It's the little things that count at Eydie's — like the 1950s water jugs and glasses that make you feel classy, and the repurposed vinyl presses, salvaged from Brunswick-based Zenith Records and now serving as drink coasters — that give you them jazzy, ethical feels. Eydie's is a favourite among hospitality workers for its late-night happy hour (we're talking $12 negronis, 9–11pm), and its secluded garden courtyard that works seasonally, thanks to gas heaters and part roofing. In terms of food, ask for the local list. Eateries nearby deliver most of your cravings, and Lygon Street has plenty.
Come 2021, you'll have one very convincing reason to book a trip to Sydney (or a Sydney staycation) — the city will be home to the first very Australian outpost of trendy US chain Ace Hotel. Founded in 1999, the boutique chain currently has its signature luxe-vintage hotels in Chicago, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York, Pittsburgh, Portland and Seattle. Its first international location opened in London in 2013, and its next is slated to open in Kyoto in spring next year. Known for their great bars, pools, cool branding and merch, and quirky locations — such as a converted Denny's and a historic YMCA building — each Ace Hotel is individually designed to reflect its surroundings. The Ace Hotel in Downtown LA is in a 13-storey 1920s former movie theatre, and has art deco furnishings, a rooftop pool and three bars, while the Palm Springs outpost is swathed in white, and has swim club and an attached diner. For the local outpost, Ace's in-house design team — Atelier Ace — will be working alongside an Australian firm to design the hyper-local hotel. While exactly what that will look like both inside and out is still under wraps, it'll take inspiration from the food, art, architecture, design and culture of Surry Hills when it opens in an 18-storey building (formerly Tyne House) on Wentworth Avenue. [caption id="attachment_745633" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Render of Ace Hotel's proposed Surry Hills facade.[/caption] The Ace Hotel site was purchased two years ago by Australian property development group, Golden Age Group, who will also have a hand in the hotel. As well as 264 rooms, guests can look forward to a ground-floor lobby bar, a gym, restaurant, cafe, and rooftop bar and eatery. We'll keep our fingers crossed for a potential rooftop pool, too. It's just the latest boutique hotel to open in Surry Hills, which has seen the hyper-local Paramount House Hotel — complete with rooftop wellness centre — launch in March last year, and the 35-room Little Albion House (which you can book through Airbnb) follow in July. Real estate developer Cienna Group also has plans in the works to open a 12-storey laneway hotel on the corner of Riley and Campbell Streets. The Ace Hotel Sydney is slated to open at 49–53 Wentworth Avenue, Sydney in 2021. We'll update you with a specific launch date when one is announced. Top images: Ace Hotel London / Ace Hotel Downtown LA.
Brook Andrew has spent much of his extensive career exploring the dominant narratives and histories around colonialism through large-scale gallery interventions and immersive installations. One such major installation is The Cell, a work that was first shown at Sydney's Sherman Contemporary Art Foundation and is now temporarily installed at The Substation in Newport. It invites audiences to take part in a jumping castle experiment, which muddies the distinction between 'sanctuary and detention'. Adorned with traditional Wiradjuri patterns, the inflatable space creates a stimulating juxtaposition with its light-hearted format meeting a sense of anxiety as Andrew conjures the illusion of shrinking and constricting whilst inside. Over a long and successful career, Andrew's interdisciplinary talents have seen him exhibiting internationally since 1996, where he often works closely with diverse communities along with public and private collections. The Cell is on display now for a short time only, closing Saturday June 10.
Daylesford is a haven of spa retreats, friendly pubs, roaring fireplaces and mountainous beauty. Nestled into the foothills of the Great Dividing Range and just a stone's throw from the healing powers of Hepburn Springs, it's lovely at anytime of year, but winter brings a special kind of magic. Rather than feeling like you should be out, relentlessly doing, you can shamelessly surrender to warm, cosy, heartening indulgences — from soaking in hot tubs filled with nutrient-rich mineral water to sipping craft ales by a roaring fire. Here's your guide to winter decadence in Daylesford and its neighbouring towns. Winter slips by quicker than you think, so make plans soon. WHERE BREAKFAST MEETS DESSERT The French sure know how to do a winter's breakfast: with hot chocolate. Follow their lead at the Chocolate Mill, a strawbale marvel 7km north of Daylesford that produces handmade chocolates. Peer into the open kitchen to witness the creators in action before claiming a table at the Hot Chocolate Cafe. Next stop, real breakfast. You'll get it with a stone fireplace at Moto Bean Coffee Roasters in Malmsbury, about 30 kilometres' north-east of Daylesford. Formerly a farmer's barn, this epic, industrial-inspired cafe is dotted with classic motorbikes and dedicated to roasting coffee beans. Tuck into an apple hotcake with whipped honey mascarpone, walnut crumbs and baby herbs. FUEL UP BY THE FIRE Come lunchtime, head to the Farmers Arms, where you can hide away in a booth or soak up some rays in the beer garden, accompanied by your dog. The menu is all about fancied-up pub classics, such as roasted pork belly with mash, broccolini, Harcourt apple cider jelly and red wine jus. Another spot where it's easy to while away a winter's afternoon is the Cosmopolitan in Trentham. This gorgeous 1866 pub, encircled by weatherboard verandahs, was rebuilt in 2009 following a 2005 fire. The extensive craft beer and local wine lists will keep you sampling for hours, plus, on Sundays, there's live music. Eats are gastropub-style — think smoked duck breast with grilled witlof, beans, kipflers, hazelnuts, sherry vinegar and maple dressing. If you want to treat yourself, then swing over to Kyneton – about 30km north-west – for dinner. At Source Dining, owner-chef Tim Foster serves up hatted creations, accompanied by a wine list that holds two Australian Wine List of the Year Glasses. Try the local beef tartare, with pickled farm beetroot, beetroot mayonnaise, cured yolk, fresh horseradish, salt and vinegar kale, and potato chips. Most produce comes straight from the kitchen garden. Alternatively, there are excellent woodfired pizzas at Olive Jones in Macedon. SOAK AND SINK INTO SPAS Every visit to Daylesford should involve a long, long soak in Hepburn Springs' warm, nutrient-rich mineral waters. Victorians have been onto this since 1895, when Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa was built. The complex, which scored a $13-million revamp in 2008, hosts two social pools, as well as private tubs for those keen to rejuvenate in peace. Once you've bathed, try drinking the waters: various springs are dotted around Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve. Alternatively, at Salus Day Spa at Lake House Hotel, sink into a deep tub in a treehouse, surrounded by blonde timber and lush greenery. Also in Hepburn Springs is Shizuka Ryokan, a Japanese wellness retreat, inspired by ryokans: ancient inns where samurai warriors would go to rest and reflect. Don a kimono and wander around the minimalist grounds before settling in for a spa treatment – be it a Geisha facial based on 1200-year-old techniques or a shiatsu massage. FINE INDOOR PURSUITS Now that you're thoroughly relaxed, it's time to get arty at the Convent Gallery, a mansion turned convent turned gallery. Or get your hands dirty with a sourdough-making workshop at RedBeard Historic Bakery, Trentham, where the results will be baked in a massive 19th-century oven. If that sounds like too much thinking, get even more relaxed with a wine tasting session at Passing Clouds' stunning cellar door in Musk, just five minutes' drive from town, before continuing to Daylesford Cider Company for mulled ciders, made with organic apples, by the fire. THE COSIEST SLEEP SPOTS One of the hands-down best things about winter is snuggling in bed, ensconced in doonas, woollen blankets and piles of pillows. Add a roaring fire, and there's no going anywhere. Luckily, Daylesford and its surrounds are packed with dreamy retreats. At the luxe end of the scale is Clifftop At Hepburn, where private villas come with spectacular views, spas, stone hot tubs, massage chairs and fireplaces. Another collection of beautiful villas surrounded by bushland is Kudos. These architect-designed wonders offer fireplaces and spa areas that open onto private decks. To step back in time, sleep over at Peppers Mineral Springs Hotel, built in 1935. There's a day spa onsite, with mineral water baths, heated to 37 degrees Celsius, stunning Italian gardens and Stuart Rattle-designed lounges, splashed with marble, leather and polished wood. Rooms vary from cosy classics to a four-bedroom villa built in 1864. For a stay in downtown Daylesford, book at Frangos. Think high ceilings, spa baths and quirky touches, such as hand-embroidered pillows, mirror walls and velvet bed heads. There's also an in-house Endota Spa. To explore more winter indulgences in the Daylesford region and get booking, visit the Wander Victoria website. Top image: Peppers Mineral Springs Hotel.
Since 2015, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) has enjoyed playing games with classical music lovers, putting on live gigs in secret locations all over the city. It posts sneaky clues on its social pages in the weeks leading up to the performance, hinting on what will be played and where the orchestra will be playing. And its next Secret Symphony will be a part of RISING 2024. We don't know the location. We don't know the setlist. But we do know it will take place sometime on Thursday, June 6. [caption id="attachment_958588" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Laura Pemberton[/caption] You'll need to follow the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra's Instagram page to get all the hints and book tickets ($19) ahead of time through RISING. As you are pre-purchasing tickets, we're pretty sure the team will actually let you know the location a couple of days before the show — but you best get sleuthing nonetheless. Top image: Laura Pemberton.
