Glittery mirror balls, synth-heavy disco tunes and pizza — it's a Saturday night match made in heaven and it's the combo that's going to end your year right at Connie's Italian Diner. On December 31, the modern trattoria and much-loved party spot is combining its favourite things for a NYE party to remember. The venue's opening its leafy rooftop terrace, firing up its dance floor and inviting you to spend your final evening of 2022 getting down to a soundtrack of Italo-Disco tunes. Nab yourself a $125 ticket and you'll enjoy four hours of free-flowing drinks to match — including beer, vino, bubbles and a slew of aperitivo cocktails. Because what's a rooftop party without a few spritzes or Americanos? To fuel you up for all that dancing, they'll also be rolling out lots of Italian-style snacks; from mozzarella sticks, to arancini, to Connie's signature pizza varieties. And we reckon that terrace will offer a pretty good peek of the midnight fireworks, too.
As one of Melbourne's largest Chinese communities, Box Hill will celebrate the turn of the season with a marathon 12-hour festival that stretches from 1pm until well into the night. Local vendors will serve some of the city's tastiest Chinese cuisine, while traditional lion and dragon dancers entertain the masses. The highlight will be the Parade of Choi Sun, the Chinese God of Fortune.
A quarter-century since the world first met Monica, Ross, Rachel, Chandler, Joey and Phoebe, TV's most famous friends are never too far from anyone's thoughts. When the sitcom's catchy theme tune promised "I'll be there for you", it seems these New York pals really meant it — not just about each other, but for the legions of viewers who watched their antics between 1994–2004, then kept rewatching them afterwards. Over the years, you've probably caught reruns on television, binged your way through boxsets or let episode after episode play on Stan — but you probably haven't enjoyed a marathon of standout eps on the big screen. To celebrate the series' 25th anniversary, a heap of Melbourne cinemas are letting Friends fans do just that. There mightn't be an orange couch for you to sit on, but you'll want to gather the gang regardless. Prices and session times vary per cinema, but the lineup remains the same. On the bill are 12 of the show's classic episodes, including The One With The Black Out, The One With The Prom Video and The One Where No One's Ready — plus The One With Chandler In A Box, The One Where Everyone Finds Out and The One Where Ross Got High. Running for five hours, the screening will also feature new footage, interviews and bloopers — so you'll get an extra dose of Friends fun.
It's been a long wait in Melbourne if you want to rock 'n' roll with AC/DC live. 2025 marks ten years since the iconic Sydney-formed band last took to the stage Down Under. It's also the year, thankfully, that they're making their Aussie concert return. After kicking off in 2024, the group's Power Up tour will play Australian dates, with Brian Johnson, Angus Young and company hitting up Melbourne on Wednesday, November 12 and Sunday, November 16. Let there be rock at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, then. This is the first time that the legendary Australian rockers have toured Down Under since their 2015 'Rock or Bust' world tour. In November in Victorian capital, Amyl and The Sniffers are onboard in support to make this massive concert even more so, and to give attendees a taste of two different generations of Aussie rockstars. This tour isn't just a fitting homecoming for AC/DC, but comes more than half a century since the band played their first-ever show in Australia. This 2025 gig will be just over a month and a half short of 52 years since that 1973 Sydney debut. Power Up is also the name of the group's 2020 album, their most-recent record — which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, made multiple best-of lists for that year and scored Grammy nominations. For those about to rock, AC/DC's high-voltage current set list spans their entire career, however, including everything from 'If You Want Blood (You've Got It)', 'Back in Black' and 'Hells Bells' to 'Highway to Hell', 'Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap' and 'You Shook Me All Night Long'. Images: Christie Goodwin. Updated: Thursday, June 26, 2025.
Multicultural Melbourne is Melbourne at its best. There aren't too many cities where you can find authentic Vietnamese, exquisite Japanese, along with sweet Grecian delights and gutsy African within the space of a hundred or so metres — but Smith Street is one such location. Nestled in the heart of this inner-city high street is The Cutting Table. The cafe space of social enterprise The Social Studio, The Cutting Table brings together a variety of individuals from different cultures to learn, design and create as members of the one community. Serving an authentic selection of East and West African dishes, as well as ethically sourced and locally roasted coffee, The Cutting Table is known for its inclusive and welcoming environment. The cafe’s latest endeavour is Revolving Cuisine, held every Friday night at the Smith Street space. A celebration of diversity and culture, guests are welcomed to a banquet dinner from a different, exotic destination each week to learn and enjoy food in the company of others. We spoke to The Social Studio’s development and operations officer Susan Yengi, about the growth of the concept. Tell us a bit about The Social Studio. The Social Studio was established in 2009 and supports people from refugee and migrant backgrounds to gain qualifications and employment in the fashion, retail and hospitality industries. We came about in response to the difficulties that people from refugee and migrant communities have experienced in Australia's education system, and as a means of helping them get a 'foot in the door' into entry-level employment. We run three major training programs. Certificate III in clothing production is in partnership with RMIT TAFE, and Certificate I in vocational preparation and Certificate II in Hospitality are in partnership with William Angliss Institute. We have our cafe, The Cutting Room, as well as a retail shop and digital fabric printing studio that provides a seamless opportunity for The Social Studio to offer training and work placements to young people from refugee and migrant communities. At the completion of their certificate training we try to offer entry-level employment to students within our organisation, and if we are unable to, we help students securing meaningful permanent employment within other organisations that share similar values to ours. How did the concept for Revolving Cuisine come about? In our quest to create opportunities to facilitate cross-cultural exchange and build a more inclusive society, the concept for a 'revolving cuisine' came to fruition. We thought, what better way to share the rich cultures of the communities we work with than through food? Food is the one thing that can bring people from all walks of life together. So, Revolving Cuisine began, and it has now been running since May. How are the cuisines and guest chefs selected each week? The cuisines are come about in two ways. They are either nominated by a staff member or one of our students, and then discussed and agreed upon as a team, or one of our hospitality graduates offers to put on a dinner. We’ve been fortunate thus far to have had some incredible cooks wanting to be involved in the concept. Graduates of our hospitality program have enlisted their culinary expertise to work up some tantalising dishes for diners. How has the concept been received? What do you think people enjoy most about it? Our guests who have participated in Revolving Cuisine have walked away talking about how much they loved the food and the warm atmosphere. Our chefs have also been great in facilitating this — they often come out of the kitchen and interact with our guests as well, which I think many people enjoy. This feedback is important to us as we would love to make sure as many people know about the concept, and come in to experience the many cuisines and cultures on offer. What are your future plans for the concept? On the first Friday of every month we run 'African Night'. It’s a special night of African food and music, and there are normally a few performances. This has been quite successfully and normally results in a full house. We'd love to build up our revolving cuisines and cultivate them to be as popular as the African night. Doing this would mean we could potentially increase employment opportunities for young people and for other up and rising chefs from the communities we work with. Revolving Cuisine runs every Friday, with the first Friday of each month dedicated to a delicious celebration of African culture. For more information and bookings visit thesocialstudio.org
It's no secret that most new year's resolutions fall by the wayside by mid-January. But there's one goal that's worthy of a year-round effort — and that's to cut back on meat. It's well documented that eating less meat is good for the environment, so that should probably be reason enough for most of us to introduce more plant-based meals into our lives. But the truth is that most of us need a couple of selfish incentives to really get the ball rolling — thankfully, vegetarian options have plenty of those, too. Firstly, plant-based meals are just as tasty as their meat-laden siblings (we promise), but they're also often a bit cheaper and, anecdotally speaking, fill you up without giving you that too-full bloat we know all too well. To get the creative juices flowing, we've teamed up with Yumi's to put together a list of cracking plant-based dinner ideas that you can easily whip up mid-week, or as a weekend feast with friends. [caption id="attachment_817040" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Melanie Dompierre (Pexels)[/caption] EGGPLANT PARM Heading to the pub for a parmi or parma (depending on where you are, of course) is one of life's little joys, but did you know you can make an eggplant version at home that pretty well involves the same ingredients you know and love in the pub staple (minus the chicken) but stays true to its Italian roots? Essentially a layered Italian bake (picture a lasagne without the heavy lifting), an eggplant parm sees slices of grilled eggplant sandwich a fresh tomato pasta sauce and finely-grated parmesan, and is topped with mozzarella and pangrattato to add some crispiness. Alternatively, you could even try this fun mushroom-based parm for something a little different. Of course, if you want to go vegan then you simply need to switch to a dairy-free cheese alternative — vegan parmesan definitely stacks up against the real deal. [caption id="attachment_817045" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Alesia Kozik (Pexels)[/caption] SOUTHERN-STYLE CAULIFLOWER Cauliflower is a perfect gateway for any person considering a plant-based lifestyle. Its ability to soak up flavours and maintain its structural integrity during the cooking process makes it a no-brainer when making vegetarian versions of fan favourites, including Southern-style wings. You have a couple of options when making cauliflower 'wings' and your decision will largely depend on how much effort you're willing to put in. If you've got some time or are cooking up a feast for your mates, then whipping up a sweet and smoky marinade to mimic a buffalo wing is a great shout. For a simpler take, these sriracha-spiced spiced cauliflower bites are ideal, and can be eaten for lunch the next day on a sandwich, salad or even as a taco. [caption id="attachment_817052" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ketut Subiyanto (Pexels)[/caption] MUSHROOM BOLOGNESE Did you grow up with a weekly spag bol night? We all love mum's (mom's?) spaghetti, but just because you're going meat-free you don't need to miss out. Adapting your bolognese to be vegetarian every once in a while is perhaps one of the easiest and most satisfying meat-to-vegetable swaps you could make. The combination of the meaty mushrooms and fragrant herbs sitting pretty on a pile of comforting spaghetti will always be a thing of pure joy. Of course, it's going to taste a little bit different when you swap meat for lentils and mushrooms (so you can't trick your mates into thinking they're eating meat) but at its heart, this version is just as delicious and warming a dinner. FALAFEL BOWL Gone are the days of having to hunt down falafels from a specialty store (or even making your own) — Yumi's are serving up a great range of ready-to-eat falafels, which you can find in all major supermarkets. Falafel bowls are the probably simplest plant-based meal to prepare, and a great jumping-off point if you're new to the meat-free world. Simply fill a bowl with all of your favourite salad ingredients (fresh herbs, tomato, cucumber and olives, for example) and top with falafels, which are best enjoyed after a 30-second zap in the microwave. We also highly suggest you mix through a generous dollop of Yumi's Classic Hommus or flavoured dip to amp up your dressing. After something a little more indulgent? Trade the HSP for an FSP — a smashed falafel snack pack that will satisfy at any time of the day. [caption id="attachment_817058" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Alesia Kozik (Pexels)[/caption] CHICKPEA AND TEMPEH CURRY A curry is perhaps the quintessential winter dinner. Not only are they often nice and spicy, but they're also loaded with flavour and warm you from the inside out. Choosing a curry that combines filling vegetarian ingredients like protein-rich chickpeas and tempeh with a flavoursome sauce is the key to creating a satisfying dinner you'll want to make again and again. For the uninitiated, tempeh is similar to tofu in the sense that it's made from soybeans, but unlike tofu, it's much firmer and is made from fermented soybeans. The firmness and nuttier flavour are what makes tempeh ideal for curries because it won't disintegrate into mush when you cook it in the sauce, and. You can grab it at your local supermarket and simply cut it into cubes before adding it to your favourite curry recipe. JACKFRUIT TACOS The best gotcha in the vegan world is making jackfruit tacos for a friend who vehemently believes a meal isn't a meal unless there's a truck-tonne of meat. From the same family as the fig tree, jackfruit is native to the Western Ghats of southern India, Sri Lanka and the rainforests of Malaysia, so it's fairly common in these nations' cuisines. Arguably the best way to trick your friends into thinking they're eating pulled pork, though, is to whip up a batch of jackfruit tacos. You'll struggle to come by a jackfruit in the produce section of your supermarket, but you'll definitely find canned unripe, green or young jackfruit in the canned vegetable section, and it works best for this recipe anyway. The main difference between preparing jackfruit (versus pork) is that you drain the can and shred it prior to cooking it in your sauce. If you find any large, woody chunks, simply chop these up before cooking. For more meat-free dinner inspiration, check out the full range of Yumi's falafels, veggie bites and dips.
