In 2017, one filmmaker had viewers around the world swooning. From the moment that Luca Guadagnino's big-screen adaptation of Andre Aciman's Call Me By Your Name premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and then the Berlinale, it wowed audiences, made a star out of Timothée Chalamet and had everyone talking about Armie Hammer's dancing skills. So the news that the acclaimed director is serving up another Italy-set coming-of-age drama is firmly — and understandably — cause for excitement. This time, Guadagnino is doing so on the small screen, courtesy of new HBO mini-series We Are Who We Are. It's set in 2016, and follows two American teenagers living on a US military base with their parents. Jack Dylan Grazer (IT: Chapter Two) stars as 14-year-old Fraser Wilson, a new arrival from New York with his mothers Sarah (Chloë Sevigny, Queen & Slim) and Maggie (Alice Braga, The New Mutants) — while first-timer Jordan Kristine Seamón plays Caitlin Poythress, a veteran of living on the base with her older brother Danny (Spence Moore II, AP Bio), father Richard (Scott Mescudi, aka Bill & Ted Face the Music's Kid Cudi) and mother Jenny (Faith Alabi, Cold Feet). Also featured in this eight-episode tale of friendship, teen angst, first love and finding one's identity are Francesca Scorsese (daughter of iconic filmmaker Martin Scorsese), Ben Taylor, Corey Knight, Tom Mercier (Synonyms) and Sebastiano Pigazzi — with the cast blending well-known names and faces with plenty of newcomers. We Are Who We Are started airing in the US back in September, which is when SBS revealed it would be screening it, too — via SBS Viceland and SBS On Demand. Now, the Aussie broadcaster has announced just when the show will make its local debut, screening weekly on TV from 9.30pm on Tuesday, November 3 and dropping the entire season online at the same time. If you're in the need of a virtual trip to Northern Italy, as directed by the filmmaker also behind I Am Love, A Bigger Splash and the 2018 Suspiria remake — and co-written by Guadagnino with Paolo Giordano (The Solitude of Prime Numbers) and Francesca Manieri (Daughter of Mine) — then add this to your future must-watch list. Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6VAQ6LdnKs&feature=emb_logo We Are Who We Are will screen on SBS Viceland and SBS On Demand from November, airing weekly on TV from 9.30pm on Tuesday, November 3 and dropping its entire season online at the same time. Top image: Yannis Drakoulidis/HBO.
Sometimes an exhibition gets gallery patrons exploring one artist's work. Sometimes it pays tribute to a specific person, heads back to a certain chapter of the past, or fills walls and halls around a theme. A particular object might be in the spotlight, or a movie franchise. Then there's The NBA Exhibition, which will celebrate hoop dreams and all things basketball when it makes its first-ever Australian visit. After premiering in Warsaw, Poland in 2021, The NBA Exhibition will bounce into Brisbane from Thursday, November 9 — and bound through basketball history at the same time. Catnip for fans of Air and Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty, this sports-focused showcase is big in scope and size, surveying the culture of hopping onto the court and the lifestyle that goes with basketball, too, in a hefty two-level display. Visitors will traverse 1000 square metres and make their way through 20 themed sections. Created with the National Basketball Association, The NBA Exhibition aims to lure in b-ball diehards, casual followers and folks that haven't thought about the sport since their school PE lessons alike — and attendees of all ages. Looking at basketball memorabilia is part of the presentation, but so is throwing a ball around yourself and, thanks to the virtual and augmented reality aspect of the showcase, taking snaps with your favourite NBA players. So, you can get a photo with the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy, too — aka the coveted prize that each year's NBA Finals' winner receives — and shoot hoops, see how far you can jump and test your reflexes as well. Fancy a picture showing that you can slam dunk, even if you can't? There's a section of The NBA Exhibition for that. Eager to watch NBA highlights using VR goggles? That's also on the agenda. Keen to get surrounded by iconic NBA moments? That's what the infinity room is for. With names like Michael Jordan and Shaquille O'Neal obviously featuring — and Kobe Bryant, Steph Curry, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird as well — other elements of The NBA Exhibition include a heap of balls and shoes on display; footwear and hand prints from past and present players; art that was commissioned for a pop-up NBA Gallery exhibit in Sydney in 2022, featuring Australian and First Nations artists; and celebrating NBA players that've made the jump from Australia, which is likely to feature Patty Mills, Ben Simmons, Luc Longley, Andrew Gaze and more. Brisbane's Queens Plaza will host The NBA Exhibition's debut Aussie stop — just as it did with The Art of Banksy: Without Limits, which also hails from entertainment platform Fever, earlier in 2023 — with details of any future stints elsewhere around the country not yet revealed. The NBA Exhibition will display at Queens Plaza, 226 Queen Street, Brisbane from Thursday, November 9 — head to the exhibition's website for further details and to join the ticket waitlist.
Have you ever wanted to send something suggestive in the mail, but thought a bag of penis-shaped gummy lollies was just a little too on the nose? In that case, we might have just the service for you. Inspired by everybody's (apparently) favourite vegetable emoji, Eggplants Express lets users mail an eggplant to anywhere in the country. You can send it anonymously, or with a personalised greeting scrawled right onto the aubergine itself. "It's real," founder Anthony Daniel tells Concrete Playground, when we call to inquire whether the whole thing is a sham. Apparently he had the idea after forgetting to arrange a gift for his girlfriend on their anniversary. "I didn't want it to be flowers again," explains Daniel. "We always joke about the eggplant emoji, which is how I came up with the idea of an anonymous eggplant." How, uh, romantic? Asked who he saw as the target audience for his service (which is very similar to Eggplant Mail in the US), Daniel admits it's probably best suited to folks who are in on the joke. "It's for people that understand the emoji," he says. "If I sent it to my father, he probably wouldn't get it." He also asks that you refrain from using their service to harass people (come to think of it, having an eggplant show up on your doorstep does seem vaguely ominous). Although Daniel sources his produce fresh from Sydney Markets in Flemington, a disclaimer on the website warns against actually eating them. Which brings up the bigger issue of food waste — is the joke worth wasting a fine bounty of perfectly-edible eggplants? We're not so sure. If we're going to receive an eggplant in the mail, we at least want to be able to eat it for dinner. For more information visit eggplantsexpress.com.au. Image: Lufa Farms via Wikimedia Commons.
It has been a sparse year for Melbourne movie buffs, with the city's cinemas closing down not once but twice in 2020 due to COVID-19. But when projectors start whirring again — when the metro Melbourne area reaches the fourth step in its current five-step roadmap out of lockdown, which is currently at step two — cinephiles will have a new picture palace to frequent, with Palace Cinemas opening a new 15-screen site at the former Pentridge prison in Coburg. Originally announced back in 2016, Pentridge Cinema is set to launch in December. An exact date us yet to be revealed, but its silver screens will be getting a workout before Christmas hits. When those doors do open, the venue will be able to seat 1100 film fans across its various auditoriums (before taking social-distancing into account via a chequerboard seating arrangement). Each individual theatre will be fitted out with reclining seats with individual tables and footrests, too — and film-goers will have access to a menu of food and booze as well. Although movie release dates are constantly subject to change in 2020 — No Time to Die, Fast and Furious 9 and Dune have all shifted their plans in just the past few days, for example — the new Pentridge cinema is planning to kick into gear with some big titles. On its lineup: two Gal Gadot-starring flicks, aka Death On The Nile and Wonder Woman 1984, plus Pixar's Soul, Eddie Murphy vehicle Coming 2 America, the Ryan Reynolds-led Free Guy, and family-friendly features Peter Rabbit 2 and Connected. (There's no word yet regarding screenings of famed prison-set movies — think The Rock, Escape from Alcatraz or The Shawshank Redemption — but it sure does seem like the place for that type of retro program.) The $2 million cinema isn't the only new addition to the Coburg spot. The entire precinct spans 6.7 hectares, and it has been undergoing quite the revamp. On offer: shops, dining, entertainment spaces and public areas, including a 6500-square-metre piazza. Some heritage elements from the prison have been retained, and the site will also showcase stories about its former life in its design. Palace's new Pentridge Cinema will open at 1 Champ Street, Coburg, sometime in December — we'll update you with an exact date when it is announced.
It's a scenario that many Australians can relate to: it's summer, the temperature has reached scorching levels and you can hear the sounds of someone splashing around in a cool, refreshing pool. Sadly, those noises aren't emanating from your own swimming spot — because you don't have one — and you don't know your neighbours well enough to just pop by for a dip. And, maybe your local waterhole is too far away, you don't live near the beach or the nearest public pool is closed for the day. Combine all of the above, and you're stuck trying to chill out in the bath or under the fan in the sweltering heat. Enter Swimply, a service that's like Airbnb, but for pools. Already operational in the US and Canada, and finally launching in Australia on Tuesday, November 26 — in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane so far — it's a fairly typical sharing economy-style platform. One person rents out something they have and don't use all the time, while another person with a short-term need reaps the benefits. In this case, Swimply lets folks with pools lease out their backyard swimming spots when they're not in use, and helps people without pools find a place for a splash, all via an iOS and Android app. If you fall into the latter category, you can hire a spot by the hour. You can also look for pools with specific facilities and inclusions — such as chairs, lounges, towels, wifi, a changing area, access to a bathroom, a barbecue, a shady spot to sit under, night lighting, pool toys and heated waters. Some allow pets, while others are fine with parties and alcohol. Before booking, you can also scope out just how many guests you can bring (and whether kids are allowed), as well as how private the pool is from the neighbours. That said, prices aren't particularly cheap. Splashing around for 60 minutes hovers around the $40 mark, with some pools as low as $20 and others topping out at $50 per hour — all depending on the cost set by the owner. Of course, if you're planning a dip with your pals and can split the price, it's much more affordable. So far, just a small range of pools are available in Australia, with three in Sydney, five in Melbourne and five in Brisbane. Still, if you're keen to hop in one of them, Swimply is offering first-time users a 20 percent discount until December 31, 2019 — just use the code 'SWIMDOWNUNDER'. And if you're wondering about safety, pools are vetted before being added to the platform, in conjunction with pool and spa maintenance company Poolwerx — and checked to ensure compliance with Australian health and safety standards. Swimply is now available to download on iOS and Android.
An Australian classic is about to be reborn: the good ol' milkbar. Matt Wilkinson and Ben Foster, the duo behind Melbourne brunch fixture, Pope Joan, are determined to reinvent the beloved Australian after-school haunt, according to Good Food. As per tradition, the milk bar — fittingly dubbed Jack Horner — will sell a variety of household essentials, such as pantry goods, toilet paper and pet food, as well as having a deli counter, canteen and a small bottle-o. But like Pope Joan, Wilkinson's plans for the milk bar are not quite as orthodox as they first appear. Wilkinson and Foster plan to blend the best bits of the English corner shop, the Australian milk bar and the NYC deli into their newest venture — renovating the former Brunswick Tip-Top factory. Jack Horner will also operate as a modern tuckshop of sorts, where visitors can sample head chef Travis Welch's plates of seasonal pickles and housemade cheese, breakfast food, sandwiches, salad and hot dishes, to either eat in or take home. The Jack Horner milk bar will be opening in mid-April. And for non-Brunswick residents disappointed on missing out on a new local, patience; Wilkinson and Foster are planning to expand to the CBD and southside in the future. Via Good Food.
Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre at Melbourne Museum invites visitors into the world of First Nations fashion and textile design. Piinpi: Contemporary Indigenous Fashion runs until January 19, 2025 and reveals the depth and diversity of cultures across Australia. The title of the exhibition, Piinpi, is an expression from the Kanichi Thampanyu people (East Coast Cape York Peninsula) that reflects 'seasonal changes' and regeneration of Country. The gallery's curator, Kaantju woman Shonae Hobson, has commissioned works from some of the country's top designers. Those include hand-printed designs (using ancient techniques) by Gunnai, Wiradjuri, Gunditjmara and Yorta Yorta woman Lyn-Al Young, Teagan Cowlishaw's sparkly Deadly Kween jumpsuit (made from upcycled materials) and sculptural wearable art pieces by Grace Lillian Lee. [caption id="attachment_792476" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Grace Lillian Lee 'Body Armour'[/caption] Top image: Elisa Jan Carmichael, CIAF 2017 Saltwater Footprints Collection; Photo: Tim Ashton
Vietnamese chef and restaurateur Kieu Phan has big plans for Australia. She already has eight restaurants scattered about Vietnam but plans to open three new sites in Melbourne and Sydney in the coming years. The first new venture Hoiana is set to open on Melbourne's Little Bourke Street on Friday, December 8, bringing refined Vietnamese eats and live music to the Victorian capital's CBD. During the launch, Kieu Phan will step into the kitchen as Executive Chef, working alongside Head Chef Dylan McCormack (ex-Red Spice Road). The duo has created a menu that plays with classic Vietnamese dishes and French cooking techniques, culminating in something altogether contemporary and fun. Design-wise, the 80-seater restaurant will feature art deco stylings, paying homage to the surrounding buildings on Little Bourke Street and Hardware Lane. There'll also be room for regular live music performances at Hoiana, breathing even more life into the space. But Hoiana isn't all that Phan is working on. She already has plans to set up a second Melbourne restaurant in 2024. Francis Thuan, winner of this year's Chef of the Year award at the Vietnam Restaurant & Bar Awards, is already on board to run the kitchen at the new site. His restaurant Esta in Vietnam received a Michelin star in Vietnam's first-ever Michelin Guide this year, so big things are expected for this spot. On top of this, Phan is also working on a new Sydney restaurant. But we are yet to get any extra details on this one. In the meantime, Hoiana is the first piece to slot into place in Phan's Aussie restaurant puzzle. Find Hoiana at 400 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne from Friday, December 8. It will be open from 11am–1am, seven days a week. Head to the venue's website for more info.