If all a horror movie needed was a killer concept, then Lights Out would sit at the top of the spooky cinematic heap. At its core is an idea that's equally obvious, ingenious and universal: the unsettling feeling that springs in children and adults alike when a flick of a switch plunges a room into darkness. In fact, when Swedish filmmaker David F. Sandberg first toyed with the notion in his two-and-a-half-minute short film of the same name, it became a viral sensation, catching the eye of horror producer James Wan in the process. Three years later, Sandberg has fleshed out the attention-grabbing effort into his feature film debut. In Lights Out, stressing about whatever sinister presence just might lurk in the shadows isn't simply a sign of anxiety or an overactive imagination, as Rebecca (Teresa Palmer) and her ten year old brother Martin (Gabriel Bateman) come to realise in the wake of a family tragedy. Initially, Martin isn't overly concerned when his grief-stricken mother, Sophie (Maria Bello), starts speaking to someone who isn't there. But then he spies a ghostly figure that only appears when his lamp turns off. When he flees his dimly lit home to stay in Rebecca's apartment, she starts seeing the apparition too. It's enough to make them jump, run and scream repeatedly, in a movie that knows how to make the most of its unnerving moments. Indeed, although writer Eric Heisserer seems fairly content to keep playing in formulaic territory after penning the recent remakes of both A Nightmare on Elm Street and The Thing, Sandberg perfects the ominous look, uneasy mood and expert sense of timing that a film about things going bump in the dark requires. More specifically, Sandberg's spot-on directorial choices include a focus on the obvious but essential: if you're going to call a film Lights Out, you have to master the many flickers and silhouettes that tend to come with luminous bulbs and the like. From the glow of exterior lighting shining down on an eerie-looking warehouse in the film's opening shot, to the contrast of every high- and low-wattage source of brightness you can think of against gloomy interior surroundings, the movie becomes a striking exercise in setting a specific tone through lighting and cinematography. As a result, what it lacks in narrative surprises, it makes up for in successful scares and inventive imagery. Thankfully, the small but spirited cast follows suit, even though they're largely saddled with cookie-cutter horror roles. No time is wasted on jostling for laughs or taking things too seriously, with the 81-minute feature proving an example of economical yet mostly effective filmmaking. Accordingly, even as Palmer's heroine makes more than a few predictable choices, and Bello's frazzled parent does the same, they're both pitched at just the right, relatable level.
A 19-year-old woman was found unconscious and convulsing at yesterday's Harbourlife festival at 4.40pm. After being assessed by paramedics, she was taken to St Vincent's Hospital where she was later pronounced dead of multiple organ failure. It's believed that drugs played a role in her death. Though an autopsy is yet to be carried out, friends of the deceased teenager have told police she had taken one-and-a-half pills during the day. The coroner will attempt to find out what was in the pills, but police are taking the opportunity to warn people of the general dangers of illegal drugs. "There's little to no quality control in the production," said Inspector Stewart Leggat in a statement this morning. "Quite simply, you don't know what you are getting — seeking a synthetic high could result in a serious injury or death." Of the 5,200 people in attendance yesterday, 78 were arrested for drug offences. Police are urging anyone with information about illegal substances to come forward. "We don't need to know who you are; all we need is the information you have," said Inspector Leggat. "The information you provide could save someone's life." Via NSW Police and SMH. If you have more information contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the online reporting page.
For forty years, Melbourne Fringe has celebrated artists from all walks of life — and successfully worked to democratise their work, increasing accessibility and visibility of the creative spheres. The Rest Is Up to You is a free exhibition currently on display at the State Library Victoria. It explores the previous 40 years of the Fringe Festival — how they started, how they changed and what fun was had — while looking forward at the next 40. This immersive experience includes video and sound installations; archives of posters, flyers and artworks; and interactive talks and conversations with artists, teams and audiences that are excited to share their stories and inspire emerging talent. Running until July, this exhibition proves just how fundamental the people are to festivals like this — spotlighting how they've shaped Fringe and reminding us all that that everybody has a place here. 'The Rest Is Up to You' is on at the State Library of Victoria until Tuesday, July 11. Entry is between 10am and 6pm daily, and no bookings are required. For more information, head to the website. Images: Nick Roberston.
Melbourne's southside is undoubtedly one of the most stylish parts of the city. And when it comes to men's fashion, there's a pretty good chance that Robinson Man has something to do with the most up-to-the-minute looks hitting the streets. The brand focuses on high-quality men's knitwear, with its fine hand-combed cashmere coming all the way to Prahran's High Street from the steppes of Mongolia. Robinson Man's architecturally designed space also features a host of like-minded brands that produce similarly stunning menswear, so you can quickly level-up your style game.
It's been six months since we first heard the goss on the latest plans for The Continental Sorrento, as the pub's owners revealed details of a hefty makeover, complete with an overhauled food and drink offering helmed by Scott Pickett (Estelle, Matilda) and Craig Shearer (The Terminus Fitzroy North, Brisbane's The Plough). Fast forward to now, and we're just weeks away from seeing parts of this grand, six-level redevelopment in action — the first phase of the new-look Conti is gearing up to open its doors from late March. A whole suite of new hospitality spaces are joining the bill here on Ocean Beach Road, with options for post-beach pints, special occasion dinners and everything in between. Named in a nod to Pickett's own grandmother and cooking muse, is Audrey's — a fine diner that fuses old-world charm with contemporary sensibilities. The signature restaurant is set to boast enviable bay vistas, an impressive wine program and a chic seafood-driven menu, even rocking its own marble raw bar. Taking a more casual approach to coastal wining and dining are the modern Public Bar; an all-weather, greenery-filled beer garden; and a sprawling outdoor space dubbed the Promenade. This trio will be heroing Pickett's contemporary spin on classic pub grub, as well as showcasing Shearer's flair for and experience in creating top-notch pub spaces. [caption id="attachment_823638" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Craig Shearer & Scott Pickett; by Parker Blain[/caption] Yet more adventures await you amongst the foliage of greenhouse-inspired diner The Atrium, and the plush surrounds of Coppins Lounge, with its refined booze offering and lobby bar energy. Meanwhile, the late-night crowd will find their haven within the Conti's speakeasy-style haunt, Barlow, which is serving up elevated bar snacks, crafty sips and a diverse program of live entertainment. The heritage-listed site is also set to play host to luxury 108-room hotel the InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula, and an assortment of function spaces will be led by Pickett and Shearer's teams. They range from the grand to the intimate, including the beautifully restored Grand Ballroom, Halcyon Hall, al fresco Sunset Terrace and The Gallery. Hotel guests will also have exclusive access to the Pool Deck, where it's all about holiday-style snacks and fun cocktails enjoyed in poolside cabanas. And, as a bonus for cocktail-lovers, the Speakeasy Group (Eau de Vie, Nick & Nora's) will be serving a slew of its own seasonal concoctions across the entire precinct. Find The Continental Sorrento at 1-21 Ocean Beach Road, Sorrento. Its spaces will open in stages over the coming months, starting from late March. We'll share more details as they drop. Images: Renders courtesy of The Continental Sorrento; photos by Jeremy Wright
These days, we're all on the hunt for cheap eats in Melbourne. And Brunswick East is already home to plenty of good spots — CDMX, Wild Life Bakery, Mankoushe, Nico's Sandwich Deli and Thaila Thai are all affordable faves. But there's always room for more. Enter Tawooq, the casual Lebanese spot on the buzzy Brunswick East end of Lygon Street. The tight menu consists of just nine items — spanning wraps, baguettes and burgers — and the most you'll pay for one is $14. The wraps come stuffed with either falafel, beef shawarma, fries or the signature chicken tawooq (grilled chicken covered in a creamy yogurt-based marinade), while baguettes are loaded with either spicy sausage (makanek or sujuk), tomatoes, pickles and sauces, or succulent asbe (grilled chicken liver). Pair your lunch or late-night meal (Tawooq is open till 2am on Friday and Saturday nights) with a soft drink or something a little more substantial from Tawooq's sister brand Laiimoon, located within the same space. Try a traditional Lebanese sahlab (milk pudding) or a smoothie packed with fresh fruit. It's a small selection of food and drink, but you've only got to master a few to become a true food destination in Melbourne.