As a five-year-old in India in 1986, Saroo Brierley didn't expect to be whisked nearly 1,500 kilometres away from his family, and not be able to find his way back. Then, after being adopted by an Australian couple, he definitely didn't expect that he'd have a date with Google Earth as an adult, trying to locate the place that sparked so many memories. This stranger-than-fiction tale inspired a book, and now a movie too. And while a big screen adaptation of his life story might be the latest thing the real-life Saroo didn't anticipate, it's audiences that are in for the biggest surprise. If you didn't know that Lion was based on actual events, you'd be forgiven for thinking that it was simply a feel-good fantasy. First-time film director Garth Davis (TV's Top of the Lake) and writer Luke Davies (Life) recount Saroo's story faithfully, including its well-publicised ending. Yet despite the twists and turns having played out in the media, the Australian duo still manage to deliver a thoughtful, sensitive and emotional viewing experience. Yes, you'll know that tears are coming. But they'll still feel well and truly earned. Aerial shots of the Indian landscape immediately set audiences on a journey, with a charming little boy (newcomer Sunny Pawar) their guide. Tagging along as his older brother Guddu (Abhishek Bharate) seeks work to help their mother (Priyanka Bose) with the family finances, Saroo falls asleep on a train. By the time he awakens, events have been set in motion that will see him fending for himself on the streets of Calcutta, before eventually being adopted by Tasmanians Sue (Nicole Kidman) and John Brierley (David Wenham). It's two decades later, as an adult (now played by Dev Patel), that Saroo turns on his computer and begins his search for home. Sometimes, it's the simplest things that have the strongest impact: a child's warm, cheeky smile; the pain of a lost past lingering in a man's eyes; haunting visions of familiar places embedding themselves in the mind. Saroo's quest owes a lot to a certain search engine, but that's neither the most interesting thing to watch nor the most important part of the narrative. Crafting a highly personal story that conveys universal themes, Davis and Davies ensure that Lion doesn't forget this fact. Even as it balances several competing elements — the two countries Saroo calls his own throughout his life, his feelings for his two families, and the push and pull between old-fashioned human connection and the influence of modern technology — the film never loses its footing Indeed, the key to the movie is people. Or, to be specific, one person and two shining performances. Pawar and Patel each possess the naturalistic spark that keeps viewers along for the ride — one innocent and endearing, the other oozing inner conflict and yearning. As a result, Lion does exactly what it needs to make hearts soar and tears swell. It might do so in a standard fashion, but, boy does it do it well.
Thirteen years ago, Korea's cinema standouts scored their own showcase Down Under, with the inaugural Korean Film Festival in Australia debuting in 2010. Since then, the festival has kept returning — and expanding — to celebrate both the latest and greatest flicks that South Korea has to offer. It was playing Bong Joon-ho films before Parasite swept the Oscars. It was revelling in Korean thrillers prior to Squid Game becoming an international success, too. It loved Korean genre fare before Train to Busan as well. And, KOFFIA will keep the nation's must-see titles in Melbourne this spring. 2023's festival has a date with ACMI from Thursday, September 7–Monday, September 11. Across five days, it'll endeavour to give audiences a new Korean favourite, or several, from a selection that spans everything from murder-mysteries and detective dramas to revenge thrillers and musicals. There's no such thing as a standard Korean film, which is true of every country's movie output; however, this national cinema is mighty fond of twisty tales. Accordingly, it should come as no surprise that Confession and Gentleman are both on the 2023 bill. The first is a locked-room mystery with an IT company CEO suddenly finding himself the prime suspect, while the second involves a private detective agency's head honcho being falsely accused of a crime. Also on the lineup: The Devil's Deal, which sees a political candidate disqualified, then out for revenge; and The Night Owl, about an acupuncturist who is blind in daylight, can see clearly at night, and witnesses a tragic event one evening. The latter opens the festival, and the directors of both films — The Devil's Deal's Lee Won-tae and The Night Owl's An Tae-jin — are coming to Australia for KOFFIA. Elsewhere, comedy 6/45 hits the Korean Film Festival after proving a box-office smash at home, focusing on soldiers from both North and South Korea finding a windfall; Hero heads back to 1900s Korea to hone in on independence activist Ahn Jung-geun's plight battling Japanese colonial rule; musical drama Life Is Beautiful sees a husband trying to locate his wife's childhood sweetheart; and Next Sohee, which played Cannes 2022, is all about an exploitative work situation. Or, the standouts also include Switch, where a celebrity wakes up one morning to discover that he's living a completely different life — and romance Nothing Serious, about an aspiring novelist who writes a sex column.
Of course Tim Burton did a Dumbo remake. How could he not? For a director who's built his career around tales of misunderstood misfits, outcasts and oddities, an orphaned and absurd-looking circus elephant must've been all but irresistible. 'Edward Aero-Ears', if you will. And yet, this is more of a reimagining than a remake, melding modern themes of gender equality, animal welfare and anti-corporatisation with Burton's trademark touch of the macabre. The first notable difference between this version and the animated original from 1941 is its timeline, set now in post-war 1919. Burton certainly doesn't shy away from the bleak realities of the WWI era. His protagonist, Holt Farrier (Colin Farrell), is a traumatised veteran who's lost an arm to the War and a wife to influenza. Finding work scarce and his injury an added obstacle to employment, Holt rejoins the old circus where once he dazzled as a horseback entertainer, but now merely shovels elephant manure. It's there, though, where he and his children (Nico Parker and Finley Hobbins) discover Dumbo, the baby elephant with enormous ears, whose appearance sees him mocked by audiences and dismissed by the circus owner (Danny DeVito). In one of the film's more heartbreaking scenes (and there are few; this is definitely a tissues-at-the-ready situation), Dumbo's mother Jumbo is wrenched from her son and hauled away after she kills her torturous trainer and handler (a suitably loathsome Phil Zimmerman). It's not the only grim moment in the film, either. With his mother now gone, and amidst grief and despair, Dumbo's miraculous ability to fly becomes apparent, launching him into stardom and attracting the interests of an unscrupulous Walt Disney-esque theme park owner named V. A. Vandevere (Michael Keaton). From there, predictably, the circus's seemingly golden ticket reveals itself to be a far darker deal from which escape offers up all manner of perils. The live-action remake is Disney's new cash card (as if it needed one). Having already made bank with Beauty and the Beast, the studio is now poised to release both Aladdin and Mulan, followed later in the year by the Lion King, which will doubtless eclipse all manner of box office records. Where Disney has been successful so far is in melding human actors with their digital counterparts, and Dumbo, if you'll forgive the pun, soars in that respect. His enormous blue eyes and delicate expressions imbue him with almost more emotion than any of the actors given speaking parts, and when he flies so too does the film. Sadly, however, too much of the remainder feels entirely lacklustre, despite its exaggerated colourful palette. The characters, aside from DeVito and, to a lesser extent, Farrell, are woefully underwritten, while the performances are borderline pantomime. And in a movie named after him, not nearly enough focus is placed on Dumbo himself. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocWpGdITSR4
Beechworth mainstay Bridge Road Brewers have operated out of their regional Victoria brewhouse for over 18 years, collecting a stack of craft beer awards and recently landing in the top ten hottest Australian craft beers. Now, the beer experts are set to open their first Melbourne outpost this September on Nicholson Street. The new 350-seat brewery and dining hall is set to welcome beer lovers within the East Brunswick Village development, sitting alongside a suite of other hospitality and retail offerings. The new brewhouse will boast multiple dining spaces, each with a distinct culinary offering, along with two sprawling outdoor areas perfect for summer sipping. [caption id="attachment_850725" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Bridge Road Brewers' Cardboard Pop-Up Bar, Kristoffer Paulsen[/caption] Co-founders Ben and Maria Kraus are out to smash some brewpub stereotypes with their second outpost, promising a thoughtful and sophisticated take on the classic brewery. The food offering will lean local, focusing on seasonal produce and modern Australian fare. "We were excited to embrace the opportunity that building something from scratch gave us, catering for not only the changing perceptions in beer but also trends in hospitality and design," co-founder Ben Kraus says. "We're approaching this holistically, where detail and love is poured into all aspects of the venue. It's all about getting the balance between approachability, aesthetics and making a fun and unique offering." A working brewery will sit centrestage at Bridge Road Brewers' new venue, churning out venue-exclusive tipples across 30 taps and two bars. To the delight of wine-lovers, an intimate cellar bar showcasing drops from regional Victoria has also been teased. [caption id="attachment_709794" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Image: Bridge Road Brewers Beechworth[/caption] "We have an obvious connection and passion for wine from our hometown and region and look forward to collaborating with drinks producers to further celebrate the northeast," Kraus says. Bridge Road Brewers is set to open within the East Brunswick Village development in September. We'll bring you more details as they drop.
It has been 12 years since RuPaul's Drag Race first premiered in the US, and its mission to unearth the next drag superstars shows no signs of stopping. Currently, the original series is reaching the pointy end of its thirteenth season, while international versions also exist in the UK — also hosted by RuPaul — plus Thailand, Holland, Chile and Canada. Next, it's finally making the leap to Australia and New Zealand. RuPaul's Drag Race already airs locally, but now it's being made here as well. The eight-part RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under will focus on Aussie and NZ drag queens battling for supremacy, and will air on Stan in Australia and TVNZ OnDemand in New Zealand. That was announced back in January; however, now you can mark your calendars for the show's debut on Saturday, May 1. While not all overseas iterations of Drag Race are hosted by RuPaul, RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under definitely is. RuPaul is also taking on judging duties, alongside show veteran Michelle Visage and Australian comedian Rhys Nicholson. If you're wondering just who'll be competing, too, that was unveiled back in March during the 2021 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Ten contenders will strut their stuff for drag supremacy, spanning seven Australians and three New Zealanders. So, prepare to see plenty of Art Simone from Geelong, Melbourne's Karen from Finance, and Sydney's Coco Jumbo, Etecetera Etcetera and Maxi Shield. Newcastle's Jojo Zaho and Perth's Scarlet Adams round out the Aussie queens, while Auckland's Kita Mean, Anita Wigl'it and Elektra Shock comprise the NZ contingent. Fans already know the format, which features fashion challenges, workroom dramas and lip sync battles aplenty. If you're a newcomer to all things Drag Race, you'll watch these Australian and NZ competitors work through a series of contests to emerge victorious, and join the likes of US contenders Jinkx Monsoon, Sasha Velour and Sharon Needles in being crowned the series' winner. Until next month hits, you can check about the RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under cast reveal video below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSLPdMi0b8U&feature=youtu.be RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under will start streaming via Stan and TVNZ from Saturday, May 1, with new episodes airing weekly. Top image: RuPaul's Drag Race.