So, you've been eyeing off all the new must-visit venues that opened within the newly revamped Continental Sorrento earlier this year — but you're not actually a Mornington Peninsula local? Well, fret not, because you can now stay right onsite, with the precinct's luxury 108-room InterContinental Hotel opening this week. The latest Aussie offering for IHG Hotels & Resorts, the new seaside hotel occupies both a reimagined section of the existing 147-year-old limestone building and a separate newly-built wing. A collection of penthouses is also to come, to be unveiled later this year. Steered by renowned firm Woods Baggot (W Melbourne, Barlow), sophisticated interiors mirror this old-meets-new energy, with plenty of modernised nods to the art deco and Victorian elements the site has rocked in eras past. There's a refined Mediterranean edge to the aesthetic, with sweeping bay vistas and, in each of the premium options, a complimentary in-room bar heroing local craft brews, vino and spirits. Of course, facilities here lean to the fancy, including the blissful cabana-ringed guest-only pool deck, with palms, water views and a look that's plucked straight from your dream Euro beach holiday. Guests also have the Continental Sorrento's full suite of offerings on their doorstep, from the public bar, to fine diner Audrey's upstairs. Gracing the walls throughout the hotel, expect to see a standout art collection, further fusing the past and the present with a broad-ranging curation of works by Aussie artists. Keep an eye out for the reimagined snaps from vintage Mornington Peninsula beach parties, capturing those cool coastal charms through the decades. There's more luxury to come, too, with the site's Aurora Spa & Bathhouse slated to launch later this year, featuring a thermal bathhouse and wellness centre. Find the InterContinental Sorrento at 23 Constitution Hill Road, Sorrento. Rooms start from $595 per night. You can learn more and book a stay over on the website.
Four years after opening its doors, The Calile Hotel keeps attracting holidaymakers to Fortitude Valley, including Brisbanites for staycations and out-of-towners for resort-style getaways — all right in the middle of the city. Come 2026, fans of the venue's sub-tropical look and feel will ideally have a second site to visit, this time in Noosa. Calile Malouf Investments CMI), the group behind The Calile, has announced plans for a second site on the Sunshine Coast. In fact, the company has just lodged development plans for a 2.4-hectare site at 3–7 Serenity Close in Noosa Heads, which'll feature 178 rooms, 12 suites and 15 villas. Yes, it's going to be a sprawling venue, which'll apply within the broader location and in the rooms themselves. That's one of the key points of focus for CMI's plans, alongside soaking in that sub-tropical vibe — complete with gardens, which have helped make The Calile in Fortitude Valley what it is. "The point of difference for the new resort will be the luxury of space. Embedded in a bushland setting, the large site allows for generously proportioned facilities, including multiple swimming pools, [a] tennis court, comprehensive wellness facilities, [a] cinema and function spaces," said CMI Director Michael Malouf. "All hotel rooms will be generously sized with the standard room being 45 square metres, and a range of larger suites. In addition, the three-bedroom villas (complete with private pool) will cater to families or groups of friends looking for a shared hotel experience." Accordingly, your future trip to Noosa should see you roaming around a coastal resort surrounded by lush bushland, taking a dip in several pools, picking up a racquet, chasing your bliss and watching movies — and then relaxing in sizeable rooms, suites and villas. CMI also hopes that guests will be able to get to Hastings Street easily as part of their stays. "We have commenced discussions with Noosa Council to enable hotel guests to be ferried to Hastings Street via a solar powered electric ferry. Not only will this strategy allow visitors to experience the tranquil beauty of the Noosa River, but this also successfully removes the transport burden from the road network," advised Malouf. Sustainability is another core focus, setting a carbon-neutral target for the Noosa hotel's operations and having large-scale worm farms for composting onsite. A benefit of the latter: feeding the soil nutrient rich worm-cast by-product for the rooftop culinary garden. CMI is aiming to commence work on the project in early 2024. Landscape architect Marc Conlon of Conlon Group will be looking after the planting, while the hotel itself will be designed by Richards and Spence, as Brisbane's is. Calile Malouf Investments' new Noosa resort is set to open in 2026 at 3–7 Serenity Close, Noosa Heads. In the interim, find Brisbane's The Calile Hotel at 48 James Street, Fortitude Valley. The Calile Fortitude Valley images: Sean Fennessy. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
The well-trodden, four-walled space that is your home can start to feel like a big old yawn after the sixth lockdown. But, a new northside venue is here to show Melburnians just how much fun you can pack in under one roof. Introducing, The Keys — an 'all-in-one leisure centre' complete with a reimagined vintage bowling alley, arcade, bar, bistro and beer garden. Here, more is indeed merrier. The Keys is slated to open its doors this summer, taking over a sprawling warehouse space on Preston's Plenty Road. It's the brainchild of school friends Tom Peasnell and Jon Rowatt, who also form part of the crew behind venues including Dexter, Takeaway Pizza, Kenny Lover and Dom's Social Club. The Keys' main persona is a retro bowling alley reimagined for the modern-day bowler, with stylish contemporary accents played against vintage glass panelling and the 110-year-old building's original exposed timber beams. Twelve maple timber bowling lanes have been tricked out with upcycled parts from former bowling alleys, along with the latest tech and machinery. Meanwhile, a collection of retro arcade games, pool tables and a state-of-the-art sound system will keep you more than entertained between games. The space also boasts a fireside lounge area, dance floor, dining zone, bar and a roomy beer garden with capacity for 450 punters. The entire space clocks in at a cool 2,000 square metres. Of course, the bar offering is a touch more grown-up compared to the drink selection at your childhood bowling parties. Across three separate bars, a hefty 48 taps will be largely championing local brewing mates. That includes pouring beers from fellow northsiders Moon Dog Brewing, Tallboy & Moose, La Sirene and Hawkers, alongside a couple of exclusive 3 Ravens collaborations. In a fitting nod to one of history's most iconic bowling flicks, Concrete Playground is told there'll also be Big Lebowski-style White Russians on the tap list too. Meanwhile, Head Chef Peasnell will be fuelling nostalgia further with a menu of cleverly revamped classics, with bar snacks, pub favourites and New York-style pizzas top of the agenda. If that all sounds like the kind of club you want to join ASAP, there are a limited number of Founders Membership packs on offer for $160 a pop, available until mid-September. One of these will get you a bunch of extra swag, including VIP entry to the venue's grand opening party, a personalised bowling shirt, a selection of craft beers, a key ring, special discounts and 25 free game tokens to drop at The Keys in its first year. Find The Keys at 1/188 Plenty Road, Preston, this coming summer. Head to the website to find out more and to snap up a Founders pack.
It's always been an excellent concept for a TV series: what happens when 456 people have a chance to make their dreams come true via a huge cash prize simply by playing childhood games? Whether or not there was a murderous edge to this contest — which, of course, there is — this situation was destined to bring out the worst in many of its players. It was also forever bound to stress a point that Squid Game's latest season three trailer utters: "no matter how you look at it, life is just unfair". Those words are directed at Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae, The Acolyte), who went through this ordeal once in the award-winning Netflix hit's debut season and made it out the other side — only to head back in season two with stopping the game forever his motivation. How he'll fare next is set to play out in Squid Game's third and final season from Friday, June 27, 2025. The mood is unsurprisingly ominous, however, in the newest sneak peek. By now, everyone knows the Squid Game concept: here, trying to win 45.6 billion won means battling 455 other players to the death. Fans will also know that when Player 456 went back into the game with new fellow competitors for company in season two, he found himself closer to the person pulling the strings than he knew. The most-recent batch of episodes dropped at the end of 2024, ended with quite the cliffhanger and seem to have only made the show's protagonist even more determined on his quest — which will again bring him into contact with the Front Man (Lee Byung-hun, The Magnificent Seven). Whatever eventuates, Squid Game's last run will feature a finale written and directed by series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk as it brings its fatal matches to a conclusion. In multiple trailers so far, audiences have been given a glimpse of pleas, big reveals and truths, mazes, jumping rope, a huge gumball machine with red and blue balls, tears, words of advice and more. In Squid Game's second season, Gong Yoo (Train to Busan) also returned as the man in the suit, aka the person who got Gi-hun into the game in the first place — and so did Wi Ha-joon (Little Women) as detective Hwang Jun-ho. That said, a series about a deadly contest comes with a hefty bodycount, so new faces were always going to be essential. That's where Yim Si-wan (Emergency Declaration), Kang Ha-neul (Insider), Park Sung-hoon (The Glory) and Yang Dong-geun (Yaksha: Ruthless Operations) all came in. If you've somehow missed all things Squid Game until now, even after it became bigger than everything from Stranger Things to Bridgerton, the Golden Globe- and Emmy-winning series serves up a puzzle-like storyline and unflinching savagery, which makes quite the combination. It also steps into societal divides within South Korea, a topic that wasn't invented by Parasite, Bong Joon-ho's excellent Oscar-winning 2019 thriller, but has been given a boost after that stellar flick's success. As a result, it's easy to see thematic and narrative parallels between Parasite and Squid Game, although Netflix's highly addictive series goes with a Battle Royale and Hunger Games-style setup. Netflix turned the show's whole premise into an IRL competition series as well, which debuted in 2023 — without any murders, of course. Squid Game: The Challenge has already been picked up for a second season. Watch the latest trailer for Squid Game season three below: Squid Game season three streams via Netflix from Friday, June 27, 2025. Season one and two are available to stream now. Images: Netflix.
Miss Mi is celebrating Filipino Food Month by teaming up with Adobros Australia. The duo will serve up a 'Flavours of the Archipelago' three-course share-style feast, taking your tastebuds on a gourmet voyage around the Philippines. This special evening will highlight the many bright and flavourful varieties of Filipino food, combining old and new methods to produce a memorable dining experience. Every course honours one of the three main Philippine islands: Mindanao, Visayas, and Luzon. Miss Mi's Executive Chef Christian Corpuz and Adobros' chefs Michael Pastrana and Morris Danzen have expertly prepared the menu to help you thoroughly immerse yourself in the rich history and cultural legacy of the Philippines. There are only 40 spots available, so this is a unique chance to savour the 'Flavours of the Archipelago.' Reserve your table for just $95 per person and enjoy an evening of delectable cuisine.
UPDATE Thursday, July 28: Mya Tiger's Yum Cha series has been extended until the end of August. The following has been updated to reflect the change. As the temperatures start to dip, you're probably looking for some fresh ways to keep the chills at bay through Melbourne's frosty season. Well, we've found a banger — the Espy's contemporary Cantonese diner Mya Tiger is spicing up your life with a new limited-edition weekly yum cha offering. From 11am every Sunday, through May, June, July and August, this $58 feasting situation will see you dive into a shared spread of starters, followed by your choice of six yum cha dishes. Tick your selections off on the menu slip — a la all those old-school Chinatown joints — and get ready to chow down on the likes of truffle pork siu mai, sesame prawn toasts, chicken and vegetable gyoza, lamb spring rolls and more. There's a slew of add-ons available if you're feeling extra peckish, including soy egg noodles ($8) and a spanner crab fried rice ($23). Unlike your more traditional yum cha offerings, this one also features a soundtrack of DJ tunes. And, in addition to Chinese tea, you'll be able to pair your feast with an exclusive lineup of four-person teapot cocktails ($40), including a pear and spiced oolong number, and one teaming Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz with pomegranate and Thai basil.