Here's a winter short break to warm the heart and fire up the mind. Less than two hours' drive from Melbourne, Bendigo is one of this country's main hubs of arts and culture outside of the state capitals. Although it might be best known for its mining history, these days this is a town that embraces its arty side, whether it be through galleries, arts precincts, events or craft classes. There's even a tram covered in yarn from top to tail. Winter is the perfect time to get among all of Bendigo's intellectual indoor pursuits — and that cosy tram and a hot drink will aid your admiration of the area's historic exteriors too. So pull on your parka and explore the true wealth that lies in inner Victoria. GALLERIES THAT ENTICE The first stop on any culture-led trip to this area has to be the Bendigo Art Gallery. Established in 1887 and now sporting a highly Insta-worthy Karl Fender-designed extension, the gallery regularly hosts blockbuster touring exhibitions, like the current Australian exclusive, Marimekko: Design Icon 1951 to 2018, on until June 11. After that, it will host Another Day in Paradise, a gripping retrospective of work by Bali Nine member Myuran Sukumaran. The gallery is part of a cluster of venues making up the View Street Arts Precinct, including the La Trobe Art Institute, so make sure to have a proper poke around the area. From August 10–12, it will be the hub of the annual Bendigo Writers Festival, so particularly lively, with more than 150 writers appearing across 100 events. Another must-do institution is Bendigo Pottery, on the outskirts of town. This is actually Australia's oldest working pottery, and not only is it a stellar place to browse and buy ceramics, it's somewhere where you can get properly hands-on with clay. Casual lessons go for a sweet $18 per half hour, perfect for anyone who's been curious to test their talents at on a potter's wheel. They'll even post your creations to you after they've been fired in the kiln. [caption id="attachment_669916" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] by Elise Gow Photography[/caption] THE COSY OUTDOORS You didn't really think we were going to advocate you stay indoors the whole time, did you? You're on holiday; YOLO and all that. Fortunately, Bendigo knows how to make even outdoor activities in winter conspicuously cosy. A lot of the credit for that belongs with its Yarn Bomb Tram, which runs various routes through town. The olde-worlde no.302 tram has been kitted out by the Bendigo Yarn Bombers — with full permission from Bendigo Trams — for several years running. Festooned inside and out in daygo yarn blankets, bunting and blooms, it's been described by some as looking like a giant tea cosy. And you get to sit inside the tea cosy. What could be more comfortable? Outside of the tram, a wander down the streets and laneways of Bendigo's historic centre is a necessity, as is Rosalind Park behind the Bendigo Art Gallery. Ward off any chill breezes by doing this with a takeaway hot drink in hand — the coconut chai from laneway cafe El Gordo is made for a mission like this. ART ON A PLATE You've seen art. You've made art. You've ridden art. Now it's time to eat some art, at Bendigo's hatted restaurant, Masons of Bendigo. Run by partners in life and cheffing Nick and Sonia Anthony, Masons serves share plates with a near-Heston-level attention to presentation. Their globe-trotting menu varies with the seasons, but in winter you can expect the likes of jicama and shiitake mushroom spring rolls with fermented chilli, banana blossom, and hot and sour sauce and McIvor Farm Foods Berkshire pork belly with apple pudding, morcilla, black garlic, fennel and crackle pinwheel. Don't hesitate to leave yourself in the chefs' hands by getting the mystery 'Roaming Menu' for $65 per person. Pair your feast with a shiraz from nearby organic winery Jasper Hill — an unirrigated, minimal-intervention vineyard that hasn't seen synthetic chemicals or foreign composts since pre-1975. To try the region's finest beef (and it really is fine around here), there's no destination better than The Woodhouse. The fireplace-warmed restaurant cooks its dishes on a redgum chargrill, which imparts a deep, smokey flavour on cuts like an on-the-bone Porterhouse from Cohuna Wagyu and 28-day Inglewood dry-aged eye fillet from Kiabella Farm. The sides are lush, too. HERITAGE BUILDINGS TO WARM THE HEART It's not just the Bendigo town centre that's steeped in history — the nearby towns hide heritage buildings that are still being put to brilliant use. Start in Maryborough with a visit to the grand train station — which these days serves as the 60-seat Railway cafe, bar and art gallery — before heading on to Castlemaine. There, take a wander through The Mill, the site of an 1875 wool mill whose factories have been adapted into a hub for coffee makers, brewers, food producers and artisans. Look out for Libre Hem's epic mural, honouring the workers who once spun wool here with their hands. In nearby Ravenswood, retire for wine tasting at Killiecrankie Wines' perfectly cosy cellar door, set in an 1880s red-brick workers cottage with two cranking fireplaces. Then, back in Bendigo proper, Wine Bank on View is your ticket for a trip back in time. The 1876 building was once the city's main bank, but it's now the ultimate spot to savour a wine and cheese in stately, fire-lit surrounds. PEACEFUL SLEEPS TO RECHARGE THE MIND To percolate on all the sights and ideas you've absorbed in a day in Bendigo, you'll need a proper country manor to lay your head. The best option, if you've got enough friends to fill it, is All Saints Bendigo, an 1887 red-brick home right on View Street across from the Bendigo Art Gallery. The five-bedroom property boasts four-poster beds, Wi-Fi throughout, a pool table — all the creature comforts. If you've got a car and are happy to stay out of town, consider The Stables at Byronsvale. The 160-acre farmland boasts three self-contained apartments with one or two bedrooms, overlooking some of Bendigo's earliest vineyards. This was built as a weekend home for one of Bendigo's first mayors, so you know you're in illustrious company. Meanwhile, if it's just you and your boo, and you want the comfort of a hotel in the centre of town, the Quest Schaller Hotel is for you. New and slick, it wears its art on its sleeve, with 120 rooms inspired by the vibrant paintings of Mark Schaller. To plan your winter adventure in Bendigo and the surrounding areas, visit the Wander Victoria website.
This plush venture from Nick and Daniel Russian (founders of Eve Bar) has taken over the revered rock 'n roll site that once housed Cherry Bar. You can push aside all thoughts of the four-legged Disney character — the venue's in fact named after and inspired by a bar the duo's Nonno owned in Trieste, Italy, 80 years ago. Here on AC/DC Lane, they're paying homage to their heritage while delivering Melbourne a dazzling late-night party joint. It's a sumptuous lounge bar filled with glam vintage touches, nodding to the drinking dens of LA and Europe. Curved banquettes and staircases, and a healthy appreciation for the colour pink are the work of awarded designer David Hicks. Italian share plates rule the menu, with familiar favourites alongside some contemporary surprises — including a loaded carbonara toastie ($19) and a tiramisu cannoli ($12). Elsewhere, you'll find rigatoni done with wagyu bolognese ($29), a spicy vodka pasta ($32) and pork cotoletta on the bone ($38). A solid antipasti offering is primed for snacking, as is the dedicated bar menu, featuring the likes of lobster pizza ($65), wagyu bresaola ($24) and ice cream sandwiches ($18). A well-matched drinks offering favours spritzes and negronis, with options galore and large-format serves available for each. If you're game, try yours by the one-litre carafe or arrange your own negroni fountain ($2200). They're backed by a slew of other classic Euro cocktails, a spread of Italian and Aussie wines, and an after-dinner bottle service. Expect a diverse program of extra fun running into the wee hours, from DJs, to piano singers, to live performances gracing the front stage. [caption id="attachment_833180" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mark Roper[/caption] Images: Mark Roper
You can see Oprah, and you can see Oprah, and you can see Oprah: Oprah Winfrey has announced a December 2025 trip Down Under, including bringing her latest in-conversation events to Melbourne. At Plenary, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on Thursday, December 11, you'll be able to see the famed talk-show host get chatting — in an intimate session rather than on TV, where The Oprah Winfrey Show ran for 25 years. This is Winfrey's first jaunt this way in a decade — and that tour sold out, so expect this one to be popular as well. Authenticity and resilience will be among the topics of conversation, in what's designed to be an inspirational natter. [caption id="attachment_1015691" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Disney/Eric McCandless[/caption] "One of the things I have always enjoyed is sitting down for real, honest, enlightening conversations, and this experience is all about that," said Winfrey, announcing the tour. "The energy, warmth and spirit I feel in Australia and New Zealand have stayed with me, and returning will be an opportunity to reconnect, reflect, and be reinspired — together. I look forward to sharing stories, ideas, and meaningful connection about what's possible in our lives moving forward."
For over 20 years, the waterfront Steampacket Gardens has played host to a combined creative and gourmet market on the first Sunday of every month. Head to the shores of Eastern Beach for top-quality local produce, as well as beautiful art and handcrafts by makers from the region. There's also live music and delicious, ready-to-eat food, so be sure to make a morning out of it. It's all for a good cause, too: proceeds from the market go to the Geelong Central Rotary Club, and supports its community initiatives.
They're words every hungry stomach likes to hear: all you can eat. And, they're words that echo a little bit louder when gyoza are involved. After all, who hasn't sat down to a plate of them, finished it quicker than they thought they would and wished someone would keep magically refilling it? We all have, and that's just what'll happen at Bosozoku on Wednesdays. It's all rather simple: you venture in after 5pm, choose from pork or vegetarian, and settle in for an hour of power. The best part? It'll cost you only $25. Usually the gyoza cost $2 each, so you'll have to eat at least 13 to get your money's worth. So come with an empty stomach.
The National Gallery of Australia's newest exhibition invites you to trip back in time to American art's post-war era for a visual celebration of some of the 20th century's printmaking superstars. Opening on Saturday, September 7 and running through until Monday, March 9, 2020, Lichtenstein to Warhol: The Kenneth Tyler Collection showcases standouts from back in that heyday of America's printmaking renaissance, as it dives into renowned US master printer Kenneth Tyler's artistic collaborations with an array of iconic talent. Spy candid images of Tyler and these legendary artists taken in his famed workshop, displayed along with one-off proofs and drawings, plus works from some of the greats he's influenced over the years. The impressive collection features pieces by Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, David Hockney, Helen Frankenthaler, Jasper Johns, Joan Mitchell, Claes Oldenburg and more, covering minimalism, maximalism and every genre between. Tyler's grand, groundbreaking contribution to art put him at the forefront of the USA's printmaking renaissance and, when he opened a series of his own print workshops after the Korean War, they became incubators and collaborative settings for some of the era's defining artists. Lichtenstein to Warhol: The Kenneth Tyler Collection documents much of the magic. Image: Roy Lichtenstein, Reflections on Crash 1990. Prints, lithograph, screenprint, woodcut, metalised PVC plastic film collage and embossing printed in colour inks from eight aluminium plates, three screens, one woodblock with irregularly-shaped, inlaid magnesium plate and one assembled plate made from four magnesium plates. 150.2 h x 190.5 w cm. National Gallery of Australia, Canberra. Purchased 1991. © Estate of Roy Lichtenstein/Copyright Agency
The southern stretch of Collingwood's Smith Street has scored an inviting new arrival in vibrant, globally-inspired bar and eatery, Sixty Smith. Opening its doors in late 2020, it's the latest venture from Indy Weerakoon and Sam Silva, co-owners of Fitzroy Beer Garden. Sixty Smith is a warm, eclectic venue boasting four distinct areas. A cosy front bar greets you straight from the street, while further in, a light-filled dining room features cushion-filled banquette seating and an abundance of greenery. Out the back, a covered beer garden is filled with neon street art and upcycled pallet furniture. For quieter drinks and intimate, private celebrations, The Attic awaits upstairs — an old-world-inspired space with gold accents and inky blue hues. The Attic will also play host to a series of monthly dance parties. Sixty Smith's menu draws on a range of global influences, shaped by Head Chef Three Phadungkarn's own experiences — from growing up in Bangkok, to seven years spent cooking Spanish tapas at MoVida and more recently creating classic European fare in the kitchen of Syracuse. The lineup kicks off with lunch plates like the roasted spatchcock with potato salad, a mushroom, truffle and parmesan spaghetti, and a pulled pork burger starring pickled zucchini and spicy mayo. Meanwhile, the dinner offering features bites for appetites small and large, starting with 'graze' snacks like eggplant popcorn, school prawns matched with a tom yum mayo, and lamb spare ribs done with kipflers and capsicum salmorejo (a Spanish-style cold soup similar to gazpacho). The 'gorge' section of the menu might see ox cheek teamed with parsnip puree, braised onion and a hit of horseradish, while grilled broccoli is elevated with harissa and a sunflower seed mole. Otherwise, the decision-saving chef's tasting menu delivers a parade of seasonal hits for $65 per person. You'll spy a couple of rotating tap brews, a lineup of tinnies and a largely local wine selection with plenty of options by the glass. And if cocktails are the mood, there's an impressive rotation of crafty concoctions on offer, from an espresso martini made with vegan dulce de leche, to the fruity yuzu-spiked Tatsu Fizz. Complementing Sixty Smith's artfully plated food and beautifully executed sips is a rotating art exhibition called The Hook, curated by art collective Fort Heart. A dedicated wall within the venue will showcase diverse works from a lineup of local talent, available to buy, plus you can stay tuned for a calendar of supporting art events. Find Sixty Smith at 60 Smith Street, Collingwood. It's open from Tuesday–Thursday 4pm–11pm, Friday–Saturday midday–1am and Sunday 4pm–11pm.