After a hefty two-year hiatus, one of the bright sparks of Melbourne's frosty winter has made its way back onto the social calendar. You'd best clear your hump day schedule for the foreseeable future, because Queen Victoria Market's beloved Winter Night Market is set to return next month, running from June 1 to August 31. From 5pm every Wednesday, the QVM will be transformed into the kind of winter wonderland worth getting excited about, tempting you off the couch with a cosy program of street food, pop-up bars, live entertainment and artisan market stalls. What's more, come the middle of the season, the Night Market will be sating all your Euro winter holiday cravings with a special run of Christmas in July-themed nights, complete with festive decorations and gently-falling snow. As always, the Winter Night Market is set to serve up a tantalising assortment of street eats each week, with a huge array of food vendors repping dishes from all corners of the world. You can get excited for bowls of cheesy pasta, piping-hot dumplings, barbecued meat dishes and things grilled on sticks, perfectly paired with warming sips like mulled wine, hot gin toddies and spiced cider. The full culinary lineup will be dropping soon, so stay tuned. Meanwhile, as you're filling your belly with tasty winter fare, you'll be kept entertained with a rotation of live gigs and roving performers. After all, what better way to warm your cockles and work off a big serve of caccio e pepe, than a cheeky dance floor session? If you're a longtime fan, you'll know market stalls are also a big part of the offering here. This year, expect as vast a lineup as ever, with vendors slinging everything from jewellery and art, to skincare, homewares and books. The Winter Night Market will return to the Queen Victoria Market, corner of Queen and Therry Streets, Melbourne, running Wednesday nights from June 1–August 31. We'll share the full lineup of entertainment and food vendors as it drops.
After bringing Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban back to the big screen with a live orchestra soundtrack, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra is giving the fourth film in the franchise the same movie-and-music showcase. Across five sessions between August 15–18, the Sydney Opera House will come to life with the sights and sounds of the Yule Ball, the Triwizard Tournament and the return of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, because JK Rowling's boy-who-lived and his pals are never far away from a theatre — or a concert hall. This time around, viewers can expect something a little different. While the event will run as usual, it's the score itself that'll stand out. After doing the honours on the first three HP flicks, veteran composer John Williams stood aside for the fourth film, with two-time Oscar nominee Patrick Doyle (Hamlet, Sense and Sensibility) in charge of whipping up a wondrous wizarding soundtrack. Tickets for the Sydney shows are now on sale — and if you're a Melburnian or Brisbanite muggle keen to catch the next film in the series, watch this space (or, to be exact, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and Queensland Symphony Orchestra websites) . Although screenings haven't been announced in Melbourne or Brisbane yet, they're bound to follow, complete with live scores by each city's symphony orchestra. In fact, that's exactly what has happened with the first three movies to date. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire in Concert teams up with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra at the Sydney Opera House from 15–18 August 2018. For more information, head to the SSO website.
If you're the kind of person who picks their getaway spots based on great travel prices, then we come bearing important news: you're going to Australia's Red Centre. That's a worthy holiday destination regardless of whether or not you can nab a deal, but Webjet's current flight sale is likely to get you packing your bags ASAP. Until 11.59pm AEST on Thursday, August 18, the travel site is slinging one-way flights to the Northern Territory from just $15 one-way — at a discount of up to $200 off in total on some fares. Of course, that first figure is just the starting point, so you mightn't score such a cheap flight depending on which day you're planning to travel, but there are still some mighty cheap prices available. The sale covers trips to Uluru and Alice Springs, for travel between September 2022 — yes, next month — through to March 2023. Fancy a spring jaunt to the middle of the country? Making summer plans to help cope with the last of the winter chill? Know that you'll be craving an early-autumn break next year? They're all options. One key caveat: the discounted prices are available for inbound flights only, so you won't receive the same discount to come home. [caption id="attachment_773731" align="alignnone" width="1920"] NT by Tourism Australia[/caption] As always, the prices vary depending on where you're leaving from, too — but, at the time of writing, $16 tickets from Sydney to Uluru, $15 from Melbourne and $17 from Brisbane are available on select dates. A variety of airlines are covered, too. Wondering what to do once you get there? Uluru's incredible Field of Light installation is a permanent recommendation — and you can also check out our guide to visiting the Red Centre. [caption id="attachment_773730" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Field of Light by Tourism Australia[/caption] Webjet's Red Centre sale runs until 11.59pm AEST on Thursday, August 18.
Prepare to say "accio remote!" and get comfier than Hermione Granger in a library. In the latest news that'll keep you glued to your couch this summer — and your latest fodder for an at-home movie marathon — everyone's favourite boy wizard will soon be working his magic on Netflix. You won't need the Marauder's Map to find these enchanting flicks. Come Tuesday, January 15, all eight movies in the Harry Potter series will hit the streaming platform, bringing their Hogwarts-set adventures to both Australian and New Zealand audiences. If you've watched your DVD copies from the 2000s so many times that they're showing a little wear and tear — or your laptop no longer has a disc drive — this is butterbeer-worthy news. Yes, everything from Harry's (Daniel Radcliffe) first visit to Platform 9 and 3/4, the Yule Ball, the Triwizard Tournament, many a fluttering snitch and He Who Must Not Be Named will be at your fingertips. Prime viewing for wizards, witches and muggles alike — all 19 hours and 39 minutes of it. The Fantastic Beasts films won't be joining them, with this journey through JK Rowling's wizarding world keeping its focus on the original franchise. The news comes hot on the heels of Stan's announcement that it's now home to a hefty batch of Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars and Disney movies and TV shows. If you're thinking that a time-turner might come in handy over the next few months, we completely understand. Find Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber Of Secrets, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry Potter and the Goblet Of Fire, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 and Part 2 on Netflix from Tuesday, January 15.
If you're a fan of tasteful tunes and exuberant summer vibes that don't bruise the budget, the annual St Kilda Festival should be at the top of your summer bucket list. The nation's largest free music festival returns to St Kilda's foreshore for its 38th year, bringing seven stages of live music and a tonne of food stalls and interactive workshops. On the music front, pop-rock band The Jezabels, soul singer Dan Sultan, Melbourne locals Architecture in Helsinki (DJ Set) and electro duo Electric Fields are just some of the 60-plus artists that will be performing throughout the day. They'll jam on one of nine stages scattered along the beachfront — stretching from Catani Gardens to the south end of Acland Street. As well as bangin' tunes, the air will be filled with the scent of delicious eats emanating from more than 100 food vendors. There'll be everything from curry to burgers, ribs and sushi — providing plenty of sustenance for all that dancing. You'll also need energy if you plan on attending one of the festival's free workshops, which include bubble soccer, yoga hip hop and dance classes (and a less strenuous selfie station, if that's your thing). For more information on activities and to see the full lineup, visit their website. Images: Nathan Doran
Whisky lovers, you're going to want to sit down for this. Beloved, accolade-winning and straight-up cocktail monarchs Eau de Vie are opening a brand new bar in Melbourne's CBD — with 700 whiskies behind the bar. Seven hundy. Dubbed Boilermaker House, Eau de Vie's second Melbourne venue will take over 209-211 Lonsdale Street in the CBD. If the name didn't already clue you in, Boilermaker House will be home to those 700 whiskies, ten tap beers and 70 bottled beers — you'll be spoiled for choice to craft your perfect Boilermaker combo. With plans to open doors by early April, Eau de Vie are adding Boilermaker House to their existing EDV venues in Sydney and Melbourne, following the opening of Sydney's Eau de Vie Apothecary last year. Via Australian Bartender.
Running from May 4–20, the High Country Harvest explores innovative food, wine, craft beer and spirits in Victoria's spectacular north-east. With more than 50 outdoor and culinary adventures to experience during the festival, curated around seasonally specific produce, there's no better time than right now to visit the Victorian High Country. On Friday, May 4, Yackandandah Organics' Farm Ramble and Feast lets you feast on food dug up, picked and plundered from the earth under your feet. You'll explore the market garden and orchard before sitting down to a long-table lunch with produce provided by Yackandandah growers Gena and Steve Cavini and prepared by the plant-focused chefs from Saint Monday. Also on May 4, you have the opportunity to get to know Shiraz in a whole new way. At Shirazzle Dazzle the Senses, Valhalla Wines' Anton Therkildsen will blindfold you before guiding you through a wine tasting with your remaining senses, encouraging you to focus on its smell, feel and taste. For the meat lovers, on Saturday, May 5, Dal Zotto winery is hosting their annual Salami Sessions, where you get hands-on experience in making traditional Italian salami with James Mele of the Meat Room Bespoke Butchers. You might have to learn one-handed as you hold a Dal Zotto wine in the other. More of an outdoor adventurer? Explore the ever-changing landscape of the High Country in autumn on horseback during the To Lunch on Horseback adventure. The Baird family (and their horses) from Bogong Horseback Adventure will guide you through the Alpine National Forest on a half-day horse ride, discovering native flora and fauna, exploring caverns and plodding through fern-filled valleys. Then enjoy a campfire feast made from local and native ingredients (along with some hay and carrots for your trusty steeds). Get prepped for the array of autumn events in the High Country and explore more of what's on your doorstep at the Wander Victoria website.