Sydney's Taronga Zoo hasn't been humming with crowds over the past three months, given that it's been closed during the city's ongoing lockdown. It'll be roaring a little louder in its lion enclosure from now on, though. Back on Thursday, August 12, the zoo welcomed five African lion cubs — three females and two males — and this quintet of cuteness actually marks the first lion cubs to be born at the venue in more than 18 years. These little balls of fluff were born to experienced mum Maya and first-time dad Ato, and they've grown from weighing around 1.5 kilograms at birth to hitting the scales at between five and six kilograms now. As they've been growing, Taronga's staff have been keeping an eye on them via the zoo's CCTV cameras. And, if that sounds like a great way to spend your own day, you can now join them via a new 24/7 live-stream. Taronga already lets you fill your time staring at capybaras, seals, meerkats, otters, sumatran tigers, lions and elephants, all without leaving your home, thanks to its online TV channel. All those animals are all well and good. They're great, and they're very easy to spend too much time staring at, actually. But, because we all grew up watching The Lion King, we all have an extra fondness for lion cubs. The zoo's cub cam is doing things a little differently, however. This time, you'll need to make a tax-deductible donation of $7 to access the all-day camera footage. Your cash will then help support Taronga, its ongoing research and conservation programs, and its work to save African lions — and if you're able to, you can donate more if you like. There's your background viewing sorted. Popping the stream on in the background while you work from home suits these kinds of feeds, in fact, because sometimes the critters in the spotlight aren't in view. Or, in this case, those cubs like to sleep between 12–20 hours per day. Taronga Zoo Sydney and Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo started their online streams in 2020, and they're back now for obvious reasons. Taronga is also releasing regular videos across its Facebook, Instagram and YouTube channels, and making keeper talks and other clips available online as well. To subscribe to Taronga Zoo's cub cam, head to the zoo's website. To check out Taronga TV, head to the channel's website — or keep an eye on its videos on its Facebook, Instagram and YouTube pages.
The highly anticipated FIFA Women's World Cup 2023™ is making its way to Australia and New Zealand, heralding a new era for the beloved game. This occasion signifies the first time the two countries have hosted the World Cup, reflecting the sport's growing popularity and the increasing appreciation for our remarkable female athletes. Sydney will be buzzing during this monumental event, offering numerous ways to participate. While we celebrate the trials and triumphs of our favourite teams, why not indulge in some international cuisine to commemorate the occasion? Whether you're a Sydney local or visiting for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023™️, be sure to explore our top picks for delightful bites that perfectly complement the exhilaration of football fever.
Visit Alice Springs at any time of year and you'll find plenty to see and do in Australia's Red Centre, including making the trip to Uluru, marvelling at Bruce Munro's Field of Light, and checking out the Tjoritja gorges and Kings Canyon. Here's a spectacular reason to head by every April, including from now until Sunday, April 16 in 2023: Parrtjima — A Festival In Light. The region's luminous Indigenous arts festival is back for another year and, set against the 300-million-year-old MacDonnell Ranges, it looks stunning as always. This event celebrates First Nations arts, culture and storytelling, and just might be Australia's most luminous event — with installations in breathtaking surroundings leading the show alongside music, talks, films, workshops and more. [caption id="attachment_896332" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sisters at Watarru by Noreen Dixon, Grounded.[/caption] 2023's focus: 'Listening with Heart'. That's what this year's light-heavy installations, which were announced late in 2022, are focusing on. Parrtjima's theme is inspired by the artwork surrounding the Statement from the Heart, with that piece depicting Uluru-Ku Tjukurrpa, the Uluru story of connection, as created by a group of artists from Multijulu as led by Maruku artist Rene Kulitja. So, Kulitja has worked with other of artists for Parrtjima to turn the Statement from the Heart artwork into a large-scale immersive light and sound installation. Accordingly, Parrtjima attendees are currently getting plunged in the world of the Aṉangu people of the Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands surrounding Uluru. This year's festival installations feature ancient songlines, plus Indigenous viewpoints on Country, as well as connecting to First Peoples' strong links with the land, water and sky. Two things that are also on the bill: two of the festival's regular annual attractions, aka a huge artwork that transforms a 2.5-kilometre stretch of the majestic ranges, showering it with light each night of the festival; and Grounded, the installation projected over the red dirt at tourism and conservation facility Alice Springs Desert Park. As for the music program, it is overflowing with First Nations talent, including Docker River Band, Eastern Reggae Band, Emily Wurramara, JK-47, KAIIT, Karnage and Paul Ah Chee. They're joined by Radical Son, Richard J Frankland, Discovering Leerpeen Mara, Rowdy Birds, The Andrew Gurruwiwi Band and The Merindas across the ten days — and with a range of dazzling backdrops. The talks lineup features actor Steven Oliver, marathon hero Charlie Maher, media identity Naomi Moran, scientist Corey Tutt, Olympian Nova Peris and more, such as musicians Richard Frankland, KAIIT and Paul Ah Chee — doing double duty on stage and having a chat. Movie-wise, attendees can look forward to Westwind: Djalu's Legacy, Looky Looky Here Comes Cooky, Araatika: Rise Up and The Australian Wars. And, the workshops schedule includes dance, art and pottery. Parrtjima – A Festival in Light runs until Sunday, April 16, 2023 around Alice Springs in the Northern Territory. For more information, visit the festival website. Images: Parrtjima – A Festival in Light. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
Movie-loving Melburnians have a new place to get their flicks fix — for six Thursday evenings during MPavilion's current season, that is. The event announced last year that it was turning CBD car park Parkade into its hub to start 2021, and now it's unleashing a series of film screenings there as well. Even better: they're all free. On February 4, 11 and 18, and again on March 4, 11 and 25, the Little Collins Street spot will be setting up a big screen, showing recent and classic movies, and also serving drinks from the onsite bar. Each session kicks off at 8pm, and you'll be heading up to level seven for this collaboration between MPavilion and Rooftop Cinema, which has been dubbed Topless Cinema. As for what you'll be watching, the season starts with the delightful Jacques Tati comedy Playtime, then swoons over The Love Witch in the lead up to Valentine's Day. February's sessions close with award-winning Aussie drama Babyteeth, while March's begin with Tim Burton's gorgeous Edward Scissorhands. And, there's also Agnes Varda's masterful Cleo From 5 to 7, plus documentary Rams, about industrial designer Dieter Rams. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHhaIRevB-Y
For one night only, Warabi, the W Hotel's hatted omakase restaurant, is hosting a glass-for-glass showdown between two legendary producers from Japan's Yamanashi region. Each dish across a six-course journey will be matched with both a sake from revered brewery Shichiken and a wine from century-old maker Grace Wine, inviting diners to decide which pairing wins their palate. Taking place at Warabi's sleek and spacious 12-seat chef's counter, this immersive evening offers a rare chance to explore the heritage and technique behind two of Japan's most celebrated beverage labels. Guided by the makers themselves, this experience is designed for curious drinkers who appreciate precision in the glass and on the plate. Known for showcasing refined, time-honoured Japanese techniques through fresh, seasonal and local produce, Warabi will deliver a thoughtful menu designed to play with the subtle differences between sake and wine — and you'll get to decide which pairing you prefer. Tickets are $285 per person, including all six courses and the guided beverage pairings. Spots are extremely limited, so early booking is essential for this one-night-only culinary clash.
With the 2025 Australian Open in full swing, plenty of folks are feeling the urge to pick up a racquet and book a local court. But most of us aren't so great at full-size tennis nor do we have the gear to do it properly. Enter the National Pickleball League and its pop-up courts over at Ichi Ni Nana Izakaya. From Thursday, January 9—Thursday, February 6, you'll find a pop-up pickleball court up on level one, all set up for friendly games with mates or strangers who are also dropping by for sushi and cocktails in the sunshine. It is a first-come, first-served (excuse the pun) situation with the court, so be sure to get in early — it's open from 5pm from Thursday–Sunday each week. This is a fairly easy and fun way to get around the Australian Open mania taking over Melbourne right now — all the while dining out at one of Melbourne's best Japanese restaurants.
Big pop-culture titles, big stunts: from a Stranger Things rift and Squid Game's creepy Red Light, Green Light doll to an Everything Everywhere All At Once-style multidimensional laundromat and a massive Timothée Chalamet mural for Dune, new TV shows and movies sure do love launching with a pop-up in Australia. The latest doing just that: Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, the sequel to 2018's Aquaman. For four days, the film is making its presence known in Sydney with a huge seven-metre gold trident. To see the towering, gleaming object, you'll need to head to Watermans Cove in Barangaroo from Thursday, December 14–Sunday, December 17. On display: the Trident of Neptune that gives Aquaman's namesake the power to rule the sea. It's being used to break ground of the boardwalk, and will be paired with a giant wall of water measuring nine metres high and 12 metres wide on the Friday night only. Seeing the trident is free, and you can just head along whenever suits you across the four days. If you want to catch a glimpse of the wall of water as well — which will have footage from the film projected onto it — you'll need to drop by from 7.45–10pm on Friday, December 15. As for the movie itself, it features Jason Momoa swapping the Fast and Furious franchise's roads for the ocean in that other big-budget saga he's been known to glisten through: DC's flicks. It's been five years since the first solo cinema swim for Arthur Curry arrived, with Aquaman marking just the sixth entry in the DC Extended Universe. Now the series hits 15 instalments with sequel Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, bringing back DC's wettest superhero — plus Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (Ambulance) as Black Manta as well. Hitting cinemas on Boxing Day as the fourth DC feature of 2023 after Shazam! Fury of the Gods, The Flash and Blue Beetle, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom also hails from Australian director James Wan (Malignant), as the first film did — and sees Patrick Wilson (Insidious: The Red Door), Amber Heard (The Stand), Nicole Kidman (Special Ops: Lioness) and Temuera Morrison (The Book of Boba Fett) return alongside Momoa and Abdul-Mateen II. Dolph Lundgren (Minions: The Rise of Gru) and Randall Park (Strays) are back as well, all in another movie that dives into the sea, heads down to Atlantis and paddles about trying to save the world. The story this time: Black Manta is still after vengeance, but now has the Black Trident and its powers to help. So, as well as being a father and the new King of Atlantis, Aquaman has to seek his own assistance. That's how Wilson's Orm, Curry's half brother, ends up fighting by his side instead of being his imprisoned enemy. Check out the trailer for Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom below: The Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom trident will be on display at Watermans Cove, Barangaroo, Sydney from Thursday, December 14–Sunday, December 17. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom opens in Australian cinemas on Tuesday, December 26.
After some sweet relief on a frosty Melbourne morning? A rich, steamy cup of hot chocolate does the trick every single time, promising cosy vibes all round. Like a big, warm, milky hug, if you will. And you don't have to venture too far from the snug cocoon of your bed to find a great one. We've teamed up with the City of Port Phillip to track down some of the area's finest liquid choccy treats, ranging from the classic to the sweetly unconventional. Dive into a creamy Euro-style blend, or dabble in a dark, moody concoction finished off with a hint of salt. Here are seven hot chocolates worth braving the chill for this winter. Victoria is currently under stay at home orders but you can still support these spots by placing takeaway orders if they're within your 5km radius. You can stay up to date with the developing COVID-19 situation in Victoria, as well as current restrictions, here. ST ALI, SOUTH MELBOURNE It's one of Melbourne's most iconic coffee roasters, slinging morning cuppas to the masses out of those legendary laneway digs since 2005. But St Ali is also turning out one heck of a hot chocolate that you'll be very happy to dip your sweet tooth into. Sitting in that Goldilocks sweet spot — not too sugary, not too bitter, but just right — this smooth little number is reminiscent of Easter eggs, crafted on 40 percent cacao. Expect a rich, creamy concoction that'll warm you from the inside out. LENNY, ALBERT PARK A cafe that teams its hotcakes with smashed cookies and cream biscuits has to know a thing or two about whipping up tasty hot chocolates, right? Well, that sure is the case at Albert Park cafe Lenny, where the classic choccy drink gets a gourmet, grown-up twist. Here, it's using one of the signature blends from North Melbourne chocolate masters Mörk to create a dark milk hot chocolate elevated with an edge of river salt. What's more, the bright, heritage-listed corner building is the kind of place you'll happily camp out on a chilly Melbourne day. [caption id="attachment_720582" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria/Josie Withers[/caption] BIBELOT, SOUTH MELBOURNE If you've scoped out this patisserie's offering of delicate cakes, pastries and chocolates, it should come as little surprise the place is also crafting some pretty impressive drinks. Not least of which is its signature hot choccy creation, which comes in no less than three variations, all created with house-made chocolate blends and served with the requisite marshmallow. Choose from Bibelot's 34-percent satilia lactee milk chocolate, the 64-percent Guayaquil dark chocolate, or a dreamy mix of both. Now, all that's left to decide is which sweet accompaniment from the cabinet will match best with your hot chocolate fix. MISS ALEX & CO, ELWOOD This cosy little cafe on Brighton Road may already be on your radar thanks to its juicy burgers, decadent pulled pork eggs benedict or vibrant acai bowl. See also: the specialty coffee from local outfit Rosso Roasting Co. But if you're making your way back from a chilly walk along the beach and need to warm those weary bones, there's only one thing that'll do the trick: a hot chocolate. Also made with Mörk specialty chocolate, this comforting cup is finished with a generous dusting of cocoa using the cafe's logo stencil. PADRE, SOUTH MELBOURNE South Melbourne Market's famed coffee pit-stop Padre also knows its way around a great hot choccy. Here, it's doing the drink justice using Budd Cocoa — a super-fine drinking chocolate made in collaboration with Koko Deluxe. Premium red cocoa beans are sourced from West Africa, then blended with Australian cane sugar right here in Melbourne, creating a rich, smooth, all-natural sip. It's the perfect hand-warming accompaniment for a stroll around the markets. And if you love it, Padre also sells the chocolate blend by the bag, so you can recreate the magic at home. MATCHA MYLKBAR, ST KILDA Okay, so this one ventures in a slightly different direction to your classic hot chocolate drink, but it's sure to win over even the purists — especially those steering clear of regular cow's milk. Among its colourful collection of non-traditional hot beverages (ranging from a turmeric latte to a blue algae number), all-vegan cafe Matcha Mylkbar serves an almond butter cacao latte that'll have you happily breaking from tradition. It's made with cacao, almond milk and all-natural almond butter. If you're feeling sweet, you can add in a shot of salted caramel for an extra $1. GREY AND BLISS, PORT MELBOURNE You don't want to spend the entire season indoors — and neither does your puppy. So after you've done Fido a solid and taken him for a play on the dog beach in Port Melbourne, wander up Bay Street to cute all-day cafe Grey and Bliss. Here, you can enjoy elevated cafe fare, from ricotta hotcakes to chilli scrambled eggs, with a steaming mug of Mörk Original Dark 70% hot chocolate. For more inspiration for how to spend a wintry day in Melbourne's inner south, head to the City of Port Phillip website.