At Bob Hair, just off bustling Toorak Road, things are done a little differently. For starters, all products are zero-waste and eco-friendly, with an enduring focus on ethical and sustainably-sourced materials. This careful and considered approach extends to the dreamy, light-filled salon space, which feels more airy and relaxed than your typical hairdresser. "What we are doing at Bob is simplifying healthy and sustainable living, without it coming at the cost of a great cut and colour," founder and director Charlotte Archer says. "We love sharing knowledge with women and showing them that colouring their hair doesn't need to be an eye-watering, headache-inducing experience." Here, you're invited to reconnect with your best self (and your best-ever hair), free from parabens, ammonia, sulphites and waste. Hair trimmings are repurposed to help soak up oil spills in the Great Barrier Reef, while composting and repurposing means Bob Hair is one of Melbourne's rare zero-waste salons. Yet, there's no compromise when it comes to style. The boutique salon offers the full spectrum of cutting, blow-drying, colouring and treatment services, with cuts for women starting from $130 and for men from $85 — each including a full personalised consultation. Alongside your usual cuts and blows, Bob Hair also offers gentle all-natural colouring which leads to long-lasting results. Escape to this sustainable paradise the next time you're looking for a refresh that's better for you and the environment. Your hair will thank you for it.
Melbourne's seaside suburbs had a bit of a foodie glow-up in 2024. Sushi Baby got a brick-and-mortar restaurant in Brighton, D.O.C landed in St Kilda, Southall moved to a bigger and better site in Hampton, and Moon Dog has announced it will open up a new brewery bar in Frankston. Bayside locals have cried out for more great places to eat and drink. And their calls are slowly being answered — with Hampton's Bang Bang being the latest to do so. The Bang Bang crew already has a site in Mordialloc, but they saw demand for a new location further out in Hampton. Here, fans of the original outpost can find most of the same dishes that span cuisines all over Asia — focusing on Southeast Asia, Japan, Korea and India. The kitchen is plating up prawn toast with tonkatsu and bonito; bao buns stuffed with 12-hour short ribs; a Balmain bug and pork larb; snapper ceviche; chicken satay served with roti; a beef cheek massaman curry; and a spicy fried Sichuan eggplant. Like most new restaurants in Melbourne, the menu is made for sharing, and the team offers up a chef's selection of dishes ($57.50 and $89) for those overcome by choice paralysis. Drinks include a stack of Asian-inspired cocktails, Victorian beers and cider, a tight selection of wines and sake, and a smattering of mocktails. The team even has a fab happy hour to entice folks over to Bang Bang Hampton. Every weeknight from 5–6pm, diners can tuck into $2 fresh oysters, a $35 raw tasting plate and a heap of $15 cocktail specials. Nabbing one of these deals ain't a bad way to give Bang Bang a go. Stop by for some cheap seafood and cocktails and see if you want to stick around for a flavour-packed pan-Asian feast. Images: Jessie B Evans
For more than a century, watching a movie has involved staring at either a rectangle or a square. They're the shapes that the silver screen is known for, and the small screen as well. But catch a film at the planetarium and everything becomes circular — which makes fulldome flicks, as they're called, something particularly special. Melbourne Planetarium plays movies on its dome via regular programs — films specifically made to take advantage of the different screening format — and the Melbourne International Film Festival has included fulldome showcases in its annual lineup. But Australia only boasts one film fest that's solely all about hemispherical views. That event: the Dome Under Film Festival, which debuted in 2020, returns to the Victorian capital from Friday, January 30 to Sunday, February 1, 2026. Dome Under Festival's latest outing once again showcases the best new fulldome releases from around the world at Scienceworks. With sessions dedicated to family-friendly titles, astronomy, art, world stories and the future, the program features plenty of highlights — covering everything from Earth's orbit, our place in the Milky Way, the secrets of an Italian forest, Mount Everest, Colombian constellations and a series of mind-bending art films designed specially to be screened on the dome. In total, 39 films from around the world will grace the dome, as handpicked by the Dome Under team. Each one will fill every inch of the planetarium's 16-metre domed ceiling — and play with 5.1 surround sound. Each film will only be screened once, with multiple films organised by theme in each session across the three-day period. This year, the festival will include a competitive section judged by a panel of three experts, awarding films for their storytelling and technical prowess. Warik Lawrance, festival founder and Museums Victoria curator, said, "Fulldome cinema is evolving at an incredible pace, and the Dome Under Film Festival has become a place where that innovation truly shines." Dome Under Fulldome Festival 2026 will run from Friday, January 30 to Sunday, February 1, 2026. For more information or to book tickets, visit the website. Images: 'One Step Beyond', 'Encounters in the Milky Way', 'The Rift' — supplied by Museums Victoria
Led by the opening of the NGV's annual winter masterpieces show, the month of May looks bright as another host of must-see art exhibitions take place across Melbourne. Head to Melbourne Museum to catch a glimpse of Mick Jagger's stage costume soundtracked to songs of the 60s, get deep in ancient tattoo customs at the Immigration Museum, and get a rare glimpse at what's been called the 'eighth' wonder of the world. Covering topics as diverse as climate change to generational change in China, these seven exhibitions will more than satiate your art and culture cravings this month. Drop by a gallery after work or make a day of it and an exhibition on the weekend — there's great art happening everywhere from Newport to Bendigo.
Australia's hospitality scene has endured a tough couple of years, cycling through lockdowns, restrictions and stints where almost everyone in town seemed to be in isolation. But for diners keen for restaurant dishes without heading out, Providoor arrived with some sweet relief: an innovative new meal delivery platform that hit Sydney and Melbourne in 2020, and Brisbane earlier in 2022. Even now that being mandated to stay at home is a thing of the past, the service can still give you an eating-out level meal without leaving the house — and, as of Monday, October 17, on the same day that you order. Don't like planning too far ahead? As long as you place an order by 1pm daily, you'll be tucking into restaurant dishes in your own dining room that very evening. You do need to live within 15–20 kilometres of the city centre; however, if that's you, you can now enjoy a same-day feast from spots such as Manta, Gourmet Life and Lotus in Sydney; The Everleigh, Lona Misa and Maha in Melbourne; and Phoenix, Naim and Siffredi's in Brisbane. Providoor works with some of each city's best dining institutions, stepping up the takeout game by dropping high-end dishes to customers' doorsteps. The brainchild of Maha Chef-Owner Shane Delia, it drops off its chef-prepared meals via cold-freight within its service area. Then, once the dish is in your kitchen, you'll follow the supplied instructions to add the finishing touches: heating up a red pepper sauce, perhaps, popping some brisket in the oven for its final minutes of cooking or getting crafty with the plating up process. After that, voila! — the end result is a pretty close replica of what might arrive at your restaurant table, hot off the pass. No soggy dumplings or lukewarm potato in sight. "We are delighted to be able to expand the remit of Providoor's mission by offering same-day delivery to our customers. Our aim has always been to help the hospitality industry by opening new avenues of sales, and same-day delivery does just that by increasing consumer convenience," said Delia. "With this update, diners can take meal planning out of consideration, and simply decide what they feel like on the day, straight from the menus of their favourite restaurants." The lineup of venues taking part is impressive — and broader delivery areas include Sydney Metro, regional New South Wales including the Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Newcastle and Wollongong, and Byron Bay and Tweed Heads in NSW; Melbourne, Mornington Peninsula, Bellarine Peninsula, Gippsland, Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong and greater Geelong in Victoria; and Brisbane Metro, Gold Coast, Noosa, Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba in Queensland. Providoor has also updated its website so that you can only see restaurants relevant to where you are, and also filter dishes according to dietary requirements, allergens and preparation time. For more information about Providoor, or to order via the service, head to its website.
Whether you're a green thumb or a total gardening novice, you'll score great tips and tricks for growing your own food when FareShare opens its Abbotsford kitchen garden to the public on Saturday, October 14. The food charity cooks as many as 5000 free meals across Australia each day using rescued surplus food, in addition to produce harvested from its own collection of urban kitchen gardens. That includes this lush, 70-bed veggie patch by Victoria Park railway station, a one-time dumping ground that's been given new life thanks to a tribe of volunteers and support from the RACV, Gandel Philanthropy and urban food-growing initiative 3000 Acres. The Open Garden day invites locals along to have a sticky-beak and discover how FareShare is transforming disused urban plots like these into vibrant, veggie-growing wonderlands. There'll be guided tours of the gardens as well as a program of guest speakers covering topics from bee keeping and composting, through to urban agriculture. And if it all leaves you inspired to do some gardening of your own, a range of seedlings will be available to purchase for a gold coin donation.
Head south of Melbourne by approximately 90 kilometres and you'll find yourself on the Bellarine Peninsula. You'll also find yourself in Oakdene Vineyards' backyard. This boutique outfit grows grapes in Mannerim and Wallington, operates a cellar door at the latter, and has been part of the local landscape since 2001. If you know anything about the area, you'll know that the weather is cool. Oakdene makes the most of it, with its grapes the product of a long growing season. Yes, it focuses on wine varieties that suit the area and climate, too, such as handcrafted chardonnay, pinot gris and sauvignon blanc, as well as pinot noir and shiraz — although you'll also find merlot, cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon on its lineup. At Wallington, at the aforementioned cellar door, you'll also sip wine in quite the interesting digs. Designed by owner Elizabeth Hooley, Oakdene is based in an upside-down A-frame house that looks like it has been blown over by a strong breeze. You'll definitely remember your visit, that's for sure.