For many, it's not really Easter unless you've scoffed your bodyweight in hot cross buns in the lead-up. And, thankfully, you don't have to forego that tradition this year, either. A stack of local Melbourne bakeries are here to fix your cravings, self-isolation or otherwise, launching handy hot cross bun home-delivery services all across town. Jump on the phone or the web to make an order and within hours you'll be tucking into some handcrafted Easter buns, plump with fruit, loaded with spices and slathered with lashings of butter. From the traditional glazed version, to some crafty new-world remixes, here's our pick of hot cross buns you can now get delivered straight to your door. If you are going out to pick up takeaway, have a look at the latest COVID-19 advice and social-distancing guidelines from the Department of Health. ORGANIC VINE FRUIT HOT CROSS BUNS FROM PHILLIPPA'S With a handful of stores across Melbourne, long-running bakery Phillippa's is here to ensure all your hot cross bun cravings are fulfilled this Easter, even if you're stuck at home. Its chewy glazed buns are a perennial favourite, crafted with slow-fermented dough, house-made candied peel and loads of organic vine fruit. A box of six will set you back $18, with Australia-wide shipping available for a flat-rate of $9.95. And, if isolation's left you feeling a little creative, jump over to the website to find a couple of crafty recipes to put any extra buns to good use. Toasted hot cross bun ice cream might just be the Easter treat you've been waiting for. How? Phillippa's hot cross buns can be picked up from the Armadale and Brighton stores or delivered. Order online. MORK X BUNS FROM MORK Artisanal hot chocolate maker Mork has created its own indulgent riff on the hot cross bun, perfect if you're in the mood to shake things up a bit this Easter. A reworking of the brand's much-loved Swedish-style cinnamon bun, the 'Mork X Bun' takes the form of a sticky, spiced scroll held together with plenty of butter, chock full of dried fruit and boasting warm orange aromas. Topped with the requisite cross, of course. A box of six of these pimped-out treats clocks in at $30 via the online store, with $5 delivery available to a selection of Melbourne suburbs. How? Pick up from the North Melbourne store with $5 delivery available to select suburbs. Order online. CLASSIC HOT CROSS BUNS FROM CAVALLINI Fitzroy North's Euro-inspired bakery and patisserie is one that's sure to win over any Easter traditionalists. As always, it's whipping up batches of classic hot cross buns on the daily, fat with vine-ripened fruit and infused with plenty of aromatic spices. Only this year, you can get them dropped straight to your door, thanks to Cavallini's new free, contactless delivery service, available to surrounding suburbs including Collingwood, Fitzroy and Northcote. Order before 3pm and you'll receive your freshly baked buns between noon–3pm the next day. They're taking minimum orders of one dozen, though we're sure you're up to the challenge. How? Call (03) 9486 3883 to order delivery for suburbs surrounding Fitzroy North. More details here. SOURDOUGH HOT CROSS BUNS FROM DENCH BAKERS Having earned a cult following for its artisan baked goods, Dench has long been a northside staple. And its signature sourdough hot cross buns have fans coming back year after year, each batch stuffed full of Aussie vine fruits, made on organic flour and a secret blend of spices. Plus this year, Dench is also whipping up a lush choc-orange version, starring fresh oranges and couverture chocolate. Both are available now for delivery ($7.50 flat rate), with next-day drop-offs happening Tuesday through Sunday for orders placed before 9am. Six-packs of the traditional buns are included in some of Dench's curated 'Bread Box' packs, or you can customise your own order by shooting them an email at info@denchbakers.com.au. Minimum order is $35. How? Order delivery via the Dench Bakers website. [caption id="attachment_766535" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Griffin Simm[/caption] CHOC XXX BUN FROM BREAD CLUB The new kid on Melbourne's bakery block, Bread Club is getting into the Easter spirit by dishing up two styles of decadent hot cross bun. The traditional version is a 24-hour-long labour of love, fermented overnight and stuffed with currants, cranberries, citrus, ginger and spices, and lashings of Pepe Saya butter. And for the sweet tooths, the 'Choc XXX Bun' features a fluffy brioche-style base pimped out with cocoa and 70 percent Birdsnake chocolate chunks. A $5 delivery service on Fridays runs to north and west Melbourne, with more suburbs to follow soon. Takeaway in store is available daily. What's more, the pre-COVID-19 packaging should supply a few much-needed giggles. How? Pick up from the North Melbourne store or pre-order for Friday delivery online. GLUTEN FREE HOT CROSS BUNS FROM CERES FAIR FOOD Online organic grocer and carbon neutral food delivery service CERES Fair Food has a hefty selection of gluten-free goodies in its bakery range, year round. But come Easter, it's all about those dietary-friendly hot cross buns. This year, its slinging traditional, fruity buns, handcrafted daily by baker Gluten Free Precinct in Cheltenham. The seasonal treats swap out the regular flour for a blend of potato starch, rice flour, tapioca starch and organic flaxseed, and are available for $16.95 for a six-pack through CERES, with a delivery fee of $6.95 for orders under $75. To place an order, you'll need to become a CERES Fair Food member, though that's free and easy to do online. How? Order delivery online via CERES Fair Food. SPICED HOT CROSS BUNS FROM ALL ARE WELCOME This Northside viennoiserie has kicked off a new delivery service, dropping off baked goods to doorsteps across Clifton Hill, Northcote, Thornbury, Preston, Fairfield and Alphington. And, yes, that includes All Are Welcome's traditional hot cross buns, loaded with fruit and candied orange, and spiced with ceylon cinnamon and jamaican peppercorn. A box of six of these beauties will set you back $20, along with a $5 delivery fee, with drop-offs now happening every Wednesday and Saturday. Follow the pre-order instructions on the website and order by 5pm the night before, to have fresh Easter buns in your kitchen the following day. How? Order online via the All Are Welcome website. Top image: Bread Club by Griffin Simm
Did you get a new Pokémon onesie for Christmas? Well you are in luck because this NYE all Melbourne cosplayers will be converging on notoriously loose club Brown Alley for Cosparty 2013. The night will be full of interesting costumes and with a tag line of “rock out with your cosplay out” you know it doesn't take its self too seriously. For those unsure about what to wear, you are advised to dress up as your favourite character from anything – the more elaborate the better. Maybe you'll find your own Nurse Joy or Sailor Moon; a Hermione Granger to your Ron Weasley or some new Adventure Time comrades. Cosparty will be one of the few places (only place?) you'll have a chance of making out with Princess Peach at midnight.
Concrete Playground talks to Melbourne street artist Baby Guerilla about her catchy alias, latest work and what art means to her. At the unveiling of her newest commission at Union Dining, Baby Guerilla summed up her take on art in one sentence, "I want more art everywhere". Baby Guerilla works purely for the love of art and the hope that she can inspire others in what she does. Why the name Baby Guerilla? It's the name my dad used to call me, my nickname. It was his running joke that I couldn't be domesticated; couldn't be tamed. It was his way of showing affection. It is exactly who I am. I changed the spelling to reflect the political component of street art. It also keeps my identity hidden. Tell me about how you have come to be the artist you are today. I guess I always wanted to be an artist ever since I was young. I went to the Victorian Collage of the Arts and studied fine arts with a major in painting. I've exhibited pretty widely, had pieces in the National Gallery of NSW had solo shows. Street art started out as a hobby for me, kind of my second life. Then I started to become more experienced, I got bolder. I love art in whatever form. But at the moment I'm obsessed with street art and doing large-scale murals. I still love galleries and I know at some point in my career I'll go back. But for the moment there is still a lot I'd like to do outside. What is your creative process and who's your audience? Ideas often come to me when I'm listening to music, out walking the dog. It feels like the scene in Billy Elliot, when he is jumping on the bed? That's how I feel. I like street art, as it's a great leveler. It comments on the type of society we live in. We are often powerless as we are surrounded by billboards and advertising. I love that you don't need to have money to have a voice with street art. How would you describe your work to someone who had never seen it before? I think it's detailed and probably a bit surreal. I've been told its feminine; which I would probably agree with. What motivates and inspires you? I'm motivated to always try to be better. I want to inspire people. Put something out there in the world to share with other people. I'm always inspired by others and at the moment it's instillation artist Anish Kapoor. The internet has also made it easier to connect with other artists and inspire each other across the world. How does your work fit into the broader context of Melbourne's street art scene? I think there is a renaissance in street art at the moment. It's such a diverse scene. So many different motivations and sub cultures. Anything you say; the opposite is also true. Lots of people love it and follow it and that's exactly what artists want. It's incredible and exciting and encouraging. I don't know exactly how I fit into it. I just do. I think street art is a brilliant way of testing an idea. You do something a couple of times on the street you get better at it. It's a great way to practice. A lot of people say what can you do to help street artists? I think you just have to go out and do it. Your latest work was a site-specific piece commissioned by Union Dining for a space on their terrace wall. What's this work about? It is somewhat of a self-portrait. The eagle represents life and the journey that we go on. The force of nature. It can fuel the best and the worst of life. It can be so beautiful, and cruel at the same time. Where to now for Baby Guerilla? I want to continue doing large-scale public art work and I want to incorporate more colour so I'm working out the logistics for that. My focus has changed a little bit from street art to commissioned large-scale pieces. You can do a better job if it's commissioned. They take time and machinery. Images courtesy of and all rights reserved by artist.
One of the sharpest political satirists in the business, UK comedian Andy Zaltzman is best known as the host of The Bugle, a weekly podcast that specialised in fake news long before Donald Trump started tweeting about it. He was also the guy in last year's Great Debate wearing cricket gear arguing with a cauliflower. His latest show promises to tackle "the biggest questions facing our very naughty planet" — although, knowing Zaltzman, there'll also be a fair amount of nonsensical sporting trivia as well.
You can encounter the weird and wonderful within the crisp white walls of one of Melbourne's major galleries, but the Melbourne Fringe Festival's open program is where the city's art scene truly gets down and dirty. Just announced, this year's massive lineup is brimming with fearless, independent shows, from one-on-one encounters to large-scale outdoor spectacles that take pleasure in the experimental and unusual. Running from Tuesday, September 30–Sunday, October 19, the Melbourne Fringe Festival 2025 offers more than 500 events. Presented in theatres, laneways, living rooms, beaches and carparks, nowhere is too strange to stumble upon a stage. Stacked with local and international talent, expect three weeks of singing, dancing, comedy and circus — often at the same time — performed in fascinating ways. [caption id="attachment_1019290" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Credit: Carlin and Camera[/caption] As always, theatre is a rousing highlight, with two shows exploring Australian identity at this year's festival. Award-winning comic and broadcaster Sammy J presents Fiasco: A Burke & Wills Musical, a satirical reimagining of the ill-fated Burke and Wills expedition as a raucous live concert. Meanwhile, The Lucky Country sees director Sonya Suares explore what it means to belong through an original score paying tribute to Aussie musical greats, from Jimmy Barnes to Baker Boy. Of course, live music is also a major focus. Making the journey from NYC, the iconic basement piano bar, Marie's Crisis, is popping up for three nights only at Trades Hall, with Broadway pianists Adam Tilford and Kenney Green-Tilford leading showtune sing-alongs. Lung Swara is another must-see, featuring renowned Indonesian artist Cahwati Sugiarto and local experimental musicians Aviva Endean and Matthias Schack-Arnott, as they blend Javanese song and dance with visceral sonic textures. [caption id="attachment_1019293" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Credit: NickMickPics[/caption] There are also genre-defying works that refuse expectations. Comedian Tom Ballard returns to Melbourne Fringe Festival with Jks: A comedy? — taking audiences behind the scenes on the bizarre night a comedy legend died. Plus, celebrated Hawaiian-Australian performer Lilikoi Kaos presents Too Much, a one-woman cabaret show blending circus, comedy and storytelling that details her life growing up in the circus, her Pasifika heritage and the contradiction of being too much, but not enough. "Melbourne Fringe Festival is the city's creative playground, a place where anyone can share their art, from first-time makers to some of Australia's most celebrated artists," says Melbourne Fringe Creative Director and CEO Simon Abrahams. "It's democracy in action: no invitation needed, no permission required. This is Melbourne's independent arts scene in all its bold, brilliant, messy glory." [caption id="attachment_1019292" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Credit: Duncographic[/caption] Melbourne Fringe Festival is happening from Tuesday, September 30–Sunday, October 19, across multiple venues and locations. Head to the website for more information. Top image: Max Roux.