In one of the most significant wins for the Victorian music scene in years, live music venues are about to get the protection they deserve from their neighbours. After long, (in some cases fatal) setbacks for venues, the Victorian Government is going to implement the Agent of Change policy, which will protect venues from the noise complaints and residential development issues that have seen many a beloved spot closed down (even if for a spell, like The Tote). The glorious news comes amongst a swag of new legislative reforms implemented by Victorian Planning minister Matthew Guy this week, as reported by The Age. Minister Guy noted the changes will protect venues from newly-moved-in neighbourly complaints on constantly targeted venues, instead putting responsibility in the hands of these newbies and their property developers to front the cash for soundproofing. Genius. Under the new rules, if you're living within 50 metres of a live music venue in Melbourne, you or your landlord will be responsible for reducing the severity of the noise, not the venue. That again, not the venue. And because the State Government are being total legends, they're putting $500,000 funding toward helping older joints (especially heritage-listed venues) make their set-up that little bit more soundproof. The team at Cherry Bar must be simultaneously stoked and facepalming, after they managed to pull together a whopping crowdfunded $50,000 to cover the soundproofing at their threatened alleyway venue. "This means beloved pubs and clubs that are home to live music in Victoria will not be forced to close due to noise complaints from those in new apartment buildings or new houses next door," said Guy. "This is by far and away the strongest planning regulatory reform in Australia that protects existing live music venues." Apart from the funding and the diversion of responsibility, there's still a best bit. Noise complaints from neighbours can't actually force a venue to close. BAM. Can't do it. Smaller venues (under 500 square feet) who have to wear the same restrictions as the big guns will be covered too, with a few new amendments in the works. Via The Age, Tone Deaf and Pedestrian. Image via The Prince Bandroom.
Melbourne's urban landscape will be the setting for a dynamic celebration of country and creativity this month, as citywide First Nations festival YIRRAMBOI returns for its huge 2023 instalment. The multi-disciplinary fest will once again dish up a hefty, thought-provoking program of Indigenous arts and culture, running from Thursday, May 4–Sunday, May 14. Named after the word for 'tomorrow' in local Boonwurrung and Woi-wurrung languages, YIRRAMBOI will cast its gaze forward, showcasing the work of more than 300 First Nations artists and creatives. It's as fresh and exciting a lineup of talent as ever before, spanning everything from contemporary music and traditional dance to installations and stunning drag performances. Offering a snapshot of the genre-hopping offerings to come is jam-packed free event Barring Yanabul, which descends on multiple venues and spaces on Saturday, May 6. It's dishing up a diverse spread of goodness that includes gigs from the likes of Garret Lyon, Blanche and Leo; a pop-up exhibition by artist Malachai presenting contemporary works spiked with ancestral influence; and a shape-shifting dance performance choreographed by Brett Beckhurst. [caption id="attachment_899306" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Leonie Whyman and Jada Narkle, by Sapphic Flicks[/caption] The same day sees the Uncle Archie Roach Block Party take over Section 8, serving up tunes and performances from the likes of Kiwat, Yung Warriors, Kutcha Edwards, Kobie Dee and Amos Roach. Meanwhile, North Melbourne's Meat Market will be reimagined as this year's festival hub, named after the late Aboriginal actor and arts icon Uncle Jack Charles. Head along for a broad-ranging program of comedy, cabaret, contemporary dance, tunes and visual art. The space will also play host to opening night fiesta The Beginning, kicking things off with a star-studded musical lineup from 6pm on May 4. [caption id="attachment_899304" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Maylene Yinarr, by Jacinta Keefe[/caption] Among YIRRAMBOI's other highlights, you'll catch world premieres including singer-songwriter David Arden's powerful theatrical retelling of the story of his great-grandfather James Arden and the Gunditjmara People, and Alluvium by Stone Motherless Cold — a retro-futuristic drag cabaret show exploring a hopeful post-decolonlisation world. Music lovers are in for a busy ten days spent soaking up sonic treats from the likes of Maylene Yinarr, Philly, Crooked TP, Elijah Money, Brian Morley, Leonie Whyman and others. Renowned Gunai/Kurnai and Yorta Yorta artist DJ PGZ takes over the Melbourne Town Hall grand organ for a night of bass-heavy techno sounds, while queer celebration BLAKOUT will have Arts Centre Melbourne's State Theatre heaving with a dance-friendly serve of DJ tunes, cabaret and storytelling. [caption id="attachment_899303" align="alignnone" width="1920"] BLAKOUT[/caption] Catch a post-apocalyptic fashion runway showcasing designs by the likes of Haus of Dizzy, Paola Balla and Gammin Threads; be dazzled at a bottomless drag brunch hosted by a lineup of First Nations queens; and immerse yourself in cross-cultural connections at an exhibition series held in collaboration with Dark Mofo. And on Saturday, May 13, Sorbaes — the much-loved club session born from the mind of DJ and designer Soju Gang — will hit the festival hub for a thumping closing party, complete with a lineup of special guests in tow. [caption id="attachment_803730" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kimberly Lovegrove, by Jim Lee[/caption] YIRRAMBOI takes place at venues across Melbourne from Thursday, May 4–Sunday, May 14. For the full program and to buy tickets, head to the website. Top image: Darren Gill.
When planning a holiday, hiring a set of wheels is typically not the most exciting part of the itinerary. But what if you could make your Top Gear dreams a reality by borrowing something exciting to get you from point A to point B? When Turo entered the market, the company aimed to offer a service and interface like Airbnb, but for cars. Instead of the expensive and often inconvenient rigmarole of typical car hire, the company lets users pick from a wide range of makes and models available in their desired area. Simply set your location, add your preferred dates, and browse a marketplace of vehicles available for hire — complete with 24/7 roadside assistance. [caption id="attachment_1011618" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Eugene Tan — Aquabumps[/caption] From a suped-up convertible to a luxe European sedan, Turo's peer-to-peer model aims to offset the costs of car ownership, while making transportation more convenient, economical and fun. Add vehicles to a wishlist, see trip reviews and add a driver at no extra cost. And best of all (for an additional fee), you can have the car delivered directly and collected by the host when you're done. The app and web-based platform allows guests and hosts to communicate with each other directly. Driving the Great Ocean Road for the weekend? You can ask your host for their restaurant and sightseeing recommendations, too. In addition to making hiring more accessible, Turo gives car owners the opportunity to offset cost-of-living pressures by accessing a secondary income stream. While most hosts typically share one or two cars, the platform also allows auto enthusiasts to manage a fleet of specialised vehicles, complete with their employees. [caption id="attachment_1011623" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Eugene Tan — Aquabumps[/caption] Turo is currently available to hosts and users across the US, UK, Canada, France and Australia — so you can plan your next local or overseas road trip to include a hire car that sparks joy. Header image: Eugene Tan — Aquabumps.
In many ways, this Brunswick Street terrace-turned-bar is reminiscent of a good friend's home, from the familiar, real vibe to the nostalgia-inducing knickknacks and design touches adorning the interior. Make yourself at home in the reclaimed timber-laden front bar or one of the many cosy nooks and crannies further in, and you'll find it easy to lose track of an afternoon or evening, sipping drinks and playing your favourite childhood board games. From Uno to Connect Four, they've got all of the classics. It's the kind of place that doesn't have to vie too hard for your affections; comfortably undone walls and shelves full of well-loved paperbacks will win you over easily, as will the gallery-style display of funky local art. On weekends, the secluded courtyard out back is an ideal spot to soak up some quiet summer rays and easy DJ beats, while the piano in the entrance gets a workout from 8pm every Wednesday, as jazz band, The Rookies, take over the lamp-lit front space and lure passersby with lively tunes. Behind the bar, you'll find a little something for every palate. The cocktail list runs from always-popular classics to creative seasonal creations, like the Spicy Mezcalita, based on mezcal, with jalapeno and lime. The trio of beer taps features a rotation of local craft labels and boutique ciders. Right now, for instance, they're pouring Moon Dog's subtly fruity Watermelon Weizen ($12 pint). Then, to back it up, there's a very reasonably-priced selection of Australian, European and South American wines, including an aromatic 2011 Tahuan Malbec ($9 glass). Alas, room is too tight for a kitchen here, but if you've worked up an appetite playing chess (or downing Picklebacks) they'll let you order pizza from nearby Shawcross — and even waive the delivery fee. They do enjoy the odd BBQ or foodie event out in the beer garden too. Add this one to your list of locals if you're after a watering hole with a bit of personality. It works just as well as a warm-up spot before a big evening, as it does for a relaxed, casual nightcap, accompanied by good mates, good tunes and a good game of Scrabble. Image credit: Ollie Belmont
First, Airbnb wanted everyone to stay in other people's everyday homes. It still does. Then, it started adding once-in-a-lifetime spots, usually themed around a pop-culture favourite (think: Hobbiton and Barbie's Malibu DreamHouse). Lately, the accommodation booking platform has been going big on celebrity abodes as well, so that you can enjoy a starry getaway. The newest on its books: Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis' oceanside guesthouse in Santa Barbara County. Didn't score a night at Gwyneth Paltrow's Montecito spot? This is your next chance to live the life of a Hollywood actor, albeit just temporarily. There's one big difference this time around, however: the reservation is for this weekend, on Saturday, August 19, with bookings opening tomorrow, at 3am AEST / 5am NZST on Thursday, August 17. Accordingly, you and up to three friends will probably need to already be in the US right now, or by this weekend. With such tight timing, this isn't quite the kind of Airbnb once-off that you can plan a whole vacation around. But, if all of the above suits you and you manage to nab the reservation, you'll be slumbering in the Kutcher-Kunis guesthouse for free. The That '70s Show and That '90s Show stars will be there to greet you upon arrival, and get you joining in on some of their top activities. So, get ready to hit the shore, go for a hike, soak in the coast views, and head down to the nearby shops and restaurants. And, once evening hits, board games and charades are on the agenda. The beachhouse also features Santa Ynez mountains vistas — and your booking will include meals and snacks as well. As always, the usual caveat applies: if you do get the reservation, the cost of travelling to Santa Barbara and back again, including from Australia or New Zealand, is all on you. Airbnb adds this extremely short-term listing to its roster after also offering up the Ted Lasso pub, Japan's World Heritage-listed Suganuma Village, the Paris theatre that inspired The Phantom of the Opera, the Bluey house, the Moulin Rouge! windmill, the Scooby-Doo Mystery Machine, The Godfather mansion, the South Korean estate where BTS filmed In the Soop and the Sanderson sisters' Hocus Pocus cottage in recent years. For more information about Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis' Oceanfront Oasis on Airbnb, or to book at 3am AEST on Thursday, August 17 for a stay on Saturday, August 19, head to the Airbnb website. Images: Katya Grozovskaya. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
Student theatre doesn't have the greatest reputation. When you think back to the dingy confines of your university's theatrical department, the thought is usually haunted by memories of cheesy modern-day remakes of Shakespeare. Unwelcome glimpses of experimental theatre may also come flooding back to you — the invariably gratuitous pieces of violence and unsubtle politics that seem to go hand in hand with a degree in arts or performance. During my undergrad, I saw a play in which a man had his eyes pulled out before eating a baby. It was somehow even worse than it sounds. Well, naysayers be damned. Student work is starting to look a whole lot more appealing with this exciting, new multi-purpose performance space located right in the heart of the city. Featuring a swanky new bar, a swish new design courtesy of the folks at Six Degrees, and a revamp to the tune of $24 million, Grant Street looks to be a major player on the Southbank arts scene this year — a laid-back alternative to those who feel nervous when dressing to see the latest MTC production next door. Home to works from the Victorian College of the Arts and the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, Grant Street Theatre has already enjoyed a rich history with its students. But after a major funding boost from both the University of Melbourne and the Victorian Government, Grant Street is opening its doors to the public. Open from May 23, this new venue will feature a wider program of musical and theatrical events, a refurbished theatre which seats 120 people, an outdoor area for small festivals, and Lionel's — a new bar open 6pm till late on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Putting an end to dodgy baby-eating plays in small, dimly-lit theatres, Grant Street will be a platform for the best of the best. Thursday nights will feature a rotating selection of VCA and MCM performers. Fridays will feature free gigs from the likes of Total Giovanni, Evelyn Morris (aka Pikelet) and Hue Blanes, the keys player for both The Bamboos and The Melodics. Saturdays will be a mixed bag. Get along on May 24 for that variety collective you may have caught at Yah Yah's, The Last Tuesday Society; June 7 will see The Bruise's lead singer Kira Puru take the stage; and the last few weeks include works by some world-renowned performance artists such as London's Theo Adams. This is definitely not the place you're reluctantly dragged to when you're artsy friend has a new show on. Get ahead of the curve, catch an amazing act for free, and get into what makes this city great — good art, great company, and a stiff drink to warm you up during winter. Grant Street is located at the VCA on Grant Street, Southbank. It will be open to the public from May 23 and its first program will be running until July 5. For the full list of acts see the Grant Street website. Images courtesy of Black Tape Productions.