UPDATE Monday, July 26: Its restaurants might be closed for dine-in, but Dragon Hot Pot is ensuring your at-home soup game remains strong during lockdown. Hearty, customised serves of its famed hot pot are now available for takeaway, as well as through the usual delivery partners. Different restaurants are running to different hours — check out times and order online. For more details on Victoria's current restrictions, see the Department of Health and Human Services website. Thanks to local chain Dragon Hot Pot, fans of malatang can get their hands on their favourite Sichuan-style street food at nine different locations across Melbourne. Heroing the popular Chinese cuisine that's essentially a customised hot pot for one, Dragon has outpost in Box Hill Central's North Precinct and within QV Melbourne in the CBD, as well as Russell Street, Elizabeth Street and Swanston Street in the city. [caption id="attachment_704764" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Griffin Simm[/caption] The hot pot location in on Russell Street is offering the same pick-and-mix scenario as its siblings, but with one major difference: it's open 24/7. When you visit, you can select fresh ingredients from over 100 different options, with each choice priced per 100 grams. You'll need to clock in at a minimum of 400 grams ($13.50) — though, with a dizzying array of meat, noodles, seafood, offal, tofu and fresh veggies, that's probably not going to be a hard task. To match the wide range of add-ons, Dragon Hot Pot offers five different flavour-packed base stocks, including the signature Ma La Tang number, a thick, rich stock made to an ancient Sichuan recipe, cooked with over 24 varieties of wild herb sourced from China's Mount Emei. Of course, diners also have a choice of spiciness, with four levels ranging from mild, to the fiery 'dragon hot'. Images: Griffin Simm Appears in: Where to Find the Best Hot Pots in Melbourne for 2023
When Hollywood isn't bringing back beloved television series such as Daria and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, or spinning off huge hits like Game of Thrones, it's taking successful films to the small screen — with Lord of the Rings the next set to make the leap from the page to the cinema to your TV. As first announced late last year, a television version of J.R.R. Tolkien's novels is in the works courtesy of Amazon Studios, the Tolkien Estate and Trust, publisher HarperCollins and Warner Bros. Entertainment's New Line Cinema. After acquiring the global rights to turn the franchise into a TV series in November, the group will now move ahead, with JD Payne and Patrick McKay (writers with credits on the upcoming Star Trek 4 and Jungle Cruise) chosen to develop the series. The announcement was made at the Television Critics Association's summer press tour, which is currently underway in the US. According to The Hollywood Reporter, new head of Amazon Studios Jennifer Salke revealed that the series will be in production in the next two years, targeting an airdate of 2021. "We feel like Frodo, setting out from the Shire, with a great responsibility in our care — it is the beginning of the adventure of a lifetime," said lifelong friends Payne and McKay in a statement. Five seasons are apparently planned — while leaving room for a spinoff, of course — with the new reportedly show set in Middle-earth but exploring stories set before The Fellowship of the Ring. And as for casting, it's way too early for even rumours about who'll be eating second breakfasts, but expect them to start ramping up soon. Via The Hollywood Reporter.
Bistro Guillaume in Crown isn't the kind of place you visit to be surprised — unless you're not expecting top-quality classic French fare — for everything here is done by the books. Chef Guillaume Brahimi isn't trying to reinvent the cuisine. He isn't even trying to make it contemporary. His menu shows how he is a purist — executing the French favourites without deviation. And we can only applaud him for this. Great skill is needed to make a twice-baked cheese souffle as good as the one at Bistro Guillaume. Melts-in-your-mouth only begins to describe the cheesy and fluffy dish that wobbles its way over to the table. You've also got the French onion soup that's thick and rich, paired with some house-made gruyere croutons. There are no surprises here either, just a damn fine French onion soup. Mains are equally as predictable — think steak frites, duck legs in beurre blanc, roast chicken with mash and a tarragon jus and a fish of the day served with capers, lemon and parsley. You'll make your way through these familiar favourites, genuinely delighted by how expertly they've been executed. Being here, it can feel as if you're dining in Paris. But like Paris, this fare doesn't come cheap. It is in Crown (and most French food is on the expensive side), so we aren't terribly surprised by that. But don't be shocked to receive a fairly stacked bill at the end of the night — especially if you get caught up in the extensive wine and cocktail list. As you should expect, French wines are championed throughout the long menu, but you'll also see some Aussie tipples thrown in there for good measure. The cocktail list gets us pretty excited, too. Here, we see the return of some long-forgotten French cocktails that have been kicked off many a bar menu in favour of the now-popular negronis and old fashioneds. Expect traditional bevs like the sidecar and gimlet as well as more original sips like the mezcal espresso martini and lemon meringue sour. Here, Bistro Guillaume has left a little room to stray away from its purely classic sensibilities. But that's all you're gonna get. Everything else in the Bistro Guillaume experience is simply a masterclass in French cooking and culture. If that's your jam (and you're not on a budget), you best give it a go.
Unofficial Bridgerton balls have already popped up in Australia, but now it's time for the real thing: The Queen's Ball: A Bridgerton Experience, which comes with the backing of Netflix and Shondaland. After bringing regency-era vibes to Los Angeles, Washington DC, Chicago, Atlanta, Minneapolis, Denver and New York in the US, and also to Toronto and Montreal in Canada, the event is finally letting Down Under fans unleash their inner duke and duchess. For a month between Friday, May 24–Sunday, June 23, Melbourne will be doubling for London high society in the early 1800s, in The Queen's Ball: A Bridgerton Experience's exclusive Aussie stop. Step inside Fever Exhibitions Hall on Dawson Street in Brunswick and you'll feel like you're stepping back in time — or into the huge Netflix hit series, at least. Lady Whistledown aficionados will be able to head along every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening to promenade around an immersive setup where a string quartet will be playing live tunes inspired by the show, dancers will accompany the music and live theatrical performances will keep you entertained. You'll also go for a spin in the ballroom yourself at the afterparty. Before then, you'll also hit up Madame Delacroix's modiste and an underground painting studio, then visit with the queen. Actors in period costumes will be wandering around, helping to set the mood — and yes, if you'd like to dress to fit the occasion, and the series, that's obviously heartily encouraged. The drinks list, including cocktails, will be Bridgerton-themed. While your sips aren't included in your ticket, a full bar will be available, as will snacks such as chips and lollies to purchase. Tickets for The Queen's Ball: A Bridgerton Experience will be available via presales from 6pm AEST on Monday, April 29 and general sales from 6pm AEST on Tuesday, April 30. The event unleashes its lavishness just after the show's third season arrives, with the first four episodes dropping on Thursday, May 16, then the next four on Thursday, June 13.
This review is based on the Belvoir run of Stories I Want to Tell You in Person in April 2013. As a piece of stand-up comedy, Stories I want to Tell You in Person is faultless; rich, hilarious and warm. But considering Lally Katz is one of Australia's best playwrights, it is slightly odd that she's doing stand-up in one of Australia's best theatres, about the fact that Belvoir never staged the play they commissioned her to write, ostensibly because Simon Stone was too busy to direct it. No matter how charismatic her performance, at the end of the day I was frustrated that we weren't watching the play she wrote instead. Katz arrives on stage in front of a glittery gold curtain designed by Ralph Myers, and she is thrilled to be there. She bursts through with aggressive enthusiasm and promptly finds her place on stage on top of a mark saying 'Stand Here'. She tells us a bit about herself — she grew up in the US and then moved to Canberra, hence her interesting accent. What follows is a farrago of stories about psychics, love, her subconscious and a commission from Belvoir to write a play about the Global Financial Crisis. She strikes a handsome balance between the sincerity of her beliefs in magic and acknowledging how ridiculous they are. Her accents are accurate and she wisely opts out of doing a Pakistani accent as she admits she is incapable of it. Her karaoke rendition of 'Don't Cry for me Argentina' will make you cry if you have the remotest sense of pitch. She admits she is tone deaf and belts it out anyway. The joy of the piece is Katz's famous Apocalypse Bear, who appears in many of her plays and is a kind of theatre mascot. As a piece of entertainment, it is idiosyncratic, good, clean fun. As a piece of programming, it appears narcissistic and short-sighted. The work does not show Belvoir in the best light, making the company look unsupportive of new work. Gifted as she is at stand-up comedy, her skills and talent as a playwright have been wasted. I look forward to seeing her GFC play on the main stage soon.
When it comes to sushi, bluefin tuna is hard to beat. It's the biggest tuna in the ocean, weighing up to 400kg, and, as far as taste goes, it's just the right mix of rich, fatty and melty. For Japanese chefs, the art of cutting bluefin tuna takes years to perfect. Watching such a chef in action is a rare and breathtaking sight. But, if you book at Kisumé for lunch on a Saturday in July, that's exactly what you'll see. Head Chef Toaki Kyo will break down an entire bluefin tuna before your eyes. Then, he'll transform it into a five-course degustation for your eating pleasure. Featuring all three of the tuna's prize cuts (akami, chutoro and otoro), dishes will include bluefin tuna sashimi, and A5 wagyu with tuna dashi. Before heading home, sink your spoon into a dessert made of chocolate and sobacha (Japanese buckwheat tea). The whole experience will cost you $215, and bookings are available online.