Located in the heart of Victoria Street — affectionately known as Melbourne's Little Vietnam — Thuy Lu and Thy Vo's new casual mod-Viet restaurant has quite the family history. The sisters' parents Trang Le and Van Ho opened both the original Thy Thy and Thy Thy 2 on Victoria Street in the 80s, and Thy Thy Counter and Canteen now sits in the very same corner site that once housed their third venture, Tho Tho. This new incarnation celebrates the family's South Vietnamese heritage, while also embracing other regional flavours encountered on more recent trips through the country's north. In the role of head chef, Mum Le is deftly blending the traditional with the modern, with plenty of long-held family recipes getting a spin. It's all being plated up in a light-filled, minimalist space, featuring a contemporary mix of polished concrete floors and generous pops of colour. Classics are in strong supply on the menu, with options like bo bop thau (wagyu beef salad) ($22), banh hoi (rice vermicelli cake) ($18–20), Vietnamese-style slaws and a range of goi cuon (rice paper rolls) ($12). You'll find a swag of stir-frys, vermicelli bowls and signature rice dishes, while a special beef pho ($14) heads the selection of noodle soups. Wash down your feed with a Vietnamese 333 Beer ($9), a local wine, or perhaps a sweet Viet-style coffee ($6). Keep an eye out for a weekly-changing lineup of specials, too — think, bun bo hue (Hue-style spicy beef noodle soup), traditional broths and a rotation of banh mi rolls. [caption id="attachment_830385" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Pete Dillon[/caption] Images: Pete Dillon
Since Victoria's second COVID-19 lockdown began in July, dreaming of spending a night somewhere other than your own home has become a regular part of pandemic life. Thankfully, that dream looks set to become a reality early next month, with Premier Daniel Andrews revealing earlier this week that Victorians will be able to travel regionally — and stay overnight — from 11.59pm on Sunday, November 8. Premier Andrews made the announcement earlier on Monday, October 26, when he ran through the next phases of eased restrictions for the metropolitan Melbourne area. Understandably — given that they came into effect this week — the bulk of the focus has been on heading back out to bars and restaurants, and having folks over to your house. But prepare for more things to change at the end of next week, too. On the travel front, the hard border between metro Melbourne and regional Victoria will be scrapped. And, so will the 25-kilometre travel limit — so "the state will be one again" as the Premier said. Crucially, accommodation sites will be allowed to reopen; however, there are rules about bookings. You can only book with members of your household, with your intimate partner, or with your household and two adults and their kids from another household. https://twitter.com/VicGovDHHS/status/1320588908862803969 From this November date, a heap of other changes will also come into effect. In metro Melbourne, gyms and fitness studios will be allowed to reopen, with a maximum of 20 people per space. At hospitality venues, they'll move to 40 people indoors and 70 outside. Religious gatherings will move to 20 people indoors and 50 outdoors, and indoor pools will also be allowed to open. As with all of Victoria's plans for future changes to its COVID-19 limits, the easing of the above restrictions on November 8 is contingent on case numbers. At the time of writing, Melbourne has reported four cases in the past 24 hours, three the day prior, two on the day before that, and zero cases for two days in a row before that — a trend that'll hopefully continue. 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. Top image: Nightingale Orchard by Emily Godfrey via Visit Victoria
In the 70s and 80s, it was Countdown. In the 90s and early 00s, it was Recovery. Now, the ABC is adding The Set to its roster of music-focused TV shows. Like its predecessor, the new television series will feature live music performances in front of a live studio audience — with triple j's Linda Marigliano and Dylan Alcott as the program's hosts. Kicking off on both ABC and iview at 9.30pm on Wednesday, October 31, The Set will feature a different main band each week, who'll then invite two guest acts to perform live as well. To end each show, the week's artists will all team up in a one-off musical collaboration. And with the whole thing taking place on a purpose-built share house set, which also includes a backyard, 250 folks will be there, in person, enjoying the gig. Headliners include Angus and Julia Stone, Vera Blue, Ball Park Music and The Presets, while the likes of Illy, Odette, Baker Boy, Wafia, Mallrat, Angie McMahon, Tia Gostelow, LANKS and Kult Kyss have been named among The Set's guests. The series will actually air twice each week — with a 30-minute episode running each Wednesday evening, and then an extended hour-long version screening on Saturdays at 10pm from November 3.
The joys of a well-rounded lunch shouldn't be relegated to just the weekends. Sometimes your working day calls for a midday bite to eat with your best workmates and bottle of wine to cheers to all the hard work you've been doing. It's not your fault if your boss doesn't realise that. When the company card isn't on the table, you're going to want a lunch spot that caters to groups while keeping the final number on the bill low. We've found a bunch of restaurants around Melbourne that deliver just that — made all the easier by the fact that they offer BYO. All you need to do is to find a date that's free of meetings and hectic deadlines.
¡Viva el cine español! Australia's carnival of Spanish-language cinema is on the verge of adulthood and is celebrating the occasion in style. Commemorating its 17th birthday in 2014, the Spanish Film Festival will once again showcase the best of the Spanish and Latin American film industry, from twisting crime tales to slick ensemble love stories, heart-warming comedies and searing social dramas. This year's festivities will be bookended by two big favourites from Spain's prestigious Goya awards. Opening night features the sixties-set road-trip movie Living Is Easy with Eyes Closed, winner of six statues including Best Picture, Director and Actor. Two-a-half-weeks later, the macabre comic fantasy Witching and Bitching, featuring Best Supporting Actress Terele Pávez, will bring the festival to a close. Other highlights on the 30-film program include The Golden Cage, which won Best Cast at the Cannes Film Festival, and Scorpion in Love, a boxing drama in which Javier Bardem plays a neo-Nazi gang leader. (Not such a heartthrob now, is he ladies?) For the full Spanish Film Festival lineup, visit the festival website Image: Still from Living Is Easy with Eyes Closed. https://youtube.com/watch?v=xAPS2uPFNkY
For playwright David Greig, Norwegian Anders Breivik's shooting of 69 young people at a summer camp in 2011 stuck a chord too deep to ignore. Translating emotions into art certainly isn't a new notion, but his socially aware play The Events has really got us thinking about the aftermath of these tragic experiences. While gun-related violence is a huge global issue affecting countless lives, individual people turn to art to help them understand such heinous acts on a personal level. When it comes to The Events, we're focused on one woman and her story. Written with reference to the Anders Breivik case of 2011, the play won over crowds at the 2013 Edinburgh Festival for its delicate contemplation of community and compassion in the face of gun-related violence. Closer to home, director Clare Watson brings The Events to life for Australian audiences. Fresh from Sydney's Belvoir Street Theatre, it will show at the Malthouse Theatre from June 21 until July 10. This powerful play explores theatre as a medium for social commentary and a means to personalise the events we see splashed across the headlines. Set in the halls of a fictional community centre, Catherine takes to the stage as Claire, a church minister responsible for leading the local community choir. After a young gunman tears the fabric of this group apart, Claire is forced to rebuild herself and her band of singers. We caught up with actress Catherine McClements, the lead in The Events.
By this point, Archie Rose needs little introduction. One of Sydney's first distilleries in 160 years has reignited many an Aussie's appreciation of spirits since opening in 2014 thanks to its diverse range of premium whiskies, gins, vodkas and rums showcasing native ingredients. Along the way, it's become the nation's most awarded distillery, and it's also given us one-off collaborations, limited releases and interactive spirits experiences from masterclasses to fascinating distillery tours. If that weren't enough, now Archie Rose has only gone and created what it's calling its best-ever gin. Bone Dry Gin is a limited-edition run that's the brand's first from its new Banksmeadow distillery and its one-of-a-kind copper vacuum stills. The spirit extracts the diverse flavour profile of hand-foraged juniper berries from North Macedonia through hot and cold distillation, and it is lifted with notes of Australian coriander seed, Tahitian lime and lemon-scented gum. The result is a tipple with a supple start on the palate that gives way to bold citrus and herb notes that leads to a pine-accented, bone-dry finish. To celebrate the release of Bone Dry Gin, we've teamed up with Archie Rose to give two lucky readers the chance to win the ultimate Archie Rose prize pack. Enter below to go into the running to win a case of Bone Dry Gin (six bottles), a pack of Caperberry Martini cocktail bottles (two bottles) and a pair of tickets to an Archie Rose Blend Your Own Gin masterclass in Sydney (valid for three years). That's nearly $1000 worth of Archie Rose goods, on us, for you to enjoy the ultimate gin experience — including the chance to make your very own. [competition]828345[/competition]
UPDATE Thursday, June 3: In light of Melbourne's snap lockdown being extended, the Doughnut Festival has been pushed back to Sunday, July 4. But in the meantime, you can score yourself free doughnuts courtesy of the Market's iconic American Doughnut Kitchen. To celebrate National Doughnut Day this Friday, June 4, simply order a bag of hot jam doughnuts for delivery or click-and-collect via Queen Vic Market Online if it's within your ten kilometer radius, and you'll receive an additional bag of the treats on the house. If you go nuts for doughnuts, there's only one place to pop on your itinerary for Sunday, June 6: Queen Victoria Market is throwing a celebration dedicated to the world's favourite holey treat. The Doughnut Festival is set to showcase a diverse array of doughnuts and other closely-related sweet treats, from old-school dough balls oozing hot jam, to choc-centred bites and sugar-coated churros. There'll be plenty of vegan and gluten-free goodies among the lineup, which is set to star names like Bistro Morgan, St Gerry's and Shortstop. A matching drinks offering will feature coffee and hot choccy, alongside nostalgic 50s-style shakes. All to enjoy while feasting your ears on the day's live tunes. If your doughnut obsession is particularly strong and your appetite large, you can try your luck in the main event — a doughnut-eating competition hosted by renowned pastry chef Darren Purchese (Burch & Purchese). Competitors will have two minutes to down as many doughnuts as possible in an attempt to win a year's worth of hot jam doughnuts from QVM's iconic American Doughnut Kitchen. That, plus complete and utter glory, of course. [caption id="attachment_812578" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Shortstop Doughnuts[/caption] Top image: American Doughnut Kitchen at the Queen Victoria Market.