Games bars are only getting more popular in Melbourne — where you can play mini golf, do a spot of bowling, participate in carnival-style games or simply throw axes at a wall. And Melbourne's newest joint providing a space for competitive socialising (with plenty of food and bevs) is the international darts bar Flight Club. But unlike your usual bar that has a dart board located in some random corner (likely, with plenty of broken darts), Flight Club is a massive tech-filled space that offers a heap of different ways to play the classic game. These dart boards are digitally enhanced to track your scores and teach you how to play each of the different kinds of games, and they're surrounded by comfy booths that are all yours when you make a booking. Food and drinks are also easily delivered right to your booth, so you can stay focused on beating your colleagues or mates. When it comes to drinks, Flight Club will be serving up a decent selection of wine and beer, plus a slew of signature cocktails like the Passion Dart-a-Rita (passionfruit margarita) and trophy cocktails that are served in a legit trophy. Food is mostly shareable and made for the masses — think pizza paddles, popcorn chicken and sticky pork belly bites — so you can eat and play darts at the same time. One hand can hold a slice of pizza while the other chucks darts. There are already Flight Club bars in Perth and Sydney, but this will be Melbourne's very first when it opens in the CBD on Friday, November 22. Co-founder of Flight Club Steve Moore commented, "It's been an incredible journey, bringing the joy of social darts to millions across the UK and US, and we couldn't be happier to partner with NightOwl to continue this in Australia. We've had amazing receptions in Perth and Sydney, and we're expecting nothing less in Melbourne." Flight Club is slated to open on Friday, November 22, and will be located at 228 Russell Street, Melbourne. For more details and to book a dart board, you can check out the venue's website.
After a year's delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Olympics are almost upon us. The 2020 games will be a little different to usual, though. Firstly, it's obviously now 2021, with the postponed games being held in Tokyo from Friday, July 23–Sunday, August 8. Also, there won't be any spectators due to the pandemic — with neither overseas travellers nor local residents permitted to attend. That's all well and good and interesting; however, we've found a much cuter display of sportsmanship that's also popping up this July. On Thursday, July 22, viewers can watch four adorable guide-dogs-to-be participating in their very own paw-lympics. Yep, that's a thing and we're definitely here for it. For the second year in a row, the folks at Seeing Eye Dogs have teamed up The Petbarn Foundation to host the Puppy Games — and it'll be streaming on a device near you, too. The event will see young trainee guide dogs Chessy, Frieda, Isobel and Ivory tackle a series of skill-testing challenges, with their every move captured on camera. Watch the pups hurtle through a time trial, take on a 'puppy patience' food bowl challenge and battle it out for glory in the 'dogstacle distraction course'. The games will stream at 1pm on Thursday via the event's website — and, whether you're in lockdown in Sydney, Victoria or South Australia, or you're located elsewhere in Australia, it sounds like perfect lunchtime viewing. The project aims to support fundraising efforts for the annual Seeing Eye Dogs Appeal, of course, but also promises a much-needed boost of dopamine and general happy feels all round. Viewers can donate to the cause by hitting the link on the event's website. This year, the appeal is shooting for a goal of $750,000 to help cover the costs of breeding, training and caring for at least 15 Seeing Eye Dogs. Can't make Thursday's viewing? Fear not, the full event will be up on YouTube to rewatch any time you need a mood boost. The Puppy Games will stream via the event's website from 1pm on Thursday, July 22.
Summer in the Yarra Valley is about to get a refreshing boost, that's thanks to the return of Chandon's Garden Spritz Picnics. Kicking off on Saturday, November 29, 2025 and continuing every weekend throughout the season, this year's experience features an updated menu for an elevated outdoor setting, setting the scene for an oh-so-summery Spritz in the valley. The picnics will take place on the lawns of Chandon's Yarra Valley estate in Coldstream, where vineyards run through the hillsides on long, sunlit afternoons. Guests are welcomed with a chilled, citrusy glass of Chandon Garden Spritz before settling into a private picnic on the grass. Each picnic includes a luxurious spread of fresh Australian oysters, premium cured meats, artisan cheeses and house-made accompaniments, followed by a seasonal dessert designed for a warm summer day. The experience starts at $75 per person — that includes the picnic lunch, an outdoor setup on the lawn and a glass of Garden Spritz. Bookings are recommended, although limited walk-ins are available for those who prefer a more spontaneous summer plan. In addition to the picnic experience, Chandon's estate is home to several ways to spend the day, including the Behind the Bubbles tour, guided tastings at the Tasting Bar and lunches in the Restaurant. Reservations and further information can be found through Chandon Australia's website here. Images: Supplied
The actors change. The story gracing the stage, too. But every trip to the theatre usually unfolds in a familiar fashion. You sit in your seat, direct your eyes towards the performance and watch on. And you definitely don't normally walk around the space as the show happens around you. When Because the Night makes its debut at Malthouse Theatre from Tuesday, March 23, however, the audience will be on its feet — because wandering around the set after the curtain is raised is all part of the production. For the immersive show, 30 new rooms are being built inside Malthouse's Southbank site. As the actors play out their parts in Because the Night's narrative, those in attendance can explore freely, with the production happening around them. Whether you choose to stick with the main storylines and follow the cast, or you'd rather just mosey at your own leisure — that's completely up to you. For those keen to go looking, the set will feature hidden rooms, too. The inventive format was devised by Malthouse Theatre's artistic team in response to COVID-19, the reduced patron numbers required during the pandemic, and the need to keep both actors and audiences safe. Only six actors will perform each show, and the audience is capped at 60. As for what you'll be watching — and wandering through — Because the Night takes its cues from Hamlet, and is set in a fictional wood logging town called Elsinore in the 80s. The king dies suddenly, an uprising from workers puts the crown in jeopardy, rumours swirl inside the palace and the ancient forest outside the village has its own secrets, all as the townsfolk prepare for their annual winter solstice carnival. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkDxm6r36ls "We are creating an entire fictional world that an audience is empowered to walk around and explore. It invites you to follow your own curiosities — to open doors and follow the stories that entice you — to escape from the outside world and be immersed in an alternative reality," explains Malthouse Theatre Artistic Director and Co-CEO Matthew Lutton. "The Hamlet narrative of a murder covered up, regime change, and a son seeking revenge is one narrative unfolding. But we have invented entirely new stories for the other characters we have ripped from the Hamlet myth. We've created a country where everything is in flux; the ruling family is cracking, the timber workers are revolting and the forest is fighting back." Two rotating casts will bring Because the Night to life, including Keegan Joyce (Cloudstreet) and Khisraw Jones-Shukoor as Hamlet, Jen Vuletic (My Dearworthy Darling) and Belinda McClory (Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again.) as Gertrude, and Nicole Nabout (Good Muslim Boy) and Maria Theodorakis as queen Claudia — plus Tahlee Fereday (Blackie Blackie Brown) and Artemis Ioannides as Ophelia, Harvey Zielinski and Ras-Samuel Welda'abzgi (WEYA Ensemble) as Laertes, and Rodney Afif (Good Muslim Boy) and Syd Brisbane as Polonius. And, as part of the show, all audience members will be required to wear a mask and cloak — which'll be provided to you upon entry, collected as you exit and managed in a COVID-19-safe way. The theatre will also be cleaned thoroughly between performances, and actors and audiences will maintain social distancing as the show happens. Because the Night opens at Malthouse Theatre on Tuesday, March 23. For further details or to book tickets — from 9am on Wednesday, January 20 for Malthouse Muses and Mates, and from 9am on Wednesday, February 10 for the general public — head to the theatre's website.
Most Melbourne eateries that create specials for Easter tend to make one showstopping treat. But the crew at Pidapipo Laboratorio are given the freedom and resources to dream up all kinds of delicious things year-round. For Easter this year that includes hot cross bun gelato sandwiches, three Easter-inspired gelato flavours and a heap of different chocolate eggs. Single-origin Dominican Republic cacao will be showcased throughout each of the Easter eggs at Pidapipo, from the milk and dark chocolate eggs to its famed filled eggs that were a huge hit last year. The dark chocolate eggs are pumped full of salted caramel, the milk chocolate filled with hazelnut gianduja and its white chocolate eggs are stuffed with almond praline and caramelised coconut. Then we have the three limited-edition gelato flavours. The most exciting creation is inspired by the classic Italian sweet bread Colomba, made with layers of raspberry curd, Colomba, stracciatella gelato and chocolate cookie crumbs that are topped with whipped cream and maraschino cherries. This beast of a gelato will only be available in a take-home tub. Punters can also try the milk chocolate gelato with amarena cherries and toasted chocolate hot cross bun crumbs, or the honey gelato with blueberry jam and toasted hot cross bun crumbs. These hot cross buns have been baked in-house and are not only used to top the new gelatos. They'll also be available either on their own or stuffed with gelato to make an epic ice cream sandwich. Choose from a chocolate hot cross bun served with a scoop of milk chocolate and amarena cherry gelato, or a spiced raisin hot cross bun chock full of honey and blueberry jam gelato. Rather eat these bad boys at home? If that's the case, the team will send you off with a pack of six fresh buns and a one-litre tub of gelato. No need to worry about them getting soggy bottoms during the drive. The easter eggs and special edition gelato flavours will be available at all Pidapipo stores in Melbourne, but the hot cross buns can only be found at Pidapipo Laboratorio. For more information and to pre-order some Easter treats, visit the venue's website.
Set your alarms and mark your calendars, folks: Thursday, October 5 is set to be a big day for cannoli lovers (so, basically everyone). Cannoleria is opening a permanent residence at Queen Victoria Market's dairy hall, and it's celebrating in style. The first to step through their doors between 10am–12pm on opening day will be treated to free cannoli. So be quick, 1000 will quickly become 900, then 800 and so on. (We don't need to explain maths to you.) Friends, this is the stuff that ricotta-filled dreams are made of — That's Amore ricotta to be precise. Launched in 2018 by the creators of That's Amore Cheese, Cannoleria has been filling its cannoli daily with fresh ricotta and other classic (and not-so-classic) fillings ever since. Do yourself a favour and experience the rocher, as made with Nutella ricotta and hazelnut crumble. After setting up shop in South Melbourne Market in 2019, Cannoleria began popping up all over Melbourne, going so far as to establish a factory in Heidelberg West in 2020. So, in short, these babies are popular — and a new permanent location in the heart of the city is just plain good news. If you miss the initial opening, you can still go and grab yourself a cannolo or two at the permanent Queen Vic store every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 6am–3pm; on Saturdays from 6am–4pm; and on Sundays from 10am–4pm. So, whether you're a local out for your weekly shop or perusing Queen Vic for the first time, you might want to swing by and grab yourself a little taste of Italia. Ciao for now.