How fitting it is that a film about family — about the ties that bind, and when those links are threatened not by choice but via unwanted circumstances — hails from an impressive lineage itself. How apt it is that Hit the Road explores the extent that ordinary Iranians find themselves going to escape the nation's oppressive authorities, too, and doesn't shy away from its political subtext. The reason that both feel ideal stems from the feature's filmmaker Panah Panahi. This isn't a wonderful movie solely due to its many echoes, resonating through the bonds of blood, and also via what's conveyed on-screen and reality around it, though. It's a gorgeously shot, superbly acted, astutely written and deeply felt feature all in its own right, and it cements its director — who debuts as both a helmer and a screenwriter — as an emerging talent to watch. But it's also a film that's inseparable from its context, because it simply wouldn't exist without the man behind it and his well-known background. Panah's surname will be familiar because he's the son of acclaimed auteur Jafar Panahi, one of Iranian cinema's best-known figures for more than two decades now. And Jafar's run-ins with the country's regime will be familiar as well, because the heat he's felt at home for his social commentary-laden work has been well-documented for just as long. The elder Panahi, director of This Is Not a Film, Closed Curtain and more, has been both imprisoned and banned from making movies over the years. In July 2022, he was detained again merely for enquiring about the legal situation surrounding There Is No Evil helmer Mohammad Rasoulof and Poosteh director Mostafa Aleahmad. None of the above directly comes through in Hit the Road's story, not for a moment, but the younger Panahi's characteristically defiant movie is firmly made with a clear shadow lingering over it. When filmmaking becomes a family business, the spectre of the parent can loom over the child, of course — by choice sometimes, and also purely thanks to their shared name. In the first category, Jason Reitman picked up his father Ivan's franchise with Ghostbusters: Afterlife, for instance; Gorō Miyazaki has helmed animated movies for his dad Hayao's Studio Ghibli, such as Tales From Earthsea, From Up on Poppy Hill and Earwig and the Witch; and Brandon Cronenberg's Antiviral and Possessor are chips off The Fly and Videodrome great David Cronenberg's body-horror block. Panahi's Hit the Road also feels like it has been handed down, including in the way it spends the bulk of its time in a car as Jafar's Tehran Taxi and 3 Faces did. That said, it feels as much like the intuitive Panah is taking up the same mission as Jafar as someone purely taking after his dad. Hit the Road's narrative is simple and also devastatingly layered; in its frames, two starkly different views of life in Iran are apparent. A mother (Pantea Panahiha, Rhino), a father (Mohammad Hassan Madjooni, Pig), their adult son (first-timer Amin Simiar) and their six-year-old boy (scene-stealer Rayan Sarlak, Gol be khodi), all unnamed, have indeed done as the movie's moniker suggests — and in a borrowed car. When the film opens, there's no doubting that the kid among them sees the world, and everything in general, as only a kid can. The mood with the child's mum, dad and sibling is far more grim, however, even though they say they're en route to take the brood's eldest to get married. Their time on the road is tense and uncertain, and also tinged with the tenor of not-so-fond farewells — and with nary a glimmer of a celebratory vibe about impending nuptials. If the boy senses the sorrow hanging thick in the van, it doesn't trouble him; existence is simple when you're just a kid in a car with your family. Initially, he plays with a makeshift keyboard drawn onto the cast over his dad's broken leg. Throughout the ride, he chatters, sings, does ordinary childhood things and finds magic in the cross-country journey. He throws a tantrum when, not long after the feature starts, the family has to stop to hide his mobile phone. And, he shows zero knowledge about what eats at the rest of his relatives. But mum worries they're being followed, and just worries overall; big brother has little time for any frivolities, preoccupied as he is with the future ahead; and dad is gruff but caring, torn between his physical ailments and the vastly different situations surrounding his two offspring. In the back, their dog Jessy is also unwell, another truth that's being kept from boy and complicates the vehicle's dynamic. Every venture away from home, whether during a leisurely drive or for more serious reasons, spills out its joys, thrills, woes and secrets as it unfurls; that's the best way to watch Hit the Road as well. Cinema's second-generation Panahi crafts a bittersweet and beautiful film that's alive with minutiae, and with moments that overflow with insight and emotion — and, as lensed by Ballad of a White Cow cinematographer Amin Jafari, with as much feeling conveyed visually as via the movie's pitch-perfect performances. Sarlak's lively portrayal and the detail that comes with it says everything that's needed about trying to claim a slice of normality within Iran today, and how tricky that is. The feature's stunningly shot frames are just as telling, every sequence adding meaning and spectacle. Three in particular, all late in the piece and involving fraught exchanges, nighttime stories and heartbreaking goodbyes, rank among the most mesmerising images committed to celluloid in recent years, in fact. In one such standout scene backdropped by a misty field, the camera remains at a distance as it observes the family splintering. In its sense of remove, it lets their ordeal act as a broader portrait, serving up a statement via a microcosm. In another glorious moment, father and son take in the evening sky and also appear to surreally float within it — in a nod to 2001: A Space Odyssey, which the other son names as his favourite movie. In the third scene, light and movement carve through a hillside like much has carved through the film's central family and their country. Hit the Road includes delightful to-camera sing-alongs, too, and deadpan humour, plus striking shots of both sandy and verdant landscape. It's clear-eyed and also dreamy, weighty yet comic, intimate as well as sprawling, and realistic but playful. It's a fable, a snapshot and a message in one, and it's as tender as it is heartbreaking. Hit the Road is a movie to travel along several routes with, as Panahi does, each fork along the way as revelatory as the end destination.
If your ideal getaway involves sun, sand and surf, then make tracks to the Sheltered Glamping Co. on Phillip Island. Here, you can choose from one of seven tents, all fitted with spacious beds, handcrafted furniture, cosy blankets, comfy seating and Bluetooth speakers, among other decadent touches. To stay within walking distance of an unspoilt beach and next to a solar tree — way more photogenic than a normal tree — book Gentoo or Adelie. Alternatively, to gaze at ocean vistas from your bed, sleepover in Fiordland or dive into extra space and ultimate luxury in Emperor Safari. [caption id="attachment_688580" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Phillip Island by David Hannah for Visit Victoria[/caption]
If you've been struggling to live in the teenies because you're musically and spiritually stuck in the noughties, we have some news that's going to bring you bolting straight into the present. Ministry of Sound has just announced a super-niche tour. From mid-November, they'll be paying visits to Australia's capital cities to perform, get this, their greatest clubbing moments from The Annual 2001-2004. And that'll be all, folks. Leading the lineup will be OGs John Course and Mark Dynamix, who, between them, have placed millions of CDs in club-loving hands and ears over the past couple of decades. They're the mighty duo behind Ministry of Sound's annual compilations, on which you probably first heard Roger Sanchez, Basement Jaxx, Tim Deluxe, Cassius and Groove Armada. To each gig, Course and Dynamix will be inviting a bunch of cracking support artists. Sydneysiders will be treated to an extra-special tribute to early noughties break beat at a Clubber's Guide to Breaks Room. You can count on appearances by the UK's Plump DJs, as well as by homegrown breaks guru Kid Kenobi. MINISTRY OF SOUND 2001-2004 REUNION TOUR November 18 — The Prince, Melbourne December 16 — The Metro, Sydney December 20 — HQ, Adelaide January 13 — Discovery, Darwin January 15 — Matisse Beach Club, Perth January 21 — The Met, Brisbane In the meantime, to get yourself in the mood, have a listen to this dedicated Reunion Tour play list on Spotify.
Since the 1920s, it's been a sentry guarding the corner of Grattan and Bouverie Streets. To this day, the Prince Alfred Hotel's light stone and brick façade is symbolic of its past, as a popular gathering point for uni students and hospital workers since opening in 1926. Regulars will recall the simple worn-out interior — which was all fine and well until it closed in 2015. The pub was then bought by The University of Melbourne, and — much to the disappointment of uni students and $1 beer enthusiasts in the inner north — has sat empty ever since. But the Carlton has been given a new lease on life. The 100 Burgers Group (the team behind some of Melbourne's favourites, like Belle's Hot Chicken, Welcome to Thornbury and Hightail) has come on board to commandeer the pub's revival. As before, it spans two levels, each with a bar, and a beer garden. In addition to a permanent kitchen serving traditional pub fare, there's a shipping container turned into another kitchen which will showcase visiting food pop-ups — plans see each pop-up taking residence for a month or two. From the seating to the outdoor decking area, everything has been carefully designed with the pub's heritage and clientele carefully considered. "We worked with the consultants at interior design firm Hot Black, who were on the same page as us from the get-go," says Daragh Kan, one of the founders of the 100 Burgers Group. "We looked at the history of the place, the name and who Prince Alfred was, as well as the clientele and the character of the surrounding area." Mostafa Morshed is in charge of the pub kitchen. The vision of serving food in forward-thinking student pub with royal characteristics was almost second nature to Morshed, whose broad spectrum of kitchen work has seen him previously working with English, French, Spanish and Modern Australian cuisines in Melbourne and Sydney. His team also includes Harry Wakefield, who Morshed recruited from a previous stint heading Meat Market at South Wharf. The pub pours from 60 beer taps which highlight local, Victorian and larger well-known brews. The wine list showcases solely local and Victorian wine and the cocktail menu takes inspiration from the pub's regal theme. In addition, a collaboration with Collingwood's Stomping Ground is also in the works. There's a cafe window, providing street-level access to Prince Alfred Hotel's coffee shop (open from 7am). Images: Giulia Morlando
The silly season is rolling in and with it, the promise of some pretty serious wining, dining and overindulgence. But chef Andrew McConnell and his team have come up with the perfect antidote to any festive overloading, launching the next edition of their Japanese-accented Supernormal Natsu pop-up two weeks into the new year. Transforming St Kilda's Supernormal Canteen from Tuesday, January 15 to Sunday, January 27, the residency will plate up a refreshed version of the pop-up hosted at NGV's Triennial EXTRA exhibition earlier in 2018. This time around, it's the veggies that will reign supreme, as Natsu — which means summer in Japanese — delivers a light, bright, meat-free menu heroing top seasonal produce and exciting new techniques. The kitchen will be working closely with local organic growers, as well as foraging an array of sea vegetables, wild seaweeds and native ingredients, to bring the imaginative, all-vegetarian menu to life. Expect plates like an eggplant parmigiana katsu sandwich, fresh bamboo shoots with buttermilk and fermented green chilli, and grilled asparagus matched with yuzukoshu and fired garlic. Hand-rolled udon noodles will be teamed with garden-fresh produce and silken tofu will be crafted fresh daily, while the bar serves up sips like specialty teas, interesting wines and house-made cherry kefir. The Natsu 2019 fun kicks off with a special dinner on Monday, January 14, co-hosted by Brent Savage, chef and owner of Sydney vegetarian fine diner Yellow — with tickets costing $85, and available by phoning the venue. Natsu will be open every evening during its 13-day run, as well as from midday on the weekends of January 19–20 and 26–27. Supernormal Canteen image: Nikki To. Food images: Jo McGann.