Good Food Month is almost upon us. The month-long festival of food and drink has finally decided to travel south to our lovely city for November. If you're anything like us, the enormous program of events has left you feeling slightly overwhelmed. There are too many things to go to, too many dishes to eat, and choosing is difficult. But, don't let it deter you — we've sorted through the long list of happenings and picked out some of our favourites. Night Noodle Markets The Alexandra Gardens will be turned into a market place across November for the Night Noodle Markets. Food stalls from the likes of Longrain, Mamak and Wonderbao will serve up everything from roast pork bao to freshly made roti. And, dessert will be taken care of by none other than Gelato Messina, among others. There will also be live music, bars and an all-round market atmosphere. Melbourne, you're in charge of the weather. November 18-30, Mon-Tue 5pm - 9pm, Wed 5pm - 10pm, Thurs-Fri 5pm - 11pm, Sat 4pm - 10pm, Sun 4pm - 9pm, Alexandra Gardens, 1 Boathouse Drive, Melbourne, goodfoodmonth.com/nightnoodlemarkets Lunch Above the Rooftops at Union Dining As part of the Surprise Saturday Lunch section of the festival, Union Dining will be putting on a once-only three-course menu each Saturday throughout November that will be highlighting some of the state's best produce. One week may feature the Yarra region, while another may focus on the best the King Valley has to offer. November 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 at 12-3pm, $45 includes a glass of wine and tea or coffee, Union Dining, 270 Swan Street, Richmond, bookings: (03) 9428 2988 Supper Club at Mamasita Taking full advantage of Melbourne's love of the night, Supper Club will see a range of Melbourne restaurants plate up a special dish for the late comers. This may be your chance to avoid the queues at Mamasita. And, for $14, after 10pm, you'll get three soft-shell crab tacos. Cheers to that. November 9, 11-16 & 18-23 at 10-11.30pm, $14, Mamasita, Level 1, 11 Collins Street, Melbourne, bookings: (03) 9650 3821 A Spice Trail at B’Stilla As part of the Good Food Month World Dinner series, B'Stilla, South Yarra's mighty fine Moroccan restaurant, will be dishing up an eight-course degustation menu that will highlight Moroccan cuisine and the Arab, Moorish and Mediterranean influences it draws upon. One word: flavour. November 3 & 17 at 6-10.30pm, $80 or $140 with matching drinks, B'Stilla, 30B Bray Street, South Yarra, bookings: (03) 98262370 Bar Hop at The Understudy Over 20 of Melbourne's best bars will be whipping up a cocktail with a matched bite for just $20 in the Good Food Month Bar Hop. The Understudy, below 1806 in the CBD, will be serving a molecular twist on a Classic Martinez — Tanqueray gin, Cinzano Rosso, maraschino and angostura sweet served with haloumi, mint, walnut and honey bites. They had us at gin. And haloumi. Available all month, $20, The Understudy, 169 Exhibition Street, Melbourne, bookings: (03) 9663 7722 Gelato Messina hits Melbourne Yes, we've all heard on the grapevine that Gelato Messina is coming to town. As part of the Talk & Taste sessions, Gelato pioneer Simone Panetta will take guests through a range of flavours as she teaches the ways of gelato at the new Gelato Messina store on Smith Street This might be a good way to avoid the lines that will no doubt start once the doors open. November 9, 16, 23 & 30 at 9.30-11am, $60, Gelato Messina, 237 Smith Street, Fitzroy, $60, bookings: (02) 8354 1223 The Nine Nights of Rekorderlig Forget matched wines, matching cider to your meal is the next big thing. Over nine night in November, Rekorderlig will collaborate with the Albert Park Hotel to bring the ciders distinctive flavours to life. Head chef Andrew Beddoes has created a bespoke menu with seasonal ingredients, which will include five courses, inspired by and paired with the nine different flavours in Rekorderlig's profile. One of the more interesting dinners on the Good Food Month program, this one has us doubled over with curiosity. November 15-24 at 7-10pm, $100 including cider and wine, Albert Park Hotel, cnr Montague Street & Dundas Place, Albert Park, eventbrite.com.au High Tea with a difference at Saigon Sally As part of the Ultimate High Tea, Windsor's favourite Vietnamese sister, Saigon Sally, will be serving up high tea with a little bit of a difference. Ditch the finger sandwiches and scones for grilled lobster and green papaya rice paper rolls, and Golden Gaytime lamingtons. We can only hope the Tira-mi-sally is on the menu. November 10 & 24 at 12-4pm, $45 includes a glass of sparkling, Saigon Sally, 2 Duke Street, Windsor, bookings: (03) 9939 5181 Rene Redzepi lands in Melbourne Across the festival, Melbourne will be a temporary home to some of the world's most celebrated chefs. Rene Redzepi from Noma in Copenhagen will present a rare evening where guests will get to hear Rene speak at The Wheeler Centre. Rene Redzepi: A Work in Progress will see him speak frankly about his career, his book A Work in Progress (Phaidon) and how he maintains his creativity. October 30 at 6.15 & 8.15pm, The Wheeler Centre, wheelercentre.com Enjoy an 'Everyday' Lunch with Karen Martini The Prahran Market will host Karen Martini as she celebrates her new cookbook Everyday. Guests will munch on some of her favorite dishes, aimed at everyday cooking, like the tuna nicoise and pork belly. November 19 at 1-3.30pm, $100 includes cider and wine, Prahran Market,163 Commercial Road, Prahran, bookings: (02) 9285 9155
Across its stable of renowned Italian eateries, mozzarella bars and delis, the DOC Group (including DOC Pizza & Mozzarella Bar Carlton and Sydney, plus DOC Espresso Carlton) has earned a solid reputation for many things. That includes its signature pizzas and top-quality salumi selection; however, those classics are taking a backseat at the team's latest addition — a new restaurant dedicated entirely to plant-based and gluten-free eats. Bio by DOC has taken over the Carlton site once home to The Town Mouse, where long-time collaborators Studio Strom have added a refresh. Think: locally made custom furniture, a new green-coloured bar, a leafy back courtyard and some clever splashes of neon. In the kitchen, veteran DOC Group chef Tomaso Bartoli is steering the new culinary concept, carefully intertwining the brand's trademark Italian sensibilities with a focus on vegan and vegetarian ingredients. Not only is it a reminder that meat needn't be the cornerstone of a great food offering, but impressively, the entire menu is also gluten-free. Snacks include the likes of mini eggplant parmigiana matched with burrata and a black cabbage pesto, plus a vegan-friendly tartare of grilled vegetables finished with capers, mustard and truffle paste. You can get your pasta fix with plates like the charcoal spaghetti; a beetroot casarecce finished with mushrooms and truffle paste; and a vegan lasagne layered with spinach pasta sheets, lentil ragu and bechamel. There's more plant-based fun to be had over on the dessert list, too — expect dishes like a classic tiramisu reworked with cashew cream, and sweet potato pancakes with popcorn ice cream. From the drinks lineup, the vegan cocktail offering features sips like a Japanese twist on the negroni, plus the Oasis — which uses rum, coconut water and a pineapple shrub. There's also a considered wine selection, showcasing both Italian vino and locally-grown varietals from the likes of Merli and Heathcote's Vinea Marson. Find Bio by DOC at 312 Drummond Street, Carlton. It's open 5pm–late Tuesday–Thursday, and 12–3pm and 5pm– ate Friday and Saturday.
Former Powderfinger frontman Bernard Fanning has announced a huge, 17-date national tour — including several all-ages shows — to promote his debut album, Battleships, out June 7 on Dew Process/Universal. It's been a long wait for Fanning fans (which, in keeping with the precedent set by Beliebers and Directioners, we'll henceforth be calling Fan-nings), with this tour their first opportunity to see the great man since Powderfinger's farewell tour in 2010. He'll be traversing the country, from Nambour to Hobart, along with his special guests, Big Scary and Vance Joy. And if you're in Townsville on August 17, you'll get a special mini-festival when that already-awesome lineup is bolstered by The Rubens, The Medics AND Snakadaktal. With Fanning also announced for Splendour in the Grass following hot on the heels of the release of the album's debut single (and title track), it's sure to be a busy few months for one of Australia's favourite songwriters. Tickets go on sale Tuesday, May 7, via an exclusive fan club presale through bernardfanning.com. The Telstra Thanks presale is available from Wednesday, May 8, before the public on-sale kicks off on Friday, May 10. Concert dates below: Sunday 14 July: Nambour Civic Centre, Nambour (18+) Tuesday 16 July: Empire Theatre, Toowoomba (All Ages) Thursday 18 July: The Tivoli, Brisbane (18+) Friday 19 July: Arts Theatre: The Arts Centre, Gold Coast (18+) Friday 26 – Sunday 28 July: Splendour In The Grass Tuesday 30 July: Newcastle Civic Theatre, Newcastle (All Ages) Thursday 1 August: Anita's Theatre, Wollongong (18+) Friday 2 August: Enmore Theatre, Sydney (All Ages) Sunday 4 August: Royal Theatre – National Convention Centre, Canberra (All Ages) Friday 9 August: Palace Theatre, Melbourne (18+) Saturday 10 August: Geelong Performing Arts Centre – Costa Hall, Geelong (All Ages) Tuesday 13 August: Wrest Point, Hobart (18+) Thursday 15 August: Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide (All Ages) Saturday 17 August: Kuranda Amphitheatre, Cairns (All Ages) With Additional Special Guests: The Rubens, The Medics and Snakadaktal Sunday 18 August: The Venue, Townsville (18+) Tuesday 20 August: Pilbeam Theatre, Rockhampton (All Ages) Wednesday 21 August: Entertainment Convention Centre – Plenary Halls, Mackay (18+) Sunday 25 August: Astor Theatre, Perth (18+) https://youtube.com/watch?v=Fi8OciiVIA4
Before he was navigating innies and outies in stunning new 2022 streaming series Severance, and before he was working for the City of Pawnee in Parks and Recreation as well, Adam Scott popped up on our TV screens in another workplace scenario. His uniform: black pants, a crisp white shirt and a pink bow tie. His gig: serving drinks and slinging hors d'oeuvres as cater waiter Henry Pollard in 2009–10 cult-favourite comedy Party Down. Although its first two seasons only spanned 20 episodes all up, Party Down is one of the very best sitcoms of the 21st century, and proved a must-see right from the get-go. It's the show that Veronica Mars creator Rob Thomas started after that also-beloved 00s series was initially cancelled, and came about in a collaboration with writer/producer John Enbom and producer Dan Etheridge — two other former Veronica Mars staff — and none other than Paul Rudd. And, just like Thomas' detective show, Party Down is also making a comeback. Are we having fun yet indeed. If you're instantly giggling at "are we having fun yet", then you saw Party Down's first two seasons. And, you'll know that Scott uttered that phrase more than once — or had it shouted at him. His character, Henry, was an actor famous for saying that line in a TV commercial. But in-between gigs, and because acting wasn't turning out as he planned, Henry was also working for Party Down's titular catering company. Scott made the jump over to Party Down after also appearing in Veronica Mars, as did plenty of his co-stars, including Ken Marino (The Other Two) as the catering outfit's oh-so-eager (but always-bumbling) manager, plus Ryan Hansen (A Million Little Things), Martin Starr (Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities) and a pre-Glee Jane Lynch as fellow waiters. Rounding out their gang of unhappy serving staff the first time around: Lizzy Caplan (Fleishman Is in Trouble), Jennifer Coolidge before she was winning awards for The White Lotus and Scott's Parks and Recreation co-star Megan Mullally. Party Down's long-awaited six-episode third season will start streaming via Stan in Australia from Friday, February 24, and sees most of the cast return — including Scott, Marino, Hansen, Starr, Lynch and Mullally. Caplan had scheduling issues making the also-excellent Fleishman Is in Trouble; however, Jennifer Garner (The Adam Project), Tyrel Jackson Williams (Brockmire) and Zoë Chao (The Afterparty) join the cast instead, plus James Marsden (Dead to Me) in a recurring part. Story-wise, this new 13-years-later go-around sees Marino's Ron Donald still running the Party Down team despite his past big dreams. And, as the trailer makes plain, plenty of other familiar faces are back in the bow ties as well, catering party after party. Hilarity ensues again in this sneak peek, because of course it does. Check out the trailer for Party Down season three below: Party Down's third season will start streaming via Stan from Friday, February 24.