Australia and New Zealand haven't been treated to Beyoncé's Renaissance tour, but we are getting the next best thing: RENAISSANCE: A FILM BY BEYONCÉ. The latest chance to worship the superstar on-screen was announced back in October and will hit cinemas worldwide in December. And, it will be arriving Down Under at the same time as the US: on Friday, December 1. What runs the movie world right now? Concert flicks, which are having a big-screen moment again. In the space of mere months, three huge examples of the genre are playing cinemas worldwide, much to the delight of folks who like getting their film and music fix in one go. First came Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour in October. In Australia, Talking Heads' Stop Making Sense, aka the best concert flick ever made, has returned to picture palaces since mid-November. Next, RENAISSANCE: A FILM BY BEYONCÉ will do the same — and it has dropped another trailer to celebrate. Beyoncé is no stranger to splashing her sets across a screen, after HOMECOMING: A Film By Beyoncé did exactly that on Netflix back in 2019. That movie covered the superstar singer's time on the Coachella stage, and came with a 40-track live album as well. This time, Bey is focusing on her 56-performance, 39-city world RENAISSANCE tour in support of the 2022 album of the same name. Now wrapped up after starting in Stockholm in Sweden in May and finishing in Kansas City, Missouri in the US on Sunday, October 1, the RENAISSANCE tour featured everything from 'Dangerously in Love 2', 'Cuff It', 'Formation' and 'Run the World (Girls)' to 'Crazy in Love', 'Love On Top', 'Drunk in Love' and 'America Has a Problem'. Given that audiences in Australia or New Zealand haven't experienced that setlist for themselves, with the tour skipping Down Under shows so far, RENAISSANCE: A FILM BY BEYONCÉ is the first chance for Bey fans in this part of the world to join in without heading overseas. "When I am performing, I am nothing but free," said Beyoncé in the concert film's initial trailer. "The goal for this tour was to create a place where everyone is free," the musician continued, in a sneak peek that includes behind-the-scenes glimpses, crowd shots and, of course, spectacular concert footage. In the latest trailer, Beyoncé expands upon her daily challenge. "In this world that is very male-dominated, I've had to be really tough to balance motherhood and being on the stage," shares the singer. RENAISSANCE: A FILM BY BEYONCÉ charts the tour from its first show until its last, as well as the hard work and technical mastery that went into it on- and off-stage, as 2.7-million-plus fans have seen in person. Check out the latest trailer for RENAISSANCE: A FILM BY BEYONCÉ below: RENAISSANCE: A FILM BY BEYONCÉ will release in cinemas Down Under from Friday, December 1 — head to the film's website for tickets and further details. Images: Julian Dakdouk / Mason Poole.
Imagine being brought up by cinema. Imagine your world shaped and informed by the films you spent hours and hours watching and rewatching, and your understanding of almost everything that lurks outside your home and family coming from what you see on a screen. Even the most avid cinephiles can't say they've had this experience to the same extent as the Angulo siblings. For the majority of their lives, these seven black-wearing, longhaired children remained inside their Manhattan apartment watching movies. The exploits of Bhagavan, Govinda, Narayan, Mukunda, Krsna and Jagadisa, plus their sister Visnu, fall into the categories of so outlandish it must be true and needing to be seen to be believed. First-time documentarian Crystal Moselle enters the family's sanctuary, captures a slice of their existence, and gives the teenage and twenty-something male members of this band of film fiends a chance to chat to the camera. Their tales — and their passion — prove striking, but these brothers don't just spend all their time staring at the television. When the documentary starts, they've never actually been to a movie theatre; however, watching whatever they can on DVD isn't their only form of interaction with cinema. They also transcribe the dialogue of their favourite fare, create scripts, then re-enact and record elaborate re-stagings. They're dedicated to getting things just right, too, obsessing over costumes and accessories, and handcrafting accompanying posters. It's a fascinating real-life scenario, made all the more so by the shadow of the father who has kept his kids confined to his realm with only films as their method of escape. It's also one that Moselle is content to simply watch and wonder at, rather than probe or peer deeper into. Said family patriarch is seen, and his wife too, yet any delving into his attempts to create his own isolated brood and her inability to do anything about it remains slight and superficial. Accordingly, as a portrait of the impact film can have upon those so enamoured with it that it becomes their whole life — albeit in strange and heightened circumstances — The Wolfpack engages, but that's all there is. Indeed, as a dissection of how and why the Angulos became such avid movie buffs, it never dares to diverge from the most standard of scripts. Thankfully, sharing in the joy of the former helps temper the latter, particularly when spirited, homemade reenactments of Reservoir Dogs, The Dark Knight, No Country for Old Men and Pulp Fiction rank among the documentary's highlights. Of course, that Moselle has done little more than serve up a fly-on-the-wall look at subjects she was certainly lucky to come across is never forgotten, as enthusiastic as their love of cinema — and as eye-opening as their stories and subsequent breaking out of their comfort zone — ultimately are.
When Nordie opened its doors in Red Hill in late 2017, Mornington Peninsula wine country scored a dose of Scandinavian cool. With its smart, minimalist design, this Danish-inspired cafe is the work of Tom Portet (Yarra Valley winery Dominique Portet) and wife Rina, a Copenhagen native. The all-day menu champions clean, simple flavours, top local produce and contemporary techniques. Expect dishes like the signature Nordie Green Bowl ($18.5), loaded with quinoa, kale, avo, hummus and beetroot — or the potato and sumac rosti ($19.5) matched, perhaps, with smoked salmon ($5.5) and truffle hollandaise ($3). A range of smørrebrød ($15–15.5) and a Copenhagen hot dog ($17.5) fly the flag for the homeland. Nordie's tidy retail offering runs from coffee beans through to stylish homewares from famed Danish design house Hay. And, while in Red Hill, you might as well take advantage of Portet's winemaking heritage and visit the duo's wine store, Red Hill Wine Collective, located two doors down. Here, you can pick up a bottle to enjoy in-house, corkage-free.
UPDATE, July 16, 2021: The Favourite is available to stream via Disney+, Google Play, YouTube Movies and Amazon Video. Whenever Yorgos Lanthimos' name comes up in film-related chatter, it's usually accompanied by the words 'Greek Weird Wave'. Since Dogtooth earned an Oscar nomination, the director has become synonymous with the offbeat cinema coming out of his homeland — movies that, like the filmmaker's grief-focused Alps, proudly explore life with more than a dash of absurdity. He's since moved on to English-language productions with high-profile stars, but the same strange sensibilities remain baked into his work. That said, perhaps Lanthimos' movies aren't all that odd. Perhaps he's simply stripping away the social niceties that we've all been taught to accept, and exposing human interaction for the transactional exchange that it is. If The Lobster's vision of love or The Killing of a Sacred Deer's tale of a family facing tragedy didn't already make it plain, Lanthimos' films present the world as a constant fight between giving and taking. Rarely has that been more apparent than in The Favourite, where a monarch's lackeys view friendship with a royal as a path to personal glory. So, Sarah Churchill (Rachel Weisz) gives the needy, gout-stricken, often bedridden Queen Anne (Olivia Colman) everything she wants: companionship, love, sex, an ear to hear all of her worries and a steady hand to help rule the kingdom. Well, almost everything. She can't abide the 17 rabbits that Anne treats as her surrogate children for a very sad reason, and she's not afraid to tell the sovereign when her makeup makes her look like a badger. But Sarah also takes, elevating her own power as the country tries to survive the War of Spanish Succession, and then flouting her status over the rest of the scheming court. Into an ostensibly comfortable situation arrives Abigail Hill (Emma Stone), a cousin of Sarah's who has fallen upon hard times. The newcomer's request for a servant job goes smoothly enough, but here's the catch when life is a perpetual tug-of-war: everyone only wants to give if they're going to get something in return. Oozing ruthlessness and cunning despite her innocent facade, Abigail makes herself indispensable to the Queen. Soon, it's the younger woman who's always by the ruler's side. The equally calculating Sarah might be trying to oversee England's military strategies against the French and keep an influential landowner (Nicholas Hoult) in his place, however she still has time to battle it out for Anne's attention and affection. The savage dialogue, each line wittier, bleaker and yet still funnier than the next. The gleeful abandon of polite, ordinary behaviour. The acerbic insights that prove equal parts perceptive and awkward. Thanks to all three — plus an utter disdain for meeting anyone's expectations — being an actor in Lanthimos' films seems like one of the best jobs in the world. Working with a script by first-timer Deborah Davis and Australian screenwriter Tony McNamara (Puberty Blues), Colman, Weisz and Stone all lap up their parts. Colman might've been deemed the lead for awards consideration (and may very well win a deserved Oscar as a result), but this is a stellar three-hander. The trio of talents relish Lanthimos' usual penchant for stilted conversations, as well as his foray into new territory. While a politically charged, 19th century, somewhat slapstick comedy isn't the filmmaker's usual wheelhouse, maybe it should be. As fantastic a director as Lanthimos is of actors, he's also an auteur with a distinctive eye. His movies resemble no one else's — and when he's satirising history in a lavish period picture that also keenly reflects today's political chaos, that fact is blatantly apparent. The Favourite looks the part, with its action largely confined to the Queen's ornately appointed castle, and with its characters donning decadent dresses and powdered wigs. But, using fish-eye lenses to literally give a different perspective, plus wide shots to emphasise the stifling nature of the palace's empty spaces, Robbie Ryan's (American Honey) cinematography is anything but stiff and formal. There's a bite to Lanthimos' approach, of course, as there always is. He isn't just interested in depicting the selfishness and arrogance behind Anne, Sarah and Abigail's twisted triangle. As one hell of a final shot hammers home, he's all about the cost. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2G8SetsNM4
Just like fashion collections, gallery exhibitions are all about seasons — and summer at the National Gallery of Victoria is set to be a stunner. To cap off 2022, the Melbourne cultural institution will fill its walls and halls with an Australian-first showcase dedicated to designer Alexander McQueen. Boundaries will be pushed, as they always have been in the late, great fashion icon's sartorial work. Alexander McQueen: Mind, Mythos, Muse will take over the NGV International between Sunday, December 11, 2022—Sunday, April 16, 2023 — heading straight to Australia after displaying at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), where it's running now. LACMA organised the exhibition, drawing upon 60 garments and accessories from its own holdings, and contacted NGV about both contributing and running its own season. That's where 50 designs by McQueen from the NGV Collection come in, plus other artworks from each institution. The aim: going deep and broad, rather than stepping through McQueen's career and life in a birth-to-death fashion. Indeed, it's a showcase that the team at the NGV has been hoping to put together since the designer first made a splash in the early 90s. [caption id="attachment_854685" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Installation photograph. Lee Alexander McQueen: Mind, Mythos, Muse. Los Angeles County Museum of Art, April 24–October 9, 2022. Photo © Museum[/caption] "In a bigger picture way, we started thinking about Alexander McQueen when we first acquired his work. So, the first examples we acquired came directly from the designer's studio back in 1996 — so over 25 years ago," explains Katie Somerville, the NGV's Senior Curator of Fashion and Textiles. "In a sense, the desire to represent his work and the recognition that he was someone really significant started back then." Celebrating McQueen's artistry and impact isn't just about placing an impressive array of his pieces on display, though. At Alexander McQueen: Mind, Mythos, Muse, understanding its namesake involves understanding what inspired him. "This exhibition is not a retrospective, in that it's not a go-to-whoa examination of him from a more biographical point of view," advises Somerville. "It really does do a wonderful job of exploring him as a creative soul. So, looking at not only his capacity technically — and of course he was astonishingly accomplished in tailoring, cut, dressmaking; his foundation was learning on the job, on Savile Row, in theatre costuming companies in his late teens, and he's known for that incredible craftsmanship and technique, and being very hands-on in his designs. But the overarching premise of the exhibition is really about trying to get an appreciation for all the different sources of inspiration that came to inspire Alexander McQueen." [caption id="attachment_854686" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Alexander McQueen backstage at Pantheon as Lecum collection, autumn–winter 2004–05 show. Courtesy the photographer. Photo © Robert Fairer.[/caption] That spans "a myriad of sources throughout art history, ancient history, popular culture, music and cinema across the board," says Somerville, with the NGV's showcase reflecting upon the whole picture. "By using works from our art collection, and the collection at LACMA, we're able to effectively bring together and illustrate some of the sources of his inspiration, so that you can see these incredible works alongside some of the works and artists and references that would've inspired Alexander McQueen. It's a very deep look at his working methodology, but also at his legacy, and why he was so profoundly successful at shifting the nature of how we understand fashion in this contemporary era." Thanks to the NGV's pieces, Alexander McQueen: Mind, Mythos, Muse includes McQueen-designed items dating back to 1994, and features 25 different seasonal collections — with 20 seasons covered from its own holdings alone. That includes examples from the autumn-winter 1995–1996 Highland Rape collection, the autumn-winter 2006–2007 The Widows of Culloden range, and spring-summer 2010's Plato's Atlantis, McQueen's final complete collection before his death in February 2010. While charting McQueen's story in a linear fashion isn't on the cards, the exhibition will dive into his oeuvre via various sections. So, with Mythos, three collections inspired by mythological and religious belief systems will sit together. Then, in Fashioned Narratives, four collections that showcase his knack for world-building will be in the spotlight. Next comes Evolution and Existence, which hones in on his interest in life cycles and the human condition — and Technique and Innovation, which is rather self-explanatory. Finally, Dangerous Bodies will highlight early collections with a focus on eroticism and empowerment. [caption id="attachment_854687" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Alexander McQueen. Look 38, Look 40, Look 41, The Widows of Culloden collection, autumn–winter 2006–07. Courtesy the photographer. Photo © Robert Fairer. © Alexander McQueen. Models: Natasha Poly, Querelle Jansen, Tanya Dziahileva.[/caption] Another must-see part of all of the above: behind-the-scenes snaps by photographer Robert Fairer, taking audiences backstage at McQueen's shows — because his parades were an event and an art. If it sounds huge, that's because it is. The NGV is no stranger to big summer fashion exhibitions, with Alexander McQueen: Mind, Mythos, Muse following its massive celebration of Coco Chanel's work from December 2021–April 2022. Sitting in between the two couture-focused spreads: The Picasso Century, which'll see the NGV International hone in on Picasso — and his pals — across its winter season. Alexander McQueen: Mind, Mythos, Muse runs from Sunday, December 11, 2022—Sunday, April 16, 2023 at the NGV International, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne. For more information, or to buy tickets, head to the gallery's website. Top images: Alexander McQueen. Look 38, Look 40, Look 41, The Widows of Culloden collection, autumn–winter 2006–07. Courtesy the photographer. Photo © Robert Fairer. © Alexander McQueen. Models: Natasha Poly, Querelle Jansen, Tanya Dziahileva. Installation photograph. Lee Alexander McQueen: Mind, Mythos, Muse. Los Angeles County Museum of Art, April 24–October 9, 2022. Photo © Museum.