With 13 boutique bottleshops across Australia and a renowned curation of booze to its name, Melbourne-born Blackhearts & Sparrows is a popular destination for those looking to buy a craft brew. But the latest drop to land on the shelves there has an extra special place in the brand's heart — it's Blackhearts & Sparrows' very first house beer. Introducing, Birra — the label's own easy-drinking Italian-style lager whose retro-style red cans have been flying from store fridges since May. The new creation was inspired by the impact extended lockdowns have had on sourcing and importing beer from overseas, in particular the perennial best-seller Peroni Red. The team figured that if it was becoming such a challenge to get the Italian beer in stock, why not have a crack at making their own? "We wanted to still be able to offer customers an easy-drinking lager at a cheap and cheerful price point," explains the group's beer buyer, Cherry Noble. So, they got working on a recipe and Birra was brought to fruition via a contract brew with mates at Burnley Brewing. The hefty environmental cost of shipping beer internationally was another driving force behind the new brew's creation. Being able to make even a little dent in the huge number of pallets being shipped to Blackhearts & Sparrows each year was a no-brainer for the team — and a win for the planet. All this means that, at least for the foreseeable future, the homegrown beer will be completely replacing Peroni Red on the shelves of your local Blackhearts store. While Birra marks Blackhearts & Sparrows' first solo beer creation made to their own recipe, the label's no stranger to the brewing game. It has collaborated on a suite of popular drops in the past, including The Brewer West Coast IPA made with CoConspirators, a juicy farmhouse wild ale helmed by La Sirene, and the Scarf Weather American Amber Ale crafted in conjunction with Collingwood's Molly Rose. Find Birra exclusively in Blackhearts & Sparrows stores and the online shop. It comes in at RRP $16 for a six-pack.
A quintessential winter staple and favoured year-round comfort food for many — soup noodles have earned their reputation as a trusty go-to once Melbourne's fresher temperatures hit. Perfect for a lazy morning in or late night out, you can't do much better than a steaming bowl of warmth, and luckily for Melburnians — there's a noodle soup for just about any situation. Enter pho, arguably Vietnam's most recognisable dish: rice noodles, delicious broth and a smattering of herbs and veggies. This humble dish is the ultimate balancing act, highlighting the richness of your protein (usually beef or chicken) while keeping it light on the palate with a clear but flavourful soup. Plus, there's added depth from the additional zest from lemons. From Springvale to Sunshine — here's where to find the best pho in Melbourne. Recommended reads: The Best Banh Mi in Melbourne The Best Ramen in Melbourne The Best Hot Pot Spots in Melbourne The Best Cafes in Melbourne [caption id="attachment_819415" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Abir Hiranandani[/caption] CO DO, RICHMOND Debates about Melbourne pop mostly boil down to Team Richmond, Team Footscray and Team Springvale — and first up to bat is Co Do, right in the heart of Richmond's bustling Victoria Street. The long menu might be a touch intimidating for the uninitiated, but with pages upon pages of noodle soup options, Co Do is sure to please. At the more accessible end, find classic rare beef, brisket or meatballs, and for the more seasoned pho slurper — tripe and offal. There's also Co Do's specialty bun bo hue, a tangy chilli beef version of soup noodles, which comes with its own array of toppings. Service tends to be quick and food is guaranteed to satisfy. I LOVE PHO, RICHMOND This one's all in the name. With a focused and easy-to-read menu that doesn't compromise on variety, I Love Pho is your go-to for a quick and no-fuss meal. Again, there are topping options all across the spectrum including brisket, meatballs, tendon, heart, liver and giblets — but notable here is a vegetarian option, with tofu and veggies. Either way, you're sure to get the classic flavour and soft mouth-feel you'd expect from a top quality pho in Melbourne. XUAN BANH CUON, SUNSHINE Moving westwards, Xuan Banh Cuon is perhaps a little off the beaten path, but it boasts a delicious variety of noodles worth the trip. As always, there's pho — chicken, beef or combination — but also glass noodles and vermicelli varieties should you wish to mix it up from the usual rice noodle suspects. The banh da cua, a noodle made out of red rice paper which is popular in Northern Vietnam, is also on the must-try list. PHO CHU THE, FOOTSCRAY Representing Team Footscray is Pho Chu The, an unassuming corner restaurant — even as far as Melbourne pho restaurants go — in the heart of the city's west. Blink and you'll miss the relatively pared-back menu, consisting largely of pho bo (pho with beef). Where Pho Chu The really shines is the punchiness of its broth, perfectly balanced to pull together the noodles, herbs and meat. The relatively slim set of options might even make ordering easier: you know you'll get a cohesive and flavourful meal no matter what you choose. GOOD DAYS, BRUNSWICK A quick pause in Melbourne's inner north means a visit to Good Days on the iconic Sydney Road. The pho here is a touch pricier than the other venues on this list, but it's distinguished by its commitment to ethically sourced protein. Large chunks of the menu are also vegan for your non-carnivorous buddies. The centrepiece of the meat-free menu is a mushroom pho with a rich vegetable broth, served with a helping of grilled and braised mushrooms. The interior of Good Days is dominated by bar seating and is not particularly large, so just make sure you come prepared to queue. View this post on Instagram A post shared by tony (@paperblade) PHO HUNG VUONG, SPRINGVALE Locals in Melbourne's southeast swear by Pho Hung Vuong. Though this hole-in-the-wall is inconspicuously tucked in the middle of a small block, between an Asian grocer and real estate agency, diners come from far and wide prepared to line up for the noodles inside. The protein options here aren't particularly novel, but each of them is hearty and delicious — the beef special and chicken thigh are particularly stellar choices. Pho Hung Vuong is a Saigon-style, Southern Vietnamese restaurant, so expect big flavour here in contrast with the cleaner palate typical of Northern Vietnamese pho. If you're not prepared to brave the queue here, try its sister venue in Clayton, open seven days a week. [caption id="attachment_822048" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kashish Sandhu[/caption] PHO THIN, CBD With pho in just about every corner of the city, Melbourne's CBD is no exception. Even among all the Melbourne restaurants serving pho here, Pho Thin is a standout. Its signature pho features beef that has already been stir-fried in garlic, before taking the plunge into a soup that is cooked overnight to maximise flavour. This recipe also has decades of history, first developed in Hanoi by the restaurant's namesake Nguyen Trong Thin in 1979. There are a small number of other pho configurations, including a vegetarian option, and all pho can also be enjoyed with a crispy Vietnamese donut dipped in broth. [caption id="attachment_819421" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kashish Sandhu[/caption] PHO BO GA MEKONG VIETNAM, CBD A Melbourne pho round-up would not be complete without the truly iconic institution of Mekong. With a steady stream of customers passing through its inner-city doors — and a steady stream of delicious noodles more than keeping up — Mekong is a must-visit if you're in the city and hungry for pho. Here, you are spoilt for choice: the usual topping options are all there, accompanied by fish balls, blood jelly and chargrilled chicken. There is a vegetarian option here too, so the whole crew will be well-fed. In addition to all this, the drinks menu has a variety of smoothies and multicoloured bean drinks to tide you into summer. The avocado smoothie is a crowd favourite, although the Vietnamese white coffee and mint lemon ice crush are also worth a spin. Images: Pho Thin, Mekong — Kashish Sandhu, Co Do, I Love Pho — Abir Hiranandani.
There's a new kid on Melbourne's bubble tea block, but this one's no amateur. In fact, Milksha is one of Taiwan's leading bubble tea chains. First launched back in 2004 — and now boasting over 240 outposts across Taiwan, Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong and Macau — the company has chosen Melbourne as the home of its first Aussie location. Known as Milkshop to its Taiwanese fans, Milksha was founded by a dairy farmer and sets itself apart from competitors by using fresh milk. Fifteen years on, it's finally broughts its creamy bubble teas Down Under. With hopes of winning a new legion of local bubble tea fans, Milksha Melbourne is serving up its signature yoghurt drinks, seasonal juices, specialty teas and milk blends. While the brand's loose leaf teas are sourced from Sri Lanka and Taiwan, the local store is teaming up with our own award-winning Saint David Dairy to handle the entire milk supply. So, what else will you find in your Milksha drink? Well, if bubble tea is your thing, you'll want to check out the honey pearl toppings — tapioca pearls cooked in honey and flash-frozen before being shipped to Melbourne. There's also matcha from century-old Japanese brand Izumo Tousuien, fresh taro milk made with taro imported from Taiwan's famed Dajia District, Valrhona cocoa and a range of vibrant toppings such as milk pudding and herbal fairy-grass jelly Other tea flavours include brown sugar, wintermelon, earl grey and oolong, while the yoghurt drink comes in strawberry, avocado and blueberry. And, if the packaging of some other bubble tea joints makes your eyes water, you'll be happy to know Milksha's got the planet on its side. The store's using biodegradable bamboo straws, as well as paper bags and cup holders. Images: Tim Harris
It might be one of Melbourne's most historic movie theatres, but Palace Westgarth will be embracing the new-school this summer, as it kicks off its 2017-18 al fresco cinema series. Launching this Saturday, December 2, the Capi Outdoor Cinema will make use of the Art Deco icon's backyard and rear wall, operating with high-definition headphones and rocking seats for 30 moviegoers. The courtyard space has been decked out with vibrant murals and upcycled furniture. Open all day, it's sure to be a comfy spot for pre- or post-film hangs as well. The program takes its cues from the rest of the Palace family, so expect a solid mix of art-house, new release and independent titles, kicking off at dusk each night. Upcoming films include the heartwarming Wonder, mega blockbuster Star Wars: The Last Jedi, dark comedy Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri, and Oscars hopeful The Post. Of course, it wouldn't be a proper cinema-going experience without some top-notch drinks and snacks, so you'll find a tidy selection of toasties, cheese boards and choc tops, boutique wines and beers, and bottled cocktails from The Everleigh Bottling Co. Find Capi Outdoor Cinema at Palace Westgarth, 89 High St, Northcote. Grab your tickets here.
