order, head to the website. INDOOR PLANTS AND CARE PACKAGES FROM HELLO BOTANICAL If you're going to be spending all that time at home, you might as well have your space looking schmick. And Hello Botanical has a premium selection of easy-care plants that'll help you do just that. The online store is stocked with a hefty range of greenery, that can be delivered to your doorstep in custom-made planter pouches and with nifty care instructions attached. While you're shopping, check out the accompanying lineup of gifts, green thumb accessories, candles and care packages — the 'Self Care' curation sounds especially well-timed for the current climate of craziness. Best of all, Hello Botanical's $15 same-day delivery service is available across a heap of Melbourne suburbs, as long as you order before 12.30pm. Hello Botanical's same-day delivery is available across Melbourne for orders placed before 12.30pm Monday–Friday. It's a $15 flat rate, or free if you spend over $150. To order, head to the website. LUXE BELGIAN CHOCOLATE FROM GODIVA With an offering that's as indulgent as its name suggests, this Belgian-born chocolate maker not only boasts three Melbourne stores, but also an extensive online shop. And, as a former official chocolatier to the Royal Court of Belgium, you just know it's got some serious sweet street cred. Here, you'll find a solid collection, running from cookies, truffles and bars, to the luxurious signature drinking chocolate, all available to be wrapped up and shipped straight to your door. And if that chocolate craving's extra ferocious, you're in luck — Godiva offers a cheeky four-hour delivery service to locations near its Melbourne CBD, Doncaster and Chadstone stores, every day of the week. Godiva's four-hour delivery is available across a range of Melbourne suburbs for orders placed between 11am and 4pm daily. The price varies from $16-27, depending on the postcode. To order, head to the website. HOUSEHOLD AND KITCHEN ITEMS FROM DELIVEROO Even before the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic earlier this week — and before the Australian government banned non-essential events with more than 500 people — visiting an Australia supermarket to buy groceries had become a rather fraught affair. To help — and to help you stay home if you're social distancing or self-isolating — Deliveroo announced that it has added kitchen and household products to its delivery range. You can now order from local stores and supermarkets, and basic supplies dispatched to your door via the service. Deliveroo has also implemented a 'no-contact' drop-off service, which lets you request that your rider leaves your order on your doorstep. To order via Deliveroo, visit the service's app or website. ALCOHOL IN 30 MINUTES FROM JIMMY BRINGS If you're avoiding that midweek bottle shop run, you can still rely on 30-minute alcohol delivery service Jimmy Brings. It's been a go-to for its range of wine, beer and spirits since way back in 2011. Here, you can nab organic drops, wine bundles and party packs, plus mixers and other extras — like chocolates, bags of crisps, Panadol, Berocca and condoms. The online bottle-o takes 'same-day service' to the next level, with door-to-door averaging at just 24 minutes. Jimmy Brings delivers seven days per week until late, too. Jimmy Brings delivery hours Monday through Saturday from 11.30am–midnight and Sunday from 11.30am–11pm. Order via Jimmy Brings via the app or website. CHEAP-AS PIZZAS WITH NO-CONTACT DELIVERY FROM DOMINO'S Our fair city obviously has plenty of pizza options that we'd recommend over Domino's. But, when it feel like the world around you is crumbling, sometimes all you want is a filthy thin-crust barbecue meatlovers. Not to mention: it's just so damn cheap. Right now you can nab any large pizza from $15 and any three pizzas for $32.95. Cheesy garlic bread, popcorn chicken and vegan pizzas are also on the menu.In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Domino's is also now offering zero contact delivery — choose this option (on the app or the website) and the delivery person will leave your pizza on your doorstep. Order Domino's via the app or online. CLOTHES FOR YOU AND YOUR POOCH FROM THE ICONIC Sure, designer threads may not feel like an express necessity at the moment. But a little online shopping can help improve your mood drastically, and we could all use a little pick-me-up right now. For Melburnians who welcome the distraction, online fashion hub The Iconic is here. Any items that are shipped directly by the brand will be delivered to the Melbourne Metro area within 5.30–9.30pm hours when ordered before 10.30am, Monday through Friday — and there's no minimum purchase for this same-day service, either. Choose from men's and women's apparel and accessories, with over 20,000 products on the virtual shelf. Expect a special 15-percent discount for runway inspired looks post Fashion Week, too. And The Iconic has also just launched a stylish pet fashion range this month, so you and your pup can both look good from home. The Iconic same-day delivery hours are Monday through Friday from 7am–5pm and 6pm–10pm. Place your order online here. ON-DEMAND FOOD DELIVERY FROM DOORDASH The US's biggest on-demand food platform for door-to-door delivery from a bunch of Melbourne restaurants, including Betty's Burgers and Nando's, along with a diverse spread of well-loved local eateries like Red Sparrow Pizza, Le Bon Ton, Huxtaburger. Yes, that means dinnertime decision-making just got a little more interesting. Which can't be a bad thing, given that stats show a lot of us — two million of us to be exact — use meal delivery services at lease once every three months. And even more so now. During the COVID-19 pandemic, DoorDash is waiving delivery fees for a heap of restaurants, so they can generate a little more money in these uncertain times. Order via DoorDash's app or website. Image: Huxtaburger Top image: Magnum + Queens Kirsten Dickie FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
Floral bursts of sunshine are blooming all across a farm in rural Victoria, and they're ready for you to wander through, take plenty of snaps and pick till your heart's content. We're talking about sunflowers, of course — the undeniably cheeriest of all flowers — which are currently on offer just under 90 minutes drive from Melbourne. Exactly what Pick Your Own Sunflowers entails is rather obvious. You'll grab a $5 entry ticket, make the trip to Dunnstown, then get frolicking — and picking. You'll need to pay $2 per sunflower, but you can nab as many as you like. You'll also want to wear boots, and bring your own secateurs or scissors — and a bucket to take your flowers home in. You'll be on a farm, so be careful to look out for snakes in the field as well. Other than that, you'll have some eye-catching Instagram photos and a bunch of golden flowers in no time. Pick Your Own Sunflower sessions run each weekend, with tickets added for new sessions a week out. So, at the time of writing, you can head along from 10am–8pm on Friday, February 19; opt for a morning (10am–1pm) or afternoon (3–8pm) session on Saturday, February 20; or get get your flower fix during the morning (10am–3pm) or arvo (3–8pm) on Sunday, February 21. There are also times available daily all next week (February 22–28). Top image: Pick Your Own Sunflowers.