Peanut butter and blueberry jam. Vanilla creme and chocolate ganache. Lime curd with toasted meringue. These are just a few of the diabetes-inducing flavours that have earned Doughboys a reputation as one of the best doughnut outfits in town. For the past couple of years, Will McKenzie and his team of dough-fiends have popped-up in shared spaces, coffee shops and markets around Melbourne, spreading joy and tooth decay wherever they go. Now they've got their first official store. Located towards the Southern Cross end of Bourke Street in the CBD, Doughboys HQ has been a long time in the making, with McKenzie teasing plans for a permanent storefront almost six months prior to their January 2016 opening. Still, it's worth the wait. Designed by Studio Esteta, the store boasts tiled floors, high ceilings and ample display cases, so sugar-obsessed doughnut lovers can press their noses against the glass. Small Batch Roasting Co. provide the coffee, and hopefully they'll keep up their partnership with Gelato Messina as well. Because if there's one thing better than a doughnut, it's a doughnut stuffed with chocolate fudge brownie ice cream.
Aussie beer lovers tend to have their tried-and-true favourites, whether it's VB, Carlton Draught or Great Northern. If you love a beer with your mates, then this Hazy Lager from Matilda Bay Brewing is set to be your second favourite beer by offering you a chance to win some merch from your best-loved brews. To be in with a chance of winning, all you have to do is order a Hazy Lager at The Hightail Bar from Monday, October 16, until Thursday, October 26. Once you make your purchase, you'll get an entry card with a QR code. Scan the code and enter your details to be in the draw. What's the big prize, I hear you ask? None other than a one-of-a-kind VB massage chair. But it doesn't stop there — there are a bunch of other prizes to be snagged. VB lovers could go home with a surfboard, snowboard or barbecue. There are also Great Northern fishing kits, Carlton Draught bar fridges and Carlton Dry coolers up for grabs. Hazy Lager is Matilda Bay Brewing's latest release and promises a hazy body that's full of flavour with stone fruits, hints of spice and herbal hop notes on the palate. The smooth and easy brew from Australia's oldest craft brewery is ideal for when you feel like a break from your favourites. Founded in 1983, Matilda Bay is Australia's original craft brewery. Love your favourite beer even more by drinking Hazy Lager. For competition terms and conditions and to find out which pubs and bottle shops are participating, visit the Second Favourite Beer website. The competition is only open to those aged 18 and older and ends at 11.59pm on Thursday, October 26.
While the NGV's gallery spaces are gearing up to host an array of breath-taking garments as part of its soon-to-launch blockbuster Alexander McQueen exhibition, its grounds have already scored a fresh injection of colour for the summer. And that's thanks to the winning NGV 2022 Architecture Commission, Temple of Boom, which made its home in the Grollo Equiset Garden this week. The boldly coloured replica of Greece's famed Parthenon will be parking itself here until August next year, set to be continually refreshed with large-scale works by various local artists during its stay. The structure itself is the work of Adam Newman and Kelvin Tsang, celebrating The Parthenon as a symbol of Western civilisation, democracy and enduring beauty — and built to reflect on the impact time has on architecture. The latter is what'll also drive Temple of Boom's ever-shifting look, the first of which features vibrant optical illusions and floral elements by contemporary artists Manda Lane, Drez and David Lee Pereira. Lane's work centres around relationships between the man-made and the natural; Pereira is known for his explorations of gender and identity fluidity; and Drez's murals challenge perspective using colour and form. While the structure will be transformed with different artworks across three phases of its stay, it'll also work as a community meeting spot and play host to an extended program of events. That includes a calendar of talks, performances and VR experiences held in collaboration with the Hellenic Museum Melbourne; and a lineup of Friday evening DJ sets as announced for the new NGV Friday Nights summer season. Catch 'Temple of Boom' in the Grollo Equiset Garden, NGV International, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, until August 2023. Images: Installation view of the 2022 NGV Architecture Commission 'Temple of Boom', designed by Adam Newman and Kelvin Tsang, at NGV International from 22 November 2022–August 2023. Photo by Sean Fennessy.
As the mercury rises, Australian cities come to life. Rooftop bars transform under the summer sun, the streets feel alive, and you start feeling that itch to explore. Call it a sign, but Vibe Hotels have decided to bring their Black Friday sale forward to match that exact feeling. From now until Tuesday, December 2 you can score 20 percent off at each of their hotels. Plus, sign up to the e-Club to receive an additional discount and instant reward every time you stay. From waterside gems to sun-drenched rooftop bars, these cities make for the perfect summer breaks. Adelaide [caption id="attachment_1043290" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Vibe Hotel Adelaide[/caption] Adelaide is often overlooked as a summer getaway thanks to its reputation as a city of churches. But, in reality, it's a foodie mecca, fringed with endless beaches. Base yourself at Vibe Hotel Adelaide, naturally. Start your day with a leafy walk to breakfast at sacred local spot Exchange Coffee as you plan which of Adelaide's beaches you'll spend the day lazing at: Glenelg, Henley, or slightly further out Port Noarlunga. Take a day trip to Kangaroo Island for more ridiculous beaches and wild life spotting. Or, you'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to wineries: Barossa, McLaren Vale, the Adelaide Hills, and the Clare Valley are all easy day trips. After a long day exploring, head back to your hotel for dinner at Storehouse Flinders East. Hobart Thanks to Dark Mofo, Hobart has earned a reputation as a winter city. But ask any local and they'll tell you it's a city made for summer. Vibe Hotel Hobart has a location perfect for exploring everything the city has to offer with onsite restaurant Belvedere showcasing the Apple Isle's bountiful produce. For more local-approved bites, head to hole in the wall wine bar Sonny or, for a sun-dappled beer garden, try Preachers in historic Battery Point. Hobart is the best place to make the most of Tasmania's wilderness with countless day trips at your fingertips. Spot wombats and dip in crystal clear waters at Maria Island, stand at the edge of the world in the Tasman National Park, or take a foodie tour of Bruny Island. If the Tasmanian summer isn't quite summering, thaw out in the heated swimming pool at your hotel. Subiaco [caption id="attachment_1041855" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Rottnest Island, Fabian Kühne[/caption] Subiaco—known affectionately as Subi to locals—is an ultra-sleek pocket of inner city Perth. You'll find excellent coffee, fine dining, and of course, Vibe Hotel Subiaco right in the thick of it. And, one of the city's favourite restaurants, Storehouse Subiaco is perched right on the roof with unparalleled views of the city skyline. Rokeby Road cuts through the heart of Subi and is lined with chic boutiques, galleries and some of Perth's best dining. Yiamas, Shui, Lulu La Delizia are some of the suburb's best eats. If you're taking a weekend break, stop by the Subiaco Station Markets to sample the local produce. You'll also find the Regal Theatre, one of the last live theatres in Perth within walking distance from your hotel. If you're craving beaches, you're conveniently staying on the train line to Fremantle. Fremantle is not only home to some of Perth's best beaches, but is also the departure point to access Rottnest Island. Melbourne [caption id="attachment_1043679" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Vibe Hotel Melbourne[/caption] Finding a reason to spend a weekend in Melbourne is one of life's easier tasks. When you add Vibe Hotel's 20 percent off Black Friday discount, its almost like you have to go. Fleet Rooftop sits 68 metres high above the Vibe Hotel Melbourne. Start your trip here with cocktails, artfully served small plates and a stellar view of the Melbourne skyline. You'll be staying right in the centre of the city so you can spend your trip weaving through laneways and arcades as you discover the cafes, bars and vintage boutiques. Catch a show at the nearby historic East End Theatre District. Or, back at your hotel, unwind in the pool before heading back to the rooftop for sunset. Vibe Melbourne Docklands also offers amazing views of the city and Yarra River with leisure facilities including a 28-metre heated rooftop pool (one of Melbourne's largest), a steam room and well-equipped gym. On the edge of the free city circle tram, you'll be in the heart of the city within 15 minutes while enjoying the more laidback atmosphere of the Docklands waterfront precinct. Darling Harbour [caption id="attachment_1043678" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Vibe Hotel Darling Harbour[/caption] Sometimes you just need a getaway to take a moment to enjoy Sydney's summer from a rooftop pool. Vibe Hotel Sydney Darling Harbour is the perfect place to do just that. Spend a weekend soaking up the sun from a poolside cabana with views out across the city. Then, as the sun begins to set, head over to Above 319, the hotel's rooftop bar for cocktails before enjoying a night out in Sydney. Try Pakistani food at Lal Qila, treat yourself to Japanese fine dining at nearby Nobu's or nab a reservation at Sydney institution, Bennelong. Make the most of summer and while away a weekend taking advantage of Sydney's beaches before you head back home to reality. Catch a ferry from Darling Harbour to locally loved beaches like Milk Beach or Camp Cove. Darwin Ask what people love about Darwin and two things come to mind. First, it's the city's technicolour sunsets (best viewed from the Darwin Sailing Club). Second, it's the quality of the laksa available thanks to Darwin's proximity to South East Asia. You'll find some of the best at Mary's Laksa at the weekly Parap Village Markets alongside satay and fresh tropical fruits. Head inland and visit Litchfield National Park for wild swimming in shaded outback lagoons. Then, to escape the tropical heat, duck into the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory for one of the country's best displays of Indigenous art. Vibe Hotel Darwin drops you in the heart of it all with its prime position by the waterfront precinct and Darwin Lagoon. Canberra Canberra is criminally underrated as a weekend getaway, and Vibe Hotel Canberra makes for the perfect base to see it all. The sprawling grounds of Parliament House sit at its heart. Just outside the grassy knolls of our political centre, you'll find the National Portrait Gallery of Australia and the National Gallery of Australia. Don't miss the Sculpture Garden's 26 outdoor pieces, including Within Without (2010) by James Turrell. After exploring, dive into Canberra's food scene. For cocktails, a kitschy styled space and small plates stop by Such and Such. For lunch, Sanducci does a daily rotation of—not to be dramatic—life changing sandwiches. It's worth slipping beyond the city limits to visit Canberra's vineyards, like Mount Majura, and Australia's tallest peak, Mt Kosciusko. The trails are unburdened by snow in the summer making it a perfect time to visit. Book your summer getaway now with 20 percent off stays at the Vibe Hotels website. Plus sign up to their eClub and receive an additional discount and instant reward every time you stay.