High tea is not usually the friendliest situation for folks with food intolerances, with all those cakes, mini sandwiches and cream-topped scones. But that's all set to change when Glazed Gluten Free Patisserie celebrates its first birthday by launching a new weekly food offering: a lavish high tea affair that's entirely gluten free, dairy free and nut free. Starting Sunday, February 14, the Elsternwick store will be running two-hour sittings every Sunday, serving up a generous spread of dietary requirement-friendly fare from chef-owner Liran Adika (Vue de Monde). It's a high tea that just about everyone can get around, featuring bites like mini tomato and black olive quiches, roasted vegetable rolls, salted caramel and dark chocolate mousse tarts, and Adika's own take on the classic scone. Here, it's served with dairy free cream, and lashings of strawberry and pomegranate jam. Included in the $69 a head price, you'll also get to enjoy bottomless coffee and house-blended teas from an extensive selection. What's more, the menu is set to change up regularly, plus there'll always be vegan options available.
For most of us, the uncomfortable feeling that creeps in when you share a social justice status (linking a petition or an article, or writing a strongly-worded open letter, as is the fashion) is accompanied by the thought: is this enough? Am I keyboard warrior? How can I effect real change? The couple behind this Richmond cafe might be able to help you out with that. Jane and Francois Marx are the husband and wife team from Long Street Coffee and their aim is to bring you coffee and bring jobs to refugees. But making the transition from social justice keyboard warrior to real-life warrior is not an easy feat, nor is it cheap. Long Street Coffee is the product of a three-year long journey. They've been the worthy recipients of an Australian Women's Weekly grant, successful Pozible campaign and generous community donations from everyone from photographers to stonemasons to get them on their feet. The community response to the enterprise, which trains refugees over a six-month period and helps them find ongoing work, has been overwhelmingly positive — and a breath of fresh air in the face of Australia's refugee laws. "I think that we're seeing the backlash against the hostility towards refugees," says Jane. "We are part of a larger movement that opposes the overwhelming hostility from the media and punitive measures from the government. In the face of all that, there's a movement of people saying you are not representing us as a nation; we want to be a place that welcomes refugees." Jane says that while there's a big risk in setting up any small business, and particularly in employing untrained staff, Long Street Coffee is not a charity. Jane and Francois have 20 years combined experience in the industry and understand what it means to be a competitive small business. The cafe is a hybrid: part social justice enterprise and part booming small business with its finger on the pulse. "Part of the mission with Long Street was to be able to employ people with a refugee background who wouldn't otherwise be able to get jobs. And part of the scaremongering that comes from the government and the media is coming from ignorance. People don't actually know refugees but if they were able to see the people in the boats as oppose to the boat itself… If you could go to place that and be served coffee by a refugee and hear their stories, you would see that they are people. We want to break down the stigma. We didn't see that 'fair go' being extended to the refugee community. It is only a fair if it applies to everyone. Everyone who lives here should be able to fulfil their potential and realise their dreams." Get down to Long Street Coffee and do your part in showing these total legends some hard-earned support.
If you've had your eye on one of FAZEEK's stunning pieces, now is the perfect time to treat yourself (or someone else). Melbourne's beloved homewares brand is hosting a warehouse moving sale, offering up to 75% off its much-wanted glassware, ceramics, candles and more. It's in-person-only, so you'll have to jump off Instagram and onto the tram to nab a bargain. That might be a conical carafe that perfectly matches your table, a set of wine glasses that'll have your next dinner party guests talking, or a serene candle that gives your bathroom a new lease on life. If you're familiar with FAZEEK's creations, you'll know there's the right mix of functionality, sculpture and beauty in every piece. They're all the work of multi-disciplinary designer Jackie Fazekas who founded the brand in 2017. The sale will run for just three days, which means it's time to clear out a space in your diary. Get there on Thursday, March 20 from 5pm-8pm, Friday, March 21 from 10am-6pm, or Saturday, March 22 from 9am-4pm. There'll be no refunds or exchanges, so only buy what you truly can't live without.
Nestled in the leafy heart of Camberwell, The Old Garage takes the concept of dog-friendly cafe to new heights. Sure, its streetside dining area heaves with adorable doggy visitors and its Instagram page is flooded with snaps of cute, wet-nosed clientele. But it also has a dedicated dog menu, hosts regular fundraisers supporting local animal shelters and offers vegan options for every single dish it serves. This former garage and petrol station has been transformed into a much-loved local haunt, fitted out with recycled materials and custom copper lighting, with yellow striped umbrellas adorning the frontage. The food offering features Aussie brunch classics, alongside modern dishes starring flavours that trip from South America to the Mediterranean. You'll be in good hands, with ex-400 Gradi head chef Harley Salanitri whipping up chipotle scrambles with provolone cheese ($21/26), Lebanese baked eggs ($18), breakfast tacos ($18/23), and a brioche french toast finished with candied bacon and mascarpone ($21.5/26.5). Southern fried chicken comes teamed with peri peri fries ($19.5/25), the signature toastie stars four types of cheese ($17/25), and the house-made bircher is topped with a butter biscuit crumble ($17/19). And yes, there are plant-based alternatives for everything on the menu, with the kitchen championing quality vegan products like those from Beyond Meat. Throw in that daily-changing lineup of doggy dishes and a few hard-earned puppychinos ($2), and The Old Garage is ensuring absolutely no one misses out.
When you're a film festival that's all about the best cinema from Spain and Latin America, and you've been showcasing flicks from the two regions for a quarter century, how do you mark the occasion? If you're Australia's annual Spanish Film Festival, you put together a hefty 25th-birthday festival filled with 32 movies. That's the just-announced plan for 2023's event, which will take over the screens at The Astor Theatre, Palace Cinema Como, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Westgarth, The Kino, Palace Balwyn and Pentridge Cinema in Melbourne from Thursday, June 15–Wednesday, July 5 — complete with Spanish box-office hits, stars from beloved series, a focus on female directors and plenty more. Kicking off the fest is the Australian premiere of culinary comedy Two Many Chefs, which follows a father-and-son pair reuniting in the high-cuisine scene in Bilbao. Also a high-profile must-see is the festival's centrepiece selection Alcarràs, the winner of the Berlin Film Festival's Golden Bear in 2022. It popped up at a few local fests last year, and is now finally being made available to a wider Aussie audience. Other highlights include five-time Goya Award-winner Prison 77, a smash in its homeland starring Miguel Herrán from Netflix's Money Heist; The Kings of the World, which focuses on five Medellín teenagers; and Four's a Crowd, the latest from The Bar, Witching and Bitching and As Luck Would Have It filmmaker Álex de la Iglesia. Plus, there's thriller A Singular Crime, about a wealthy businessman's disappearance in Argentina in the 80s — and Staring at Strangers, where The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent's Paco León spies on a family from inside a closet (and yes, sounds like it takes its cues from Parasite). Film lovers can also look forward to rom-com My Father's Mexican Wedding, about two Spanish siblings travelling abroad for the titular nuptials; Mighty Victoria, which sees residents of a small town try to build their own steam train in 1930s Mexico; black-and-white horror film History of the Occult; and feminist Argentinian western The Broken Land. The 2022 fest boasts an Australian link as well via Greg Mortimer, about the passengers and crew on the Australian cruise ship that left for Antarctica just prior to the COVID-19 pandemic being declared. And, the Spanish Film Festival's survey of prominent Spanish and Latin American women directors includes seven movies, while its five-title 2023 retrospective is dedicated to iconic Spanish filmmaker Carlos Saura, who passed away earlier in 2023.
Few things can compare to a classic Italian aperitivo. You order a drink from the bar and with it comes a delectable free snack. This delightful afternoon drinking experience is unavoidable if you're travelling through Italy. But for those of us stuck here in Melbourne, Neighbourhood Wine (one of the best wine bars in Melbourne for our money) is throwing its own version of an aperitivo throughout the rest of summer. For its Patio Aperitivo sessions, guests sitting out on the terrace from 4–6pm (any day of the week) will receive a free snack when they order a boozy beverage. And these aren't dry breadsticks we're talking. The Neighbourhood Wine crew will be slinging natural oysters, wagyu beef with bone marrow on sourdough crackers, and honeydew melon topped with capocollo ham to all the aperitivo stans out there. To nab a complimentary snack, you just need to order a glass of wine, a pint of beer or a cocktail within the two hour window. Cocktail-wise, the team has created a few summer specials for the occasion, including a signature spritz and dirty martini. But you could happily head here for a two-hour sesh on the beers and wine, filling up on plenty of fine Italian-inspired eats.
Ask any true Melbourne burger fiend and they're sure to have some fond, cheesy memories of the double patty smash creation from late Collingwood institution Rockwell and Sons. The long-running diner broke more than a few hearts when it shut up shop last year, and Chef and Co-Owner Casey Wall's famed beef burger bid farewell. But, you can thank your lucky lockdown stars, because the legend is back in our lives once again; at least for a limited time. For the next month, sibling venue Bar Liberty — which has transformed into a bottle shop during stage four restrictions — is slinging DIY kits so you can recreate the double smash patty at home. Or, whip up a vegetarian-friendly black bean alternative, if that's more your speed. Available in limited amounts Tuesday to Sunday, the Rockwell and Sons at-home burger packs have been flying out the door, offering Melburnians a glimmer of goodness as they wade through this current stretch of Stay At Home orders. [caption id="attachment_780954" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dominic Xavier[/caption] Each solo-serve smash pack clocks in at $15, featuring two uncooked O'Connor beef patties, a couple of Kraft Singles, a Martin's potato bun and some of Rockwell's special sauce. The vego version is similar, but teams two black bean patties with 'jazz' sauce and pickled green tomatoes. The website's even got handy step-by-step photo instructions showing how to prepare your burger feast — from cooking those patties to assembling the bun. When you order online for in-store pick up, you'll also find a selection of add-ons, including creamy mac 'n' cheese ($9), Bar Liberty bottled negronis ($13) and four-packs of the bar's collaboration Table Beer made with Hop Nation ($20). And of course, there's a stack of interesting vino available on premises at the pop-up bottle shop. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, a reminder that as the burgers are pick-up only, you can only get them if you live within five kilometres of Bar Liberty, in line with the current stage four restrictions. The Rockwell and Sons At-Home Burger Packs are available Tuesday to Sunday for a limited time, for pick up from Bar Liberty, 234 Johnston Street, Fitzroy. Pre-order online via the website. Images: Dominic Xavier