All those positive little jerks like the OK sign, peace sign and thumbs up are about to have a pesky new emoji neighbour — Microsoft has added a middle finger to your array of textual gestures, as announced by Emojipedia (it's a thing). Scheduled for released mid-2015 and only available in the latest update to Microsoft's upcoming operating system, Windows 10, the middle finger emoji has been long awaited by flirty teens, Twitter trolls and the rest of us angry, angry folk for years. But not all platforms are on board with flipping the bird, with most keeping to the more polite high-five signs in the arsenal. Looks like Microsoft users will be the only customers able to tell each other to fuck off with a middle finger which honestly looks like an appendage meets... an apple. Figures. The emoji isn't technically new either; according to Quartz it was added by the Unicode Consortium (the not-for-profit organisation responsible for keeping certain standards' in software, emojis included) last year. But then it's up to the individual companies behind the smartphone in your hot little hand (Apple, Google) and also social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook to allow the emoji to show up. Apple and Google recently updated their emojis (with Apple especially making headlines for racially diversifying its range) but both left the bird out of it. No fun. Via Quartz.
The past couple of years have left us all feeling a little jibbed on the travel front, especially when it comes to jetting off overseas. But finally, things are looking up, bookings fill us with a little less dread and that long-forgotten pastime of international air travel is back on the menu. And if you've been particularly hankering for a trip to the USA, United Airlines just made it even easier to get your well-deserved holiday fix. The airline has kicked off new flights between Australia and the States, leaving East Coast punters totally spoiled for choice. Newly partnered with Virgin Australia in a codeshare arrangement, United is now flying Sydney to Houston and Brisbane to San Francisco. Other services that have recently launched or resumed include direct routes from Melbourne to San Francisco and to Los Angeles, and daily direct flights from Sydney to both of those US cities as well. It's a huge win for East Coast travellers keen to jet off on a far-flung adventure without the fuss of any pesky stopovers adding extra hours and effort to the trip. And of course, it means improved access to other Aussie cities, too. United is also upping the frequency of a bunch of its existing Aussie routes. In fact, by the end of 2022, the airline will be flying more than 40 direct US flights from Australia each week, across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. That means you've got more options for a speedy Stateside jaunt than ever before. Of course, thanks to the new team-up with Virgin, Velocity Frequent Flyer members can not only earn points on their United flights, but they've got access to benefits like priority check-in and boarding, and extra baggage allowance when they fly. And if you really want to up the ante for your USA getaway, there's the United Polaris business class service, where you can revel in the luxury of comfy lie-flat seats, generously sized entertainment screens and cute suitcase-inspired amenity kits filled with skincare goodies from Sunday Riley. [caption id="attachment_882756" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Polaris[/caption] United Airlines has expanded its flight offerings between Australia (Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane) and multiple US cities. For all the details and to book a flight, see the website.
At the moment, you and I can't go visit an Australian aquarium or zoo, as they're temporarily closed in a bid to contain COVID-19. But, the animals still need to be fed, the tanks cleaned and the littl'uns cared for. So, staff at Sea Life Sydney have made the most of the lack of visitors and taken some very special furry guests along for a day. And, yes, we've got the adorable photos to prove it. Earlier this week, Sea Life's animal care team brought in their pet pooches to help them around the aquarium. Some of the tasks performed by the four-legged workers included feeding the resident sharks, dugong, penguins and fish; auditing the aquarium website; modelling merch; and attempting to send emails. As well as just general observation. Very important. Ned, a golden labrador, did a lot of the latter. And looked very happy while he did. Typical golden lab, really. Georgie the spaniel, slightly more serious, got stuck into emails. But maybe less successfully, by the look of that blank screen. Dukdik, definitely the most productive of the canine staff, not only fed Pig the Dugong lettuce, but also worked hard on the website and modelled some Sea Life merch. Hopefully these photos have given you some Friday warm fuzzies. Temporarily, at least. This is not the first time Sea Life has taken us behind the scenes during COVID-19, either. The Sydney aquarium — and its outposts in Melbourne and on the Gold Coast — are regularly live streaming playtime with their marine residents. Already, we've seen baby penguins fed, explored a jellyfish exhibition and hung out with tiny seahorses. To see what live-streams are coming up, head over to the Sea Life Facebook page.
Bar Carlo is all about distinctive drinks and that tasty Italian tradition of cicchetti. This dimly-lit bar is tucked into Meyers Place in the CBD, and features a long bar for you to claim your spot on. Behind the bar you'll see the walls are lined with bottles upon bottles of Leone, an aperitif of North Italy rarely found outside of it. This exclusive aperitif is similar to Aperol and Campari — and, likewise, you can have it in a spritz or with a splash of tonic or soda water as a mixer. Whichever way you choose, this drink is perfect accompany to the panini, croissants and the topped crostini cicchetti available each day — think crostini topped with prosciutto, mushrooms, and tomato and mozzarella.