How do you follow up a festival that boasted Black Mirror's Charlie Brooker, plus Australian icons Nicole Kidman and Naomi Watts, all talking about their experiences in film and television — and the world-premiere of a documentary about The Wiggles, too? That's the task at hand for the screen-focused side of SXSW Sydney, which is currently in the process of compiling exactly that lineup for its second run. The event's October 2024 dates are still months away, but it keeps dropping details, including Australian filmmaker Warwick Thornton and composer Jed Kurzel newly joining the lineup. The director behind Samson & Delilah, Sweet Country and The New Boy, Thornton will take to the stage to give audiences a live director's commentary of one of his features. Which movie it'll be — he's also helmed The Darkside and documentary We Don't Need a Map — hasn't yet been revealed. Kurzel's filmography doesn't just include his brother Justin's Snowtown, Macbeth, Assassin's Creed, True History of the Kelly Gang and Nitram, but also everything from The Babadook and The Nightingale to Alien: Covenant and Dev Patel's directorial debut Monkey Man. He'll be doing a live commentary as well, talking through how he scores opening sequences. [caption id="attachment_861204" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mark Rogers[/caption] Thornton and Kurzel are two big names in Australia's film industry — and they have impressive company in the latest round of SXSW Sydney 2024 announcements, as the fest's Monday, October 14–Sunday, October 20 dates get closer. From Margot Robbie's production company LuckyChap Entertainment, Barbie executive producer Josey McNamara will chat about the organisation's recent flicks, which also spans Promising Young Woman and Saltburn. And Mark Andrews, who co-helmed Pixar's Brave, will discuss his work at independent animation studio Floating Rock. With Mortal Kombat director Simon McQuoid already on the lineup, plus Heartbreak High star Ayesha Madon on the music bill, and also Westworld and Bosch & Rockit star Luke Hemsworth — albeit the latter hosting the session Better Than a Hollywood Movie: The Highs, Lows, Epic Moments and Colossal Steps Forward in Bringing Back the Tasmanian Tiger, so not talking about his screen career — the 2024 fest's roster of big movie and TV names just keeps growing. SXSW Sydney has just added a heap of other talks, too, covering Floating Rock's origin story, women in VFX and animation, film distribution in Australia and what it means to have your work screen at the OG SXSW in Austin. Keen for a crash course in the industry? That's where 90-Minute Film School will come in, debuting with a focus on five aspects of filmmaking. A screen mentorship program will also join the Sydney program for the first time. [caption id="attachment_967878" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jaimi Joy[/caption] There's no new word on what will be getting projectors rolling, however, so watch this space if you're keen to glue your eyes to the the latests flicks and TV shows. As part of its many lineup drops so far — a first batch came in May, then a second round in June, then two others earlier in July — the festival has already revealed that documentary The Most Australian Band Ever! about the Hard-Ons sits on the roster. So does S/He Is Still Her/e: The Official Genesis P-Orridge, which is executive produced by Against Me!'s Laura Jane Grace — and also Alien Weaponry: Kua Tupu Te Ara, about thrash metal in the Māori language. Firmly a must-see from past announcements: Slice of Life: The American Dream. In Former Pizza Huts. The latest documentary from Barbecue and We Don't Deserve Dogs' Matthew Salleh and Rose Tucker, who are no strangers to SXSW in Austin, it sees the Australian-born, Brooklyn-based duo explore the US today through former Pizza Hut buildings. [caption id="attachment_967880" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brendon Thorne/Getty Images for SXSW Sydney.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_967879" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brendon Thorne/Getty Images for SXSW Sydney[/caption] [caption id="attachment_953711" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jaimi Joy[/caption] [caption id="attachment_953720" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Katje Ford[/caption] SXSW Sydney 2024 will run from Monday, October 14–Sunday, October 20 at various Sydney venues. Head to the SXSW Sydney website for further details. Top image: Jami Joy.
Australia is getting accustomed to life without single-use plastic bags, but Europe is going one step further, with the European Union today voting to ban ten single-use plastic items by 2021. The European Parliament first drew up the plan in May last year, which is designed to specifically combat the growing amount of plastic that's clogging up the world's oceans. The ban will target ten items that are most frequently found on beaches, including plastic cutlery, plates, cups, stirrers and straws, as well as cotton buds and balloon sticks. This comes after researchers predicted that plastic will outweigh fish in our oceans by 2050. By 2029, all EU members will also be required to collect 90 percent of single-use plastic beverage bottles for recycling, while awareness campaigns will ramp up for the reduced consumption of other single-use products and countries will need to fund the public clean-up of litter — such as tobacco filters and fishing great — from beaches and oceans. A year later, in 2030, the EU is aiming to make all of its plastic packaging reusable or recyclable. You can dive into the nitty gritty of its plan here (if you please). The European Parliament passed the ban on Wednesday, March 27, and member states will have two years years to implement the legislation into their own national law. It is the latest recognition that the war on waste is one that needs serious attention. The British parliament announced plans to go plastic-free early last year, France will ban plastic plates, cups and cutlery from 2020, while Hobart will become the first Australian city to ban single-use plastics. And that's on top of the flurry of supermarkets, big name brands, well-known food chains and furniture behemoths making their own commitments to reduce, recycle or eradicate single-use plastics from their operations. The European Union's single-use plastic ban will be introduced by 2021.
What do Elvis Presley, Yayoi Kusama, Pablo Picasso and Ancient Greece have in common? In 2022, all four will have items and objects on display across Victoria. Accordingly, if you're looking for an excuse to spend the cooler months in a museum or gallery, you have several — including peering at 44 ancient works dating back to the early bronze age. Those historic pieces will hit Melbourne Museum courtesy of Open Horizons: Ancient Greek Journeys and Connections, a new exhibition that's set to open on Saturday, April 23. Co-created and presented with the National Archaeological Museum in Athens, the Australian-first showcase will feature pieces from the Greek organisation's collection — which happens to be the richest range of artefacts from Greek antiquity worldwide — all of which will be making an appearance Down Under for the first time. In the case of two of the exhibition's big highlights — the gold Theseus ring, which dates back to the 15th century BCE, as well as a 2500-year-old marble sphinx that depicts a female head with the body of a winged lion — they'll make their debut outside of the National Archaeological Museum, too. Also coming our way: a collection of artefacts depicting Greek hero Heracles, as well as pieces that date through to the Roman period. Overall, Open Horizons: Ancient Greek Journeys and Connections will focus on not just Ancient Greece itself, but how the trade of ideas and goods influenced its culture — and how the Greeks also influenced the rest of the ancient world. [caption id="attachment_845125" align="alignnone" width="1920"] One of a pair of antefixes Clay Representations of Chimaera and Bellerophon mounting his winged horse, Pegasus. From Thasos. 550-500 BC. Credit National Archaeological Museum and Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports. Photographer Magoulas.[/caption] Top image: 'Open Horizons: Ancient Greek Journeys and Connections' at Melbourne Museum, installation shot by Tim Carrafa.
Food enthusiasts in Fitzroy are in for a good time at Bontempo Pizzeria. In fact, that's literally what the name of the restaurant means, 'good time'. The second venture from the team behind Fratellino in South Yarra, this Brunswick Street eatery is serving woodfired pizza alongside an array Italian staples, and is generally doing everything it can to deliver what it promises. "With the space we have we can cater to everyone, from couples to families and larger groups," says co-owner Joe Kavanagh. "We know that if we keep it simple by teaming good quality pizza and pasta with affordable drinks in a casual atmosphere, the rest will take care of itself." Kavanagh points to The Bont, the restaurant's signature pizza made with whiskey-infused Western Plains pulled pork, fresh basil, garlic, sage, tomato and mozzarella, as a menu highlight. Other standout options include the Salsicce e Funghi with pork and fennel sausage, mushrooms, garlic, parsley and mozzarella; and the Zucca, a vegetarian number with roast pumpkin, feta, basil, pine nuts, spinach, rosemary, garlic and tomato. All Bontempo's pizzas are made in a Valoriani clay wood-fire oven imported from Italy and custom-built on site. If you're not in the mood for pizza (although we can't fathom why that would be), you might want to try the Fettuccine Gamberoni made with king prawns, white wine, garlic, cream and a dash of napoli. Alternatively, you can sink your teeth into a chargrilled swordfish steak. For dessert, choose from classic Italian sweets such as affogato and chocolate calzone. As for beverages, Bontempo offers a wide range of local and Italian wines, as well as beers from Fitzroy Cellars and Thunder Road Brewing, and cocktails from The Everleigh Bottling Co. Images: Tom Ross.
In its entire concept, Sydney Opera House's All About Women has always pushed girls, ladies and women to the front. So, when the venue announced that the next version of its key feminist festival would feature riot grrrl pioneers Bikini Kill, it couldn't have been a more perfect way to start its lineup. That in-conversation event is just the beginning of the event's 2023 program, however, with the just-announced complete bill also going big on high-profile guests — such as child actor-turned-I'm Glad My Mom Died author Jennette McCurdy and human rights barrister Jennifer Robinson. Former iCarly star McCurdy will chat through her experiences, including growing up in the spotlight, finding her independence and the events that led to her New York Times best-selling memoir, in an Australian-exclusive conversation. After successfully representing Amber Heard in Johnny Depp's UK libel case, Robinson will feature in a panel called 'The War on Women', about fighting for both rights and lives, alongside Egyptian American journalist Mona Eltahawy, Pakistani author and journalist Fatima Bhutto, and Mununjali Yugambeh and South Sea Islander Professor Chelsea Watego. [caption id="attachment_885156" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jennifer Robinson by Kate Peters[/caption] Running from Saturday, March 11—Monday, March 13, All About Women's 2023 festival marks its 11th, and sees the event held across three days for the first time ever — growing again after it only just expanded to two days in 2022, in fact. And, in another significant change for this year, the event's lineup is guided by four festival co-curators. Doing the honours: author, podcast presenter and gender equality advocate Jamila Rizvi; Gamilaroi academic and Tell Me Again author Dr Amy Thunig; feminist social commentator, novelist and writer Jane Caro AM; and Sydney Opera House's Head of Talks and Ideas Chip Rolley. Their full program includes 25 events featuring 60-plus international and Australian artists, thinkers, and storytellers, starting with an evening of storytelling, poetry, dance and music for the fest's Opening Night Gala, hosted by Clare Bowditch and featuring actor Eryn Jean Norvill (The Picture of Dorian Gray), "mother of African contemporary dance" Germaine Acogny, Iranian Australian singer and instrumentalist Gelareh Pour, and Fatima Bhutto. And, it also spans Cult Classic author Sloane Crosley chatting about modern dating with journalist Maddison Connaughton — and a romance and reality TV-focused discussion between Bachelorette Brooke Blurton, Just The Gist podcaster Rosie Waterland, and Gamilaroi and Torres Strait Islander writer and actor Nakkiah Lui. [caption id="attachment_885157" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brooke Blurton by Jarrad Seng[/caption] In a session about neurodivergence in women and gender-diverse people, 2021 Australian of the Year Grace Tame, Heartbreak High's Chloe Hayden, and research psychologist and activist Dr Jac den Houting will talk with Thunig — and a panel examining trying to achieve justice in sexual abuse claims, and the trauma the process can bring, will feature sexual assault law reform advocate Saxon Mullins, criminal lawyer Katrina Marson, Yorta Yorta woman and survivor advocate Amanda Morgan, and lawyer and author Bri Lee. Or, attendees can look forward to Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies scholar Kylie Moore-Gilbert hosting a session on the women-led revolution in Iran, as joined by Pour, scholar and poet Dr Saba Vasefi, and author and journalist Shokoofeh Azar; plus a panel about the body positivity movement's struggles to be genuinely inclusive, featuring Wadjanbarra Yidinji, Jirrbal and African-American former model Sasha Kutabah Sarago, body love activist and podcaster April Hélène-Horton aka The Bodzilla, fashion editor and queer rights activist Deni Todorovič, disability rights campaigner Elly Desmarchelier, and comedian and broadcaster Tanya Hennessy. [caption id="attachment_844646" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jacquie Manning[/caption] The list goes on, covering Clementine Ford exploring the history of demonising single women, a session on women's activism through a First Nations lens, diving into starting a family in a modern world, unpacking gendered emotions, and turning Eltahawy's FEMINIST GIANT newsletter into a panel. The Girlboss movement, making tough decisions, the shame often imposed on women and girls, leading movements, a Bikini Kill gig: they all get their time in focus, too. Just like in 2022, the festival will host its sessions in-person for Sydneysiders, and will also live-stream to viewers both around Australia and worldwide — which is ace news if you live outside of the Harbour City. [caption id="attachment_874299" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Debi Del Grande[/caption] All About Women 2023 will take place from Saturday, March 11—Monday, March 13 at the Sydney Opera House, with tickets on sale from 12pm AEDT on Thursday, January 19. Head to the festival's website for further details. Top image: Jennette McCurdy by Brian Kimskey.
If you've ever worked in hospo, you've been in this situation. And even if you haven't waited, tended bar or cooked up a storm in a professional kitchen, you can probably still relate. Finding a decent place to relax, eat great food and drink fabulous cocktails after the clock strikes midnight isn't as easy as it really should be these days. And so, with that in mind, the Late Night Harlem Supper Club became a reality. After a super successful, sold out debut event back in October last year, the CBD bar Nieuw Amsterdam is bringing back the post-midnight feast in the wee hours of Sunday morning of March 26 (or, really late on Saturday night). This Supper Club will see chefs Ved Navghare and Kay-lene Tan in control of the kitchen. Given that they are head chef and pastry chef (respectively) at Tonka, their three-course menu is sure to have an Indian undertone to it. The $70 ticket includes the three courses and an arrival cocktail, with all other drinks will available to purchase separately. Night owls, get booking.
Part of the not-for-profit sustainability reserve on Merri Creek, CERES Nursery is your go-to spot for stocking up on herbs and edible plants. These guys are all about encouraging backyard food production, no matter how big or small your patch of turf. Along with a selection of indoor and outdoor plants, and a hefty range of natives, you'll find just about everything you need to help your garden thrive. There's a range of certified organic potting mix, fertilisers and pesticides, bulk fertilisers you can refill with a BYO container, a huge stash of gardening books and a used pot exchange designed to help cut down on plastic pots.