As part of her first headlining tour of Australia, Solange (also known as Solange Knowles, aka Beyoncé’s baby sister) has announced Falls Festival sideshows in Sydney and Melbourne. This will be the first time the Texan-born Knowles has ever treated fans Down Under to a live performance of her 2012 dance-friendly EP, True. This comes in the context of eager anticipation of her long-coming third studio album, on which she apparently collaborated with Aussie dudes Midnight Juggernauts. It's due for release sometime next year. Perhaps as famous for being the offspring of the fabulous Mrs. Carter as for her music, Solange has steadily been earning cred as a singer-songwriter in her own right. She certainly can churn out a catchy pop hit, as her successful single 'Losing You' proved last year. Recalling her elder sibling vocally, it managed to step away from her stylistically and embraced a much splashier, synthy '80s pop feel. The sideshows should be a fun choice for anyone craving a night of uncomplicated, playful, upbeat music.
It's been a booming season for Preston locals. As well their own gourmet cheese toastie drive-through, a swathe of cute new café and restaurant openings and an enviable local BBQ game, Preston Market has just announced a new market hall expansion that will have everyone flocking to the north: the Preston Fresh Hood Market. The market in Melbourne's north has teamed up with The Space Agency – who were the brains behind last year's Swan Street Chamber of Commerce food precinct activation in Richmond — to transform the old hall that sits between the market and Preston Station into a free-form, open-plan food mecca and arts space. "The whole aim is to be like a food truck park, but indoors and with no food trucks," says The Space Agency's Crag Carrick. "You can walk around, you can grab a beer, grab a bite to eat and sit where you like — everywhere is a seating area." The building — which has been empty for the last few years — was recently given a new lick of paint by 17 street artists, who've coloured the walls with large-scale pieces. Inside, the redesign pays tribute to the original use of the building, which once housed permanent stalls for a fishmonger, butcher, baker and a fruit and veg vendor, amongst others. "We're maintaining a lot of those elements," says Carrick. "For example, the fishmonger will become the central bar, Beermonger, which will serve craft beer and oysters. The beer taps will be where the fish would normally be displayed…[and] we're using the original cabinetry." A lot of the old infrastructure is being retrofitted for similar uses. The old poultry shop will become the second location of Henrietta's Chicken Shop (and will retain the original signage), while the butcher will be taken over by Hoy Pinoy and their pig-on-a-spit Filipino BBQ offering. The bingo hall upstairs will become an event space and band room with a 500 person capacity. Other confirmed vendors include 3 Ravens Brewery and Meet Patty, a new burger venture from St Ali chef Andy Gale. "We want to bring something cool to Preston Market," Carrick says. "It's really old school and hasn't changed much in 45 years, but we think Preston itself has changed a lot over the last three years." The Preston Market, with its 200 vendors and artist market, will stay the same — but the Preston Fresh Hood Market (a tongue-in-cheek title that refers to Preston's status as an up-and-coming place to live) will open on Saturday, July 16. In the meantime keep you peepers peeled for more vendor announcements and details on the launch party. [embed]https://vimeo.com/171854602[/embed] The Preston Fresh Hood Market will open at Preston Market (22-26 Cramer Street, Preston) on Saturday, July 16. It will trade Wednesday to Sunday from 10am til 10pm. For more info, visit their Facebook page.
Since 2019, coffee lovers nabbing their caffeinated brews from Single O's Surry Hills cafe in Sydney have been pouring their cuppas from a self-serve tap system. Basically, it's the coffee you make when you're not actually making the coffee, and it's about to be on offer in Tokyo as well. No stranger to the Japanese capital thanks to its existing roastery and tasting bar in Ryogoku — as well as supplying local cafes, and also serving athletes in the Tokyo Olympic Village this year — Single O is launching its first international cafe. It'll open its doors in the Hamacho district in the city's east on Thursday, October 28. When overseas travel resumes and Japan lets Aussies back into the country for holidays, you'll know where to grab a taste of home. Single O's new Tokyo base will also go a step further than its Surry Hills sibling — and not just because it'll feature six self-pour taps instead of four. The Hamacho cafe will also sport the brand's first in-store coffee subscription package, letting customers purchase monthly access to drop by and pour their own cuppas. When it opens its doors, the Tokyo spot will launch with five specialty brews, Colombian microlots and an award-winning Cup Of Excellence from Peru included. As for the sixth spot, that'll rotate through international guest roasters. And if you're after an espresso, Single O's signature blend Reservoir will also be on offer. Food-wise, you'll be pairing your caffeine with Aussie staples — such as Single O's signature banana bread with espresso butter, freshly baked pies and a range of jaffles. Chef Yu Sasaki is behind the the menu, after a career spent hopping between The French Laundry in the US, Sydney's Marque and then founding Single O Surry Hills neighbour Creasion. Single O's Hamacho cafe will also boast the brand's Heads of Japan Yu and Mamiko Yamamoto leading the launch, as well as barista Ken Takakura and retail operations head Yasuko Miura — the latter fresh from Luke Mangan's Tokyo Glass Brasserie. And, the venue has the honour of being designed via Zoom during Sydney's lockdown. Australian designer Luchetti Krelle — who also worked on the Surry Hills cafe — has overseen a fitout that includes a curve-heavy front counter, tables made from recycled plastic and a sustainable fibreboard espresso bar created from upcycled clothing. Also catching the eye: a monochrome mural in texta pen by local artist Washio Tomoyuki, plus a 'Cloud' ceiling artwork by Sydney's Ren Fernando that's made from repurposed end-of-line paper and coloured with coffee and other substances. Find Single O's Hamacho Cafe at 3-16-7 Nihonbashi Hamacho Chuo Tokyo from Thursday, October 28 — open from 7.30am–7pm Monday–Friday and 8am–7pm Saturday–Sunday.
Missed out on tickets to the hugely popular Day of the Dead 3.1 warehouse project, announced last month? You're in luck. An immersive El Dia de los Muertos-inspired experience curated by a group of Mexican visionaries and artists, the Day of the Dead announced plans to visit Sydney on October 24, then Melbourne on October 31 before ending in Brisbane on November 7. While all three cities sold out within hours, and the organisers were inevitably inundated with hundreds of emails requesting tickets, so the Day of the Dead team twisted some arms and managed to increase the event capacity. There'll be a new and final ticket release happening on Saturday, September 26 at 12.30pm, with tickets at $95. Tickets will sell out within hours, so be ready. Get tickets here. Currently sold-out, the Day of the Dead warehouse project takes cues from some of the world's most celebrated immersive spectacles, everything from Burning Man to Sleep No More. The one-off event will immerse ticketholders in a temporary world of interactive art installations, light projections, extravagant costumes, murals created by renowned street artists and an exclusive lineup of local and international DJs and musicians. Pop-ups by a handpicked bunch of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane's go-to local Mexican eateries, like Playa Takeria, have been selected to create special Dia de los Muertos menus. Plus, there'll be Mexican cervezas and tequila/mezcal cocktails from the newly announced principal sponsor Tequila Herradura and major sponsor Tequila Jimador to provide you with enough sustenance to dance the night away. With instructions being sent to ticketholders just one week before the event, and locations revealed just one day before the party, this is secret warehouse party business at its best. Honour the dead, celebrate the living. Be ready on Saturday. The Day of the Dead 3.1's new and final ticket release is happening on Saturday, September 26 at 12.30pm. Tickets are $95 and are expected to sell out within hours. Get tickets here. By Kimberley Mai and Shannon Connellan.
Barbecue and smoked meat experts Fancy Hanks are at it again — after their highly successful pop-up, Majestic Hawker, where food was cooked over an open flame, they've decided to bring their stoveless concept back to Bourke Street. The Fancy Hanks team (Kent Bell, Mike Patrick, Daragh Kan and Myles Munro) have named this huge new Chinatown establishment Heroes. Opening early next year, it'll be inspired by their travels around the Malay Peninsula, and their experiences dining in Singaporean and Malaysian eating houses and beer gardens. The hawker-style food includes wings, skewers and barbecued meats, while the decor will mirror the high-energy design they fell in love with on their travels. Alicia Cheong, who grew up in the region's Singaporean and Malaysian food culture, will take on the role of chef and food advisor at the new venue — a throwback to her previous stints with Fancy Hanks and Majestic Hawker. Between devouring Cheong's dishes, you'll be able to sit back with a drink in the brightly coloured, rooftop beer garden, which will boast views over Chinatown. Heroes will also have an underground function space and four private karaoke rooms. Yep, it looks like you'll be able to enjoy your entire night out here without leaving the building. Heroes opens early next year. The exact address has not been disclosed, but it'll be on the Chinatown end of Bourke Street — we'll keep you updated as further details become available.
The weather is well and truly cooling down in Melbourne, so if you're looking for a spot to cosy up, Windsor's hawker-inspired eatery is giving you yet another reason to drop by with a new Fired Up lunch menu. Lighting up with an offering all about celebrating flame-grilled eats, the menu will run every weekend from Saturday, May 20. The Singaporean and Malaysian-inspired bites might run to the likes of peanut sauce-topped marinated beef skewers, or mini loaded bahn mi rolls with pork char siu and pickled carrots. Grilled calamari is served with tangy chili and lime sauce, while barramundi is baked in banana leaf with Malaysian sambal paste. The new menu is available from 12pm–4pm every Saturday and Sunday. Apart from eats, the venue is slinging $15 spicy margs and $5 beers from a featured brewer, which will rotate monthly. A lineup of local DJs will be spinning tunes every weekend too, including Lady Langers, Zjoso, DJ Hoxton Fox and Jimmy Pham (Walter Majik). Images: Hawker Hall, supplied.
The beloved Irish comedian and his casio keyboard are back. The new show from David O'Doherty at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival is a bit of a mouthful, but then what else would you expect? Jumping back and forth between standup and original songs, the award winning comic's dorky, self-deprecating humour never ceases to entertain, whether he's coming up with app ideas or singing about Grand Designs. It's basically impossible to leave one of O'Doherty's shows without a giant grin plastered across your face. He'll also be performing excerpts from his children's book Danger Is Everywhere in a separate show aimed at audiences aged five to eleven.
If there’s one thing we take seriously in Melbourne, it’s our music, man. Now in its second year, Melbourne Music Week celebrates our city’s commitment to the grand tradition of the live gig, with around two hundred acts playing a stack of venues around town. The old Argus Building, temporarily renamed the Where?House, is being used as the Festival Hub, pumping out tunes day and night, while a slew of local bands will be playing everywhere from popular venues like the Toff, Bennett's Lane and Cherry Bar to more offbeat settings such as Melbourne University's underground car park. You can have indie pop for breakfast and punk for lunch, or even rock out on a tram. The “week” runs for nine days, there’s so much on, and peaks on the 22nd, when ten venues are putting on free gigs for the Live Music Safari. It will most certainly rock.
Sometimes a needle drop just works, even when it simply states the obvious. One of those instances: playing a remix of Nas' 'Got Ur Self a Gun' throughout the latest trailer for John Wick: Chapter 4. The song famously samples Alabama 3's 'Woke Up This Morning', the tune forever famous as the opening theme to iconic HBO series The Sopranos, and fits John Wick as much as the original fit Tony Soprano. Just over a month out from the latest John Wick flick hitting cinemas, the third sneak peek at what's to come has been unveiled. Unsurprisingly, plenty of action-packed confrontations are in the works, as brought to the screen with plenty of frenetic stunt choreography. Just as expectedly, Keanu Reeves is still using every weapon at his disposal in his fourth stint as cinema's favourite dog-loving assassin. If you're thinking that Wick's luck might run out at some point, the new film understands. But this stunt-filled saga still has one last way to give its namesake his non-violent life back. As past trailers have explained, he can agree to a duel against the Marquis (Bill Skarsgård, Barbarian) — but of course only one can survive. With that premise, expect the ante to be upped on the saga's latest onslaught of fights, as the latest trailer goes all-in on. Anywhere that Wick can shoot, fight and dispense with everyone trying to take him down, he will and does. This flick involves hopping around the globe, in fact, including Paris, New York and Berlin — and also getting into sword fights in Japan, riding horses through a sandy desert, using cars as weapons and boasting one mighty handy canine. Accordingly, as all John Wick movies have so far — the first in 2014, John Wick: Chapter 2 in 2017 and John Wick: Chapter 3 — Parabellum all included — this one follows the hitman that other hitmen fear as he takes on his ever-growing list of adversaries. Whatever gets thrown his way hasn't stopped Wick yet, after he got dragged back into the assassin life when a past batch of enemies messed with his pet pooch. Reeves' former stunt double-turned-filmmaker Chad Stahelski directs again, as he has on all three prior movies. On-screen, Reeves is also joined by a roster of familiar and new John Wick faces, with fellow franchise mainstays Ian McShane (American Gods) and Lance Reddick (Godzilla vs Kong) returning, and Reeves' The Matrix co-star Laurence Fishburne — after appearing in the past two movies — as well. And, Donnie Yen (Mulan), Hiroyuki Sanada (Mortal Kombat), Shamier Anderson (Son of the South), Rina Sawayama (Turn Up Charlie) and Scott Adkins (Triple Threat) are all also set to feature. In similarly excellent news, a fifth John Wick movie is already in the works, because more ass-kicking Keanu is always a great thing. And, so are two spinoffs: The Continental and Ballerina. The first is a streaming series, clearly set around the hotel that features so prominently in the films as a safe haven for hitmen. As for the second, it's a movie that ties in with John Wick: Chapter 3 — Parabellum, and will star Ana de Armas (Blonde) — and also feature Reeves and McShane. Check out the latest trailer for John Wick: Chapter 4 below: John Wick: Chapter 4 releases Down Under on March 23.
Alice Skye grew up in country Victoria outside the Grampians, which gave her all the inspiration she needed for her debut album released earlier this year to much national acclaim. With no shortage of awards — like Triple J's Unearthed National Indigenous Music Award and the First Peoples Emerging Artist Award — Alice is an artist on the rise. Playing for free for you as part of Melbourne Music Week, you can catch Alice at MPavilion in the Queen Vic Gardens on a Sunday afternoon.
As a treat to us for being such good eggs (or so we like to think), the National Gallery of Victoria is hosting a huge exhibition featuring the works of French Impressionist artist Edgar Degas as part of the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces. Degas: A New Vision will run from June 24 to September 18 at the NGV International and is comprised of over 200 works by Degas, from collections the world over. For those of you who don't know, Degas is a pretty big deal in the art world and practiced during the late 1800s-early 1900s. At a time when many artists where still painting posed works, Degas and a sect of bohemian Parisian artists (including Honoré Daumier and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec), were cultivating the first big art movement that focused on candid impressions of subjects en plein air (meaning in 'open air' style, as opposed to in the studio or from memory). A lot of his pieces feature ballerinas and inevitably, this did lead to a lot of lurking around backstage at the ballet and, in Lautrec's case, in a tonne of brothels (for the artistic potential, surely). Degas' work also focused on an infrequently explored subject: the everyman. Blue collar workers in their natural habit where a recurring and novel theme in his work; French Impressionism tapped into that vein of human curiosity that makes reality TV so popular ("They're just like us!"). Degas actually rejected the Impressionist mantle and referred to his style as realism, so intent was he on representing the world around him. In fact, according to art historian Carol Armstrong, Degas said "No art was ever less spontaneous than mine. What I do is the result of reflection and of the study of the great masters; of inspiration, spontaneity, temperament, I know nothing". Well damn. We can't wait to check it out. Image: Edgar Degas, In a café (The Absinthe drinker) 1875–76, oil on canvas, Musée d'Orsay, Paris, Lemoisne 393, © RMN-Grand Palais (musée d'Orsay) / Martine Beck-Coppola.
After launching with an immersive, multi-sensory exploration of the works of Van Gogh, The Lume is now displaying its also-impressive second exhibition Monet & Friends Alive at the digital gallery's permanent home at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC). Taking visitors back in time to 19th-century Paris, it celebrates the paintings of impressionist icons from Monet to Renoir, and Cézanne to Manet. As with its predecessor, the exhibition presents its artworks via supersized projections splashed across its sprawling surfaces, and paired with a curation of tastes, aromas and sounds. Here, that means you'll be able to wander over a bridge and right into a recreation of Monet's famed 1899 work, Bridge Over a Pond of Water Lilies. Other interactive experiences include a studio space where visitors can have a go at creating their own replicas of Monet's best-known paintings. Further tapping into the French bohemian spirit is The Lume's own take on a 19th-century Parisian cafe, Cafe Lumiere, which will serves up a menu of small bites, share plates and desserts to enjoy after your artistic adventures.
So, you've been tasked with planning a standout date for you and your main squeeze, but you can't decide between a romantic dinner or a stroll through a gallery. Well, why choose one when you can have both at once? Digital gallery The Lume is building on the success of its recent Valentine's dinner and launching a new weekly dining series fusing food and art. Running Friday and Saturday nights from April 14, Dining à Deux invites you to enjoy a three-course French feed set against a backdrop of immersive art from the gallery's current French impressionism exhibition. [caption id="attachment_896841" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dijana Risteska[/caption] You'll feast on dishes like duck à l'orange, beef cheeks with creamy Paris mash and chocolate soufflé, while the works of Monet and his contemporaries float around you in the form of giant moving projections. There are two dinner sittings each night, with tables set for two and tickets coming in at $145 per person. Or, step things up a level and nab a front-row table for $160 per person. Drinks are available to purchase separately.
Summer's still a way off, but spritz season is already in full swing at Richmond's Baby Pizza. In fact, the venue's serving up a fresh series of daily aperitivo specials to see you happily sipping through the rest of spring. From 4–6pm each day, this is your go-to for $9.50 cocktails — whether you're keen on sipping a classic Aperol spritz or a spicy passionfruit margarita. Part with $6.50, and you can grab a bottle of Peroni Red, or opt for a $7.50 glass of Other Voices pinot grigio. What's more, every aperitivo cocktail comes with a complimentary snack. Either stick with these light bites for a pre-dinner sip-and-snack session or follow it up with a bigger feed at baby — ordering from the regular menu packed with Italian eats, including some of the best pizza in Melbourne. Walk-ins are welcome, though you can make a booking online if you want to be sure of nabbing a table.
"Touring is the only job in the world, I think, where you are a professional and you drink," James Vincent McMorrow muses from a phone somewhere in Dublin. "If you were an accountant or even if you were an actor and you drank at the levels that some touring bands do, you wouldn't be able to function." Two years ago, he decided to give the bottle the boot. Not because he had an uncontrollable drinking problem, but because he wanted to "see what would happen". "At that point in my career, everything was on a really intense upswing and I was playing big shows. It's not that I wasn't enjoying [drinking], it's just that I didn't feel that I was in control of what I was doing. I didn't think I was doing it justice in the way that I wanted to." In a January 2014 Guardian interview, McMorrow identified a packed-out show at London's Festival Hall as a turning point. "The biggest show I'd ever played in this country... I got off stage and thought — did that go well? I don't know," he told journo Tom Lamont. At first, the sobriety inspired a sizeable dose of performance nerves. "I became incredibly aware of my hands and started making mistakes again," he recalls. "I used to think that you needed to drink to get out of your own way mentally and create. But it actually made me think from a much clearer perspective." CREATING POST TROPICAL When work began on second album, Post Tropical, the music flew thick and fast. "I had better ideas than ever before... I was much more ambitious." Where 2011 debut Early in the Morning was folk-ish and harmony-fuelled, Post Tropical sees McMorrow delve into new territory – R&B influences, dashes of Rhodes, electronica and intricate layering. There's hardly an acoustic guitar to be heard. The songs were assembled over the course of eight months and recorded "on a pecan farm half a mile from the Mexican border" — where the likes of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Animal Collective, Beach House and At The Drive In have laid down tracks. "It's the perfect place to make music... I don't think I'll record anywhere else again. I came for the equipment and stayed for the view," he adds, laughing. McMorrow sees putting together a song is akin to solving a Rubik's Cube. "Every time I look at it, there's a couple less red squares. Then I keep going and I take a look at the other side. It might go the wrong way, or it might get better. And one day, it's just done. I'll listen to it and there'll be nothing in it that doesn't make me happy." https://youtube.com/watch?v=jgE3AengS0A ON BEING YOUNG AND MUCH MORE SERIOUS The songwriting process wasn't always so intuitive for the Irish native. McMorrow remembers a younger and much more serious version of himself. "I think I went from trying to be a musician to being a musician and that was a very big change. I don't examine music anymore; I follow it where it leads me. I used to question — you'd worry about whether you were good enough, or whether you could do the things that needed to be done. But I don't worry about that anymore. I still challenge myself every day and push myself infinitely harder than I ever did, but I do it with a sense of knowing what I'm doing and how to get there." Back in his worrying days, he spent hours reading some pretty meaty literature. "I became really obsessed with people like John Steinbeck, F. Scott Fitzgerald, William Faulkner and the American idea — between 1900 and the 1930s and '40s. It's quite funny, because if I examine the books I read and where I was at musically, I can connect the dots quite quickly. I read a lot of heavy books like The Sound and The Fury, and because I was writing music there was a certain element: 'if I read these serious things then I want to write about serious things.'" https://youtube.com/watch?v=j0DvjgagJko ON GAME OF THRONES These days, however, he'll "read anything that's put in front of [him]". Even if the writing isn't quite up to scratch. "I just read the entire Game of Thrones, everything up to the point where it finishes," he explains. "I read it because I started watching the series and I got annoyed because it was ending, so I thought I'd read the book. But then I realised the books were really, really long and kind of weirdly written. I don't know if you've read fantasy novels before but they're kind of... they're not the most amazing writing in the world, even though the story is obviously compelling. And when I started reading them I didn't realise that [George R. R. Martin] hadn't finished the series. So I got to the last book and found out he had two more to write still!" Fortunately, he's moved onto Hans Fallada's Alone in Berlin, which he describes as "really beautiful". And McMorrow has a plethora of tour dates to keep him busy between reads. JAMES VINCENT MCMORROW TOUR DATES: Wednesday 21 May — Astor Theatre, Perth Friday 23 May — Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Brisbane Tuesday 27 May — Forum, Melbourne Thursday 29 May — Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House (Vivid LIVE) Saturday 31 May — Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House (Vivid LIVE)
